The world tonight has witnessed the power of faith and hope.  Little did we know at the turn of the millenium, that we would witness this historic and glorious moment in world history.  Yes, in our lifetime, the first African American President of the United States.  Tonight all of us should be proud and thankful to God for what we have witnessed.  We can truly say to EVERY child in america, “you can be whatever you want to be in life, there is no limit”.  I am excited because I realize that President Elect Obama’s life story is wrapped up in the title of his book, The Audacity to Hope.  So what is the message to us, what is the word from God to the church.

For every person who has doubted your survival or ability to overcome any condition, situation or circumstance, God is saying to you, “YES YOU CAN”.  If you persevere and never stop hoping, you can press your way to victory.  Like our new president, don’t every abandon your dream or vision.  Faith in God will bring victory in your life.  No situation is hopeless, listen to God’s voice and follow the beat of his word and spirit in your life.

To God be the Glory for all that we have seen on the 4th day of November 2008.

I just returned to Little Rock, AR from Tulsa, OK.  The past two weeks have been weeks of blessings and hope.  I met so many wonderful people in both the Oklahoma and Central Northeast Annual Conferences.  There appears to be an excitement in the air throughout Oklahoma.  I am anticipating new growth and greater productivity in Oklahoma.  I am so proud of the Presiding Elders, Pastors, Laity. Young Adults and our Youth in those conferences.  I believe we had a good fellowship in both conferences.  The twelfth is an outstanding district and has so much potential.  We can reach our potential if we stay focus and realize that God has more for us.  I tell you, members of the twelfth, I can see our future, and I believe that the half has not been told.  The best is yet to come!

As we move forward, I want to challenge the Oklahoma and Central Northeast Conference to begin to Frangelizing.  In other words, start letting your friends, relatives and neighbors know that the African Methodist Episcopal Church is exciting and has a mission for fulfill their spiritual needs.  Start spreading the word that our church is a need meeting church and that we have something to offer the whole community of faith. 

Finally, start planning now to attend the planning meeting in Little Rock, AR.  The planning meeting will be hosted by Union AME, Reverend Nolan Watson, host pastor.  The host hotel will be the La Quinta Inn and Suites on Broadway.  The group rate is listed under the AME Planning Meeting. The dates for the Planning Meeting are December 11-13, 2008.  More information will be posted on our site and mailed to each local church soon. 

THE TIMES ARE EXCITING HERE IN THE TWELFTH!!!

I was just sitting here thinking about how God is going to take the 12th District to another level.  And He has shown me that this move to our new level will begin with and through our Annual Conferences.  I am so excited with expectation and new possibilities.  I expect God to do a new thing in our district.  I believe that this is the season for new beginnings for our Church and I want you to walk into this season with me.  I invite you to share with me what you see and need God to do in your Annual Conference.