The Hurt of Humanity
In His word, God constantly reminds us of His divine love. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for
you (1 Pet 5:7). God is always desiring to have living and loving relationships with us. Many of us are hurting
from a painful past, a pressuring present or a pessimistic future. God has a word for all of our hurt, pain and
anxieties. I hope the following will serve to encourage your heart in the Lord. God has some numbers that you
can call in time of need. Here are a few of them. Take some time to internalize God’s word in your heart in
order to be blessed.
When in sorrow - call John 14
When you are lonely or fearful - call Psalms 23
When you want to be fruitful - call John 15
When you have sinned - call Psalms 51
When you grow bitter and critical - call 1 Corinthians 13
When you worry - call Matthew 6:19-34
When you feel down and out - call Romans 8:31-39
When your prayers grow selfish - call Psalms 67
When you are in danger - call Psalms 91
When you faith needs stirring - call Hebrews 11
When God seems far away - call Psalms 139
When others fail you - call Psalms 27
When you leave home for labor or travel - call Psalms 121
When you want assurance - call Romans 1:1-30
For Paul’s secret of happiness - call Colossians 3:12-17
For Paul’s idea of Christianity - call 2 Corinthians 5:15-20
When the world seems bigger than God - call Psalms 70 and Jeremiah 33:3
If you believe in the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit - Call Him Up!!!
Oh by the way, the number is 1- for the Father, 1- for the Son, 1- for the Holy Spirit.
In Him,
Pastor Fredrick E. Brabson Sr.
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Deacon’s Ministry
Trusting in God
Submitted by Deacon Michael Clausell
I don’t usually make New Year’s resolutions. But last year I promised God that I would work on not complaining
and trust in Him. A few months into the year, I hit a rough spot and was going through a couple of trials. I
decided to help God (at least in my mind) resolve the issues. I wasn’t going to complain, instead I was going
to help God work it out. In hindsight it’s quite funny. I had a plan that would quickly resolve the situation and
everyone would see I had it all under control. I’m sure that resonates with many of you. How often have you
found yourself in a situation where you thought you were in control?
Early one morning while preparing to start my day and thinking about why my plan wasn’t working, I began to
cut my hair. I have to admit, I was a little miffed and began mumbling under my breath. In the middle of cutting
my hair, my clippers started to spark, smoke and a shot of fire came from the clippers. I told my wife what
happened and she said maybe God was trying to get my attention; I agreed. The Lord heard me complaining
and I knew in my heart he didn’t need my help to resolve my problems.
I begin to think about scriptures Proverbs 3:5, Trust in The Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own
understanding; Proverbs 4:7, The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight;
Psalm 28:7, The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to Him.
So family, when you go through trials, your old flesh will tempt you in to believing you can handle it on your
own; you’ve got this! Be still, rest in your transformation as a new creature in Christ. Psalm 112:7, He is not
afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
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Family Needs Ministry
Submitted by Davidia Moore
Those in need must be cared for, preferably by those
closest to them (the church). Here at New Covenant
Baptist Church the Family Needs Ministry is constantly
reaching out to our family and others that are in need in
our church. We honor and praise our Lord and Savior
by helping others just as scripture says in the book of
Philippians 4:19, and my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. We are
only vessels in implementing the word of Jesus in helping
other. Even though our ministry is about helping others,
most of all, it is about doing the will of God.
Our Family Needs Ministry provides meals for families
who are experiencing a death in the family, sickness,
unforeseen illnesses or incidents. We send out sympathy
cards, cards of encouragement, intercede in prayer, and
offer assistance to families to uplift and encourage them
during good times as well as times of difficulties.
In closing I would like to encourage everyone, trust in
Jesus because He will never leave you nor forsake you
no matter what you are going through. In good times
and difficult time remember: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In
everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you.”
If there is a need in your family, please
contact the NCBC Family Needs Ministry
and if anyone would like to join us and
become part of this ministry,
please contact either
Sister Davidia Moore at (865)986-6640 or
Sister Delores Brabson at (865)966-5945.
May God continue to let his marvelous light of love shine
on each of you.
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Missions Ministry
Submitted by Sylvia Davis
The New Covenant Baptist Church Missions Ministry asked NCBC members and
guests to participate in mission work by bringing school supplies (Backpacks,
Folders, Glue / Glue Sticks, Scissors, Rulers, Pencil Boxes / Pencils / Color
Pencils, Pens, Crayons, Markers, Kleenex, 3-Ring Binders, Notebook Paper,
Spiral Notebooks, Hand Sanitizer) to the church. The supplies were for children
that really need the items to help them get ready to go back to school. There was
an enormous amount of supplies collected from our New Covenant members and
guests. All of the supplies were packed in boxes and delivered to Western Heights
Baptist Center, Knoxville on July 27th. The supplies will be given out to children
the first week-end of August.
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Program Ministry
Submitted by Sylvia Davis
NCBC Youth Historian
Jaylen McCoy
Jaylen Lemoyne McCoy has been a member of New Covenant
Baptist Church (NCBC) since 2012. He is the son of Dorian and
Carrie McCoy. He has two siblings--an older sister, Brittani, and a
younger brother Julian.
Program Ministry
Church History
Sylvia Davis, Jaylen McCoy,
Gwen Valentine
Jaylen is 14 years old and is in the 9th grade at Hardin Valley
Academy. His favorite subject is History. He plays piano in the
marching and concert bands.
Jaylen is a very active young man. He is a member of the Usher
Ministry and former member of the Children’s choir at NCBC.
Now Jaylen can add that he is one of the first Youth Historians at
NCBC. Jaylen’s love of History is an asset to the Program Ministry,
Historian team.
Jaylen’s Grandparents purchased his first bible. He likes to read his
bible when the Pastor is preaching, but his parents tell him to “listen
to the sermon Jaylen”. Jaylen’s favorite activity at church is Vacation
Bible School, especially game day on the last day of VBS.
Jaylen enjoys piano, Legos, golf and playing video games. He wants
to design video games someday.
Joyce Conner, Jaylen McCoy,
Gwen Valentine
Jaylen has excellent ideas on how we can capture and share our
church history. He already has excellent suggestions for the Black
History Month Program at NCBC. It’s going to be great!
NCBC Youth Historian
Kristen Blevins
Kristen Blevins has been a member of New Covenant Baptist
Church (NCBC) since birth. She is the daughter of Fred and Kristie
Blevins. She has two siblings—Fernando and Jairus.
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NCBC Youth Historian
KRISTEN BLEVINS
Kristen is 15 years old and is in the 10th grade at West High School.
Her favorite subject is English. Kristen runs track and plans on
joining the Pep and Key clubs. She’s also in the National Honor
Society through the Knoxville Area Urban League.
Kristen is a teen helper in Kid’s Praise and loves to feed the less
fortunate at Water Angel’s. Kristen can also add that she is one of the
first Youth Historians at NCBC.
Kristen’s favorite activity at church is hearing God’s word. Her
favorite bible verse is 2 Corinthians 12:1.
Kristen’s hobbies are reading, watching inspirational and comedic
YouTube videos, and playing the guitar.
Kristen’s ideas for capturing and sharing our church history are
learning more about how our church began and how it came to
be what it is today. She is involved in school and church, so her
academic success and her love of English will help as we “write”
the history of New Covenant Baptist Church.
NCBC Usher Ministry
Submitted by George Hackett
The Ushers Men’s Ministry participated
as Greeters and Officers on
Mother’s Day May 10
The Ushers Ladies’ Ministry
participated as Greeters and officers on
Father’s Day June 21
The Ushers Ministry participated as
Greeters during the
Vacation Bible School Week
June 22nd–26th
I would rather be a doorkeeper in trhe house of
my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness –
Psalm 81:10b
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Missions Ministry
My Passion, His Purpose
Submitted by India B. Oliver
Of the 4,700 missionaries who serve through the Southern
Baptist Missionary Board, only 26 are African American. In
their effort to increase this number and expose our youth to
mission efforts in foreign countries, the Tennessee Baptist
Convention sponsored thirty African American students on
their first international mission trip, a trip to Jamaica.
On June 4, 2015, NCBC’s Cierra Berry and Jonah Higgins
accepted the call to join the first African American Youth
Mission Trip to Jamaica. Minister Burton and I led the
mission team.
The trip and the weeks of preparations were an incredible
experience and produced spiritual growth in all our students.
Weeks before the mission trip Jonah shared his fear of flying,
explaining that he had never been on an airplane and he was
terrified the plane would crash before he made it to Jamaica.
Sharing this was a true growth experience and helped
alleviate many of his fears. Cierra on the other hand feared sharing her testimony with others. She was afraid
she would not be accepted and that the Jamaicans would not be able to relate to her. Prior to the trip, both Jonah
and Cierra were trained. They learned to apply “Sharing Jesus Without Fear” and became comfortable having
a conversation with anyone God brought into their path.
Once in Jamaica, the youth had the opportunity to visit several Jamaican schools to share their testimonies and
exchange/discuss cultural differences with each other. Our students led morning devotion and prayer at each
of the schools at which several Jamaican students gave their lives to Jesus Christ. We walked the streets of
downtown Linstead during its’ busiest time when everyone goes to the market, and witnessed to everyone in the
streets. It was amazing to see these youth step out in boldness and proclaim the Word of God. All their fears
disappeared because they were on mission for the Lord. The bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not
given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. KJV
I remember in particular one of our students, a young lady named Kieryney. We were standing on the side of the
road and she wanted to cross the street to a house where a woman sat on her porch. I gave her permission but
she lowered her head and said “nevermind.” I lifted her head and asked her what was wrong. She responded, “I
am afraid.”I then asked her, what does your t-shirt say? She replied, “I can do all things through Christ which
strengthens me.” I asked her to repeat it again, and after she did, she boldly walked across the street and began
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My Passion, His Purpose
Submitted by India B. Oliver
witnessing to the woman on the porch. She presented the woman with a bible and wrote the same scripture
inside. I was so proud of her. I was proud that she overcame her fear, stepped out in boldness, and allowed
God to use her. That’s what missions are about. Trusting God, stepping out in faith, and just letting God use
you in whatever way he chooses to do so.
The Great Commission tells us that we are to go and make disciples of all nations and this mission trip
gave our youth the opportunity to do so. As a teen I wanted to go on the missions I often heard about in
Sunday School but the opportunity never presented itself. Things are changing and we must embrace
mission opportunities for ourselves and encourage our youth to pursue them as well. Our youth need our
encouragement, our support, and most definitely our prayers.
The bible says in Isaiah 6:8, Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will
go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” When the opportunity presents itself to you, what will your
answer be?
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Lifeway’s Black Church Leadership & Family Conference
“For the first
time in my life
I learned and
experienced
what getting in
tune with God
really meant.”
Mountain Top Experience
Submitted by NiChole Holland
I remember attending my first Lifeway’s Black Church Leadership & Family
Conference (formerly known as Black Church Week) with my mom and
several members of New Covenant in July 2000. Not sure of what to expect my
experience was both surprising and blessed at the same time. A week away from
all the distractions I had grown accustomed to in Knoxville, I found myself in the
mountain region of Ridgecrest, NC with no phone service and no television to
watch. We had a clock radio in our room but it only picked
up one station with so much static that I couldn’t make
out what the person was saying. My first thought was
“this is going to be a boring week.” I remember my mom
reminding us that we were there to get in tune with God
and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that He was going to
allow us to experience for the next five days. By that
Wednesday, I had totally forgotten about my earlier
experience of being without what I left in Knoxville
and started appreciating the time alone with God, the
conferences that were offered, the daily Bible studies
and nightly Worship services. For the first time in my
life I learned and experienced what getting in tune
with God really meant.
“I found
found myself
myself in
in the
the mountain
mountain region
region of
of Ridgecrest,
Ridgecrest,
“I
NC with
with no
no phone
phone service
service and
and no
no television
television to
to watch”
watch”
NC
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Mountain Top Experience
Submitted by NiChole Holland
“...these
conferences have
allowed me to
experience God
in a new way by
using what I’ve
learned as my
guide to live by.”
From my first experience in 2000, it took me exactly 13 years to build up enough
vacation time so I could once again attend the Black Church Leadership and
Family Conference. A lot has changed since my first encounter at Black Church
week. They now have cellular and phone service; televisions with Christian cable
stations in the family rooms; more than one radio station without the static; and
Wi-Fi). What has not changed is that solitude presence of getting in tune with God;
powerful preachers filled with passion and love for God’s people that share the
Word of God during our Bible Exposition and the Worship Celebration; conference
leaders from all over the country that lead the classes; and the exuberant praise
from the Whosoever Will Choir. I also enjoy being able to catch up with old friends
while developing friendship with the newcomers, who like me, are experiencing a
Leadership and Family Conference in a whole new way.
Since 2013 these conferences have allowed me to experience God in a new way by
using what I’ve learned as my guide to live by. With all that is going on in the world
in which we live, I praise God for the vision given to the conference leaders for this
years’ conference. Giving me a renewal sense of hope I grabbed hold of this year’s
theme: STAND taken from 1 Peter 5:8-12 and I left the mountain top determined to
make a STAND for God not only at New Covenant but also in the world in which I
live in.
Lifeway’s Black Church Leadership and Family Conference is designed to
allow, not just leaders, but the total family to experience a week of SR&R (Spiritual
Renewal & Relaxation). If you are looking for something different to do with your
family while getting a spiritual tune up, I’d like to take this opportunity to invite
you to join me July 11 through July 15 for the 2016 Lifeway’s Black Church
Leadership and Family Conference. There is something for everyone to do from
Senior Adults to Infants. Take time to pray and consider starting a new tradition with
your family by attending next year’s conference. I too will be praying that God will
allow you and your family to join me on the Mountain Top experiencing God in a
new way.
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My Testimony
Submitted by Donna Mara Hardy
How does God speak to us? I have heard and experienced God ‘s voice in these
ways: first, from his word and my daily communication with HIM in prayer, then
from the wisdom of Christian friends/family, and lastly, through dreams.
In 2010 I had a dream. I was having surgery; and for what I did not know.
Throughout the year, my body started to feel different. I was still healthy;
however, my body cried out that it needed attention. When my principal asked
me in the spring about attending a summer conference in Atlanta, I told her that
I could not go because I was going to have some kind of surgery. My principal
insisted that I go and spoke to our supervisor about the matter. I stood my ground
with both of them and declined the invitation.
“Then God, spoke to
me: “ Girl, where is
your Faith? You said
you trusted me.”
When I went to my doctor and told him how I felt, he sent me to two different
places. After two other opinions from medical professionals, it was determined
that I had breast cancer. I remember standing there clutching the phone, sitting in
silence, and pausing to confront God.
I said to God, “You know, God. This cancer is getting in the way. I have plans for
MY life! I want to work at least five more years as an administrator; I want to get
my third degree black belt; I want to buy a condo; and Lord knows, I want to find
someone to marry me and adopt a child. Am I not worthy of all of this?” Then
God, spoke to me: “ Girl, where is your Faith? You said you trusted me.
Have I not come through for you in the past? Have you always had good food,
nice clothing, reliable transportation, and decent shelter? Have I not had some
Then, like this swiftness of an eagle, my life turned all shades of pink! I was
having surgeries, completing chemotherapy treatments, and attending meetings
with professionals such as doctors, therapists, social workers, and financial
counselors. 2011, the year after my chemotherapy, God spoke to me again from
Isaiah 55:8...
For my thoughts are not your thoughts
Nor are your ways, My ways says the Lord,
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are my ways higher than your thoughts.
and Jeremiah 29:11...
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace
and not of evil to give you a future and a hope.
Yes, my future seemed to be feeling different from what I had planned. Confused
and frightened, I searched and prayed. My older brother in Ohio told me that it
was okay for me to be at this point of transition. He himself knew about pain
because his only daughter had suffered a stroke at age thirty. Still again, I felt
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My Testimony
Submitted by Donna Mara Hardy
“He said in a calm
stern voice:
“Lady, let Go and Let
God. Let me work MY
plan.”
like a child lost in the woods. I knew I had to get away from Knoxville so I could
think clearly. I first drove to a convent in Alabama and met a friend who was a
nun and spiritual director. Like my brother, she let me know that it was okay to
be in transition and that God was preparing me for new assignments....My last
trip was to Maine during a beautiful fall in October. I flew there to spend time
with a beloved nephew and a friend who who owned a Bed an Breakfast inn. I
spent a lot of time just sitting with my friend by the ocean reflecting about my
life and walking through the autumn trees with my nephew. There I found solace
in the leaves falling peacefully around me. Thus, the trip to Maine and the one in
Alabama led me back home to Knoxville, where God’s words fell on my heart. He
said in a calm stern voice:
Lady, let Go and Let God. Let me work MY plan.
Let go of your job. You have faithfully served enough years in the school system.
Let go of getting another belt in Taekwondo.
Give away your equipment and equip yourself in the armor of God.
Let go of some relationships. They do not glorify me and
they can never fulfill your needs.
Let go of trying to move into a new home. Stay still and find your home in me.
Let go! Slowly..... I LISTENED, and I let go. For a while, the world seemed very
dark. I felt depressed, disappointed, and quite directionless. People worried about
me and I worried that I would not find the light again.
Throughout it all, however, God held my hand and reassured me with
Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid
of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will never
leave you nor forsake you.”
In HIS own time, at the end of 2011 and going into 2012, God took my hand
and led me back into rooms at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center where I
had had my chemotherapy and consultations. There the light was much brighter!
It came from the faces of the people in the chairs and the ladies going in for
mammograms. God gave me a new assignment as a volunteer for Thompson
Cancer Center. Then in 2013, God took me over to Fort Sanders Hospital where
I had had my surgeries. The light there was even brighter! He told me that he
wanted me to go into the rooms and halls to deliver healing messages. He also
lead me to the chaplain’s office where I made the commitment to be a Stephen
Minister just like the Stephen Minister who had prayed with me before I went into
surgery.
Today it is 2015 and I am confident that I am now walking in his beautiful light as
a volunteer at Thompson Cancer Survival Center and a Stephen Minister at Fort
Sanders Hospital. I feel so blessed to be a blessing to others. I am committed to
helping those who are hurting physically, emotionally, and psychologically to feel
the sunshine in Jesus’ words from John 8:12: “ I am the light of the world, He
who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
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Newsletter Ministry
Happy Birthday
June
Anthony Cannon
Julian McCoy
Khaliff Robinson
Lora Diggs
Stephanie Smith
Nate Allen
Norma Reeves
Codee Bly
Jamaal Hundley
Damico Hill
Timothy Jenkins
Rhyonah Groden
Martha Dansby
William Wilson
Kenneth Ware
Fredrick Brabson, II
Kent Hosch
Corine Nichols
Kelsie Fomby
Michelle Holland
Austin Nobles
Barry Hayes
Jahlil Jefferson
Elijah Gibbs
Dennis Upton
Joshalyn Hundley
Brianna Snell
Ross Thomas
July
Tiffany Colbert
Jasmine Jefferson
Oteriah Lee
Andrea Walker
Taswan Mims
Mark Rigsby
James Drake
Conesia Watson
Larry Sawyer
William Henderson
Johnny Long
Eric Morrison
Rita Thomas
La’Reasha Sawyer
Michele White
Daryl Cox
Isaac Diggs
Terrell Poitevien
Jamie Rice
Vivian Varner
Marcus Bly
Linda Long
Tearsa Bonds
Timir Thomas
Leonard Berry
George Hunter
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August
Anthony Burton, II
Ahshay Mims
Carigiouse Crippen
Adria Thomas
Alonzo Gordon
Kenya Reeves
Michelle Smith
Delores Brabson
Doretha Brabson
Emayet Spencer
Marlond Mason
Coley Brown
Eric Brown
Nickie Jefferson
Jimmy Moore
Zion Spencer
Natalie Allen
Nicole Allen
Armani Hall
Contessa Leverett
Sammy Eni
Lakita Hayes
Vera Little
Jordan Martin
Dorian McCoy
Kerri Fomby
Ken Moore
Dorothy Ware
Tracy Robinson
Sandra Cannon
Jeremy Hazelbaker
Carmen Thomas
Lacresha Mims
Yvonne Cox
Happy Anniversary
June
Eddie & Barbara Moore
Roderick & Nadrienne Jackson
Shaun & Kerri Fomby
Valentino & Nickie Jefferson
Lucious & Tearsa Bonds
James & Tracy Robinson
George & Lisa Hunter
Levon & Sandra Burton
July
Tony & Michele White
Ralph & Joan Murray
Robert & Mary Ann Nobles
Anthony & Tandalyn Burton
Dee & Terrell Poitevien
August
John & Faith Jordan
Sterling & Christan Smith
Fredrick & Carina Brabson
George & Alline Hackett
Ron & Gwendolyn Brown
Johnny & Linda Long
Dwight & Joshalyn Hundley
Jimmy & Martina Felton
Isaac & Jodie Diggs
Carlos & Felicia Stephens
Arion & Nikki Kitchen
Newest Members
Annie Rodwell
Sammy Eni
Yafi Eni
LaTonya Love
Briana Snell
Brayden Hazelbaker
Robert Nobles, III
Ann Odem-Grey
Kaela Fomby
Bereaved Families
Theresa Thornhill
Senta Hester
William Wilson
Donna Mitchell
Tonya Bly
Vivian Varner
Please submit articles,
questions or comments to
Marshall Conner
[email protected]
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