Witten by Lady Nancy Johnson, Jacksonville District
We are praising and thanking God for blessing the Agape Sisterhood and Women’s Ministry of Solid Rock Church of God by Faith, Yulee, Fl for hosting “A Sparkle of Beauty” women’s conference. Our theme was “Stepping Up to Stepping Out.”
On the first day of the conference, Minister Felicia B. Sims came to us speaking directly to God asking Him to break every chain. She prayed for conditions in the body. This prayer included asking God to set free our minds in order that our bodies can be free and in alignment with the spirit of God. She stated, “We need to stop walking around in a maze and in the circles of doubt and unbelief. Only then can we walk a new walk.”
In addition, when we make a “God decision,” He is able to aid us to close and bolt the door to our past. However, we sometimes try to keep that past door half-open; seemingly in an effort to straddle the fence. We ought to realize that when we make a “God decision,” we give Him our whole heart, which in turn enables us to remove that weary heart out of the way. This is how we get our breakthrough.
Since our theme was “Stepping Up to Stepping Out” and based on the scriptural account of Ruth 1:8-22, Minister Sims reminded us of how Ruth made a commitment to Naomi and her God. Ruth could have returned home, but instead, she chose to step up and step out. In doing so, God did a new thing in her life. Minister Felicia emphasized that Ruth was compelled by love and loyalty.
On the second day of the conference, our speaker was Minister Adeline Dixon. She spoke on the importance of holding on to God’s unchanging hand. She reminded us of how Naomi started out happy but became bitter. She stated, “Sometimes we might be so hurt and discouraged that we don’t want to take the chance to love again and we are left feeling the way Naomi felt.” Minister Dixon admonished us that it is time to move, let go and let God.
Minister Dixon admonished us that it is time to move, let go and let God. Ruth (on the other hand) was willing to be there for her mother-in-law Naomi. She was loyal and faithful. She was not looking on her own things, but the things of others as the scripture tells us to do. It was Ruth’s time to be blessed. Ruth went from being a gleaner in the field to being the co-owner of the field. Minister Dixon blessed our hearts with this word.
We closed-out the conference with Evangelist Vertis Clay on the third day. She came to us with an abundance of awesome Word. Evangelist Clay further encouraged us to stay focused, to let our light shine before men that they might see our good works and to glorify our Father which is in heaven. She reassured us that if we acquire the love of God in our hearts, we could then really step up to step out. Like Boaz, who provided for Ruth from the bounty of his fields, God will provide for us out of His abundance. His resources are infinite and He lets lessons fall for our benefit. Evangelist Clay willingly provided us with physical and spiritual nourishment. Realizing every good gift we receive comes from Him.
(Angela Calhoun, (seen right) was the speaker at the ”Tea.” She enlightened us regarding becoming physically and mentally fit in order to step up and step out for God's use.)
All attendees received the gift bag (shown right) for registering for the conference.
Testimony: Written by Sister Donna Roberts
"I had the distinct pleasure of being on the food committee for the tea at The Sparkle of Beauty Ladies Conference. This was a new experience for me. I wanted attendees to feel loved and have a remembrance of enjoyment of the occasion. I must admit, at times I was overwhelmed while planning the amount of food needed at the tea. There were a variety of meats, sandwiches, salads to include fruit and desserts.
God provided individuals who were not only willing to volunteer to prepare the food, but also to aid in serving the attendees and clean up afterward. These individuals were truly knowledgeable and experienced on how a tea should function. This was especially rewarding due to the physical limitations I am encountering at this time. The Agape Sistah’s are indeed phenomenal women. These sisters not only aided me, but their families did as well. The tables were bountiful with food. Everyone at the tea had a lovely time. It was truly amazing to see the beauty of it all. The blessing, God honors individuals who want to honor others. God is aware of our limitations and will send support if we would only ask. Everyone has the ability to step up. God gives the increase when we step out."
Testimony: Written by Sister Cynthia Calhoun
"Minister Felicia Sims and husband Todd. Todd and Deacon Erving Gilyard along with other sisters from the church assisted the food committee for the Tea on Saturday.
The Decoration Committee achieved the transformation of the dining room into the ambiance we needed… “A Sparkle of Beauty.”
The Agape Sistahs have truly been a blessing to me. I thank God for giving Minister Felicia Sims the vision. I remember when I heard that she was starting the group, I was attending another church, but I wanted to take part of this Sistah group. As a group, we have had growing pains, but God has seen us through. As a woman, I have come to realize it is nice to have a group of women that love you. The group has brought me closer to some sisters that I really did not know. I knew of them, but not personally.
The Sparkle of Beauty Ladies Conference was awesome and God did a mighty work. The conference was a blessing to me. It felt like all of the speakers were talking directly to me. I was trying to handle some things myself but I discovered that I needed to give those things to God. My weight was lifted off of me. I am working on a closer walk with God so I can walk in my purpose. I am praying that He reveals my purpose to me because I am ready to do God’s work.
I see the Agape Sistahs moving into greater realms in God. I love each of my Agape Sistahs and pray that God continues to bless."