Faith journey of
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A Publication of Word of Faith Christian Center
“Brethren, pray for us.” — I Thessalonians 5:25
CHANGING NATIONS
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ishop Kevin E. Wright will travel with Bishop Keith A. Butler to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Israel in November. In addition, Word of Faith members will travel to South Africa this year. Join us in praying for these exciting mission trips! During your private devotion time, cry out to God on their behalf and on behalf of the millions that are still lost. Through your prayers, you become a partner in taking the Gospel to nations.
God moves when His people pray! Pray for our leaders and mission team. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority” (I Timothy 2:1-2).
We cannot rightly fulfill our Christian duties unless we continue in fervent prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
Pray for their safety, that God will protect them from all hurt and danger. “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling” (Psalm 91:10). Pray that God will open a door for them to share the Gospel of Christ with the people. “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds” (Colossians 4:3). Pray that the power of God works through them for every good work. “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power” (II Thessalonians 1:11). Pray no sickness shall come near our leaders and mission team. “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” (Psalm 91:10).
ISRAEL
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SOUTH AFRICA
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C O N T E N T S 2 0 0 8
causing your nation to prosper keith a. butler Journey of Faith magazine is published by Word of Faith
It is God’s ultimate desire that the entire world prosper, and He expects you to be right there in the middle of helping to make it happen.
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kevin e. wright Offense–where we harbor bitterness towards others–is the most often committed sin in the body of Christ. However, most people don’t even consider it a sin.
articles
glory beyond offense
Christian Center, a non-profit organization.
Our mission as Christians is to walk in love regardless of the circumstances. Even though circumstances may change, our mission should never change.
hightlights
This year’s youth camp was a great time for youth to get recharged and be around other young people of like mind and faith.
18 mighty mississippi conference 2008 hightlights
Ministers and laypeople from around the globe, gathered in Jackson for the Mighty Mississippi Conference held in September. It was an exciting and refreshing time with wonderful praise and worship and stirring messages.
24 knowing god clinton hall
It’s important for us to have a true and genuine relationship with God through His Word and the Holy Spirit.
features
Leslie D. Wright
God has called every born-again believer to take an active role in shaping and molding the world in which we live. That includes our nation, state, city and the communities in which we live.
14 youth quake 2008
22 turn the other cheek
let your voice be heard vote
Kevin E. Wright
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Vote Values Why should you vote your values? Consider if Jesus was in America preparing for Election Day 2008. What would he do?
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Word of Faith Christian Center–Meridian is expanding their ministry drawing many to Christ through fun and fellowship. The church sits in the hub of the city, just blocks away from historic downtown.
Volume 3 ∙ Issue 4
Journey of Faith magazine is published by Word of Faith Christian Center, a non-profit organization. Editorial Offices: 4890 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, MS 39209. Phone (601) 922-9323. Web address:
www.wofcc-ms.com. Copyright © 2008 by Word of Faith Christian Center. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Journey of Faith and logo are
trademarks of Word of Faith Christian Center. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references in this issue are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV). Copyright © 1977, 1984, 2001 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Public domain. Journey of Faith has no subscription or newsstand price and is supported through contributions from its readers. All gifts to this ministry are tax deductible.
Editor/Publisher Kevin E. Wright Assistant Editor Leslie D. Wright
Managing Editor/WRITER Philis E. Fowler Graphic Designer Vicki A. Bolden Proofreader Lori Perez
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Let Your Voice be Heard
VOTE KEVIN E. WRIGHT
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o do nothing is all it takes for evil to prevail. I believe with all my heart God has called every born-again believer to take an active role in shaping and molding the world in which we live. That includes our nation, state, city and the communities in which we live. God wants us to become His voice in the earth to bring about change. God has chosen to use man to carry out His will on the earth! Prayer and preaching the gospel are not the only tools God can use to bring about change. I believe our vote can be used by God to bring about transformation in our nation. I also believe one day, all of us will give an account to God about whether or not we voted and how we voted. Let me go back to the statement I made earlier: to do nothing is all it takes for evil to prevail. Years ago, 4
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the body of Christ (the Church), remained silent and did nothing about prayer being removed from public schools. As a result, our schools have experienced an increase of immorality, lawlessness and violence, as well as a decrease in respect for God and country. To do nothing means to remain unconscious, comatose and lifeless. In other words, it means to exist without a purpose or a cause! To do nothing is like a ship without a sail. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish� (Proverbs 29:18). Over the past two centuries, men and women of every creed, color, and ethnicity have been ridiculed and threatened, even sacrificing their very lives, to protect our civil rights as Americans. To vote means to take responsibility and become a part of the solution! Our responsibility as Americans is to do what we
PrayER for leadership
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We owe it to our ancestors who struggled for our rights, often sacrificing their lives and livelihoods for the privilege to vote!
ather, in the Name of Jesus, we thank you for the President of the United States of America and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. For Congress, State Legislature and to all the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
We pray our leaders accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society.
Father we declare that we believe the Word in James 5:16 that “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”.
morally, ethically and peacefully can, and leave the results to God. We owe it to our ancestors who struggled for our rights, often sacrificing their lives and livelihoods for the privilege to vote! Not too long ago, I spoke with a pastor about his voting rights and he replied by saying, “Well, you know our vote really doesn’t count. God’s got everything under control.” When he finished talking, I received an instant revelation of some of the reasons our nation is in the mess it’s in! It’s time for our spiritual and secular leaders to step up and begin to influence the people under and around them to take advantage of their constitutional right to vote. Each one of us can help bring about change for the betterment of all American citizens.
let your voice be heard!
We declare that we come into agreement with the Word concerning every situation and declare the prayer of agreement is one of the most powerful tools that you have given to us.
Father we believe that we receive when we pray according to your will and so we thank you in advance that our prayers are answered.
vaules
Permission to reprint granted by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, ivotevalues.com
W
hy should you vote your values? Consider if Jesus was in America preparing for Election Day 2008. What would he do? Would Jesus register to vote? Would he go to the polls? Or would he stay home? Assuming he did vote, which candidates would he support? What values would dictate who he voted for?
We know that Jesus expects his followers to be salt and light in our culture, and that he expects us to participate in government (see Matthew 5:13-16 & 22:21). Based on his teachings, it would be safe to say that Jesus would register and vote to support the candidates that most closely represent his values. Isn’t that what we should do on Election Day?
Pray for the Election While we should not underestimate the significance of this election, we can be assured there is no way to overestimate the power unleashed when believers commit to pray (James 5:15-17). As you pray for the outcome of this election, please specifically pray for the following: •
A large turnout of conscientious, informed voters who will vote their biblically informed values, beliefs, and convictions
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The failure of the media to discourage evangelicals or other citizens from going to the polls
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A House of Representatives and U.S. Senate that will responsibly oversee the national security of our country
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The election or reelection of strong pro-life and sanctity of marriage candidates
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Officials who will care for the poor and underprivileged
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All men and women to be treated equally, judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, paving the way for an even playing field for all Americans
Pray for Our Nation “We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” –President Abraham Lincoln, in National Proclamation of Prayer and Repentance, 1863
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Causing Your Nation to
Prosper
Keith A. Butler
God wants you to prosper. I know, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, we hear that all the time. So what else is new?” Well, I can’t say what I’m about to share is exactly new, because it has been around at least since God first pronounced His blessings on Abraham. But I can tell you for sure that it’s true.
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od wants you to prosper. The Bible says so in 3 John 2: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
The truth is God does want you to prosper. But there’s something else He desires. He wants you to go beyond seeking your own prosperity and start causing your nation to prosper. That’s right. It’s God’s ultimate desire that the entire world prosper, and He expects you to be right there in the middle of helping to make it happen. You see, God may use His Word to deal with us as individuals, but there are times when He makes decisions or judgments that affect entire families or nations. Let me show you what I’m talking about. In Proverbs 14:34, the Bible says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Take a look at those first two words: righteousness and exalteth. The word righteousness, which literally means “justice,” comes from the word righteous, a word that is defined as “characterized by uprightness or morality.” As born-again believers, this describes who each of us has been made in Christ. Like Jesus, we are people of honesty, integrity and morality. We believe in justice. To exalt means to “lift up.” In other words, in order for our nation to be lifted up, it’s going to have to happen through the hands of the righteous. Why? Because, as we just read, righteousness exalts or lifts up a nation.
Who’s in charge? Notice what happens when the righteous are in authority or, as we would consider it in today’s society, in charge or control. In Proverbs 29:2, the Bible says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Why do you suppose the Bible says “the people rejoice”? It’s because when righteous people are in charge, justice prevails. And when justice prevails, you get honesty. You get fairness, compassion, peace and prosperity. In other words, things are done for the good of all.
you have authority— not only over your life and destiny, but over that of your nation.
Sadly, that’s not the case when it comes to unrighteous, ungodly leaders ruling. The last part of that scripture proves it: “But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” I don’t have to tell you that wickedness is the same as sin. And the Bible clearly states in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death.”
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Causing Your Nation to Prosper
When wicked people rule, or are in control, the end result is always going to be death. It may not come in the form of physical death, but you can be assured the results are going to be bad. In Old Testament times, for instance, we saw it manifest in such forms as sickness, disease, pestilence, plagues, famine—even death. And while those things happened back then, there is nothing that says they can’t be repeated in some form today. The thing we have to understand, though, is these things all happened because of wickedness. They happened because the unrighteous were in control. And they happened to entire nations. Look at what the Bible says in 1 Kings 15:25-26 about King Nadab, a ruler over Israel: “And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.” Did you catch what the scripture said in the last part of verse 26? Not only did Nadab sin, but the entire nation followed his path and was led away into sin. A little further down in verses 33 and 34, we see the same thing happening again: “In the third year of Asa king of Judah began Basha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, twenty and four years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.” In each instance where a king “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” the nation he ruled over suffered. Its people paid the price.
Preparing to Prosper Your Nation There are consequences to be paid for sin. But if you are not walking in unrighteousness and are living a life of obedience to God and His Word, you don’t have to worry about those things. You can rest assured that not only can you prosper, but your nation can also prosper because of you. It is vital that every believer see this. The reason Satan so desperately desires to destroy this country is that it is a lighthouse of the gospel for the entire world. But God does not desire our destruction. He has a job for this country to do, and to help get the job done He has placed you in this nation—a nation that from its very beginning started out with the purpose of bringing all mankind back to Him. He has brought people from every part of the globe to our
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shores and opened the door to the gospel to those who have never heard it preached before. More money is spent in the United States to evangelize its own citizens and to evangelize other countries than all the other nations of the world combined. And more missionaries come from America than all other parts of the world combined. In God’s grand scheme of things, this will continue until the whole world knows that Jesus is Lord, and that He saves, heals, delivers and sets free. How will this happen? It will happen through believers like you and me—people who are committed to stand firm on God’s Word, walk in obedience to what He tells us to do, and always do good in His sight. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 6:17-19, “Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the Lord hath spoken.” Notice what it says in verse 18: “And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee.” That’s the key. If we do “that which is right and good,” then the Bible says “it may be well with thee.” Do you understand what the phrase “well with thee” means? It means that things will work out for you, and that you will be blessed coming in and blessed going out; blessed whether you’re in the suburb, the city or urban America. It means you’ll live in peace and not fear. It means sickness and disease will not come near your dwelling, and that destruction and calamity will pass over you. “Well with thee” means you will prosper. And because you prosper, so will your family and your nation. Friend, who is in control does matter. Whether it’s in your home or on the job, in the church or over your city, state or country, the person in charge—the one you have to follow— matters. The Bible declares that through God you have been made righteous. You are the seed of Abraham, heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. As the righteousness of God, you have authority—not only over your life and destiny, but over that of your nation.
You can cause your nation to prosper!
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God has given you responsibilities and authority to rule and reign and make a difference in your world. In his book, When the Righteous are in Authority, Bishop Keith A. Butler soundly proves from God’s Word His plan for the righteous. As a Christian, you are responsible to know what God says about the issues of your age, and your God-given authority to rule so the people can live happy and productive lives. You and God can make a difference!
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Abortion Same-sex marriages Taxes The economy War and national defense Christians in politics
Learn how to follow Jesus’ example by voting according to God’s Word and help God’s will “be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Visit the Word Shoppe and pick up yours today! fall
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glory BEYOND OFFENSE Kevin E. Wright
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ore often than not, when you think of sin, you think of smoking marijuana, committing fornication or drinking alcohol. Although doing those things is wrong, offense—harboring bitterness towards others—is the most often committed sin in the body of Christ. Most people don’t even consider it a sin. However, the Bible teaches, don’t let the sun go down on your wrath (see Eph. 4:26). Perhaps you are mad at your father because he didn’t treat you right, or you hate your mother-inlaw because she did something you didn’t agree with. Paul said we should have a pure conscience and not become offended in anything, toward God or men, until the day Jesus Christ returns (Acts 24:16, Phil. 1:10, and 2 Cor. 6:3).
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The word offense is often used to describe the act of attacking, inflicting pain, or causing harm. However, it can also describe someone who is defensive, self-centered, stubborn, and hard-hearted. Offense will cause a person to harbor unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred, strife, and resentment. Harboring such ill feelings eats away at you. You become defensive, thinking everyone else is wrong and only you are right. You wear your feelings on your shoulder and no one can say anything to you. Even a simple greeting of, “How are you doing today?” is seen as having a hidden motive. I often share an example of offense that took place in my own life a few years ago. As I was shaking hands with parishioners after service one day, I accidentally forgot to shake an elderly gentleman’s hand. Years later, he attended a funeral I officiated and approached me. “Can I see you a minute?” he asked. I went over and said, “How may I help you?” He replied, “Let me tell you something. A couple of years ago I was at your church and you didn’t shake my hand. You didn’t say hello to me.” I immediately began to apologize. “Well, I know you probably didn’t see me,” he continued, “but I just wanted you to know I was mad at you.” I stood there trying to figure out how I missed him, but I couldn’t recall. So I admitted I was wrong and said, “I’m sorry.” This man had held this offense against me for years, rather than dealing with it. The sad thing is, there are many Christians just like him, harboring offense in their hearts year after year. But until you release your bitterness, you will not see the glory on the other side of offense. Offense is a blessing blocker. It will stop you from receiving God’s best. It will hinder your spiritual progress. We all want God’s best for our lives. We want to experience a breakthrough in our marriages. We want wealth and riches to be in our homes. We want to walk in divine health. However, offense will block our blessings. It will keep us from going to the next level. We must rid ourselves of offense. Then we will experience the healing power of God. Then we will receive a breakthrough in our marriages, our finances, and get to the other side.
Until you release your bitterness, you will not see the glory on the other side of offense.
We should be without offense toward God and man. It’s easy to get offended with a man or woman, but how can you get offended with God? When you don’t receive the Word of God or you get offended at the Word of God, then you are offended with God. Remember, I am talking about offense from the perspective of being defensive and self-centered. The Lord could have a word for you, but you are too stubborn and defensive to hear what the Spirit of God is saying. Instead, you look at the person telling the message and judge whether they qualify to tell you something. Or you reject the message because it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. You may say, “I don’t like him or her. I don’t like what they said to me.” In Mark 4, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. In verse 15, we are told about those who, when they had heard the Word, Satan came immediately to snatch it away. Why did he do that? Satan comes after the Word because he knows if that Word takes root in you, you become a dangerous Christian. Hebrews 4:12 says God’s Word is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. The Kingdom of God is about fruitfulness and being productive. The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things all come to destroy the Word, and to cause you not to produce in the Kingdom. You will not be able to produce in the kingdom of God because you will be full of anger, holding on to what used to be, and holding on to what someone said or did to you. In Mark 4:17, we see that some who received the Word became offended over what they heard. If Satan can get you to hold resentment, or become angry and frustrated, he can stop you from producing “some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred” (verse 20).
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glory beyond offense
“Lord, I receive. Direct me, correct me, show me your way.” You have to learn to listen. God is not trying to hurt you; He’s trying to help you. It is amazing how you can hear a message on the love of God and Satan comes immediately, even before you get to your car. Someone may step on your shoes or pull out in front of you in the parking lot. Or you may hear a message on healing. You were doing just fine, but then after hearing a series on healing, suddenly things start to happen to your body. Satan is trying to make sure that Word does not get rooted in you. Hebrews 12:5 tells us how we should respond to a Word received from the Lord, and why we should not get offended. “And ye have
Experience the
Glory Beyond Offense Offense is a blessing blocker. It will stop you from receiving God’s best. Learn how to rid yourself of offense. It is the key to receiving breakthroughs in your life and experiencing God’s glory.
Glory Beyond Offense
forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him” (emphasis added). Let’s face it, nobody likes the word chastening. Chastening sounds negative. I like to replace that word with the word direction because when the Lord talks to you, He is directing you. Don’t get discouraged and lose heart when He points you in the right direction. When the Word of the Lord comes to us, all we have to do is make an adjustment. Don’t become offended. Life is all about making adjustments. The Bible says, if the Lord loves you, He will correct, chasten and direct you. If you endure chastening or the direction of the Lord without getting offended and bent out of shape, God deals with you as with sons. If God is not directing you, then you are a bastard or illegitimate, and not a son (Heb. 12:8). I have a spiritual father, Bishop Keith A. Butler. Every time I’m around him, he has some advice for me, and I count it an honor and a privilege to receive direction from him. I have attended services with my Bishop, Kenneth Hagin, Lester Sumrall, and John Osteen. Sometimes I hear a message that delivers a low blow. It feels like a big belly shot, Whammo! But I just suck it up and say, “Lord, I receive. Direct me, correct me, show me your way.” You have to learn to listen. God is not trying to hurt you; He’s trying to help you. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous” (Heb. 12:11). In fact, most of us don’t like anyone telling us what to do. When you don’t have an ear to hear, that’s when you will start going backwards. That’s when destruction will come your way. You’ll stop growing and developing, and stagnate your spiritual growth. On the other hand, if you can get beyond offense, afterwards it yields “the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” You will see the glory beyond offense.
By Kevin E. Wright $20.00
To get yours, visit the Word Shoppe at WOFCC–Jackson, main campus. Open 30 minutes prior to and after service.
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Family,Friends, Neighbors, Celebrate with us this holiday season! Thanksgiving Service Wednesday, November 26 7 p.m. Christmas MUSICAL Wednesday, December 24 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve Service Bishop Keith A. Butler via satellite Special Musical Guest CeCe Winans
Wednesday, December 31 9 p.m. Main and North campuses will have combined service for the above holiday schedule.
‘Tis the season for giving!
Give a gift that echoes the greatest gift ever given—
Jesus.
Visit the Word Shoppe for a large selection of Bibles, books, audiotapes, and CDs. Great gift ideas for all ages at great prices!
YouthQuake
hIGHLIGHTS What did you t youth camp th hink about is year?
“I’ve never been to any WOW! I was looking forward to atte thing like this before. nding all the services!” –D. B., New Orleans, La.
“It was great. If you didn’t come this year, you missed out on a great camp! You NEED to come next year!” –T. W., Jackson, Miss.
“Pastor Gregory was good. He wok
e me up to reality.”
–T., Yazoo City, Miss.
“My life will never be the This camp helped me step out of my same again. comfort and see myself the way God sees zone me.” –O. M., Ypsilanti, Michigan
“Pastor Gregory was great and taug ht a good message. The message has changed my life. Pastor Gregory cha llenged me to live better.” –J., Hattiesburg, Miss.
“It was good. I’ll be back next year!” –A. W., Starkville, Miss.
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ake ‘08 Testimony A Parent’s Youth Qu
cannot speak for other ers for a job well done. I mb me ff sta the nd me life. It was weird for him “I want to com a difference in my son’s de ma p cam the w kno I different messages parents, but thing he enjoyed was the y onl the t tha say d an s pleased with the to come back ailable on CD. Also, he wa av re we y the if w kno to his expectations because and wanted the dorms far exceeded t tha d er nte me com e . H -down when we go to oth living quarters and the buildings look run an cle end not att are to nt ms wa roo n “normally the a kid who didn’t eve se comments came from places.” Keep in mind, the camp this year. be a bit surprised Youth Quake, I would not out ab rd hea I’ve gs thin top Youth Quake? I’m With all the good ar. Exactly how do you ye t nex s kid ir the d sen in all you do.” if the other states MISSISSIPPI! Be blessed . GO ing eth som h wit up sure you’ll come —BJC, proud parent
Quake Quotes
Snippets from Camp Messages
A Blueprint for Success Joel Gregory
When you find someone doing what you want to do, you should ask them for a blueprint of how they got there—a blueprint of their success. A blueprint is a program of action, a photographic print of a foreseeable course of action. What you believe and what you do should consistently line up with the Word. How can you believe in one thing, but your life shows no proof of it? If it’s something you love enough, you will do whatever you can to get that area right. Be different from the world around you. The world doesn’t believe what you say…only what you do. (Romans 15, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Timothy 1:6)
Where Are You Going? Ericka Healey
Your God-given purpose is not what you want to do. Your purpose lies in the talents that God gives you. Your conversations expose what you are passionate about. You put others and yourself at risk when you run from your God-given purpose! Whatever you are faithful to is what’s going to be faithful back to you. BE ABOUT GOD’S BUSINESS. (Hosea 4:6, Romans 6:23, 1 Peter 5:8)
The American Idol Sean Moore
You will either operate in the Kingdom of God or of the world! Until you allow God to transform you to his works, the devil will continue to come in and take your name. An idolater puts other things or people before Christ. But when you chase God…everything else will begin to chase you. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). It is not hard to live for God; it just takes commitment. God did not call you to leave your friends, but to lead them.
Rise of the Kingdom Juan Wilson
God doesn’t want you to wait until you are an adult to operate in His blessings. Now is the time to start. The devil does not wait until you are older to steal, kill, and destroy. You are either for God or for the world. Once you find out the truth, the devil will throw everything at you to get you off course. When it feels there is no way, you must shift and put your faith in God. Believe that you receive and it shall be done (Mark 11:24). The more you surround yourself with negativity the more you receive NOTHING. Receive the information that God has for you (Luke 8:10). We must prepare, for God will be shaking some things up..
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Here’s what members are saying…
“It has been great getting to know people on a more personal level, which makes communication a lot easier.”
“I’m taking a closer look at my love walk in everyday life. I pay attention to how I treat people and I take time to pray for others more. I also feel as though I have a better connection with God because of my participation in Faith Groups.”
“Faith Groups makes such a big church feel smaller. It encourages me to get more involved and to read my Bible more often.”
Faith Groups It ’s A L L ABO UT PEOPL E It’s time to get involved Faith Groups are an important part of church-life at Word of Faith Christian Center. It’s all about people! Faith Groups provide an opportunity for personal ministry in a small group setting. We study God’s Word together and learn how to apply biblical principles to our lives. It’s where we pray, care for one another, and are missed if we don’t show up—a place to make new friendships!
W h y j o i n a Fa i t h G r o u p ? As good as our Sunday services are, more is needed for you to become all that God has called you to be. God intends for us to grow and develop a relationship with Him and other people. Faith Groups will grow the church, build relationships and meet the needs of people at WOFCC.
Get Connected! Our desire is for everyone at WOFCC to be a part of our Faith Group ministry and to get involved in the church. Get connected and become a part of this exciting ministry!
Call 601-922-9323,
or visit our website at www.wofcc-ms.com and click on the Faith Groups link.
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HighlIGHTS from the Mighty Mississippi Conference 2008
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Ministers and laypeople from around the globe gathered in Jackson for the Mighty Mississippi Conference held in September at Word of Faith Christian Center–Main Campus. Attendees came to receive more of God’s glory, more of His power and increased revelation. It was an exciting and refreshing time with wonderful praise and worship and stirring messages. Each speaker reiterated the conference theme, “Blessed Beyond Measure.” They reminded the hearers of God’s promises and His longing to bless and enable His people to be vessels He can work through to bless others.
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MIGHTY MENTIONS
Conference Quotes from Speakers
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here are four things required in any manifestation of the Word. You have to hear the Word, believe the Word, say the Word, and act on the Word. Everything you do must be according to the Word of God. Peter said there is a promise in the Word of God that He has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Go to the Word and find out what the Word says about your situation. Then you must decide to believe what the Word says, say what the Word says, and act as though the Word is true. God is revealing Himself, His ways, and His purposes to those who want to know and will seek His face. There is something you must do to access what Jesus has already paid for. The Lord said, “You shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). God is not going to let you come and just get yours. He wants glory from you. If He has ever healed you, you have to tell somebody else. If He has paid your bills, you have to tell somebody else. If He has ever done anything good for you, you have to let others know that Jesus did it for you. That is our responsibility. The Lord wants us to share with the world what we know. You may be suave, sophisticated, and educated; however, you must go outside the church and tell people on your job, tell them on the street, tell them in the school, tell them on the sidewalk. That’s why God saved you. That’s why He healed you. That’s why He delivered you, and that’s why He called you. You must tell the whole world, there is only one Messiah—Jesus! The way you act in faith is to hear the Word, believe the Word, brag on God, and act on His Word. That’s what Jesus did. He was so full of the Word, when the enemy came up against Him, all He had to do was speak it out of His mouth (see Luke 4). But He’s not the only one who can do that, you can do that too. That’s what faith is. –Keith A. Butler fall
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he Bible says, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). In this verse, there is no faith at all. This verse is all action and reaction. It has nothing to do with faith. It’s a simple statement. People think the word sparingly means giving a small offering. Yet the greatest offering ever given to God’s Kingdom during Jesus’ earthly ministry was the widow’s mite (see Mark 12). It was smaller than anything else in the offering, but it was from her heart and all she had. Sparingly is not how much the offering is, but it is how much of the heart is given. God said, every man should give as he purposed in his heart (verse 7). Most people wait until they get to church to be moved to give. But when you are a person of purpose, you know where you are going, what to do, when to do, and how to do because you have already purposed in your heart to do something before anybody even asked you. Out of purpose comes prayer. You begin to pray and communicate with God about your purpose. When those two are together (purpose and prayer), then perception will come. You will begin to perceive things because you are a person of purpose and prayer. When purpose, prayer and perception come together, then there is power. The next verse says, “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may about to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). There is nothing wrong with being blessed. You are in God’s family. You are not a servant. You are a son or daughter. God gave you dominion over all the works of His hands. You may be in the world, but you are not of it. The world can go through their recessions and depressions, but we live in the blessing. “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22). –Jesse Duplantis
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esus Christ was the perfect sacrifice. What God did through Christ, on the cross, by His blood, was a perfect sacrifice that produced a perfect righteousness, which restores man to a perfect fellowship with God. Our faith is in the blood of Jesus, which means our dependency is on the blood, not by works of righteousness. Because of Jesus, every believer has access to the holiest realm of God. We can just walk right in with no shame, no guilt, and no unworthy feelings because of the blood of Jesus (see Hebrews 10:19). The blood of Jesus must be applied in two places to be effective. Jesus took care of business in heaven, but He says that by faith and applying His blood, we have the power to purge ourselves from dead works and to purge our conscience (Hebrews 9:14). The blood of Jesus is a liquid love that flows from the heart of God and reaches into the heart of a man. It gives you hope in every situation, and expectation that God is on your side. There are three things Paul said we have to do. I like to call Hebrews 10:22–25 the salad Scriptures because it says, “Let us.” Get it?—Let–tuce. If you are waiting on God, He has already done everything He is going to do. “Let us draw near,” or take your position in His presence; take your place in Christ. Don’t stand at a distance. “Let us hold fast our profession of faith” without waving, for He is faithful that promised. Don’t stop saying what the blood of Jesus has done for you. Let us not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together.” You can’t get everything by yourself at the house. Press closer to the Father through the blood, and then get your mouth to moving by applying the blood with your confession of faith. And be sure to stay in church all the time, so much the more as you see the day approaching. –Mark Hankins
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e need to turn our hearts toward God. He wants your heart, not just your service. Service apart from a heart that is loyal to Him is just going through the motions. Once you yield yourself to God, you open yourself up to the blessing. God wants to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to fathom. –Reginald Walker
Didn’t make it to the conference? You can still experience any of the sessions from this extraordinary conference. Y COP
AY! TOD
GET
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od is assembling a”Redeem Team”— us, the body of Christ. You are a part of the team. Our team has one focus, one goal, one mission—to recruit more people for the team. This means we are winning souls to the kingdom of God. We have the leader— God Almighty. The captain is Jesus Christ. The Gatorade ®, which supplies the energy, is the Holy Ghost. The crowds cheering us on are the saints that are gone on to glory and our game plan strategy is the Word of God. Be unselfish players who love Him and are committed to Him. –Orlando Burt
CD series (6 CDs)
$40
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here is a rest that belongs to you. God wants you to live in the far and the above. He wants us to think like Him, to live like Him, and to act like Him. To do so, you are going to have to trust God with everything. Take Him at His Word; trust and obey. Then you will live in the far and above where you can be blessed beyond measure. –Edward C. Taylor
Also available on audiotape.
Keith A. Butler Jesse Duplantis Mark Hankins
Reginald Walker • Orlando Burt • Edward C. Taylor
To get yours, visit the Word Shoppe at WOFCC–Jackson, main campus Open 30 minutes before and after service. fall
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turn the other cheek
27-30 “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. 31-34”Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that. 35-36”I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind. 37-38”Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:27-38 (The Message)
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ur response to life’s challenges and situations should be different from the way the world reacts. Note the Scripture says, “Let them bring out the best in you,” instead of bringing out the worst in you. We must be spiritually mature enough to allow the love of God to control our emotions and reactions. The Bible says we are “peculiar people,” which means we stand out. The Bible also says that we would be known by the way we love the brethren. God has a totally different approach to life’s challenges. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
It takes a strong, mature person not to allow their emotions to get the best of them.
salvation Prayer
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21). The Scripture plainly states how we are to treat our enemies. When we treat them right, we “heap coals of fire upon his head” and it will make them see that they are in the wrong. We need to allow the Lord to avenge us! He does a much better job. It takes a strong, mature person not to allow their emotions to get the best of them. “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48). Take note of the last part of verse 48, you must be perfect or mature just as your heavenly Father is mature. This takes true spiritual maturity. We are not to be driven by situations, but we are to be driven by the Word of God. Our mission as Christians is to walk in love regardless of the circumstances. Even though circumstances may change, our mission should never change. Peter forgot the mission. In Matthew 26, Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He told the disciples to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (verse 41). Of course, we know that Peter did not take the Lord’s advice and instead kept sleeping. When the multitude came to arrest Jesus, Peter took his sword out and cut off the High Priest’s servant’s ear. Peter reacted with force, but Jesus responded, “All who use the sword will die by the sword” (The Message). If you live by revenge, you will die by revenge. Jesus went on to say that He could have called on twelve legions of angels, but how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled? For Jesus to call on twelve legions of angels would have been the wrong response. Jesus stayed true to His mission even though He was lied on, mistreated, beaten and separated from His Father. The love that Jesus had in His heart for the Father and for people propelled Him forward to complete His assignment. He even asked the Father to forgive His accusers because they did not know what they were doing. It takes an awesome amount of love to do that. Jesus is our perfect example of how to turn the other cheek. We have all been mistreated at one time or another by someone. I have had to minister to and even bless people that have done me wrong. But I have come to realize that it’s not about me; it’s about the mission. When we react in love we will stand out and set a standard. The Bible tells us, blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the Children of God (see Matthew 5:9). Jesus said, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14). Born-again believers should be the most compassionate, humble, peaceful and hospitable people on the face of the earth. We have the very nature of God and love of God flowing through our veins. Therefore, turning the other check is the mark of a mature believer.
If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior… If you have never been born again, you need Jesus. If you are born again but you’ve been away from the Lord, come back to Him now. Decide to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. Simply pray this prayer: “Heavenly Father, I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe Jesus died for me on Calvary’s tree. I believe He bore all of my sins because He loves me (Romans 5:12 & St. John 3:16). I believe He rose from the dead with all power and is alive today seated at Your right hand” (St. John 1:12). “Dear Lord Jesus, come into my life and into my heart. I believe in my heart and I confess with my mouth, You are my personal Lord and Savior and I am right now born again. I am a citizen with You and heaven is my home (Romans 10:8-10). Amen.” If you prayed this prayer you are now born again. It’s time to move forward with God; time to give your life completely to Him. Begin to read your Bible and pray. Spend time with godly, on-fire Christians who are serving God in a strong church that is teaching the Word of God. Your life will never be the same.
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Word of Faith Christian Center
Meridian
Knowing God God
Clinton Hall, pastor
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o many people claim to know God, but I believe what many of them are actually saying is they know about God or they know of a God. However, they do not actually know Him personally. It’s important for us to have a true and genuine relationship with God through His Word and the Holy Spirit. According to Daniel 11:32, “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Knowing God is the initial and fundamental goal of every born-again believer. It is virtually impossible to have faith in, trust, and rely on someone or something without any knowledge of them. Therefore, knowledge is the key ingredient to knowing God. The knowledge necessary for anyone to know God is found in the Bible. However, reading the Bible like any other book will not reveal the true inner depths of the Creator of the universe. It is imperative that believers exhibit a consistent Bible-study routine and a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit that is so real, that it is as if they are speaking to a very close and dear friend. The Bible teaches us that to know God is to trust Him. We have many opportunities on a daily basis to exhibit trust in God. Based on our response, however, it is evident that we miss opportunities to develop faith and trust in God. The 1828 Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language defines the word know as “to perceive with certainty; to understand clearly; to be informed of, to be taught.” Therefore a believer that studies God’s Word can be taught and understand the ways of God. They can clearly understand the will of God for their life, and perceive by the Holy Spirit kingdom living and all the benefits attached to the knowledge of God. Our revelation of God should be ever growing and developing, and so should our lives be ever developing into the image of God. 24
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John 8:31–32 states, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” There have been countless times in my life that in the natural, or in my fleshly carnal thinking, I didn’t know what to do about a situation. All I knew to do was to keep searching the Scriptures, studying the Word of God, and praying for other people and for the advancement of God’s Kingdom on earth. God has never failed to provide for me—first, with comfort in knowing that although I may not know exactly what to do, He is with me in the situation. Secondly, as I study His Word, I know more specifically that He will bring me through. And finally, as I confess His Word, I gain confidence that God will not just show up, but show out in my situation. That is why it is not enough for a believer to say “I know what the Word says.” No, you have to keep saying what the Word says, over and over again, to allow that Word to get deep down on the inside of your spirit. Scripture affirms that the knowledge of the truth would seemingly make a way out of no way. It will make me free from the negative aspects of any situation. It will bring me to the light from the darkness that initially surrounded me. I get happy even now as I think about how faithful God is to me, as I remind myself of what I know about Him. That’s why it is good to confess the Word of God openly out of your mouth, to prove to yourself what you know. So, if you know God, say it out loud. If you trust God, proclaim the victory right now. Knowing God through His Word and allowing a relationship through the Holy Spirit will make you free from anything in this world that will try to hinder the plan and destiny God has for you. Know that you receive the fullness of the manifested blessing of God right now and it will make you free!
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Word of Faith Christian Center
Meridian
sunday morning service
women’s ministry
MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI
“Winning on Faith” and producing increase in God’s kingdom!
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inning on Faith” is the phrase that describes Word of Faith Christian Center– Meridian’s mission. Opening with no members on January 29, 2006, the ministry began to grow through faith and various outreach activities. In a few short months, the first membership class consisted of 20 members (11 adults and 9 children). WOFCC–Meridian is now nearly 80 strong—“Winning on Faith!” Outreach at WOFCC–Meridian is all about serving the needs of people. The Faith Food Ministry, Vacation Bible School, Community Easter Egg Hunt, and a Back-to-School giveaway are a few community endeavors that have not only blessed people physically, but have drawn many to Christ through fun and fellowship. Nearly 200 people have been saved because of the impact of Word of Faith in Meridian. Carl Harper, a member since the beginning, serves in various positions at the church including Faith Food Ministry coordinator, prayer leader and Ministry of Helps. Harper says WOFCC–Meridian has given him structure. “The teaching has caused me to increase my personal study of the Word. WOFCC–Meridian has shown me the significance of outreach in ministry, serving beyond the church walls. And by it being a connective type church, I am more in touch with my role as
a Christian in this world,” Harper said. WOFCC–Meridian continues to expand their ministry with plans to give out free, new merchandise to needy people in the community. In addition, the church will provide uniforms and school supplies to students at T.J. Harris Elementary in Meridian. Biweekly, in-home faith groups will start soon. Church member Eva Jones says she has been growing in the Word of God since joining in October 2006. That growth has prompted Jones to serve in various areas of the ministry including Faith Builders instructor, Nursing Home Team and Ministry of Helps. “WOFCC–Meridian has allowed me to express my talent and given me a platform to display my gifts as a ministry to others. It has made me realize helping and serving people should be a goal for every Christian. WOFCC– Meridian has helped me to build my faith and now I believe I can make the Word work in my life,” she said. WOFCC–Meridian is located on 8th Street, a main thoroughfare. It sits in the hub of the city, just blocks away from historic downtown, which includes such main attractions as the Mississippi State University Riley Center and Union Station. As WOFCC–Meridian continues to plant seeds in the community, they will continue “Winning on Faith” and producing increase in God’s kingdom!
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word of faith academy
AC M CR PSA ED ITE D
Take a look at what we offer! • • • • • •
Advanced A Beka Curriculum Galactic Gifted Program Highly Qualified and Certified Faculty & Administration National Jr. Beta Club National Jr. Honor Society Odyssey of the Minds
Call for more information, 601.922.7217 or visit us online at
www.wordoffaithacademy.com A Private, Chris tian Day School
reachingyourpreteen ReachingYourPreteens
And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children. -Isaiah 54:13
At the ages of 11 and 12 years, preadolescents become more connected and influenced by peers. They tend to get closer to their peers, rather than their parents. At this age, it is best to equip them in making right decisions and encourage their discernment skills, especially when it comes to finding and choosing friends. - Dr. James Dobson’s study on Preadolescents
WordofFaithMiddleSchool 7th and 8th grades
2009
PLACE YOUR CHILD ON THE WAITING LIST NOW!
www.wordoffaithacademy.com fall
2008
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Word of Faith
services held at Mississippi Basketball and Athletics (MBA)
SERVICE TIMES
SUNDAY 9:00 a.m.
THURSDAY 6:30 p.m.
2240 Westbrook Road • Jackson, MS 39211
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areas !
WORD OF FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER CHURCHES JACKSON Bishop Kevin E. Wright, Pastor Bishop Keith A. Butler, Founder 4890 Clinton Blvd. Jackson, MS 39209
GULFPORT Dr. Orlando Burt, Pastor and Founder Gulfport Central Middle School 1310 42nd Avenue Gulfport, MS 39505 (601) 544-7007
North Jackson 2240 Westbrook Rd. Jackson, MS 39211 (601) 922-9323 www.wofcc-ms.com
HATTIESBURG Dr. Orlando Burt, Pastor Bishop Kevin E. Wright, Founder 2111 Country Club Rd. Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 544-7007 www.wordoffaith-hburg.com
MERIDIAN Rev. Clinton Hall, Pastor Bishop Kevin E. Wright, Founder 3718 8th St. Meridian, MS 39307 (601) 485-5373
STARKVILLE Rev. Timothy Bourne, Pastor Dr. Orlando Burt, Founder Armstrong Middle School 303 McKee St. Starkville, MS 39759 (662) 769-9673
Changing Lives Through Faith
VICKSBURG Rev. Reginald Walker, Pastor Bishop Kevin E. Wright, Founder 1201 Grove St. Vicksburg, MS 39183 (601) 638-2500 www.wofcc-vicksburg.com YAZOO CITY Rev. Edward Taylor, Pastor Bishop Kevin E. Wright, Founder 407 Jackson Ave. Yazoo City, MS 39194 (662) 716-9567 www.4wofyazoo.net