The Sister's Convention was so wonderful this year that choosing just what to include in this summary was a difficult task!  To say that there was love, fellowship, and sincere praise does not quite capture the true spiritedness of the spring revival.  I was a little embarrassed to be asked to write this summary because I am a brother, but Scripture admonishes us to assist the sisters in whatever business they have need -- and I dare say the brothers benefited as much as the sisters from this convention.  Each night sisters from several of the local churches gave testimonies—Brother Frederick managed to get his testimony in, too.  Each choir did an outstanding job, and every participant on the program did commendable jobs.  Rather than a complete, exhaustive summary, what follows is a few of the highlights from the program that my wife and I discussed.   

 

On Wednesday night, Mother O.M. Shaw was her usual spirited self.  It is truly a blessing to see her dancing and praising God, especially in her advanced age.  In her talk, she admonished the sisters to cherish their husbands, to honor them, and to fulfill all of their needs.  She also encouraged the sisters to develop a true spirituality that is not based upon an outward show or extravagant adornment.  Elder G. Adams, the speaker for the evening, in his characteristically dynamic manner, urged husbands and wives to work together and to find ways to enjoy each other's company.  He ended his message with a praise song, “I feel all right,” and the entire congregation seemed to get involved.  It was such a joy to hear Mother Davenport, Sister Denise Miller, and Sister Tangela Stafford , among others, lead the congregation in a verse of this praise song.

 

On Thursday night, the spirit of praise seemed to inhabit the sanctuary.  Sister Jackie Adams led the audience in a simple, yet sincere prayer as the church bowed as an act of submission to the mighty God.  Sister Jones gave her inspiring testimony about how the power of God allowed her to grow a submissive spirit.  Prior to her encounter with the Lord, she would argue and fight with her husband.  She learned a better way, and thanked God for His mercy.  The Barnesville / Henderson Temple Choir sang as if they were singing for God himself!  The words and rhythms of their songs connected to the hearts and minds of the congregation.  Truly, they made us believe that “God favors me,” and that “He would work it out.”  I am getting chills just writing about it.  Can anything good come out of Thomaston and Barnesville?  Brother Tory Andrews, the choir director, would say Yes.  As Elder C. Andrews stood behind the podium, the congregation did not want to let the song go.  Eventually Elder Andrews taught about the righteous woman and the benefits she can be to her community.  He instructed husbands to be affectionate with their wives without their wives having to ask for it.  He advised that trials and tribulations would come to test the marriage union but that the husbands and wives could maintain their vows if they hold on to each other and to God.

 

As the Mistress of Ceremonies on Friday night, Sister Davis introduced the program but also warned the sisters to watch even the Christian books that their children are reading because they sometimes have messages inconsistent with the message of holiness.  As usual, Mother Stafford came forth in her spirit of humility and power telling the sisters to hang on to the Word.  She taught that marriage may be difficult but that if it is possible to remain in the marriage, the sisters should strive to do so.  She reiterated over and over again, “you can make it, you can make it!" Mother Jeffries and Voices from Heaven treated the congregation with a rendition of “I got a feeling everything is going to be all right."  It seemed as though the Savannah, Burke County and Augusta Choirs tried to blow the roof off of the building!  The church was rocking like old-time holiness as they proclaimed their right to praise the Lord. The General Superintendent Elder M. Jones came forth talking about the church.  Although the world teaches that sin is an inevitable part of the Christian walk, Elder Jones refuted this claim.  His message illustrated that he is walking hand-in-hand, Scripture by Scripture, line upon line with the Bishop.  He encouraged us to "Feel Good About Yourself."

 

On Saturday the women had “Shoptalk” while the men participated in “Let’s Talk about It.” These were closed sessions so I don't have very much to say about them except that people seemed much edified by each session.

During the evening service Sisters C. Camp and R. Jeffries gave very encouraging and uplifting remarks.  Sister Jeffries revealed how she used to try to fit in with the world but was never very successful -- somehow, she always got found out.  Sister Camp encouraged the young people to stay in the church no matter what!  Even if they feel like they did not have God's spirit yet, she admonished them to keep seeking and to stay with the people of God.  Elder D. Jeffries preached about the six kinds of Faith.  I took note of how many people in the audience took out note pads and pens/pencils.  At the conclusion of his message, he reiterated that our faith in God should not allow us to let anyone turn us around.  He taunted the Devil by saying "hit me with your best shot!"  As he and the choir led the congregation in song, there was a feeling of motivation and determination.  One memorable moment is when Elder Jeffries shook hands with Bishop Jeffries and they began to dance together!  He passed the baton to Elder Vic who led the congregation in a spirited prayer.  He reminded us that we already have the victory in God so we don't have to feel defeated by our current circumstances.  The spirit was high for awhile as the people praised God, asked for mercy, and felt victory in Jesus.

Sunday, the concluding day of the convention, began with Sunday Morning Bible School taught by Elder E. Robinson, Jr.  He reminded us that suffering is a natural part of the Christian walk.  He gave a full yet abbreviated lesson because we had a baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus which included members from Warner Robbins and Lucas Temple.  By this time, many of the saints were a little tired from participating in the services all week.  However Sister J. Jordan and Sister L. Lemons led a spirited praise and worship service!  Sister Jordan sang and cried while Sister Lemons danced and sang.  Mother Jeffries gave her talk to the sisters and mothers. She reminisced about her desire to be obedient to bishops and mothers of the past.  She said sometimes being obedient would hurt her or that if she couldn't do exactly what she thought she was supposed to do, she felt bad.  The bottom-line for Mother Jeffries is that she wants to do whatever it takes to make it in the kingdom, and she knows that obedience is crucial.

Bishop Oprie Jeffries came forth with power and understanding.  He again urged the saints to ignore these ideas which would give them permission to sin.  He described God as being big enough to get all sin out of the Saints.  He concluded that as long as he can, he will stand in defense of the gospel along with the other preachers.  He sees his job as a necessity to stand as an apostle’s witness against false prophets who will lead people to destruction.

 

To conclude the service and the convention, many of the high school and college graduates were recognized.  These graduates stand as symbols of progress and determination.  The Saints and friends were tired but fulfilled by the end of the convention.  Once again, there was talk of looking forward to the General Assembly.  May God help you, may God keep you, and may Heaven smile upon you until the next convention.