If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Tim. 4:6) 

Hopewell, we are off to a great start of Walking in Divine Authority in 2012.  Many of you have embraced this year’s theme and are showing no signs of fizzling out.  Each time we have entered the sanctuary with expectation, we have experienced the manifested presence and power of God.  Many have testified of how God is moving in their lives:  opening doors of employment, reconciling and restoring relationships, healing bodies, breaking spiritual shackles, and maturing spiritually. There is only one appropriate response TGBTG or “To God Be The Glory”.

As we commence the month of February, let us enter with the same level of enthusiasm and excitement as we begin our Black History Celebration. This is the sacred time of the year when all of America pauses to reflect, remember, and reverence the plight of African Americans in the United States.  It is no secret that African Americans have come a long way, but the truth of the matter is that we have yet a long way to go.  So let us prepare again here at Hopewell to have another enlightening, encouraging, and edifying time as we celebrate our 58 Nations of Africa.

Again, we will have as our guest speaker, the Dr. Mack King Carter who will deliver the life changing message on third Sunday during the 58 Nations’ celebration.  Do not forget, we are asking each member, if you have not already given your Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), to please give it in that service.  Also, on fourth Sunday, we will have the Dr. Leonard Wilson who will be our speaker for Old Fashioned Day.  Following Dr. Wilson’s inspiring message, we will enjoy a delicious dinner under the tent, as we enjoy good old fashioned fellowship. Please make it a priority to be present so you can enjoy all that has been planned for you.

Now, as we continue our emphasis for this quarter, “Cultivating a Fruitful Life”, this month we will focus on “A Fruitful Prayer Life”. The Bible is clear from the words of Jesus in Luke18:1 that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Let us make prayer a priority this month.  Prayer is our privilege to communicate with God, not only to make our requests known, but also to tell Him thanks for all the things He has done.

So again, Hopewell, I humbly ask you to continue to follow me even as I follow Christ.

Walking In Divine Authority,
Pastor R. C. Stanley