Four days of personal growth transpired at 3600 California Avenue, home of the Greater Allen AME Church. From Aug. 21-24, “Christian Women Standing Strong in the Lord” shared a firm foundation that focused on the empowerment, healing, and rebuilding of women standing at the forefront of the promises of God.
Reverend Dr. Judith C. Moore, Pastor of the church for the past 11 months, said that “as Black women, we are caretakers…multi-taskers.” The sincere, down-to earth Moore carries in her heart the desire to help others “to be well and heal financially, emotionally and spiritually,” emphasizing that “as caretakers, it is okay to take time out for yourself.”
Co-chairwomen Dorothy Stubbs and Joyce Booker turned Moore’s thirst for healing into a four-day experience in which the emphasis would concentrate on one’s own introspection, thereby initiating inner growth. Passionate and determined, these co-chairs created an atmosphere of excitement as they brought significant and valid issues to the table. In so doing, a circle of Christian women came together, believing that prayer is the tool to restoring lives, homes and communities. Stubbs stated enthusiastically that “The goal of the conference is that women will be better than when they came in.”
The conference, however, was not limited to the needs of the female gender, and on August 21, the church played host to more than 50 young people. Dr. Moore proudly stated that “All of our children are not lost. It was a blessing to see the kids engaged in the worship service, and the wonderful thing is that they made a choice to be here.” Rev. Terry Pima, a native of Haiti and a student at Pittsburgh’s Reformed Seminary, did, in no way, disappoint the youthful crowd.
Friday’s Comedy Night was a time set aside for laughter, as troubles and tribulations were placed on hold, giving those in attendance the opportunity to relax and enjoy the humor of Rosie Rose (Mistress of Ceremonies); the hilarious Comma D, Lane; and the incomparable Dr. Goddess.
Saturday’s “Women & Teen Conference” brought the ladies together in a spirit of praise, prayer and purpose. Evangelist Shelly Bynum opened the seminar with a workshop on the relentless power of prayer as she described “prayer as an opportunity.” Taking those in attendance to the next level, was Dr. Mary Perdue, of “Next Level Christian Counseling.”
A Certified Professional Christian Counselor, Dr. Perdue provides counseling and therapy service in and around the Pittsburgh community.
The sessions provided available resources for women who need to take the time to care for themselves, while exploring options to their own issues.
The concerns that confront the younger generation today were also addressed. “You are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” was presented by Rev. April Roebuck of the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. Impressive Christian teens, armed with ambition and foresight that embodies their strong Christian beliefs, were open to the candid and compassionate Roebuck as they tackled questions about the uncertainties of life.
There was no better way to close the session than that of the powerful preaching and teaching ministry of Rev. Tameaka Reid Sims, executive pastor of Bethel AME Church of Harrisburg. The very gifted pastor is well known for assisting churches throughout the country in their desire to grow Women’s Ministries within the church, a true vision for the future of the Christian woman who is “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
