Author Archives: Pastor Ed Boston

Breaking News: Comedy Legend Tim Conway Passes Away

 

For those of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, Tim Conway is a comedy legend. Amy and I continue to watch and love old episodes of “The Carol Burnett Show”, and especially love the ones that Tim appeared in.

It was so funny to see Tim make his fellow actors laugh when they should have been in character during a skit. Harvey Korman could hardly keep a straight face in nearly every scene they were involved in on the iconic Carol Burnett show.

While the character Mr. Tudball was among our favorite characters, it was the “Oldest Man” that topped them all. Watch this short video clip of Tim Conway as the Oldest Man.

Amy and I are saddened by the death of one of our all-time favorites, and our prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans. May Tim Conway’s memory live forever, and what a blessing it is to still be able to watch him performing his craft.

Read the announcement of Tim Conway’s passing below this picture of Tim and Harvey.

Pastor Ed Boston

Tim Conway and Harvey Korman

Comedy legend Tim Conway, star of ‘The Carol Burnett Show,’ dead at 85

Tim Conway, the Golden Globe Award-winning actor who embodied several comical characters on “The Carol Burnett Show” including the Oldest Man and Mr. Tudball has died at age 85.

Conway died Tuesday morning after a long illness in Los Angeles, according to his rep Howard Bragman. His daughter, Kelly, told Fox News on Tuesday her father is “at peace now.”

“The love he gave us, and the laughter he gave the world will never be replaced, but will be remembered forever,” Kelly told us. “He is at peace now but I will miss him every second of every day until we meet again in heaven.

“We knew he would have to leave us someday, but that day came too soon. When he used to hear the song ‘Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground’ he would say, ‘I want that played at my funeral.'”

Conway’s longtime friend and fellow star Carol Burnett told Fox News, “I’m heartbroken. He was one in a million, not only as a brilliant comedian but as a loving human being. I cherish the times we had together both on the screen and off. He’ll be in my heart forever.

To read the complete article, click here to go to the Fox News story.

Huge News About Friend of the Podcast Michael Behenna

It’s been a long, long time coming but today, President Trump gave an Executive Grant of Clemency for friend of the podcast, Michael Behanna. I, along with numerous other members of the then called “Cyber Crew” worked hard to defend Michael from nearly the very beginning of this horrible ordeal to a true Military Hero.

A trip to DC in support of Micheal, walking the halls of the Congressional Office Building to speak with Congressmen and their staffs about the grave injustices that were placed on our friend, having Michael’s parents on the podcast more than once to keep us updated (once Michael himself got on the line to thank us for our support), and regular prayers are some of the things we’ve done on behalf of this amazing former Military Officer.  We once had former Congressman and retired LTC Allen West on the podcast just to talk about Michael.

This grant of clemency serves as a complete pardon for Michael. While he can never get back the years of pain and suffering he has endured because of this disgrace of a miscarriage of justice, I am so pleased that he can now have this part of his life behind him.

May God’s blessing always be with Michael, Vicki, Scott along with the rest of the family, friends, and fellow soldiers that were so affected by this ordeal.

Pastor Ed Boston

Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding Executive Clemency for Michael Behenna

Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Grant of Clemency (Full Pardon) for former Army First Lieutenant Michael Behenna of Oklahoma.

In 2009, a military court sentenced Mr. Behenna to 25 years in prison for unpremeditated murder in a combat zone. After judgment, however, the U.S. Army’s highest appellate court noted concern about how the trial court had handled Mr. Behenna’s claim of self-defense. Additionally, the Army Clemency and Parole Board reduced his sentence to 15 years and paroled him as soon as he was eligible in 2014—just 5 years into his sentence. Upon his release, dozens of Patriot Guard motorcycle riders met Mr. Behenna to escort him back to his home in Oklahoma.

Mr. Behenna’s case has attracted broad support from the military, Oklahoma elected officials, and the public. Thirty-seven generals and admirals, along with a former Inspector General of the Department of Defense, signed a brief in support of Mr. Behenna’s self-defense claim. Numerous members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation, Oklahoma’s then-Governor Mary Fallin, and current Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter have also expressed support for Mr. Behenna. Further, while serving his sentence, Mr. Behenna was a model prisoner. In light of these facts, Mr. Behenna is entirely deserving of this Grant of Executive Clemency.

Another post about this topic can be found here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-pardons-the-former-soldier-who-was-convicted-of-murdering-an-iraqi-prisoner/2019/05/06/158765f8-705e-11e9-9f06-5fc2ee80027a_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.e7a271341b53

Here is the Facebook page dedicated to this cause: https://www.facebook.com/Free-Michael-Behenna-286735434685704/

Stuart Varney Opinion Piece on Trump and National Day of Prayer

We’ve made a conscious decision to not post as much about politics as we have in the past. The nation is more politically divided than any time in recent memory and maybe in the entire history of our great nation.

President Trump is one of if not the biggest topics when it comes to that division. It seems that people either love him or hate him and there’s not much in between the two.

We consider ourselves Christian Conservatives, so it shouldn’t be a surprise,  that we are supporters of the President. Is he perfect? Who is? Does he say and do things that we wish he didn’t? Absolutely!!!

All that said, many people would laugh when the topic of President Trump and Christian values are used in the same sentence. That’s exactly why we love the opinion piece from Stuart Varney that is below.

When laughing off the President’s faith, let us remind you of the scripture in John 8 that says:

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 

 

Stuart Varney: Trump doesn’t wear his religion on his sleeve, National Day of Prayer ceremony was a revelation

Thursday morning, President Trump appeared in the Rose Garden for the National Day of Prayer.  It was anything but a “normal” religious event. It wasn’t a somber, restrained affair. It was a joyous call for unity, at a time when unity is vitally needed. It was a very different spiritual occasion.

For me the “highlight,” if I may call it that, was the appearance of Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein. The president called him to the podium and he told the story of the Poway synagogue shooting where he had faced the killer.

He said, “you need to stand tall, to stand fast, and to do what it takes to change the world.” No pieties there: reality! None of this “our thoughts and prayers are with you.” That’s a platitude. Stand up. Face down hate. That’s what the rabbi said. That struck a chord: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus: all in the audience, and all understood the importance of what Rabbi Goldstein had said.

We also discovered that this president begins all cabinet meetings with a prayer. We didn’t know that. We’d never been told. Mr. Trump clearly doesn’t wear his religion on his sleeve. I’m not going to make a big deal out of this but we saw a side of the president that most of us didn’t know.

And this is the side of the president the media does not show.

What a shame: the prayer event was extraordinary. And timely, following the slaughter of Muslims in New Zealand, Christians in Sri Lanka, Jews in Pittsburgh and Poway. A call to spiritual unity that was exactly what was needed, and that’s exactly what President Trump delivered.

Adapted from Stuart Varney’s “My Take” monologue for Fox Nation on May 3, 2019.

Read the entire story by clicking this link: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/stuart-varney-trump-national-day-of-prayer-poway-rabbi

National Day of Prayer from Ed Boston Ministries

Pastor Ed and Amy Boston shared a National Day of Prayer podcast today. Click here to listen.

The theme for the 2019 National Day of Prayer on May 2, 2019, is Love One Another. The theme comes from the words of Jesus in John 13:34, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you.” 
From the National Day of Prayer website:
 
The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.
Our hope is that individuals, churches, and spiritual leaders in America, will humble ourselves and unify in prevailing prayer for the next great move of God in America. We can come together in clear agreement that this is our greatest need. We can become a visible union, standing together in prayer. We can pray more than ever before, and practice extraordinary prayer for the next great move of God in America that will catapult the message of the gospel nationally and internationally.

Discoveries Give More Confirmation That The Bible Is Accurate

More and more discoveries continue to prove that the contents of the Holy Bible are accurate. Here are two recent stories that add to the long list.

Ancient 3,000-year-old tablet suggests Biblical king may have existed

The study of an ancient tablet that dates back nearly 3,000 years suggests that the biblical King Balak may have been an actual historical figure.

Published in Tel Aviv: The Journal of the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University, the study looks at the Mesha Stele and makes the determination that after looking at new photos of the cracked tablet, Balak existed, though the researchers are not 100 percent certain of it.

“After studying new photographs of the Mesha Stele and the squeeze of the stele prepared before the stone was broken, we dismiss Lemaire’s proposal to read  (‘House of David’) on Line 31,” the researchers wrote in the study’s abstract. “It is now clear that there are three consonants in the name of the monarch mentioned there, and that the first is a beth. We cautiously propose that the name on Line 31 be read as Balak, the king of Moab referred to in the Balaam story in Numbers 22–24.”

To read the complete story, click here: https://www.foxnews.com/science/ancient-3000-year-old-tablet-suggests-biblical-king-may-have-existed

Rare ancient treasures bearing Biblical names discovered in Jerusalem’s City of David

Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a rare clay seal mark and a 2,600-year-old stone stamp bearing Biblical names amid the ruins of a building destroyed by the ancient Babylonians.

Seal Israel

The amazing finds, which date to the First Temple period, were made in Jerusalem’s famous City of David. The artifacts were discovered in the remains of a structure razed in the 6th century B.C., likely during the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., according to experts.

In a statement, Prof. Yuval Gadot of Tel Aviv University and the Israel Antiquities Authority, which oversaw the dig, said charred pottery shards were found in the building, indicating that the seal mark and stamp survived a major fire. Both artifacts feature ancient Hebrew script.

To read the complete story, click here: https://www.foxnews.com/science/rare-ancient-treasures-bearing-biblical-names-discovered-in-jerusalems-city-of-david

Continued Prayers Needed for Alex Trebek

Pray: Alex Trebek Experiencing ‘Deep Sadness’ Amid Cancer Treatment

It’s been almost two months since “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek announced his diagnosis with stage-four pancreatic cancer.

In a YouTube video posted in early March, Trebek noted that “normally the prognosis is not very encouraging,” but vowed to fight the disease “with the love of support of my family and friends, and with the help of your prayers … .”

‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Calls For Prayer After Announcing Stage Four Cancer Diagnosis

Despite his determination and positive attitude, however, the 78-year-old game show icon revealed Wednesday the battle has taken an unexpected emotional toll.

Speaking to “Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts, Trebek explained that while his treatment is going as well as possible at this point, he feels the need to be candid with fans about his additional struggle with depression.

To read the rest of this article written by   from Faith Wire – click this link:

https://www.faithwire.com/2019/05/01/pray-alex-trebek-experiencing-deep-sadness-amid-cancer-treatment/?utm_source=FWNL

Over 50 Artists Join Forces To Honor Michael W. Smith At Bridgestone Arena

Last night Nashville, TN’s Bridgestone Arena became home to a once-in-a-lifetime, star-studded tribute event honoring Michael W. Smith and celebrating his 35-year career and his 35 #1 hits.

Nashville, Tenn. – 35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith was packed with over 3 hours of performances from singers including: Amy Grant, Wynonna, Randy Travis with Steven Curtis Chapman, Jordin Sparks with Jordan Smith, Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell, Charlie Daniels, the Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill with Wayne Kirkpatrick, Matthew West, Avalon, The Oak Ridge Boys, CeCe Winans, Francesca Battistelli, Sandi Patty with Natalie Grant, Ricky Skaggs with the Isaacs, Jason Crabb, Lee Greenwood, Mark Lowry, Jim Brickman, T. Graham Brown and more.

Before the show started, Smith spoke of how he had been kept in the dark about most of the event so he was looking forward to the surprises throughout the night, seeing his songs performed and the rendition that the artists were going to take on them. He stated that “the beauty of the night is how it has brought so many of us together.”

Kathie Lee Gifford kicked off the night bringing Smith and his wife Deborah out to greet the crowd before they took their seats on stage. Smith didn’t stay seated long as he joined several artists throughout the night on his iconic songs and even some of theirs.

Highlights throughout the night included:

  • Randy Travis walking out on stage with his wife Mary Travis as his version of Smith’s “Above All” played. An emotional Smith stood as Travis made his way to him before embracing
  • After performing “How Great Thou Art” Charlie Daniels brought out his fiddle for “Devil Went Down to Georgia” while Smith accompanied him on piano
  • Taped messages from Smith’s dear friends: former President George W. Bush, U2’s Bono and Franklin Graham
  • American Idol winner Jordin Sparks joining The Voice winner Jordan Smith performing “All is Well”
  • Rascal Flatts putting their spin on “Pray for Me”
  • A visibly moved Wynonna, joining Michael Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon and CeCe Winans on “Help Is on the Way” then Smith jumping to the piano to join her for a rendition of his “Majesty”
  • Smith’s longtime friend and tour-mate Amy Grant inviting him to accompany her on the piano during their “Love Will Find a Way”

The show closed with all the artists coming back on stage to join-in for Smith’s classic “Friends.”

After playing the piano, Smith embraced the end of the triumphant night moving to the front of the stage to take a bow as his family joined him.

Promoted by Outback Concerts and produced by Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, music lovers experienced over 50 artists from all genres, performing a set list that included many of Smith’s 35 #1 hit singles. With over 45 Dove awards, three Grammy awards, and an American Music award, Michael W. Smith has forever enshrined his mark in the music history books. Smith garnered yet another Grammy nomination in 2018 for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ for his worship effort, Surrounded. AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experienceis Smith’s latest release (Feb. 22, 2019).

“35 Years Of Friends: Celebrating The Music Of Michael W. Smith” full setlist:
Phil Keaggy, Mac Powell, Phillips, Craig & Dean, Point of Grace – “Agnus Dei”
Jason Crabb – “Love Crusade”
Ricky Skaggs with The Isaacs – “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
Zach Williams – “I’ll Stand”
David Hamilton – Instrumental
David Hamilton, Jordin Sparks, Jordan Smith – “All is Well”
Matthew West – “Go West”
Charlie Daniels – “How Great Thou Art”
Charlie Daniels with Michael W. Smith – “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”
Jars of Clay – “I’ll Lead You Home”
Rascal Flatts – “Pray for Me”
Avalon with Jay DeMarcus – “I Will Be Here”
Mark Lowry – “Face in This World”
Gatlin Brothers with Phillips, Craig & Dean – “Shine On Us”
Sandi Patty and Natalie Grant – “How Majestic”
Jim Brickman – “Love of My Life”
Michael W. Smith with original band – “Could He Be Messiah,” “Be Strong,” “You Need a Savior”
Randy Travis and Steven Curtis Chapman – “Above All”
Lee Greenwood with Wes King and sons – “There She Stands”
Brian Littrell – “Place in This World”
Michael W. Smith – “Secret Ambition”
Oak Ridge Boys – “Draw Me Close”
Nicole C. Mullen, Danny Gokey, Katinas, Matthew Ward, Calvin Nowell – “Crown Him with Many Crowns, ” “Easter Song”
CeCe Winans with Point of Grace – “King of Glory”
Matt Maher – “This is Your Time”
Laura Story with Francesca Battistelli – “How to Say Goodbye”
Russ Taff – “Healing Rain”
Wayne Kirkpatrick with Vince Gill – “Never Been Unloved”
Mark Hall – “I’m Waiting on You”
Tait, Matt Maher, Avalon, Wynonna, CeCe Winans – “Help Is on the Way”
Wynonna – “Majesty”
Amy Grant with Michael W. Smith – “Love Will Find a Way,” “Thy Word”
All sing including T. Graham Brown – “Friends”

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 35+ years. During his storied career, he’s written over 35 #1 songs, been honored with three GRAMMY® Awards and 45 Dove Awards, one American Music Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. His most recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music and Billboard-acclaimed studio album A Million Lights and Parade, Good Morning America-featured and GRAMMY nominated live worship albumSurrounded have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. He’s also given back to the global community. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including Old Enough To Know and Friends Are Friends Forever. For more information, visitwww.michaelwsmith.com.

About Outback Concerts:
Outback Concerts is an independent, full-service concert and comedy promoter based in Nashville, TN. In addition to producing hundreds of concerts and events each year, ranging from clubs to arenas across the country and Canada, Outback Concerts also produces the Nashville Comedy Festival. Outback Concerts President Mike Smardak was a 2011 inductee of the IEBA Hall of Fame. In November of 2016, Mike Smardak was honored with a distinguished NATD Award alongside Nashville’s most recognized members of the entertainment industry. In March of 2018, Smardak was honored by the T.J. Martell Foundation with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award. Promoter Andrew Farwell was voted IEBA Rookie of the Year in 2014.

About Conway Entertainment Group:
Conway Entertainment Group is a full-service talent agency comprising live events, booking and talent management. CEG is built firmly on the foundation of Tony Conway’s forty years of experience in the industry, climbing the ranks from agent to CEO of Buddy Lee Attractions, Inc., one of the world’s largest agencies. In 2009, Conway sold his interest in BLA and opened Conway Entertainment Group with the desire to use his expertise from years of representing and negotiating some of the biggest tours, sponsorships, licensing deals, and literary, film and TV projects to come out of Music City.

Need Prayer? Here’s How to Request on Ed Boston Ministries

A few days ago, we announced the creation of Ed Boston Ministries. You can read that announcement at this link: https://edboston.com/2019/04/21/announcing-ed-boston-ministries/.

One of the things mentioned in the announcement is a brand new focus on Prayer, receiving Prayer Requests and sharing Prayer issues.

Here is our next step in putting a heavy emphasis on the topic of Prayer. Click this link https://app.letsgroopit.com/EdBostonMinistries

and here is a place to request prayer, give encouragement to those who have already made requests, and share with others who may need special prayers or who are already Prayer Warriors.

Help Amy and I  spread the message of the power of prayer.

Pastor Ed Boston

 

Link For Our New OnlineRadio Station

Here’s the link to our new online radio station: http://listen.samcloud.com/w/93506/Ed-Boston-Radio-Network#history 

The only way to listen is to use your computer, tablet, or smartphone – it’s not on your regular radio channels.

Save or bookmark the link and share it with people who like Contemporary Christian music. The is very little talking and almost nonstop music.

If we are missing your favorites let us know and we will try to get them on the playlist.