By First Lady Vivian Pruitte
I was beaming with pride when I walked into the Marriott Hotel Colonial Ballroom with my husband, Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. – one of the recipients of the 2014 Church Of God In Christ 100 Influential Pastors. Nominated by their local congregations, 100 pastors were selected as the most influential in the Church and awarded during the 2014 Auxiliaries in Ministry Convention in Kansas City, Missouri.
Entering the hotel ballroom located near the Kansas City Convention Center, we were greeted by the flash photography of The Whole Truth Magazine, on hand to document this most auspicious event. I must say that Pastor Pruitte looked dapper in his tuxedo as he took a seat among the other pastors being honored at this special event. After the introduction of The Whole Truth editorial staff, First Assistant Presiding Bishop Phillip Aquilla Brooks shared greetings with those in attendance. While Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake was unable to attend, Bishop Brooks spoke on his behalf and congratulated the pastors for their faithful service in the ministry.
Soon after, it was time for a group picture of the honorees with Bishop Brooks. As the group assembled, the room flooded with the flash photography of cameras, cell phones and iPads from guests that were there to support their pastor. Our youngest daughter, Sister Deloris, served as Pastor's personal photographer.
Next up, one of the Kansas City jurisdictional children's choirs rendered two beautiful selections. Girls donned in white dresses and boys dressed in white shirts with black slacks, ranging from about two- to 16-years-old, sang to the crowded room. After they finished, we were called to the buffet line to enjoy the light fare offered that evening.
Finally, it was the moment we were all waiting for – the honoring of our pastors. The emcee announced that 39 of the 100 pastors were present to receive their recognition. The honorees walked to center stage to take a picture with the editorial staff of The Whole Truth Magazine along with a representative from Eli Lilly, a sponsor of this event.
When Pastor Pruitte's name was called, I clapped and cheered as loudly as I could to represent the pride of our family, the members of Holiness Tabernacle and friends back home who desired to be here to cheer on Pastor Pruitte for this great accomplishment. We the members of Holiness Tabernacle are overjoyed that the Church Of God In Christ has honored such a deserving man as our pastor. So with heartfelt love and appreciation, we say congratulations Pastor Pruitte! Continue to put your hands to the gospel plough and may the Lord bless you for your servant hood.