Bishop Bill

How blessed I am!

2007-05-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was able to play golf with Jason, Jeremy and Dr. Paul L. Walker at Bradshaw Farms CC in Atlanta. We won! Corrie and Kathy brought the children out to the course and we did some picture taking with our family and Dr. Walker. I'm reminded of God's blessings when I see these pictures!

Cooper David Sings!

2007-05-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

What an amazing piece of video this is that we captured on March 27th when we were visited Jeremy and Corrie! You will note the young man has talent and who is that mysterious voice in the background?

Let me know what you think!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0h6Aue0mf0

Our new grandson..Branson Christopher!

2007-02-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

This young man arrived into our world on Friday AM at 4:15 a.m. weighing 6 lbs 12 oz. and measuring 18 1/2 inches. His brother, Cooper David was eager to teach him to play the drums "doo" "doo" "dah". His brother is pretty BIG on his new brother. Unfortunately, right after these pictures, Cooper developed the "crupe" and had to be kept away from his brother.

Notice the t-shirt Cooper is wearing? It says "blame my brother". We are very thankful for this little boy!

Christmas in the Isaacs household 2006 version!

2006-12-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

The Isaacs clan (Bill/Kathy version) arrived on Sunday night and we have had a BLAST together. Everyone is growing older and Cooper is now at an age where communication is clearer and Christmas morning is exciting for him. Of course, he got the motherlode of gifts and candies...but all had a great time!

Cooper and I took advantage of Mimi's shopping and rode the carousel at the Mall of Louisiana. His favorite was the Tiger who goes "GRRR...!". We rode several times and my favorite words were "more...?" Thankfully, Uncle Jason had plenty of $$$$. He covered us.

Christmas morning found Cooper in his elf outfit opening a new toddler bed, drums (his parents will love the noise), a Derek Jeter t-shirt from New York Yankees, and plenty of UNC Tarheel stuff. A big breakfast and a nap put him into a great mood for the rest of the day.

Sixteen months later...

2006-12-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

This is the picture taken two weeks after Katrina hit New Orleans. This is the Amazing Grace church, underwater. Compare that with the picture shown of our completed rebuilding that was dedicated this week.

To God be the glory!!!!

Cooper David is MY MAN!

2006-12-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

While his father and mother were away on a recent ministry trip, Cooper David came to stay with me and Mimi. We had a blast. He is getting more verbal and can communicate with words what he is thinking. He loves macaroni and cheese, chocolate candy balls from Papa's office and riding the carosal in our mall. His favorite ride was the tiger.

More rededications in New Orleans

2006-12-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

The work in New Orleans continues as we remain focused on rebuilding lives, churches and ministries. Most of our churhces are now back to operational status in New Orleans and we are thankful. In addition, new ministry opportunities continue to present themselves. We know God is helping the Church of God to make a difference in New Orleans.

There is great momentum going on in the city and we are thankful for God's help in bringing some closure in these buildings. We rededicated the Amazing Grace church in Arabi with Pastor Ricky & Stacy Hager on Thursday night 12/7/06. This church has great potential in the St. Bernard parish community.

On Friday, 12/08/07, we dedicated the building for St. Paul Church of God in Christ with Pastor Ernest and Ernie Mae Dison. It was a grand evening. The building was rebuilt with the partnership of God's Pit Crew and Randy Johnson.

Cooper David continues to amaze!

2006-10-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Our family vacation this year was a delightful time. My parents and Kathy's mom were able to join us again and of course, the boys, their wives and Cooper David were there. The WAR on the SHORE was the result of four days of our golfing but the end result was Jeremy and I kicked some serious &*^%$# and retained our title. In singles, Jason "almost" beat me for the week, but didn't. He's getting close and I'll need to sharpen my game some as the years go.

Of course, Cooper David was the star of the week and with Branson Christopher coming, we know his little world is going to be ROCKED!!!! He talks to Kathy and me on the phone at night sometimes and though he just jabbers, it is music to my ears. Dr. Donald Walker, one of our former state overseers used to say that "grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own!" I don't know about that but I sure do enjoy grandfathering!

Honduras--Louisiana Partnership

2006-10-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

In the 2004 Louisiana Minsiters meeting, we adopted a resolution to form a strategic partnership with the Church of God in Honduras to help advance kingdom work. During the past two years, many thousands of dollars have been raised by LA congregations and individuals for projects which involved the Bible school in Sequatipique (pictured). This is how the building looked on Wednesday when I was present for the dedication of the dormitories. It will house 48 students in four quads of six persons. The building is wired for Cat 5 internet access and multi-media equipment. It is a splendid facility for the future! The building was dedicated to the Church of God in Louisiana and here it is the plaque unveiled by former National Overseer, Roman Cruz. We congratulate the Church of God in Honduras for its vision and the work that is being done to train pastors and leaders for the 21st century.

This past week we were joined by 26 workers from four states to complete projects. We had a blast. My good friend Jim Milligan (amigo) and my father joined the trip to lead their respective groups. Here we are standing in front of the parsonage we built in Saledito! The pastor is Brother Maldonado and we left knowing we had planted some good seed in this community.

God has blessed our state as the result of our mission emphasis. I'm so proud of what Louisiana is doing for the Kingdom of God!

Cooper David

2006-10-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

While Jeremy and Corrie attended their state ministers meeting Monday and Tuesday, Cooper David invaded our home. What a treat! We had a blast and were so happy to have him in our home. By the way, if you need to know anything about Baby Einstein CDs, give Kathy or me a call...we have them memorized. HA! Cooper is talking so much now and he loves communicating with adults. My favorite is to say --"raise those hands and say Hallelujah!" to which he will drop his chin and growl--"allejuah!!!" or something similar.

When ever the phone rings, he says "Jason?" Sounds like his uncle calls a lot!

BTW, he knows all 14 of the articles of the Declaration of Faith...what a boy!

An Evening of Honor

2006-09-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

What a treat this week for me and Kathy to join with our retired ministers, widows and widowers for two regional gatherings of fellowship, food and fun. On Monday night we were hosted by Pastors Pete and Flo Petry at Bedico for our southern region and on Thursday night we were hosted by Pastors Ron and Teresa Brown for our northern region. Both evenings were delightful and well attended by the honorees and their pastors!

A special treat was my travels with Bishop Nettles, our spiritcare director to the homes of those who were unable to attend due to health limitations. We visited in the homes of Ruth Turner, Marjorie Jenkins, Fannie Webb and Thomas Collins. I was moved to be in the presence of these faithful servants of the Lord. Sister Fannie Webb is 102 and as coherent as you could believe! She's hoping to make it to April 18th and her 103rd birthday.

Kathy and I humbly recognize how much our lives are enriched by our association with those who are ahead of us. The work of these pastors and leaders has impacted Louisiana and provided a place of ministry for us. People like Virgil and Bobbie Nettles are such important colleagues for us. When I spend time with George Bloomingdale and his wife Freida, I realize how special the fellowship of God's family truly is.

Regardless of years, the value of one human being to another cannot be emphasized enough. It is truly a connection of great worth to us.

I'm grateful to stand alongside these faithful people in the kingdom such Thomas Collins.

New grandson on the way!

2006-09-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Another grandson will be born into our family in February, the Lord willing. Jeremy and Corrie sent me this wonderful picture of our new grandson which they plan to name at this time--Branson Christopher. Cooper David is going to have a brother.

Jan Wright sent me this picture from our recent trip to the Virgin Islands. It pretty much gives the overall impact of the trip on Pat and I.

Dad and I are busy preparing for our upcoming mission trip to Honduras--October 14-21. There are 29 men and women going with us to help rebuild a parsonage in Saledito and a roof on another parsonage to San Juan Pueblo.

Hit that ball, Church of God!

2006-09-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

When my son Jeremy was just a small tyke, his mother would dress him up in his baseball uniform and bring him to the church softball games. He would stand against the fence, near our dugout and when our guys would come to the plate, he would yell -- "Hit that ball, Church of God!" Everyone would laugh and it was quite funny. I could not help but remember that as Cooper David hit whiffle balls off a tee with his dad and I in the parking lot of a shopping area in Gulfport, MS while his mother and Mimi were shopping. The boy can hit the ball, believe me! He is also a quick learner as evidenced by his ability to keep a toothpick in his mouth like his father.

Celebrating 28 years of marriage bliss!

2006-09-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I have been in St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands) over the past three days celebrating our anniversary. For years, our anniversary fell during the youth camp season and we always planned it for later in the year. Now that we are no longer responsible to run youth camps, we still plan our anniversary for later seasons in the year.

We have been joined on this trip by our good friends, Pat and Jan Wright.

Media Day in Virginia...

2006-08-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

As part of my developing relationship with God's Pit Crew and founder Randy Johnson, which has been such a great partner to Louisiana, I gave two days to travel to Virginia to do TV and radio work raising funds for their ministry. It was a whirlwind trip with radio time at the local K-Mart for Spirit FM in Roanoke, VA; a quick checkin to my hotel, a change of clothes and then 2 hours with WSLS-TV Channel 10 (the NBC affliate) for cameo spots and interviews which they will use in conjunction with the anniversary of Katrina and in raising of funds for God's Pit Crew's work in the 9th Ward. Then this morning, up at 6 a.m., a 90 drive to Lynchburg, VA to the studio of Spirit FM in Lynchburg, (under the shadow of Thomas Road Baptist Church) for the drive show of Brian and Linda where God helped us raise $15,000 for God's Pit Crew.

Wow! What a day and how God used our time. Great contacts and new friends for New Orleans. Two busloads of volunteers from these media outlets will arrive at NOMACC on September 17th.

This is me with Brian, the DJ who is a good brother and fellow COG member. He did a fantastic job in guiding our interviews and helping listeners to connect with our heart.

Right now, I'm sitting right now in the airport waiting to fly back.

Louisiana-Honduras missions

2006-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

We are just back (last night) from Honduras where me, Pastor Bryan Strickland, Pastor Jim Milligan and my father were preparing for our October ministry trips. We are excited about the things God is doing and we look forward to our teams from Louisiana, Tennessee and North Carolina working together to do some really great stuff like rebuilding a parsonage in Saledito where Pastor Luciano and his family live in very poor housing. We are also going to help make major repairs for the parsonage of Pastor Lopez Garcia in San Juan Pueblo which will involve a roof and floor work.

For our Louisiana family, as you can see the Lassiegnes (Morgan and Ena) are well and prospering. God is blessing the French Harbor church and they are very happy. He is helping us with logistics for our work teams.

We spent one night at the Hogar Esperanza orphanage in San Pedro and saw the children there which are so dear to our hearts.

Busy week ahead...we are planning to launch our new website this week. I'll let you know!

Honduras...here we come!

2006-08-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

By this time tomorrow, I'll be in Honduras with Dad, Pastor Jim Milligan, Pastor Bryan Strickland and our friend Pastor Morgan Lasseigne. We will spend one day in San Pedro visiting our little friends at Hogar Esperanza Orphanage and then move to La Ceiba where our teams in October will repair/build homes for two pastor's families. It's a quick trip back to San Pedro for a flight home on Saturday.

Me and a bunch of LA folks are working hard to finish our new book entitled What Our Storms Teach Us which will debut at the Ministers Meeting--September 29th. I'm excited to share it with you.

I'll have something to tell ya on Sunday!

Much love,
Bishop Bill

The Stephens arrive tomorrow!

2006-08-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

Brent, Sarah, James David and Abby Stephens arrive officially tomorrow to begin their tenure as Louisiana Youth & CE Directors. We are looking forward to welcoming them and working with them for the coming years.

My mom had eye surgery today and all reports are good. Dad says she is now able to see how incredible good looking he has always been. Remains to be seen what surgery can do to one's eyes!

Kathy has finished her cohort at Southeastern this week and boy is she glad....now she is launching a new ministry called Meara(?) or something that means women will be staying overnight at my house while I'm in Honduras next week.

Speaking of Honduras, Dad and I will meet Pastor Bryan Strickland and Pastor Jim Milligan in San Pedro Sula, Honduras next week to prepare for our October missions trip. There we will meet the two pastors and their families whose houses we plan to build.

Jason and Andrea, my two youngest children (well, she actually started with her mom and dad) are buying their first home this month. They are so happy in Louisville, they've decided to purchase a used home near their church. Andrea is nearing the educational finish line, so perhaps more grandchildren are coming???? and the work at River City seems to be getting more interesting every day. Kathy and I are so proud of them.
Cooper has not seen me in two weeks and I'm getting the vibe that he is not happy but Mom and Dad have been so busy they have not been able to meet me...perhaps when I return from Honduras??? Get the hint, Jeremy?

Taking 3 classes this semester (Preaching II, Romans and Galatians and Urban Ministries), finishing a book project for our state "What Our Storms Teach Us?" and with my election to the Council of 18 for our church, my fall is getting crowded...oh well...what's new?

Much love!

Kelly and Dana moved yesterday!

2006-08-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

How awful that yesterday ended Kelly and Dana's tenure as teammates with Kathy and me. These past four years have been so cool and we enjoyed working together. Kelly brought a spirit of excellence to everything he did and he was skilled in a number of areas which complemented my style. Most of all, he was my partner. Dana has a servant heart and was always willing to do whatever needed to be done. Ashten, their son is now 11 and he has been a fun guy to have around. He and I had some great "adult" conversations. We once spent a good afternoon debating "insurgency" in Iraq--not your typical 10 year old conversation. The Shopes are our friends and I admit I had something in my eye as their cadillac (which is leaking oil, BTW) pulled away from 4821 Tartan Drive.

We pray they will be happy and successful in Pennsylvania. They will be missed in Louisiana!

Wrapping up the General Assembly...

2006-08-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we got home from an exhausting week full of meetings, long days and nights and way too little rest. To say we were tired is to put it mildly. But then, we enjoyed our friends so much and this year we had added responsibilities to the meeting (Chairman of Ushers, etc.) Dad and I sat together again in the General Council on Tuesday (6th straight time). I was elected to the Council of 18, a tremendous and unexpected honor of my peers. This will be long remembered by me for its impact on my life. I am humbled by this action of my peers. Kathy won the award for Most Monies Raised in our state category--an exceptional honor for our Louisiana women! It was an eventful week in Indianapolis for us -- many things happened--we saw lots of people. We celebrated my good friend Randy Parris' 42nd birthday with Jan and Pat Wright. But the best thing about the General Assembly this was---COOPER DAVID was there and he said "Papa" when he saw me! He also played the drums on the stage at the RCA Dome after the Teen Talent awards!

General Assembly thoughts...

2006-07-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday. The 71st General Assembly ended this morning and we are heading home to Louisiana to get ready for the coming work assigned to us. Some thoughts about this experience...

Kathy and I are blessed to have many friends in ministry. This is a picture of me with Delbert and Saundra Rose who were our overseers in North Georgia. Our four years there were exceptional times of growth and development as leaders. The lessons learned there prepared us for our times in Louisiana! I love Delbert and Saundra.

Bobby Scott, Sr. is the State Overseer of North New England (Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire) and he was Evangelism Director of Tennessee when I was youth director 1994-98. We had a great time working together in the same office. His humor and practical way of living is always a joy to me.

71st General Assembly in Indianapolis!

2006-07-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I arrived this afternoon to Indianapolis for the 71st General Assembly of the Church of God. For those of you who cannot attend, both Kathy and I will be blogging our experiences for those interested here on a daily basis. We will also try to provide some pictures and information of what is going on. Check back daily for the latest!

We had lunch with Jason and Andrea at Jimbo's Barbeque in Louisville after church today.

Good eats and great family fun!

From Louisville, Kentucky!

2006-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I are here in Louisville, Kentucky this weekend as we make our way to Indianapolis, Indiana for the upcoming General Assembly. Our youngest son and his wife, Andrea are youth pastors at River City Worship Center here in Louisville and we are visiting with them this weekend. We will attend service there tomorrow and then make our way up I-65 to the BIG, BIG General Assembly. I'm very proud of Jason and Andrea as they are growing in the Lord and making a difference in their communities. I'm proud of their "world" mindedness toward sinners and their desire to connect their faith to the people they are around. We shopped for some shirts and ties last night and they were careful to point me in a more contemporary look...hoping I will ditch my "soon to be 50", trying to look younger mindset and go with the "retro 70s" look that is so prevalent in their lifestyle...FAT CHANCE!

New Wineskins at Robert Church of God?

2006-07-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening, July 8, Robert Church of God dedicated THE ZONE, which is their new child development and ministry center. For those of you familiar with the layout at Robert, it is, in fact, the old sanctuary with a new look. The old front has been replaced with a new drive-through for parents to drop off children. The sanctuary is now a contemporary blend of active colors with a redesigned platform and puppet stage. New multi-media equipment blasts the sights and sounds of a new generation. It is totally cool and innovative.

As part of those invited to participate in the dedication, I sat and watched the children who were gathered and watched the festivities. They ranged in age from small wobbly toddlers to teens who are active leaders in the ministry outreaches. They come from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Yet, in this environment, none of that matters. In fact, the seating is so child-friendly most adults will struggle to sit long—and that’s okay because too many adults will contaminate the energy of the room. This is an atmosphere dedicated to children—loud, engaging and interactive. There is no whispering in this room, no worrying about things to break or even honor. The room is a “go for it” atmosphere!

It’s the kind of room Jesus would hang out in! Seriously, Jesus got his fill of the stuffy, “no fun” religionists in his day. He chided them. He urged them to release so much of their anxiety and find peace in Him. They could not get it and so in order to preserve their world—they killed him.
Pastor Carl & Susan Webb are to be commended for the progressive leadership they are giving Robert and the people at Robert should be rightfully proud of this vision. The old building could have been torn down and a new one erected. Instead, the pastor and community of faith there decided to connect the past with the future. The old building now becomes a new building with new dreams, new vision and new expectations.

It’s the kind of place where Jesus hangs out!

Sitting there last Saturday, I realized—these people get it. They have both an understanding of Roots and Wings! We must always remember our heritage and the legacy of faith which enabled us. But we must constantly remember the world is a different place requiring energy and passion in new “wineskins” as Jesus taught.

July 15...

2006-07-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

What a busy week this has been for me! Two trips to New Orleans, a quick one day trip to Cleveland, TN for the Disaster Preparedness Summit, training a new secretary and youth camp! However, the weekend offers some retreat and relaxation.

Mark Smith and Sarah Hidey visited NOMACC this week. They are the coordinators for World Relief who has entered into an agreement with us to partner for local residents and to help in the recovery.

I'm pleased to announce that Cooper talked to me on the phone this week--Wednesday, in fact. As his daddy was ordering food at the drive-through, Cooper was given the phone and actually talked to me! It sounded like @#$%&*(), but grandpa translation went something like--"I wish I were with you!"

Kathy and I are busy preparing for the General Assembly in just more than one week. We will get to see our children and many friends. I'm serving as Chairman of the Usher Committee this year, so there is much work that is going on to get ready for that. Kathy has agreed to lead two prayer teams during the Assembly to intercede for Godly direction and anointing. She is excited about that.

My father and I are planning another trip to Honduras in August to prepare for a ministry trip in October for our mission partners. We are excited to anticipate this.

Be blessed and know that your life has great promise!

Command Center build-in begins!

2005-11-15T16:33:00.000-08:00

With the help of our brothers from Northport, AL, led by Pastor Joey Turman and Jerry Burroughs, the work of building in the necessary walls and plumbing for the New Orleans Command Center (NOCC) began today!

Chris and Rob are busy at work getting the water set up!

The electric hook-ups are taking shape!

It is our plan to have the facility ready by December 1 and begin housing teams the week of December 4...

When operational, the NOCC will:

Serve hot meals daily to residents and relief workers
House relief and ministry teams who come to work in the city.
Provide free food distribution to residents on a schedule weekly.
Provide chaplain services to those needing them in the affected areas.

Interested persons wanting to volunteer to work at the NOCC, should email Operations Coordinator--Ernie Maynard at gem@centurytel.net.

Teams from Florida and Viriginia are in the state!

2005-11-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

We thank God and acknowledge the work of relief teams from Largo, FL and Pulaski, VA who are working in St. Bernard parish this week.

The team from Largo, FL is led by Pastor Anthony McDaniel and they have been working to with Pastor Rick Hager to clean out and gut the Amazing Grace church in Arabi. We were by there today and they have done a tremendous amount of work in just one day. Their plans include removal of the present flooring structure and cleanup of all existing furniture and carpet. A number of appliances and office furniture had to be removed as well. Another team from Alabama will be at Amazing Grace in two weeks to complete the work that is not finished by this team.

The team from Pulaski, VA is headed by Pastor Jerry Collins and they are working with Pastor Terry Hammett to remove everything from the parsonage at Cornerstone. This house will be completely gutted and then decisions regarding our future plans will be determined. The homes in this neighborhood were flooded and most are not inhabitable.

Additional teams arrive from Pennsylvania next week. All our teams are being housed at the Manantial de Vida church in Metairie where Ernie and Gayle Maynard are serving as hosts and cooking their meals.

Thank God for all that is being done to help our churches who are in need. What a great family the Church of God is!

New Orleans Command Center Established!

2005-11-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that the State Council has approved today the acquistion/lease of a Command Center facility which will be located in Chalmette at 1010 Judge Perez Avenue. The 12,000 square foot facility will provide the hub of our work in the city and will enable us to mobilize our efforts to reach and help the citizens of New Orleans. This will be funded by a joint partnership with the International Executive Committee, Operation Compassion and Louisiana Church of God, Inc.

Our Disaster Response Team has done a tremendous job to this point in coordinating relief, recovery and reconstruction. We presently have projects on-going at Manantial de Vida, Amazing Grace, Faith Temple, Friendswood, Sharp's Chapel, Bedico and Cornerstone.

The facility will serve us in three initial areas of mission:

1. The distribution center for water, non-perishable food supplies, medical supplies and necessary items for local residents who need them. We envision that we will distribute items on a scheduled basis from this location and also transport via smaller trucks/vans to regional neighborhood locations.
2. We will house our relief and ministry teams in this location, getting them as close as possible to the ministry sites. This will allow teams to have a single location from which to work and will allow for maximize coordination on our part.
3. The work of chaplains and Men of Action teams through our denominational headquarters will be stationed out of the command center. This will enable networking within the Church of God and with para-church organizations to be done smoothly.

Our Disaster Response Team has done a tremendous job to date with the coordination of relief, recovery and reconstruction. We presently have projects ongoing at Faith Temple, Manantial de Vida, Amazing Grace, Cornerstone, Bedico, Sharp's Chapel and Friendswood. Until we are able to make the necessary adjustments, we are housing relief teams at the Manantial de Vida church in Metairie. More details will be forthcoming in days ahead.

We thank God for the efforts of so many in this time of need.

Lee University teams helps New Day feed St. Bernard!

2005-10-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

As we continue to increase our efforts for helping the residents of New Orleans, we are blessed to have so many people to help us...

--Teams from Tennessee are working this week at Chauvin, Friendswood, Faith Temple and Manantial De Vida.
--A team from Macon, Ga is working this week at Wardline.
--A team from Pulaski, VA will be New Orleans next week to work at the Cornerstone parsonage.

This past Saturday, Pastor Terry Ray and a team of students from Lee University (Cleveland, TN) were involved in a food distribution in the Arabi community (near Amazing Grace). According to Pastor Terry Ray, the group feed more than 500 persons! In addition to the food, they were able to distribute hope to people who are reeling from the devastation in these communities.

Good work..Pastor Terry and thanks to the Lee University students!

New Orleans...the task ahead!

2005-10-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I spent the day in New Orleans yesterday. The scenes still move me. We were able to get into the former Cornerstone church. It was my first time. The building is completely destroyed.

Due to some security issues, we were unable to reach Amazing Grace. The area around the church was secured by National Guard and they would not allow me in. We hope to see it later.

We are still attempting to arrange a building for a Command Center. Each time we get close to a deal, something happens to put the building out of reach. We ask that you continue to pray with us about this. There is a place and we must find it.

Tomorrow we go to Lake Charles to see the team from South Carolina who are working to repair the church at Le Bleu. Also we hope to see the parsonage at Living Waters.

The strategic plan for New Orleans is taking shape. The State Council meeting on November 11th will be an important step. We will need to forge a direction which identifies our possibilities and enables our efforts to be a "force" in the city!

Be encouraged!
Bishop Bill

Virginia donates car to Pastor Brenda from Chauvin!

2005-10-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

Administrative Bishop, Dr. Michael D. Baker and State Youth Director, Bishop J. Patrick Wright were instrumental in arranging for the delivery of a '98 Cadillac Deville to Pastors Brenda and Lucious Thibadeaux yesterday in Chauvin. This vehicle is the donation of Brother and Sister William Hatcher of Virginia. Brother Hatcher reported to his pastor and Dr. Baker that God spoke to him about giving the car to a pastor who lost a car in the hurricanes. In that same week, we had posted the update on the church and pastor at Chauvin. The decision was made in Virginia to provide this car to the pastor.

Upon receipt, Sister Brenda shared her testimony that 10 years before during another stormy time, God had spoken to her to give her car to a pastor in Texas who had lost his car. She shared with me that her husband questioned her and said--"are you sure God is telling you this?" But God gave her a confidence that He would provide for them and when she gave the car away, she shared with me that God spoke directly into her heart and said -- "one day I will bring this back to you!" She feels this gift from the Hatchers is the fulfillment of God's promises 10 years ago.

The automobile is in excellent shape with leather interior, 68,000 miles and new tires. The Church of God in Virginia arranged for insurance and transport to Baton Rouge through Pastor Riley from Tazwell, VA.

Pastor's Randall Baugus (Abbeville) and Kenny Flaming (Wardline) along with Reverend Kenneth Browning, were with me for the presentation and shared in the prayer time we had there in the church yard. How God touched and blessed us there!

We thank God for all that is being done by so many in the Church of God for the pastors and members of the Church of God in Louisiana!

HELPING HANDS COME TO COVINGTON-FREEDOM HOUSE

2005-10-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

The following report is submitted by Michelle Vega, a staff pastor at Forest Hill Church of God in Mobile, Alabama concerning their recent church trip to Freedom House Church of God in Covington, LA. Kathy and I went over to be part of the day's activities. The church does an annual block party for their community and chose this year to do this party for the Covington community at the campground adjacent to Freedom house. Our area pastors were invited as well to bring their churches. We appreciate Pastor Derwood and Jean Perkins for their commitment to Louisiana in this effort and many others as well. Enjoy the report...

It was no ordinary day for Freedom House in Covington, Louisiana. On Saturday, October 8, the Freedom House church grounds were flooded with 130 smiling faces from Forest Hill Church of God in Mobile, Alabama. Each year, Forest Hill holds a Block Party at their church as an outreach event to their community. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Derwood Perkins, Pastor of Forest Hill, along with his staff, decided to bless a community other than their own this year. After speaking with Jeff Hammond, the Pastor of Freedom House, and seeing a need in that area, it was determined to take the Block Party to the people of Covington.

The Party involved many facets of ministry to the community. As children and their parents poured onto the church property, they found numerous activities to engage in. Several inflatable rides, such as the moonwalk and an extreme obstacle course, were awaiting the children. Also, the kids could try their hand at various carnival type games at which they walked away with fun prizes. Giggles and bursts of laughter were heard all day long as the children took advantage of this day of fun.

One of the focal points of the event was a free give-away of backpacks filled with school supplies. The people of Forest Hill Church of God rallied together and brought 664 backpacks with school supplies to bless the children of Covington and surrounding areas. Each child that attended the Block Party received a backpack. The remaining backpacks were sent to local schools to be given to children who were displaced by the hurricane. One would have thought it was Christmas morning as with excitement children tore into their backpacks, anxious to see what was inside.

While the children played hard at the church, many Forest Hill men worked hard at the church and in the community. A construction crew busily tackled a project given to them by Pastor Jeff of Freedom House. Meanwhile, yard crews were dispatched into neighborhoods to remove fallen trees from the roofs, driveways, and yards of homes. The owners of those homes expressed their gratitude to the men with tears of thanks.

No one went hungry at the Block Party. Forest Hill provided a free meal for everyone. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, cold drinks, snow cones, and popcorn were all on the day’s menu. In return, Freedom House graciously cooked a wonderful meal for the Forest Hill team of workers. To help those who were in need, whether due to Hurricane Katrina or for other reasons, Forest Hill also gave out boxes of food and personal care items that had been provided by Feed the Children.

October 8 in Covington was a victorious day. Hope was given and the love of Jesus Christ was shared with all. The pastors of both churches were thrilled with the efforts and outcome of the party. Pastor Jeff Hammond commented to the Forest Hill workers, “You came at an opportune time. Covington needed this kind of ministry and you have impacted our community in a great way for Jesus. The best we can say is, ‘Thank you so much!’” --Michelle Vega

What a relief...good friends are!

2005-10-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today I was in Chauvin and Friendswood to check on our pastors and churches. Lucious and Brenda Thibadeaux were busy at work clearing out debris from their flooded home. It is so discouraging to see how much stuff has been pushed to the street in so many neighborhoods. Wayne and Joann Ponthier's house in Slidell was the same and there is this huge pile of debris out front to be carried away...everything on the first level lost!

I prayed with the Thibadeauxs and found them tired and weary from the journey. Thankfully, a relief team from Maryville, TN will be there on October 24th to begin the reconstruction of the damage from the flooding to their home. Another relief team from Pikeville, TN will be there to do the roof on the church.

I was able to see Pastor Earl Naquin today and visit with him. There is so much damage to Friendswood! A relief team is there this week from Locust, NC (Providence COG and some good Methodist men...I promised them I would mention that!) are putting a new roof on the church. What a big job but it does appear they will finish by week's end.

Another team from Millersburg, OH is in the state working at Manantial De Vida to complete the work there. A great group from Fredricksburg, VA was here last week and worked at Manantial De Vida and ministered with New Day Christian Center in Lakeview. How we appreciate these people and their pastor--Donald Jones!

Relief teams are coming in the next week to work at Wardline, Chauvin, Faith Temple. Teams have already been here from Michigan, Georgia, California, West Virginia, Indiana. Others are coming from Tennessee and North Georgia.

What these volunteers and the many financial partners who have contributed to our Disaster Relief Fund do is remind us that we are not in this journey alone. God has provided good friends who walk alongside us and help us as we move forward. What a great family the Church of God truly is!

Tomorrow, Bishop Kelly and I will head over to Weatherford, TX for the Open Discussion Forums being hosted by our Executive Committee to present and discuss six new initiatives for our church which are likely to be on the agenda for the upcoming General Assembly. There are 11 of our pastors who are planning to attend. We return late Thursday...

Our Holiday Celebration will be November 11-12 at the Holiday Inn--Alexandria. The theme is "Affirmation!" Our special guests are Randy and Rhonda Parris from Akron, OH. If you have not reserved a space or ticket, please email me mailto:bill@lacog.org.

Anticipate!
Bishop Bill

Today is Saturday in Louisiana...

2005-10-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Gideon's Few blog! Yeah, I made the move and hope this new technology will enhance our connection by allowing me to add pictures to the text. Also, my posts will be shorter in length (which will please my son, Jason!)

Our disaster response team visited New Orleans yesterday to view some possible sites for our Command Center which we propose will be the hub our ministry vision for restoring New Orleans during the next 12 months. We still are praying for the right place and would appreciate your prayers as well.

Relief teams are in our state during the coming 2-3 weeks to help 11 congregations with roof and interior repairs. Those churches are Wardline, Sharp's Chapel, Freedom House, Chauvin, Friendswood, Faith Temple, Manantial De Vida, Manantial De Vida-Westbank, Le Bleu, Living Waters, Amazing Grace. There is much we are doing and we are grateful for those who are coming to our assistance.

We had visitors from Tennessee and Pennsylvania in our state this week making plans for involvement with our churches. It is apparent that help is available to those who need it.

The coming weeks and months will require great patience as we recover and restore our lives and ministries from the storm's impact. A few things are apparent to me...

God is still in control of our lives, families and churches.
God was our source before the storm and remains so today.
No weapon formed against us has the power to prosper.

Stay encouraged!

Bishop Bill

2005-09-19T20:44:00.001-07:00

Four weeks ago today, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast was changed...in time we will be able to describe to others in what ways and how...for now we are focused on standing up...we are helping each other and growing.

Tomorrow will offer me and our team the first "look-see" at the affected churches in New Orleans. We hope to be able to see as much as officials will allow. Tomorrow night's email will contain more details and descritions.

Operation Compassion continues to supply food, supplies and help to those in the affected areas. I'm told that 2% of New Orleans has power and 20% of the north shore. NBC news was in Bogalusa this weekend and if you saw the report you know this community, though unnoticed by many, has suffered great loss. We have been sending supplies up to Bogalusa from the Covington Distribution Center. Remember this area in your prayers. Dr. Ted Long and his church team have done a great job in working with Operation Compassion in Baton Rouge for the needs of many. Pastor Nick Hager has coordinated a number of projects, including temporary housing for New Orleans pastors, to help us as well. Pastor Lance Baker in Shreveport and the people there have blessed many. Yet, is not possible to mention all the things being done in the many local communities of Louisiana. I marvel to consider that every community in our state has felt some effect of the storm. Pastor Robert Sharpton and Pam have been housing those who were displaced from New Day Christian Center. Pastor Wallace White and Linda have been blessed by 120 friends, members and others from Faith Temple and on and on it goes! There is true synergy within our ranks for the challenges ahead. It's why I know we will make it!

Relief teams from Missouri, Texas, North Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana and West Virginia have been or will be in the state this week doing clean-up and helping local residents with storm damage. We are grateful for the partnerships which this challenging time has afforded us. What we are discovering is what we all truly knew in our hearts--THE CHURCH OF GOD IS A TRULY CONNECTED FAMILY!

Our ministers and spouses will gather in Baton Rouge (Maranatha) on Saturday (1 p.m.) for what promises to be an emotional gathering (our first since the storm) and time to forge a "together" direction for the future. Bishop Orville Hagan is planning to be with us and as our Executive Committee liaison, you must know he has been working so hard to help us in many different ways! What a friend he has been to Louisiana during this season. The document attached will give you some idea of where we believe the future points for us.

Finally, our state office team is working hard and on those occasions when you try to reach us by phone and don't...please understand we are likely talking to others. Your patience is so appreciated. Emails are another good way to reach any of us as we try to return all emails daily as well as phone calls.

Be blessed today!

Bishop Bill

Bishop Bill

2005-09-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday...in Louisiana!

2005-09-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Whew! We left early to drive to Houma with some brothers from NGA who came to inspect the damage with us at Friendswood, Chauvin and Grand Caillou. Here is what we found...

Friendswood has much more damage that originally thought. Large sections of the roof have been damaged and will require significant repair. There has been significant water damage to the pews, the carpet (which required removal), the sound system, the choir rooms and the gym. The walls of the sanctuary will require removal and replacement of the wet sheetrock. Insurance will help some but there will be the need to help this church recover. Pastor Earl was encouraged to receive support from the church in Conyers, GA. Please remember this church.

Grand Caillou has some minimal damage to the exterior. Thankfully, no flooding in the area.

Chauvin church has experienced a major damage to its roof. Pastor Naquin and Pastor Brenda's husband are working to get the roof covered with tarps until we can make some decisions on replacement of this roof. Unfortunately, the church has no insurance to cover the damages. We left the first month's income replacement from the Texas congregation who is sponsoring her. Electricity has recently been restored and we are trusting God for improvements soon.

From there we drove to the outskirts of New Orleans...how I wanted to go in...but roadblocks discouraged our courageous thoughts. The city is on my heart and in my head as we consider the unique opportunity God has provided us to rebuild the presence of our churches and the COG in New Orleans. Would you help me pray about rebuilding New Orleans? Strategic partnerships are necessary and available. God's heart for the city is obvious. Can God use you and me to be part of the INCREDIBLE vision for the city?

We returned to Covington to meet up with General Overseer, Dennis McGuire who was able to visit there today but we missed him. The ministry of Lonnie Stewart--Meals on Wheels is set up there and providing hot meals to the people of the parish. At present, only 20% of St. Tammany Parish has power restored, so the meals are greatly appreciated! A medical clinic was set up today with a doctor and LPN to meet patients and help with needs. There has been great response to that. People continue to come in droves. An estimated 400 cars per day are lined up from 3-6 in front of the old state campground.

We did not visit Slidell today, although we did yesterday. Our relief teams are going into Slidell next week to help in some neighborhoods with storm debris. The mayor of Slidell estimates that 10,000 homes have been destroyed in this area. Operation Compassion served 3500 hot meals at the community outreach site which is being staffed by many of the faith-based organizations in front of Wal Mart (exit 83).

Today was a good day for our people...and our neighbors.

I pray tomorrow will be a day of spiritual enrichment for you and your church. Keep praying..

Anticipate!

Bishop Bill

Today is Friday...in Louisiana!

2005-09-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Bill George from the COG Evangel is in town to see the need, interview people and share his heart. We have traveled today to Covington, Slidell, Amite and Franklinton. Franklinton, LA was hit in a major way. I traveled down LA 10 to LA 25 South and as we got closer to town, the devastation was major. In some of these communities, we will not have power for many weeks.

A team of pastors and their wives took food and supplies from Covington to the town of Bogalusa, LA today. This is their second trip up there. Yesterday, six people gave their hearts to the Lord! Apparently, not much Red Cross activity has been done there.

We finally got to talk with Earl Naquin last night and found that Friendswood has significant damage to the roof and will require 121 squares of shingles. There was a good amount of water in the sanctuary that required the removal of the carpet in some places. Insurance adjusters are determining the replacements costs and we will join with this church to repair the building soon.

Chauvin is now also accessible by phone and Sister Thibodeaux reports significant roof damage that will require immediate action. A relief team will be in the area there tomorrow to determine what needs to be done and plans to return this next week to make the repairs.

A hot meals cooking team from Texas arrived in the state today and served over 3,000 meals in the greater Covington area, according to Operation Compassion. They are also serving meals at Slidell where we visited today.

Tomorrow, things will be better than today!

Keep hope alive!

Bishop Bill

update

2005-09-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

First of all, I apologize that we have not made more information available to you. Many of you have been calling and are having trouble getting through. We simply ask for your patience to understand the volume of calls (averaging 50-100 per day) from all across the country and even from the mission field. I'm trying daily to return calls and answer the loads of emails each night when I return from that day's travels and site visits. Not complaining, just providing some explanation for the delay in getting back to you.

None of us were prepared for the impact Katrina had, nor was there an understanding of how huge this relief effort would be. From the start, the State Council and I determined we would have three initial priorties...

1. Assist in the relief of victims of the storm in both the North Shore affected areas and New Orleans.
2. Provide financial support to pastoral families who in many cases would be without income for many weeks do the operation of their church being impacted.
3. Provide support to local churches in the affected areas to assess damage, develop plans for recovery and rebuilding.

In response to the needs for relief, we entered into a relationship with Operation Compassion and set up emergency relief centers in Covington, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport. Trucks have been sporadic and in some cases have not materialized as expected. However, the good news is we have ministered to literally thousands of families who have sought food and necessary supplies during the days following the storm's impact. The many volunteers and pastors deserve our heartfelt thanks. We have tried to be the LIVING, VISIBLE PRESENCE OF GOD in a hurting community.

In response to our concerns for pastor families, Kathy and I have worked with churches, pastors and corporate entities to provide what amounts at this point to more than $125,000 in replacement income to pastors in the 21 affected churches. Pastors are receiving these funds in partnership with their sponsors and not thorugh the state office. We commited to our pastors that we would not allow pastors to suffer financial loss as a result of the storm.

In response to the need to help local churches, we continue to talk and assess with each pastor the needs which are before us. In the north shore communities, the power is begining to return and as it does life is returning to a sense of normalcy although there is still many needs in these areas. We plan to keep the relief centers open for the weeks ahead. As Operation Compassion provides the trucks, they will be sent to the sites.

The paradigm will slowly turn from recovery to relief to rebuilding. This will be the challenge of New Orleans. As we shared with you last time, of the seven churches in the city, several are severly damaged and many have at least water damage. Faith Temple for example has lost its roof and there is extensive water damage to all parts of the building and annex. We still don't know what the outcome is for Cornerstone, Lighthouse and Amazing Grace.

I was able to pray with Pastor Jose' Ramirez today and believe with him for the repair of his church at Manantial De Vida. We have water throughout the building and black mold in the church.

Today, Pastor Mike McDermott and his wife Becky were in Baton Rouge and traveled with me to meet the couple they are supporting. They pastor in Baltimore, MD and are committed to our needs and will be a strategic partner for New Orleans.

The editor of the COG Evangel is in our state this week to meet with affected pastors and churches and to help to share the story of what God is doing among us. He will visit Alexandria, Covington, Slidell and other possible locations.

A relief team from Texas is housed at Pastor Ted Long's church, Maranatha, as they work in the Amite areas to relieve the many trees which are down. Another team from North Georgia will enter the state this coming week to work in Slidell and Covington. Still another relief team from Tennessee will arrive on Sunday, the 18th to work in Covington. You have to know that there is much to do and God is sending many to help.

Finally, (and I do mean this is the end) I want to tell you that none of us wanted this storm nor have we enjoyed its impact, devastation or pain. However, there is a bright hope for tomorrow. We will rebuild. We will return to our places of ministry and do significant things for God. This is not a time for discouragement but courage. Last night, before retiring to bed, I penned these 10 things we need for the days ahead and as we consider our journey to rebuild New Orleans. They are only a framework to consider and pray about. You may want to add to the list. I welcome that and would encourage you to respond. I would like to hear from you.
1. We will need large amounts of financial resources to go along with insurance settlements to rebuild and repair our properties.
2. We will need numbers of volunteer relief teams to help with the massive clean-up from flooding, looting and damage.
3. We will need significant prayer support from our partners to battle moments of discouragement and despair.
4. We will need courage to hear God’s voice and act upon His commands to inhabit the city.
5. We will need to refocus our priorities and watch for the temptation to focus our energies on our needs and not the needs of the lost.
6. We will need to prepare for battles with legal, civil and spiritual forces who want to limit the influence of the church in the city.
7. We will need the compassion to "weep with those who weep" and "mourn with those who mourn."
8. We will need to be the LIVING, VISIBLE PRESENCE OF A MIGHTY GOD in the midst of hurting and needful people.
9. We will need patience to endure what promises to be a long journey to recovery.
10. We will need each other...TOGETHER...in UNITY to accomplish this goal.
Just know this...Kathy and I care. We believe in our future and we are committed to the vision God has given us.

Good evening!

Bishop Bill