September 2007: Rev. Judy B. Sanders
Congratulations to Pastor Judy B. Sanders. She has been appointed as of September 1, 2007, as the Senior Pastor of New Life Community Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City.
Before receiving her call to preach, Judy spent seven years as an educator of at-risk, urban youth. Pastor Sanders has her B.A. in Human Resources Management from Friends University (Wichita, Kansas), and a M.A. in Education from Pittsburgh State University (Pittsburgh, Kansas). It was during her membership at Risen Lamb International Church of the Nazarene (Dorzell King, Jr., Senior Pastor), that she received her call to preach; by 2006, Judy received her district license and began the Course of Study for ordination. During her two years as an associate pastor, she spearheaded an excited Women’s Ministry effort that entailed organizing three conferences with over 100 women in attendance and hosting monthly gatherings for women to network and fellowship. Judy’s preaching is engaging and her Bible teaching and small group leadership is entertaining and inspiring. Her final assignment at Risen Lamb was serving as campus pastor for a satellite campus effort. It was during that ministry that the Lord called her to Senior Pastoral ministry.
Judy’s philosophy is simply this, “I believe that Ministry is the heart of the Christian life. I believe that the pastor role is to equip the members for ministry, assist members in discovering a meaningful place in ministry through training, encouragement, guidance. I believe that effective pastors will strive to enable people to discover and develop their God-given gifts and to use them for the building of God’s Kingdom. There is no greater joy than allowing God to use you assist in changing the lives of people by showing them the love of Jesus Christ.”
Welcome to the next level of ministry, Pastor Judy Sanders. May the Lord bless you in this assignment.
August 2007: Rev. Donald Wright
Gospel Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Stage Actor
Rev. Donald Wright will be the music director for the National Black Nazarene Conference. A new development in Donald’s life is that he and Nichelle would be starting a new church in Milwaukee on the Wisconsin district. District superintendent Randy Berkner said of Donald and his wife, “I am convinced that they possess the gifts and graces necessary for the enormous task of birthing a congregation.”
With incredible influences like Dr. Marvin Sapp, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, Frank Williams, and Donnie Hathaway, it’s never disappointing to experience the remarkable gifts and talents of Rev. Donald Wright of Dallas, Texas. Born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana, Donald began singing at the age of 4 and began playing the organ at the age of 13 at the New Zion Baptist Church where his father, Donald Wright, Sr., was Pastor. It was very clear to see the path that was charted for Donald’s life and he began following it accordingly and very willingly.
He was a contestant on one of the early hit talent shows, Star Search, for three weeks in 1994 at the age of 17. He went on to attend college at South Eastern Louisiana University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance in 1998. Donald has traveled extensively across the United States and South Africa ministering in fellowship with the likes of Bishop Joseph Garlington and many other ministries. He also sang for the United States Air Force before troops were deployed to Iraq in 2005.
Donald’s anointed and unique voice made room for him to sing and tour with Kirk Franklin in 2002 on the “Rebirth” album and also to be a part of the motion picture “Kingdom Come” soundtrack. Rev. Wright has also sung with Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Pastor John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood, and Bishop Walter Hawkins.
Donald’s distinct and powerful vocals are featured on his 2004 album release entitled “What’s Next?” He has also been featured in several stage plays such as “Watch Them Dogs” in 1998; “When Daddy Got Saved,” in which he starred as “Daddy” in 2005; and he is currently in the upcoming 2007 play “Signed, Sealed, Delivered – I’m Yours.” He was a guest soloist along with featured artist, Kelly Price, for the 2007 Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Dallas, Texas.
Donald is a faithful and active husband and father. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He is currently attending the World River Bible Institute in McKinney, TX, where he is pursuing a Doctorate of Theology Degree.
Donald is currently working on his second album to be released in late 2007. With so many numerous gifts and talents wrapped up in one person, it is clear the BEST is YET to come from the likes of Rev. Donald Wright, a humble and gentle giant of the Lord. We welcome Donald and Nichelle into the Nazarene family!
July 2007: Rev. Veronica Draper Hammock
Rev. Veronica was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived there all her childhood and into her mid-20s. She is one of 11 children born to Elder Kenneth and Magnolia Draper. Her father was a Pentecostal preacher and evangelist from the Church of God In Christ. Veronica was introduced to Christ as a young child and accepted Him by faith at the age of seven. She received early training in ministry, as all the Draper children were taught to pray and lead Bible studies in their father’s absence.
Veronica received her B.S. in biology from Lincoln University (Jefferson City, Missouri), and worked as a laboratory technician in Missouri, and a research specialist in California. She attended Azusa Pacific University from 1996-2000, where she received Masters in both clinical and educational psychology, and then worked as a social worker, therapist, and school psychologist. She is presently working on her Ph.D. in Religious Studies (emphasis in Christian Counseling) from Trinity College and Theological Seminary.
Veronica completed the course of study from the Church of the Nazarene’s Bible School in Anaheim in 2002. In November 2002, she and her husband accepted the call to pastor Bayview Fellowship in Oakland, California. She was ordained in May 2003 in the NorCal District. Bayview Church faces challenges as a New Start; the attendance is down and staff is short. Nevertheless, the saints at Bayview believe Christ can do anything. They have gone beyond the four walls and seek out those that need healing and saving. Pastor Veronica Hammock and the faithful members of Bayview believe they are blessed and highly favored!
Pastor Veronica has three grown sons, and 12 grandchildren.
June 2007: Rev. Sidney K. Mitchell
Sidney K. Mitchell works as a trainer with ASPIRE, Inc., a professional organization, which provides national training opportunities for educators working with high risk students.
He has taught elementary and high school, served as the program director for the New Iberia Family Investment Center, and served as a counselor for Samaritan House, Inc. He is currently employed at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Educational Talent Search, a federal TRIO program, which prepares middle and high school students for college and supports students currently in college and graduate studies.
In 2004, he was one of 16 national multicultural fellows. He was selected as Teacher of the Year by the New Iberia Parish School Board in 1998 and Renaissance Teacher of the Year by the St. Mary Parish School Board in 1995.
He has served as a national grant evaluator and has held several community and church leadership positions. In the last 5 years, he has presented over 100 motivational speeches/lectures to groups throughout the United States and in Brazil.
Mr. Mitchell holds an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Technology from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He has a Masters in Education Administration and Supervision from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux, Louisiana.
Sidney resides in New Iberia, Louisiana with his wife, Martha Jeanlewis Mitchell, and two children, Fatima ShaKear and Sidney K. Mitchell, Jr. while serving as pastor of the New Iberia Church of the Nazarene.
May 2007: Rev. Oswald A. Jones
Reverend Oswald A. Jones was born into a rich family in Barbados, West Indies. Rich in the spiritual blessings of God, that is! He is one of nine sons born to Leon and Kathleen Jones. As a teenager the family immigrated to the United States and adopted as their church home, the Miller Memorial Church of the Nazarene. Today this is called the Community Worship Center Church of the Nazarene (in New York City). Rev. Jones is the product of a godly father, a praying mother, supportive and loving cousins, aunts and uncles, and brothers and sisters who were the physical representations of the love of God and family in his life. He is blessed with the love of his life, his wife Judy, two daughters with amazing godly gifts, one grandson and all those other children, brothers, and sisters in the Lord who are like family to him. He attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Northeast Extension Nazarene Bible College program. After spending 37 years with the NYC Board of Education he is now retired and pursuing full-time ministry as pastor of the Freeport Community Church of the Nazarene in Long Island, New York.
Rev. Jones’ ministry experiences have included work with the New York District Nazarene Youth International and directing summer programs at the district camp and on the local church level. He has also taught at Bible conferences and retreats and has been assistant instructor to prospective ministerial students. His ultimate ministry goals include continuing to teach God's Word and to be the shepherd God has called him to be. His mantra is that the work of the Church of God is not what happens within the walls of the building at 11 o’clock on a Sunday morning, but the work of the Church is what we do out where the people of the world exist. His goal is to teach the people of God to do the work of the Church of God.
Rev. Jones gives kudos to his present and former pastors, Rev. Elmer Gillett, Rev. Robert Benjamin, Rev. Clarence Jacobs and Rev. Percy Clarke for their leadership in his life. Their leadership has taught him not to run away from God’s vision but to run with God’s vision.
April 2007: Rev. Elisha U. Verge, Sr.
Rev. Elisha Ulysses Verge, Sr., was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He is the fourth child and the eldest son of eleven children born to Elisha & Lucille Verge. An industrious young man, he started working at the age of nine, when his parents separated, to help his mother provide a living for his seven sisters and three brothers. He shined shoes, delivered groceries and newspapers, sold popcorn, and other odd jobs. His grandmother, the spiritual matriarch of the family, lived in the Chicago suburb of Evanston. “Big Mama,” as she was affectionately called, was a spirit-filled woman who loved the Lord Jesus, and she didn’t mind telling the story.
Elisha’s love and appreciation for his grandparents encouraged him to go to church. After graduation from high school, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, hoping to find a job, since he wasn’t able to go to college. When he had difficulty earning a living wage, the military seemed like the next best option. He joined the U.S. Navy, and after Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Rasher, a conventional submarine in San Diego, California. The prayers and encouragement from his grandmother led him to church. He was saved and sanctified in 1963 and was called to preach the gospel in 1964. Elisha was licensed to preach in the Church of God in Christ.
Rev. Elisha Verge met Ruth Ann Jefferson, a young woman who became a Christian and was soon sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. In September 11, 1965, Elisha and Ruth Ann were married and soon became proud parents. Ordained in the ministry in 1970, he was blessed to counsel and marry his first couple, his mother and step-father. In 1970 he was led of the Lord to attend San Diego State University as a full-time student, and soon became the campus preacher. Actively involved with the Black Student Union, Elisha started the Black Gospel Choir in 1971, and that choir was soon granted academic credit in music. Because of the strong emphasis on the history of black gospel music, sociology, philosophy, and education, it was easy to find an on-campus sponsor. The excitement and spirit of the choir soon enticed several white students to join. After three years at San Diego State, Elisha was offered the opportunity to attend a Christian college and possibly attend graduate school, with scholarship included. After much prayer and pastoral guidance, Elisha transferred to Point Loma Nazarene University as a senior and graduated in 1974.
At PLNU, Rev. Verge was introduced to the Wesleyan-Holiness doctrine, and his appetite was whetted. He was encouraged to further his education by Dr. William Greathouse, then president of Nazarene Theological Seminary. The Verge family to move to Kansas City, Missouri to attend NTS in 1975-76, in pursuit of the Master of Christian Education. After much difficulty, Elisha dropped out of seminary, sought employment, and was blessed to find a good job working as a counselor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. There, he was more than a counselor; he recruited students, was an Academic Advisor, married students and staff, and when the need arose for more minority students in the health care industry, Elisha developed a special Summer Scholars Program to help create a reservoir of prospective students. That effort enabled more minority students to enroll and be admitted in the medical, dental, and pharmacy schools. Because of the many jobs Elisha was doing at the university, he was promoted to Enrollment Services Officer. Rev. Verge moved his family and his membership to the Blue Hills Community Church of the Nazarene, under the most able leadership of Rev. Larry C. Lott, where for 18 years, the Verge family served the Lord happily. In 1984, Rev. Verge was offered a job as senior production planner for the Department of Energy at the Allied/Signal Aerospace Division and he worked there until 1993.
In April 1993, when Pastor Dyke Marshall of the North Ash Church of the Nazarene in Wichita, Kansas, died suddenly, Elisha Verge was asked by the district superintendent, to fill in as “service pastor.” For almost a year, Rev. Verge commuted back and forth from Kansas City to Wichita. The love relationship between the Verge family and the North Ash church was developed and sealed by the Lord Jesus. During the Kansas District Assembly on July 27, 1994, Rev. Elisha U. Verge, Sr. was recognized as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene. In 1994, Pastor Elisha led a mortgage burning on the property of the North Ash church, with Rev. Robert Lanier from Springfield, Ohio; who was responsible for an extension built onto the church.
Rev. Elisha Verge, Sr., is an evangelist and preacher, with a sound message of heart holiness. On September 23, 2007, the Verges will celebrate 14 years of service in the North Ash Church of the Nazarene, if the Lord says the same.
February 2007: Rev. Irving A. Rose
Rev. Irving A. Rose is the Senior Pastor at Victory Nazarene Ministries (formerly Victory Church of the Nazarene) in Brooklyn, New York. In the year 2000, Irving, along with his wife, Leslyn, and then one-year-old son, Jason, resuscitated this closed ministry. Six years later,
- Three-year-old Ariel has joined the family and ministry.
- Average attendance is at 80.
- Active membership is at 55.
- Founded the Charles Pickering Educational Institute (CPEI), a 501-3c organization whose mandate is to empower and equip the community through education.
- Victory International Ministries (VIM), also a 501-3c organization, is the church’s missional arm. VIM is very active in Guyana, Grenada, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. A ministry team was in Guyana in the summer of 2006 and mission teams will be in Nigeria during 2007 and 2008.
- An adjacent property was recently purchased to facilitate growth and supplement ministry finances.
Pastor Rose has a vision, mission, and passion for a global ministry that begins at home and spreads to the four corners of the earth, beginning with Africa and the Caribbean.
Rev. Rose brings to the table a strong background and training in ministry, finance, and management. Rev. Rose is supported at Victory Nazarene Ministries by a team of four associate ministers, Rev. Charles Ozuruonye (Senior Associate), Orin Harry, Samuel Maynard, and Margaret Orakwue, and also the church board and leadership team.
January 2007: Rev. Robert Bernard Walker
Reverend Robert Bernard Walker is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and the proud son of Mr. Robert Gaston Walker and Mrs. Bertha Mae Jackson Walker. Rev. Walker is the pastor of the Winston-Salem Life of Christ Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Walker is blessed with a loving family: wife, Linda, five children, eleven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He attended Vance-Granville Community College and Winston-Salem Bible College. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.
Rev. Walker's ministry experiences have included a local TV ministry, More than a Conqueror; founder and CEO of Eagles Nest Re-entry Program, Inc., Prison Ministry; and Bridging the Gap Ministry. Pastor Walker holds memberships with the Rescue American Ministries and the Advancement board for the Church of the Nazarene His ultimate ministry goals include continuing to teach God's Word and to be the shepherd God has called him to be. He also has a vision to build Afro-American churches throughout North Carolina. Pastor Walker makes himself available to evangelize throughout the world and is available to go wherever the need is to teach God's Word.
Rev. Walker is truly a loving man of God with a profound respect for God's will and a passion to teach God's Word and to love God's people. We are looking forward to the calling the Lord has for him for years to come.
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