Hugh's News & Commentary

I have a very special interest in Christian Life Worship Center in Athens, GA. I was the pastor of this church for 9 years when it was called Tarkenton Memorial Church. It was named for the late Rev. Dr. Dallas M. Tarkenton who had pastored the church when it was called the First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Athens, GA. The Rev. Dr. Paul Hopkins was the pastor when they decided to relocate the church and build a brand new facility. Brother Hopkins was instrumental in persuading the congregation to name the church Tarkenton Memorial church in loving honor to a great man of God and a prince of preachers. Brother Tarkenton was at one time the administrator of Advocate Press in Franklin Springs, GA, and the editor in chief of publications, including the executive editor of The Advocate.

As I recall the church was dedicated in 1978. Bishop J. Floyd Williams was asked to dedicate the new church, and preach that glorious day. The church was packed. The Rev. Mrs. Frances Tarkenton was present, along with her three sons, Dallas II, Francis (Fran) and Wendell. I was not present that day, but was the senior pastor of Good Shepherd Pentecostal Holiness Church in downtown Birmingham located on 7th Avenue and 18 Street.

Currently, the Rev. Mr. J. Brian Williams, my former webmaster, is the interim pastor of the congregation. He is an excellent preacher, pastor, and an exceptional administrator. His wife, Lacy, is a school teacher at the Auburn Elementary School near Winder, GA. She was elected the 2010 Teacher of the Year in her school. They have two fine boys, Eli and Asa. Lacy is pregnant and we hope that this time the baby will be a girl. The church is growing under the leadership of Pastor Williams, and the beautification of the church grounds has begun. Chad Till, a graduate of the University of Georgia, has a degree in architectural landscaping design, and is now an entrepreneur with his own company that has taken on this church beautification project, and I can tell you it is copacetic. It exceeds my expectations. Thank God for the young men and women who are coming forth to lead this church.

Well, the church has had to purchase two brand new, 10 ton Trana air conditioner units. I know this has been the hottest summer I have ever experienced; and, we are so thankful to God and the leadership of the church for this significant purchase to keep us comfortable. They got bids and selected the one where they were able to get these air conditioners for $19,900.00, and pay for them within 60 days, the same as cash with no interest.

With the able leadership of Pastor J. Brian William the congregation has given $7,709.30 according the Sunday church bulletin that was given to us today. Melvine and I will be giving to help with this special project. I felt led by the Holy Spirit to give you, my readers, an opportunity to give on this needed project. The air conditioners have been installed. I do not want the leadership of the church to have to borrrow any money. God doesn't want the banks to rule over the church or place them in bondage.The Bible tells us that when you borrow money you become the servant to the lender. I don't want the banks to be in the driver's seat on this one.

We need to raise this money prior to Friday, September 10, 2010.

If you feel God is leading you to help our church in Athens, you may make out your check or money order to: Christian Life Worship Center, and designate it for the Trana Air Conditioners. Then, you may mail your check to:

Pastor J. Brian Williams
Christian Life Worship Center
125 Kathwood Drive
Athens, GA 30607

Today, Pastor J. Brian Williams introduced 5 new persons desiring to become members and were received into church membership as our conference superintendent, Bishop Bill Jones, presided and preached a great sermon today. Those joining today were: David and Keisha Buynitzky, Danielle Poole, Safet Mehie, and Polly Terry. Others are ready to unite with our church. God is giving our church people from various other countries and we have a significant number of Filipinos and African families faithfully attending our growing congregation. It truly makes my heart glad, and I am filled with joy and peace.

May I say "thank you" in advance for your contribution to this specific cause. May God richly bless you as you give as God has blessed you.