The Bishop's Word
I
greet you once again in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.
It is truly remarkable that time has passed so quickly. Here we are
again embarking upon the third series of Annual Conferences within this
2008 - 2012 Quadrennial.
Though the work has been physically and spriitually challenging, we
will be forever grateful to God for blessing us with the Episcopal
appointment to the "Favored Fifth" District for your dedication and
support. You have graciously welcomed our family and have made solid
progress in implementing our vision of "Rebuilding the Walls." In the past
two years, we have met all our financial obligations to the Connectional
Church, but more importantly, we have been blessed to have witnessed
spiritual growth in the ranks of both the clergy and laity.
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our founder, Bishop Richard
Allen, the future of African Methodism is promising and encouraging,
especially if we fast and pray and continue to strive to be more like
Christ. I am asking each of you to use these powerful tools of fasting and
praying at least once a week during the Annual Conference series and
Planning Meeting, between the dates of August 9th through November 2nd,
2010. If we do this, we will be victorious in defeating the demonic
spirits that seek to steal, kill and destroy the positive progress we have
made thus far.
It remains my belief that Satan recognizes that his time is not long
and therefore is unleashing vicious attacks on all our Conferences,
churches and those who seek to live holy.
He is loose on the earth and seeks with a vengeance whom he may devour.
However, God desires that none should perish but that all should be saved.
As believers, we are the only ones who can push back the forces of
darkness, and give entrance to the Lord Jesus Christ on this earth. All
the weapons to defeat Satan are found in God's storehouse. It is up to us,
individually and collectively, in the "Favored Fifth" to use the weapons
of warfare given to us in II Corinthians 10:4.
We remain confident that we can continue on this journey together, and
rejoice and celebrate the victory as a family of faith, clergy and laity
alike.
We look forward to spirit-filled worship, powerful preaching, anointed
singing and record-breaking attendance during this Annual Conference
series and Planning Meeting.
May God's richest blessings be yours,
T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Bishop
Favored Fifth Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church