LONGVIEW, Texas—Grace Christian Fellowship (the WCG congregation in Longview) marked Black History Month in February.
Pastor Dave Orban asked that all Church Life messages given in February focus on Black History. At the worship service the first week, Joyce Hewitt spoke about unity in her message, "A Legacy of Memories," and Glen Roberson spoke about his life.
The next week, Barbara Burns spoke on the Nation of Africa and the Black Africa Study Bible. She also talked about how many came over on boats and what happened to many of them.
Faye Washington spoke on "The Life of a Southern Black Woman," mentioning things that happened to her and the pain and hurt she experienced.
The final week, Sandy Orban spoke on the life of Thelma Wells, an African-American woman who founded Bee Ministry and is one of the principal speakers at the Women of Faith conferences.
Ida Robinson wrote an article each week about outstanding people: Ralph J. Bunche, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950; C.J. Walker, noted as being the first black millionaire (she also founded a school); Isabella Baumfree, who helped free many slaves in the 1840s; Charles Drew, chief surgeon at Freedmen’s hospital in Washington, D.C., who developed techniques for extracting blood plasma; and Marion Anderson, singer.
The praise team sang, "One Faith One Love" and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," showing the love and unity we need for one another.
Mr. Orban spoke on being set free from sin and becoming slaves to God in a message titled "A New Kind of Slavery." Charlie and Joyce Hewitt.
Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003