The International General Assembly of
Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
This section is updated each year to include a summary of
the previous year's Fellowship Conference.
The vision of fellowship and unity impacts the prayers and lingers upon the lips of
all true Bible-believing Christians worldwide. The
lack of fellowship among Apostolic believers has been a catalyst for too long. Many saints have prayed, fasted, desired and even
sung about the unity in the Body of Christ. Yet,
in these latter days, the enemy of our souls is continuing to cause division. Efforts have been made to unite Apostolic
believers, but have not endured for long.
In Germany, Elder Lowell Collins was troubled by the division of the Apostolic
church. Knowing that many of the Bishops and
Elders at one time worked together, but now because of the working of Satan, they were
divided on different issues. This troubled
him and before God he cried out for unity of the Church.
In 1996, while sitting in his apartment, the Lord spoke to him to unify His body
and that he would have to return to his home in Westover, Maryland to do so. Elder Collins questioned how he could do so,
because he was not well known in the states. The
Lord let him know that was why he was chosen, because he was not well known. Wanting to be obedient, Elder Collins continued to
fast and pray for guidance. Trusting God to
guide him to make the right connections, he contacted Sister Diane Gillie of Columbia,
South Carolina who gave him names and addresses of pastors for fellowship. He had met
Sister Gillie and two of her sisters, Sister Angela Payne and Sister Denise Coffey in
August 1990 and at that time it seemed a meeting of coincidence, but six years later as
plans for the International General Assembly developed, it became evident their meeting
was all in the plan of God; only God knew then what His plan was for now.
Upon receipt of the names, the task of contacting the pastors was underway. Elder Collins soon realized the challenge of
introducing himself by telephone, from a different time zone, to Apostolic pastors in the
states. There were times, when the devil
would have desired for him to give up, but with the zeal of knowing God was with him, he
continued. Some questioned whether this was
of God saying it could never be done because others have tried.
But there were some that joined in with prayer desiring to see the fulfillment of
this vision. Elder Collins contacted Elder J.
A. Deas of Columbia, South Carolina whom he had met once before, and telling him of the
vision requested he bring forth the message at the opening service on Friday evening, May
15, 1997 as the Lord had laid on his heart. The thought for the evening was “…for
the people had a mind to work”, scripture reference was Nehemiah 4:6.
Elder Collins left Germany for a few weeks to be in Westover, Maryland to talk to
Bishop Earl Hall and other pastors in the area. While
in Maryland, he continued to make calls from the list he was given. One of the names he was given was Bishop Mike
Hernandez of Miami, Florida, who gave him additional names of pastors. While Elder Collins was in Maryland, Bishop
Hernandez flew there to meet him.
The planning of the first fellowship had begun!
Letters of invitation were mailed to over 50 Apostolic pastors, the Princess Anne
Convention Center was reserved to hold the fellowship, arrangements to feed the
participants were made, travel arrangements were made and the list goes on as the saints
prepared for this great event.
With much sacrifice and laboring of love by many of the saints from different
assemblies in several states and abroad, the First Apostolic Believers Fellowship
Conference was held on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, 1997 in Princess Anne,
Maryland!
There was broad involvement in carrying out the services. Some of the speakers, prayer leaders and seminar
leaders were: Elder Bryant Cashma of Detroit, Michigan; Elder J. A. Deas of Columbia,
South Carolina; Bishop Thurman Hayes of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida; Bishop Paul Faithful of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Bishop Mike Hernandez of Miami, Florida; Elder Rufus Rowson of
Mt. Vernon, New York; Bishop Charles Stinney of Brooklyn, New York; Deacon Oliver of
Ludwigshafen, Germany; and Missionary Terje Watterdal of Oslo, Norway. Elder Collins brought forth an anointed message at
the closing service.
An International Mass Choir consisting of volunteers from the different assemblies
was composed and provided beautiful songs of praise under the direction of Elder Collins.
Each day, the sisters of the Westover, Maryland church provided a bountiful meal. And, oh the food!
The tables were laden with fried chicken, ham, turkey, dumplings, rice,
macaroni and cheese, tuna, seafood, corn, greens, beans, peas, other vegetables, sweet
potatoes, salads, an assortment of breads, a variety of tea and many tasty desserts.
The vision was given to one man but the success was because of the dedication of
many saints with God as the focus. As Elder
Collins wrote in 1997 in The Vision For A People Of The Name, “the
answer is becoming increasingly clear, true fellowship comes to those who talk less about
it and more about ‘Him’. Our
success or failure in this continuous effort will depend upon our ability to portray
Christ in word and deed, nothing more, nothing less!”
There were almost 300 people present at the closing service. What a blessing!
The 2nd
International General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
The 2nd Fellowship Conference was held on Thursday, May 15 and Friday,
May 16, 1998 in Delmar, Maryland at the Delmarva Convention Center. The conference theme was “That They
All May Be One.”
Again, saints from various assemblies worked diligently to prepare Conference
packets, lead seminars, usher, provide music and perform the many other tasks that are
involved in the success of such an event.
The Pastors and ministers worked diligently in their capacity as prayer leaders,
seminar leaders and in bringing forth the Word of God.
Each day began with Early Morning Prayer and after a short break continued with
Morning Manna. After lunch, three seminars
were held daily and those who attended made many positive comments. Later there was a Group Seminar followed by dinner
at one of the local food establishments and ending with Evening Manna.
The International Mass Choir consisting of volunteers from the different assemblies
again rendered beautiful songs of praise under the direction of Brother Tyrone Sands. He was also instrumental in presenting the
International Young Adult Choir.
During the 2nd General Assembly, an Executive Board was formed. The Pastors present emphasized a desire to see
God’s people unite in fellowship and committed to supporting this effort. The following officers were recommended and agreed
upon by the General Board (which consists of all pastors).
These officers will serve for a three-year term (1998-2001) or until such a time as
new officers are appointed.
Elder Lowell
Collins, General Chairman;
Bishop Mike Hernandez,
Asst. General Chairman;
Bishop Thurman Hayes,
General Secretary; and,
Elder J. A. Deas,
General Treasurer.
Currently, the
Assistant General Chairman position is vacant.
An Administrative Committee was also appointed – Sister Tivola Cannon, Sister
Diane Gillie, Sister Christy Gorayeb, Sister Diannia Hayes and Sister Robin Harmon.
The 3rd
International General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
The 3rd
General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship was held on Thursday, May 13
through Saturday, May 15, 1999 at the Delmarva Convention Center in Delmar, Maryland. We continued with the theme “That They
All May Be One.”
There were
representatives from several assemblies that had not attended before and again the
fellowship of the people of God was refreshing.
The
Conference’s first service opened with prayer at 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 13. Pastor Collins extended greetings and gave
a brief outline of the Conference agenda.
Each day began with Early Morning Prayer and after a short break continued with
Morning Manna. During the worship services,
the choirs from the assemblies rendered songs of praise and worship.
Throughout the
Conference, there were wonderful seminars held: The Doctrine of Jesus Christ, From Sin to Salvation,
The Victor’s Shout, Be An Effective Witness, Christian Unity/Fellowship, Prayer is
the Answer. There was women’s
session, Sisterhood in Christ and a men’s
session, Man and His Destiny. The agenda included a health education session and
a very touching personal testimony, “Reaching
Out to Individuals with a Terminal Disease” which was informative as well as
emotional.
Youth Evangelism
sessions were conducted by Minister Milton Crooms and Brother Xavier Ondaro. The youth and young adult were also active with
the International Young Adult Choir, directed by Sister LaShanna Pye, while the little
ones, being coached by Sister Maryln Sands and Sister Deena Duran, participated in the
Nations March carrying flags representing the different countries.
Again, this year the International Mass Choir rendered beautiful songs of praise
under the direction of Brother Tyrone Sands and Sister Lois Willis.
The 4th
International General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
Continuing with the theme “That They All May Be One” the 4th
Fellowship Conference was held on Thursday, May 11 through Saturday, May 13, 2000 in
Delmar, Maryland at the Delmarva Convention Center.
We rejoiced as
we witnessed the expansion of the fellowship as additional assemblies attended for the
first time. As in the previous conferences, we were blessed of the Lord during each
service. There were powerful testimonies of God’s healing power; heart-touching
accounts of God’s grace and mercy from those who felt they had no hope; praise and
worship with dancing as we lifted up the precious name of our Savior!
Pastor Collins
opened the first services with prayer and thanksgiving for the gathering of God’s
people. He provided an outline of the Conference’s agenda while stating the intent of
the Fellowship Conference – promoting the fellowship of God’s people worldwide.
Each day began with Early Morning Prayer and Exhortation followed by a short break
and then continuing with Morning Manna. Morning
Manna gave the saints a chance to tell of the goodness of the Lord. We were blessed with
anointed soloists, such as Sister Marjorie Rowson (Mt. Vernon, New York), Sister
Earnestyne Deas (Columbia, South Carolina), and Sister Diannia Hayes (Bear, Delaware).
A new feature of Fellowship Conference 2000, was the “100
Women in White March” on Friday night. Oh, what a beautiful sight, the
sisters in white lifting their voices together singing “If I Live Right, Heaven Belongs To Me” and
an old-time favorite, “The Water Way”.
"At Midnight the Cry Was Made!" was the special youth feature
on Friday night. This event was a midnight spiritual musical featuring Apostolic youth
groups from the various participating churches.
Throughout the
Conference, there were interesting seminars held: How Do You Pray, When You are Sad, When Life is
Hopeless, What’s Next?, Standing for the Truth, Deliverance is the Goal, The
Excellency of Christ, Breaking the Yoke of Bondage, Prophecy of the Book of Revelation,
The Cross and the Crown, Planting Spiritual Seeds, Winning Souls and Keeping Them,
Holiness: The Goal to Achieve, and Church Etiquette. There was also a seminar for
sisters only entitled The Woman God Loves So Much.
Dr. Collins presented a Missions 2000
seminar that was especially designed for attendees planning to be a part of the Mission
2000 Team that would travel to Germany, Romania, and East Africa in November 2000.
Youth Evangelism
sessions were conducted Elder Samuel Myers, Minister Silas Myers and Sister Robin Harmon
conducted a Youth Workshop. The youth and
young adult were also active in the International Young Adult Choir, directed by Elder
Samuel Myers, while Sister Sharon Patrick patiently held activities for the smaller
children.
The Nations
March was a popular feature again this year with participants ranging from the little ones
to several adults carrying flags representing the different countries. Sister Maryln Sands
coached the little ones as they enthusiastically waved their flags during the march.
Again, this year the International Mass Choir rendered beautiful songs of praise
under the direction of Brother Tyrone Sands.
Throughout the
Conference, we were encouraged through the Word of God to “hold on and don’t let go of the hope we have
in Christ”. We were inspired to “know
who we are, to know our destiny in Christ, and to abide therein.” We were charged
to “continue to build fellowship and to seek
a higher level in God realizing while seeking new heights, we will be confronted with the
leviathan along the way but together (united) with prayer and fasting we will be victorious!”
Pastor Collins,
as Conference Coordinator, along with the other Pastors need the prayerful support of the
saints as we journey towards the fulfillment of the vision “that we
all may be one.”
Let us continue
to pray for this annual event that God will continue to pour out His blessings and that
more and more Apostolic Believers’ will support this effort of unity.
The 5th
International General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
The theme “That We All May Be One…Moving To A Higher
Level” was fitting for the Conference. It seemed as the saints gathered, they
came together with a mind to worship God at a higher level. Pastor Collins emphasized the
blessing in fellowship but that we should not be content with mere fellowship but rather
to strive daily to gain a higher level in God, individually and as the Body of Christ. The
Word of God came forth from different speakers confirming this focus.
The 5th International Conference was held at the Ocean City Convention
Center in Ocean City, Maryland on Thursday, May 10 through Saturday, May 21, 2001, and
again this year we grew in fellowship. As a result of fellowship that has formed from
Pastor Collins visiting the Mt. Zion Church of Toronto, Canada, Minister Paul Edwards
along with a busload from Toronto, Canada that included the Mt. Zion Young Adult Choir
arrived ready to worship God! And, oh what a time of worship and praise! Believers who had attended previous Conferences
arrived with excitement of expectation of the continuous blessings of God and the joy of
seeing one another once again.
The services were uplifting and inspiring with testimonies of deliverance from
bondages of sin, sickness, loneliness, confusion, etc.
Songs of worship and praise rang within the building during each service. There was a group of participants who went out to
enjoy a time of street ministry.
The “100
Women in White March” and the “Nations March” were again highlights
of the Conference. The “Midnight Cry” service was led by Minister Carlton
Griffith and was an inspiring time, especially for the youth and those “young at
heart.” There were some visitors from the area who also attended and participated.
There was much to choose from when deciding which seminars to attend: Pivotal Points
in Prayer; How to Pursue After God's Glory; He's Done It Before and He Will Do It Again;
Woman...the lady, the lover, and her God; Do We Run Away or Go Into God?; HELP!! I Have
Sexual Desires; Points of Financial Management for Saints; Abundance in the Midst of a
Struggle; and an option seminar A Survey of the Life of Apostle Paul. The Seminars
provided something for the young and old, from those who have witnessed that God is a
Keeper and can testify about what God has already done for them to those who needed
direction in financial management and those struggling with desires of the flesh. A
seminar, Mission 2000, provided the personal accounts by Sister Diane Gillie,
Sister Dawn Benton, Sister Shirley Stewart and Sister LaShanna Pye of their mission trip
in to Romania and Kenya in November 2000. There was a display of pictures and artifacts
that provided a pictorial account of their experience.
There were Youth Evangelism sessions led by Sister Robin Harmon as well as children
activities directed by Sister Sharon Patrick, Sister Maryln Sands and Sister Elaine Fair.
In addition to the International Mass Choir, area choirs were formed and
participation from each assembly was encouraged – New York State Choir, Mid-Atlantic
State Choir, Florida State Choir, and the Southeast State Choir. The Mt. Zion Youth Choir of Toronto and the
Conference Worship Team also provided ministry through music.
On Friday evening, a representative from Mayor James N. Mathias, Jr.’s office
presented the Key to the City to Pastor Collins on behalf of the International General
Assembly!
Each day during Morning Manna and Evening Manna, the Word of God was preached
encouraging us to continue to build fellowship, to
be steadfast in our walk with Christ, and to move to a higher level in God! The
presence of God was evident and we continue to pray that God will continue to move in a
mighty way in our midst.
A survey was approved by the Executive Board to be conducted among the sisters to
see if there was an interest in sponsor a Women’s Retreat which will provide a time
for sisters to come together and share testimonies and experiences that will provided
encouragement to one another. A committee consisting of Sister Shirley Stewart, Sister
Tammy Brown, and Sister Maryln Sands will work on this project and plan accordingly. As we
seek for ways to promote spiritual growth, prayer is requested that we will always see
God’s will and purpose in all that we do.
The representation is growing each year. This year there were representatives from
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Virginia and Toronto, Canada.
Though we are growing, we know there is much more in store for us as we obtain a
higher level in Christ. As we continue in worship of our awesome God, we do so with the
expectation that we will experience awesome victories and will draw others into this
united body.
As we began planning for the 6th International Fellowship Conference, we
do so with a prayerful heart that souls will be blessed with salvation, that attendees
will be delivered from any and everything that hinders their growth in Christ, and that
Pastors and lay members will seek to grow in fellowship demonstrating God’s will that we all be
one.
The 6th
International General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
Fellowship
Conference 2002 was one of spiritual blessings through the anointed Word of God and
worship. We were truly blessed in each service and seminar that was held. At the end of
the conference, delegates were already asking for the 2003 conference information.
As we worshipped God, the presence of God enveloped the atmosphere! The anointing
of God flowed into the hotel service corridors where employees were gathered listening to
the services. Several hotel employees came into the services requesting prayer as tears
ran down their faces. One even came in with cleaning supplies still in her hands!
We were moved in prayerful compassion as we listened to the faith testimony of
Brother Steve Sersen who was present with his wife, Barb, who was sick, according to
doctors, “unto death”. The mere fact that she was in the services was a miracle
because according to the doctors’ diagnosis, she should not have been alive! We heard
from Brother Steve that Barb improved after the conference and then on July 9, 2002,
according to the will of God, she departed this life. Brother Steve and the children are
still excited about what God did in their life during Barb’s last days with them.
In addition to the International Mass Choir, the area choirs – New York State
Choir, Mid-Atlantic State Choir, Florida State Choir, and the Southeast State Choir
provided inspiring songs of praise and worship. The
Mt. Zion Youth Choir of Toronto and the Conference Worship Team also provided ministry
through music. Again this year, we were blessed with skilled and anointed musicians who
played harmoniously and were truly an inspiration throughout the services
Each day during Morning Manna and Evening Manna, there was exhortation to the
believers to continue to build fellowship and unit and to gain a closer walk with Christ!
The presence of God was evident and we continue to pray that God will continue to move in
a mighty way in our midst.
The
“100 Women in White March” and the “Nations March” were again highlights of
the Conference. A new addition, The Hour of
Deliverance, was held each day from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. which was a special service
for those seeking deliverance from spiritual weakness, sickness, addictions, or whatever
situation that caused bondage.
The choice of seminars was challenging. Participants had the following choices: The Battle Is The Lord’s, Let’s Reach a
Higher Level of Worship, The Woman Who Enters Into His Presence, Esther, GOSSIP, Keeping
Your Faith on Fire, The Power of One, and A
survey of the Book of Revelation. The young adult enjoyed two special sessions – Dare to be Different and We Worship Him.
The youth experienced a spiritual explosion during this conference! Again this
year, the “At Midnight Cry” sponsored by the young adult and again
all who attended held a wonderful time. The youth and the “young at heart” met
at the Son Spot for an inspiring and fun time of worship and praise. Brother Steve was
instrumental in getting the Son Spot that is located on the Broadwalk. This provided an
unique experience for witnessing. There was prayer and the youth exercised their musical
and singing talents to the glory of God.
As we came to a close for this conference on Saturday evening, it was a time of
rejoicing. Starting with prayer, continuing with spirit-filled selections from various
choirs and praise teams, and ending with an anointed Word from God exalting the people of
God to unite themselves and to work together in peace and love according to the scripture,
the delegates left the conference with a charge to strive for a higher level in Christ. For some the service did not end with the
traditional benediction, but many of the young people were still in the banquet hall
worshipping and praising God at 3:00 a.m.! One was filled with the Holy Ghost - Sister
Teneka Payne of Columbia, South Carolina!
This was the ending of the sixth year and the beginning of the seventh year in
which we expect nothing but more blessings from God as we continue to build unity through
fellowship in Spirit and in Truth!
The 7th
International General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
As we anticipated at the
close of the sixth year, the seventh year fellowship was another time of anointed
services.
Moving down the eastern
shore to Chesapeake, Virginia, the 7th International General Assembly
fellowship conference was held at the Holiday Inn-Chesapeake on May 15-17, 2003. The
spiritual excitement was again evident as delegates from the various regions assembled in
praise and worship.
Many of those who were
present at the 1st IGA conference faithfully returned and was actively involved
in conducting workshops, leading devotional services and working behind the scenes to
ensure that work was done in an orderly fashion.
As in the past, there was
continuous exhortation each day during the Morning Manna and Evening Manna, encouraging
the believers to continue to build fellowship and unity. Each evening service consisted of
two speakers that came forth with anointed Word from God.
The seminars/workshops this
year were as interesting and encouraging as in the past.
Over a two day period, each participant had the choice to attend at least
two of the following seminars, The Golden Candlestick (Mushatt), How to Enter
into the Presence of God (Barnaby), Repentance and Revival (Belton), The
Woman as a Prophetic Intercessor (Harmon), Write the Vision, Make It Plain (Edwards),
The Spiritual Woman as an Intercessor (Wilmot), Recognizing the Thing in Hand (Terry),
Dividing and Revelation (Myers Jr.), and Wisdom Is The Principle Thing (Davis). The young adults’ sessions were True
Relationship Between Me and Thee (Sutton) and The Generation in the Midst of
the Sea (Pye). Sister Sharon Patrick and Sister Joan Taylor made a beautiful
presentation with the young children (12 years and younger) during the Friday evening
service. The young children also participated in the Nations’ Flag March.
As in previous years, the
International Mass Choir and Regional Choirs blessed us with anointed singing. Recording
artist Steve Berry was present and with the Conference Worship Team and blessed us with
such songs as “I Feel the Joy of the Lord”.
Another repeat highlight was
100 Women in White March coordinated by Sister Diannia Hayes. Even during the rehearsal, the presence of God was
with us. We experienced a time of God’s anointing as we sang, “I Need You”
(H. Walker).
The Midnight Cry
Celebration Service on Friday night is another repeat highlight that is especially
popular with the youth and young adult. There
were college students from University of Maryland Eastern Shore who came to be a part of
this event. Again this year, the youth
exercised their musical and singing talents to the glory of God.
Dr. Collins spoke of the Vision
of Unity – Where We Are Now, Where We Are Going. He emphasized the necessity
of the Body of Christ working in love. It is not about anybody but rather it is all about
GOD. In an effort to strengthen the fellowship and provide cohesive fellowship, an
Executive Committee was consecrated to work with the Executive Board in structuring the
Fellowship. Those named and consecrated were:
Elder Willie Belton - Rock
Hill, South Carolina
Minister James Chance –
Brooklyn, New York
Bishop Jesse Sutton –
Lusby, Maryland
Elder David Terry –
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
There was also a
consecration of prayer for the Executive Administrative Staff who work diligently each
year with registration, program planning, and logistics of the conference.
We were excited to announce
that our website has been developed and published to the Internet. Attendees were
encouraged to visit the site and give their comments. The website address is
http://www.apostolicgeneralassembly.org.
The
8th
International General Assembly of Apostolic Believers’ Fellowship Conference
The
Ramada Inn and Conference Center in Salisbury, Maryland was the site for the 9th
IGA Fellowship Conference. The gather of faithful attendees generated the anticipated
excitement.
From as far
north as Toronto, Canada from the south, Lauder Lakes, Florida, from the west,
Indianapolis, Indiana, and all along the eastern shore delegates traveled with
anticipation of being blessed and being a blessing during this time of worship and
fellowship.
Again this
year, many exciting and inspiring activities took place at the Conference. The day began
at 7:30 a.m. with Early Morning Prayer, then, there was Morning Manna with worship and
exhortation. Mid-morning there were such workshops/seminars as: “Skills Necessary for
Complete Surrendering” (Bishop Leroy Bush); “The Apostolic Woman Walking Into
Her Season and Destiny” (Sister Hyacinth Salmon); “Kingdom Worship” (Elder
Samuel Myers, Jr.); “Kingdom Finance” (Bishop Jesse Sutton); “Apostolic
Women Standing the Storm” (Sister Shirley Stewart); a young adult session, “JAM…Jesus
and Me” (Sister Deneane Sutton); and the children activities were coordinated by
Sister Joan Taylor and Sister Michelle Dunkley.
The repeat
special highlights this year included:
