This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.My pastor, C.J. Martin of House of Purpose Ministries, will quickly tell you that he is a Psalm 150 preacher.  He believes in praising his Lord and Savior.  In fact, the very first words I ever heard him speak were a part of a praise.  He cried out, “Oh my Jesus!”  It was a poignant moment for everyone who heard it.If you’re not famil...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.My wife and I continue to be invited to speak, preach, and share testimonies at churches and other venues, nearly every week.  It has been a humbling experience.  Lately, the messages have featured my battles with depression and suicidal ideation; and my wife’s steadfast love in walking this journey with me. For thirty years (1979 – 2...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.An aspect of our ministry, My Brothers’ Crossing, is an outreach to those that find themselves incarcerated.  I would estimate that we are ministering to more than two dozen men who are behind bars at local and regional jails and state correctional centers.  I promise you that this is not a place that I ever saw myself as recent as th...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.One of my pastors, Mike Price, the pastor at T.R.A.S.H. Ministry in Collinsville, VA has an expression that he uses to encourage others.  He will say, “I am either up or I am getting up.”  What he is expressing through that simple statement is that He is pressing onward to a higher calling.  He confesses that he is not perfect.  He ac...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.This week, my wife and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary.  I also celebrated the one-year anniversary of having been ordained as a minister at House of Purpose Ministries in Bassett, VA.  This has resulted in the authority and responsibility to minister wedding ceremonies.  I have had the privilege and honor to conduct three s...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Just over two weeks ago, I accepted an invitation from this newspaper’s editor, Mary Kate White, to write this column on a rotating basis.  The way it is scheduled, I will submit a column once every four weeks for inclusion in the Religion Page of the newspaper.  I asked her why she would be interested in me contributing in such a way...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Just over three years ago, I returned to church.  I showed up at a church in Bassett on November 8th, 2015.  Why did I go to that church on that day?  The story is a compelling one, but the very simple answer is, because I was asked.  A transformation has continued within my life that did not exist prior.  Research shows an increase i...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.As I reflected upon what I might write for this week’s column, I was reminded of a story documented in one of the Gospels.  In the account documented by Luke, he tells of a situation involving two disciples who had an encounter with Jesus as they walked on the road to Emmaus.  This encounter took place after Jesus had emerged from the...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News Post.I remember a conversation that I had with a man who would become one of my pastors on November 13, 2015.  He spoke of lineage ministry and wanted to know what I knew of it.  I remember replying that I knew the Bible started with Genesis and ended with revelation, but that was about all I had at that point.  There was not much I could ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.It is with a sense of heaviness that I write this week’s column.  For nearly two years now, I have been given the opportunity to share hope and encouragement with readers of The Franklin News-Post.  I never thought myself to be much of a writer.  I have no idea as to any that I have made a connection with through this column.  I have ...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.Circumstances have certainly changed since the last column I wrote.  And the outlook for the next couple of weeks is sobering.  If you’re feeling melancholy, angry, or despondent, it is certainly understandable.  As I prepared to write this week’s column, I was reminded of a sermon I heard preached on August 21, 2016.  That date is no...  Read More

This article was originally published in the Franklin News-Post.I count it a privilege to be able to write this shared column for The Franklin News-Post.  Who knew when I wrote on the topic of priorities two weeks ago just how timely that would be?  Much has happened in our world since that column appeared.  It has been fascinating to see just what the priorities are for some of us.Certainly there...  Read More