By: Brother Stacy Boyd

The 60th Sisters of Unity Convention will be remembered for its spirit of love and exhortation. For five days the sisters gathered to fellowship, sing, pray, break bread, hear the word of God, and listen to the Mothers' admonition. Each service featured a praise and worship conducted by different sisters and the testimonies of delegates from around the state, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The highlight of each night included a talk to the sisters from a mother or sister and the preaching of the Gospel by the men of God. Many people were edified during these services.

Wednesday night, Mother Velma Holmes of Burke County/Augusta, Georgia instructed the sisters to be obedient to the mothers and the preachers. She explained how she appreciated the examples of Mother Dean and Mother Jeffries and that she raised her daughters to fear God. She testified that she knows God as a healer, a keeper, and a
comforter. Elder Dennis Jeffries of Lithonia, Georgia emphasized the need to put on the divine nature of God. Rather than giving up, Elder Jeffries exhorted the members to stay with the church, believe in God, and love one another.

Thursday night, Mother Lilly Stafford of Barnesville, Georgia taught the sisters to love their children so much that they can feel when they are struggling. She advised mothers to stay close to their children so that they can play a positive role in their lives. She encouraged the young people to let God take them through the storm. "Don't just ask God for a blessing," she said. "Ask Him for a miracle." Elder Gregory Adams of Austell, Georgia gave the congregation advice about staying with God. Saints have to obey what they've been taught so that they can defeat the devil when he comes to their minds. He urged the saints to remember that God is in control and that we should continue to worship and praise Him in the sanctuary.

Friday night, Sister Barbara Jones of Augusta, Georgia gave her testimony to the sisters about how God came into her life when she was at a crossroad. She explained how her flesh fought against the spirit, but that she let the word of God rule in her life. Superintendent Elder Marvin Jones came forward declaring that the foundation of God is firm and that the True Church of God in Christ is built on that same foundation. As long as we stand on what we have been taught, then we can be assured of God's blessings.

Saturday began with separate "Shoptalks" for the women and the men. In these sessions, women were able to seek advice, counsel, and teaching from the mothers about loving their husbands, loving their children, and how to uphold the ordinances of the True Church. Likewise, the men received instruction from the Bishop, the Superintendent, and the Chairman about the doctrine of holiness. The evening service began with an energetic worship and praise service conducted by the daughters of the General Mother and the Assistant General Mother: Sisters Charity Belford, Cassandra Camp, Tina Hall, and Juanita Jordan. The sisters and mothers were treated with talks from Sisters Cleshia Sledge and Velinda Thomas. Sister Sledge reminded the sisters that they have to work together to raise the True Church children. She celebrated the fact that her daughter has so many "Aunts" in the church that she can look to as role models. She reminded mothers that all of our stories begin at home, reiterating the need to teach our children at home. Sister Thomas concurred with Sister Sledge. She testified that she is glad she was raised in the church and that she raised her daughters with the same standards. She followed the teachings of the church even at a young age, dressing modestly in skirts and dresses, and was able to gain a good husband. She feels proud to have raised her daughters just like her mother raised her. Elders Vista Jeffries and Clayton Andrews preached with power and understanding. Elder Jeffries elaborated on sanctification and how the Lord requires His people to be Holy, set apart, and clean. In order for us to be saved, we must come out from the world and stop sinning. He reminded us that the Lord loves us and wants to bless us but He is angry with the wicked. Elder Andrews reminisced about his late wife, Sister Darlene Andrews, and insisted that he still believes that God is a healer. He reminded us that God of the Old Testament is still God and that we need to trust in Him. He can save us, heal us, and deliver us.

Sunday began with a dynamic Sunday School lesson taught by Elder Emmitt Robinson, Jr. He asked the congregation to search and examine themselves to see whether we were where we needed to be in God. He admonished that God is soon to come and that we must get every evil thing out of our hearts and minds. We all must be born again. Later, Mother Mozelle Jeffries, the General Mother, thanked the sisters for their participation and for their questions and comments. She informed the sisters that they should attend the sessions and give their input. She thanked God for her husband and talked about how important it is to keep husbands happy. She testified that she loved everybody and had a mind to be humble, submit to leadership, and apologized if any felt mistreated by her.

Bishop Oprie Jeffries ended the convention with a bold and sharp message. In addition to talking about perfection, Bishop rebuked the congregation for focusing on the world rather than the standards of God. There must be a difference between Holy and unholy. He warned that destruction will come upon the children of disobedience. A Saint must look like a Saint, dress like a Saint, live and love like a Saint, and be a Saint because only a Saint can be a Saint.

The Sisters' Convention ended, but the love of the Saints overflowed into the parking lot as delegates said goodbye and looked forward to the next big convention--the General Assembly in July.