Missionary Institute A Big Success

The missionaries of the Louisiana and South Louisiana Region convened on June 3, at The Lewis Temple C.M.E. Church in Grambling, La. The opening of the week’s institute begin with a spirit filled devotion by the Monroe District, Mrs. Carrie Taylor, president.

Mrs. Neyoma Beverly, on-site coordinator, greeted the attendees.  She challenged us to prepare our minds and to energize ourselves for a week of study that would lead to implementing the study plan. Mrs. Princess Pegues, the Institute Episcopal Director and Institute Instructor, was presented. Following her greetings, we soon knew that we had nothing to dread. Once again the study for this year was on solid ground.

Mrs. Pegues called for reports on last year’s “STAND IN THE WATER PLANS.” Various programs, pictures and articles from local societies, districts and conferences were beautifully displayed and gave positive evidence that missionaries had put their plans into action. Mrs. Beverly presented a scroll of the STAND IN WATER PLANS to Mrs. Pegucs.

Mrs. Pegues introduced the study by playing the rendition of America The Beautiful, as song by Ray Charles, and missionaries waved miniature American flags. This served as the prelude for the study theme:  Race And Reconciliation: Healing The Wounds, Winning The Harvest.  It was noted that the United States has a problem, the problem is a disease called racism. A skit entitled, I Am America, depicted the many faces of America. The face of many colors and nationalities: Asian, African, the Middle East, Arabs, Chinese, Native Americans, and whites. Although, we display many colors and cultures we all share a common bond as outlined in Acts 17:26 - “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” 

Just admitting the problem of racism is not enough. As Christians and as missionaries, we must be willing to examine the problem, and put forth maximum effort to heal the wound , thereby wining the harvest.

The following were key points in addressing the issues:

• We must be willing to forgive others when mistreated and to ask and seek forgiveness when wronged by others.

• Instead of seeing color or others obvious differences, look for the common bonds we share, i.e., raising a family, jobs, education, health issues, etc.

• Try to discover something we have in common or can agree on.

• Because of man’s sinful nature (Adam’s first sin) man needed to be reconciled back to God and he sent His son Jesus Christ.  Putting upon Him all our trespasses. Therefore we are to minister unto one another by reconciling our differences if we are in Christ.

• All people on earth derive from one bloodline and God has decided wherein The bounds we live.

• All ethic races should be saved.  That all life and movement comes from God.

• God is just and righteous and has no respectable person. If we are His Followers we should follow His example.

Several Presentations were presented to enhance the various sessions. They included: a poem entitled, “ How The People became color blind,” read by Mrs. Joyous Landry: Several Skits: Quilts written by Mrs. Joyous Landry, in reference to The Face Of America, and two updated remake of The Good Samaritan   by Mrs. Maggie Banks, and Mrs. Maureen Cottonham and Unity C.M.E Church written by Mrs. Cottonham were presented.

Mrs. Jessie Fay Moore recited the poem, “The Beautiful Color Of Love.” And a poem entitled,  “And The Lord Said Go “ recited by Mrs. Maggie Banks.  Mrs. Charlotte Session shared a wall hanging quilt with the Institute.  The Quilt represented the “face of America” (diversity) called the broken stone quilt and was made of three colors -red for the Father, white for His son and blue for the Holy Spirit.

Mrs. Ola Bunnitt shared a report on two festivals celebrated by ethnic cultures: Cinco De Mayo, A Mexican holiday and Kwanzaa, an Africa American celebration.

In the afternoon, Computer classes were again offered and taught by Dr. Patricia Willis, Louisiana Region Missionary President.  Mrs. Lessie Roberts taught arts and crafts sessions. Wall fans, miniature rocking chairs, and patriotic candleholders were some of the items made.

Morning worship service were shared by the various District missionary societies:

Tuesday: Minden District -Mrs. Jennie Johnson, president; Wednesday: Shreveport

District - Mrs. Vernona Barr, president; Thursday:  Crowley District:-Mrs. Linda

Landry, president and Friday: New Orleans District: - Mrs. Joyous Landry, president

During our group discussions we addressed: The Wall That Divides “Walls” such as: race, ethnicity, diversity, religious, culture, politics, economics, Status in society, and education to name a few. Our purpose for the week’s study was to help find a cure for the disease “Racism” and to tear down the walls that divide God’s people. All groups affirm that there is a “Tie That Binds” us all regardless of race or other differences that may separate us - and that tie is Jesus!

In our discussion on “Christian Unity” the following points were emphasized as means to bring “Christian Unity” among the races: (1) Prayer  (2) Invite other races to worship with you and (3) Go worship with them.

The week’s study and activities concluded with a presentation from the Children Class.   Making a grand entry (the largest children class on The Institute’s record) carrying flags they made representing various countries.

They shared information they had learned in their session about children of other cultures. Under the direction of their instructor, Mrs Wilma Cotton, the children presented a skit entitled “United For A Better World.”  The children also shared cards they had made to be sent to the sick.

Presentations of boxes and boxes of various ethnic dolls were given to the Dart Center for women and Children of domestic violence in Ruston, LA. Ms. Janet Matthews and Mrs. Capers received the gifts.  The attendees of the Institutes and their missionary societies donated the dolls.

The missionaries shared a delicious luncheon of soul food, fruits, vegetables, breads, beverages and Desserts.

We came to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to tear down the walls that divide us and the walls that hinder us from becoming the people God will have us to be. We left with the knowledge of practical ways to tear down the walls and to heal wounds caused by prejudice because of many differences we allow to inhibit our mind, heart and our everyday lives.

                                                                        Maggie C. Banks, Reporter