Written by Pastor Anthony C. Jordan MSM, DOPA-C. Aka: PAJ: Dual State West District

 

This December, I was privileged to partake of a new outreach. It was an extension of knowledge into the maintenance of the temple in which we live. Our Bishop and Leading Elders have created the Governing instrument through which we are instructed in the practical and detailed creation and preservation of the building of worship. These classes were instructive in the maintenance of the living temples through which we share the life and light of Christ to the world.

Lady D. Katrice Mackey PA-C, shared instruction on the common physical malady; Hypertension. More commonly known as High Blood Pressure. The clear insights shared were instructive in both the rationale and future potential complications of High Blood Pressure. She not only told us it was a dangerous disease but she explained why it was dangerous. As she utilized easily comprehended terminology to explain a complex disorder, she distributed anatomical models that allowed the members of the audience to see in detail the damaged to the arteries inflicted by unmanaged  High Blood Pressure.

We also were able to seek further details and clarification of the facts we did not understand, as she eagerly participated in a period of questions and answers. The participants enthusiastically engaged in this time. It was clearly apparent that this time of relaxed explanation from a medical provider was needed and appreciated. It seems the members of the church also struggle with gaining access beyond the veil of medical terminology and brevity, to the inner sanctum of clear guidance in temple health and well being.

Sister Jacqueline Hudson was the second speaker to share. She drew from a lifetime of experience and professional training in the field of Public Health/Infectious Disease. She carefully and thoroughly instructed us in the risks and impact of HIV. She clarified the transition from HIV to AIDS. She also informed us of the latent risks of sexual interactions. Her real life based stories clearly demonstrated the wisdom of the found in 1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee fornication.

She took time and went into deep detail on personal accountability. She noted that we all have times of hormonal vulnerability and how the enemy would love to use these moments as an opportunity to steal, kill and destroy. Some of her stories were heart breaking but yet were so important to her message. For these stories made the wisdom memorable and motivated the members of the audience to actively integrate the "to do" of her message. She clearly caused all of the listeners to desire to not be "hearers only."

I am so excited about the future. As the Church of God by Faith continues to use the gifting of teaching to reach into the community and instruct the under-informed on the techniques and risks of temple maintenance. Our calling is to go into all the world and teach… In ministry what is often overlooked is that the temple through which the communication of this great gospel is most effective is the human body. If that body/temple is not maintained we are a brief and weak lamp.