CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS
JUNE 12-13, 2015
By Bishop Mike Gray
I was honored by the invitation of Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham to preside over the Mississippi Conference, June 12-13, 2015. The Springs of Praise Church in Crystal Springs, MS hosted the conference events. Rev. Darryl Blankenship serves as the Senior Pastor. Their hospitality was superb. I enjoyed visiting with Darryl. He is a precious brother in Christ. I continue to pray for the Holy Spirit’s comfort and peace upon Darryl, Justin and the Blankenship family.
It was a privilege to preach the camp meeting service on Friday evening. This was a wonderful service in the presence of the Lord. Many gathered around the altars for prayer and ministry. I was especially moved by the number of young people and their heart for God.
The annual conference session convened on June 13 at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Wayne Redden, who serves on the Conference Executive Council, shared a word of greeting and offered prayer for the Lord’s blessing upon the Kingdom business of the day.
Bishop David Moore kindly introduced me and I called the session to order. It was a privilege to recognize Rev. Clyde Smith, who previously served six years as Conference Superintendent.
I briefly shared from Luke 4 as a Segway to introduce the video presentation, “We Prayerfully Value Pentecost.” At the conclusion of the video, the conference body offered spontaneous thanks and praise to God for the ministry of the Holy Spirit within the IPHC.
Bishop David Moore presented his Superintendent and State of the Conference Report. His visionary report included:
- The conference has 19 churches, 26 ordained ministers, 11 licensed ministers, and 6 with local church minister certificates.
- The conference is pursuing several “open doors” of ministry that include African American outreach and Hispanic Ministry opportunities.
- At least two conference churches have opened their facilities to begin Hispanic churches.
- Bishop Moore recognized Rev. Mynor and Hilda Garcia, who recently moved to Mississippi to assist with Hispanic Ministries and church plants.
- DCPI training is a major emphasis in both English and Spanish.
The conference adopted Bishop Moore’s report with appreciation.
Four people made conference ministry presentations.
- Sandra Loar – Discipleship and Youth Ministries
- Claudette Denham – Women’s Ministries
- David Moore – Missions
- Gene Evans – Men’s Ministries
Due to a resignation on the Conference Executive Council, I introduced Mr. Gene Evans to serve the balance of the quadrennium. The Mississippi CEC had adopted a resolution to appoint Mr. Evans, per the IPHC Manual options for filling a CEC vacancy. This announcement was well received with a standing ovation. The Executive Council joined me in praying for Mr. Evans.
I was highly honored to recognize and pray with those approved to receive ministerial credentials. The ordination service was very special.
Local Church Minister’s Certificate:
Jacque Boone
Minister’s License:
Hilda Garcia
Mynor Garcia
Madeline Lafferty
Ordination:
Jerry Delaughter
To conclude the conference session, young people ministered in drama and song. Afterwards, the conference session adjourned.
Most everyone in attendance accepted an invitation to feast on a southern barbeque pork lunch with all the trimmings, dessert and iced tea. This was a delicious meal!
I commend Bishop David Moore and his Conference Executive Council for planning an excellent conference. Thank you, once again, to Pastor Darryl Blankenship and Springs of Praise for their warm hospitality and servant hearts.
May the Lord continue to bless the Mississippi Conference to win the lost, disciple believers, develop leaders, plant churches and reach their full Kingdom potential for the glory of God!