Pastor’s Perspective July 2023

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

Hopewell, God continues to manifest His presence, power, and peace in our midst. Each time we assemble for worship, God has ministered to our hearts, minds, and souls, and has equipped us to serve this present age. I am so grateful to be a part of a church and ministry that is making an impact in the kingdom of God. In this current climate where the culture has targeted the church to conform to its perspective on gender, position on marriage, and perception on abortion we have remained faithful to the word of God. For that we all should be grateful!

The words of Jesus to Peter in Matthew16:18, after Peter’s acknowledgement that Jesus was The Christ, the son of the living God, Jesus declared that on Peter’s confession the church would be established and will stand and prevail against the gates of hell. Hopewell, if there has ever been a time for the Body of Christ to stand firm in its faith it is now. So, let us as a church let our light shine not only at church but everywhere we go, realizing that we may be the only sermon some people may see.

Hopewell, as you know July is the month, we celebrate our Church Anniversary. This year we will be celebrating Seventy-Seven (77) years of being committed to kingdom building. As you know we are a part of a truly rich and resilience ministry, and we are blessed to be the recipients of such a progressive and transforming ministry.

Once Again, I am compelled to salute our courageous founding members, Rev. and Sister D.V. Miller; Deacon Frank and Deaconess Rosabell Frazier; Deacon and Deaconess Lowe Griffin; Bro. and Sis. Jimmie Lee Johnson; Sis. Mary Evans, Sis. Louella Gainer, Bro. Frank Simms, and Bro. Charlie Lovette for accepting the call and challenge to establish a life changing ministry. PRAISE OUR GOD!

This year Dr. Norman Freeman and the good people of Antioch M.B. Church will be with us for our pre-Church Anniversary celebration on Tuesday July 11^th. As you know our history is connected and we look forward to the kindred fellowship. And we will be blessed again this year with my friend and covenant partner Pastor Alex Bunion, Senior Pastor of The Church at Pine Hill in Valdosta, GA. I am anticipating another Spirit Filled service and life changing message.

Hopewell, Last year we accepted the challenge during our Seventy-Six (76th) Church Anniversary to give $76.00 to $760.00 to purchase carpet for Hopewell East and we achieved our goal. However, this year I want to challenge the entire membership to raise $100,000 to renovate Hopewell West to reflect the relevance of the time of our youth at The Training Ground. So, I am asking 100 members to pray about giving sacrificially a $1000 to assist in this needed renovation. Of course, we are asking every member, if possible, to give $77.00, a dollar for each year. I want to thank everyone in advance for your gift no matter the size.

Hopewell, as you know Faith honors God and God honors faith. Therefore, let us continue to Walk, Worship, and Work by faith. And again, I ask you to honor our almost thirty-four (34) year old covenant to follow me even as I follow Christ.

Recommitting to Serving God,

Pastor R. C. Stanley