The monthly ACLC Pastors’ Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, February 23 in Chicago was a tremendously uplifting experience. It was held in the historic Greater Harvest MB Church, founded in 1912, with 130 participants from churches throughout metropolitan Chicago. The program began with a period of praise music led by Rev. William Martin of Chance Ministries, followed by four powerful representative prayers for the city, state, nation and world. A greeting was extended by a representation of the host pastor, Elder Eric Thomas, and everyone was served the delicious breakfast.

 

Following the meal, Ms. Mary Swopes, Founder and CEO of the Mahogany Scholarship Heritage Foundation, recited the ACLC Statement of Purpose and the sixteen first-time participants briefly introduced themselves. Ms. Fannie Smith, former Assistant Director of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, requested support for the critical relief work in Haiti being conducted by the Women’s Federation for World Peace.

 

The main message was delivered by Dr. Henry O. Hardy of the renowned Cosmopolitan Community Church in Chicago. Dr. Hardy is known worldwide as a prolific preacher, author and spiritual activist. His message emphasized the prophetic responsibility of “preachers” as messengers of God’s Word and Will in directing the providential course of humankind. He referred to numerous passages in the Old and New Testament and applied their meanings to our current age. The message was profound and everyone was deeply moved.

 

Afterward, Mother Ellen Dixon of the Gospel Truth MB Church was awarded the monthly ACLC Certificate of Appreciation for her exemplary faith, devotion and service to her church and com-munity. This initiative was started this year and recipients are selected by a board of pastors.

 

At the close of the program, a spontaneous request for prayer came for the physical healing of long-time ACLC member Rev. Joseph McAfee of Central United Community Church. He is a significant faith and civic leader in Chicago and was a previous candidate for mayor. All the participants of the breakfast united in heart and spirit as the prayer was led by Dr. A. Harold White, ACLC Illinois Co-Chairman.

 

The conviction and solidarity of the participants during this breakfast was truly inspiring. It felt as if everyone had known each other their entire lives and they felt total comfort and joy in being together. God’s work of healing and reconciliation is truly moving in a powerful way. Now, more and more of these pastors and their ministers, deacons and evangelists are participating in bi-monthly Pastors’ Forums where they study the Divine Principle. A new level in the ACLC foundation is immerging in this historic New Year!