Hi, everyone I hope everyone is having a glorious day with the lord! I ask the question "Have you witnessed for your church today?" as a gentle reminder to spread the good news about our denomination. I want to share a couple of stories how being an AME impacts the lives of other. My church has a local outreach ministry to a Nursing home in my town. I volunteer as the Chaplain and our outreach team is in the nursing home during the week. I visit four days out of the week and do a worship service twice a month. Two weeks ago I was at the home and knocked on the door of a new resident. I asked if I could come in and she said "1 and a half steps" she was teasing me. And I told her God loved her and that I was a member of the AME church. I went back the next day and the lady had died. Two days later her family called to ask me to do the funeral, the lady was 94 years old and they said the only pastor who had come to visit her was one who is a member of the AME church. They asked why I did it. "I said because God told me to do this ministry and the mission statement of my denomination tells me to go to the sick and the poor" The lady who was baptised on mother's day 65 and blind. Also talks about our denomination. She was discriminated against because of her blindness. And again I told her the history of our denomination. I am so proud to be a part of this great denomination. And I want to remind all of us as part of our introductions to one another, let people know you are AME. When I was a child I though "Baptist" was my grandmothers last name. She always introduced herself as Viola Laster-Baptist! The two women I mentioned are white. The Holy spirit is doing great things in our denomination on behalf of all people. Have you shared with others about being AME? Rev. Denise Rogers-AME

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2001

Answers

I love the members of the church body I attend. However, my first witness is for Christ. All else secondary. So, being AME really has nothing to do with it. Christ first commissioned us to serve. If the question is asked, then I'll share where I attend.

Blessings,

Angela

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2001

Angela witnessing for Christ is ALWAYS the number one priority; for when we do that we create a spiritual connection with the person we are witnessing to and God! The next step is helping that person get to church where they can learn about God, his word, his love, his grace and his son Jesus Christ. I am proud to be A.M.E for God has been very specific in calling me to be A.M.E. In my original post I shared of the things that are happening in my rural area because of the A.M.E presence. Next month I will be going into our state prison to bring Jesus Christ to those who do not know him. I encourage all of us to read the A.M.E mission statement it is powerful! When I witness I will gladly, proudly, joyfully lift up my denomination for we have a lot to offer. And I see how my church is growing because we have witnessed. As a matter of fact this week I just got new business cards with the A.M.E emblem on them, and one of the ladies who did my card wanted to know about the sword and anvil. I told her our history and about annual conference and invited her to come to church on Sunday. She thanked me and asked if she could bring her boyfriend also. I look at the denominations that are growing, mormons, pentecostal etc. They are on fire for God but they are also proud and excited about our denomination. I makes no apologies, I AM PROUD TO BE AME! And when I witness I will always invite people to attend A.M.E if that is not a good fit then I will encourage them to keep looking.

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2001

OOPS! In my previous post I mentioned a sword and anvil as our emblem. Of course our emblem is a cross and anvil. Sorry it has been a week of sleep deprevation from riding the greyhound bus for 24 hours and getting caught us. Thanks to my fifth district sister who pointed that out to me!!!

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2001

Every day; every moment; no matter where you are or what you think you doing, you are a witness for whatever you believe in. By our works we are known. We are ambassordors for Christ. As His representatitve we are on "duty" at all times and in all places. Sometimes I think that our "unconscious" witness is more powerful than our conscious witness. For when we are unaware, not on guard, the true nature of our beings shine forth. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things (such as our witness) will be added unto yot."

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2001