Sunday evening, I had the blessed privilege of attending the kickoff for the 49th Annual Simultaneous Revival Services, sponsored by the Baptist Ministers Conference of Gary and Vicinity, Inc., Pastor Isaac Culver, Jr., President. This service was held at New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church where Dr. W.N. Reed is pastor. The late Dr. Floyd E. Dumas, a native of Oklahoma City, who served the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Gary for a number of years, is responsible for bringing this idea to my hometown 49 years ago. Since its inception, this revival like the one held in Oklahoma City, has been a coveted venue for pastors and preachers across this nation. Pastors and churches coming together for the express purpose and specific intent of prayer, praise and preaching is a sight to behold. Even those who were not scheduled would attend just for the fellowship. Many would take vacations from their job just to pack out every church, morning, noon and night to hear the preached word.
Ever since I was a boy, growing up in Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles L. Emery, I have attended these services. Like a kid in the candy store, I have made it a priority to be a part of this great gathering and to this day I have cherished every moment. To fellowship with pastors across this nation has truly been my honor. As fellow bloggers Pastor Owens and Pastor Witherspoon have already expressed, our love for preaching took shape during experiences such as what these settings bring.
On last night the following preachers set our souls ablaze as they preached with power, persuasion and purpose:
· Pastor Harold Cadwell, Jr., Mt Olive Baptist Church, Detroit, MI.
· Pastor Alphonso Jackson, Sr., Second Baptist Church, Miami, Fl.
· Pastor Keith G. Tyler, Antioch Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky.
· Pastor Edward L. McCree, Israel Baptist Church, Detroit, MI.
Needless to say, I had a blast and am looking forward to attending as many services as my schedule will allow. Special thanks to Pastor Keith D. Witherspoon, my beloved brother, for allowing his son in the ministry, Rev. Derrick Buggs, to drive us to Gary last evening. Much obliged “Mr. Mayor.” God Bless!
7 comments:
McGhee, I also share those same feelings about the Gary Simultaneous Revival that you do, as that was the place that I gained my first exposure to a national meeting.
I am also eternally grateful to your Pastor, Dr. Emery for opening the door for me to preach in 2002 at the Late Night Service at the historic Calvary Institutional Baptist Church. This revival will always have a special place in my heart, as it is the place that I met Spoon, and yourself and for that I am also grateful.
Enjoy the week and preach a little!
Lance
This sound simply awesome. It is a Christian, and most definitely a Preacher's paradise. It can also prove to be a paradise for those of us who love preaching and are so close to the profession of gospel preaching. I can identify with the quote "like a kid in a candy store" you are so excited and don't know which one to pick first. It is encouraging to know that the preached word is still viable in the lives of those who carry such a precious and divine cargo. Be blessed.
Mother
Pastor McGhee, that Revival sounds like an experience we all should have the privilege of being involved. It is so heart warming to hear about Pastors and Churches working together in the ultimate goal of Praising and Worshiping our Lord. I wish I could attend at least one night, if not this year I will seriously consider next time. Thanks for sharing and representing our Greater St. John family. Where are the pictures????
Brother Armstrong
Bishop,
I know that you and Buggs enjoyed the kickoff! i wish i could have been there, but i will be playing catch up all week long!!!
Pastor McGhee, thank you for sharing your world with us I’m always encouraged when I read your blog. Continue in the direction you are going and I will continue to witness the great things God allows you to accomplish.
NLT Ecclesiastes 9:11 I have observed something else in this world of ours. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise are often poor, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives.
It is all decided by chance, by being at the right place at the right time.
Ron
It is always nice to hear that our pastor has many filling stations to pull into to get a full tank and bring some of that home to us.
GOD Bless~~~
I'm so glad you are enjoying the revival honey. I know how much you've missed the fellowship in Gary since moving to SB. I know you will be blessed by the Word this week. Enjoy!
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