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Moderator's Desk

Moderator's Desk

From the Moderator's Desk

Submitted on October 19, 2021 by Rev. Russell Oglesby.
Moderator
Moderator

Greetings Fellow Believers,

We began our ORBEMA 139th Associational Session with our theme song, “We’ve Come This Far By Faith Leaning On The Lord.” This song has been one of my favorite gospel songs that I learned as a child. This song meant a lot for me when I was a child as I was constantly surrounded by people who were forced to walk in faith. I did not understand at the time as a child what faith was, but I witnessed people around me discussing how they did not know how something would work out; and later giving God thanks for the situation being resolved. But now as a child of God, as a father, husband, pastor and leader. I truly KNOW what Faith means. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

 

These situations included food being provided, sicknesses, tragedies, bills being paid, and even the loss of those we love, etc. Although some did not know how their needs would be met, they trusted in The Lord for the outcome. In my Faith growth I have witnessed and experienced what it means to ‘walk by faith’. I know now as I read and mediate on God’s Word what my elders were talking about. I understood why they believed their situations would work out even though they were clueless as to how it would happen. I pray that way; telling God that I know He will work something out even if I cannot see it.

 

And like, our former Moderator Russell M. Oglesby, who so wonderfully modeled before us, to walk by faith. It has been our faith that have allowed us to weather some of the most challenging periods of world history during this season. Our safety, our health, our economy, our mental health and our absence of human fellowship has spiraled all across the world. God has provided more opportunities for our phenomenal association to assist others in unparalleled course of action. God has been gracious and merciful to many who believe in Him through these tumultuous times.

 

My desire is for us to continue to minister in FAITH. Each of our auxiliaries shall continue working and walking by faith. We will continue Caring for others, Helping the loss, the over-looked and the lonely, Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the community and abroad. And as an association we will remain an Entity of Excellence United and Growing Together for Kingdom Work.

 

We shall uphold that sacred song of our forefathers: “We’ve Come This Far By Faith.”

  • Walking By Faith
  • Leaning On The Lord
  • Trusting In His Holy Word

 

Thank You for Your Support and Prayers! Please contact Moderator Alphonso T. Houston @ (864) 238-8783 for additional information or questions.

 

Gracious God, as we begin the new session and a new season of associational ministry, I ask that You allow us to serve You in total excellence. I ask that You remove all distractions, hindrances, break any strongholds and let us serve You selflessly. Lord, let us seek Your guidance in all things so we can give You our very best in everything. I pray for each of our auxiliary’s leaders, that You give them a mind to work and vitality to do purposeful work in Your kingdom. Father God, I ask that You strengthen us in our moments of weakness. Let us be so empty of our own desires so that You can fill us with Your Holy Spirit and Your perfect will for our lives. We repent of all of our sins and anything that would keep us from serving You wholly. All this I ask in Your Son Jesus’ Name, Amen.