Talking Points (Or, playing "catch-up!")

I apologize for not connecting with you here in the last couple of months. April and May passed me by before I realized it! So, let's play some "catch-up," shall we?

Going Rogue - Twice
I did finish reading Sarah Palin's book, Going Rogue, months ago. Twice, actually. One of my bestest friends gave me the book as a Christmas gift. Then, also a Christmas gift, another bestest friend gave me the audio book version on CD. So, I've read it and I've heard it, lol. (I have the bestest friends in the whole world! Merry Christmas to me!)

Going Rogue is basically Mrs. Palin's autobiography - a personal account of her background, personal life and political career. And, in her own words, she speaks of her faith and shares her perspectives on political, moral and social issues.

You pretty much know how I feel about the lady, and that I mostly agree with her on these issues. So, it isn't necessary, really, to give you a detailed opinion on the book, other than to say: I enjoyed reading/hearing Mrs. Palin's story in her own words, unfiltered by the media. It only served to strengthen my support and appreciation for a lady whom, in my opinion, is a strong voice for conservative America.

Sarah's new book - America by Heart: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Flag - is coming out this November...just in time for Christmas.

Let's Hear It For The Boy
I'm so proud of my son, Jordan. I think I may have mentioned that a time or two before, lol. He passed the 5th grade as an A/B Honor Roll student, and is looking forward to moving up to the 6th grade.

In the meantime, he's enjoying a great summer vacation - swimming and riding his dirt bike and four-wheeler. He's a bit disappointed that we can't take our usual trip to the beach, due to the oil spill fiasco (grrr). But we can still head to the lake and visit one of our favorite theme parks.

Through the Whale Museum's "Adopt-A-Whale" program, Jordan adopted an orca whale just a few weeks ago. He did this using his own allowance money. This was something he was very enthusiastic about, and was very excited when his adoption package arrived - complete with his very own personalized adoption certificate, a color photo of his adopted whale, a membership certificate to the Whale Museum and more. The orca he adopted is a young male, born in 2004. His name is Comet.

Jordan will celebrate his 11th birthday on July 17th. He's planned a big family gathering at one of his favorite water parks. He's really looking forward to it.

Jordan is traveling some with me during the summer, as he usually does. So, come and see us when we are in your area!

New Addition To John Lanier Ministries
After more than nine years of faithful service as road manager for JLM, Darrell Monroe left to help form the new gospel trio, Diadem, last June. I am pleased to announce that my brother, Royce Lanier, is now filling the vacancy left open by Darrell's departure.

On April 12th, Royce came on board to serve as full-time road manager and personal assistant. This decision was made after much prayer, and we are both in agreement that this is God's will and has come about in His perfect time. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have my brother as part of John Lanier Ministries, and we are both excited about this new venture.

Royce is a faithful husband to his wife, Kelly, and a loving father to their three children - Nathan, Noah and Kaylee. He and his family moved from Atlanta, GA to the small town of Millport, AL nearly two years ago.

As his brother, I can truly say without hesitation that Royce is a Godly young man of Biblical morals and uncompromising conviction. He has the heart of a weeping prophet, like Jeremiah, with a burden of prayer over an unrepentant nation and a desire to see the church return to its first love.

This is Royce's first experience in full-time ministry. His humble nature and genuine zeal has already endeared him to many artists, fans, pastors and promoters. He's made many new friends and has already enjoyed great events like CGM FanFest, meeting and visiting with Karen Peck & New River, being a guest in Jackie & Elaine Wilburn's home, worshipping with Spirit-filled congregations...and eating homemade chocolate pie on Tony Gore's bus!

Royce is looking forward to making more friends and happy trails ahead!

2010 "Favorite Tenor"
Although it's "old news" by now, and many have already congratulated me with kind words, I want to express my sincere gratitude to you for voting me as "Favorite Tenor" this year as a member of Tony Gore & Majesty.

This honor came during the 2010 SGM Fan Awards last month, and I am humbled by your kindness. Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for this generous token of love and support. It would not be possible, however, without my best friends and singing partners, Tony Gore and Calvin Thornton.

I love those guys, and we're having the time of our lives all over again since reuniting a few years ago. Thank you for welcoming us back with open arms and open hearts. You'll never know what it means to us. It means even more that you are being blessed by our music and lives are being positively touched by the ministry God has entrusted to us.

If you haven't already, be sure to get your copy of our latest CD, "Dawning Of A New Day." This is an all new recording by the original group for the first time in more than 15 years! (Order online here!)

Or, better yet, come by and see us when we are in your area, and you can get this CD and much more! Check my schedule page for upcoming "Majesty" appearances and make plans to be with us.

Double Feature: CGM FanFest and SGM FanFair In Pictures
You want a good chuckle? Take a look at me dressed in cowboy garb for the premier of Country Gospel Music FanFest last month! Now that was a Kodak moment - a rare one! LOL

But seriously, thanks to the contributions of several friends with great cameras, there is a photo album posted over at the Christian Voice Magazine website, featuring some great snapshots of both the 2010 CGM FanFest and SGM FanFair. It's a double feature - click here!

Walk To The Broken
Following my first radio single from my latest CD, "God Is My Refuge," we've just released Walk To The Broken as the second single to radio. I was advised to choose a different song from the CD because Walk To The Broken is not considered what the music business calls a "radio-friendly" song, and may not get played on very many stations. But I'm taking my chances. Since when did I ever follow protocol anyway?

There are other singles to follow from this same CD. But at this time, I feel strongly that this song needed to be heard, even with minimal airplay.

For so long now, it seems the church has gotten comfortable - in their comfortable pews, inside their comfortable sanctuary, with their comfortable sermonettes - and has forgotten the plan and purpose of God to reach out beyond our comfort zone; to GO OUT and compel the lost to come into the fold. We're becoming the cult of the comfortable, a bunch of fat, lazy, spoiled Christians - while the world around us falls apart.

The message of the song begs the question, "Where is our compassion for the lost sheep?" I pray this song will remind the body of Christ that the promises and provisions of our loving, Heavenly Father aren't given to us to keep, but to share generously with others who are hurting, needy and broken.

If you don't have the CD with this song on it, or you can't hear the song on your local radio station, you can listen to it right here.

This text will be replaced by the flash music player.

OK, there's plenty to talk about....let me hear from you!

Priscilla McGruder: 1948-2010

Gospel music has lost many beloved figures during my ministerial career. I will never forget how I felt when Vestal Goodman passed away, and I grieved the tragic death of Dottie Rambo for weeks. But I cannot begin to describe the emptiness I felt when I got word that Priscilla McGruder had left this world.

Each of these people, in one way or another, were positive influences in my life. Some helped shape the ministry I have today, and some even became precious friends. I have been greatly blessed to have known many who are considered legends and icons. More importantly, they were great mentors and deeply respected spiritual leaders. Such is the case with Priscilla McGruder.

It's not that I love or esteem one man or woman of God over the other. But Priscilla McGruder walked boldly and passionately to fulfill the call of God on her life to the fullest potential, selflessly willing to pay the price for the powerful anointing God placed on her without fear or compromise - and it was evident. I mean no offense to any other minister of the gospel, but the truth is - there are very few in the ministry today that are willing to walk in the crucified way as did Sister McGruder.

The impact of her passing was devastating to me. Yes, this one was very personal. Weeks after the news of her passing, I still weep when I think that such a true soldier has left us. There was no one else like her. Since her homegoing day, I have pulled out all of my McGruders CDs and DVDs and have worshipped with her over and over and over again.

The following is a memorial tribute to Sister McGruder that I wrote for the upcoming July issue of Chrstian Voice Magazine. If you are one that was blessed by her music or touched in any way by her ministry, please share your comments below.

The Lady And Her Lord
Priscilla McGruder finally meets the love of her life, face to face

By John Lanier

Priscilla McGruder and her husband of 34 years, Carroll McGruder, played a vital role in putting First United Pentecostal Church of Kennett, Missouri on the map. As a team of songwriters and performers, songs like I'm Going Home With Jesus, Saved By Grace, I've Just Started Living, Thanks, I Lean On You Lord, Most Of All and many others led them to the forefront of Gospel music.


The evangelistic music ministry of The McGruders was formed nearly 30 years ago, founded in faith, fashioned by anointing and fueled by spiritual fire. Unarguably, however, it was the voice and presence of Priscilla McGruder that propelled the family ministry to national prominence.

To those who encountered her, Priscilla was highly esteemed as "one of the most anointed singers in Christian music." Whether she was preaching, singing or testifying of God's faithfulness, she delivered her message pure and simple, with the fingerprint of the Holy Spirit all over it.

It wasn't uncommon for her to walk the aisles during a concert or a worship service, ministering to those in the audience, trembling with the reverential fear of God. While her approach was gentle and graceful, the power of God that flowed through her shook the very gates of hell and built bridges leading straight to Calvary.

Her life of prayer and commitment to God was clearly evident as she reached out with undeniable power and anointing from on high. Testimonies from around the world indicate that thousands upon thousands of people consider themselves blessed to have been touched by Jesus through the life and ministry of Priscilla McGruder.

Sister McGruder was diagnosed with cancer once again, years after surviving a previous battle with the life-threatening disease. Yet, throughout both battles, her faith and commitment never wavered. She was known for her positive attitude, her passion and ministry, despite the challenges associated with her sickness. Throughout her entire ministerial career, and in the wake of her battles with cancer, people all over the world who knew her followed her journeys and shared their love and appreciation for her selfless labors.

As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she dearly loved and cherished her family. As a minister, she reached out with great compassion to those who were lost and hurting. As a Christian music artist, she genuinely loved and appreciated her extended family of loyal, prayerful supporters.

But, most of all, she loved her Lord Jesus Christ. Her life was dedicated to serving Him and she longed for the day she would meet the love of her life, face to face. Finally, on April 29, 2010, as the windows of Heaven opened, Priscilla McGruder accepted her invitation to come home. At the age of 61, she escaped this life with her family and closest friends at her bedside rejoicing with her. Praying in the Spirit, the last words she ever spoke on this earth could not be understood by those surrounding her, but those Heavenly words are forever recorded in the realms of glory.

The beloved Priscilla McGruder was one of the most effective ministers of our lifetime. Some admired her for her talents, for no one could deliver a song quite like she could. Some even desired a portion of her anointing, and others wished for her power in prayer and dedication to touch them.

Whether in singing or preaching; her powerful voice would wake up the "callings which are without repentance" inside us. She has been acclaimed, acknowledged, awarded, appreciated, and best of all, elevated to a level of acceptance experienced by very few.

We will miss her presence, but her legacy of faith is forever imprinted upon our hearts. We shall never forget the impact Sister Priscilla McGruder made upon us all.

Until We Meet Again

When friends and loved ones pass from this life to the next, it's never easy to say goodbye, even though they have found eternal rest in the arms of Jesus and we will see them again some day. In recent weeks, I've had to say goodbye to two very precious people.

Helga Anita Rice
Our family said goodbye to Mrs. Helga Anita Rice on May 11th. At age 71, she passed away a few days after suffering a brain aneurysm.

Helga, or Nanny, as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, was the mother of my sister-in-law, Kelly Lanier. My mother and I sang at her homegoing service, and my dad served as one of the officiating ministers. We are deeply grateful for this honor.

Mrs. Rice was a queen to her husband, Earl, and a pillar of strength for her family, deeply loved and respected by all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a classy lady with inward and outward beauty. Our family is blessed beyond measure to have known such a lovely lady, whose grace and kindness will forever be imprinted upon our hearts.

Kelly is the wife of my brother, Royce, and the mother of their three children - Nathan, Noah and Kaylee. Kelly's life is quite a reflection of her mother's faith, strength and courage, and is following her mother's footprints to be a pillar of strength for her own husband and children.

I am so proud to have Kelly as my sister-in-law. God could not have blessed our family with anyone better.

(Although your mother is no longer with us in this earthly realm, she is with us in spirit through the virtues she instilled in you. No doubt, she is very proud of you, and so are we. I love you, Sis.)

Carol E. Tipton
Less than three weeks later, we said goodbye to a life-long family friend, Carol E. Tipton. Only 44 years old, this young mother of two passed away after a five year struggle with cancer.

Carol was really more than a friend, she was part of the family. Regrettably, I was unable to attend her homegoing service. My mother was there, and my dad was one of the officiating ministers.

Carol and I are the same age, and as teenagers, we attended the same church for many years. It was at that church where I first met Carol, her mom and stepdad, a brother and a sister. Later, Carol married and was blessed with two beautful children. She was a faithful wife and dedicated mother. She so enjoyed being a homemaker, and was always actively involved in her childrens' school activities and other interests.

Carol endured many hardships in her life, but, as anyone who knew her would tell you, she always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word for others - never complaining or bringing attention to her own trials, even throughout her entire struggle with cancer. She was strong, she was a fighter who would never retreat. Her very presence would brighten the darkest of days.

Carol was a true friend to me in every sense of the word. With my demanding ministry schedule of 20+ years on the road, she never once complained or fussed at me for not keeping in touch on a continual basis or for not visiting more often. And when we did get the chance to chat or enjoy a visit, we just picked up right where we left off from the last visit, as if we'd never missed a day of friendship. I so appreciated that about her. And she believed in my ministry, and supported me faithfully until her dying day.

Although I wasn't able to attend her memorial service, I did enjoy one last visit with her at her home only a week before her passing. As her weak body lay there in that hospital bed with intense pain, she still had that familiar smile on her beautiful face.

I know when I get to Heaven, I'll find Carol and we'll just pick up right where we left off - and we'll never part again.

(I love you, Angelbaby)

Until we meet again...

The Wilburns - A Grand Reunion

It's been a while since I've posted, and I humbly apologize. As usual, I've been quite busy lately, to say the least...never a dull moment around here! I've got a lot of catching up to do with much to chat about, and I will be posting more next week. But for now, as I am preparing to leave in a few moments for a couple of services in south Georgia, I have a wonderful event to tell you about that's just around the corner - you'll want to be a part of this!

The Wilburns were a family singing group who rose to fame in the 1980s. As with any singing group, there were a few personel changes within the family ministry over the years. But the line-up most fans remember as the "classic" Wilburns consisted of Jackie & Elaine, their son Jonathon, and Tony Gore.

They blazed a trail in gospel music throughout the 1990s with their campmeeting style concerts and evangelistic meetings. They produced numerous hit songs like It's Not So Hard To Praise Him, Death Valley Days, God's Promised Land and many more.

By the year 2000, The Wilburns came off the road, although Jackie and Elaine continue to minister in their local area.

Now, for the first time in many years, Jackie, Elaine, Jonathon and Tony will come back together for a special reunion concert event in Knoxville, TN. Jonathon's son, Jordan, has grown to be a fine singer in his own right, and will be joining his family for this landmark event. I have also been invited to perform with the family as a special guest! I can't wait to join the family to sing all my favorite Wilburns songs!

Over the past several weeks, I have enjoyed rehearsing with the whole gang, preparing for this special reunion event. It was a time also of sharing stories of the road and memories from the early days of The Wilburns' ministry. I've laughed and cried until it hurt. We sang and prayed and just had a good ol' time of fellowship. The Wilburns are precious people of God.

This reunion event is going to be a very memorable evening you'll not want to miss! Join me and The Wilburns for another campmeeting style concert on Wednesday, June 16th at 6:00pm at Chilhowee Park in Knoxville, TN. (3301 E Magnolia Avenue)

For tickets and more information, call 800-466-7606 or 386-566-9649.

Don't miss this milestone event! I hope to see you there!

New Pics. No Comment!

We seem to be experiencing a technical difficulty with the blog's comment feature. Some comments have been posted but are not showing up. And some folks seem to be having a problem using the comments form, unable to post at all.

We're looking into the issues and hope to have them resolved soon.

In the meantime, did I mention we've posted new pictures in the photo gallery?

UPDATE: If you previously posted comments that still do not appear on the site, please try again. Those comments may be forever lost in cyberspace. But, if at first you don't succeed....

Going Country! (Country Gospel, That Is)

The first ever Country Gospel Music Fan Fest is coming to Pigeon Forge. Featuring a variety of Christian Country and Country Gospel music, CGM Fan Fest will premier at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center April 29, 2010.

And you ain't gonna believe who they've chosen to emcee the three-day event! And they're going to let me sing, too! So, I'm putting on my western boots and cowboy hat and heading to east Tennessee!

This festival event will showcase a huge variety of the nation's finest artists including The Jeff Treece Band, Allen Frizzell, The Springs, Back Home, Marty Raybon, Barry Wayne, James Payne, Robin Springs, Melanie Walker and dozens more.

In addition to high-energy evening concerts, you'll enjoy the morning worship services, daily matinees, and plenty of southern hospitality as you chat with your favorite artists every afternoon. CGM Fan Fest is sure to deliver a heapin' helpin' of comedy, "down home" entertainment, spiritual refreshing and all the country-flavored gospel music the whole family will appreciate.

Visit http://www.cgmfanfest.com/ for more info!

Tony Gore & Majesty Among Top 5 Nominees In 2010 SGM Fan Awards

As sponsor for the 6th Annual Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards, Christian Voice Magazine recently announced the top five nominees in 21 categories. (View the complete list of nominees at http://www.sgmfanfair.com/).

Tony, Calvin and I were gratefully surprised to learn that each of us were among those nominees. Tony was named among the top favorite lead singers as voted by gospel music fans, while Calvin garnered favorite baritone and I was nominated as favorite tenor.

This announcement comes with the news that our latest single, Treasures, has become a top 40 hit. This song debuted on radio from the first recording by the original group in more than ten years.

Gospel music fans warmly embraced Tony Gore & Majesty as a new group in 1993. Since reuniting as the original group on new year's eve in 2004, you have again enthusiastically welcomed us back with your support. We humbly thank you and give all the glory to the Lord, and we look forward to great things ahead. We had no idea when we titled the new album "Dawning Of A New Day" that it would so accurately describe this moment.

In additon to Treasures, nine other songs to uplift, inspire and encourage are included on "Dawning Of A New Day." (Visit http://www.tonygore.com/ to order your copy today.)

Tony Gore & Majesty will be appaearing once again at SGM FanFair on Friday, May 7. Visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com/ for more info.

Again, on behalf of Tony, Calvin and myself...thank you...we love and appreciate you.

Video Clip: A Word From Donnie Swaggart About Anti-Christian Leaders And Islam

WARNING: The video you are about to view contains explicitly strong content of a spiritual nature and may be considered offensive to the lukewarm and backslidden Christian. Biblical guidance suggested. View at your own risk.



In the words of the great Shirley Caesar, "Hold my mule! I'm gonna shout right now!"

The Silence of the Church (Because "Religion and Politics Don't Mix")

In response to my political views (posted on the right column of this blog), and the posts I've made here about former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, I mentioned in an earlier post that some folks apparently felt they needed to remind me that "politics and religion don't mix."

I promised I would offer my view on the subject after the Christmas and New Year holidays and explain why I do not agree with that statement.

It's really quite simple.

According to webster.com, the word "politics" is primarily defined as:
the art or science of government; the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy; the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government.

Webster also defines the word "religion" primarily as:
the service and worship of God or the supernatural; commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance.

Granted, politics or governments differ from one country to another, and there are many different religions that exist in our world.

In some countries, particularly middle eastern nations, their religion IS their government (or vice versa). The two are not separate. In these countries, their religion is the law of the land. So, in a case such as radical Islam, the mixture of politics and man-made religion is nothing but a recipe for death and destruction.

But the idea of pure religion and government being one and the same originates in the earliest of Biblical history. It was God's idea. God gave His ten commandments - His law - to govern the nation of Israel after being freed from Egyptian slavery. There was no political law separate from the religious law. It was one and the same.

And, of course, there were times when even the Israelites strayed from God's law - each wanting to do what was right in their own eyes. We know the moral of that story, and you would think we would have learned something from it by now.

Quite contrary to what secularists and history revisionists are trying to sell us these days, America was indeed founded on Godly principles and our governmental law was formed with religious convictions. Anyone willing to take the time to read both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence can see that. It doesn't take a genius.

And those who carelessly spit out the phrase, "separation of church and state" to defend their stance that religion has no place in government are ignorant idiots that are oblivious to factual American history.

Life and liberty are God-given, basic, human rights. And, according to the Bible, there is only one, true religion.

Even Thomas Jefferson, whom a secularist would proudly call his own, is documented to have said, "The God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?"

Connecting the dots, then, what true, red-blooded American in his/her right mind, with any sense of sound conscience would NOT want moral, Biblically sound politics guiding and influencing our government that exists for the purpose of protecting the law abiding citizen?

Admittedly, until recently I had never really been a "political" person. That’s not to say I’ve not been concerned or informed; But over the past three years, I’ve come to realize just how extremely important it is to be concerned about the decisions made by government - from the local level to the White House - because these decisions affect all our lives.

That said, it is every American citizen’s duty to stay informed about what’s happening in the world around us, and the right to vote and freedom of speech are not just “rights,” but responsibilities of every Christian American. Our voices must be heard.

So, how can we say, then, “politics and religion don’t mix?” Wouldn’t you suppose that the political views of Christians are formed and/or based primarily on Biblical principles and convictions? Or, at least, shouldn’t they be?

To say that "politics and religion don't mix" makes about as much sense as saying "Jesus and the gospel don't mix." (Although, ironically, however, the sad reality is that Jesus nor the gospel exists in some so-called churches any more than Biblical convictions exists in some so-called Christians' political views.)

While the economy is failing, the justice system is failing, and politicians and government leaders are failing us, where is the church?? Is the church also failing? Where is the church that Jesus said the gates of hell could not prevail against, the one that stands for absolute truth and righteousness?

Quite frankly, if the church don’t get political real fast, we’re going to lose this nation.

Some say it’s too late, it’s already a lost cause. Others say there is nothing we can do but pray. And, certainly, prayer still changes things, and the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16b).

However, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20b).

I realize that Bible prophecy does indeed foretell certain inevitable events that will ultimately take place on this planet as a result of sin and judgment. I also realize the Bible says that, in the last days, some will depart from the faith. Still, that is no reason or excuse for apathy, compromise and complacency. There’s certainly no reason for the church’s deafening silence. We are called to fight the good fight of faith (1st Timothy 6:12a).

In today’s social and political climate, even in the so-called “church” world, it’s very unpopular - and sometimes even dangerous - to voice convictions and conservative opinions that differ from the common secular and liberal world view. But the truth is, if we don’t use our voice, we’ll lose it altogether.

I will continue to pray for our government and those in leadership. Furthermore, however, as a Christian and as an American citizen who loves this country, I have also made a personal commitment to respectfully and prayerfully voice my concerns and convictions to lawmakers and others in leadership, and encourage them to return to the principles of our founding fathers that made this nation so great and prosperous.

Silence is compromise. I will no longer be silent.

As a Christian and as a concerned American citizen, my voice will be heard in prayer. My voice will be heard at the voting booth. My voice will be heard at the White House. My voice will be heard on this blog. My voice will be heard in the pulpit. My voice will be heard as long as there is breath in my body to proclaim the righteousness of God.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (Matthew 5:13,14)

Could YOU stand before almighty God on judgment day and tell Him, "politics and religion don't mix?" Not if you're worth your salt.

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalm 9:17)

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Recommended Reading

For more commentary on this topic, read Rev. Michael Bresciani's articles:
Religion and Politics Don’t Mix - A Modern Fairy Tale
So You Don't Think Religion and Politics Make A Good Mix?

And Donnie Swaggart has just posted this commentary, relating the impact of letting our voices be heard:
Another Boston Tea Party

Remembering Oral Roberts and B.H. Clendennen

During the final weeks of 2009, four prominent men of God were called to their Heavenly home - B.H Clendennen, Oral Roberts, Roger Barkley, Sr. and Calvin Hunt.

In memory and in honor of each of these men, I wrote a two-page tribute entitled, "Men of God, Heroes of the Faith." The full article will appear in the February issue of Christian Voice Magazine.

While all four of these men are lovingly remembered and highly respected, two in particular had a personal and direct impact on the lives of me and my family.

Dr. Oral Roberts, a legendary evangelist who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Christian figures of the 20th century, died December 15, 2009 in Newport Beach, California, due to complications from pneumonia. He was 91 years old.

He was revered as an evangelist, prophet, and modern-day apostle of the healing ministry. He was also a radio and TV minister, author, educator and innovator who built a worldwide ministry, accredited university, and medical school.

Granville Oral Roberts was born into poverty in Bebee, Oklahoma. Inspired by his own healing of tuberculosis and stuttering at 17, he began his career in the ministry. While pastoring churches and preaching at revivals around the country, he studied at Oklahoma Baptist University and Phillips (OK) University.

In 1947, he founded Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association (OREA) and began conducting crusades across America and around the world, attracting crowds of thousands - many who were sick and dying, and in search of healing.

As a young boy, my dad had a hole in his heart that caused many complications and placed limitations on his physical activity. At an Oral Roberts crusade, Roberts prayed for my dad and he was healed. It was a moment he's never forgotten.

In 1958, Roberts founded the Abundant Life Prayer Group to address the around-the-clock needs of those suffering and requesting prayer. Answering God’s call to build an institute of higher learning, he founded Oral Roberts University in 1963, where he served as school president until 1993, when he became chancellor.

In 1981, Roberts founded the City of Faith Medical and Research Center, merging the healing power of medicine and prayer. The facility closed after eight years, leaving a lasting impact on the understanding by many medical professionals of the importance of treating the whole person - body, mind and spirit.

Although he was referred to as a “faith healer,” Oral Roberts often refuted the term, saying, “God heals. I don’t.”

Rev. B.H. Clendennen became highly regarded as a “true soldier of the cross” and was affectionately referred to as “The General.” His reputation as such a spiritual leader was largely due to his style of straight forward preaching and uncompromising commitment to the truth of pure, Biblical doctrine - never embracing what has become known as the so called “social gospel” and the “prosperity gospel.”

Bertram Hamilton Clendennen was born in Lytton Springs, Texas, to a large, poor family. One year after graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Marines where he served during World War II.

Clendennen surrendered his life fully to Jesus Christ in 1949, at the age of 27. Answering the call to preach in 1953, he spent three years in successful evangelism before he became the founding pastor of Victory Temple in Beaumont, Texas in 1956.

Thirty-five years later, Rev. Clendennen resigned his pastoral ministry to enter into full-time missions. As part of his missions efforts, he founded the School of Christ in 1992 - a work that is now ongoing in more than 100 countries around the world and continues to grow.

As a conservative Pentecostal preacher, Rev. Clendennen became an international speaker, author, radio and TV minister. His ministry spanned the globe for more than 55 years with integrity untainted by the media.
 
Until his last breath on this earth, he fought the good fight of faith.