Monday, October 13, 2008

Pray for the Election

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).


Without a doubt, our nation is in desperate need of help and direction from the Lord. In just a few days the people of the United States will go to the voting polls to select a new President and Vice President for our country. Speaking of this upcoming election, the National Day of Prayer Chairman, Shirley Dobson, said:

“In light of the approaching elections, it is crucial that we remain in fervent prayer for our beloved land. The presidential race is especially important. The individual installed in the Oval Office in January, 2009 will play a pivotal role in determining the future course of our country. It is, therefore, imperative that people go to the polls and elect a candidate whose leadership will reflect a moral, principled perspective. We’re living in serious times. Our country is at a crossroads. The decisions of our elected officials will determine America’s moral climate and national security for generations. We desperately need leaders with courage and integrity to guide us.”


It is my prayer that each of you will join me in prayer that the will of God be accomplished in this election, and that you will exercise your right to vote on November 4.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

A Few Pictures from Thailand

It was a joy to have Brother Boonyong Bureenok in my home for the past few days. Boone and I have been friends for about 23 years. He is doing a great work in Thailand and in Cambodia and Myanmar, as well. Please join me in praying for him and his family, and for the orphanages he oversees as well as the missionary efforts.

The first photo is Boone and his son, Phil. The second is Boone's wife, Jintana, and Phil with a child. The third is a group of children from the orphanage in Korat, Thailand.



Friday, September 26, 2008

Boone is Here!!

Yesterday was a long day, but a most enjoyable one. I set out yesterday morning to Tupelo, MS to pick up my good friend, Boone Bureenok. I was going to be driving by myself and it is almost a six hour drive each way, so I decided to find a good audio book to listen to on the way--I purchased "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. This is a powerful book on the importance of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It made the drive so much easier.

Well, I now have Boone here with me and he is doing well. He will be sharing some of the things going on in Thailand at New Beginnings on Sunday morning. It has been a joy to hear updates on some of my friends in Thailand...Akrapol, Prayong, Mai, and many others. God is so good!!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Boonyong Bureenok

I am pleased to announce that Boonyong Bureenok will be with us at New Beginnings next Sunday (9/28). Brother Boone is a missionary in Thailand and operates an orphanage there. We are excited that he will be visiting with us!

Week-end update

On Saturday we had the annual Ball / Meadows Family Reunion at the Cumberland Mountain State Park. It was so good to see family I hadn’t seen since last year. In fact, there were some there whom I hadn’t seen in many years. We had a great time!

Saturday evening, New Beginnings prepared a meal for the Bread of Life Rescue Mission. I am so thankful for the dedication of our people to this ministry. Following the meal, we had a service with those living at the mission. Jerry and Sherry Brewer were also with us, and they led in the singing. It was a fun and uplifting time. There was such freedom as I began to preach. In fact, the Spirit of the Lord was very powerful. When I gave the altar call, several people responded and we prayed for a few people who were in need of healing, as well. It was an awesome service!

On Sunday morning, New Beginnings met at the Cumberland Mountain State Park (second day for me) for an End of Summer Church Picnic. Although we were to begin at 11 a.m., people kept streaming in up to about 1 p.m. In total we had approximately 78 people to attend this special event, many of whom have no church home.

Sunday afternoon at about 2 p.m., a few of us went back to Bread of Life where I baptized 5 people in water who had recently came to the Lord or re-dedicated their lives to God. This has been an awesome week-end! To God be the glory!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

End of Summer Church Picnic



On Sunday, September 21, 2008, New Beginnings will host an End of Summer Picnic at Cumberland Mountain State Park. We will be at the top of the hill pavilion at 11 a.m. (no service at 495 4th Street)

We will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and there will be plenty of games for the whole family. Everyone is invited to attend and its all FREE!!!!

Monday, September 08, 2008

Prayer Request

I just learned earlier today that the Tito Rivera, the son of the Presiding Bishop of Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico passed away suddenly and unexpectedly over the week-end. I believe Tito was 29 years old and the only son of Bishop and Sister Rivera. Please join me in prayer for the family during this very difficult time.

Petros Church

I was honored to minister at the Petros church last night at a joint service of the Petros and Oliver Springs churches. The meeting was well attended by people from both churches. Pastor Stewart Sloan (Petros) and Pastor Roy Massengale (Oliver Springs) are to be commended for their efforts in kindling fellowship between their churches.

I was happy to have three people from New Beginnings join me. It was certainly a powerful service in which the Spirit of the Lord ministered to His people! I am thankful to Pastor Sloan for inviting me!

Friday, August 29, 2008

FREE Concert


The Cumberland County Ministerial Association presents a free concert by gifted musician, composer and recording artist Tony Melendez who plays the guitar with his feet having been born without arms.

Pope John Paul II commissioned Tony to be a GIFT OF HOPE for the world after hearing and seeing him play. Tony has performed throughout the U.S. and over forty Countries. This free concert will be at Stone Memorial High School, 2800 Cook Road in Crossville, TN on Saturday September 20. Doors open at 5:30 P.M. Performance at 6:30 P.M.

Cumberland County Ministerial Association
President Beverly Talbott C.L.P. 456-8312
Sec. Treas. Dewey Peterson 484-7729

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Spiritual Growth

For the past few weeks I have been preaching on Spiritual Growth. We have discussed the need for Spiritual Growth, the goal of Spiritual Growth, and the attitudes and habits necessary to achieve Spiritual Growth. Spiritual growth is discipleship in action!

Jesus Himself described what is required of those who would be His disciple: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

These words are the strongest and clearest from Jesus that teaches the requirements necessary in those who will follow him. Someone has described them as an outline of the Terms of Authentic Discipleship.

1. DESIRE—“if any man will come after me.” Desire drives people and it is at the heart of discipleship!

2. DENIAL—“let him deny himself.” SELF is the enemy of authentic discipleship. Consider the variety of words prefixed by SELF that illustrate how SELF can dominate us: Self righteousness; self centeredness; self interest; self confidence; self consciousness; self defense; self importance; self indulgence; self opinion; self reliance; self satisfaction; self seeking; self sufficient.

3. DEATH—“and take up his cross.” Authentic discipleship is a sacrificial lifestyle. It’s a life not lived solely for ones own interests or ends. The cross symbolized the ‘cause’ Jesus both lived for and died for. We are called to die ‘daily’ to that which gets in the way of us knowing him, loving him, serving him, following him.

4. DETERMINATION—“follow me.”
• Authentic discipleship is a lifelong commitment. Jesus asks for the greatest and most determined commitment of your life.

• Authentic discipleship will ask questions of you ‘daily’. You can measure how authentic your discipleship is by how your desire to follow him challenges your lifestyle and attitudes, guides your choices and determines your principles.

• Authentic discipleship requires genuine courage. “Jesus promised his disciples three things – that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy and in constant trouble”

Monday, August 25, 2008

Funeral Arrangements

We received the sad news yesterday that R. B. Daniels passed away on Saturday night at Cumberland Medical Center. R. B., better known as "Doc" to those who knew him, recently attended one of our services at New Beginnings. I visited both yesterday and today with some of his family and friends, and having heard some of their stories made me wish I had the opportunity to know him before.

The arrangements for "Doc" are as follows:

The family will receive friends Tuesday night at Bilbrey Funeral Home from 6-8 PM.

The funeral service will be on Wednesday at 3 PM at Bilbrey Funeral Home, with a graveside service and military honors.

Doc had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Please join me in prayer for them and all his friends who are mourning his death.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Arkansas Trip



What a trip! Mother and I returned home last night at about 9 PM from our trip to Little Rock, Arkansas. We left Crossville on Monday and met up with Jason, Jennifer, Josiah and Isaiah in Gallatin where we had dinner and spent the night. On Tuesday morning we all headed out to Little Rock, Arkansas where Jason, Jennifer and the boys will be working and living.

It was a very good trip until we got about 90 miles outside of Little Rock. Jason, Josiah and I were riding in the big Budget truck towing a car while mother, Jennifer and Isaiah were in the van. David and Kathy Williams were driving along, as well. The other two vehicles were a little bit ahead of us when the truck we were in lost all power. We were right in front of a rest area, but it was closed.

Long story short, Jason stayed with the budget truck until a tow truck arrived. David came back to get Josiah and me and I drove mother, Jennifer and the boys on to Little Rock. David and Kathy went back to Nashville. We arrived in Little Rock sometime after 5 PM, and Jason arrived an hour or so later. It was rough, but we made it safe and sound and we give the Lord praise!

Jason and Jennifer are going to be house parents in the Forence Crittenton Home, an emergency shelter for teens sponsored by the Freewill Missionary Baptist Family Ministries. I was very impressed with the ministries provided, and I am very proud of my brother and his family for their interest in this area of ministry.

Mother spent the night at Crittenton House with Jason, Jennifer and the boys, and I went to a hotel. On Wednesday I went back to Crittenton House where I had a devotion with them encouraging them in their decision, and we prayed over them.

Mother and I left Little Rock at about 2 PM (much later than we expected) for the long trip home. We arrived back last night at about 9 PM. Thank the Lord for His protection along the way!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Old Friends

I went to Nashville on Friday for the International Assembly. Of course, it was good to be there for the services and Brother Varlack's class, but it was especially good to see some friends I haven't seen in years: the Williams from California, the Lee's from Wyoming, Scott Creasey from Florida, Dennis Wilson from Texas, Donald Markham (I forget where he is now), and so many others.

Seeing so many people I got acquainted with so many years ago brings back a host of memories. I've been blessed through the years to have met so many wonderful people across this land and into other nations of the world. My life has been enriched as a result of knowing all of them, and I am thankful!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

A Powerful Word

I was just listening to Kay Horner on the assembly webcast. She had a powerful word: "Victory begins with the name of Jesus on our lips, but will not be consumated until the nature of Jesus is in our hearts."

International Assembly

The International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy began yesterday at the Sommet Center in Nashville, TN. For those who may be interested, you can watch the International Assembly Webcast. Also, the DayStar network will air the Thursday and Friday evening sessions, beginning at 7:30 EST (subject to change). Thursday evening session will be the Global Outreach emphasis evening with a sermon from Bishop Sherman Allen, General Presbyter of Africa. Friday’s evening session will be a celebration of Pentecostal Awakening, featuring a sermon by Special Guest Dr. Jerry Macklin. Current plans are that the programming will begin with portions of the opening concert of the Bahamas Brass Band and will include the services in their entirety through the altar responses that will be given by the speakers.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

One World One Dream

One World One Dream is the theme selected by China, the host nation of the XXIX Olympics. As I watched the opening ceremonies last night, I was awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the celebration. The Chinese spared no effort, and seemingly no cost, in welcoming the world to Beijing.

At one point, 2,008 drummers were pounding the fou, an ancient Chinese percussion instrument, and as they were doing so, they chanted, “Friends have come from afar, how happy we are,” a phrase from the works of Confucius (551BC-479BC). Shortly after this, hundreds of men in boxes bobbed up and down creating various designs and waves. Several times during this performance they also formed the Chinese character “he,” which means both harmony and peace.

As I watched the “parade of nations” I was thinking about the theme of the Summer Olympics. About two hundred-four nations were represented, none led by the “head of state” or other politicians, but rather by athletes from their respective countries.

We live in a world that is divided in so many ways. The cry for harmony and peace can be heard from so many areas of the world, yet, the very thing that divides—the very thing that hinders harmony and peace—is the only thing that can possibly bring harmony and peace. Jesus commanded that His church “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

So many people around the world are in need of the peace that comes only through Jesus Christ. Let’s join together in praying for the nations of the world and for those Christians who are working so hard to share the love of our Savior—the Prince of Peace!

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Update from Thailand

I spoke with Brother Boonyong Bureenok (right in photo) on the phone last night. He is preparing to take a trip to Myanmar (Burma) in the next couple days, and at the end of this month Gary Glover and a group with Co-Mission will be visiting Thailand. They will continue on to Burma, Cambodia, and Viet Nam.

We thank the Lord for Brother Boon and his work in Thailand. Even though this is a difficult time, he continues to have a heart for the ministry to which God called him. Please join me in prayer for Brother Boon, his family, and the work in Thailand. Also, if you would like to make a donation to the ministry there, you may send it to the address on Co-Mission's website, or you may send a check to New Beginnings. We will forward all offerings we receive for Thailand to Brother Boon.

Friday, August 01, 2008

2 More Nights

We had 2 wonderful nights of revival services with Pastor Tony Cathey who shared a powerful Word from the Lord each night. We are looking forward to 2 more nights with Pastor Terry Barnwell beginning tonight.

If you haven't joined us yet, why not drop in and let's worship the Lord together. I know He has something special for us!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Ok, this is too funny

Youth Pastor gone wild???


http://view.break.com/545222 - Watch more free videos

Just a Reminder...

Our revival begins tomorrow night at 7 PM. We are excited about what the Lord has been doing at New Beginnings, but we are expecting greater things from Him in our upcoming revival! We have been in prayer and fasting for a fresh encounter with Him, and I believe He has heard our prayer.

Pastor Tony Cathey will be with us to minister tomorrow and Thursday, and Pastor Terry Barnwell will minister on Friday and Saturday nights. I have great confidence that these two men will share a word from the Lord that has the power to change the hearer (cf. Romans 1:16).

We look forward to seeing you!