Blessings to you all,
I am writing to you from the "Burgh," Pittsburgh. I had the privilege of preaching two of the three services at Macedonia Church. That is the home church of Pastor Gardenia and I. Macedonia is a great church of approx. 3500 with a great pastor Jason Barr. As many of you may know, he suffered a brain aneurysm nearly a year ago. While he continues to suffer with some short term memory loss, it is amazing to see how God is restoring him. He now preaches two services regularly and continues to travel across the country preaching. He was also a featured preacher at the Hampton Ministers Conference. Please continue to pray for him, his wife Kim and son Jason as well as the Macedonia family. It was also great to see Brian Edmonds who is a former member of TMFBC, our church in Charlottesville Virginia. He was a student at the University of Virginia while in Charlottesville. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Duke where he met his new bride, and is now on staff at Macedonia and doing an outstanding job.
We're getting a chance to see family and friends which is a great feeling. Many have heard and are excited about my new CD which will be formally released in Charlottesville Saturday, August 30. Again, I am so very grateful to all who participated in making this CD a reality. On August 31st I will preach at TMFBC. The following Sunday, September 7th will be the first service of Transformation Ministries International of Atlanta, to be held at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel on Rt 74 in Fairburn, Georgia. We are expecting a great time in the Lord and are looking forward to what God will do in this ministry venture. Please pray for TMFBC and TMI-ATL that God through these ministries will reach many lives and transform them into the likeness of our Lord. The challenges are great but our Lord is greater. In Him we place our full trust. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your path.
May God shower each of you with His love, grace and provision.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings Beloved,
It's amazing how God confirms His word. As I was sitting in the sanctuary of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church listening to Bishop Eddie Long, I was distracted by too many thoughts concerning our new ministry start here in Atlanta. So many things to consider, to plan, to do. I was reflecting how quickly things are moving here while I'm still seeking for the well-being of TMFBC in Charlottesville, VA, along with our well qualified staff there. I was enjoying the service but was feeling a bit low within myself. I won't go into much detail about what happened but in brief, I was hoping God would speak to me some how to reassure me that I was yet following His Will. Near the very end of service as Bishop was preaching and walking through the congregation, moving toward the back of the sanctuary he stopped and tapped me on my shoulder, took a few more steps toward the back, stopped and ran up to the pulpit to read a scripture he had not planned on reading. Guess what? That unplanned scripture spoke directly to my situation. God will use whatever method he chooses to to encourage, train, comfort and advance his word in the hearts and lives of his people. When feeling unsure, discouraged, distracted just know that if you ask, God will confirm His Word in your life. It may not be how you might expect but let your faith trust in the awesome power of God's Word and grace.
Much is coming together as we gear up for the first service. We have been surveying much of the Union City, Fairburn, Tyrone and Peachtree City areas. While there are a number of churches, the territory is very ripe for ministry. The area population is growing, there seems to be a hunger for, and appreciation for ministry, and excitement is growing for the ministry God is calling us to establish. The land seems good, the word is getting out and we're expecting great things in the Lord. The web-site for the ministry is under construction and should be up in the near future.
Finally, the release of "Now Is Our Time," my first music CD will be held in Charlottesville, at the Holiday Inn Hotel on Rt. 29 (next to Exxon and across from Kroger) at Hydraulic Rd. The release event will begin at 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Saturday August 30th, which also happens to be Rev. "D" and I's 22nd wedding anniversary. I will be signing copies for those who come. Events are being planned for a couple of other states as well. I am so grateful for all who contributed to this becoming a reality. This is the first of what I hope will be many more. My own ministry web-site is also under construction (not the one for the new church). From that site you will also be able to purchase the CD through PayPal. That will be ready very soon. I'll let you know when. The site will contain other ministry helps, articles, information on workshops and conferences and how to purchase other products. In all things my prayer is that God will be glorified, God's people will be blessed. I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, August 31st at TMFBC. I'll be preaching. As always remember we love you all. Let me hear from you. You can respond to the blogs though the public will not see your response. I will see them. In addition, the my new web-site when complete will enable everyone to reach me by e-mail. God bless all of you around the U.S. and the world.
Want to keep up to date with what's happening? keep reading my weekly blogs and tell others who may be interested.
It's amazing how God confirms His word. As I was sitting in the sanctuary of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church listening to Bishop Eddie Long, I was distracted by too many thoughts concerning our new ministry start here in Atlanta. So many things to consider, to plan, to do. I was reflecting how quickly things are moving here while I'm still seeking for the well-being of TMFBC in Charlottesville, VA, along with our well qualified staff there. I was enjoying the service but was feeling a bit low within myself. I won't go into much detail about what happened but in brief, I was hoping God would speak to me some how to reassure me that I was yet following His Will. Near the very end of service as Bishop was preaching and walking through the congregation, moving toward the back of the sanctuary he stopped and tapped me on my shoulder, took a few more steps toward the back, stopped and ran up to the pulpit to read a scripture he had not planned on reading. Guess what? That unplanned scripture spoke directly to my situation. God will use whatever method he chooses to to encourage, train, comfort and advance his word in the hearts and lives of his people. When feeling unsure, discouraged, distracted just know that if you ask, God will confirm His Word in your life. It may not be how you might expect but let your faith trust in the awesome power of God's Word and grace.
Much is coming together as we gear up for the first service. We have been surveying much of the Union City, Fairburn, Tyrone and Peachtree City areas. While there are a number of churches, the territory is very ripe for ministry. The area population is growing, there seems to be a hunger for, and appreciation for ministry, and excitement is growing for the ministry God is calling us to establish. The land seems good, the word is getting out and we're expecting great things in the Lord. The web-site for the ministry is under construction and should be up in the near future.
Finally, the release of "Now Is Our Time," my first music CD will be held in Charlottesville, at the Holiday Inn Hotel on Rt. 29 (next to Exxon and across from Kroger) at Hydraulic Rd. The release event will begin at 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Saturday August 30th, which also happens to be Rev. "D" and I's 22nd wedding anniversary. I will be signing copies for those who come. Events are being planned for a couple of other states as well. I am so grateful for all who contributed to this becoming a reality. This is the first of what I hope will be many more. My own ministry web-site is also under construction (not the one for the new church). From that site you will also be able to purchase the CD through PayPal. That will be ready very soon. I'll let you know when. The site will contain other ministry helps, articles, information on workshops and conferences and how to purchase other products. In all things my prayer is that God will be glorified, God's people will be blessed. I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, August 31st at TMFBC. I'll be preaching. As always remember we love you all. Let me hear from you. You can respond to the blogs though the public will not see your response. I will see them. In addition, the my new web-site when complete will enable everyone to reach me by e-mail. God bless all of you around the U.S. and the world.
Want to keep up to date with what's happening? keep reading my weekly blogs and tell others who may be interested.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
Greetings Beloved of God,
Today I was thinking about why it is that so many in the American church seems to approach "church" with little passion, little expectation, a negative/judgemental spirit and passive hope. Is it because our culture of plenty has increasingly conditioned us to be unimpressed with much of anything, including a Spirit led service or move of God? Is it because God has increasingly turned his face away? Perhaps it's a lack of understanding of what is our Lord's calling for the church. I suspect we could identify any number of reasons. However, perhaps the most devastating of all reasons is a loss of the joy of the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord at all times is evidence of a deep love, relationship and commitment to Him and His kingdom. Remember, Nehemiah declared in chapter 8:10 ".......the joy of the Lord is your strength." No matter what seems to be going on in your life, be it good times or not, rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice (from the Apostle Paul). If you haven't had it for a while, get your joy back!
Plans continue in preparation for the the first service of Transformation Ministries International - Atlanta. Specific details are being outlined not only for the first service but also for short term and long term goal setting. Ministry infrastructure is being defined as well as the development of a marketing strategy. Please pray for God's wisdom, guidance and favor as these efforts continue.
"Now Is Our Time" the long anticipated CD project is soon to be released. The release date will be on August 30 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The exact location and time has been determined. However, since the contract is yet to be signed I will wait until my next posting to officially let you know where and when. My prayer before beginning this project is that our God would be glorified and that the hearers would be blessed. This continues to be my prayer and that God would show favor in this effort. So, get the word out that the CD release is coming soon.
The next day I will be preaching at TMFBC. We will be so happy to see everyone that Rev. "D" and have been missing so very much. I continue to be so proud of our leadership team and congregation that continues to worship and serve with such excellence and unity. I truly believe that we will all be amazed at how God moves in TMFBC and the great future that lies ahead.
Please pray for Pastor Otis Spellman whose wife recently went home to be with the Lord after a long illness. Pray also for our dear friend and brother, Pastor Mohan Rao who will soon travel to the U.S. from India. Pray that God will grant him traveling grace and great favor while here.
Let me again give you the TMI-Atlanta mailing address: P.O. Box 38, Tyrone GA, 30290. If you would like to drop a line or card to Rev. "D" or I use the same P.O. Box. If you wish to make a financial contribution to this new ministry effort, make any checks payable to Transformation Ministries International or (TMI - ATL or Transformation Ministries Intl. Inc.).
To all of you in Virginia, throughout the U.S. and around the world, know that we love you and always remember you in our prayers. Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength!
Today I was thinking about why it is that so many in the American church seems to approach "church" with little passion, little expectation, a negative/judgemental spirit and passive hope. Is it because our culture of plenty has increasingly conditioned us to be unimpressed with much of anything, including a Spirit led service or move of God? Is it because God has increasingly turned his face away? Perhaps it's a lack of understanding of what is our Lord's calling for the church. I suspect we could identify any number of reasons. However, perhaps the most devastating of all reasons is a loss of the joy of the Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord at all times is evidence of a deep love, relationship and commitment to Him and His kingdom. Remember, Nehemiah declared in chapter 8:10 ".......the joy of the Lord is your strength." No matter what seems to be going on in your life, be it good times or not, rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice (from the Apostle Paul). If you haven't had it for a while, get your joy back!
Plans continue in preparation for the the first service of Transformation Ministries International - Atlanta. Specific details are being outlined not only for the first service but also for short term and long term goal setting. Ministry infrastructure is being defined as well as the development of a marketing strategy. Please pray for God's wisdom, guidance and favor as these efforts continue.
"Now Is Our Time" the long anticipated CD project is soon to be released. The release date will be on August 30 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The exact location and time has been determined. However, since the contract is yet to be signed I will wait until my next posting to officially let you know where and when. My prayer before beginning this project is that our God would be glorified and that the hearers would be blessed. This continues to be my prayer and that God would show favor in this effort. So, get the word out that the CD release is coming soon.
The next day I will be preaching at TMFBC. We will be so happy to see everyone that Rev. "D" and have been missing so very much. I continue to be so proud of our leadership team and congregation that continues to worship and serve with such excellence and unity. I truly believe that we will all be amazed at how God moves in TMFBC and the great future that lies ahead.
Please pray for Pastor Otis Spellman whose wife recently went home to be with the Lord after a long illness. Pray also for our dear friend and brother, Pastor Mohan Rao who will soon travel to the U.S. from India. Pray that God will grant him traveling grace and great favor while here.
Let me again give you the TMI-Atlanta mailing address: P.O. Box 38, Tyrone GA, 30290. If you would like to drop a line or card to Rev. "D" or I use the same P.O. Box. If you wish to make a financial contribution to this new ministry effort, make any checks payable to Transformation Ministries International or (TMI - ATL or Transformation Ministries Intl. Inc.).
To all of you in Virginia, throughout the U.S. and around the world, know that we love you and always remember you in our prayers. Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
TRANSFORMING YOUR WORLD
GREETINGS SAINTS,
Rev. Gardenia ("Rev. D") and I are in the Atlanta area. The first couple of days have been busy while we get organized in our living arrangements and trying to get some very much needed rest. We still have not caught up on the rest part but hopefully we'll get there soon. The weather has been hot but very nice. The mailing address for Transformation Ministries International and for Rev. D and I is: P.O. Box 38, Tyrone, GA 30290. If you would like to drop us a line, note or card and if you would like to make a contribution to this new ministry start, use the above P.O. Box. If you wish to send a contribution please make it payable to Transformation Ministries International.
Current plans are to hold the first worship service on the first Sunday in September. Until further notice, worship services will be held each Sunday at 11:00am, at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel on Route 74 in Fairburn, GA. There is a lot of work that must be done but we are confident that by God's grace, all will be accomplished according to our Lord's pleasure.
I am very pleased and proud of the great leadership and congregation of TMFBC in Charlottesville, VA as each report thus far has been encouraging.
Isn't it amazing to witness God moving and creating and to know we all get to share in His great work.
Please know that we love all of you in VA, GA, and our friends around the world. Pray for Pastor Mohan Rao who will soon be traveling from India to the U.S. and will come to TMFBC, VA. Please pray God's will and provision in all He leads us to do and that every need be met.
I love you all so much and always keep you in my prayers.
I realize this posting is a bit brief but this is a very busy time.
Rev. Gardenia ("Rev. D") and I are in the Atlanta area. The first couple of days have been busy while we get organized in our living arrangements and trying to get some very much needed rest. We still have not caught up on the rest part but hopefully we'll get there soon. The weather has been hot but very nice. The mailing address for Transformation Ministries International and for Rev. D and I is: P.O. Box 38, Tyrone, GA 30290. If you would like to drop us a line, note or card and if you would like to make a contribution to this new ministry start, use the above P.O. Box. If you wish to send a contribution please make it payable to Transformation Ministries International.
Current plans are to hold the first worship service on the first Sunday in September. Until further notice, worship services will be held each Sunday at 11:00am, at the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel on Route 74 in Fairburn, GA. There is a lot of work that must be done but we are confident that by God's grace, all will be accomplished according to our Lord's pleasure.
I am very pleased and proud of the great leadership and congregation of TMFBC in Charlottesville, VA as each report thus far has been encouraging.
Isn't it amazing to witness God moving and creating and to know we all get to share in His great work.
Please know that we love all of you in VA, GA, and our friends around the world. Pray for Pastor Mohan Rao who will soon be traveling from India to the U.S. and will come to TMFBC, VA. Please pray God's will and provision in all He leads us to do and that every need be met.
I love you all so much and always keep you in my prayers.
I realize this posting is a bit brief but this is a very busy time.
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