August Newsletter - Minister's Meeting
- Lisa Hodge
- Aug 4
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 4
August 2026
Fellowship, Worship, and Encouragement
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
— Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
July 2026 Minister's Meeting
Thank you to everyone who helped make our July Minister's Meeting such a memorable and uplifting occasion. We thank God for His many blessings and look forward with joyful anticipation to the fellowship and encouragement He has in store for us in the days ahead. May the Lord continue to bless each church, each family, and every soul as we labor together in His service.
To God be all the glory!
Trust in the Lord, even in your darkest times
Our Family Testimony
Romans 8:28 | KJV
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Never would I have imagined that the journey my family and I have overcome would have even been remotely close to happening. For those that do not know, I’d like to give a summary that covers all of the important areas of this journey.
On March 27th, 2026, our world began to really flip upside down.
My wife, Hannah, was admitted to UT Medical Center, diagnosed with what we found out to be Preeclampsia, which then evolved into HELLP syndrome. An almost 3-week hospital stay turned into a quick-acting team of doctors, nurses, and technicians, who informed us on the morning of April 11th that Hannah would need to have an emergency C-section, as both her kidneys and her liver were failing.
With such a quick reaction by the wonderful team at UT Medical Center, at 8:39 am, our baby boy, Esaias David Newman, was born at 2 lbs, 2 oz, later that day dropping to 1 lb and 12 oz. Hannah and I made sure, no matter what, not a day went by without us seeing our son. Even if I could only see him for 20 minutes due to work, I would not miss seeing our boy.
At the time of this testimony, Baby Esaias had been home for 3 days now, being discharged on July 27th!
I am writing this as a testament to the God we serve, that MOVES MOUNTAINS. So many days and nights, where Hannah and I were worried about our little boy, and the countless hours I have spent worrying about both him and Hannah, every single prayer and more was answered! Each moment of anxiety, sadness, and confusion was all met by the Lord simply telling us, “I’ve got this.”
Not only did the Lord move for Esaias, but he also moved tremendously for Hannah. Hannah’s illness could have potentially ended her life, but by the grace of God, I’m able to write this testimony about the success story for both my wife and newborn son. I look at them both every day and continue to thank the Lord for their tremendous progress, miracles that can easily be explained by the fact that God was the one who intervened and showed us that he is in control of it all. I also want to thank everyone who reached out, helped Hannah and I, prayed over us, prayed with us, and overall gave us an amazing amount of support and love throughout this entire journey.
No matter how many times I tell it, no matter who I tell this story to, it will always be about one important thing: that with God, anything is possible, and through this journey, we celebrate great news each and every day.
I want to encourage everyone reading this, that no matter how bleak your situation looks, no matter how much it appears you’re in darkness and it appears there’s nothing you can do, God will be there for you even in your darkest hour.
Draw nigh to him, and he must certainly will draw nigh to you.
— Daniel Newman
"Precious memories, prayers, and praise, God has blessed our gathering days."
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
— 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)
Strength for Every Battle
"I want to thank God for the awesome preaching during our Minister's Meeting. Through the personal grief of losing my cousin in such a horrific way, and through the battles of this life, I truly don't believe I would have had the strength to keep going without the fellowship and the wonderful messages that were preached.
It has been a battle, but God has given me exactly what I needed to fight through. He knows what I need before I even ask, and I thank Him for His faithfulness. I love the Lord, and I love my church family."
— Bro. Nickey Wilcox
Looking Forward to Meeting Again
"We had the most wonderful time during our Minister's Meeting. It was such a blessing to see our brothers and sisters who were able to attend, and we certainly missed those who could not be with us.
Most of all, we're thankful for the opportunity to learn more of God's precious Word. We can hardly wait until we meet together again in October. I love everybody."
— Bro. Tony Hughes
Growing Through God's Word
"This past Minister's Meeting was such a blessing! The Lord spoke to my heart in so many ways—from learning how to be a better parent, to remembering to be patient because God is patient with me, and being reminded daily to put on the whole armor of God.
One statement especially stayed with me: 'We're in the world, but we're not part of the world.' Throughout the meeting, I truly felt like Brother Bobby and Brother Danny were speaking directly to my heart."
— Sis. Tiffany Simmons
Living the Word Every Day
During the July Minister's Meeting, Brother Bobby Joe Herrington reminded us that Christianity is much more than simply hearing God's Word—it is living it every day.
Jesus taught that true wisdom is found in obedience:
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock." Matthew 7:24 (KJV)
— Bro. William Wimpee
A Wonderful Time Together
"I want to praise God for the Assembly meeting we have just come through. It was wonderful seeing God's saints once again.
We were especially blessed to hear Brother Steve Pratt preach during the assembly. His message was a tremendous encouragement.
I'm already looking forward to gathering again in the name of the Lord and to visiting Brother Steve's assembly as well."
— Sis. Donna Edwards
"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
— Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)
Precious Memories Made
"My wife and I are so thankful that we were able to attend both the Ministers' Meeting and Dalton's Union Assembly.
We enjoyed wonderful preaching, inspiring music, and sweet fellowship with friends and family. These three days left us with memories we will cherish for a long time.
Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a special meeting."
— Keith & Sally Pratt
A Time of Sweet Fellowship
"The Minister's Meeting is always a blessing to me. I love seeing our brothers and sisters gathered together in fellowship, and getting to visit with Sister Shannon was especially meaningful. Chris really enjoyed the men's meeting and Brother Shane's message. I may not be a person of many words, but I thank God for my church family and love each of you."
— Deidra and Chris Scoggins
God's Faithfulness in Our Family
"As I look back over the past several years, my heart is filled with gratitude for the many ways God has blessed my family. We have walked through seasons of uncertainty, prayed many prayers, and trusted the Lord every step of the way. Time and again, He has reminded us that He is faithful to His promises.
I am especially thankful for God's mercy and for the many people He has placed in our lives to pray with us and encourage us. Our family has witnessed His goodness over and over again, and we know He is still working. I thank the Lord for His countless blessings, and my prayer is that we will continue to trust Him, serve Him faithfully, and always give Him the glory for all He has done."
— Lisa Hodge
A Precious Visit with Sis. Shannon
During the Minister's Meeting, several of the ladies had the opportunity to safely visit with Sister Shannon in her yard. Together they laughed, reminisced, and shared stories from everyday life. It was a joyful time that lifted everyone's spirits.
Sister Shannon has been an encouragement to countless people throughout the years, and the ladies wanted her to know just how deeply she is loved and appreciated.
— Sis. Lancia Carter
Fellowship
"I enjoyed getting to spend time with Shannon during the Minister's Meeting. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with her and all the ladies who were able to meet with her. I praise God for moving and healing her."
— Sis. Margo Alford
"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (KJV)
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." — Matthew 18:20 (KJV)
"A church is more than a place of worship—it is a family where burdens are shared, joys are multiplied, and Christ is honored."
The Blessing of Secret Sisters
Many people have said, "I don't have time to be a Secret Sister," or "I simply can't afford it."
But one sister reminds us that the greatest blessing has never been the gifts.
"My favorite part of being a Secret Sister is knowing that someone is praying especially for me. Those extra prayers have meant more than any material gift ever could.
There have been seasons when all I could give my Secret Sister were my prayers. Later, hearing her testify about answered prayers strengthened my own faith.
Watching God answer the requests we shared with one another reminded me how powerful prayer truly is.
If you've never participated before, I encourage you to join us. It's a blessing you'll never forget."
— Sis. Charlene Hughes
"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever."
— Psalm 118:1 (KJV)
"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
— Philippians 4:4 (KJV)
"Every Minister's Meeting reminds us that while our churches may be separated by miles, our hearts remain united in Christ. The friendships we cherish, the truths we hear, and the fellowship we share are blessings that strengthen us until we meet again."
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together... but exhorting one another."
— Hebrews 10:24–25 (KJV)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: UPCOMING DATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join us as we remain steadfast in our faith and active in our mission.
Carry One Another's Burdens in Prayer
Small beginnings lead to great blessings when we lift our voices together.
The sweetest blessings are often found when God's people gather together, lifting one another up in faith, love, and prayer.
Hearts United in Prayer, Praise, and Purpose
As a community of faith, we stand together in hope and vital support for those walking through seasons of trial. Please lift up Sister Shannon and Bro Steve Pratt, Bro Tommy Pratt, Bro. Ray & Sister Brenda Cooper, Sister Linda Quarles, Lee & Lancia Carter, Sara Dunham & baby, Bro Paul Dunham and Sister Lynette Dunham, Esaias Newman in your daily prayers. We also extend our deepest encouragement and intercession to all those facing illness, financial hardship, or private battles of the spirit, as well as our faithful shut-ins, military members, and every one of our church families. May you find strength in our shared love and the unwavering grace of our Creator.
Newsletter Closing
As you read this edition of our newsletter, we pray these articles, testimonies, and photographs remind you of God's goodness and the precious fellowship we share in Christ. May the Lord richly bless you and your family until we gather together again.
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity" Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
