Posts Tagged ‘Holiness Tabernacle’COGIC Appeal For Disaster Relief
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
EPISTLE FROM THE PRESIDING BISHOP "God's Church, God's People, God's Agenda" Wednesday, May 18, 2011 Dear Saints and Friends:
When we unite our strength, we can accomplish the impossible. On April 27th and 28th, more than 173 tornados snatched away almost 300 lives. Billions of dollars worth of property was destroyed. The tornadoes were most severe in Alabama, but also struck in Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia. This has been the most numerous and severe series of storms in our nation since 1974. Prior to this devastation, on March 11th, we witnessed the horrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Over 8,000 people were confirmed dead, and 13,000 were missing and unaccounted for. Nuclear reactors were impacted, releasing radiation into the atmosphere and the water. Now a third disaster has struck, the mighty Mississippi River has overflowed its banks; flooding homes, churches, commercial buildings, and farmlands. The states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Illinois are being impacted by the rising flood waters. Thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) are homeless. Many have lost all of their earthly possessions. Many churches have been and will be damaged or destroyed. It will take months, and in many cases years, for those affected to recover their original level and style of life. Some will never recover without assistance. COGIC Charities, Inc., has in the past responded to disasters in the U. S. and abroad. More than a million dollars in assistance was distributed to churches and families in Louisiana after the Katrina disaster. In Haiti, and new headquarters has been constructed, our tent clinic has treated more that 50,000 individuals since the earthquake, and we are in the process of constructing a clinic, schools, and living quarters for our volunteer doctors, nurses, and other volunteer staff. Our investments in Haiti will significantly exceed one million dollars also. We cannot go on as if these disasters have not occurred. Prov 28:27, says, “He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.” And Proverbs 21:13, says, “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.” The Church Of God In Christ must respond to the plight of those unfortunate ones who have been impacted by these tragedies. I am writing to ask you to give to a special emergency offering for the COGIC Charities, Inc., that we might together be able to respond to these disasters and other situations of need here in the U.S. and around the world. The lives of thousands depend upon our compassion. We hope that all funds from this effort will be in by June 15th. If you would prefer to send a check or money order, it should be written to: COGIC Charities, Inc. and mailed to COGIC Charities, Inc., P. O. Box 38, Memphis, TN 38101. Or you may donate by clicking on the button below…
God Has Plans For Me
Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
God Has Plans For Me Jeremiah 29:10-11
We know the Magi traveled several months from their home in the east to find Jesus. Somehow they were able to track the star all the way to Jerusalem, but stopped to ask Herod for further directions (that’s a story in itself). The Magi did not know Herod wanted to kill Jesus, but God the Father did. From Herod’s discourse we gather that:
The Magi continued their trip and found Jesus (without Herod’s assistance). After worshipping and showering Him with gifts, they remembered their promise to return to Herod and inform him of Christ’s whereabouts. Knowing Herod’s plot; however, the Father intervened and told them to take another route home. When Herod discovered he had been tricked he ordered all male Hebrew babies to be killed. Fortunately, the Lord had that covered as well. He warned Joseph in a dream to take Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt and remain there until it was safe. With all of his money, power, influence and treachery, Herod could not outsmart a little baby and His carpenter father. Stop and consider how over-matched Joseph and his young family were. They did not have an endless supply of cash, they did not have a countless number of soldiers at their command, they did not have the power of a governmental office, but they had God! Neither Herod, nor anyone else could have harmed Jesus because the Lord had plans for Him …and thou shalt call His name Jesus and He shall save His people from their sins (Matt 1:21). As I read this the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. Remember the scripture …no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper (Isa 54:17)? Or, if God be for us who can be against us? (Rom 8:31)? Our theme for 2010 is “Chosen.” I am convinced more than ever before that God has selected Holiness Tabernacle to do a great work in the Woodbridge community. I take great assurance, joy and humility in knowing this. I can sing with the saints, “I got the victory, over the enemy, and the world can’t do me no harm!” God has plans for me. My friend, take courage and lay aside the fear and doubt that will paralyze you. What God has spoken concerning you will happen.
In Jeremiah’s text, although they had sinned, God still extended an olive branch of hope to His people. He told them He would visit them in Babylon. He told them He would perform good toward them. He has an expected end for His people. Be encouraged! No matter where you are in life, no matter who wars against you, you will come out victorious because the Lord has plans for you. I bless you in the name of the Lord. Asst. Supt. Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. Chosen
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
Late last year the Holy Spirit, while ministering to me, started doing what the Scriptures tell us He would do – bring all things to our remembrance (John 14:26). He told me that I had been chosen to minister in this community. He continued to impress upon me that not only would I minister, but that I had been chosen to have great impact in the Woodbridge community. Of course our old foe doubt immediately paid me a visit, but the Spirit continued and reminded me of something that happened about three years ago. HTC was fellowshipping with one of our sister churches in the Great Northern District, The Lion of Judah. After ministering and really exhausted, I sat down while the host pastor, Elder Kenneth Hackett, took the microphone. He told me and the assembly of saints gathered that the Lord had chosen me to build a church in Woodbridge. He instructed someone to read I Chronicles 28:10: Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it. After we read the verse the Spirit fell on us and we rejoiced. Pastor Hackett told me to return home and write a check for the amount of money we would need for our church in faith. Mind you, we had been looking for years for a facility more suitable for the ministry, but nothing was working. I felt the Spirit bare witness within me and got a number in my head – I wrote a check the following day. This past spring approximately three years later, in the middle of a recession, the Lord favored us to be approved for a mortgage for the exact amount I had written a check for three years earlier. Not only did we purchase property during what was a season of drought for many, but we purchased in a prime commercial location. It is a location that a couple of major corporations desired, but the Lord chose us to occupy. At closing when I saw the numbers on the HUD 1 paperwork, I started smiling. When the brokers, attorneys and trustees inquired the source of my humor, I reminded some and informed others of that service and prophecy. Why am I sharing this testimony? First of all the Lord tells us to tell of His goodness and to make His deeds known; secondly we are called to encourage others. Some of you may or may not know the challenges new churches experience in the Northern Virginia area, trying to purchase property. Not only is land expensive, but the local government poses a challenge as well. I dare say it is not often you will find a congregation less than 12 years-old that has accomplished what we have, unless God be with them. I suspect there are several of you reading this that may be (or have) experienced a time when you doubted the Lord or had questions about His plan for your life. Rest assured that which He promised He will perform because you have been chosen. Now, before someone gets high-minded or braggadocios, let’s look at the Word. Deuteronomy records that when the Lord chose Israel, it wasn’t because they were the most powerful nation (they had just been freed from 400 years of captivity); it wasn’t because of their wealth (what they had, Egypt had given them); and it wasn’t because they were so holy (all but Joshua, Caleb and their families died in the wilderness because they rebelled against Moses, the Man of God). God chose them because He knew in spite of their short comings He could do something great in them that would bless everyone else. The Lord did not choose Solomon because he was better than all of David’s other sons (or David himself for that matter), but because Solomon had a heart for the people (II Chron 1:10). Additionally, do not be surprised if people do not understand you or disagree with you because you have been chosen. In fact you should expect this (John 15:19). Jesus told His disciples that because He had chosen them out of the world, people would hate them. You do recall it was the leaders of the organized church that plotted against Jesus. Finally, do not be concerned that you cannot be like or be with everyone else; you must be peculiar, different (I Peter 2:9). There is a price to pay for being chosen – are you willing to pay it? Holiness Tabernacle began this year in consecration as we have done in the past. Most if not all of the saints fasted and prayed before the Lord. However, this year we went a little further. Some of us expanded our fast days (and hours); some of us even went on to deny ourselves of other niceties and pleasantries (television, shopping, etc.) because we wanted something special from God. We have not been disappointed. I have seen an outpour of the Spirit that has been most unique and powerful. Seemingly, the Holy Ghost meets us tremendously in every service. As I see the Spirit moving upon the saints, and the numerous visitors and guests that testify of the power of the Lord in our services, I do not get caught up in myself. The Spirit reminds me why I was chosen: (1) to build Him a house; (2) to show forth the praises of Him who hath called me out of darkness into his marvelous light. Have you been chosen? Do you know why you were chosen? Stay tuned for more on this theme that has our entire congregation stirred!! I bless you in the name of the Lord. I remain your servant in Christ,
Eddie B Pruitte, Jr. |
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I cannot speak for you, but I am so grateful to know that God has the final say in everything concerning my life. That means no person, event, spirit, idea, plan, etc. can override what God has ordained for my life. A few months ago as I was preparing for the usual Christmas message, I read in the book of Matthew and came across the account of the Magi.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I know it’s late, but the first few weeks of this year have been quite busy (seems like more than usual). Let’s get right to the theme God has placed on my heart for us to focus on this year – CHOSEN. |
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