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"Demonstrating Unity in the Power of the Spirit" |
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Race Relations Commission Launched at 2017 Meeting
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These leaders visited the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church for a time of prayer. The church was the center of the 'Charleston Church Massacre' in 2015. (Left to right): President Randall Bach, Open Bible Churches; Dan Coleman, General Secretary, Pentecostal Church of God; Dr. Tim Hill, General Overseer of Church of God; Samuel Clements, International Overseer of Church of God of Prophecy; Dr. George Wood, General Superintendent of Assemblies of God; Rev. Eric Manning, Senior Pastor; Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Church of God in Christ; President Glenn Burris, The Foursquare Church; Dr. Doug Beacham, General Superintendent, International Pentecostal Holiness Church.
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The 2017 REACH annual meeting hosted by the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America launched a Race Relations Commission, among other commissions, in Charleston, S.C., a city historically known as the first slave trade center in America and the site of the 2015 'Charleston church massacre.' Nine people, including senior pastor State Senator Clementa C. Pinckney were killed by gunman Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old white supremacist on June 17, 2015 at at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Three other victims survived that shooting designated as a hate crime.
Leaders from eight major Pentecostal denominations visited the church for a time of prayer: Rev. Randall A. Bach, president, Open Bible Churches; Bishop Doug Beacham, Jr., presiding bishop, the International Pentecostal Holiness Church; Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.; Dr. Glenn Burris, Jr., president, The Foursquare Church; Bishop Sam Clements, general overseer, Church of God of Prophecy; Bishop Dan Coleman; general secretary, Pentecostal Church of God; Dr. Tim Hill, general overseer, Church of God; Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Bishop Harry Cohen, United Holy Church of America, had planned to join the group but was prevented by a death in his family.
According to Dr. Wood, the leaders "prayed in the place below the sanctuary where these dear ones died," describing the gathering as a "sobering experience, reminding us of the need for genuine racial reconciliation." This gathering preceded the annual meeting that attracted leaders of major Pentecostal / Charismatic denominations, ministries and organizations from the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The meeting experienced record-breaking attendance. "Glorious worship, passionate prayer, bold preaching and moving testimonies caused rivers of tears for many," says PCCNA President Jeff Farmer, "One participant commented, 'I counted eight different times I broke out in tears...just on Thursday.' A heavy anointing and conviction of the Spirit marked several sessions."
PCCNA Memphis Chapter President Aaron Campbell launched the Race Relations Commission. Campbell's father-in-law, Andrew Jackson Sr. was at the historic 'Memphis Miracle' meeting in October 1994 that broke down walls between African-American and white Pentecostals to launch the PCCNA. Other commissions launched include Women in Ministry and Discipleship. Kay Horner, director of the Helper Connection is chairperson of the Women in Ministry Commission and Dr. Lewis Alexander is leading the Discipleship Commission. The NextGen Commission introduced by Pastor Luis Reyes of "Reach A Generation" is also being formed and Pastor Fermin Garcia of Grupo Unidad in Tijuana, Mexico is spearheading a PCCNA chapter in Mexico.
The meeting included a pre-screen of "The Case for Christ" hosted by Franklin Santagate, Vice-President of Strategic Alliances for Pure Flix Entertainment. The 2017 REACH meeting was sponsored by CityReach Network, Broadstreet Publishing, Pure Flix Entertainment, Infinity Concepts, Vision America, KLM International, Global Outreach Day, Israel Advantage Tours, Charisma Media, and Jack Hayford Ministries - Digital Library.
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Pastor Fermin Garcia Speaks at Prayer Rally in Mexico
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Mega-church Pastor Fermin Garcia of Grupo Unidad led in prayer over 5,000 people at the San Agustin Convent built in 1500. Pastor Fermin spoke to the crowd at the Guanjato 2017 Prayer Gathering about humbling themselves before God and repenting. "That is the only way to heal a nation," says Garcia. "Change in governments and new laws won't change Mexico; only when the people of God repent."
The mayor sent his chief of staff to the prayer meeting. Garcia asked the chief of staff to relay this message to the mayor: "You are part of the history of this city, but you have the opportunity to make history by governing with righteousness. The difference between being part of history and making history will be decided by you."
Garcia added, "The pastors of the state came together in a unity not seen before. Pastor Felipe del Castillo was instrumental in putting the organization together. There will be more rallies, and we and the NHCLC have been invited to be there next year. Also this month will be at the Governor's Prayer Breakfast in Baja California, held in Tijuana. The Governor is anxiously awaiting this event with denominational leaders and mega-churches."
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Prayer Commission Visits Site of Historic Revival
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Commission members praying in front of Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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On February 22, 2017, the PCCNA Prayer Commission gathered in North Charleston, SC. Among a number of items discussed, commission chairman Doug Small presented three prayer resolutions for consideration that focus on the need for revival and awakening, collaborative prayer training, and praying for unreached people groups in our world.The PCCNA Board of Administration unanimously approved the resolutions.
The commission also visited the site of the Anson Street Revival in Charleston where God moved sovereignly upon the mixed black and white congregation in the 1850s. This revival was a catalyst for our nation's Third Great Awakening. From Anson Street, the delegation walked to Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church where, on June 17, 2015, shooter Dylann Roof took the lives of nine parishioners attending a Bible study, a stark reminder of the need for spiritual awakening in our land. Following a time of prayer at the church site, the commission was hosted for lunch by the New Covenant Church of God in Charleston.
Afterward, a panel of pastors and chaplains who responded to the Emmanuel Church crisis shared their experiences and perspectives on that tragic event. Because of the level of prayer and partnership within the city across racial and denominational lines, as well as the amazing demonstration of love and forgiveness by Emmanuel Church, demonstrations and violence were averted. There is power in prayer and unity.
- John Maempa
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Next Gen Commission Being Formed
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Reach A Generation Pastor Luis Reyes Forming
Next Gen Commission
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Pastor Luis Reyes of New Church of Joy and Reach A Generation has ministered to children and teenagers for over 20 years. Reyes is forming the Next Gen Commission. If you're interested in serving on the commission, reach out to Pastor Reyes at [email protected] and PCCNA President Jeff Farmer at [email protected]
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"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends
of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Jeff Farmer, President Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America
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