The Reverend Jarena Lee Awards Breakfast

Sisters in Lord Shining and Supporting One Another

AME Connectional WIM Breakfast

By Rev. Dr. Wanda Henry Jenkins, Contributing Writer

The Ambience was elegant, simple, and beautiful. The executive connectional board of AME WIM truly prepared and organized an event welcoming the presence of God and attendees. There were no long lines, and the largest outstanding number of clergywomen, general officers, bishops and supervisors, clergy, and lay brothers attended. From the smiling greeters to the worship leaders and participants, sister-love permeated the room. Fellowship at each table was perfect spiritual sisterhood.

Worship was powerful and sweet. Rev. Dr. Joy L. Gallmon and Rev. Mila P. Cooper jointly welcomed attendees. Presiding Elder Tyronda Burgess led the invocation. Rev. Angelique Mason read Scripture. After being introduced, AME WIM connectional president Rev. Erika D. Crawford greeted the body, described three deserving honorees, and presented them with the Reverend Jarena Lee Award. These were Rev. Passion Musa, Rev. Thornton, and Sister Sharon Blaylock. Each accepted the award with grace and humility, acknowledging the importance of others who also contributed to their service.

Following her introduction by AME WIM connectional President and a solo “Safe in His Arms,” the President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley. Her text was lifted from the Gospel of Mark 5:21-40. Her topic was “You are Just One Touch to Your Breakthrough.” She prefaced the message by describing the importance of appropriate human touch. Then she posited, “How do you know when you are on the brink of a breakthrough? And then delineated three points clarification.

You are on the brink of a breakthrough when you deplete your resources like the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years. She turned to Jesus when her resources were totally gone to doctors and all types of treatment without healing. All it took was just one touch of Jesus’ garment, and the power left Jesus and cured her disease and suffering.

You are on the brink of a breakthrough when others will be disappointed in your deliverance. She pointed out that not everyone will be happy because Jairius’s friends thought it was a waste because the child, in their opinion, had died. Yet, it is God who is in charge of your destiny. So, don’t diminish your light because of others. All it took was just one touch, one word from Jesus, and his daughter awoke. The power of the Master’s touch.

Your are on the brink of a breakthrough when you see others are being delivered around. Sometimes, the touch of deliverance is in the room. Jairius faith in Jesus made the impossible possible. To this writer, it was clear when we let go and trust God, one touch from Jesus is enough to receive our breakthrough.

The final three honorees to receive the Jarena Lee Awards were the Rt. Rev. Francine Brookins and the Rt. Rev. Fredrick Wright. Both Bishops were grateful for the honor. Bishop Brookins summarized how most felt about receiving: “Because of them, I am.” Bishop Wright expressed thanks for his mother, a trailblazer in women in ministry. He served well as the Chair of the commission for AMEWIM. President Crawford gave the President’s award to a local elder, Rev. Pamela in her church for the service she provided to her.

To arousing applause from attendees, the worship ended with a closing prayer and Benediction from the first woman elected an AME Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Vashti McKenzie.

Thank you, AMEWIM President and Executive Board, for true Ministry in worship.