Written by Lady Brenda Blackmon Jones
The Women's Ministry of Trinity Power House, Church of God By Faith, launched its Book Club and held its first discussion of Free of Me on Thursday, August 23 2018, at 8:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. I am pleased to report that the discussion was a great success with a great deal of input from almost everyone. The success of this Book Club is centered around the individual who was appointed to be the President of the Book Club, Minister LeTitia "Tish" Bowers. Because of her exuberance for the book club from the very beginning, I asked her if she would take the lead, and she gladly accepted - 24 hours before the day of the initial meeting. In a short amount of time, she prepared a very organized presentation, which included portfolios containing a notebook, index cards, Post-it note page markers, pens and highlighters for each member. As a visual aid for Chapter 1, Mirror Girl, she provided colorful hand mirrors for everyone! Upon arrival, members signed in and were given name badges and were pleasantly surprised to find their mirror and portfolio at their seats. We were all very impressed with how well she organized this meeting in such a short notice.
Not only did Minister Bowers organize this meeting with a high level of excellence, she also did an amazing job of facilitating with a deep level of insight of the book! Her excitement and energy was contagious! She stated that she had gone before God for direction. She said she has read a number of "self-help" books in the past and never finished them but God had told her that this book is a journey that she must complete and told us that we will all leave this journey better than we were when we started. Minister Bowers told us this book will expose the good, the bad and the ugly. We were given rules of confidentiality to make sure nothing shared by anyone was taken outside of the room and shared with others.
A total of ten women were in attendance, engaging with a great deal of feedback and sharing. The atmosphere was so relaxed, everyone felt comfortable sharing their personal thoughts on the first two chapters. The consensus was that everyone felt this book is for them and is very necessary. Guests in attendance suggested that we start a treasury to cover expenses for future meetings. This meeting included a full course, delicious breakfast which enhanced the fellowship. Funds were collected and we now have a treasury for our book club.
Book club membership is a first-time experience for the majority of our members. Carolina Johnson, most affectionately know in the By Faith circuit as the Obama Purse Lady, said this is one of the most exciting experiences for her upon her returning back home to Marianna after retiring from the military. She said she was proud to tell someone she was on the way to her Book Club! We are all grateful to Lady Delois McKnight for this initiative.
Our Book Club dismissed with anticipation for our next gathering to discuss Chapters 3 & 4 on September 6. Because of increased interest, we are considering including either a conference line or a live video to include others who have expressed interest but are unable to attend.
Beyond the Book Club ...
This portion of my report is more of a testimonial which took place at the conclusion of the Book Club. We were blessed to have an out-of-town sister, Evangelist Roymonia Wilson, from our district arrive near the end of the discussion. She admitted that the President facilitated the discussion so professionally, she thought the National office had sent someone to us to conduct our first meeting! Evangelist Wilson said a lot of opposition had arisen that caused her to be late but she felt the need to press and come on even though she was late. In actuality, she was not late because her purpose for being there soon manifested. In addition to Evangelist Wilson and myself, two of the newest members of our church remained. Evangelist Wilson began to talk about the examples of our forefathers/mothers before us who did not put themselves first, but sacrificed and labored in the gospel. She went on to talk about Elder Charlie Giles and Bishop Matthews and some of the miracles she witnessed.
Little did she know, these two sisters, being new to the organization, were grabbing hold to every word she spoke. She let them know the power of God that exists in this Church. It all reconfirmed their beliefs that God had led them to the right church. Further discussion led to talking about Pastor Jones and how he has that same belief and has so many similarities to his predecessor, Elder Blackmon. Evangelist Wilson said she believes there was a spirit transfer from Elder Blackmon to Pastor Jones because of their similarities. When Minister Bowers made a statement about a double portion of Elisha's anointing, I thought of the request that Pastor Jones made to Elder Blackmon at his retirement service in 2004, asking for a double portion of his anointing. I ran to the Pastor’s office to get the picture of that moment when Elder Blackmon laid hands upon Pastor Jones and petitioned God to grant a double portion of his anointing upon Pastor Jones. When I showed the ladies that picture, something happened. The power of God fell on all of us and we began to weep and praise God. It was just great confirmation that God is definitely using all of us in His plan for such a time as this. These two sisters who just joined our church said they know God directed them and their families to Church of God By Faith. New people are being added to this organization with a great hunger for God and desire to work. We are grateful for a rebirth of God's anointing and opportunities to witness the manifestation of His power!