“I don’t know if it’s because I was in Kentucky last week for the International Women’s Convention, but I feel like we’re experiencing our own Triple Crown today,” declared Mother Freda Benjamin to the attentive congregation. “It’s Pentecost Sunday, our First Lady’s birthday and we’re celebrating First Lady’s Day!”
With that bold declaration, Holiness Tabernacle honored First Lady Vivian Valdez Pruitte – a great woman of faith – during her 5th Annual First Lady’s Day celebration on Sunday, June 8th. Special guests, Supervisor Diana Banks of Maryland Central Jurisdiction and Supervisor Nellie Townes of the First Jurisdiction of Virginia, joined in the celebration.
Serving as the afternoon emcee and chairperson, Missionary Andrea Mabry exhorted the people to praise an “awesome” God and thank Him for blessing the church with an awesome First Lady. After prayer and the reading of favorite scriptures, Pastor Eddie B Pruitte escorted First Lady Pruitte, who was all smiles as she took in the beautifully decorated sanctuary and standing ovation from her Holiness Tabernacle family.
Having just completed seven days of prayer and fasting, the service seemed particularly saturated by the presence of the Holy Ghost. Ushering in a spirit of worship, the praise team led the congregants in “Lord You’re Mighty” and truly rocked the house.
“We can worship God at Holiness Tabernacle,” exclaimed Sister Sareatha Majors who offered a welcome to those in attendance.
Following Sister Majors’ greeting, several members shared words on behalf of their First Lady.
Representing the Christian Education Department, Elder Mabry started off the reflections. “One reason Pastor is such a great pastor is because of Mother Pruitte,” he stated, to which Pastor Pruitte offered a good-natured laugh in agreement.
“Mother Pruitte is a woman dedicated and fully committed to God,” said Sister Valerie Miller representing the Women’s Department. “And not only are we praying for you, but we’ve got your back!”
Even the youth shared words of appreciation. “[Mother Pruitte] is really good at praying – she can pray for a long time!” said Brother Victor Merriweather with sincerity, even as the saints chuckled in the response.
A humorous, modern day skit retelling the story of the woman with the issue of blood was performed by Minister Andre Powell, Brothers Ariante De La Cruz, John Mabry, Eryck McCown and Sister Delia Pruitte, and was directed by Sister DeAnna Pruitte. Following the enactment, Supervisor Townes offered words of wisdom. “You are a good example of a pastor’s wife!” she said to First Lady Pruitte. Mother Townes went on to say that she’s known First Lady to be a nice young lady and woman of prayer.
After blessing First Lady financially and showering her with presents that consisted of special gifts, cards, baked goods, flowers and more to the lady of the house, it was time for the Word of God from none other than Supervisor Banks.
Speaking on the importance of having faith in God, Supervisor Banks started off by giving each person a tiny mustard seed, a symbol coming directly from Matthew 17:20 where Jesus told his disciples that if they had “faith as a grain of mustard seed,” nothing would be impossible for them.
“God gave every man and woman a measure of faith,” she exclaimed with holy boldness. “It is our faith and the precious blood of Jesus Christ that save us.” She went on to expound that faith anoints us to produce the righteous fruit that God requires of His people.
After a powerful Word, the people of God were invited to the altar for prayer where the Spirit of God moved mightily and blessed in an awesome way. When all was said and done, it was time to hear from the honoree.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank my Holiness Tabernacle family for the love you have shown unto me,” exclaimed First Lady Pruitte with deep emotion. She went on to thank “the love of [her] life,” Pastor Pruitte, and all of the guests and friends who shared on her special day.
It is not likely that many will forget this special service, for the members of Holiness Tabernacle thought it not robbery to honor First Lady Pruitte, a great woman of faith!