A Letter from
Rev. Dallas E. McFarland
EATON RAPIDS CHURCH of the NAZARENE
Kirk Talley
was in concert at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene on Sunday, October 17,
2004, during the morning worship service. His music was superb and God’s
Blessing was indeed on the service. Nearing the end of the service, Kirk took a
chair, placed it in the middle of the crowd, sat down and gave his testimony. He
gave, in detail, his journey (dealings with his same sex attraction) that God
had taken him through, starting as young boy, as a teen, a young adult,
marriage, and divorce. Then he told of his brokenness, the Mercy, the Grace of
God and the Victory of God’s power that he walks in today.
When he
finished there was not a dry eye in the building. His testimony touched every
heart in more than one way. Some individuals stated that his testimony has
helped them realize they too needed to deal directly with a situation in their
life, from drugs to pornography and others learned that we all have to deal with
something in our lives and it doesn’t matter what it is, God sees it as sin and
he is the only solution and we can’t condemn others of what they go through but
be there in support. Romans 3:23-24 ...for all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the
redemption that came by Christ Jesus. I believe that every church ought to
hear his testimony, so all may learn we are not to accept sin we are to know the
church is for the “sinner” a place to seek freedom from “bondage”. Out of Kirk’s
brokenness, he now has the power of God to help him live in victory day by day.
God will use Kirk Talley in an even greater way than ever before. For when we
are humbled and broken, then God can use us to touch others.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
… there was given me a thorn in my
flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord
to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for
my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why,
for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Kirk, Remember the Apostle Paul’s thorn in his side. I have
wondered since this concert if God permitted you to have this struggle because
He knew your heart, your love & devotion for Him and that you would permit
yourself to be broken and out of your journey, be used, to bring help &
deliverance to others.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dallas E McFarland
A letter from
Rev. Johnny Minick
Senior Pastor
River Of LIfe Assembly Of God
A worship
service is typically a place where people go to express their love and adoration
to God. Often, it is a place where people are enlightened as to how they can
enjoy a better life through the blessings of the Lord and the promises that God
has made in His Word. On occasion you can be wonderfully entertained by
talented musicians and singers and carefully crafted sermons. But seldom,
unfortunately, do people regard the house of God as a refuge that they can run
to with their hurts, broken hearts and ruined lives.
So much emphasis is placed on the positive message that people
who have made bad decisions feel like the proverbial dirt swept under the rug.
I
recently invited Kirk Talley to the church that I pastor in Smyrna, Tennessee. I
thought I had invited the talented singer and songwriter that I had known for
many years, but, what I encountered was a communicator that far superseded the
Kirk Talley that I knew. A talented singer and songwriter still, Kirk sang a few
songs as he started narrowing the subject to God's grace. Kirk then transformed
into the most transparent person that I have ever seen as he opened up the most
intimate part of his life. People were moved, not just emotionally, but in their
spirit! The house of God was transformed as well into a sanctuary as people
moved toward the altars bringing their hurts and broken lives. Repentance and
renewal was the glorious result. Hearts and attitudes were changed and the
banner of compassion was raised. Our church will never be the same as a result
of this single worship service. I give my highest recommendation to Kirk Talley.
I also commit to pray for doors of opportunity to open to this powerful and
effective ministry.
Sincerely,
Rev. Johnny Minick
Senior Pastor
River Of LIfe Assembly Of God
Smyrna, Tennessee
A letter from
Rev. Phil Edwards, Senior Pastor
Fortville Church of the Nazarene
Fortville, Indiana
Dear friends;
On Sunday Morning, March 13, Kirk Talley shared his ministry in our Morning
Worship Service and God came in a wonderful way. Kirk opened his heart and life
and let us in through his singing and testimony and the Holy Spirit used it in a
mighty way. I had not met Kirk until this Sunday and after some time visiting
with him prior to the service, I am convinced that he has a heart for God and
has a tremendous testimony of God’s forgiveness and restoration. I believe we
serve a God of forgiveness, healing and restoration, and Kirk is a living
example of this. Several people found help around an altar of prayer at the
close of the service and I thank God for using His servant, Kirk, to speak to us
about real life issues and how we deal with them through the wonderful grace of
God. I would highly recommend Kirk to share his ministry of song and his strong
testimony of God’s love and goodness in his life. May God continue to use Kirk
to reach people for Christ and His Kingdom!
Rev. Phil Edwards, Senior Pastor
Fortville Church of the Nazarene
Fortville, Indiana
A letter from
Pastor Tom Brown
Wurtland Church of the Nazarene
Wurtland, KY
Hi Kirk,
First of all I want to thank you again for being with us in Wurtland,
KY yesterday. To say that you were a blessing just doesn't seem
adequate because you were SO much more! People who were meeting you for the
first time left feeling like they had known you for a lifetime. What a
wonderful impact you had on the entire congregation. Please stay
encouraged and know that you are loved and appreciated by us all. Hold on
to Philippians 1:6...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus! I love you brother, you are
always welcome at Wurtland Nazarene.
Pastor Tom Brown
Pastor Tom Brown
Wurtland Church of the Nazarene
Wurtland, KY
A letter from Pastor David Coburn
Red Bank Missionary Baptist Church
Germanton, NC
Brother Kirk:
We are still reaping benefits from your being with
us here at Red Bank Missionary Baptist Church in Germanton, NC.
Even today, someone stopped me to say how much of a blessing
your concert here was for her – and how much she appreciated
our church inviting you. Thanks for leading us in worship,
not just providing us with entertainment.
You are welcome here any time!
Pastor David Coburn
Red Bank Missionary Baptist Church
PO Box 39
Germanton, NC 27019-0039
www.RedBankChurch.org
A
letter from Pastor Stephen L Welborn,
Faith Baptist Church,
Archdale NC
Kirk,
The concert and testimony you gave at Faith Baptist Church in Trinity, N.C.,
Sunday night (7/25) was a true experience of the Holy Spirit's power.
The grace of Jesus Christ was evident through your spoken words and through your
singing.
No one could ever accuse you of "playing church." Your experience is part of the
"cutting edge" of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world.
Thank you for boldly sharing with us. As I said Sunday night,
"The best compliment I can give you is that we 'saw Jesus' through you."
Please count me among your references to recommend you to any church or venue.
Pastor Stephen L Welborn,
Faith Baptist Church,
Archdale NC
From Dwayne
Burks - Bethany Baptist Gastonia, NC
In the months
leading up to Kirk’s visit to our church God had been teaching us that the
church is more of a hospital for hurting sinners, than a
showplace for snobbish saints.
Kirk’s visit proved to be ordained of
God as he came and shared from his heart to our hearts. Since his visit
our people have found new freedom to admit their struggles, their fears, and
even their sins.
Kirk’s willingness to be so
vulnerable before a group of people he had never even met filled us with
confidence that God is not surprised by our struggles. We can be more
honest and open with our brothers and sisters in the local church.
We realized that God loves just as we
here, right where we are but He loves us far too much to leave us there. The
gentle Shepherd restores our souls to the truth of who He is and what it means
to be His child.
We love and appreciate Kirk for
helping us see that our God is not only great – He is also good.
This excerpt from C.S. Lewis’s work
says it best. The dialogue speaks for itself as one of the children asks about
Aslan the Lion who is representative of Christ.
"Is Aslan quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about
meeting a lion."
"That you will dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs.
Beaver. "If there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees
knocking, they're either braver than most or just plain silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs.
Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe.
But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
Chronicles of Narnia Volume I - The Lion, The
Witch, and The Wardrobe
|
