By Sam Johnson

On November 21, 2009 the West Angeles Young Adult Ministry came full circle by doing their annual Thanksgiving Outreach as they ministered and spoke words of encouragement to the youth at the Los Angeles East Central Juvenile Detention Center. Several churches in the metropolitan LA area offered a plethora of helping hands joining forces as they all gathered at the campus sanctuary around 2PM to begin the afternoon with a moment of prayer in preparation of what many have said was a life changing experience. About 70 young adults showed up on behalf of West Angeles Young Adult ministry which is headed by Elder Benjamin Stephens and Co-Pastor Elder Manual Thomas.

The afternoon began with a soft spirit of praise and a calm atmosphere of worship as the minds of the volunteers quickly became consumed with thoughts of inspiration and motivation to uplift the troubled teens. As the detention center director orchestrated protocol for the duration of the evening, the churches were separated which allowed each conglomerate to establish a personal connection with the youth. From the terrific tasting turkey to the jaw dropping dressing, the youth not only received food for their soul; but little did they know a small side of desert for their spirit would enhance the element of surprise.

Upon the entrance of the volunteers, the faces of the youth lit up with joy as many of them could not contain the excitement they possessed inside. However, the youth were not the only ones with smiling faces. As the volunteers served meals, exchanging jokes and life stories with these young men women it brought great delight to them to see what type of impact they could have in such a short span of time.

Vernell Mitchell, a 2008 Graduate of Clark Atlanta University spoke with a group of young men about his life experiences and how he allowed his faith and relationship in God to help steer his life in the right direction. Mitchell, 25, was one of the first individuals to offer his services due to a sincere passion that he has for prison ministry. Mitchells claims “My most significant memory was during my testimony the young men were very receptive and I felt the connection I made with them. To see young men give their life to Christ showed me the impact I could have”. Vernell has had several experiences in his past that have formed a bond in what he believes was the key that started the ignition in his drive to begin his own prison ministry. He also believes that people who are incarcerated shouldn’t have such negative stereotypes “They were very receptive to me and what I had to say. They were very respectful. I think that there’s a negative stereotype of those that are incarcerated. The behavior reinforced the belief that these are not bad people. They just made a bad decision. However, none of them bragged or glorified what caused them to be in their current predicament”.

Another volunteer who is always honored to take part in this outreach is Tamanika Brown of West Angeles Cathedral. Brown has been an active participant for the last few years and looks forward to this time of year and claims the time with these individuals is “the opportunity to change a person’s life and give them a different outlook on life”. She has a special place in her heart for people of this stature and is extremely enticed about the idea of any opportunity she’s granted to touch the lives of America’s youth. Tamanika is a firm believer that she not only influences the people who are incarcerated, but they had a major impact on her life as well stating “I feel that they impact me because it made me realize I need to do this outside of holidays. It exemplifies the scripture “What you do unto the least of those you do unto me.” It was truly a blessing to interact with the young men especially because they don’t normally open the facilities.”

As the hours quickly went past the teens received something that many of them thought was not possible; a revelation that there is still hope for a bright future ahead of them. As they listened to the words of the volunteers, pastors, and mentors the fire that initially burned in their desire to succeed was rekindled. Many of the teens had typical dreams of going to college, getting married, starting a family and visions of the standard American dream. But as some of them got lost in their journeys, a hope for these dreams to become realities evaporated into thin air. Upon playing games, heart to heart conversations, prayers and pearls of wisdom the youth gained an understanding that all things are possible, they can still turn their lives around and it’s never too late. After leaving the LA East Central Detention Center, it was obvious that this place is full of dreamers and there are a host of destinies waiting to be fulfilled; but the end result will depend upon the person whose trying to fulfill them. The great Langston Hughes posed a question that applies to all of us “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?” If the youth take head to the words they received and apply them to their lives and the future generation their dreams will not be deferred; but more importantly they will not dry up like a raisin in the sun.

November 5, 2009

The 2009 East Region Rally event took place April 17-18 in the city of Norfolk, VA, hosted at the Garden of Prayer Worship Center COGIC, where Bishop Levi Willis Jr. is the host Pastor.

Though slightly smaller in scale than the prior year in Philadelphia, there was still over capacity attendance, estimated at 2300+, with close to 900 registered delegates.  The church seats approximately 2200 and was filled to overflowing capacity on both Friday and Saturday night worship services.  Events included a late night concert, a Young Women of Excellence Pajamas & Pampering social which had capacity attendance, a sports and recreation tournament with 350+ youth in the gymnasium and a Gathering Place late night session.

The Lord was faithful in this event as he has been in times past and the power of the Lord was in the place with awesome demonstration.  On Friday evening, International Chairlady Joyce Rodgers delivered a powerful Word and many delegates both young and old were tremendously blessed.

Saturday all day, the East Region workers and delegates enjoyed a fruitful time of fellowship, impartation and edification, starting with the Morning Glory where the worship and Word was rich and continuing in the Workshop sessions where over 750+ youth and young adults participated in over 30 different class offerings, taught by qualified and capable persons, members of the Church of God in Christ with expertise in every field of endeavor.  The East Region left an indelible imprint on Booker T. Washington H.S. in Norfolk which was utilized as the site for Saturday’s institute, Sports and Recreation and the lunch feeding for all youth free of charge.

The final Worship services was the highlight of the weekend, where the Spirit of the Lord came in so mightily that the scheduled program had to be interrupted and the main speaker brought forth.  International President Dillard delivering the Rhema for the house with the Word, “Spiritual Warfare”.  By the conclusion of his presentation, the hearts and souls of all were ready for transformation and the altar was packed with over 400 youth and young adults coming to rededicate themselves to the Lord and engage in some spiritual warfare of their own against the enemy’s attack on their lives.

The youth were highlighted during this great event with presentations from the Young Women of Excellence and the Young Men of Valor as well as the selection of the first Regional Youth Advisory Council board for young adults ages 16 – 21.

The East Region has always been blessed with great support by many of our area Bishops and this year was no exception where we enjoyed attendance and support by the Virginia area Bishops as well as other Prelate and leaders from around the Region including Bishop Levi Willis Jr., Bishop Samuel Green (General Board member), Bishop Ted Thomas Sr., Bishop Paul Harmon, Bishop Dwight Green and Bishop Thomas Holsey.  In addition, our friend and mentor, the “godfather” of the International Youth Department, Vice President Willard Payton, attended to support the East Region event.

At the conclusion of the event, the East Region was blessed by the decision of our International Chairlady with the approval of the International President to appoint for us a Regional Chairlady.  The East Region was proud to receive and celebrate the elevation of our own Evangelist Kandace Pierce to the Office of Regional Chairlady.

Together with the leadership team of Pastor Tyrone Butler, Regional Director and IYD Administrator and Evangelist Kandace Pierce, Regional Chairlady, the East Region is continuing to look for bigger and better things as we fulfill our mandate under the vision and leadership of our International President to promote events and activities, always striving to make an indelible impact on the lives of our youth, to inspire, edify, provide training for and create wholesome fellowship that will enable them to bear fruit worthy of Kingdom ministry.

By Wiley Henry (Tri-State Defender Online) | Published  09/24/2009

Pastor Linwood Dillard Jr. has been preaching the gospel since he was 15 years old. His youthful exuberance and faith-walk led to the founding of the Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ in Germantown, Tenn., and his crowning achievement as the president of COGIC’s International Youth Department.

On Friday evening (Sept. 18), a contingent of clergy from COGIC’s Tennessee Central Jurisdiction and others from across the country joined Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake in saluting the newly-installed youth president at Greater Community Temple COGIC on Winchester.

Dillard succeeds Pastor Michael Hill as the 10th president to head the international youth department. Several hundred people celebrated Dillard’s accomplishments.

“I’ve seen him grow up in the jurisdiction. I’ve seen his commitment and so many other gifts,” said Bishop-designate Brandon B. Porter, the 8th president of the international youth department and host pastor.

Dillard has served in various capacities in church ministry since his youth: Vacation Bible School Director, pastor’s aide, minister of music, minister of evangelism, program coordinator, YPWW president and more.

He also served as youth department president and chairman of the Jurisdictional AIM Convention for the Tennessee Central Jurisdiction COGIC under the late Bishop W.L. Porter and currently serves the jurisdiction as director of Events Planning and Administrative Support.

In 2006, the late Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson appointed Dillard as the assistant secretary of the COGIC National Tithing Fund Commission. Dillard also served as a regional director and the executive secretary of the International Youth Department.

Since his presidential appointment in January, Dillard has developed a strategic plan that focuses on education, juvenile crime prevention and reduction, recreation and organized sports commission, information technology, spiritual empowerment, college and career preparatory, and college campus ministries.

Dillard matriculated at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering with chemical and environmental concentrations. He also graduated from the W.L. Porter Bible Institute, which is accredited by the Evangelical Training Association.

Dillard is employed by Shelby County Government as an engineer. He has received many awards and honors including being featured in the February 2006 edition of Ebony Magazine as one of 30 young leaders under the age of 30.

Dillard and his wife, Stephanie, are the parents of three children – Faith Marie, Joy Marie and Linwood III.

By Natasha Patterson

Parties, alcohol and no curfew! These are some of the things that many students look forward to as they prepare to live on campus. Fortunately, this is not the only way to enjoy life as a college student. You can still hold on to your salvation while enjoying being a student. Developing time management and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are essential to making the most out of your college experience.

Your first priority should always be your academics, however involvement in activities outside of the classroom help to increase your social development and networking abilities. For many Christians, trying to maintain a spiritual lifestyle becomes more difficult because of temptations and peer pressures found on campus. Students are introduced to more negative influences and are given more freedom than they typically may be used to.

To avoid these temptations, it is beneficial to become involved in campus activities. Colleges and universities have many organizations, clubs and societies that are always looking to increase their membership. Find the ones that interest you most and start participating! These organizations also hold events that you can attend even if you aren’t a member. This will allow you to meet and network with other students that share a common interest.

It is also is important to surround yourself with likeminded individuals that are committed to living a holy and separated life. This helps reduce the chances of you being put into tempting situations, and can provide a support system to encourage you to keep walking into your destiny. When you have others around you that are striving to live for God, it motivates you to keep holding on to your faith when you encounter trying times.

While you may love the home church where you grew up, it is vital to find a local church to attend while away at school and to consistently stay in your Word. Ephesians tells us that the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. It also reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. In order to be effective in battle, we have to be familiar with the Word so that we can handle the sword as God has instructed us to.  

If you maintain balance between your academic, social and spiritual life, you can thoroughly enjoy the college experience without compromise. Make the most out of your college experience and allow God to use you during this time of growth and exploration!

By Minister Michael R. Jackson

Have you ever wondered why you face the heartaches and trials that come your way? As a young Christian, have you ever asked God why you face the challenges, disappointments and pain that make life so difficult? You may have even asked why the young people who have no heart for God seem to succeed and live life unchallenged and prosperous? If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone, for I’ve asked these same questions myself!

Young people, be encouraged because God answers all of those questions in His Word! If we take time to read and study the Bible, God tells us that there is purpose in our pain. In the book of Genesis, our friend Joseph has ambition, motivation and, most of all, a vision from God. He loved God just like you do, however, his vision and the place God was taking him caused him to go through various trials and temptations. He was hated by his own brethren, sold into slavery and even experienced trouble when he reached the place God had for him (Genesis 37-45). But the thing Joseph didn’t realize during his trials was that his journey of pain was leading him to a position of much power.

How painful it must have been to be hated by his own family simply because he was called by God. He too likely asked God, why? At the end of Joseph’s story, he realizes and reveals to his brothers or haters “that God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance, So, now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and the lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt” (Gen. 45:7-8). What the devil purposed for evil, God had already purposed for good.

Joseph had to suffer great loss and terrible experiences to get to the place God was taking him. Maybe you are in this same situation. You might be wondering, why me? You may be thinking I don’t deserve this. God wants you to know that whatever you are faced with and whatever comes against you, you will succeed. God says in his word that he knows the thought that he thinks toward us, thoughts to prosper us, young people be encouraged because your pain is not in vain! Just like Joseph, God is going to take you through to make you great.

When you’re going through, it is just that! Going through, is simply stating that you are not stuck in one place – you are not stagnant or immobile – but you are going to the next level in Christ! So brothers and sisters, like James states, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” because it serves a great purpose in your Christian development.

South Region Celebration Rally

September 18-19, 2009
Greater Community Temple COGIC
Gethsemane Gardens COGIC

Writers – Evangelist Valerie Brown, Evangelist Portia Cook, Bro. Dickerson (DJ) Wells, Jr.

After a great Inaugural Celebration for President Linwood Dillard on Friday night, the state of Tennessee would experience the first ever Southern Regional Rally in Memphis with the First ever Female Regional Coordinator, President Glenda Mitchell.

It kicked off immediately following the Inaugural celebration with a “Youth Out the Box” Back Home Hour, coordinated by Elder Jessie Bates. Youth gathered from across the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee and even other states to share in the worship experience in song and dance. This awesome night of praise and worship featured Donald Walker & Prophetic Praise, Jerome Greene & Voices of Triumph, Dana McEwen, Southern Region Rally Youth Choir, 2Gether, TN 4th Liturgical Dancers, Vincent Tharp & Kenosis, Destanie Jennings, Kevin Stancil, The Jones Sisters, Special Guest: Arthur Clayton & Purposely Anointed, New Orleans, La., Minister Joey Parker & Anointed by Christ, The Sanders Brothers and Lil Jada Banks.

The enthusiasm didn’t stop on Friday night but continued to the next day. What started off as a quiet cloudy Memphis Saturday morning quickly turned into a true southern celebration of Jesus & Youth. Young people from Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana were just flooding the church by the hundreds. It was indeed a sight to behold. Even though we had come near and far, it felt like we were one big family! There was a general sense of excitement and expectancy floating in the air as the opening prayer led by President Carl Sanders, TN 5th, resounded in the main sanctuary of Gethsemane Garden Institutional Church of God in Christ. Outside buses, church vans, and cars flooded the parking lot as hundreds of youth workers and teenagers from near and far greeted one another with smiles and hugs. Many were adorned with distinguished gray t-shirts imprinted with the newly appointed International Youth President’s face, President Linwood Dillard, proudly affirming their affiliation with THE SOUTHERN REGION. A sweet surrender began to transpire throughout the auditorium as people anxiously gathered ready for the kickoff of the REGIONAL RALLY.

Dr. Mary Portis-Hall, Coordinator of Education, greeted the saints and gave directives on the classes. Youth and adults tunneled from one end of Gethsemane Gardens COGIC to the other to participate in a long list of life-impacting classes. The little children grabbed hands as they walked up the aisle toward their teacher, Missionary Teresa Guarian, as she was excitedly beckoning them in her direction. Young people hurriedly gathered their belongings and shuffled off to their classes waving goodbye to friends and church members as they parted ways. Dignified darlings paraded in with their pink prep style sweaters and immediately everyone knew the Young Women of Excellence had made their arrival. As they sat so sophisticated in their seats, focused on their teacher, Sister Sherkeitha Mitchell, you could see the Men of Valor with Elder Eric Clayton sitting parallel closely observing the teacher that declared greatness with the rise and fall of his voice. Pastor David Hall, Sr. moderated a panel designed for youth and the questions asked were so prevalent to what our young people face today. The Young Adult Ministry took flight with Chairlady Angel Albert and Sis. Shannon Mitchell doing a tag team enrichment on Finances. The young women of the Southern Region were blessed beyond measure in the Young Women in Ministry class! They gathered together with one common agenda; I am young, called and anointed. They were truly inspired and energized by Sister Nicole Banks. She kept the class on the edge of their seats through humor, moving testimonies and the realities of doing ministry. Last but definitely not least, President Linwood Dillard taught the President’s class and imparted a wealth of knowledge and wisdom into the Regional Leaders sharing the vision of the New International Youth Department. Classes were everywhere! People were everywhere! Anticipation definitely filled the atmosphere! It seemed that these awesome sessions were only given seconds but in reality the hour or so that had past it was time to take the Regional Rally to the next level and reassemble. The Judah Jamboree & Talent Hour, there really is not a photo or words to describe how talented and God-gifted and anointed the young people of the Southern Region are. There were dynamic in there mimes, signing and singing and proved that some of the most anointed and gifted people are where…the Southern Region of course!

Wait! We didn’t stop just at the Talent Hour we then had to see who was representing. It Was the “Judah Jamboree” — ROLL CALL, Elder Aaron Withers please! I would rather not say that one state or another one but every state in our region was in the house! Tennessee- YAY!!! YAY!! Louisiana- Oh Yay!!!! Arkansas-AHHH!!! Mississippi- OOOhhhee YEAH! Alabama–Oh Yeah!!!…. Arkansas cheers echoed throughout the auditorium. It seems as if Arkansas was the icing on the cake with their thunderous claps and yells as young and old alike rallied for their state. Finally, the call for the Southern Region was made and everyone clapped, screamed, laughed, and yelled with utter delight representing to the extreme!!!!!! Only being in the room listening to the various delegates cause a chilling echo as there state was called would give a true understanding that there is no Region like the Southern Region! We are definitely better together.

Time for Celebration!!! The transition from the roll call to the invocation was awesome, as President Larry Lewis, shifted the ambiance from that of wails to that of worship. The same faces that were once permeated with cheers and laughter were now intent on pressing into the presence of an Almighty God. The cheers had transcended into tears as the temple was filled with uplifted hands and cries of “Hallelujah” and “Yes Lord” were heard from the front to the back. There is something special about 1200+ young people lifting up Jesus and celebrating each other in a positive, anointed fashion. The service was filled with even more displays of gifts and callings. Not to seem bias but the Southern region is so blessed and honored that our IYD President is in our region! Our Master of Service Elder Bates announced that our International Youth President, President Linwood Dillard, was making his entrance. As he stood at the doorway before making his first step into the sanctuary down the side aisle like a great dignitary, Every person in the building rose to their feet without hesitation and followed in the actions of our Regional Mitchell & Regional Chairlady Rippy. The claps were deafening, the screams were piercing, as the crowd had extreme synergy. As he reached the base step, he was serenaded by the up and coming Jones Sisters of Louisiana. No one moved as a courtesy as we honored and paid homage to our newly appointed leader designated for a time such as this. It was a dynamic Praise & Worship, led by none other than Evangelist Bridget Wright who created one choir out of all the saints young and old gathered that day. Colorful flags and banners were streaming through the air because of the excitement to worship God. We were invigorated by an International Salute from our International Chairlady, Evangelist Joyce Rodgers. She made a powerful and anointed declaration over our leader. a young man who has a heart and a love for young people and who wants to see them grow in the knowledge of Christ.

As time progressed and the program moved along, the choir sang, clapping and rocking, enjoying the harmony of the person beside them. There were Regional Salutes from Sierra Johnson-Central Tennessee Jurisdiction, the niece of President Linwood Dillard, Justin Tarwick – Alabama 1st, and an endeavored step from RC Steppers – Arkansas.

Then we heard two dynamic inspirational messages by Minister Arnell Morris of Tennessee 4th Jurisdiction and Sister Tiffany James of Louisiana Eastern 2nd Jurisdiction. It amazed me on how their messages connected together. Minister Morris preached about, “Don’t take the easy way out.” And Sister James came right behind him and told us how not to take the easy way out and to, “Sell out & Seek the Lord.” I was so astonished on how the messages fell in place. To put in proper terms it went from inspirational to just downright preaching! Elder Paul Gatlin stood as a representative of the finance team. As he challenged us to sow, he found new strength in sharing of God’s awesome power and goodness through planting into this department. Praises immediately begin to flow as people rejoiced while reaching for their wallets and purses. The offering line seemed endless, looking as if the children of Israel were crossing The Red Sea, walking in faith and standing on the promises of God.

As time for the word approached people were still geared with excitement. As Elder Michael Golden, Vice-President for the International Youth Department, stood behind the sacred desk, the glory again filled the temple. People were inspired to understand that sometimes God suspends us (i.e. Michael Vick). But when we make mistakes that is all they are, just our mistakes! But when GOD lifts the suspension He allows us to be more than just our mistakes. Who the Son sets free is free indeed! Indeed! Surprise! That just as we were bound and counted as lost here we are free! Surprise! The young people were on there feet and on the edge of the seat as he broke it down about how the devil has a ministerial staff too. Missionary Beyonce and Pastor Lil Wayne and their purpose will be forever etched into minds of those young people. The Word! Wow! Elder Michael Golden, IYD Vice President preached and as we would say in the south “sho nuff” preached!

A prevailing word was declared in the house among God’s people that needed a true release. The altar was full of young people and youth workers that have come into the realization that their past mistakes could no longer hinder them from reaching their divine destiny! After a commanding altar call the saints rejoiced with tremendous praise that refused to die down!

Our Regional Chairlady Rippy made special presentation International Chairlady, Evangelist Joyce Rodgers. Special to our International Youth President, Pastor Linwood Dillard, who received a customized letterman jacket, Regional President Mitchell recognizing he is southern grown.

We were dismissed from that place, but yet intoxicated by the presence of God! The Southern Regional Rally can only be described as a phenomenal success. There was a remarkable outpour of support and participation. The standard has been set, and so many of the youth and youth workers are preparing and gearing up for the national conventions soon to come. But we all know there is NO place like home. You GOTTA love the Southern Region!!!!!!

The history of the Young People’s Willing Workers Department is rich and inspiring. It is an incredible journey of a department formed in an era of political and social unrest, both internal and external. While the African-American community struggled with the injustices of the political void of the spiritual, the African-American church struggled with the spiritual over saturated with the political.

In 1915, the racist hate groups that had plagued Reconstruction, reorganized and in 1916 brought the “Back to Africa” movement of Marcus Garvey. In 1919, racial tensions came to a head. African-American population in northern cities grew and discharged black war veterans entered the job pool. In the decade from 1910-1920, Detroit’s African-American population grew by more than 600 percent, Cleveland’s by over 300 percent, and Chicago’s by 150 percent. The mass migration from the Deep South to the industrial north created a brush fire of racial violence across the country. In July 1919, the worst rioting up to that time erupted when a black teenage was purposely drowned after drifting over to a “white” section of Lake Michigan.

It is into this setting that as Joshua ushered Israel’s new and young generation into the land of promise, amidst turmoil and adversity, the great forefathers of our church lead the youth department into the promising future of spiritual education, enrichment, and evangelism. The Young People Willing Workers Department is the International Youth Department of the Church of God in Christ. In 1912, Elder M.C. Green of Arkansas was appointed National YPWW Leader. At this time the national activities of the young people were confined, more or less, to sessions in the National Convocation.

In 1917, Bishop O.T. Jones, Sr. of Fort Smith, Arkansas was appointed as the National President. Under his administration, YPWW grew to a large training organization. With the increasing number of philosophies and doctrinal dogmas circulating and targeting America’s youth, it became vitally imperative for the youth of the church to be educated in the biblically based doctrines of the Church of God in Christ. In 1929, the first National YPWW Congress was held in Kansas City, Missouri. Since that time, the Congress has grown to such proportions that its attendants fill some of the largest.

It was under the tenure of Bishop O.T. Jones, Sr. that the Young People Willing Workers Topics were created. They began humbly with only a subject and a scripture. Succeeded by his son, Bishop O.T. Jones, Jr, the department continued to evolve motivated by a spirit of excellence. Bishop O.T. Jones, Jr. propelled the commitment to Christian education by moving the YPWW Topic from a subject and a scripture to a complete manuscript curriculum.

Bishop C.D. Owens was the next International President of the YPWW Department. His charismatic personality and “silver tongue orator” delivery gave the department unequivocal exposure. He is credited with moving the responsibility of the YPWW Topic to the COGIC Publishing House. Bishop H.J. Bell then became the first author after the change and gave the YPWW Topic the name COGIC Training Union.

The Youth Department continued to excel under the leadership of the next two Presidents, Bishop William James and Bishop Charles Brewer. The department’s emphasis shifted from the pedagogical to include the evangelical. Many young people experienced the ecstasy of divine power and the magnanimity of divine grace as the “latter rain” fell mightily in the Youth Congress services.

President J. Drew Sheard was appointed International President after Bishop Charles Brewer. He served as the catalyst in expanding the scope of youth ministry with creative and innovative youth programs. Regional youth rallies provided the impetus for reparation and reclamation of enthusiasm and department synergy.

The contribution of women in the Youth Department has been undeniably intrinsic. Women like Mother J.V. Hearne, Mother Clara Clemmons, and Evangelist Deborah Thomas paved the way for women working in youth ministry serving as International Chairladies. Evangelist Joyce Rodgers’ passion for youth ministry led her to being appointed International Chairlady in 1999. She has enhanced the programs of the International Youth Department by developing exciting new programs including “Sister to Sister,” Created to Praise (Praise Dancers) and Young Women in Ministry (YWM).

In the year 2000, Pastor Brandon Porter was appointed International President by Presiding Bishop, Bishop G.E. Patterson. Pastor Porter accepted the challenge for global ministry. With visionary goals, he introduced various ministries. He was responsible for the publishing of the first Youth Department magazine-Youth LINC.

Pastor Michael Hill was appointed in January 2005 as the ninth President of the International Youth Department. Pastor Hill’s passion for ministry and commitment for excellence has taken the department to a greater level. He is building upon the foundation of his predecessors, and has ‘lengthened the chords’ and extended the arms of youth ministry to reach a changing generation. Pastor Hill has approached this opportunity in a fresh and innovative manner revamping existing auxiliaries, establishing new programs, and has unveiled a new departmental logo. Currently, he is establishing the first International Youth Council which will consist of the young people of the Church of God in Christ.

In the year, 2009 Pastor Linwood Dillard was appointed the President on the International Youth Department and Evangelist Joyce Rodgers was re-appointed as Chairlady of the department. Under the leadership and extensive plan of Pastor Dillard, the department has taken a quantum leap into the 21^st Century utilized technology, a contemporary organizational structure and a “team” strategy to meet the challenges of today’s youth. Pastor Dillard has proposed and implemented the development of a strategic plan for the department as well as developed commissions to meet the ever changing environment that our youth deal with daily. Those commissions include Education, Juvenile Crime Prevention and Reduction, Recreation and Organized Sports Commission, Information Technology, Spiritual Empowerment, College and Career Preparatory, College Campus Ministries.

As in 1914, the political and social climate of the world is full of tensions, as we have embarked upon a new millennium. Young people are inundated with threats of biological and nuclear warfare. Terrorism and hideous acts of violence plague our nation’s schools and communities. However, with anointed and gifted and executive and administrative team and a host of committed and willing workers, the International Youth Department is well equipped to meet the challenges of global youth ministry.