MY HOPE: Simply Sharing Jesus
Rev. R.B. Holmes addresses “My Hope” participants during the Sept. 15 event.
Photo by William Roberts
By Linda T. Fortenberry, Ph.D.
Special to the Outlook
“…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…” 1 Peter 3:15, NIV.
“My Hope” with Billy Graham, is a national initiative to encourage and equip the local church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
A time of worship, prayer, and planning for the Leon County faith-based community was held Sept. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. R. B. Holmes served as host pastor.
Iconic Evangelist, Billy Graham says “Prayer is crucial in evangelism: Only God can change the heart … No matter how logical our arguments or how fervent our appeals, our words will accomplish nothing unless God’s Spirit prepares the way.” Graham has organized this national movement to support churches and workers to plan their evangelistic outreach programs.
With a focus on prayer, the service at Bethel was led by the dynamic 100 voice men’s choir, under the capable direction of Brother Anthony Poole. In giving the welcome and opening prayer, Rev. Holmes emphasized the mandate of “The Great Commission” in Matthew 28:19-20. “This is a God moment,” stated Pastor Holmes. “We must intentionally, prayerfully and strategically win the lost to Christ! This interracial, interdenominational, ecumenical movement is simply sharing Jesus to ALL people, everywhere,” stated Pastor Holmes.
Following “A Call to Prayer” by Pastors Tenney and Pam Olsen of the International House of Prayer, the congregation formed prayer circles throughout the sanctuary and covered the atmosphere in prayer. The glory of the Lord and the power of His presence rose in the temple. Hearts were touched as petitions and praises were lifted to the Almighty Father. “We are praying and asking the Lord to open the hearts of people in this capital city to the love of Jesus Christ. Prayer moves the heart of God and He answers the hearts cry of His people.” stated Pastor Pam Olsen, the Tallahassee Prayer Team Leader for “My Hope. “
Pastor Jim Brissey, Field Representative of “My Hope” with Billy Graham, introduced the “My Hope Team.” Members of the team are: Pastors Jim and Jean Brissey, Higher Ground; Pastors Tenney and Pam Olsen, International House of Prayer; Glenn and Sheila Boggs, Wildwood Church; Gene and Monique Kobes, Freedom Church; Rev. Michael Fegins, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church; Mike and Jennifer Nicholson, Hilltop Church; Penny Moore and Barbara Spayd, Life Point Church; and Pastor Dennis Hall, Pioneer Baptist.
“My Hope” team member, Rev. Michael Feigns, associate minister of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, gave a powerful testimony pertaining to his conversion and commitment to Jesus and the “My Hope” initiative.
“I was raised in a Christian home, therefore, it was not strange to hear the name Jesus. It was not unusual to attend church; even within my mother’s womb,” stated Fegins.
“Through all that the Lord has taught me, I have placed my faith in Him and am depending upon His word. I am counting on Christ and His finished work at the cross and grave alone for my salvation. I am here on this earth to live according to what He tells me and by the Holy Spirit and His grace. That’s what I will keep doing. Because of what the Lord has taught me, it is my goal in this life to trust and obey Him at all cost….As disciples of Christ, we must be sure to be a light in this dark world…The reason that we ought to spread the gospel of Christ is because He is worthy of that. The Lamb of God is worthy of His suffering.”
Following a brief overview of the project by Pastor Brissey, participants were given training packets that included training videos, a book on the gospel of John, planning manuals, prayer cards, etc. “These are outstanding materials,” stated Delta Johnson, a member of Bethel evangelism team. “I definitely plan to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. This is our mission.”
A citywide ecumenical Prayer Service with the “My Hope” team will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at 7 p.m., at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. The public is invited to participate.
