As the sweet sounds of “Welcome Into This Place” played softly in the sanctuary, the men of Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ proved more than ready to welcome the Lord’s presence during their Men’s Weekend celebration on August 2-3. With the theme Great God, Great Men, Great Expectations! the saints were joined by St. Stephens COGIC, under the leadership of General Board Member, Bishop Ted Thomas, Sr., and came expecting a mighty outpour from the Lord.
Elder George Green presided over the Saturday afternoon service and invited guests to “shake off” the cares and fatigue of the morning and prepare for worship.
“This is just another chance to tell God ‘thank you!’” exclaimed Elder Eugene McCown as he invoked the Lord’s Spirit through prayer. “We are determined to bless and magnify Your name!”
Following an Old Testament reading by Brother Jay Norman and New Testament reading by Brother John Mabry, III, Deacon Napoleon Paxton and the men’s praise team led the congregation in worship.
“Hosanna! Blessed be the rock of my salvation!” rang the chorus of voices as everyone stood to their feet and joined in the praise. Next came words of expression from Elder Joseph Guildford and Elder John Mabry, II.
“God wants men to be together in unity. We as men must catch on to Pastor’s vision!” exclaimed Elder Guilford.
Elder Mabry’s words, though taking on a more somber note, were equally profound. “These are dangerous times… but God has given us the victory. We must pray for those in leadership!”
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Minister André Powell welcomed the visitors, inviting them to “delight in the Lord on today!” A response of, “we’re ready to clap our hands, stop our feet, and give God praise!” followed from Deacon Gregory of St. Stephens.
After a selection from the Male Choir, the men of God not only met, but exceeded their financial offering goal. It was soon time for the Word of God. Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. did the honor of introducing the great man of God and speaker who would grace the pulpit. Standing on behalf of his pastor and bishop, Executive Pastor Bruce Hughes came from 2 Corinthians 4:6-10 with the subject, Jesus Sees and He Knows All About Us.
Pastor Hughes reminded the saints that though we may go through trials, God sees our condition and is working on our behalf. “We must have confidence in God!” he declared as the people of God exploded in “Amen’s” and “Hallelujahs!” Following the Word, came an eruption of spontaneous praise as the people began thanking and exalting the Lord! It was truly an awesome experience.
The Men’s Weekend celebration continued on Sunday evening during Holy Communion and Deacon Jeffery Howard, president of the Men’s Department, presided over the service.
Following the invocation by Brother Matthew Abney and scripture by Brother Arianté De La Cruz, Deacon Paxton again led the congregation in a season of praise with “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus!”
“Now let’s see, what exactly could I say about this person?” began Elder Mabry with a chuckle as he came to introduce his son and speaker for the evening, Minister Powell. Following a special selection from the Male Choir led by Elder Green, Minister Powell spoke on the subject Only Believe.
Coming from Judges 6:12-16, Minister Powell referenced the story and life of Gideon to highlight the difference between believing in God and believing God. “God wants us to present ourselves to Him as little children!” he declared with conviction. He went on to explain that only when we truly believe God, will we see God perform mighty acts and miracles in our lives.
Once the Word had gone forth, there was only one thing left to do – offer up to the Lord a sacrifice of praise! The saints rejoiced, shouted and danced before God with all of their might as they boldly declared that they believed God!
Truly, the Men’s Weekend was a great success! Not only were the men of God encouraged to remain unified and grow in God, but the Lord moved in a mighty way throughout the weekend and blessed His people.