‘We Love Nashville!’ Planned for General Assembly
Plans are underway for a major benevolent outreach to coincide with the 76th Church of God International General Assembly this July in Nashville, Tennessee.
“When thousands of delegates arrive in Nashville for the General Assembly, the Church of God will have in place extensive plans to accomplish more than simply the conducting of business and worship sessions,” stated David Ray, chairman of the General Assembly Cabinet.
Ray explained that for several months already, a special committee, appointed by the general overseer, has been working behind the scenes planning a “We Love Nashville” emphasis. The committee, chaired by USA Missions Executive Administrator James E. Cossey, has consisted of representatives from the various ministries in USA Missions/Division of World Evangelization, Communications, Youth and Discipleship, Women’s Discipleship, Care Ministries, Operation Compassion, the Tennessee Church of God State Office, and Lee University.
While not all details have been finalized, several ‘Committees of Action’ have been formed and are concentrating on the following areas of emphasis:
1. Food Services – The Church of God will work with agencies in metro Nashville to provide non-perishable food items to the inner city. Partners have been acquired in the food-services industry that are donating food and General Assembly delegates are encouraged to bring a canned good item with them to registration, where an opportunity will be provided on the General Assembly registration form to donate to the outreach. Youth groups from local churches will be volunteering to assist with the distribution. (This committee chaired by member of Church of God Communications and Tennessee State Representative Kevin Brooks).
2. School Supplies – The Church of God will assist local school districts in Nashville with donated school supplies to be delivered by youth groups from across America (This committee chaired by Assistant Director of Youth and Discipleship David Blair).
3. Medical – Medical screening will be provided by Church of God doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants for underpaid pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and other delegates to the General Assembly. The committee is also exploring ways to partner with agencies in Nashville to assist during our assembly with medical screening for the underprivileged of Nashville. (This committee chaired by Director of Multi-Cultural Ministries Kenneth Hill).
4. Literature – The committee is preparing a gospel tract on the “We Love Nashville” theme for free distribution during the General Assembly. It is hoped that this tract will be left by Assembly delegates (accompanied by a generous tip) on restaurant tables after each meal to share the Good News with others while in Music City. The tract is being written by Leonard Albert, Personal Evangelism consultant for the Church of God. (This committee chaired is chaired by James E. Cossey, USA Missions Executive Administrator).
Ray stated that as the initiative develops further more information will be released, allowing Assembly delegates to arrive fully prepared to participate in “We Love Nashville!”
