Update - Revival, Youth Camps

OUTPOURING REVIVAL: We were blessed with the presence of the Lord in the revival with Sammy Smith. The messages were very uplifting and challenging. We thank the Drama Team from The Erin COGOP and for each visitor who came. We also thank the Stephenson family for their hospitality in opening their cabin for the Evangelist and Pastor during this revival. We thank the Lord for the fellowship during times of visits in homes that we were blessed to visit. We believe the revival was a great success and only God knows the total results.

YOUTH CAMP: I was blessed to assist in the Big Shot camp a couple weeks ago. Karen and I were blessed to assist in Junior camp this past week. We thank the Lord for Church Youth Camp at Camp Hickory Hills in Dickson, TN. Karen and I were blessed greatly as youth when we attended Youth Camp. I rededicated my life to the Lord in Senior camp in 1968. I attended Youth Camp as a Junior camper in the 1950's and attended several years after that. I also began working in Youth Camp in the early 1970's before the present camp was built. Karen and I have worked a total of over 50 Youth Camps over the years. I attended International Youth Camp in 1996. Karen attended International Youth Camp in 1997. We love children and youth. All four of our children have attended Youth Camps as well.

OUTPOURING

OUTPOURING

A time of Outpouring at Waverly Church of God of Prophecy is scheduled with

Speaker Sammy Smith of Radford, Virginia.

Brother Sammy has pastored and evangelized in Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky.

DATES and TIMES: Friday June 18, 7 pm, Saturday June 19, 7 pm, Sunday June 20, 11 am and 6 pm.

Special Singing and Music by Billy Buchanan, Former Pastor of Waverly CGP

Erin Church of God of Prophecy Drama Team will be ministering in the Saturday evening service.

Update

We continue to thank the Lord for Him, His mercy, grace, peace and provision. People are still putting their lives back together after the most devastating flood in TN in decades (perhaps ever considering the damage and loss).

Waverly community was hit hard, especially in main parts of town. The Waverly elementary school is closed until further notice. Homes have been flooded. Businesses have been flooded. Yet, people are moving forward with their lives. Volunteers are working together to help those in need.

The Waverly CGP was not damaged (that we know of) as of our last service this past Sunday. Members homes were not damaged and there was only minor damage to one members fencing where they keep their horses. The members and friends are praying for those who have suffered so much damage.

My daughter, Sarah, and her family have been given clothes, furniture, money and best of all love, care, prayer and support throughout this ordeal. All they need at this time, besides some things for setting up house, is to get into a house. They have signed a contract and are now waiting for the go ahead to move in.

God has been faithful through all this. As Job said, . . .the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21 Jesus has gone to prepare a place for those who are ready to meet Him. Bless HIS HOLY NAME!

This past week has been a week of fast-paced activity. The TN flood has kept us very busy. My youngest daughter and family were flooded out of their house. Today was the first day that anyone could get to the place - walking through a foot or more of mud and sludge. We are just thankful that all of her family are okay and with us for the next couple weeks or so. People have been so caring in giving items of clothing, furniture, personal items, kitchen items, food and money. We thank each one.

We did not have church last Sunday because of the flood. As far as I know, Waverly was also flooded considerably. Humphreys County Schools have been closed all this past week. We are praying for the people of Waverly. All of our church people made it through the flood without any serious harm.

We look forward to services this coming Sunday.

We are thankful at Waverly COGOP to the Lord for the great outpouring of God's presence and manifestation in our service this past Sunday evening. The Burns COGOP RAD Drama Team performed two great dramas portraying our need to be real in our service to the Lord. One young man was in the altar seeking the Lord. God blessed tremendously!

This time of scheduled revival is over but God's presence, power and manifestations are never over. We continue to seek HIM by faith, believing for great things. As our State Overseer, EC McKinley said to me the other day at Men's Retreat, "God is up to something in Waverly." We trust our Savior and Lord. TO HIM BE GLORY BOTH NOW AND FOR EVER!

Easter Season Resurrection Revival Continues

Greetings! What a great day in the Lord!

Waverly Church of God of Prophecy was blessed to have the men residents from the Hope Counseling Center for yesterday's Sunday morning service. We thank the Lord for 65 in attendance. There were approximately 35 from the Hope Center and 30 Waverly folks along with some of their families and visitors.

A highlight of the morning service were the testimonies of Garrett (last name unknown) and Brian. Garrett spoke to us of his time in doing drugs over several years and then overdosing. He was pronounced dead at the emergency room with no pulse for several minutes. He shared of wandering around in a dark area with no one there and coming up to what he described as the gates of Hell. He testified that God brought him back from death and hell and gave him another chance. Garrett brought his mother and aunt to the stage. There was a time of hugging and congratulations as he told how Christ has changed him and he now wants to serve the Lord.

Brian (Peggy Stephenson's nephew, her sister's (Diane Gidcom) son testified of how the Lord brought him out of drugs and has given him another chance. He told of being involved in using meth and also making meth. He also told of how God has changed him since being at the Hope Counseling Center. He also brought his daughters and mother to the stage for a time hugging and congratulations. We also sang happy birthday to Brian and his mother who had or will have birthdays during this week of April.

The residents of the Hope Center go through Christian counseling and are required to follow a regiment while there. The residents attend churches who invite them and some of them share their testimony. The residents are encouraged to find a church to attend and minister in after they exit and/or leave the Hope Center. We were honored to have them visit and our people also prepared a meal for them and all our visitors.

It is my understanding, that the recovery rate for alcohol and drug residents over the whole US population is approximately 30% for all counseling centers. The Hope Center's recovery rate is 58%. The basic thrust of their program is Christ, the Bible and Church.

We thank the Lord for the opportunity to reach out in our community through the Hope Center ministry. David Stephenson connected with the Hope Center and invited them to attend. We thank the Lord for the our people who worked diligently to serve an awesome meal to this number of people.

God delivers! God heals! God saves! "Thanks be unto God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! To God be all the glory!

NOTE: Following are some pictures. . . .apologies for the blurring ones. My photography skills are lacking. The clear ones were taken by my son-in-law, David Parker.

Brother David Stephenson shares his heart and introduces the men who shared their testimony.
My son Jason, daughter Sarah and granddaughter Aviana.
Enjoying the meal and fellowship.
More who enjoyed the meal and fellowship.

Mothers who received a token of appreciation from Sister Peggy Stephenson.
More who enjoyed the food the and fellowship.
Garrett shares his heart and tells how God spared him and delivered him.
My son, Jason, ministering in song.
Sister Susie Hill. The washtub bass playing lady.

More who shared food and fellowhip.
Brian, his mother and daughters.
Son, Jason and grandson, Zaiden.
The congregation.
Starting young. . .
The Washtub Trio. Gene Hill, Susie Hill and some other guy.