A Note to my Blogging Friends...

If you don't have it, don't worry about it. If you can't do it, don't feel guilty about it. If it's not right, don't do it. If it feels wrong, that's because it is. Life's choices cannot confine, limit or restrict us. We are agents of change, with the grace of God as a promise. We fall down but we get up. We make mistakes but we overcome them. We are not perfect, but we are in the process of perfecting.

Big Baptizing

Sunday was a wonderful day in the life of our Church. People are yet being saved and our Church is excited about it. We marched into the pool singing "Take me to the Water" and there many many to be taken to the Water. The Lord is adding so many young people to the Church. The Baptism Ministry lead by Ms Audrey Davidson; consisting of more than 20 people meet monthly to continue improving ways in which our Church prepare New Converts and Members for Baptism, New Members Class and orientate them into the Ministry. They get an overview of what Baptism is all about, what it means to be Born Again, to be a Member of the Body of Christ, of the Mount Olivet Baptist Church, a tour of the Building that they may know their way around the Campus, Administration area, Pastor's Office, etc. The Ministry members all wear White on Baptism Sunday and each of them participate in the Baptism process. All are in the Baptism area and the Church has prioritized Baptism as one of the most important pieces in the Ministry and God blesses us to have many to Baptize. Above is Brother Larry Brown, member of the Ministry assisting Pastor in the water. We were worn to a frazzle by the time we got to our last Candidate, but we would have stayed in the water as long as God needed us there as Souls were being added to the Kingdom. There is yet work for others in this Ministry. Interested in being a part of this Ministry see Ms Audrey Davidson or any other member of the Ministry! The Harvest is plenteous!

Baptismal Reception

We dont have it down to a Science yet but we are working to get there. The Vision is Matthew 28:18-20. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Baptizing and the Lord's Supper being the Ordinances of the Church are the focus and reasons for the Church existing. Winning souls to Jesus Christ, Baptizing them, and Making Disciples of them is what we're called to do. Our Church was happy as we baptized so many on Sunday. Above are pictures of the New Members receiving Baptism Certificates and Bibles at the Reception that followed their Baptism. A Ministry in the Church provides the Reception each Baptism Sunday. This past Reception was sponsored by the Trustee Ministry. Great Job too; I might add. They set it up, provided the repast; and broke it down when it was over. Hundreds of people piled into the Reception Area immediately after Church. We yet have a great Baptism planned for June. New Souls are being added to the Kingdom and to God be the Glory!

More of Rickey Jr's Graduation

Here are a few more pics of Rickey Jrs and his childhood Church friend Darron's after-party from their 2009 Graduation. It was really nice! Rickey Jr looks up at his Father as a proud son who has crossed his first major hurdle in life successfully and of course Rickey Sr is looking at Rickey Jr as if to say; "This is my beloved Son in whom I'm well pleased. Notice the stern look and firm handshake with Darron congratulating him and being as proud of him as if he was my own son! The young fellows are both headed to college. I'm not sure if the details of either of them are fully worked out; but we're working on it! Pray for both young men to continue the path that they have traveled, stay focused, and that neither of them let the freedom that they are about to experience detour them from the path that they are traveling and the goals that they have set for themselves. Both have big dreams and with God and discipline and following the teachings of Christ as they have in the Past; their is no limit to what and who they will become and can do!

Update on Moma Louise

Moma Louise was moved from Intensive Care Unit this evening to a regular room. She knows everyone of her family members and is talking and having fun and singing to each of them. Folks are pleased and amazed at the power of God. I know I asked God to let me come home for the Baptising and He did... God is no shorter than His Word. If He doesn't anything else, He has done more than enough!

Memorial Day Service

Sunday was a great time in the life of our Church. We Baptized twelve to fourteen people on yesterday. I'm so blessed by the Body of Christ giving Birth to Newborn Souls. There are enough unsaved, unbaptized people in our city and community for every Church in Rochester to be filled to the brim and running over! My task is to tap into the Community and reach the Unsaved for the Body of Christ. I'm overwhelmed by what I believe to be the Direction and Vision in which the Lord wants the Body of Christ moving into in the Rochester Community! We must make a conscience effort to win souls, to change lives, to make living conditions better for the people of our community, to have a safe-haven for them when they accept Christ, to embrace them as Brothers and Sisters, to offer means of socialization and acceptance to people who feel like they are not a part of the Body of Christ. Neighborhoods have to be cleaned up, the Church has to be welcomed into the Community and the Community welcomed into the Church. Neither to this point have been denied access to either because no real attempt to my knowledge has been made to enter either's territory! Now I really do appreciate the welcoming spirit received from the wonderful people of Mount Olivet Baptist Church. I was gone from Sunday evening to Saturday evening and my good folks really acted like they missed me! Well, I sure did miss my Church family and I'm glad to be HOME....and I left much to do in Memphis at my Townhouse. Hopefully, most of the things that need doing will be done before I get there. It is supposed to be the place for us to go and relax, chill, and simply unwind. Actually, even with cleaning the yard, and repairing what was broken, it was still a very relaxing time.

Rickey Bernard Harvey Jr

Now this was a time of joy and laughter and tears and praises to God. Rickey Bernard Harvey Jr came into the Desota County Auditorium doing his famous Praise Dance..... All that knew him was filled with abundant joy as he strutted in maybe the ninth or tenth Honor Student among the three hundred fifty plus graduating students. His guest list was cut short from the family because our folks needed to be with Moma Louise. It was a very difficult time for my mother.... Funny for me but tramatic for Moma. Yvonne flew in for the 10am Saturday Graduation on Friday evening, arriving shortly after 1opm. Moma wanted to cook Yvonne a Soul-Food Dinner... they have this Chitterling thing going, where whenever Yvonne goes to my home, Moma will do Chitterlings. I'm like Moma... "Yvonne will not have time to eat a soul-food dinner in Memphis this trip. She gets in at 10pm, Graduation is at 10am the next day and her flight back to Rochester is at 3:15pm. Mama was sick about it; even though there was nothing she could do! We got up, went to McDonalds for breakfast, had hashbrowns and juice for breakfast. We got to the Auditorium early because since our Son, was coming in so early and sitting on the front row, (which made us so proud, Wow), we wanted to be close enough to commuicate with him throughout the graduation as we were... It was wonderful. Ms Ricketa who graduated from the same school two years earlier attended the graduation and of course, she can't remember any of the former students or teachers who are there because it "was so long ago" that she attended High School. She was funny.... At 19 years of age, Sophomore in College, "Engineer Major" she just can't identify with High School kids anymore... LOL.... We had a great time! Rickey Bernard Harvey Jr and his best friend forever, Darren had a Graduation Reception afterwards where tons of folk came to celebrate with them as they embark upon new endeavors. They were two happy campers and we (parents) are happy to have been blessed with this child as are Darren's parents! Maybe Ricketa will send me a picture of Darren to be posted too.

Must We Violate Each Other?

It is so sad how we treat each other. Many of us are the reasons that so many of "us" can never get ahead. Our people have a tendency to treat each other like crabs. This was just rediculous that someone would break the glass out of this Townhouse go in and violate the place. At some point we have to love ourselves enough to "do unto others as we would have them do unto us" Glass was broken, doors locks were jammed, water was left on in the bathroom so that obviously messed up the ceiling downstairs.. Well... God is in charge and whomever the mean person is.. They may have meant it for Bad but it was a blessing in disguise! May the Lord watch between me and thee! Fortunately, between checking on Moma Louise, getting Rickey Jr graduated and celebrating with him, and going to hear Pierre Lyons preach....much of my work is done! Got some plumbing to do before installing carpet... Mind you.. there is nothing here of value to anyone except the owners.... You have to get TVs and DVDs and VCRs and those things somewhere else.. they're not here.

Update on Moma Louise

On Friday morning of this past week, Moma Louise was doing good; you might say! She was singing her songs, "Hallelujah Oh Lordy" all day long. Recognizing most of her company. Of course when she saw me she called me "JR" and you would have to know my brother "JR" to know that folks who are not even sick can mistake us... That was great for Moma Louise. She looked at Ricketa and said, "Everybody coming, Hallelujah, Oh Lordy." As far as I'm concerned she seemed to be as good as she was doing when I saw her in January. The Doctors have asked the family to come in and see her; those who want! They say that they have done all that they can do for Moma Louise, and now keeping her comfortable is key! Yesterday, her vital signs were as strong as they were five years ago! You have to know now that this is not the first time that the Doctors have called Moma Louise's family to her bedside neither is it the second or third. However, Moma Louise hasn't always been 97 years old, and I encourage the family to know that Time is Filled with Swift Transitions, even though Moma Louise is taking her own good time Transitioning and singing herself right into the arms of God. I dont know how long now. I'm not sure if the Doctors know or not; but we continue to pray for Moma Louise and thank all of our Bloggers for your prayers and support!

No Place Like Home

I tell you.... Home; "You gotta love it" because there is no place like it. Many many years ago, the flower bed on the West Side of Moma's house (Memphis) was filled with the most beautiful Hydranias ever with a Monkey Grass border. You know the big beautiful blooming plants that practically bloomed all summer. It was my hobby and/or my job, not sure, but I took care of the planting, flower beds and all for the house. Well, this time when I return home, no Hydranias or Monkey grass; rather the bed had been tilled like a field and Moma had Tomato and Pepper plants just waiting. Of course Pat is getting a photo-op here. Eddie Lee actually planted them, but I'm watering them for real. I dont know what Pat call herself doing here. Actually it looks like she's patting the soil down or something... Maybe she was doing something. You know, with the cost of food these days, I just may till up my front yard and plant me a garden. Moma just doing it; got her porch and rails painted, tomatoes and peppers planted... Cant tell the girl anything now! I'll go home for a fried green tomotoes breakfast this Summer.

Update on Grand Moma Louise

Thank you Blog Friends for praying for my Grandmother; Moma Louise. It was one of those close calls again on Sunday. I've learned that she was taken late Saturday night to the hospital in Bolivar, Tennessee. (That's where my Mom was born and raised and where I spent many Summers as a lad and probably is the reason for the chicken-thing) My Grand Mother yet lives at the Farm House, (a newer version of what I knew years ago). She was home on Saturday evening with my Aunt who takes care of her and Moma Louise stopped responding! Auntee got her to the Bolivar General Hospital, (which is similar to the Andy Griffith - Mayberry Hospital) and they were never able to get Moma Louise to respond! Thus, they Airlifted her to the Jackson General Hospital Emergency to find that her heart had stopped, (that I never knew she had) had stopped. They were able to do something to the pace maker and it brought Moma Louise back, (We know that God did it) they say! Now Moma Louise is in Intensive Care, responding moderately, probably wonderfully for a 97 year old. Today, Tuesday, she is scheduled for surgery! I'm not sure what type of surgery, but I think it has something to do with the heart! Thanks for your prayers.

My Grandmother Needs Prayer

My Grandmother, Louise Willis was airlifted from her home this morning in Bolivar, Tennessee to the General Hospital in Jackson Tennessee. She's 97 years old and continues to fight a good fight! Please pray for my family! Fortunately I will be in Memphis tomorrow and will quickly head eighty miles east of Memphis to Jackson Tennessee to see about my Grandmother....It looks like joining Inez Andrews and the Caravans in Atlanta Monday night may be out! But first things first! For now... pray for my traveling grace and for the Lord to be Gracious to my Grandmother!

Rickey Jr Graduates

Rickey Bernard Harvey Jr Graduates on Saturday May 23rd from Horn Lake High School. We are excited and anxiously anticipating this big day for him. So many plans are being made toward his future education and non are really finalized just yet! Rickey Jr is a high achiever as is his older Brother Rico and Sister Ricketa... Every parent chokes up at this point in their childs life; especially in these horrendus times in which we live. Childen are far more disobedient than in the past, parents are far less able to discipline children than in the past... It's a mess at what we see these days. Children and parents arguing, cant get along! Thus, when any parent is able to graduate children in a day of "drop-outs beyond our control" thank God and praise Him for the Favor granted you in bringing up your child! I thank God daily for each of mine, their relationship with God, Church and parents! God is yet Blessing...and if parents would be a bit more strict on their children, its possible that children would be a bit better than what we are seeing! I dont know where mine are going, but I'm thankful for where they are now!

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School

Dr. Eugene Bay, President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, the Faculty, Staff and the 2009 Graduating Class gathered at Mount Olivet on May 16th for Graduation Ceremonies! Several students received Doctorates of Ministry Degrees, Masters of Divinity, and Masters in Ministry. Great! I have joined the new students at Colgate in pursuit of the Doctorate of Ministry Degree and I'm currently preparing Five-Five page papers and One-Twenty-Five page paper for June first! Pray for the success of the 2009 class....and pray that the Lord will strenghten me in this endeavor as He did in the past! I'm not sure how much Blogging time I will continue to have, but trust me; I will do all that I can to stay in constant communication with you! Bye!

Amazing Prayers

No service took place without lots of powerful anointed prayers from the men and women of God who came to share in the Installation services. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many clergy at one time for the sake of prayers and blessings. I believe that the ministry, the church, my life and members of Mount Olivet were blessed by the prayers of the righteous men and women in attendance who prayed mightily for the success of this union that the Lord brought together!

Great Host of Pastors

What an honor it was to have so many pastors take away from what they were doing to attend my Installation service. Some of these pastors flew in just for the 4:00pm service and had to be on a plane immediately afterwards to get back to their busy ministries. Some came in and spent the entire weekend with us. Some stayed days past the Installation. It's a great thing having friends and and folk who love you! I'm thankful too for the number of local pastors and ministers who shared the service with us! Some 50+ pastors shared the weekend of festivities with us! We are grateful to Rochester preachers for their continued friendship! Only a small portion of the pastors present were able to fit in the office... The group pictured represents the local and national pastors present! Thanks guys and lady preacher Catherine Farley!

The Bereaved Family

It was nice to be able to support our Brother in the loss of his father in New York. The question for Mount Calvary and perhaps would be the question for Mount Olivet is: When does Pastor go out of the city with members and how does he determine who he goes with and who he does not go with? Does he go with his favorites and leave his other sheep, members to tend for themselves.? Are we all equal in Pastor's eyes, or he has his pics, and if you're one; good, and if not, then you're not! No! My desire is to serve EVERY member of MY Church in whatever Spiritual Capacity is needed! Everyone doesn't need the same attention, the same nurture, and Pastor in the same capacity! Some are stronger than others, some are more private and wont let you know about certain situations in their life until its over... Some are prideful and wont let you know that Pastoral Care is needed. Some are open and will say or allow it to be known that Pastor is needed here or there. My folks have always known....that I am and will be there for the least to the greatest...whomever they may be and whatever status they choose to identify with or be identified with is no issue with me. I have flown and driven everywhere for funerals of loved ones of the members of My Church, but never done the Train.. I was happy to serve in the capacity of "Comforting Words" with the Fitzgerald family and more happy to hear the beautiful letter of concern that was sent by the Mount Olivet Baptist Church family and read in the service. Mount Olivet's letter was the only letter read during the service! Amen Holy Ghost! James Fitzgerald, pictured on the far left, lost his father, his wife, Catherine, mother-in-law, Ms Lottie, sister-in-law Linda and friend Robert, attended the service too. Over 200 people attended the service; I'm not sure why it was at the funeral home and not the church.. but I dont have to know everything!