Cross Pointe Families need Your Help

The Cross Pointe Church recently had an outbreak of botulism and the story has reached national media outlets.
[See: One dead, 23 others sick from suspected botulism at Ohio church on Reuters.com]

Pastor Bill Pitts writes: “We need help in a great way with over 25 being hospitalized with all levels of medical needs. We have also seen great miracles. I took one man home last night from one of the six hospitals that our people are in. He “walked out” of ICU straight to my car.
“We have set up a Cross Pointe Family Relief Fund [see below for information.]
“I am also part of Cross Pointe Southern Gospel group. In fact, Debbie Wright, a singer in our group, has been in the hospital all week.
“Cross Pointe will be seeing you at Creekside this year and we believe healing will have taken place and we will be stronger than ever.”
Please send donations today to:
Cross Pointe Family Relief Fund
657 E. Main Street
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
740-438-7750
www.crosspointemusic.com
www.crosspointefwb.com

FROM THE DESK OF BILLY BLACKWOOD

Dear friend,

I hope this finds you having a great day!

I want to let you know about an opportunity our family has to serve on a short term missions trip this summer. My wife and I, my oldest daughter, Brette, her boyfriend, Derek, and my youngest daughter, Ellie, are planning to go to Port au Prince, Haiti from June 28th - July 4th.

We will be serving in an orphanage in the city and helping to conduct some VBS like events for children there as well as seeking to meet their physical and emotional needs. Also, we are each taking a bag of clothes, gifts, and supplies to leave with a local pastor for distribution to those in greatest need.

While the 7.0 earthquake of 2010 has long since left our minds in the US, Haiti continues to struggle to recover and rebuild from the devastation left in it’s wake. Basic necessities are in short supply, infrastructure is in disrepair and poverty is rampant. Haiti and it’s neighbor, the Dominican Republic, are said to be the poorest places in the western hemisphere.

The trip cost is $1950.00 per person. If you would like to have a part in helping to send us you can make a tax-deductible contribution to Billy Blackwood Ministries, Inc., a 501c3 non profit corporation in the state of Tennessee, for which you will receive a tax deduction at the beginning of 2015. Our mailing address is P O Box 777, Goodlettsville, TN 37070.

If you cannot help to send us we would ask that you pray for us as we go. Brette accompanied me on a mission trip to Tecate, Mexico when she was seven, and my wife and I have both been to Jamaica. But this will be a first time experience for both Ellie & Derek. Those of you who have been on trips like this know the impact of them. I am expecting God to use this trip to change the course of our lives for the rest of our life here on earth.

Thank you so much for your prayer and financial support. We will be sending a report with pictures via email upon our return. May God bless you richly as you serve Him.


Billy Blackwood

Creekside Gospel Music Convention Announces Outreach Project

The Creekside Gospel Music Convention is excited to announce its partnership with a local ministry during the three-day event in Pigeon Forge, October 29,30 31. “From day one of planning the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, the idea of being more than just a music convention was heavy on my heart. It’s my conviction that if a great number of Christians are gathered in a city, then surely there is something we can collectively do to leave the community better than it was when we arrived. Of course, our goal is to spread the gospel in song, but putting our music into action has been close to my heart,” says Rhonda Frye, Editor in Chief of SGNScoops Magazine.

The 2012 Creekside Gospel Music Convention will partner with a local non-profit ministry called “LIVE-IT.” Their tagline is- “Taking the Bible Out of the Box!” LIVE-IT works with churches, community organizations, businesses, local government and neighborhoods to minister to widows, orphans, single moms, veterans, the handicapped, in many ways. LIVE-IT helps the less fortunate with providing necessities or with home repairs, yard maintenance, car repairs and more. LIVE-IT has a “pay it forward” focus that helps those on the receiving end give back to the community by using their unique gifts and talents.

“We have never done anything like this before,” says Paul Danis of LIVE-IT. “We are thankful and excited to be a part of Creekside Gospel Music Convention. We look forward to our partnership to change lives of those in need in Sevier County.”

“We are excited to join a ministry that is showing God’s love to so many people in the region,” Rob Patz, owner of SGNScoops, adds.

LIVE-IT operates a “thrift store” and proceeds earned are funnelled into buying supplies needed for ministry. We are asking all of the artists participating as well as all those attending Creekside Gospel Music Convention to help LIVE-IT stock their Thrift Store! LIVE-IT will park a truck to gather donations during the 3-day event. Items needed are: building supplies, housewares, good working appliances, used clothing, shoes, purses, belts, hats, coats, toys, games, children’s clothing, books AND music CDs!

We are asking that no one come to Creekside empty-handed, so plan ahead, pack now so that you don’t forget! If we all participate, we can leave a lasting impression on a community. We are simply asking our guests and participants to donate something that you’re not using. All of those small donations will surely add up and will speak volumes about God’s love to a community that needs Jesus.
To learn more about LIVE-IT, visit http://www.live-it.tv/index.html.

About Creekside Gospel Music Convention:
We hope you’re making plans to be with us for Celebrating Lou Hildreth’s 75 years in Gospel Music, The Diamond Awards and Gospel Music. All events are free to the public! The Creekside Gospel Music Convention will take place at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN on October 29,30 and 31!

Rooms are available at the hotel on site for just $54 per night. Reservations can be made by phone or online. By phone, call toll-free at Toll Free: 1-800-223-6707 or local call 865-908-3015. Online Reservations- go to http://www.smokymountainconventioncenter.com . Click “Book My Room” then Click “SGN Scoops.”

Please email rhonda@sgnscoops.com or rob@sgnscoops.com if you have any questions! We’re expecting a great time of worship, fellowship, celebration and also being the hands and feet of Jesus. Help us pray that many lives will be touched, encouraged and changed! For more information about Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit: http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/