In observance of International Women's Day, we would like to take some time and honor all of the COGIC Women who have made this Great Church what it is today, as well as all of the women who continue the work of the Lord. We thank God for the virtuous, praying women that God has graced this church with, including:

• Our Very Own General Supervisor of the Department of Women, Mother Willie Mae Rivers
• Our First Lady, Lady Mae Lawrence Blake
• Our First General Mother, Mother Lizzie Robinson
• Our Second General Mother, Mother Lillian Brooks Coffey
• Our Third General Mother, Mother Annie L. Bailey
• Our Fourth General Mother, Mother Mattie McGlothen
• Our Fifth General Mother, Mother Emma F. Crouch
• Dr. Arenia C. Mallory, President – Saints Jr. College

Although we cannot list all of the great women who have impacted the Church of God in Christ, Inc. and have played a significant role in the Kingdom of God, our churches and our individual lives – we want to say "THANK YOU" for giving of yourselves and being an example to follow. We salute each and every Mighty Women of God today!

If these women, or any other women, have made a difference in your life, please feel free to post a tribute below!

We all know that God has called us to live out the Great Commission. We understand that people need to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. However, we must understand that God knows exactly what needs to happen to draw others to Himself. There are times when people need to be shown compassion and we can meet basic needs to demonstrate the Love of Christ. James 2:16 tells us that if people are hungry, we can preach to them all we want, but at the end of the day they still need to be fed. A member of Ecclesia Fellowship COGIC in Garner, NC posted the following status update about an upcoming Women's Day event – as you will see, she offers people transportation if they need it:

Sometimes it really is the little things that make a BIG difference! Maybe there are some who would go to church if you would offer to pick them up. There may be others who do not feel their clothes are good enough for church and you could help them out. Still others may love to have their own copy of The Bible. Just some things to consider. How do you seek to Serve Christ by Serving Others? After all, these are the things a deeply distressed and troubled world needs!

A Special Thanks to Nicole Smith-Bridgewater for inspiring us today! Her Pastor is Pastor Gerald W. Gause and Ecclesia Fellowship COGIC is part of the North Carolina Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction where Bishop Stenneth Powell is the Jurisdictional Prelate. Thank you all and keep about our Father's Business!

After 42 years of service as a bishop in the Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) and the Prelate of the Eastern Florida Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, the Right Reverend Jacob Cohen is retiring, but is sure to continue serving the Lord for the fulfillment of his days.

The Right Reverend Jacob Cohen was consecrated Jurisdictional Prelate of Eastern Florida in 1971. Under his leadership, the jurisdiction grew to over 114 churches. Additionally, Bishop Cohen served on the General Board of the Church of God in Christ for 12 years with four of them as the Board’s secretary where he made notable accomplishments in the organization’s administration.

“We applaud Bishop Cohen’s lifetime commitment to the Church of God in Christ, his 42 years tenure as the Jurisdictional Prelate of the Eastern Florida Jurisdiction, his 12 years as a member of the General Board of the Church of God in Christ, and his service to the National Church in many capacities. Bishop Cohen has a respected heritage and imprint on the history and fabric of the Church of God in Christ. It is also noteworthy that for more than 50 years he continues to serve the Miami community as pastor of the historic A. M. Cohen Temple Church of God in Christ, continuing the legacy of his father, the late Bishop Amaziah Melvin Cohen,” says Bishop Brandon Porter, Interim Prelate, Eastern Florida Jurisdiction and General Board Member of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Bishop Jacob Cohen, the Church of God in Christ, Inc. would like to send our heartfelt appreciation for all of your years of faithful service. Please take some time to leave your comments of appreciation to Bishop Cohen below.

A Bible saved the life of a Ohio bus driver after the man was shot twice in the chest early Monday, police said. The bus driver was making a mechanical fix outside his bus when three assailants approached him and shot him.

He was shot twice in the chest at close range, but a copy of the Bible was in his jacket pocket – one that he started carrying there just last week. Dayton Police Sgt. Michael Pauley told the paper, "There was obviously some kind of intervention involved in this incident because he should probably not be here."

God is truly a shield to all those who trust in Him!

The Southern Miss COGIC Campus Ministry is hosting the Main Event this week. Please check out the details below.

If your church has a COGIC College Campus Ministry – Let us know what you are doing and we would be glad to share! Just email socialmedia@cogic.org.

The Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) would like to wish Mother Willie Mae Rivers, International Supervisor of Women, a very Happy & Blessed Birthday!

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About Mother Willie Mae Rivers

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Willie Mae Smalls Rivers has touched and continues to touch the lives of many people throughout this world. It was stated that she was born “…to be different…” on February 20, 1926 to the late Robert and Anna Mitchell Smalls. As a child, Willie Mae exemplified great promise that she would one day contribute greatly to mankind. “Willie Ray” (as she was affectionately called by her loving father) was and still is concerned about the welfare of others.

Mother Rivers received her formal education in the Berkeley and Charleston County School Systems.

Her Christian experience began as a child. She attended the Mt. Zion AME Church Sunday School. Because of her interest and dedication, she represented her church as a delegate to many conventions. The presiding Elder remarked “…this child will one day be a great leader… she has a mark on her life.” At the age of fifteen, June 26, 1941, the very lovely Willie Mae Smalls was united in holy matrimony to Mr. David Rivers. Their marriage lasted just short of 56 years until his demise May 15, 1997. This union was blessed with twelve children; two sons and daughters. In 1946, Mother Rivers attended a revival one night and after hearing the gospel preached (by the husband and wife team, Supt. Jacob C. & Missionary Francena Dantzler) she believed and was baptized in the Holy Ghost.

Mother Rivers became a member of the Calvary Church of God in Christ. She was appointed Church Mother at the age of twenty (20). She continues to serve in that capacity. Because of her dedication, Mother Rivers was chosen to serve as District Missionary and later Assistant Supervisor to the late Mother Alice Marie Saunders. In 1968, she was appointed and is presently the Supervisor of the Department of Women for the South Carolina Jurisdiction. Her loyal dedication to God and her leaders is exemplified throughout the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Mother Rivers has served on the National level in the following capacities:

• International Marshal – Women’s Convention
• Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors
• Member, Executive Board
• Member, Screening Committee
• Member, Program Committee – General Church
• Coordinator – Leadership Conference
• Instructor – District Missionaries Class
• Member, Steering Committee – Women’s Convention
• Chairperson – Exhibits – Women’s Convention
• Third Assistant General Supervisor
• Second Assistant General Supervisor
• First Assistant General Supervisor

Mother Rivers was appointed and installed as the International General Supervisor in April 1997. Since her appointment as General Supervisor, Mother Rivers has been featured in the May 1999 edition of Charisma and on February 3, 2000, she had her first appearance on the 700 Club. She made a special guest appearance on TBN in May of 2005. She continues to minister to the needs of individuals in her community. Mother Rivers has sponsored and spread the Gospel for several years through the “Evangelist Speaks” ministry on WTUA 106.1 FM (St. Stephens, SC) and WBBP 1480 AM (Memphis, TN) radio stations. The Evangelist Speaks radio ministry recently joined WJNI 106.3 FM (North Charleston, SC). Mother Rivers is also the founder and president of the Community Christian Women & Men Fellowship, which was organized to reach people in all walks of life. Giving all praises to God, this fellowship has been a blessing to many souls through spiritual enrichment. Aid is provided for those less fortunate and the bereaved receive love and comfort during their time of sorrow.

 

Mother Rivers is a true servant of God and she touched the life of her sons, the late Robert Lee Rivers and Samuel Rivers. She continues to touch the lives of her ten daughters, twenty grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren, three great-great grand, three sisters, uncles, aunts, many cousins, her community and the Grand Ole Church of God in Christ Family.

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This story was anonymously written to illustrate the contributions of black inventors to our society… Enjoy!

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This is a story of a little boy named Theo, who woke up one morning and asked God, "What if there were no Black people in the world?"

Well, God, thought about that for a moment and then said, "Son, follow me around today and let's just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world. Get dressed and we will get started."

Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. But there were no shoes, and his clothes were all wrinkled. He looked for the iron, but when he reached for the ironing board, it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a Black woman, invented the ironing board and Jan E. Matzelinger, a Black man invented the shoe lasting machine.

"Oh well," God said, "Go and do your hair." Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see, Walter Sammons, a Black man, invented the comb. Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see Lydia O. Newman, a Black female invented the brush.

Well, he was a sight, no shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess without the hair care inventions of Madam C. J. Walker, — well, you get the picture. God told Theo, "Let's do the chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store."

Theo's job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P. Ray, a Black man, invented the dustpan. So he swept his pile of dirt over in the corner and left it there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a Black man, invented the mop.

Theo thought to himself, "I'm not having any luck." "Well, son," God said. "We should wash the clothes and prepare a list for the grocery store." When he was finished, Theo went to place the clothes in the dryer, but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, a Black man, invented the clothes dryer.

Theo got a pencil and some paper to prepare the list for the market, but noticed that the pencil lead was broken, as well he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener. He reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a Black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge invented the type writing machine, and W. A. Lavette, the printing press.

So they decided to head out to the market. Well, when Theo opened the door, he noticed the grass was as high as he was tall. You see the lawnmower was invented by John Burr, a Black man. They made their way over to the car and found that it just wouldn't go. You see, Robert Spikes, a Black man, invented the automatic gear shift and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines.

They noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffic signals. You see, Garrett A. Morgan, a Black man invented the traffic light.

Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see, John Standard, a Black man, invented the refrigerator. So they put the food on the counter.

By this time, they noticed it was getting mighty cold. Theo went to turn up the heat and what do you know, Alive Parker, a Black female, invented the heating furnace. Even in the summer time they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a Black man, invented the air conditioner.

It was almost time for Theo's father to arrive home. He usually took the bus, but there was no bus because its precursor was the electric trolley, invented by another Black man, Elbert T. Robinson. He usually took the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a Black man, invented the elevator. He usually dropped off the office mail at a nearby mailbox, but it was no longer there because Phillip Downing, a Black man, invented the letter drop mailbox and William Barry invented the postmarking and canceling machine.

Theo sat at the kitchen table with his head in his hands. When his father arrived he asked, " Why are you sitting in the dark?" Why?? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a Black man, invented the filament within the light bulb.

Theo quickly learned what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world.

Not to mention if he were ever sick and needed blood. Charles Drew, a Black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood which led to his starting the world's first blood bank. And what if a family member had to have surgery. This would not have been possible without Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a Black doctor, who performed the first open heart surgery.

So if you ever wonder, like Theo, where we would be without Blacks? Well, it's pretty plain to see, we could very well still be in the dark!!!

 

Los Angeles Sentinel extended a ‘Valentine’s Day Salute’ to spiritual couples wedded for 35+ years including our very own Presiding Bishop Charles and First Lady Mae Blake, West Angeles Church of God in Christ, who have been married 47+ years and have been blessed wit three children.

Click here to read the complete article

 

The Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) is most pleased to let you all know about a “stellar” internet radio station. This station’s name is comprised of a phrase that is near and dear to this church. That phrase, of course, is “Yes Lord” – a familiar COGIC anthem – and the name of the internet radio station is “Yes Lord Radio”. “Yes Lord Radio” won its second Stellar award this year – and we could not be more proud of the great ministry going forth at this radio station, as well as, the COGIC members who play an integral role in this ministry.

The co-owners of the station are Rodrick Warren of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Elder Howard Young, III of Nashville, TN, who is a COGIC Elder in Tennessee Fourth led by Prelate, Bishop Jerry L. Maynard, Sr. When the Stellar Award was given this year, the co-owners gave all of the glory to God, with Young noting that “There were those that said that an internet radio station would never work… I can honestly say I’m so glad that I didn’t listen to the naysayers. When you say ‘Yes’ to the ‘Lord,’ there is no ‘No’.”

 

Additionally, Ron Elliot Briggs, is a Program Manager and On-Air Personality, Yes Lord Radio Gold Channel. His new role was officially announced in May 2013 – Click here to find out more.

In addition to Ron’s role at “Yes Lord Radio”, he serves the Church of God in Christ, Inc. in a variety of capacities. He is the Executive Coordinator, Public Relations for the International Music Department, the Coordinator, Public Relations for the International AIM Convention, as well as a Graphic Design Lead with the Internet Technology Commission. It is plain to see that this young man is extremely busy being about his Father’s business!

Ron’s parents are William and Sallie Briggs Tipton of Memphis, TN. They attend Temple of Deliverance COGIC where Superintendent Milton R. Hawkins is pastor. He is a proud member of Manifold Wisdom COGIC where his leaders are Pastor David and Prophetess Rachel Walton, Hernando, Mississippi. His church is part of the historic Northern Mississippi Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, where the leaders are Bishop Timothy Titus Scott, Prelate, and Mother Sarah Ann Gaston, Supervisor of Women.

 

Please take some time to check out this great asset to the Kingdom of God by going to their website and selecting the channel to stream. It is FREE and it will be a blessing to your life! Also, when you pray, please remember to lift up this station and all of the people who have dedicated their lives to helping people say “YES Lord!”

Connect with Yes Lord Radio

Website: http://www.yeslordradio.com/

“Like” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ylradio