On this Thursday evening, November 26, 2015, Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to reflect and be reminded of an incredible journey God has guided me on now for eighteen years as the founder, chief executive officer, and editor of Hugh's News.
God revealed a need for a new communication system that would inform our active duty, guard and reserve, as well as retired military chaplains of what is happening in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, as well as the body of Christ worldwide. He gave me a broader vision for ordinary people like you and me who would benefit from a newsletter that could keep our people connected and informed about what is happening on a daily basis.
The journey began when I stepped out in faith to start Hugh's News. It wasn't called Hugh's News in the beginning. We went through several names like the Sentinel and one or two others. Finally Hugh's News was selected and that has been a settled name for this electronic news service. In the process of time, Hugh's News, I am told, has become a household name in the homes of many members of the IPHC and the body of Christ worldwide.
I started with no money. Every month was a step of faith. At first I had an email list of 13 subscribers on AOL. It grew to some 1,500 subscribers in a short time. Because of a complaint of a reader, a lady who was not a subscriber or on my mailing list, AOL summarily declared that I had violated Spam Laws by sending her Hugh's News without being a subscriber. They terminated my email service without a trial or due process of law. At that time, I thought it was the worst day of my life. Since then, I have come to realize it was the best day of my life, and it forced me to look for other options to continue this electronic ministry. And God brought people into my life who could help me fulfill the calling God had laid on my heart to provide a news and inspirational ministry and service to those God would give me.
A young IPHC minister by the name of J. Brian Williams, who later became my pastor, had exceptional computer skills and he developed my first website and a newsletter format. A top television salesman, Marl Green, in Houston, TX, purchased a web domain for me. So, for a few years we continue to grow, but lost a lot of the names and email addresses that we had built on AOL. So, we had to begin again. We were not exempt from adversity.
We have walked by faith . . . taken one step at a time . . . gone through valley after valley . . . mountain by mountain . . . and in it all God renewed my mind and heart of His faithfulness by . . .
Divine Guidance
Daily Inspiration
Fresh Vision
Through it all, God remained faithful to me and the ministry He had given me to bless others by rewarding me with the presence of His Spirit and saying, "Well done each day."
As I write this special message to you on Thursday evening, November 26, 2015. I sense in my spirit that God is giving me
More grace
More rewards of great feelings for the present and future of Hugh's News
Greater vision to face all problems that may come with a sense of victory through Jesus Christ, my Lord
It is to you, my readers, as well as God, that I want to thank as thisThanksgiving Day draws to and end, and the curtains of night are closed, and eventually we will lay down our heads for sleep and rest throughout this night in peace, the peace that only Jesus Christ can offer to those who trust Him as Savior and Lord.
You have honored me by allowing me to come into your home, office, recreational area, or shop via your email service or on our website. You have exercised faith in me and the God Who called me to this ministry of journalism, and I am grateful for each day, each month, and every year we have shared with you and you with me the blessings God has given to each of us.
I realize that I am not alone in this ministry.
God is with me
Jesus lives in my heart and life
His Word is the strength of my life and ministry.
We have built on a sure foundation
We have labored diligently together
You have shared news I could publish
We have strength for today
And, bright hope for tomorrow.
All blessings of God are ours in Christ Jesus our Lord,
We will reach out and take hold of every one of them in Jesus' Name.
Melvine and I, along with our son, Greg, send Thanksgiving greetings to you and your family today.
Thank you for standing with us by your prayers and financial giving.
God revealed a need for a new communication system that would inform our active duty, guard and reserve, as well as retired military chaplains of what is happening in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, as well as the body of Christ worldwide. He gave me a broader vision for ordinary people like you and me who would benefit from a newsletter that could keep our people connected and informed about what is happening on a daily basis.
The journey began when I stepped out in faith to start Hugh's News. It wasn't called Hugh's News in the beginning. We went through several names like the Sentinel and one or two others. Finally Hugh's News was selected and that has been a settled name for this electronic news service. In the process of time, Hugh's News, I am told, has become a household name in the homes of many members of the IPHC and the body of Christ worldwide.
I started with no money. Every month was a step of faith. At first I had an email list of 13 subscribers on AOL. It grew to some 1,500 subscribers in a short time. Because of a complaint of a reader, a lady who was not a subscriber or on my mailing list, AOL summarily declared that I had violated Spam Laws by sending her Hugh's News without being a subscriber. They terminated my email service without a trial or due process of law. At that time, I thought it was the worst day of my life. Since then, I have come to realize it was the best day of my life, and it forced me to look for other options to continue this electronic ministry. And God brought people into my life who could help me fulfill the calling God had laid on my heart to provide a news and inspirational ministry and service to those God would give me.
A young IPHC minister by the name of J. Brian Williams, who later became my pastor, had exceptional computer skills and he developed my first website and a newsletter format. A top television salesman, Marl Green, in Houston, TX, purchased a web domain for me. So, for a few years we continue to grow, but lost a lot of the names and email addresses that we had built on AOL. So, we had to begin again. We were not exempt from adversity.
We have walked by faith . . . taken one step at a time . . . gone through valley after valley . . . mountain by mountain . . . and in it all God renewed my mind and heart of His faithfulness by . . .
Divine Guidance
Daily Inspiration
Fresh Vision
Through it all, God remained faithful to me and the ministry He had given me to bless others by rewarding me with the presence of His Spirit and saying, "Well done each day."
As I write this special message to you on Thursday evening, November 26, 2015. I sense in my spirit that God is giving me
More grace
More rewards of great feelings for the present and future of Hugh's News
Greater vision to face all problems that may come with a sense of victory through Jesus Christ, my Lord
It is to you, my readers, as well as God, that I want to thank as thisThanksgiving Day draws to and end, and the curtains of night are closed, and eventually we will lay down our heads for sleep and rest throughout this night in peace, the peace that only Jesus Christ can offer to those who trust Him as Savior and Lord.
You have honored me by allowing me to come into your home, office, recreational area, or shop via your email service or on our website. You have exercised faith in me and the God Who called me to this ministry of journalism, and I am grateful for each day, each month, and every year we have shared with you and you with me the blessings God has given to each of us.
I realize that I am not alone in this ministry.
God is with me
Jesus lives in my heart and life
His Word is the strength of my life and ministry.
We have built on a sure foundation
We have labored diligently together
You have shared news I could publish
We have strength for today
And, bright hope for tomorrow.
All blessings of God are ours in Christ Jesus our Lord,
We will reach out and take hold of every one of them in Jesus' Name.
Melvine and I, along with our son, Greg, send Thanksgiving greetings to you and your family today.
Thank you for standing with us by your prayers and financial giving.