February 2025

Gò0dNews

Back Row (L to R): Darrin Douglas, licensed funeral director; Mason Holliday, funeral assistant; Perry Horner, funeral assistant; Marc Rush, licensed funeral director; Jim Hibbard, funeral assistant. Front Row (L to R): Brent Swanson, funeral assistant; Robert Bankston, funeral assistant; Judy Satterfield, administrative assistant; Kathy Partin, family services; Joseph Bathe, funeral assistant; Darla Rush, administrative assistant; Greg Rush, licensed funeral director. Not pictured: Jenna Eve Picou, licensed funeral director; Harold (Joe) Parker, funeral assistant; Susan Harper, after care-family support.

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix

April Engstrom

Chrissie Joy Jackson

Douglas Baynes

Filip Brunner

Garrett Nudd

Granger Hughes

James G. Rogers

Jamie Renee Hill

Jan Merop

Jeff Pitts

Norma Ferguson Hill

Paul McGuire

Rodney Jones

Steve Knapp

Vicki Martin

Dr. William Lamb

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paula Knipp

423-310-4207

FACEBOOK

GoodNews CM

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewscm

Hello Friends,

We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Disclaimer

All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

Selective Hearing?

by Jeff Pitts

This May, I will turn 47. This strategically places me at the peak of the supposed “hill.” Not really climbing up and not quite rolling down. My kids often tease me that as I have reached this middle age, that my hearing is slipping. I don’t think that is true. I think it is quite possible that my hearing has just gotten more selective.

Our family has been in a season of seeking the Lord for some specific answers. The odd thing is what we keep hearing from God is nearly the opposite of what seems likely. While I am always open to the miraculous, I have asked, am I just selectively listening? Am I just hearing what I want? Or is God selectively speaking?

The gospel of John states it clearly: “the sheep know the voice of the shepherd.” The voice of the Lord is familiar. It is certain; it is clear. It lacks confusion. When the shepherd speaks, sheep listen.

So what do we do when hearing is hard?

First and my least favorite is to quiet the world around us. In real life and in digital life, our world is noisy. It clamors and clangs with bells and bings to attract our attention. I have found that God is most often in the whispers and does little shouting over the crowded spaces of our lives. Step one is simply to get quiet. Still your life. Still your heart. Most importantly and maybe most challenging is to still your mind.

minutia, it gets hard to measure moments when they pass fleetingly and at the same time subtly. Days are years and years are blinks all at the same time. But if you will write down when you hear and what you hear, you can reflect back and see them lining up like road signs that have been pointing you in a direction.

A good friend of mine described a season he was walking through as a map with all the roads laid out but none of them

labeled. You drive, walk, or step, letting the map lead you, uncertain of the destination because your map is unmarked. But the obedient thing to do is keep moving.

Second is to measure what you are hearing against God’s word. What the Lord says will never contradict what the Word of God says. He will not lead you into temptation or sin. Instead, He leads us into green pastures, beside still waters, causing us to lie down and find rest. He leads us into blessings. He walks with us in valleys and on mountaintops. But never, ever will what He says contradict His Word.

Third and really practically, document the season. I recommend a journal. Like many things that move in the

Here is what years of learning to listen and trust have taught me. When you get to the crossroads and intersections of uncertainty, He will whisper, “This is the way, go in it” (see Isaiah 30:21).

So maybe neither of us is selectively hearing or selectively speaking. Quite possibly He is waiting to speak at the exact moment we need to hear, “This is the way…”

Jeff Pitts, with his wife Rachael, pastor The Collectives Church in Cleveland. He can be found enjoying local coffee shops and tacos.

FShadows and Uncertainties

Money Matters Granger Hughes with

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community. He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

ebruary starts us thinking about winter, spring, and a furry little groundhog that is supposed to predict the weather. If he emerges and sees his shadow, then six more weeks of winter! If he does not, early spring is predicted. The weather in Pennsylvania is not the same as in Florida or California, and still, the whole country monitors what Phil the Groundhog will do. We are accustomed to Groundhog Day and the shadow of a rodent giving weather advice!

The humor in this made me think about one’s retirement and financial planning and how often people rely on myths, outdated methods, and a blanket approach to investing. This is where the importance of having a financial advisor who truly knows you, your situation, and your goals makes a difference in developing your personalized retirement game plan. It’s not the same as your friends’ and neighbors’ plans, just like the weather is not the same in Tennessee as in Pennsylvania.

Retirement planning doesn’t start at retirement. During your working years, you are in what we call the accumulation phase. This is when you are investing and saving towards retirement. During this phase, investors tend to tolerate risk more based on the number of years until retirement. It is still a time to be proactive in managing those investments. The dated method of Buy and Hold may or may not be the best approach for everyone during this time. Actively monitoring your investments, making changes and adjustments when needed, and meeting with your advisor during these years are just as important to your success as doing these things post-retirement. A Roth Conversion might be a topic to discuss with your advisor while still working to better manage taxes before retirement. If your employer offers a retirement plan such as a 401k, working

with your advisor to ensure you are taking advantage of all matching and tax deductions available is a huge piece of the accumulation phase as well.

As you near retirement age, your risk tolerance would most likely be reduced to a less aggressive number to prepare for the distribution phase. This is also a time to look at income tax planning and how where you draw funds from will impact your overall income tax situation. Your specific situation and need will also determine when you should start drawing Social Security and how any other income may impact the taxable amount of your Social Security. For those who retire before age 65, the cost of health insurance should be discussed in detail as it will have an impact on your budget until you reach Medicare age. Some don’t retire until age 65 or after. Did you know that you could be charged a Medicare income-related monthly adjustment or IRMAA fee on Medicare Parts B & D if your income for the past two years is above a certain amount?

All these various moving parts are why having a relationship with an advisor whom you trust, and who customizes each retirement plan to each client is crucial to your success in retirement. A one-size-fits-all plan by an advisor who doesn’t act in a fiduciary capacity, without a toolbox of various investment options, (i.e. Punxsutawney Phil predicting the weather for the entire country) can’t tailor a plan to your exact situation.

No matter what stage of retirement planning you are in, we would welcome the opportunity to sit down and learn your unique situation and goals. HRG’s goal is to help create your Retirement Playbook™ by developing your game plan and coaching you through your retirement season.

Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.

Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.

Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.

There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.

Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes.

If you're ready to take the next step in your retirement planning journey, call (423) 664-4203 today to explore your

for Everyone

The Value of Leftovers

by Vicki Martin

Iclosed my eyes and tried to imagine the busy, little kitchen as the oven door opened, releasing the tantalizing aromas of sweet, warm butter and tender, flaky biscuits.

I could almost hear the soft rumbles of stomachs growling in protest as the large family of eight sat nearby waiting for their plates and appetites to be filled.

What took me by surprise about the nostalgic story my mother-in-law shared with me one day was the single item most wanted by all on those early mornings so many years ago.

Her mother called it a ‘pone.’ It was the small bit of leftover dough that was shaped and placed in the pan alongside all the other perfectly formed biscuits.

It wasn't always pretty.

It was made up of the scraps, the leftovers after all. Yet, it was the most wanted, most coveted, tiny, little biscuit.

The one all the children fought over.

She laughed as she recalled begging her mother for what had become her favorite biscuit.

As I thought about her heartwarming recollection of the small, pone biscuit, I began to wonder, “why did that little, misshapen, lump of leftover dough become the one everyone wanted?

It's so easy these days to compare ourselves to others.

Social media makes everyone's lives seem unrealistically ideal. Unhealthy views are formed of seemingly perfect jobs, perfect spouses, perfect families, perfect vacations, and sadly, even perfect ministries as we scroll through the endless photos and posts we see daily.

In reality, nothing and no one is without flaws.

John chapter 6 tells the miraculous account of Jesus feeding the five thousand with a little boy’s simple lunch. However, there's a part of that story that is often overlooked. Jesus instructed the disciples to gather the leftovers. In verse 12 He told them to “...gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” The bits and pieces that were leftovers served a purpose. They may have seemed insignificant compared to the miracle that had just taken place, but Jesus knew the value of leftovers. Nothing is worthless or meaningless when placed in His hands.

You may feel small or perceive that your life is nothing more than leftovers made up of unfulfilled dreams, hopes, and ambitions.

*Be encouraged today that, “Small things are not always contemptible. It all depends on the hands in which they are.”

Don't throw away or toss something in the trash that God has blessed you with just because it doesn't appear to measure up to everything or everyone around you.

1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV queries, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” This verse reminds us of the very important truth that, “Little is much when God is in it.“

Why not take the scraps and gifts God has given you and allow His Hands to shape it into something of great value? Being in the Hands of God makes all the difference.

You never know. What appears to be the insignificant, the scraps, the leftovers of today may just be the very thing that everyone wants most tomorrow.

*(The quote "Small things are not always contemptible. It all depends on the hands in which they are" is attributed to Fyodor Dostoevsky, the famous Russian novelist, philosopher, and author of works like Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov).

Vicki Martin lives in Cleveland, Tennessee. She is a minister’s wife and a mom. Vicki has written articles for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She loves to write, cook, and collect antiques.

Gò0 dNews for Men Promised Victories

by Paul McGuire

Trusting in the Lord is always the right thing to do, even though it often would seem vain, but for our faith in who He is. Pay no attention to offers of doubt by the accuser, the devil: he’s always a liar. Let that be a measuring rod: if what he subtly offers is opposite to or compromises against what God says and has promised, then immediately lash out against it, against him. The offer of doubt by the accuser is an act of war against you and against your faith in the Father.

“He’s a varmint, shoot him!” Yes, “Shoot them lies down” like you would shoot down enemy attacks by land, air, or sea. These attacks come in as annoying “flies,” as tormentors.

God has given us weapons; we must use them with force.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 NKJV, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

James 4:7 ESV, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

His promises are always true, and the ones we will choose to accept and run with by our own words of agreement, are all the more powerful because now His Holy Spirit is free to exert His Power through our words. That’s the way He works, by us using our free will (I call it the “power of invitation”) in agreement with His plans. So we must continue to fight like, not just “cats and dogs,” but like the winning warriors we are when we battle in the authority of Jesus’ name and His promises.

So be encouraged in your battles. God has victories for us, just out ahead of us, in their time. The “timing” of them is for the greatest effect. Remember that He always works in the “fullness of time.” That’s right. And there is always, always complete victory for those who signed up and participated in the previous warfare. Our weapons in Him are always much more powerful than those of the enemy. The enemy must steal, must trick, to even have weapons. The Lord has stripped him of actual power and weaponry. His trickery and deceptions are strong, but God’s truth is always stronger. We always win in Him. Keep fighting with the Lord’s weapons, and don’t stop. We are winning. And in Jesus, we’ve already won! We will see the promised victories. Our Father has promised.

Paul McGuire has been born again for over 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of over 50 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren.

for Women

Fire & Ice

by April Engstrom

Recently we decided to take advantage of a nice cold day before a storm to burn some yard waste before it got soaked again. I found the fire mesmerizing, as the flames licked and devoured our waste.

Being from a state that has been completely devastated by fire, sometimes it’s hard to see fire as something good. But as I sat there examining the fire, in my completely drenched backyard, I couldn’t help but think of just how many times the Bible refers to fire. It was such an integral part of how the Hebrews lived, and it’s an analogy that

we can still clearly picture today. In Isaiah, He talks about having the angel of the Lord use coal to cleanse Isaiah’s lips. In Zachariah, God uses the image of fire to purify His people and draw them back to Himself after judging them fiercely. Over and over we see how God uses the imagery of fire as cleansing that which is tarnished and providing purification. This is a lot like how God used the forest fires to protect the forests. How nature itself would remove the underbrush that would choke out the good growth and give the forest new life.

It hit me right there in my little woods how much God needed to ignite a fire in my life. I’ve spent the past two years surviving point A to point B, moving from one point to another. I’ve clung to God in desperation, but not in a sense of growth. This year, the word God laid on my heart is ROOTS. As I was watching the fire, God just hit me with it. He needed to let me go through the fire of the last two years to cleanse the underbrush. The stuff that I clung to instead of Him. I had grown too dependent on being self-sufficient that I didn’t even realize I was choking myself. And now I need to let him put out the coals. I need to stop surviving and start allowing Him to begin the next process.

Next, He showed me through ice. We didn’t think we’d get snow, but it came, and in that blanket God reminded me of His provision. God brings the snow and the leaves to provide a protective cover in winter for the new growth that is starting right underneath. The seeds are already there, the new life is just sitting in expectation of what will happen next. While it waits, it sits safely below the surface. God shows us His purification once again through snow; He will make us white as snow.

Now my challenge is to wait out the winter, to snuggle in as close as possible to the Word that gives life, to be surrounded by His warmth as the roots get ready to sprout. I challenge you as well. Find the areas God has been cleansing in your life, and cling to His words. Take the time to read the Bible and get ready for your next season. It’s been a rough two years, what is God preparing you for?

References: Isaiah 6:6-7; Zachariah 13:9

Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at

for Relationships

What is Your Rhetoric Like?

by Dr. William Lamb

Rhetoric, the art of persuasion, impacts us all.

Everyone that communicates to another uses rhetoric, in some way, although they may not even know what it means. In the world of academia, rhetoric aims to study techniques used by writers and orators to inform, persuade, or motivate their readers and listeners. With time and experience, we tend to pay very close attention to one’s rhetoric. We tend to focus more on how a person says what they say—than what they say. Perhaps this is because of emotional wounds from abusive language. Perhaps it’s learned behavior, to question everything. Perhaps this is the result of defaulting to the negative over the positive. Perhaps humanity kicks in and one is easily frustrated by another resulting in creating distance and division.

I wrote this article prior to, and you are reading it after the recent election of the next president of the United States. This is important to know because we live in a culture where the techniques for many writers and orators includes slanderous, abusive, ungentle, vitriol, and even ungodly rhetoric. If you are like me, you must be tired of all the negative chatter and talk that we just tunneled through during the November election cycle. While we see this abusive rhetoric in the political arena, we also see it in the church. This should not be. Becoming keen to how things are said is vital to one’s success in relationships. Being willing to be challenged on our own communication tone and rhetoric is also a key to success in relationships.

Unfortunately, because of the human factor – that’s you and me – rhetoric can be negative although we should seek to make it positive. We are the only ones who can make the necessary changes in our rhetoric. Our words really do matter and how we use them will impact others in various ways. Scripture (Ephesians 4:29) reminds us of the value and importance that the words we speak should be edifying to others. We should have wholesome and beneficial communication and avoid corrupt chatter. While I concur completely with holding each other accountable and that sometimes we are to correct each other, this can still be accomplished with tender hearts and healing words. So, let me ask you again: What is your rhetoric like? Is it healthy? Is it gentle? Is it inviting? Does it create resonance? Is it truthful? Is it polarizing? Is it harsh? Is it prejudice? Is it manipulative? Is it self-serving? These

are questions I think each of us should ask ourselves and others, especially when we sense a change in the relational atmosphere, resulting in growing frustrations. If we are honest with ourselves, we already know the answer to each of these questions. If we ignore the good and continue in the bad, eventually, others will also know the answer to these questions about us.

Please Sorry Thanks (2023), by Mark Batterson is on my short list of favorite books that I read this year. I suggest you pick up a copy and read every word! In chapter five, Batterson talks about how words matter. He asks several questions, challenging the reader to be sure their words are edifying. He admonishes, “A regular diet of God’s Word will rewrite the negative narratives that sabotage your success.” One of the undeniable indicators of our heart condition is the language and even the tone of how we communicate. Luke, the Gospel writer and disciple of Christ reminds us of this reality: “For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 ESV). It is just that simple. I recently challenged some of my students to take note of the time they neglected reading God’s word. Their expressions were perplexed and confused. Then, I asked them to take note to identify how their vocabulary changed

when their Bible reading wasn’t current. If we do not take in God’s Word daily, we will suffer daily.

In this world of constant chaos and evil, be a speaker of truth, always. Truth will also sting at times but how we speak truth really does matter. The rhetoric we use can be inviting or polarizing. If you do not like your rhetoric or the rhetoric of another, apply these few steps to challenge or change the atmosphere around you.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Ephesians 4:32 ESV, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Colossians 3:12 ESV, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…”

Remember: success in relationships begins with a regular diet of God’s Word. It continues with a commitment to listen well and speak right. Do good always. It really does matter.

William Lamb, PhD Lee University Leonard Center

What I Learned on Our Trip to Israel

by James G. Rogers

My wife and I accepted The Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior at early ages. We talked for years about journeying to Israel when we had the opportunity. At 72 years of age, we departed McGee Tyson Airport in a group of 18 on April 16, 2018 for Newark, NJ. We then departed on another flight for Tel Aviv, Israel. We arrived back in Knoxville 10 days later. What happened in between was life changing!

I will briefly list the major sites we visited then convey my thoughts regarding the spiritual importance to me of experiencing such a trip.

1. Amphitheater where King Agrippa tried the Apostle Paul.

2. The Ruins of King Herod’s Palace.

3. Mount Carmel and Jezreel Valley Scenery from Mount Carmel

4. Megiddo Ruins

5. Grain Silo from the time of King Jeroboam II (8th Century BC).

6. The Church of Annunciation in Nazareth where Mary lived and found out that she was with Child.

7. The Church of St. Joseph

8. The Wedding Church at Cana where Jesus turned Water into Wine.

9. City of Tiberius

10. Caesarea Philippi Area in the Golan Heights

11. The Israelite altar at Tel Dan was a four horned, sacrificial stone-altar, updated by the Israelite King Jeroboam II.

12. Shrines dedicated to the Greek god, Pan, for cult worship.

13. We experienced a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee including a bible study on the boat.

14. Church of the Multiplication – Remember the story of the five barley loaves and two fishes? Matthew 14

15. Synagogue at Capernaum

16. St. Peter’s Mother-in-law’s home.

17. Beautiful Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee

18. Baptismal Site on the Jordan River

19. Border Area along the West Bank

20. Jericho and the Mount of Temptation Area

21. Shepherd’s Field and Chapel of the Shepherds

22. Nativity Church at Bethlehem – location where Jesus was born.

23. Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane.

24. The Church of the Agony

25. Dead Sea and Valley of Death Area

26. The Western Wall or Wailing Wall, Temple Mount, and Church of the Holy Sepulcher

27. The Old City of Jerusalem and the Via Dolorosa Path

28. The Eye of the Needle Door in the large City Gate Door in Jerusalem

29. The Garden Tomb and Golgotha Crucifixion Area

30. Chapel of the Ascension

The spiritual importance to me of experiencing such a trip was seeing the details and walking over ground that I know Jesus walked over centuries earlier. The Bible is now “alive” as I read it. I was surprised to see that every major biblical area now has either a Greek Orthodox or Roman Catholic Church built on the site. St. Peter’s mother-inlaw’s home was built from rocks and the foundation layout remains. A Roman Catholic Church is built on legs above the old foundation in an octagon shape and looks much like a spaceship hovering above the ruins.

I now have a much better understanding of David, the Psalmist’s words when he wrote in Psalm 23:4 KJV, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” I saw the shadow area in the deep ravine through the canyon area where David walked and where thieves would sometimes wait to attack one from the shadows in broad daylight. I could see the old olive trees where Jesus knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane praying (see Luke 22:42 KJV), “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” I saw the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus worshipped as a child.

In Matthew 19:24 KJV Jesus said, “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” I saw the large city gate door with a smaller door for pedestrians to go through without opening the larger door. The smaller door is called “the eye of a needle.” I learned that on this

James Rogers and his wife Sonia enjoy sharing about their trip every chance they get. You’ll often find them enjoying their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

for Everyone

Treading on the High Places

by Dr. Alan Hix

Have you ever felt so burdened by life’s struggles that you convinced yourself that you could never become the disciple God has called you to be?

Hannah Hurnard's allegory, “Hinds' Feet on High Places,” takes readers on a journey with Much-Afraid, a crippled and fearful character. Born into difficult circumstances and forced to live with two physical disabilities that hinder her ability to walk and to speak clearly or smile, Much-Afraid wants nothing more than to be physically healed and to be given “hinds’ feet” (an ancient term for deer) in order to venture into the mountains and follow the Shepherd during his journeys up to the High Places.

Her journey begins in the Valley of Humiliation, and she is given two traveling companions: Sorrow and Suffering. With their gentle, loving guidance, Much-Afraid learns how to submit her own will to that of the Shepherd, and finally comes to embrace them as friends.

On the journey, Much-Afraid encounters altars of sacrifice and surrender, and at the place of anointing, she offers her whole life. She then wakes to find that she is healed of her deformities, she is finally given hinds’ feet, and she has a new name: Grace and Glory. Sorrow and Suffering have also been transformed and are now named Love and Joy.

Hurnard’s story was inspired by Habbakuk 3:19 KJV, “The Lord God is my strength, And He will make my feet like hinds’ (deer’s) feet, And He will make me to walk upon mine high places.”

Remembering God’s deliverance of His people in the past, Habakkuk asks God how long He will allow His people to suffer under the rule of the Assyrians and later the Babylonians. In spite of this bleak picture, he declares that even though there seems to be no hope in the present, he will rejoice in the God of his salvation. He looks forward to the time on the other side of the struggle when God will transform him so that he will tread the high places of the Lord.

How often do we find ourselves longing to be free of the struggles of life? How often do we say, “If only life could be

free of suffering, I could be happy and fulfilled.” However, the author of Hebrews reminds us that even Jesus faced suffering during his time on earth.

Hebrews 5:8–9 NIV, “Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered 9 and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.”

Throughout the Scriptures, we find that struggle prepares us for something more: the Israelites had to go through the wilderness before they could enter the promised

land, and Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness before He began His public ministry. The Apostle Paul addresses this same issue in Philippians 3:8, ESV “For his [Jesus’] sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”

God’s word reminds us that not only does suffering prepare us for blessing, but the struggles we face are a part of God’s work to shape us into the image of Christ. And because they are His work, they are under His control, and He is present with us every step of the way.

When we encounter the inevitable struggles of life, asking two questions will help us put things in the right perspective. The first is, “Father, what do you wish to teach me through this trial?” The second is, “God, what aspect of your character do you wish to reveal to me through this struggle?”

About The Author

is

In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years. 22 // February 2025

Dr. Alan Hix

Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University.

Starr Convenient Care – Charleston: A Commitment to Community Healthcare Excellence

Starr Convenient Care – Charleston is proud to offer top quality, comprehensive primary and urgent care services to patients of all ages in a compassionate environment - close to home.

The clinic opened in March 2022 to meet the evolving healthcare needs of those who live and work in Charleston and the surrounding area and support our mission of making communities healthier®. Jenny Tipple, Starr Regional Medical Group Market Director shares, “We are committed to getting to know each patient as an individual in order to create a partnership in care designed around your specific needs.”

Providers Dedicated to Providing Excellent Care

You can be confident in the quality of care offered by the board-certified providers at Starr Convenient Care – Charleston.

Patrik Centerwall, MD, and Rosela Nielsen, FNP-BC, have training and experience in treating illness and injuries requiring urgent care, as well as providing treatment for chronic conditions and injuries, and preventative medicine services. In addition to family and preventative medicine, Centerwall specializes in joint injections for shoulders and knees, bursa injections, skin biopsies, sports injuries, Cryotherapy and nutrition.

He also is a certified medical examiner through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which certifies him to complete Department of Transportation physicals for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Nielsen utilizes a comprehensive approach

Young in age or young at heart. This is life. A healthy life starts here, with primary care that’s fit for the whole family. We provide care from annual check-ups and vaccinations to treatment of chronic conditions, with convenient online scheduling. Most importantly, we see the individual in each patient – no two families are alike, which is why we work closely with you and your loved ones to address your personal medical needs.

to delivering care for patients ranging from infants to senior adults. She specializes in family medicine, general wellness and urgent care, with experience in emergency/trauma nursing and skilled and longterm nursing care. She also is certified to complete Department of Transportation physicals for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Additionally, both providers are bilingual, improving communication with patients whose native language is not English. This leads to improved patient understanding and a more accurate diagnosis and plan for treatment. Centerwall is fluent in English and Spanish. Nielsen speaks English, Tagalog, Visaya, and Spanish.

On-site services, including lab and X-Ray, provide patients convenience and timely diagnoses.

Starr Convenient Care – Charleston is a part of Starr Regional Medical Group, a team of established health professionals at locations in Athens, Charleston, and Etowah which offer primary care, urgent care, and specialty services.

Tripple emphasizes, ”Our belief is that you should not have to drive from office to office, completing multiple forms, to have your health needs met.”

Information about Starr Convenient Care –Charleston and other locations that are part of Starr Regional Medical Group may be found at www. StarrRegionalMedicalGroup.com.

Start your family’s care journey today, and learn how you can live your healthiest life.

Convenient Access to Care

Schedule online by visiting

StarrRegionalMedicalGroup.com or call us at 423.810.0031

The clinic is conveniently located on Hiwassee Street in the Preferred Pharmacy building. Same-day appointments are available by calling 423.810.0031, or patients may walk in during clinic hours to be seen.

Young in age or young at heart. This is life.

A healthy life starts here, with primary care that’s fit for the whole family. We provide care from annual check-ups and vaccinations to treatment of chronic conditions, with convenient online scheduling. Most importantly, we see the individual in each patient – no two families are alike, which is why we work closely with you and your loved ones to address your personal medical needs.

Start your family’s care journey today, and learn how you can live your healthiest life.

Schedule online by visiting StarrRegionalMedicalGroup.com or call us at 423.810.0031

for Everyone

Study in Genesis: The Creation of Humans

by Filip Brunner

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth” *(Genesis 1:26 KJV).

Let’s Focus on Verse 26

God speaks. He issues a command as before and nothing happens. So, what is going on?

Man is a special creation different from anything else God has created thus far. The creation of Humankind requires additional steps.

1. Making of the human male was first. God makes the man out of dust. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7a).

of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17).

God is the potter: “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand“ (Isaiah 64:8).

God gives a clear understanding that He wants our relationship with Him to be a personal and intimate one. As the Potter, God molds and shapes us into the thing of beauty He desires us to be. He takes time to remove impurities from the clay. He adds water and pressure to make of us a fitting image and likeness of His dear Son.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

2. The man is given responsibility by his creator.

A. For physical labor: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15).

B. For spiritual initiative: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat

C. For intimate socioeconomic and emotional union: “And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man” (Genesis 2:22).

The creation of the woman is unique in that she is taken out of the man. There is a special connection between a man and a woman.

The creation of man and woman completes the creative work of God. While the creation of the man and the woman is different for both of them, the fact remains that humankind bears the image of God who created us. Their union as husband and wife is blessed by God with these words: “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, ‘Be fruitful, and multiply’” (Genesis 1:28a).

May this prompt you to continue to read and study about Creation. As the new year begins, renew your commitment to studying the Scriptures.

*All Scriptures are KJV.

Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.

Clayton Homes of Cleveland: From Dream Home to #WelcomeHome

Clayton Homes of Cleveland wants to help anyone in the area looking for a new single or double section manufactured or modular home. Pay a visit to the home center, located on South Lee Highway, where you can explore a variety of fully furnished models and hand-pick your favorite customizations, such as farmhouse finishes or modern amenities. The dedicated home consultants are ready to showcase the wide range of energy efficient Clayton eBuilt manufactured and modular homes, ensuring you find the home of your dreams within your budget, tastes, and timing. Cleveland is one of the best places for your new home, as it is close to major towns such as Chattanooga and Maryville while retaining its warm, friendly communities. Kyle Josleyn, Home Consultant, invites you, “Join us and help make your forever home a reality.”

H.O.M.E. - Home Ownership Made Easy

Affordability - Homeownership that’s within reach. With a variety of manufactured home floor plans to choose from, you’ll find options to fit any lifestyle and budget. From the single-section Bliss, the most budget friendly option, to the Southern Charm, complete with an included wrap-around porch and designer kitchen, there is a home to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

As one of America’s largest homebuilders, Clayton Homes doesn’t just get some of the best deals on things like lumber and insulation, most materials are ordered in the exact measurements required. This can reduce expenses to you as well as lessen the impact on the planet. Speaking of the planet, the waste from building an entire house, in a controlled environment, typically fits into two 30-gallon drums. This precision engineering minimizes waste so you can maximize savings. Get the luxury, quality, and style you want in a beautiful, affordable home with energy-efficient features. A Clayton-built home is an investment in your future that can save you money and open doors to a better life. Quality – Homes for every lifestyle.

You are putting a lot of thought into the right home for you. Clayton Homes does as well. It’s how they create beautiful, affordable, and strong homes with energyefficient features. This runs from initial design through final construction. Clayton Homes has BuiltSmart® inside, climate-controlled home building facilities to minimize the risk of weather damage or delays. The building process is only as good as what goes into it. That means quality products from the world’s most trusted brands, so your home is built to last. Clayton’s partners include:

SmartComfort™ by Carrier, DuraCraft, Ecobee Smart Thermostats®, Pfister®, Samsung®, Frigidaire®, Kwikset®, Rheem®, Shaw®, Lux, and many more.

EnergySmart® homes provide year-round comfort and a lifetime of savings. These homes are packed with insulation to keep you comfortable during any season. A thick base of R22 insulation is provided in the floors, R13 insulation in the side walls, and topping it off with R33 in the roof cavity with additional options available on many of the models. Additional EnergySmart ® features include: Rheem®, high-performance water heaters, Lux low-e windows, LED light bulbs, Carrier SmartComfort® HVAC units, sealed ductwork, Ecobee Smart Thermostats®, and more.

Friendly, Local Service

When you first visit Clayton Homes of Cleveland, you will be greeted by a warm smile and met with a strong desire to help you achieve your homeownership dreams. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner, the team at Clayton Homes of Cleveland is here to guide and partner with you every step of the way.

Kyle Josleyn, Home Consultant, explains, “With an average of over a decade of experience, we have some of the most knowledgeable staff in the area to help. Our home consultants are team oriented and believe that communication, honesty, and setting proper expectations are of the utmost importance and will work diligently to make sure you and your family are well taken care of on your home buying journey. Concerned about financing? Don’t be. We have multiple partnered lenders that we work with who offer flexible financing options. You can visit our home center to fill out an application or we can send you one via email. It’s that easy to get started!”

America’s Largest Manufactured and Modular Home Builder

At Clayton Homes of Cleveland, there is pride in providing homes to families across East Tennessee, North Georgia, and Western North Carolina. As one of America's largest home builders, and the largest manufactured and modular home builder, Clayton Homes helps families all over the United States achieve the dream of homeownership.

Kyle continues, “To us, it is about more than just beautiful, quality homes. It’s about making the world a better place for our customers, communities and future generations. Guided by a commitment to offering more

attainable and sustainable housing options, our team members are united around our biggest goal: Opening doors to a better life. You can see it in our company Values:

Open Doors - We are here to help our customers realize success, own homes they love, and create more opportunities for them down the road.

Be a home - We strive to be more than a place to work. We strive to be a place where people have a sense of belonging, work-life balance, and a true career path.

Drive change - We must set the standard, advance technology and sustainability, and implement visionary practices in all we do.

Do good - Be kind and collaborative, promote equity, and be welcoming to everyone.

Earn trust - Nothing works without it.”

Plan a Visit

Conveniently located at 2350 S. Lee Hwy. Cleveland, TN 37311, you can feel free to stop by the Clayton Home Center Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm, (closed on Sunday), to speak with one of the friendly home consultants and get your new home journey started. To ensure you get the absolute best service and attention, give them a call at (423) 339-0058 to schedule an appointment. Make sure to tell them the folks at GoodNews sent you!

Gò0 dNews for Everyone You Too

by Rodney Jones

“You too can be used,” said the donkey to her master.

This incredible story is found in Numbers 22:21-33. It is one of those stories that is very hard to believe. We all know that animals don’t talk. Well except in this case. This donkey not only spoke with a man’s voice, (2 Peter 2:16) but this donkey saw an invisible angel. God used this donkey to rebuke Balaam, her master, and to even save Balaam’s life from sure execution by the angel of the Lord; “…surely now also I had slain thee…”

God not only used a donkey in His work, but He also used birds. God used ravens to feed His prophet, Elijah. “And the ravens brought him bread and flesh…” two times every day (1 Kings 17:4-6). God used a fish, “…a great fish, to swallow up Jonah” (Jonah 1:17).

God even used a perfect man once. God used Adam, before the fall, to name the animals and to name his help meet, Eve. It’s very hard for me to identify with being a perfect man. But thank the Lord He also uses imperfect, fallen people. God has used murderers, adulterers, and even idolators.

God used Balaam. He betrayed Israel and led them astray for money, and yet God used him. Moses murdered a man and yet God used him (Exodus 2:11-12). David committed adultery and had Bathsheba’s husband killed, and yet God used him (2 Samuel 11:117). Solomon worshipped idols and yet God used him (1 Kings 11:1-6). Saul of Tarsus executed Christians and put hundreds of people in prison and yet God used him in an extraordinary way (Acts 8:1-3).

resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is the story of “good news” that must be told. The task is monumental. The work is rewarding. YOU could be the instrument in the hand of God to save people from eternal doom. Don’t be afraid to tell it. God will be with you. Time is running out.

Tell the story to everyone. Tell it often. Tell it, preach it, or pass out a Gospel tract. Leave a tract at the grocery store.

Give one to the mailman, police officer, or auto mechanic.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword….” (Hebrews 4:12).

I am going to Heaven for sure because someone I’ve never met left a Gospel tract in a grocery store where

I worked. I got saved. My children got saved, and my grandchildren are getting saved. All because someone took the time and had the courage to leave a Gospel tract behind. Get involved. The GREAT I AM needs you! You too can be used! Thank God.

No matter your history God can use you in His work. Fact is He needs you in His work. The great task God is recruiting for in this age is “soul-winning.” Preaching or telling or sharing the Gospel with every creature on earth (Mark 16:15). The Gospel is the death, burial, and

is a retired police officer and is presently a housing and residence life staff member at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

Rodney Jones

Rodney is a member of Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle in Ringgold, Georgia.

STRUCTURAL - any interference with the communication between our brain and our body results in dis-ease and dysfunction. We use advanced chiropractic techniques to identify and correct structurally.

EMOTIONAL - feelings of stress, anger, overwhelm, depression, and anxiety have an underlying source. Whatever we don't express in life, we will repress until it gets expressed in the form of dis-ease, dysfunction or a behavior or characteristic we don't like about ourselves.

Dr. Chance uses Neuro Emotional Technique as a way to find current day stressors that may relate to traumas (big or little) in your past that are suppressing the function of your physiology today.

CHEMICAL - Toxicity and deficiency are the two underlying sources of nutritional imbalances in the body. Dr. Chance uses Professional Applied Kinesiology to address the fields of dysbiosis (ex.. Lyme, fungus, parasites, bacteria, virus, etc.), food sensitivities, toxic metals, hormone imbalances, chemical and electromagnetic field sensitivity, nutrient deficiencies, as well as neurological desensitization techniques.

Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Crumble

Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For The Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the apples evenly. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble the Crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish.

5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

6. Cool and Serve: Remove the crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The apple crumble is delicious served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips

• For an added crunch, mix in 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) into the crumble topping.

• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

• The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

No Greater Love

by Jamie Renee Hill

There’s no need to worry.

There’s no need to fret.

The God I serve is able.

He hasn’t failed me yet.

People are searching for answers, A way out of their pain, And Jesus is the answer, Over and over again.

There is no greater love. He pours His love out. There’s no shadow of a doubt That He cares.

No greater love is this: Than a man give up His life For all of mankind.

He didn’t come to divide, But create unity For all humanity.

God is the essence of love. He’s hope from above, Sent His Son down like a dove. There is no greater love.

Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair,

J.Newman, DDS

Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS

Hyderhangout: Quilt Fabric & More

Hang out with us and get your more on!

Rarely does a store come with its own community. Cleveland’s Hyderhangout: Quilt Fabric & More offers just that. Owner Susan Hyder describes the store, “We have many sewing, crafting, and beading items in stock with a variety that is just plain fun to look through. Dreamers, window shoppers, and browsers are welcome. We even have a

cozy corner for those who want to “sit this one out.” Visit with us, tell us about your latest or next project, and look around. Enter the monthly door prize even if you do not make a purchase. We have lots of nooks and crannies to hunt for treasures. There are lots of out-of-print fabrics, unusual items, and discounted items. Please ask us to show you our Clearance Room too. We carry many items for quilters, the needle crafter, supplies for the general sewing enthusiasts, fiber artists, knitting, crochet, bead art, and general crafting. Lots of kits if you’re in a time crunch or just can’t make up your mind. We custom cut kits, strips, squares, even will cut your kit from your pattern. Give us your theme or color preference and we will choose for you, or choose some bolts of fabric and we will cut your kit. Embellishments are no problem.”

Alteration services are also available. The staff includes someone experienced with bridal designs and beading, men's suits, or sewing patches to your items, even on leather vests!

Sew Thankful Susan describes the philosophy that makes this place so unique and welcoming, “Our motto: We are sew thankful to be of service to you. We treat the customers as friendly as we can. All customers are important. Kindness is number one. Customers are not just customers, but potential friends

or "Hangouters." We are here to share our love for quilting, crafts, needlework, and fiber arts. We are here to teach, encourage, and expedite education of your craft to all who enter here. We accept all who enter our doors at the level they are at and the skills they have. No one is too much of a beginner or too skilled for us to try to help in any way we can. Need a skill taught or a class on a subject? Let us know, we will do our best to set up a class or arrange one-onone instruction. Check out our calendar under the happenings section. If you cannot find something there, contact us and we may have it in the works or can make it happen for you.”

Buy, Sell, Trade

Susan explains, “We take in your "leftovers" for store credit. We buy bags of fabric scraps by the pound. We have bought from estate sales and other clearance places in the past. Don't discard or give away those unwanted pieces before you see what we can do for you; this is how we get many "lost" and vintage fabrics for our

customers. Remember the old adage "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? We just might have the lost fabric for which you have been searching. Sometimes we have to say it is not good for the store, but we work with over 6 charities through clubs that meet in our shop. If we cannot see our way to purchase from you, we can get your unwanteds to someone who does.”

Plan A Visit

Check out the website at www.hyderhangout. com or the YouTube channel at Hyderhangout Quilt Fabric & More. The Facebook page is www.facebook. com/andsewonandsewon/. Come by the store at 219 First Street, Cleveland, TN. Or call (423) 715-2908. Tell them the folks at GoodNews sent you!

for Health & Fitness

A Christian Perspective of Resilience

by Steve Knapp

The word “resilience” has become increasingly popular, starting with concerns educators had with the younger generations' ability to respond to adversity followed by how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted our culture. Given that stress, suffering, pain, and adversity (I will use adversity as a universal term for all of these other terms in the rest of this article) are inevitable in life, resilience has become a popular word to help people navigate them well. But what is resilience as it relates to helping us move towards health?

The word literally means to “bounce back” and originally comes from physics in how an object is able to absorb and return to its original form when external energy impacts it. While this makes sense from a physics perspective, it is far more complicated as it relates to the adversity humans experience. Current psychological literature has 120+ definitions for resilience. From my perspective, every experience we have changes us in ways, large and small, perceptible and imperceptible, that we are not left the same. This seems especially true for adverse experiences. So any definition of resilience needs to look at how we move forward in the face of adversity rather than simply returning to the way things were before.

The desire to resume life as usual, even if before was not even good, makes sense. Most of us have a tendency to prefer what is familiar and comfortable over the unknown. Our natural response to adversity is to avoid or control it and resume our familiar ways. The question that is left is whether adversity will harden us, weaken us, or be a cause for positive change.

As Christians, we believe there was no adversity prior to sin entering the world. Sin did not just bring adversity but the fullness of it in death itself. What we see in Jesus is we do not have to avoid adversity and even death. Jesus uses a metaphor for this in John 12:24 ESV when He says “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” We tend to focus on how Jesus’ death and resurrection give us new life for eternity in heaven, which is certainly an important result.

The opportunity on this side of eternity to view adversity through this lens and bear fruit also is an important result, too. Timothy Keller explains, “Suffering is at the very heart of the Christian faith. It is not only the way Christ became like and redeemed us, but it is one of the main ways we become like him and experience his redemption. And that means that our suffering, despite its painfulness, is also filled with purpose and usefulness.”

The natural ways of responding to pain and adversity (trying to use avoidance and control to return to normal) are so much smaller compared to the opportunity that lies before us when we embrace this kind of death that leads to new life. God invites us to see beyond our adversity as random events, and instead enter into them as opportunities to be transformed in ways beyond what we could ever dream for ourselves. This does not mean every form of adversity itself is good or from God but simply that God can use it to help us become more resilient in the best sense of the word. So when we embrace adversity through this lens, we will be honoring the way God works in our current world and become healthier and more resilient versions of ourselves rather than continuing to be the same person we were before adversity. Doesn’t that actually sound better in the end?

Steve Knapp is a licensed professional counselor and the manager and therapist at Resilient Therapy, LLC in Cleveland, TN. Through his work as a therapist, he seeks to help transform stories of suffering into narratives of hope, healing, and growth. He is married to Kellie, and they have a five-year-old daughter named Eliana.

Biblical Memories and Parallels of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

by Norma Ferguson Hill

As we celebrate Black History Month, my experience and research of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped me to focus on his contributions to society. I would like to share some fragments from my book, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Chronicle & Creative Poems, which are parallel to Scripture.

He is remembered as hating the things that God hated, which is in Proverbs 6:6-19: violence, racial segregation, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, poor economy, non-educated folks.

A Child and the Scripture: II Timothy 3:15

“. . .from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

From a child, Dr. King's parents taught him the Scriptures. Wisdom: Dr. King pursued the things his parents taught him. Knowing what was expected of him, he stayed focused. At an early age, the Word of God was introduced to him as he was molded into America's finest patriot.

In Psalm 1, he was a blessed man and praised his leaders as he fought for equal opportunity for all.

In Psalm 23, Dr. King fought for our freedom...birthed us to human rights with no fear because he knew justice was near.

In Matthew 6:5-15, I thank God for our pioneer who gave us freedom, power, and unity following the Lord’s pattern.

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you ]openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver

us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

The Golden Rule for thinking in the Bible is found in Phillippians 4:8 NKJV says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

It parallels Dr. King's Civil Rights armor as follows: spiritual and powerful, emotionally controllable, phenomenal with people, smart, charismatic, prolific speaker, courageous in dignity, and excellent leadership. As he grew older, he was blessed by the Lord. This Scripture is parallel to how he was blessed.

The King-A-Tude: Matthew 5:1-11

Blessed was the man who was blessed by the Lord. Blessed was his vision, which made him a visionary. Blessed was the power, which influenced many people. Blessed was his self-esteem for it impacted the world. Blessed was his leadership as it continues to go “all the way.”

Chaplain Norma Hill and her husband Deacon Eric Hill live in Cleveland, Tennessee. They are the parents of two adult children, a son, the late Victor M. Hill, and a daughter Jamie Hill. She holds an M.A. in Leadership Ministry,

Gò0 dNews for Everyone

Aliens

by Chrissie Joy Jackson

There are aliens and strangers living on this earth and guess what? If you are a Christian, you are one of them! *Hebrews 11:13 NLT says, “…they agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on the earth,” speaking of those listed as examples of those with great faith. We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives (see Philippians 3:30). We live in this world, yes, but as Jesus said in His prayer in John 17:16, “They do not belong to this world any more than I do.”

What does it mean to be a citizen of another kingdom other than the one you are currently living? Imagine yourself going to a foreign country as an ambassador. You would represent your nation’s culture. You would express the thoughts and opinions of your sovereign. 1 Peter 2:9

says, “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

Many of our ways seem odd to the world but are natural to followers of Christ. Many customs, lifestyles, and laws of this kingdom of light are different from those of the world around us. This would explain why we often feel uncomfortable when those around us are using foul language and telling dirty jokes. Our instruction book for life says, “Obscene jokes, foolish talk, nor crude joking are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God” (Ephesians

5:4). People in the darkness will be drawn to the light in us. The light we carry is attractive like food to the hungry. While many are freaking out over the economy, politics, and an unknown future, we have peace. We may be tempted to worry but we turn to God’s word. Philippians 4:19 says, “God will supply all our needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” The worldly way of handling money says hang on to your money, pinch those pennies. God says, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (Proverbs 11:24). Psalm 47:8 says that God reigns above the nations, sitting on His holy throne. Jeremiah 29:11 promises us, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Can you imagine losing a loved one with no idea where they went, with no thought of ever seeing them again? That is the state of the people of the world without Christ. The Bible tells us we do not grieve like people who have no hope (see Philipians.4:13). We will see our loved ones again.

So how should we be as aliens living in a place that is not our permanent home? Should we stay to ourselves with those like us just waiting to go home? No. We should bring as many as will come into the kingdom. We should share our testimony of a kingdom full of light and hope. Be a true ambassador representing God’s kingdom. You and I have the power to bring real, eternal change into people’s lives. We have answers they are searching for.

Remember as well, that “He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear son” (Colossians 1:13). Let others discover being an alien to this world and becoming a citizen of heaven is a wonderful thing.

*All Scriptures NLT.

Chrissie Joy Jackson is a retired widow and a member of Living Word Church. Sharing the love and care of the Father through missions is her passion.

for Discovering More

Just Start, Then Keep Going

by Garrett Nudd

Not long ago it was time to replace my car. The Toyota Camry that I was driving had close to 300,000 miles and the radiator had developed a nasty habit of smoking like a small brush fire. I decided I should get a Honda Accord—dependable, long-lasting, and practical, respectably nice but not too flashy.

A large car dealership was located two blocks from my office, so one morning when my schedule was clear I stopped in to check out their fleet of used cars.

I slowly drove past rows and rows of sedans and eventually noticed two Honda Accords sitting in the line. I parked my smoking Toyota Camry and walked over

to the first Honda. Within minutes a sales associate was headed in my direction.

Whether it’s cars, clothes, or the menu at a nice restaurant, I typically prefer shopping on my own. And if I have questions, I’ll look for someone to ask.

The sales associate eagerly introduced himself and asked me if I had any questions. Before I could think of anything to ask, he said, “Let me run inside and grab the keys for this one.”

I contemplated making a run for it, but I was scared my Camry might not start and then he’d have all the leverage and know how badly I needed a car.

A few minutes later he returned and said “Okay, let’s go.”

This wasn’t my first time test-driving a vehicle. But it was the first time I’d seen the sales associate get in the driver’s seat. I walked around and sat in the passenger side.

“Don’t I get to drive the car?” I asked a bit confused.

“Sorry,” he said. “They want us to pull the cars off the lot and then we can switch and you can drive.”

“That’s fine, how come?” I asked.

“It’s for liability,” he replied.

I thought that was a strange answer, but whatever.

After adjusting the rearview mirror and the side mirrors he put the car in reverse and backed out of the space, across the lot, and into the car behind us. BANG! It was a pretty hard bump.

We both jumped out of the car and walked around to the back where we discovered a couple pretty sizable scratches. I couldn’t believe what was happening.

He anxiously looked around and said, “Let’s go.” At this point, his enthusiasm from a few minutes ago had disappeared. We made it off the lot without any other incidents and then he pulled over into an empty parking lot and asked me if I wanted to drive.

Test drives are always awkward. You make small talk for a few minutes and then sit in silence until one of you can think of something relevant to say.

“So how long have you been selling cars?” I asked.

“Well, today’s actually my first day,” he replied. “I’m sorry that I’m so nervous and I’m sorry that I backed into that car,” he continued. “What a first day!” He shook his head. Then he said, “It would really help me out if you’d buy this car.”

Starting isn’t easy. How many times have you started something only to be met with disappointment and discouragement? Sometimes you’re anxious—wondering if you’ve made the right choice and wondering if you

have what it takes to be successful. You’re hoping you don’t disappoint others or yourself.

But it’s in starting that you take the first step. And in continuing you take the second, third, fourth, and fifth steps. And that’s when you experience growth. And growth is beautiful.

I don’t know if the young man continued selling cars or if he gave up after a tough first day. I hope he kept going.

When you face challenges or discouragement along— whether it’s the start, the mid-point or at the finish line, I hope you remember God’s promise found in Jeremiah 29:11 NIV, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”

Just start. And do so with confidence. Then keep going. God will be with you. And He has your plans all mapped out.

Garrett Nudd serves as director of communications for AdventHealth Georgia. His recent book, MORE THAN: Discovering How Your Story Reveals God’s Beautiful Truth About You, challenges readers to shift their paradigm from less than to MORE THAN.

Nature’s Little Bandit

by Jan Merop

Hi! I’m Ricky Raccoon. These are my shy babies, Rascal and Riddle. It won’t be long before their curiosity will get the best of them. We’re inquisitive critters and always check out nearby smells.

My great Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, made me so unique and cute (if I do say so myself).

Raccoon means “the one who rubs, scrubs, and scratches with its hands.” I rub against trees, logs, or other objects. I scrub my face and body clean and scratch at things if they’re in my way of getting food.

Your garbage pail is one of those places I would like to investigate. If it’s not locked tightly, I will have found my restaurant.

You see, my front paws are very dexterous. That means my hands are skillful with a keen sense of touch as I cleverly use them in ways most humans wouldn’t expect. I hold food, examine it to remove unwanted parts, and wash it in nearby water.

I can open jars, locks, car latches, and many other manmade devices especially those garbage can lids. Imagine this: I’ll unlace a shoe, unlatch a cage, and carefully pull a thin dime from your shirt pocket!

Thanks to my Creator, two-thirds of my brain is designed for figuring out the things I touch. Do you believe how special God made me?

God even gave me little hairs near my claws that are like whiskers. That means I can figure out what an object is before I touch it.

One day, a woman opened the shades of her family room to find me enjoying breakfast while sitting on the squirrel baffle of the bird feeder. (They may have baffled the squirrels, but not sharpwitted me.) She called her husband to come quickly so they could watch me and

my mate, who was feeding at the bottom. We high-tailed it out of there!

My face looks like I’m wearing a mask like the little bandit I am. Mostly, I’m nocturnal, coming around at night while you sleep. But sometimes I wander around in daylight.

I’m very adaptable, but I especially like to be in the forest and near water, where I swim and fish staying in the water for hours. You may see my house in hollow trees, rock crevices, or a den in the ground. Just look for fresh claw marks or worn bark.

Believe it or not, I can climb down a tree headfirst by rotating my hind feet so they point backward. Can you turn your feet around?

Do you like to sing and whistle? I do, but I also can purr, growl, hiss, scream, and whinny like a horse!

Now it’s your turn. Are you thankful for how special God made you?

Exploring Truth Through God’s Creation

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14 NKJV

The Raccoon and You

Have you thought of the many special gifts God has given you?

He created you in His image with a soul that will live forever. He gave you a good mind to think, figure things out, learn, and teach others.

He’s given you eyes to see, ears to hear, a mouth to speak, sing, and laugh.

He’s given you strong legs to run and hands that can help and be creative.

And most of all, a heart where He will live if you invite Him in. Ricky Raccoon is one of God’s magnificent creatures. But you are by far His star, the crown of His creation— His very own child!

for Seniors

Your Boarding Pass Please

by Douglas Baynes

Aviation was my field of employment for twenty years. I have logged more air miles than I can count. Sometimes on the flight deck sitting in the jump seat behind the pilot but mostly as a passenger seated with all the other travelers. With that comes many hours sitting in the boarding area for my next flight. Like most, I enjoy watching folks as they wait to board. Moms with little ones are rechecking a backpack for snacks and sippy cups for the second or third time. Men look at their watches or stare at their smartphones as if they will ever find the end of the internet, swiping down over and over.

The gate attendant announces, “Flight 123 going to (fill in the blank) is ready for boarding. Please have your boarding pass ready.” It’s as if the president walked into the room! The seated ones all stand and those standing gather up backpacks and kids while guys get one last swipe of the tablet. The herd moves to the ramp as if it were cattle going down the loading chute to a train car bound for Kansas. Then the announcement blares to get all classes in order. First class passengers may now board. They nudge their way past the girls doing one more selfie and all the rest of the not-first-class passengers. Next comes business class. Finally, the line trickles down and economy class is called.

Here is where this is all going: It did not matter if I was the first person on the plane or the last. What mattered was, we ALL were going to get to the same place. We ALL were going to get there at the same time no matter where our seat assignment was. As long as you had a boarding pass, you could get on the plane. As long as you have asked Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior, you have that eternal ticket, as it were, to get to heaven. Romans 10:13 NKJV promises, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord SHALL be saved.”

Now here is a thought: First class is located in the seats in the front of the aircraft. So you're trying to get all nested in your seat but then here comes all the business class riders that have to get past you. Now, while first class and business class are fighting over the overhead bins and who gets the center armrest, the last of the herd, economy class, is heading for the tail and pushing past all of them.

Where have I been? Still sitting. You see I have found that in all my years of flying, they never leave without saying this over the PA system, “Last call for boarding.” That is when I get up, walk to the gate, hand in my boarding pass, and continue walking down a mostly empty ramp to the door of the plane.

Your eternal ticket is the same as Billy Graham’s, mine or for that matter, all who have gone before us. So if you were to hear the last boarding call for your life here today, would you have that eternal boarding pass? You can say all you want when you walk up to the boarding gate, but if you do not have that boarding pass, the plane will leave without you and there is no more time to get one. Last call for boarding!!

Isaiah 55:6 NKJV, “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near.”

Doug and Annie, his wife of 43 years, attend First Baptist Church of Cleveland, TN. He is an author and Annie is a speaker and teacher at various women’s meetings. Retired now, they spend their summer months traveling the USA in their RV.

Advertise With Gò0dNews

Beginning Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Class: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Registration begins at 6:00 p.m.

Class Title: “Old Testament Survey” Part 1 The class is an 8-week course

Each month we distribute 7,500 magazines to over 350 locations in Dalton and Chatsworth such as churches, businesses, doctors offices, etc!

Each month we distribute 7,500 magazines to over 400 locations in Cleveland such as churches, businesses, doctor offices, etc!

Advertise Your Business With Rates As Low As $150 A MONTH!

Advertise Your Business With Rates As Low As $150 A MONTH!

Contact: Matthew Ruckman (423) 503-1410

The condo, located on the second floor of our newly built Exotic Animal Barn, offers the most unique, as well as the most exclusive stays here on our farm which also offers Farm Tours, Horseback Riding, Camel Rides, Pony Rides, River Tubing and more! Visit our website now to book your ONE-OF-A-KIND vacation!

Contact: Matthew Ruckman 423-503-1410

Teacher: Dr. Danny Cochran Pastor, Holly Creek Baptist Church Chatsworth

Cleveland Church Directory

African Methodist Episcopal

Price Memorial AME Zion 254 Dooley Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Anglican

Mission Cleveland 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

Apostolic

First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland 4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880

Assembly of God

The Collectives Church 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 641-0193

Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312

Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church

2807 Old Alabama Rd. SW McDonald, TN 37353

Avenue Church

1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489

Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056

Bellefounte Baptist Church

132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312

Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820

Berean Baptist Church

2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362 (423) 478-1697

Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101

Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932

Candies Creek Church

294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-3731

Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506

Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 336-2133

Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936

Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617

Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-3511

Covenant Baptist Church

249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653

Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606

East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728

Echos of Mercy Baptist Church 535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 715-9739

Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Farmland Community Church 1675 Greendale Dr. SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 473-9891

First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423) 709-9100

Galilee Baptist Church

665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 241-2740

Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312

Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763

Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700

Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713

Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622

Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991

Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891

Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620

New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007

New Salem Baptist Church

175 Ladd Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323

North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524

Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125

Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522

Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081

Public Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4405

Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119

Samples Memorial Baptist Church

371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329

Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103

Shiloh Baptist Church 357 Highway 64 Ocoee, TN 37361 (423) 338-4292

Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755

Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741

Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114

Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813

Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823

Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720

Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707

Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323

(423) 472-5582

West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927

Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534

White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359

Catholic

St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123

Charismatic

Cleveland Christian Fellowship 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642

Church of Christ

North Bradley Church of Christ 1510 Stuart Road NE, Suite 207 Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3298

Church of God

Community Chapel Church of God 807 Blythe Ave SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-2143

Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423) 479-3895

East Cleveland Church of God 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389

Fellowship of Praise Church of God 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121

Grace Community Church of God 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. (423) 614-0708

Heritage Fellowship Church 4635 South Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316

International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977

Kinser Church of God 141 Kinser Road Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-7400

Lakeview Community Church 105 Pound Street SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805

North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513

Michigan Avenue Church of God 515 Minnis Road NE (423) 284-7573

Mt Olive Church of God

3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3381

Mt View Church of God

210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (706) 455-3528

Pine Hill Church of God 1484 Old Alabama Rd McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 488-0939

South Cleveland Church of God 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382

Westmore Church of God 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3415

Church of God of Prophecy

Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-7199

Durkee Road COGOP 201 Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-4384

Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448

Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 303-2680

Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6414

Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-6584

The Church of God

The Church of God Jerusalem Acres 1826 Dalton Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1597

Community

Fellowship in Christ 1025 Beech Circle NW Cleveland TN 37312 (423) 314-2382

Disciples of Christ

First Christian Church 3625 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6682

Episcopal Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311

Lutheran

First Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811

Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 503-6394

Methodist

Big Springs Methodist Church 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311

(423) 476-5242

Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908

Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586

First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504

Mt. Zion Methodist Church 7223 Georgetown Rd Cleveland, TN 37312

Pleasant Grove Community Church 3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW Cleveland, TN 37311

Red Hill United Methodist Church 527 Red Hill Valley Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 728-5413

Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457

Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900

Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575

Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578

Pentecostal

Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281

First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436

Revolution Life Church 1525 Jones Ave SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 310-7287

Full Gospel House of Prayer 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN

Nazarene

Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-472-7371

New Hope Church of the Nazarene 4514 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3379

Non-Denominational

Benton Pike House Of Prayer 2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323

Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591

Church Alive Ministries 6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8133

Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050

Cleveland Community Chapel

1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311

Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775

Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-2178

Crossroads Community Church 1000 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-2871

Dwelling Place Church International 523 Urbane Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200

Eagle’s Chapel Church 133 Beaty Dr NW Cleveland, TN 37312

Eleven22 Church 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 488-4526

Evening Light Gospel 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311

Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654

God’s Family Fellowship 2823 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4490

Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226

Jacob’s Tent Fellowship 1080 Montgomery Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37311

The Journey Church 3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 728-4100

Living By Faith Ministries 1175 King Edward Avenue Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 457-9072

Living Stones Church 4165 Peerless Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312

Living Word Church 930 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028

Mount Zion Prayer Center 650 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 478-5044

New Life Bible Church 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882

Redemption To The Nations 2750 Keith Street NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 591-7886

Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249

Rock Bridge Community Church 3635 Georgetown Rd, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 641-1485

The Sanctuary 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843

Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312

(423) 479-2705

The TRIBE 1175 King Edward Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802

Tri-State Cowboy Church 200 Natures Trail SW, McDonald, TN 37353 (Building 3) (423) 303-8954

United Christian Church 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277

Unity Christian Ministries 2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338

Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696

Wings Of Love House Of Prayer 855 5th Street SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-5394

Presbyterian

Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004

First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751

First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584

Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 (423) 284-6397

Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181

St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762

Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595

Seventh Day Adventist

Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312

Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 671-7497

East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299

Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889

Zion Assembly

Zion Assembly Church of God 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337