Blog Archives

Lighten Up With Laughter

6/30/2016

"I live by this credo: Have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations. Even in your darkest moment, you usually can find something to laugh about if you try hard enough.
If I can make people laugh, then I have served my purpose for God."--Red Skelton

[Editor's comment: Lonnie Rex was right. He finally persuaded me to add humor to Hugh's News. I resisted for a long time. However, I thought I will give it a try. Then, I had to find a title for the daily humor or joke. That's when the title "Lighten Up With Laughter" came to my mind. Apparently it was the right title and different people have helped come up with good, clean jokes that I could tell to my mother. People like Harrell Queen, Leroy Baker, Wesley Russ, Stan Oliver, Shirley Spencer, Sonja Beach, Paula Dixon, and Glen Carter, to name a few. I need all the help I can get. I need to laugh more and I enjoy it. We will never run out of good material as long as we have alert, intelligent, and thoughtful readers like all of you.]

I want you to hear Susan Reed Beacham and Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham as they spoke in Hoover, Alabama on Father's Day a the Canvass Church

6/30/2016

Bishop Doug and Susan Beacham

     Melvine, Greg, and I were privileged to attend the Sunday morning worship service at the former Good Shepherd Church I pastored in Hoover, Alabama. We had driven down on Friday to attend the last night of the Alpha Conference Camp Meeting. What a blessed that worship service was. We saw a number of people we have known for years and some who were members of two pastorates in Alabama.
    Jon and Lisa Potter are the pastors of Canvas Church, a Pentecostal Holiness Church, that meets in the Bernie Points Baptist Church, the church facility God helped us to build with our congregation of Good Shepherd Church in Birmingham. The church site is located in Hoover, Alabama, just off I-65 and the Alford Avenue Exit. Jon Potter and his congregation have been meeting in this beautiful church now for some four years. Jon has a good relationship withy the pastor, and plans are in place to purchase this church so that Canvass Pentecostal Holiness Church may continue to grow and fulfill the vision God has given to Pastor Jon Potter.
     Both Susan Beacham and Bishop Doug Beacham were given the opportunity to speak there on Father's Day. Susan spoke on "Stolen Identity" and Doug preached a powerful message on "Faith." I found their combined messages on the website of Canvass Church in Birmingham. In this message, guest speaker Dr. Doug Beacham, speaks about rising up in faith in the midst of adversity. As we declare the deliverance of God, the justification of God, He comes and establishes us.
     I have made a hyper link for you to access the audio message entitled "The 'Amen' of God." You may Click Here to hear these two wonderful messages.

LOUISE OWENS GSCHWEND, 88, WAS PROMOTED TO HEAVEN ON Tuesday, June 28, 2016

6/30/2016

Louise Owens Gschend

     Louise Owens Gschwend, 88, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills in Landrum, SC.
     Louise was born in Tryon, NC on August 28, 1927. A native of Polk County, she was the daughter of the late Edgar Grady Owens and Catherine Elizabeth Parker Owens and wife of Rev. Joseph Ronald Gschwend. Upon graduating from Tryon High School in 1945 she attended Holmes Bible College in Greenville, SC. After graduating, she attended Furman University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1955. While attending Furman University, she taught at Holmes Bible College, where she met her husband, Rev. Joseph Ronald Gschwend. They were married on February 6, 1955 and celebrate 61 years of marriage. She became an ordained minister in 1966 in the Redemption Ministries Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church and was ordained as a missionary in 1971. Along with her husband, she faithfully served on the mission field in Africa for 25 years. Before leaving for the mission field she taught in the public school system for 13 years. She is loved by all who’ve been privileged to be touched by her life.
     In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son Phillip Gschwend and his wife, Freda Sheehan Gschwend; a daughter Margaret Gschwend Gilmore and her husband, Aaron Gilmore; four grandchildren, Joseph Gschwend, Adrian Gschwend Hammond (Eric), Khristina Kitchen (Kenny), and Gloria Gilmore; and eight great grandchildren, Kayla, Kendra, Khloe, Kelton, & Kaiden Kitchen, Isabelle & Anya Gilmore, and Noah Hammond. Other surviving relatives include sisters-in-law, Nancy Owens Hammett and Beverly Owens; and brother-in-law, Frank Travers. She was predeceased by three brothers, Oscar Owens, Richard Owens, and Edward Owens; and four sisters, Ruby Hammett (Benny), Cecil Hyde (Hollis), Rebecca Godfrey, and Mable Travers.
     The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at McFarland’s Funeral Chapel.
     Funeral services will follow at 3 pm conducted by Rev. Anthony Craver.
     Burial will be at Polk Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service.
     Donations can be made in Louise’s honor to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722 or to Upward Christian Fellowship, 991 Upward Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 for the Cuba Bayamo Church Construction.

A Call for a Revival of the Great Hymns and Gospel Songs of the Church in our Worship Services

6/30/2016

The Rev. Dr. Hugh H. Morgan

     In our modern era of the church, I have noticed that in some of our churches, not all, there is an absence of singing the great hymns and Gospel songs of the church. Consequently, our youth, young couples and older people are not getting in worship the kinds of Biblical theology that has been put to music to satisfy the souls of the worshipers and prepare them for daily living as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
     I feel compelled to begin a series of publishing some of the hymns and Gospel songs that have stood the test of time and have provided a solace for peace in the battles of life, an affirmation of one's salvation and walk with Jesus Christ, and a comfort to those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
     Today, let us read and hear the hymn entitled, "Great is Thy Faithfulness."
"Great is Thy Faithfulness."
You may watch and listen to the Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Homingcoming Singers, featuring Wes Hampton singing tenor by Click Here on this hyperlink I have made for you to enjoy.

1 “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

      “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
       Morning by morning new mercies I see;
      All I have needed Thy hand hath provided--
     “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

2 Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

3 Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

PASTOR JON CHASTEEN NEEDS YOUR HELP IN FINISHING UP HIS DISSERTATION FOR THE ED. D DEGREE FROM ORAL ROBERTS UNIVERSITY

6/30/2016

Pastor Jon Chasteen, Victory Church in Oklahoma City

      Dr. Morgan,
     How are you my friend?!   I pray this email finds you blessed and doing well!!
As you may or may not know...I am getting close to finishing my doctorate degree (An Ed.D. in University Administration from ORU). I am trying to finish up my dissertation so I can graduate this fall or spring at the latest. My dissertation is on the preferred forms of communication between different generations. My survey actually went out in the letter Dr. Reggies Wenyika mailed out from the school the other day. You may have seen it.
     I am trying to get as many SCU alums as possible to complete it. The survey can also be completed online!
     HERE’S MY REQUEST:
Would you consider posting the link to my survey on your Facebook pages and ask all the SCU alumni to complete it for me? And also add it to your newsletter perhaps?
It will help me finish my doctorate but perhaps more importantly it will help SCU know their alumni better and their preferred forms of communication.
The link you can copy and paste into Facebook is:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L8DLMB6
You could also email this link to anyone you know as well.
Thanks for your help brother! Let me know if this is doable.
Love and appreciate you!
Jon Chasteen

[Editor's Comment: Jon Chasteen is a young friend of mine. He served well as the Vice President for Development for Southwestern Christian University. He epitomizes the spirit of Southwestern. When I think of Southwestern I think of Jon Chasteen. I know his father and mother, as well as his beautiful wife and children. Jon is the lead pastor of Victory Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. God has greatly honored this young man with extraordinary leadership gifts and ability to communicate the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
     I have completed the survey as a past president of Southwestern. I taught a class on Pastoral Care and Counseling while I was the president which is my background academically, clinical, and as a pastor for 33 years. At one time in the past I was an accredited supervisor in Clinical Pastoral Education with the AACPE.
     It is my joy to see young men like Jon Chasteen succeed in life as they obey the will of God and trust Him for their every need in life and ministry.]

DRUSA ANNOUNCES TWO DISASTER DECLARATIONS: WEST VIRGINIA FLOODS AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES

6/30/2016

North Carolina Kitchen Crew

Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham has approved the recommendation of the Disaster Relief USA (DRUSA) (http://iphc.org/discipleship/disaster/) Committee to declare both the West Virginia flooding and the Southern California fires for IPHC Disaster Relief Response.
The North Carolina Mobile Feeding Kitchen has been deployed to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and has already served 1,000 meals today. The kitchen began operating on the property of the White Sulphur Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church. However, more rain is expected and the National Guard has closed the kitchen temporarily and will move them to higher ground. DRUSA will fund the mass feeding efforts so your contributions and prayers are vital.

Feeding Kitchen

     Southern California is battling major fires and the Golden West Conference DRUSA Response Team (under the direction of Bishop Tom Murray and Pastor Billy Woods) is working in coordination with the Red Cross and the Shannon Grove office. DRUSA is responding with financial assistance for the Golden West Conference relief effort.
     I cannot recall in the history of Disaster Relief USA where the ministry has responded to two disasters at the same. Yours prayers and financial support are needed as DRUSA moves forward in the coming days to provide assistance.
     Thank you!
     Bill Terry
     Director of Men’s Ministries and Disaster Relief USA

To make a contribution to the disaster response, please go to http://iphc.org/discipleship/disaster/.

The Story of a New Christian FM Radio Station, KLJJ 101.5 FM in the Woodlands, Texas, North of Houston -- Directors Mark and Wilda Green

6/30/2016

The owner of the Station is: The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Inc a 501 (C) (3) non-profit
Originally incorporated in Bethany, OK in 1980.
Call letters: KLJJ
Frequency: 101.5 FM
Operation: 24 hours a day
Directors: Mark and Wilda Green
Email: mark@kljj.org
     Our Station is on the air to encourage, and give hope by providing Christian music ministry to The Woodlands, Texas area just North of Houston, Texas. Our music format is Classic Contemporary Music from a few years ago. We will feature artist from the 1970s like Keith Green, Second Chapter of Acts, the 1980s like DeGarmo and Key, Russ Taft, 1990s artists like Susan Ashton, Margret Becker, Avalon, Point of Grace.
     It took many miracles and blessings from the Lord to get us started and on the air.
[Editor's Comment: I met Mark Green in Houston in December 1994, when Leroy Baker invited Melvine and me to be the speakers for the Texas Conference Ministers and Wives Christmas Retreat. Some years later when I was director/endorser of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC, and working closely with Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., the executive director of Evangelism USA, and chairman of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC was asked to join him in a church planting and growth conference in Houston in promoting our Chaplains Ministries, IPHC. I was in my hotel room, and got a call from Mark. He asked to speak with me.
     Mark was in the lobby. I left my room and met him downstairs. He was aware of my newsletter which at that time I was using AOL. He asked me if I had ever thought about purchasing a web domain. I asked, "What is that?" He tried to explain to me what it is, but I am not sure I even know now what it is. He asked, "If you had a web domain what would you call it?" I stalled for time, for I had not idea what I would call it. Joel McGraw, a dear friend of mine since junior high school days, had suggested earlier that I call the newsletter God had given me, "Hugh's News & Commentary." So, to end the discussion and move on to more pleasant thoughts, I told Mark, "I guess I would call it Hugh's News."
     A few weeks later, Mark sent me an email. He said, "I have good news and bad news." The bad news is that the Hugh's News web domain has already been purchased. I thought in my mind, where I sometimes think, "How can that be? That name is an original name that I have bought into following Joel's suggestion. Who in the world would come up with that name?"
     I had to wait another day. Mark likes to keep people in a state of suspense. The next day, he wrote again and this is what he said. "I am the one who bought the web domain for you."
     Mark set things in motion, and I hired an attorney to draw up incorporation documents with the Secretary of State of Georgia as a non-profit Christian Evangelistic Corporation, and documents to file for an IRS 501 (C) (3) Tax Exempt Status. I engaged J. Bryan Williams to design my first website, and later, Bill Cox, Mel Tinney, and Seth Cain to design a more state of the arts website. Each step was led by the Holy Spirit, and God sent people into my life to help me at each phase of our development and growth. I am grateful to God and the men who have helped me with these projects, as well as women and men who have given to make things happen in a timely manner. To God be the glory, great things He has done and continues to do!
     Mark and Wilda Green have been a vital part of Hugh's News since the 90s. This year of 2016 we are celebrating our 19th year of publishing Hugh's News. This ministry was ordered by God and has been sustained by the grace of God and the generous contributions of my subscribers and readers. I want to take this moment to thank all who have encouraged me and given to this electronic ministry that serves IPHC Ministries and the Body of Christ worldwide.
     So, I am happy to make you folks who live in the Woodlands of Texas, and the communities north of Houston aware about this new radio station called KLJJ, 101.5 FM. May this Christian music bless countless thousands of people by presenting the Gospel in song.]

Emmanuel College Diversified Agriculture program receives Trailer donation from Carry On Trailer Corporation in Lavonia, GA

6/30/2016

          Earlier this spring, Emmanuel College introduced its plan to start a Diversified Agriculture program during the next academic year, pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. With the buzz surrounding the new program, Carry On Trailer Corporation in Lavonia, GA saw an opportunity to help the program get off to a strong start.
     Earlier this month, Carry On Trailer donated an 8.5 by 20 trailer to the program, becoming a Founding Farmer.
     “The Diversified Agriculture Program at Emmanuel College will certainly be stronger and more equipped to meet the academic and hands on learning demands through the donation of this equipment by Carry-On Trailer,” said Owen Thomason, Program Chair. “The trailer will be used by students and faculty in a variety of ways for the ultimate goal of student achievement. More importantly, this donation by the agriculture industry shows a commitment to life-long learning and support for students in the Northeast Georgia area and beyond. We appreciate Carry-On Trailer for becoming one of our Founding Farmers.”
     Todd Gunter, Carry On Trailer Corporation’s Vice President, believes the new Agriculture program at Emmanuel College will have an impact on the North Georgia community, not just the program participants.
“Carry- On Trailer is excited and proud to be a supporter of this new, diverse agricultural program at Emmanuel College,” Gunter said. “An Agriculture degree was instrumental in the foundation of Carry-On Trailer, obtained and put to use by the founder along with several members of our management team. A program like this has proven results at Carry-On Trailer and will help Emmanuel College in its world outreach. Having a local college that expands upon great programs taught at the primary levels, a program that in some way touches so many families and industries within our county, one that is diverse and close to home, we at Carry- On Trailer, want to mentor such educational opportunities. “
     For information on how you can join Carry-On Trailer and be a Founding Farmer for the Diversified Agriculture program, please contact Brian James, Vice President of Advancement at bjames@ec.edu.

Stanley Strickland has just posted a comment on your blog post, "When In Church, Keep Your Mind on the Lord" A Gentle Word of Wisdom from Laban West, a Contributing Writer for Hugh's News

6/30/2016

     Not a bad idea...Oh for the good ole days before cell phones!
     Stanley Strickland


s

Will You Receive the Benediction?

6/30/2016

"Ah Lord God, behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee" (Jeremiah 32:17).

Lighten Up With Laughter

6/26/2016

A wife goes to see the governor and pleads, "Can you get my husband out of the penitentiary?" "What's he in for?" the governor asks. "Stealin' a ham."
"That doesn't sound so bad. Is he a good man?" "Not really," Fannie admits. "He's a lazy worker and he's mean to me and the kids."
"Then why in blazes do you want a man like that out of prison?" "Cause we're out of ham."

A Call for a Revival of the Great Hymns of the Church in our Worship Services

6/26/2016

In our modern era of the church, I have noticed that in some of our churches, not all, there is an absence of singing the great hymns of the church. Consequently, our youth, young couples and older people are not getting in worship the kinds of Biblical theology that has been put to music to satisfy the souls of the worshipers and prepare them for daily living as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
   Today, I want to begin a series of publishing some of the hymns that have stood the test of time and that provide a solace for peace in the battles of life and a comfort to those who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Let's begin with . . .

"On Christ the solid rock I stand"
   or called "The Solid Rock"
Written by Edward Mote

     My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

The Story of a New Christian FM Radio Station, KLJJ 101.5 FM in the Woodlands, Texas, North of Houston -- Directors Mark and Wilda Green

6/26/2016

The owner of the Station is: The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Inc a 501 (c) non-profit
Originally incorporated in Bethany, OK in 1980.
Call letters: KLJJ
Frequency: 101.5 FM
Operation: 24 hours a day
Directors: Mark and Wilda Green
Email: mark@kljj.org
Our Station is on the air to encourage, and give hope by providing Christian music ministry to The Woodlands, Texas area just North of Houston, Texas. Our music format is Classic Contemporary Music from a few years ago. We will feature artist from the 1970s like Keith Green, Second Chapter of Acts, the 1980s like DeGarmo and Key, Russ Taft, 1990s artists like Susan Ashton, Margret Becker, Avalon, Point of Grace.
It took many miracles and blessings from the Lord to get us started and on the air.

[Editor's Comment: I met Mark Green in Houston in December 1994, when Leroy Baker invited Melvine and me to be the speakers for the Texas Conference Ministers and Wives Christmas Retreat. Some years later when I was director/endorser of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC, and working closely with Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., the executive director of Evangelism USA, and chairman of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC was asked to join him in a church planting and growth conference in Houston in promoting our Chaplains Ministries, IPHC. I was in my hotel room, and got a call from Mark. He asked to speak with me.
   Mark was in the lobby. I left my room and met him downstairs. He was aware of my newsletter which at that time I was using AOL. He asked me if I had ever thought about purchasing a web domain. I asked, "What is that?" He tried to explain to me what it is, but I am not sure I even know now what it is. He asked, "If you had a web domain what would you call it?" I stalled for time, for I had not idea what I would call it. Joel McGraw, a dear friend of mine since junior high school days, had suggested earlier that I call the newsletter God had given me, "Hugh's News & Commentary." So, to end the discussion and move on to more pleasant thoughts, I told Mark, "I guess I would call it Hugh's News."
A few weeks later, Mark sent me an email. He said, "I have good news and bad news." The bad news is that the Hugh's News web domain has already been purchased. I thought in my mind, where I sometimes think, "How can that be? That name is an original name that I have bought into following Joel's suggestion. Who in the world would come up with that name?"
   I had to wait another day. Mark likes to keep people in a state of suspense. The next day, he wrote again and this is what he said. "I am the one who bought the web domain for you."
Mark set things in motion, and I hired an attorney to draw up incorporation documents with the Secretary of State of Georgia as a non-profit Christian Evangelistic Corporation, and documents to file for an IRS 501 (C) (3) Tax Exempt Status. I engaged J. Bryan Williams to design my first website, and later, Bill Cox, Mel Tinney, and Seth Cain to design a more state of the arts website. Each step was led by the Holy Spirit, and God sent people into my life to help me at each phase of our development and growth. I am grateful to God and the men who have helped me with these projects, as well as women and men who have given to make things happen in a timely manner.
Mark and Wilda Green have been a vital part of Hugh's News since the 90s. This year of 2016 we are celebrating our 19th year of publishing Hugh's News. This ministry was ordered by God and has been sustained by the grace of God and the generous contributions of my subscribers and readers. I want to take this moment to thank all who have encouraged me and given to this electronic ministry that serves IPHC Ministries and the Body of Christ worldwide.
   So, I am happy to make you folks who live in the Woodlands of Texas, and the communities north of Houston aware about this new radio station called KLJJ, 101.5 FM. May this Christian music bless countless thousands of people by presenting the Gospel in song.]

"When In Church, Keep Your Mind on the Lord" A Gentle Word of Wisdom from Laban West, a Contributing Writer for Hugh's News

6/26/2016

Laban West, a gifted pianist and musician

Earlier this year, Susie and I had the opportunity to attend Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC with our son Zach West who lives there and is an attorney on the staff of Senator Ted Cruz. The CHBC is located about 5 blocks east of the US Capitol complex. The church is designated as a historical structure and the seating is in the round with balcony throughout much of the sanctuary. The few times we have visited the church we have really enjoyed the traditional hymn-singing, especially the vocal harmony of 700+ people singing in the round. The music is accompanied by a piano and guitar.
Zach and Alicia prefer to set in the balcony near an exit where they can take the kids out quickly if necessary. On this particular Sunday we had just sung the song "I am bound for the Promise Land.” I was enjoying the harmony so much that I used my recorder phone app to record a verse and chorus. When the song was over and the congregation was seated, I decided to name the song on my recorder app. This was a bad idea. I had muted my phone, but somewhere in the process of renaming the file I must have hit a wrong button and the song began playing out loud in the balcony during the service which was very quiet at the time. Needless to say I was frantic to STOP the sound. I began to push the pause, stop button or anything I could find to end the music. It finally stopped, but then proceeded to play the next audio clip on my phone which happened to be CLUCKING HENS. Just two days before we had visited relatives in Virginia with Susanna our granddaughter. They raised chickens/hens and I had recorded the clucking for Susanna to listen to later.
I tried to stop the sound, but when you are embarrassed, frantic, and the adrenaline is flowing.... you can forget punching the right buttons. I tried to bury the phone in my shirt, under my arm....it didn't work. My wife....well I think she was about to begin clucking also.... was laughing almost uncontrollably.
I finally decided to get up and go out the door which was only a few feet away. Wow, what an embarrassment. Fifteen seconds of clucking seemed like an eternity. I didn't come back into the sanctuary for about 15 minutes hoping people would forget who I was. Lesson learned.... Don't mess around with your phone in church. Keep your mind on the Lord!

The Morgans have just returned from an Nine-Day Vacation to Birmingham, Brownville, Evergreen, Daphne, Fair Hope, Mobile and Orange Beach, Alabama

6/26/2016

Hugh and Melvine Morgan

We were aware that the Alpha Conference (formerly Alabama Conference) was holding their annual Camp Meeting in Hoover, in the church building, Good Shepherd Pentecostal Holiness Church, God enabled our congregation to build over the mountain from Birmingham just off I-65 at the Alford Avenue Exit, at 2250 Blue Ridge Boulevard in Hoover, Alabama 35226. The church currently is owned by Bernie Points Baptist Church who completed the sanctuary, and balcony, and built the large educational facility. Negotiations are in progress to purchase this church complex back to the Pentecostal Holiness Church, namely, Canvass Church that is pastored by Jon and Lisa Potter. They have a congregation of around 300 people. They have been worshiping there now for about four years. Jon Potter and the pastor
   Melvine, Greg, and I were privileged to attend the Friday night camp meeting service and heard the visiting evangelist Tonde Bolanta preach. There was an excellent attendance, and we saw many of our old friends from the years gone by when we were a vital part of the Alabama Conference. We did not attend the business session of the conference on Saturday, but stayed over to hear Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham preach on Sunday morning. He preached a masterful sermon on "Faith."
   We, i. e., Greg drove us south on Monday. We drove by the old River Springs Camp Grounds that has been purchased by another entity. It is not the same, and can never be the same as it was in many years gone by for our youth camps, camp meetings, conferences, and other special events.
We saw the brick home that was once owned by the Rev. Mr. I. H. Presley, the father of Jackson, Mood, and Charles. We have enjoyed many dinner meals in that home when I was the pastor of Brownville P. H. Church.
   Then, we headed on to Conecuh County and the Brownville Community. Some of it has deteriorated, while there are a number of new homes and beautiful farm lands with cattle. We saw our old wood frame church, not in the best of repair, but still standing. I think it is no longer Pentecostal Holiness. The parsonage was abandoned, shrubbery had grown up, trees were fallen. However, the grave yard that I had made a major project looked great with centipede grass that was well kept. We set in motion a committee to provide perpetual care of the cemetery. Sickness and death are very important to country people, and God enabled us to seize upon that concern to renovate the cemetery following the burial of Mrs. Newton, the first funeral I ever had. Mamie and Holmes Presley helped me cut the grass and get things in order to bury Mrs. Newton. It was that experience that motivated me to do something special for that wonderful community of God's people.
   As a result of that one project that involved a number of people, I was privileged to lead Mac Williams, Sr. to the Lord. God did a great work in his life. I waited for the right time to lead him in the sinner's prayer in his home on US 31 Highway.
   We drove to Evergreen where Greg was born on June 29, 1964, at the Evergreen Hospital. Melvine taught at the Evergreen High School because I only earned $35 a week, plus parsonage, electrical and water (a well). I had to pay my gas expenses to visit my congregation out of that $35. However, the people brought us fresh produce, chickens, beef, pork when they slaughtered the cattle. We never went lacking. I was a free lance writer for the Evergreen Courant, chaplain to the Kawaiis Club, and Civil Air Patrol, and an Army Reserve Medical Group in Birmingham, and spoke on WBLO Radio from time to time.
   We traveled to Mobile where I had worked twice as a young man: once for the Southern Railroad in 1952, and later at the Toulminville P. H. Church in the summer of 1957, following a missions trip to Pinar del Rio, Cuba for two weeks. I wanted to see it all again and allow Melvine and Greg to see where God had led me as a young man. Mobile is not the same as when I worked there. A lot of the city is run down. There appears to be a lot of poverty.
   We traveled to Daphne, Fair Hope, and Gulf Shores and down to Orange Beach, an Alabama Beach. It is absolutely beautiful but at the same time very expensive. We drove back home through Pensacola, Dothan, and spent the night in Columbus, GA at Hampton Inn on our way back to Winder, GA.
   We are glad to be home. We are tired, but got up Sunday morning and attended Sunday school and morning worship. Chris Maxwell preached for us this morning. His sermon topic was "Rescue Mission" based on Galatians 1:3-5:
3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4
Who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV
Chris Maxwell will be preaching for us for the next two more Sundays. He is an exciting preacher, and people love his sermons and ministry.

Today's Big Smile! Glen Campbell, "William Tell Overture"

6/26/2016

Glen Campbell

The Lone Ranger rides again!

For most of the 1960s, Glen Campbell's brilliant guitar playing was known only by a select few top recording studios and artists. Long before Glen became known nationally as an outstanding vocalist, actor and TV personality, he was one of the most in-demand recording studio guitarists in the world. He could have earned a 7 figure annual income as a high-end, requested-for studio guitarist for years on end if that had been all he cared do.
How good was he?
Take a look at this video, one you may have never seen before.
Hi Yo Silver, Away! – It doesn’t get much better than this. "The William Tell Overture" by Giaochino Rossini.
Many of us grew up watching the Lone Ranger and Tonto on black and white television.
Years later, many of us watched the Glen Campbell show on TV as well.
This video is a clip of a younger Glen Campbell playing the William Tell Overture (with symphony orchestra) and dedicating it to Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels, who played Tonto.
You may never have seen Glen play like this before. This is world-class guitar playing and Campbell makes it look easy. The sounds of Glen Campbell on guitar and the symphony orchestra playing Rossini's "William Tell Overture" will take you back to those golden days of yesteryear, when the strains of the Rossini's masterpiece coming over the radio meant the Lone Ranger show was about to begin.
I have prepared for you a hyperlink so you can see and hear Glen Campbell play again. Click Here to watch.

[Editor's Comment: When we lived in Houston, TX, when I was doing a year of Internship in Clinical Pastoral Education at Herman Hospital, the teaching hospital for the Texas Medical School, I took Greg, who was in first grade and six years old to see Glen Campbell doing a live concert at the famous Astro Dome at a rodeo. Melvine and I enjoyed watching Glen Campbell on his weekly television shows. Many of you will remember him.]

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Stanley Strickland has just posted a comment on your blog post, A Glimpse of the effective Ministry of Air Force Chaplain, Major Chad Bellamy

6/26/2016

Chaplain, Major Chad Bellamy, USAF

Chaplain Chad Bellamy stands out like a beacon among a field of candles...He loves humanity and is very forward thinking in presenting Christ to every one he meets...
It was a personal delight and privilege to recruit and endorse Chad Bellamy for the Air Force Chaplaincy. The first time I ever saw him was at a wedding rehearsal for Randy and Mary Espinosa Williams, when Randy was my youth pastor at Tarkenton Memorial Church in Athens, GA. At that same time Stanley Strickland was our church organist. He played the organ for Jimmy Swaggart in his church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is one of the best Hammond C3 Organist in the world.

Will You Receive the Benediction?

6/26/2016

1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:1
Paul, Silas and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, 5 because our Gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead--Jesus, Who rescues us from the coming wrath.

NIV

Viviene has just posted a comment on your blog post, Lyrics to Hymn: "I Have Found A Hiding Place"

6/23/2016

I heard this song on the radio a couple times and hummed along like I always do with other songs. This morning however, I found myself just humming the melody without knowing the words. It stayed with me all day. This is a beautifully inspired song and my whole being is blest.

Terry Tramel has just posted a comment on your blog post, "T. O. Evans--Father of the Global Outreach Offering" by The Rev. Dr. Frank G. Tunstall, Contributing Writer for Hugh's News

6/23/2016

A wonderful tribute to a heroic leader by a master writer-historian. Well worth reading by all and inspiring to future givers.