A Wonderful Worship Service

Yesterday was a wonderful time for New Beginnings. We had 25 in attendance with 3 new people.

Lisa Shaw opened the service with the Word, and our newly formed praise team led the congregation in an enthusiastic time of praise to our Lord.



I preached on the subject Overcoming Spiritual Limits, and we had an awesome time of prayer and praise. It was a great day, indeed!

New Life

NEW CREATION

London businessman Lindsay Clegg told the story of a warehouse property he was selling. The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and strewn trash around the interior.

As he showed a prospective buyer the property, Clegg took pains to say that he would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural damage, and clean out the garbage.

"Forget about the repairs," the buyer said. "When I buy this place, I'm going to build something completely different. I don't want the building; I want the site."

Compared with the renovation God has in mind, our efforts to improve our own lives are as trivial as sweeping a warehouse slated for the wrecking ball. When we become God's, the old life is over (2 Cor. 5:17). He makes all things new. All he wants is the site and the permission to build.

Ian L. Wilson.

The photo is from http://www.heartlight.org/cgi/heartgallery.cgi
The illustration is from http://www.higherpraise.com/illustrations/new_creation.htm

Men's Ministry Breakfast

Just a reminder that our Men's Ministry is having a Men's Breakfast tomorrow morning at 8:30 A.M. at Ryans. We are looking forward to a good time of fellowship.

Prayer for Brother Varlack

I received the following e-mail from Glynis last night.

"Please be in prayer for my dad, Adrian Varlack, Sr. He's been sick for 3 weeks and is being advised to go to the emergency room with swelling in his legs that medicine isn't helping. He has not been this sick as long as I can remember. Please also remember my mom, Janice. Please please pray! Thank you! ~G~"

I spoke with her this morning and she said, she talked to Brother Varlack last night and he has fluid around his heart. "Just pray for his overall healing as he has several issues right now and pray for wisdom for him, mom and the doctors. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love you. ~G~"

Brother Varlack is a powerful and anointed man of God! Please join me in prayer for his healing.

Prayer Requests

Here are a few prayer requests.

Gertrude Turner is still in the hospital and is not doing well at all. Sister Turner is 96 years old and has given her life in service to our Lord. She is the mother of Bishop Jimmie Turner and the grandmother of Lisa Shaw and Tina Blaylock.

Audra Spurlin is still in need of our prayers. She is back home now, but still recovering.

Mary Waldo broke her foot yesterday and requests our prayers.

Dan and Marcia Juday are both sick and request our prayers.

Also, Bishop McKinley has posted a request for John Payne on his blog. You can read it here.

Please join me in prayer for each of these! Our God is an AWESOME God!!

Praise Report

We are thankful to the Lord for all He is doing at New Beginnings! Sunday morning we had a very exciting worship service and we had 4 new people. I preached that we need to stop limiting the power of God in us. God wants to do great and wondrous things in and through His people. He wants to give hope to the hopeless. He wants to strengthen the weak. He wants to restore the broken heart. He wants to heal the sick. God wants to shower His people with every good thing (Psalm 84:11), but we must have faith and trust Him. After the message, several people made their way to the altar for prayer.

Happy Valentines Day

Twice As Sweet
On Valentines Day, we show our love;
We express our deep affections.
Those who are important to us
Get cards and sweet confections.

But Christian love is not just for
The ones we hold most dear;
Jesus said "love everyone;"
He made that very clear.

For Christians, it is every day
We should care and love and serve
Everyone we meet in life,
Whether they do or don’t deserve.

Let’s follow Jesus’ good command
To love everyone we meet.
Valentine’s Day every day
Will make life twice as sweet.

By Joanna Fuchs

For other poems by Joanna Fuchs, please click here.

Prayer Requests

Our General Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard, has posted a report on the violence in Kenya. You can read the report here. Please join me in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are suffering in this region of the world.


Also, please continue to pray for Gertie Turner who is still in the hospital.

Prayer Request

Granny Turner, Lisa and Tina's grandmother, was admitted into CMC yesterday. She is not doing well. Mother and I went by to visit her yesterday and had prayer with her. She said she is probably sicker than she's ever been, and she is in a lot of pain. This lady is well into her 90's and she has seen a lot in her lifetime. She has also been a faithful Christian for many years.

Please join me in prayer for her that the Lord will give her comfort.

Harvest Food Pantry

I received the following e-mail this afternoon. I'm posting it here as a courtesy to Sister Sharon.

_________________________________________________
As most of you know I have been actively involved in Harvest Food Pantry (a ministry of Harvest Christian Fellowship Church, 2505 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917) since the summer of 1998 when we first opened our doors. We went from serving 7 families on that first day in July to around 150 families each time the doors open now.

That's approximately 525 people who will benefit from the food distributed each time we are open.

God has blessed this ministry beyond words with our small congregation solely
supporting it, with the exception of some occasional contributions and donations.
In addition to providing for us, God truly helps us offer those that come,
"Bread for their Body, as well as Bread for their Soul" through His Word!

As we open our doors this coming Friday for the first time in 2008 we continue to face some challenges that have arisen in the past few years, as quality food is increasingly more difficult to find. This is one of the most common problems associated with poverty and trying to fill the needs of the hungry. Trying to obtain food that will nourish them, instead of junk food (which is always readily available) is a difficulty we face on a continual basis.

In effort to help positively impact the people who come to us in need without asking others for financial support, I am simply asking everyone that I know who belongs to a Church, a Sunday School Class, a Community Club, works in an office, are Local Business owners,
or maybe just attend a Class that's looking for a Missions (type) Project to help support this ministry in this very simple way:

Your Group would Choose 1 Item such as, Peanut butter, or Cereal, or Oatmeal, or Spaghetti, or Flour, etc., (you get the idea). Then have your group collect ONLY that item on a continual basis throughout each month of the year.

At the end of each month, I will come and pick up whatever you collected.
If you have a local business, we can bring a container where you could collect donations of that item to help support the Hungry. It takes about 150 of any ONE ITEM to fill one set of grocery bags for distribution. If you collected 150 boxes of Cereal, there would be enough for every family to receive one in their bag for that week.

This would bless this ministry beyond words, it would certainly be a blessing to those who receive food from Harvest Food Pantry and of course you would be blessed in your giving.

I will make a list of Donors to be placed in each bag that is distributed, unless you prefer to remain anonymous.

Not including any other expenses, it costs approximately $650 a month to purchase enough food from Second Harvest Food Bank to feed 300 families (approximately 1,050 people). So, if your class, business, school, or other would rather take an offering and donate funds, you could be responsible for feeding over 1,000 people easily!
What a tremendous and rewarding feeling it is to know that you are impacting the mission field that exists right in your own backyard!

Also, if anyone is qualified to teach a Parenting Class or Budgeting Class and would like to donate a couple of hours of time, we would love to implement that in our ministry! If you have any area of expertise that you feel you could donate, or maybe you work in the Food Industry and have any "Day Old" items that could be donated, that too would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read this.
I hope you will pray about helping us, help those who come to us with desperate needs!

You can contact me via e-mail: Sharon6tn@aol.com or on my cell phone: 865- 705-2559

With Sincere Gratitude,

Sharon Aruta
Harvest Food Pantry Director
Harvest ROC Ministries
865-637-1295 church office

The Favor of God

We've been gathering people for this church we call New Beginnings for 6 months and it is absolutely amazing what God is doing.

Yes, there have been times when I wondered how this was all going to work out, but then the Lord would remind me that this is His doing, not mine.

It is sometimes difficult to be starting a church in an area that already has so many churches (and several of them COGOP). The enemy has tried to discourage us by directing criticism our way, but we remain focused on our mission. Nehemiah, too, had his critics and those who opposed what he was doing, but he walked in the favor of God.

We believe we have heard from God, and we have stepped out in faith. We have no desire to compete with what God is doing in other churches. We simply want to join in the harvest and win the lost for Christ and His kingdom!

The only way I know how to explain what’s happening at New Beginnings is that for some reason the timing seems right and God seems to pouring out His favor on us.

Here's what's been happening...

1. From August to January we were meeting in a small chapel (the Sam & Zella Lawsom Memorial Chapel) free of charge.

2. In December the Lord suddenly opened a door for us to move into a much larger building in Crossville in an excellent location, and the rent is VERY low. We had our first service in the new building yesterday.

3. The Lord has been speaking to our people, and we have received pledges that will more than cover the rent of this facility.

4. Since the very beginning (in August), Harvest Christian Fellowship has been partnering with us in prayer and financial support.

5. We have received financial support for youth & children’s ministries from not only people who attend New Beginnings, but people who are interested in what we are doing.

6. Recently we received a substantial donation for a multimedia system and other needed items.

7. Yesterday a lady (from another denomination) stopped by after church to let me know that she has been telling people about our church and is excited about what God is doing.

It seems very clear to me that God's favor is upon us, and we are deeply thankful for His favor and blessing!

MyCOGOP Space

This morning I discovered that there is a Christian alternative to popular online communities such as myspace.com, youtube.com, facebook.com and many others. MYCOGOP SPACE is a One-Stop online community for the Church of God of Prophecy world wide, a place where COGOP members and friends can come and share their, thoughts, ideas, testimonies and more ...
You can check it out here.

God Leads Us Along

Today I found a little song sheet (printed in 1962) that belonged to my maternal grandmother, Mildred (Dyer) Greer. One of the songs printed was of particular interest to me. I haven't heard it in a very long time, so I just thought I’d share it with you here. According to Timeless Truths website, it is in the public domain.

GOD LEADS US ALONG
George A. Young (1903)

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

Women's Ministry

Just a reminder, our women’s ministry will begin a bible study tonight at 6:30 in Roy & Faye’s home. The curriculum is A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place, by Beth Moore. This is an eleven (11) week course and the classes will be approximately two (2) hours in length.

Come! Study God’s Word! Interact with other women! Be challenged to prepare your heart, like the holy of holies, to become a home for His love and glory—a dwelling place for the Most High God.

Just a Reminder

• January 27—Plateau Region Leadership Meeting (sponsored by the State office of the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee) at the Lawrence Chapel Church starting at 6:00 p.m.

• January 28—The Women’s Ministry bible study will begins in Roy & Faye’s home. The curriculum is “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place,” by Beth Moore.

Thoughts for today

Excitement is mounting as we prepare for a new phase of ministry in the life of New Beginnings. We were planning to meet at the building on 4th Street this evening for cleaning, etc; however, due to the fact that we couldn’t get the gas turned on by tonight, we will need to re-schedule. We will be meeting tonight on Mawila Ridge Road.

It is important to remember that it is God Who has called us together to join Him in this work, and His plan is continually unfolding. The heart of any ministry we engage in must always come from the heart of God! Our focus should not be on what we can do for people and how we can help and encourage them, but rather on how we can join God in what He has already done and is doing for them now!

In his Foreword to the book, Outreach Teams That Win: GROW, W. A. Criswell says: “Up and down every street in every city are those who are lost, families and friends and neighbors and acquaintances and fellow citizens in the communities where we ourselves are rearing our children and building our families. God Himself knew of our desperate need insomuch that He sent His only begotten Son to teach us the way of life, to die for our sins according to the Scripture, and to go before us in the evangelization of our families, of our communities, of our cities and nation, and of our whole world.”

We recognized long ago that the ministry God was calling us into would force us to leave our comfort zones. For most of us this is new territory, and it can be a little unsettling; however, our confidence is not in ourselves, but rather in God Who has called us! Remember,

“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

There is much work to be done, and there is a work for everyone. I am excited about the future and I pray the Lord will bless you and strengthen you as you continue to submit your life to His purpose.

Amir Tsarfati

Several people from New Beginnings made our way to Knoxville last night to attend a special service at Harvest Christian Fellowship where Amir Tsarfati was ministering. There was a pretty full house with people traveling from as far as Florida.

Amir was born and raised in and around Jerusalem, Israel. He became a born again Christian while a teenager after watching the Jesus film.

Amir is a Captain in the Israeli Army Reserve, he was the Vice Governor of Jericho, he is part of the negotiating team with the Palestinians, and, a tour guide in Israel. He also speaks four languages fluently, and is an International speaker on terrorism.

It was exciting to hear this man's perspective on some of the prophecies of the Old Testament relating to Israel and the end times. You can find more information about his ministry at his website, Behold Israel.

Another new beginning for New Beginnings

New Beginnings is preparing for a change in the location of our worship services. Since August '07 we have been meeting at the Sam & Zella Lawson Memorial Chapel on Mawila Ridge Road (pictured below).



Recently we were able to rent a much larger building in Crossville. As of this writing, we are planning to have our first worship service in the new location on the first Sunday in February.

The new location is within a couple blocks of three schools, a recreation park, and several youth "hang outs." I have attached a map to our new location. The address is 495 4th St., near the corner of 4th St. and Miller Ave., and across from Garrison Park.



We are deeply thankful to God for Mr. Willis Lawson who has generously granted us the use of the chapel. He has done more than we could have expected in making us to feel welcome and comfortable. We pray the Lord will continue to bless Willis abundantly for his humility and generous heart!

Visit to the Sparta Church

Sister Lisa Shaw, from New Beginnings, ministered at our church in Sparta this evening, so my parents and I drove over both to support her and our brothers and sisters in Sparta. The service was very good, and Lisa shared a powerful and encouraging Word from the Lord!

We very much appreciate Sister Verna Seager, the pastor of the church at Sparta, and her husband for the very warm welcome they extended to us. It was good, too, to see Jimmie LaFever again.

After the service, the church had a birthday cake and refreshments to honor Sister Seager's birthday. It is such a blessing when a church expresses its appreciation for their pastor.

While we were visiting and eating cake and drinking coffee, one of the ladies from the church began having chest pain. She was finally taken to the hospital. I cannot remember her name, but please join me in prayer for her.

Prayer Request

I received the following e-mail from Pastor Ken Dyer of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Knoxville:

Please be in prayer for the family of Margaret Solomon [of Knoxville]. Margaret passed away on Friday evening around 5:30 PM after a very long struggle with illnesses. The family would appreciate your prayers.

Margaret was a long time attendee of HCF until she became ill. Also, she was most instrumental in the beginning of Harvest Food Pantry and served as the coordinator for several years.

The final arrangements are being made and as soon as I know them, I will send out the details.

Ken Dyer
Pastor
Harvest Christian Fellowship

Please join me in prayer for this family!

Sad News

I am very sorry to report that I received word from Brother Boone today informing me that Mill, the young man I requested prayer for on Monday, passed away yesterday morning.

Over the years I have made several trips to Thailand and became acquainted with this family. Sam, Mill's brother, worked in the orphanage until he got married. I believe he is now pastoring one of our churches there. Just a couple years ago, another of his brothers died of drowning.

Please join me in prayer for the comfort of the Holy Spirit in this family.

Happy Anniversary

I failed to post that yesterday was Jay & Jennifer's wedding anniversary. We thank the Lord for them and pray His continued blessing in their marriage!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JAY & JENNIFER

It is no secret

The other day the tune to an old song came to my mind and I began humming it. It seemed to stay with me all day. I remembered some of the words, but had to google for the rest of them. I discovered an interesting history to the song, It Is No Secret What God Can Do. Here are the lyrics.

The chimes of time ring out the news; another day is through.
Someone slipped and fell.
Was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strength, your courage to renew.
Do not be disheartened, for I bring hope to you.

(Refrain)
IT IS NO SECRET what God can do.
What He's done for others, He'll do for you.
With arms wide open,
He'll pardon you.
IT IS NO SECRET what God can do.

There is no night, for in His light you'll never walk alone.
Always feel at home wherever you may roam.
There is no power can conquer you, while God is on your side.
Just take Him at his promise.
Don't run away and hide.
(Refrain)

You can find the history of the song here.

Urgent Request from Thailand

This morning I received an urgent prayer request from my friend, Boonyong Bureenok in Thailand. I am posting a portion of his e-mail here so you can join me in prayer for this very special and urgent request. I believe the young man Boone mentions in his e-mail is only about 16 years old.

Chip,

Happy new year to you all!

I have an urgent request! Mill, Sam's brother, one of my nephews callapsed while on his way to school. He is at the hospital, ICU now.

Sam called me again saying that doctor does not expect him to live long, only 24 hours.

Chip, we believe in the Lord of miracle, don't we? Please pray!

God bless you, my friend.
Boone
Korat, Thailand

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Pray for Pakistan

Brother McKinley posted an e-mail from our overseer in Pakistan on his blog today. With the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto yesterday, chaos spread across the country. According to the Overseer of Pakistan, "Some people say this has been done by the Christian countries and their people."

Please join me in prayer for the safety of Christians in Pakistan as they continue to minister in troubled times.

A New Blessing for New Beginnings

God is so amazing! Since August, Willis Lawson has graciously allowed us to use the Sam & Zella Lawson Memorial Chapel for our weekly worship services. It is a small building and had no air or heat. For the past several weeks we have been using a small gas heater, but it didn’t heat all that well.

A few days ago, Willis told me that he is going to have a heat/air unit installed. Work began yesterday and should be completed today!

We are so thankful for Willis. Had it not been for him, we may still be meeting in homes. While we do not want to get too comfortable where we are, neither do we want to fail to recognize the blessing of the Lord! To God be the glory!

We appreciate you very much, Willis, and pray God's richest blessings on you!

Christmas with Family

Yesterday our family got together to celebrate Christmas at my parents home. All my brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews where there, and we had a wonderful time together. The Lord has blessed me to be in a very loving and caring family, and I am thankful for my parents and my three brothers and their families.

Here are a couple of pics from our time together yesterday.

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas! I pray you will experience the joy of our Lord and Savior as you celebrate with family and friends today!

A few pics

Prayer Request

I received word today of another death via automobile accident in the Morgan County area. The victim, Eric Phillips, was the cousin to Savannah Human, whose husband was tragically killed in an automobile accident in October. Please join me in prayer for the Phillips family.

Christmas Party

We will be having a special Christmas party for our children on Wednesday, December 19. Accordingly, we will not be having services at the church on that night. The children's party will be in the home of Roy and Faye and will begin at 7 PM.

Special Thanks

New Beginnings would like to express our deep appreciation to Pastor Ken Dyer and Harvest Christian Fellowship in Knoxville for their prayers and support of our ministry here in Crossville.


Harvest Christian Fellowship is a loving, caring congregation that delights in sharing the love of our Lord and demonstrating the joy of a life with Christ. If you live in Knoxville or are just passing through, we encourage you to visit with them--you won't regret it! You can visit their website here.

A few pics from our Christmas Dinner

Change of plans

Due to some unforeseen obstacles, New Beginnings has had to cancel our Christmas Banquet scheduled for December 16. Instead, we will have a Christmas Dinner at Roy & Fayes on Monday, December 10.

Christmas Spirit

"Until one feels the spirit of Christmas,
there is no Christmas.
All else is outward display-
so much tinsel and decorations.
For it isn't the holly,
it isn't the snow.
It isn't the tree
not the firelight's glow.
It's the warmth that comes
to the hearts of men
when the Christmas spirit
returns again."
-- Anonymous

God's call requires commitment

“One of our country’s most beloved Presidents was Abraham Lincoln. He had the great misfortune of being at the helm of our nation during one of it’s most troubled times. The once united States had split in two, and the armies of the North and South were waging an incessant war that claimed the lives of more men than have died in any war since.

“Lincoln felt the tragedy of this war more than anyone could have guessed. He mourned the deaths of soldiers and spent long periods visiting the sick and wounded in the Union hospitals. The constant shedding of blood was sometimes almost more than he could bear. Then, in the midst of the war, his own son died and the President was literally brought to his knees.

“In the middle of the week, Lincoln did what he often did during those days, he found refuge at a Presbyterian church in Washington, D.C. He went with an aide, sat with his stovepipe hat in his lap, and tried hard not to interrupt the meeting by sitting off to the side, near the preacher’s study.

“The minister opened the Scriptures and taught from God’s Word. And when he finished, the president stood quietly, straightened his coat, took his hat in hand and began to leave.

His aide stopped him and said, ‘What did you think of the sermon, Mr. President?’
He said, ‘I thought the sermon was carefully thought through, eloquently delivered.’
The aide said, ‘You thought it was a great sermon?’

“Lincoln replied, ‘No I thought he failed… he did not ask of us something great.’”

Even in the midst of such turmoil in his life, President Lincoln knew that when one listens to God he should expect that the Lord will call him to something great.

I believe that God is, indeed, calling us to something great. I believe God wants to use New Beginnings to help make a difference in the lives of people on the Cumberland Plateau. I also know, however, that such a call requires something on our part as well!

Someone said, “You must get involved to have an impact. No one is impressed with the won-lost record of the referee.”

Jesus said it this way, “…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

Announcements

THANKSGIVING--We will have a special Thanksgiving Service this Wednesday (11/21) at 7PM. Please come prepared to give thanks to the Lord and share at least one thing for which you are especially thankful this year.

CHRISTMAS--New Beginnings' first Christmas Banquet will be held on Sunday evening, December 16, at Cumberland Mountain State Park. More information will be forthcoming, but please mark your calendar for this event.

What do people see?

Of 18 to 30 year olds in this country who have quit church, a whopping 26% say their reason for leaving was that the church is simply too judgmental, this according to a LifeWay Research report printed in Leadership Journal (Fall 2007).

It would be very easy for churches to assume that this generation simply doesn’t want to hear the truth, but the fact is that they do want to hear the truth but they also need to see some realities of true Christianity!

In reading from the gospel according to John, something jumped out at me recently. Jesus had returned to Bethany six days before the Passover and He had dinner with Lazarus, Mary and Martha. His disciples were apparently there too, but then John records this:

“Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead” (John 12:9).

As I pondered this passage it occurred to me that these people of the Jews who came to see Lazarus were needing to verify that this Jesus was truly who He was declared to be. They needed to see that Lazarus was, in fact, risen from the dead. They needed to see that there was, in fact, a change! Indeed, it was because they saw Lazarus alive again that many of them believed on Jesus (John 12:11).

It is a theological truth that sin separates us from God. Our sin is an offense to Him and prohibits us from enjoying fellowship with Him. It was Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden that broke the perfect fellowship between him and God. That same sin, because it is so repulsive to Holy God, resulted in judgment.

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

This does not, however, diminish God’s love for us! The Scripture is very clear on this subject. Paul said, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, emphasis mine). John attested to this when he wrote, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Could it be that one of the reasons so many people have decided that they don’t need church is because they see so few examples of true change in the lives of those who call themselves disciples of Christ? Could it be that we Christians are sometimes too judgmental and legalistic—harshly sharing truths of Scripture without the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ?

I am convinced that the key to evangelism today is not so much in the words we say, but in the authentic love we share!

Appreciation Day

A Minister of Music/Worship Leader is arguably one of the most important ministry positions in a local church. This minister helps to lead the congregation in preparing their hearts, through worship, to hear and receive the preached Word.

At New Beginnings, we are privileged to have Bill Meadows who is an anointed Minister of Music/Worship Leader. When we were much younger, Bill traveled some with me when I was ministering in Wisconsin, Colorado and Wyoming. He has always been sensitive to the leading of the Spirit. His style is more contemporary, but he does not dismiss the value of some of the time honored traditional Christian hymns. He is up-beat and lively as he leads the congregation into spirited and heart-felt worship.

Tomorrow at New Beginnings we will give special recognition to our Minister of Music and express our deep and heart-felt appreciation to him for his commitment to the ministry into which the Lord has called him.

Bill, you and your family are a tremendous blessing to us and we thank God for you!

Thank You

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to everyone for your prayers for and expressions of kindness to the Human family this week. Sonbright Christian Center did such an awesome job of preparing food for the family after the graveside service, and it was wonderful--as usual! SCC has also opened up a portion of the property there for Brent to be buried.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~From a headstone in Ireland

The photograph at the top is from the last time I saw Brent. It was on the day of his daughter's birth--September 20, 2007. This is me, Stephen Eli, and Brent.

What a Friend

I just returned home from Sunbright following the funeral services for Brent Human. I am absolutely amazed at the number of lives Brent touched in his short few years on this earth. By my estimation there were more than 1,000 people who filed through to pay their last respects to Brent and to share condolences with the family. At one point in time they were entering through the basement and filing up and down the room like a maze then going upstairs and wrapping around the outer wall of the building. This went on from about 6 PM to about 8:15. The church was also filled with floral arrangements. The platform, at each end of the coffin, and even into the foyer--more flowers than I think I have ever seen in one location.

When the funeral service began at approximately 8:45, the sanctuary was filled and people standing.

Brent had a tremendous love for life and for his family. All who knew him knew he had a heart for everyone he met, and he had a smile for everyone who crossed his path. The words of Soloman are surely true, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother"(Proverbs 18:24).

Tomorrow Brent will be laid to rest at Sonbright Christian Center at 12 Noon. Please continue to remember this family in your prayers.

Funeral Arrangements for Brent Human

I have received word that the arrangements for Brent Human are as follows:

The family will receive friends tomorrow evening (November 7, 2007) from 5-8 PM Eastern Time at Sonbright Christian Center and the funeral will commence at 8. The church is located at 7211 Morgan County Highway in Sunbright, TN.

Since the family has asked that I preach the funeral, there will be no service at New Beginnings tomorrow night.

The Death of a Friend

My heart has been very sad today as I learned of the tragic death of my friend, Brent Human. I have known Brent since around 1999 when I went to Sunbright as youth pastor. Brent was quite the prankster back then.

When I heard the news, I drove to the Harriman hospital where I was told the family was gathering as they awaited the arrival of the body following the fatal accident. I visited with them for a couple hours until the funeral home picked up the body.

Brent was the son of R. B. & Velma Human from Sonbright Christian Center. He and his wife, Savannah, have two children, the second born a little over a month ago.

For the past hour or so I have been sitting here in my office remembering the many good times and conversations I have had with Brent. He was a good young man whom I am deeply thankful that I had the opportunity to know.

This is a very difficult time for Savannah as well as for R. B., Velma, Bryant (brother), and Victoria (sister). Please remember them in your prayers as well as the rest of the family.

I will post funeral arrangements here as soon as I know them.

Partnering with Guatemala

We were very pleased to have the Byrd family back with us yesterday. David and Vicki and their daughter, Melissa, are "Making a a Spiritual Difference by Meeting Physical Needs" of people in the Camotan, Chiquimula region.

Jesus gave clear instructions that we are to go into all the world (Matthew 28:19-20) sharing the gospel. While all of us cannot go into other nations of the world, I believe God will bless our efforts as we support those who have made such a commitment. I want to thank everyone at New Beginnings for the wonderful offering received yesterday for the Byrds.

More pics from Saturday

Fall Bash

About 45 people attended the Fall Bash yesterday and we want to thank Bill & Kim for opening up their home for this very enjoyable time. They organized a number of fun games that brought participation from children and adults alike. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fun and fellowship!

Autumn Acres

We had an awesome time Sunday evening at Autumn Acres. A total of 21 people came out to join us through the corn maze and pumpkin patch. It was fun watching the children (and a few adults) slide down the massive slide. It is always encouraging and uplifting to see people laughing and having a good time in the company of oneanother.

This Saturday Bill and Kim are hosting a Fall Blast at their home. Everyone is invited to attend. Also, Harvest Christian Fellowship has invited New Beginnings to join them for their annual Hay Ride and Weiner Roast this Sunday evening.

Update from the Juday's

Thank you all for your prayers. The hospital didn't think Dan's father would make it through that first night but, once again, he bounced back and is now back at home. ... He is kind of weak and tired, but otherwise seems fine.

We are staying here in Wisconsin for awhile to help Dan's sister and brother-in-law do the things they have to do to get ready for their yearly trek to Florida. Dad can't wait to go where it's warm (which means over 80 degrees at least). We're not sure if he'll make the trip all right but, one day at a time.

Thanks again to all who prayed and called. We are ever grateful for our friends and family for their care and compassion. We love you all.

We will let you know when we get back home and, if there are any changes in dad's condition.

Dan & Marcia

Let's Just Praise the Lord!

We were very pleased to have Bishop Jimmie Turner with us last night. He and Sister Turner are now in Cambridge, Ohio where he serves as Senior Pastor. They were here for a couple days to visit family, so I invited him to share a word from the Lord with us.

When I was just a young boy Brother Turner and my parents sang together as the Zion's Messengers. Last night they sang together again, and it was like old times. Brother Turner preached a very inspiring and uplifting message reminding us that praise works. He encouraged us to be diligent in counqueroring our discouragement by offering praise to God (Psalm 43:5).

We are very thankful for Brother and Sister Turner, and pray the Lord will bless them and the church at Cambridge, OH abundantly!

Announcement

New Beginnings is planning a trip to Autumn Acres Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch this Sunday afternoon (10/21). This will be an excellent time of family fun and fellowship with one another.

The admission is $4 for adults and children 5 & up; $2 for children 2-4; and FREE for children under 2. You can check out more details by going to Autumn Acres web-site.

Come join us for some autumn FUN!!!

Prayer Request

I learned yesterday that Dan's father was rushed to the hospital. He is 91 years old and is presently non-responsive. Dan and Marcia left yesterday for Wisconsin to be with him. They ask that we pray for Dan's father, and for them as they travel.

Helping in Guatemala

We were very pleased to have David and Vickie Byrd and their daughter Melissa in our service last night. The Byrd's serve as Missionaries in Guatemala. Their motto is "Making a a Spiritual Difference by Meeting Physical Needs." To this end, David travels into several of the mountain villages and offers support on various levels including agricultural assistance and his pet project, constructing water cysterns for the village people so they can have clean water to drink. Vickie and Melissa work in a health clinic.

Some specific prayer points David mentioned last night are:
1. Their safety as they minister
2. The safety of children in Guatemala
3. Their personal support (financially)
4. Support for Pastors

The Byrd family will be in the United States until November 28. They will return to New Beginnings on November 4 at which time I would like to have a generous support offering for them.

Death Announcement

I was very sad to learn that Faye Blaylock, my cousin, passed away on Friday, October 5. The family received friends at Bilbrey Funeral Home in Crossville tonight and the funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM in the Chapel of Bilbrey Funeral Home. Please remember her husband, children, and grand children in your prayers.

A few more pics from yesterday

Special Guest

Today I hosted an open house to welcome people into my new home. About 20 people came. I was very pleased to welcome a guest from Nairobi, Kenya--Bishop Joseck Tsuma. It was a very good day, and Bishop Tsuma ministered before he left and prayed over several requests. Everyone was blessed as the Spirit of the Lord ministered in my living room!

Forgive Us

What did Jesus mean when He taught His disciples to pray “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”?

First of all, it is important to consider this phrase in the context of the entire Sermon on the Mount, and more particularly, in the context of the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples.

Jesus had already told them

"...If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God" (Matthew 5:23-24 MSG).


It is important to note here that Jesus did not specify whether the brother had a justifiable cause to have ought against you. That is, He did not say that they had to be right in their anger toward you. It does not necessarily mean that you had to do something wrong before you seek reconciliation.

The underlying motive behind this command is love. We are to love our brother so much that whether he is right or wrong, we should make every possible effort to be reconciled to him.

Jesus then talked about turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and giving more than is demanded (5:40-42). Then He says, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).


Again, the underlying principle, as Jesus states in this passage, is love. The perfect example of love is seen in the work of the Trinity—God so loved the world that He gave His Son. The Son so loved the world that He was willing to give His life that we may live. The Holy Ghost so loves the world that He still works to reconcile fallen man to Holy God through Jesus Christ! In other words, God’s love for mankind is seen in His willingness to forgive us and reconcile us to Himself.

If we are to be in proper fellowship with the Father, Jesus says, we must not only love God but our fellow man, too. In fact, John said it this way: “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).

The evidence of God’s love toward us is in His forgiving us of our sin and bringing us back into fellowship with Him. The evidence of our love toward God is our obedience to His Word. The evidence of our love for our fellow man is our willingness to forgive them when they sin against us!

Baby Girl

CONGRATULATIONS to Brent and Savannah Human on the birth of their new baby girl, Addie Chevelle. She was born yesterday at around 1:45 weighing in at 4lbs 11oz and 17.5" long.

I went over to see Brent, Savannah, Eli, and Addie Chevelle yesterday at Methodist Hospital in Oak ridge. Addie is absolutely adorable...and tiny! Eli is a bit jealous and was trying to keep everyone's attention for himself.

We are proud of you, Brent and Savannah, and pray the Lord will bless you and your family abundantly!

Ruth Barber

Last night I went to White House, TN—along with Mother, Dad, Kim, and Bill—to express our condolences to the family of Ruth Barber. Mrs. Barber was Jennifer’s maternal grandmother.

They will be having the funeral this morning, so please continue to remember this family in your prayers.

A Note From Marcia

Dear Chip and everyone at New Beginnings,

Thank you so very much for all your prayers. We have been very blessed with many prayers and God has given me a lot of comfort during this time. It is hard to let go but I know my dad is in a better place, and to know he is not suffering anymore gives me a lot of peace. God has been here with me, sometimes carrying me until I can walk alongside him again.

God has blessed me with such wonderful friends/family within The Church and I am so grateful for this gift. You are all the best.

I thank you so much for the planter/flowers. It is truly lovely and will remind me of your love and compassion for a long time to come.

Thank you all again for your prayers. We appreciate them so very much, and will see you soon.

Love, Marcia

HOW DO YOU PRAY?

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:5-6).

Jesus instructed His disciples not to be like the hypocrites when they pray, for they pray out of the wrong motive. The insincerity of their prayers is seen in the fact that they prayed to be seen of men. They were missing the most essential dynamic of prayer—it is a conversation with God, not a show.

In Matthew 15 the Pharisees complained to Jesus because His disciples were not following the ceremonial washing of hands before the meal. Jesus responded by saying to them, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:7-9). They had developed a religion with lots of external activity but no sincere love for God in the heart.

Hypocrisy is something we must all guard against. To do this, we must maintain a real and vital relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we begin to draw back from the Lord in our hearts, the temptation is usually to keep up appearances. The temptation is to continue to go through the outward form of religion hoping no one will notice the change that’s occurred in our hearts. This is hypocrisy.

In order to have the favor of God when we pray, we must approach Him with a sincere heart, and that means that we love Him as our Father. And because we love Him, we willingly and sincerely keep His commandments.

Yes, we will still have our struggles and difficulties in this life! There is a great deal of difference between a person trying to do the right thing and have some difficulties and a person who has resolutely chosen to do the wrong thing and tries to justify it. Failure doesn’t make you a hypocrite. Pretense and insincerity do!

Death Notice

I learned yesterday that Ruth Barber passed away. She was the grandmother to my sister-in-law, Jennifer. The family will receive friends at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, TN tonight (9/17) from 4-8 pm and tomorrow night (9/18) from 5-8 pm. The funeral will be on Wednesday at 10 am.

Please join me in prayer for this family.

Arrangements for Charles Tenney

To all our friends and family who we love I need to let you know that my dad, Charles Tenney, passed away Friday night (9-14-2007). We are having the visitation on Monday, 9-17, at Cuneo-Columbian Funeral Home on Grand Avenue in Franklin Park from 3 to 9 pm with a short service at 7:00. In lieu of flowers we ask for donations to Elmhurst Home Healthcare and Hospice, 855 N. Church Court, Elmhurst, IL 60126. They helped Laurie take care of dad since January and they were the most wonderful group of people and became almost like family after so much time.

We will be going to Fergus Falls, Minnesota for the burial with a short graveside service on Saturday morning at 11:00. Prayers for our continued safe journeys until we get back home in Tennessee.

To those of you who got the previous email from me asking for prayer, we want to let you know how much we appreciate them. We know those prayers got us here safely Wednesday morning and helped us get through the time we spent at the hospital with dad this week.

For those of you who can join us, and those of you who can't, we love and appreciate all of you. If anyone needs to call us while we're here in Illinois, our cell phone # is 931-265-1470.

Marcia & Dan Juday and Family

Sad News

I received the sad news this morning that Sister Marcia Juday's father passed away last night. Dan and Marcia left on Tuesday night to go to Chicago to see him upon hearing that he had been taken by ambulance to the hospital. He hadn’t been doing well for some time. Please join me in prayer for Marcia and Dan, and for the entire family.

On Character

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they
become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits.
Study your habits, for they will become your character.
Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
--Unknown

Is This Not Love?

I was reading through some illustrations this afternoon and ran across this one. It ministered to me, so I thought I'd share it here.

Is This Not Love?

To kiss the hands that smite,
To pray for them that persecute,

To hear the voice of blame,
Reap undeserved shame,
And still be mute—
Is this not love?

To give for evil good,
To learn what sacrifice can teach,

To be the scoffer's sport,
Nor strive to make retort
To angry speech—
Is this not love?

To face the harsh world's harms,
To brave its bitterness for years,

To be an unthanked slave,
And gain at last a grave
Unwet by tears—
Is this not love?

—Susie M. Betts

—Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations

Arrangements for Phyllis Burgess

The family of Phyllis Burgess will receive friends from 1 PM to 4 PM on Sunday, August 26 at Hood Funeral Home in Crossville. The funeral service will begin at 4 PM.

Please keep this family in your prayers!

Passing of Phyllis Burgess

I received the sad news this morning that Phyllis Burgess passed away. Phyllis had been in a horse-riding accident on Sunday and had been in critical care at U.T. Medical Center in Knoxville until today. I will post funeral arrangements as soon as I know them.

Please be in prayer for her husband, Doyle, and her two children, Brady and Darby.

Our First Service

Our very first Sunday morning service as New Beginnings was on August 12. There were 21 in attendance. This first meeting was in the Sam and Zella Lawson Memorial Chapel in Crossville. We are very thankful to Willis Lawson for opening this chapel up to us.

Prayer Request

I was informed last night that Phyllis Burgess was life-flighted to Knoxville following accident on a horse. She is in critical condition. Please pray for her.

Getting Settled

It's been a busy week, but I'm getting settled in. I made the move from Wartburg to Crossville on Saturday. There were several people who helped, for which I am deeply thankful. Today my phone and internet were connected (I've missed access to the internet). Now that I'm back in the groove of things, I'll try to post updates on a regular basis.

Be Wise

Well, I was taking a break from the dreaded work of packing up for a move, and I sat down and started to read from the Proverbs of Solomon. His wisdom just seemed to minister to my heart as I read and considered the work we will be doing in the Plateau Region.

The Proverbs of Solomon are designed to teach people how to live their lives properly, allowing God to be in control. It’s not about us, it’s all about HIM!

Here are a few things that ministered to me today:

1. Put God in whatever you do. Proverbs 16:1-4, 9, 33

2. Double check to make sure your motives are right. Proverbs 16:2, 25; 20:9

4. If you want your friendships to last, use your tongue wisely. Proverbs 16:28; 17:9; 17:14; 20:3

5. It’s better to have peaceful relationships than lots of money. Proverbs 17:2

6. Work hard at whatever you do. Proverbs 18:9; 19:24; 20:13

7. Jesus is the best and most faithful friend you’ll ever have. Proverbs 18:24

8. Don’t blame God when things go wrong. Proverbs 19:3

God is so awesome! I am convinced that He is going to bless abundantly as we press into the future, but His blessing is, of course, contingent upon us being obedient to His Word. We must walk wisely, and always trust in Him.

I'll Be Moving Soon

Well, it's time to pack up and prepare to move from Wartburg to Crossville on Saturday. I have found a beautiful little place in the mountains, and I just love it. It's a little bigger than what I've lived in for the past seven years, and much more private (although I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here).

The next few days are going to be busy ones, so I may not have time to post here again until next week. I promise I'm going to try to do better about giving regular updates, though.

For anyone who may be interested, my new mailing address is P.O. Box 262, Crossville, TN 38557.

The Beginning of NEW BEGINNINGS

It is true that there are numerous churches in the Plateau Region, and one might wonder why we would be interested in starting yet another. I have considered this question myself. The fact is, there are still thousands of people who are unsaved and do not go to church anywhere.

I was reading a book from the Center for Biblical Leadership today, Evangelism and Assimilation, and noted the following paragraph:

"There is a deceptive philosophy in the air that says there are already too many churches. Some, perhaps, may feel there are too many of our own congregations in their area. The validated, authenticated, unmitigated truth is that there is no such thing as OVER-CHURCHING in America or the world as of yet. I personally doubt that such a day will ever arise.... To believe that there are already too many churches is an indictment for ingrown introspection with no vision for the Master's harvest."

Our goal at New Beginnings is not to work in competition with other churches. As I have said before on this blog, there is an estimated 53,000 people in Cumberland County, and a growing minority population and the vast majority of them do not attend church anywhere. The harvest is ripe, let's start harvesting.

It's Time For A NEW BEGINNING

Yesterday I began my new ministry as a church planter. Last night I met with a small group of 18 to discuss our mission and how we would proceed. As we began our meeting, I asked those present for a commitment to assist in the mission efforts as we reach out into the area to win new people to the Lord with the goal of organizing a church. Seventeen people signed their names. There were some who were unable to attend tonight whom I believe will also commit to this work.

One of the first things we discussed was the need for a name that would help to identify our mission and our target. Several ideas were brought up and discussed. Finally, someone spoke up and said, “I think we need a name that will demonstrate change. Something that will give hope.” Someone else said, “Like, maybe, New Beginnings.” The Holy Ghost seemed to put His approval on this suggestion, as there was spontaneous praise and worship and an awesome sense of His presence in the room. New Beginnings Family Outreach Ministries was adopted by one accord.

As we proceeded with discussion I was informed that another church has already committed to adopt us as a mission partner with a monthly gift. Additionally, we were given a one thousand dollar check by someone else to assist in the harvest.

I never cease to be amazed at what the Lord is doing. This is definitely a God thing!

What A Day!!!

It has been a busy day, indeed. My father and my brother came to Sunbright with a U-haul trailer to help me load up my office and move it to Crossville. A very special "THANK YOU" to Josie Eldridge and Ronnie Norris, who came to help us load the trailer. Since I don't have a place to live there yet, we placed it in storage.

I was dreading the idea of going house shopping, but it seems that the Lord has opened a door to provide a beautiful dwelling for me and a small chapel in which we could have services on a temporary basis. It simply amazes me how God has directed every step we have taken by faith and then proven Himself by making provision for us. My excitement seems to grow on a daily basis.

It's Official

Yesterday at the State Convention Bishop McKinley announced that Donald Lawrence will be the new pastor of Sonbright Christian Center. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his new assignment. I believe God has great things ahead for this church. I would like to encourage all the members of SCC to continue to support the church and your new pastor and to work together in the harvesting efforts in Morgan County.

Bishop McKinley also announced that I will be doing mission work in Cumberland County with the goal of organizing a church. There is an estimated 53,000 people in Cumberland County with a growing minority population. We will not to be in competition with the other churches in the area. We simply want to reach out and join in the harvest.

I am very excited about what God is doing, and I am committed to follow as He leads. The road is not always easy, but His grace is sufficient.

The Sonbright Connection

Unlike most people, I suppose, I enjoy taking connecting flights when I travel by plane. One reason for this is that I get to see a different place--even if for only a couple hours, and yes, even if it's only the inside of an airport. The other reason is that there is the possibility that the connecting flight will be over booked and I will be able to stay a little longer.

On this journey of life, I have had the opportunity to lay over at various places on my way to the final destination. I've learned that if I'm going to truly enjoy the trip, the destination must always be foremost in my mind, though.

One lay over I've made on this journey recently has been what I like to call my Sonbright Connection.

A little over eight years ago I had the privilege of laying over in Sunbright on my way home. While some of the time in this lay over has been uncomfortable, I've learned a lot and have grown in the Lord.

Some people balk and complain when an unexpected lay over occurs--I have done the same thing at times--but now, as I'm ready to move on to the next leg of this trip, I can truly say it has been awesome!

I've made some new friends, had some new experiences, and, hopefully I have made a positive impact on people, too. Yes, this is one of those stops--like so many before--that I'm going to miss when I leave, but I know everything is going to be okay.

Well, it's time to move on now. I have another lay over soon. I don't know how long this one will be, but I am very excited about the adventure--this great adventure of life.

Crossville....HERE I COME!!

New Playground at SCC

At last a prayer has been answered. The Children’s Ministry at Sonbright Christian Center has long desired a playground for our children. It has been talked about for almost a full year, but now it is a reality. Last month we received donations for this project and purchased playground equipment. I have attached a couple of pictures of the dedication.

We give God praise for the wonderful things He is doing at Sonbright Christian Center.

Congratulations

I would like to congratulate my brother and sistter-in-law on the birth of Josiah Shalom, their first-born. Josiah was born April 28 weighing 6 lbs 14 oz, and 18 3/4 inches long.

Family Fall Fest

The Lord definitely blessed us with a beautiful fall day on Sunday, October 29 as Sonbright Christian Center hosted our second Family Fall Fest. The temperature was around 70º and the fall colors were at full peak. We truly live in a beautiful area of this great state!

This Family Fall Fest was one step in our renewed efforts to reach out to our families and the families in our community. We thank the Lord for more than 100 attending this special event.

There was plenty of food, fun, and fellowship as we opened up our church and our hearts to minister the love of our Lord Jesus Christ in a warm, caring, non-threatening atmosphere. Most of the people who participated are unchurched families in our community.

We all enjoyed the festivities of the day—there were plenty of food and activities for the children, youth, and adults. We are thankful for the wonderful blessings the Lord is pouring out upon us here at Sonbright Christian Center, and we are committed to pressing forward in His power—reaching out to families with the love of Christ!

On a final note, during our morning worship (October 29), the Lord poured out His Spirit in a mighty way, and we were blessed to receive two new members into the church. To God be the glory, great things He hath done.