The Elizabeth City District Christian Education Department held a “Shoes Ministry” on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church, where the pastor is Rev. L. Shawni Basnight.
The purpose of our Shoe Ministry was to express that we should let God lead us as we walk to witness for Him. Mrs. Lucy Beamon, District Director of CED welcomed everyone and introduced the Mistress of Ceremony. Our Mistress of Ceremony was our Albemarle Conference VICYC Secretary, Ms. Savannah Hill, of Good Hope A.M.E. Zion Church, where the pastor is Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Donald Jones of the Elizabeth City District. Scripture was read by Mrs. Lillian Dance, District Director of Adults, followed by Ms. Leah Williams of Mt. Lebanon A.M.E. Zion Church, where the pastor is Rev. Javan Leach, who offered the prayer. We had all ages join us as we listened to a wonderful message from Ms. Jayla Hall, former Albemarle Conference VICYC President and member of New McBride A.M.E. Zion Church, where the pastor is Rev. Tavonda Fields.
Jayla spoke on the topic, “Lessons from a Storm”. Her scripture came from Matthew 14:22-33. Her message offered four points:
•Watch the company that you keep
•Be encouraged by His presence
•Learn to make your petition to God
•Don’t focus on the storm; focus on the Savior
Jayla really presented an awesome message, which compelled us to focus on our Savior as we go through life’s storms!
The message was followed by a “Pin the Bible Verse on the Shoe” activity. This involved the use of a large shoe banner hanging on the wall, six blindfolds, and six large Bible verses printed on colored paper. The object was to walk under the direction of Rev. Wanda Johnson, District Director of Young Adults, and Mrs. Lillian Dance, District Director of Adults, as they guided the blindfolded participant to the shoe. We had a total of six participants who were instructed where to place the Bible verse so that it would be correctly attached to the shoe. The purpose of the activity was to let us know that we don’t always know where God is going to lead us, but we have to be willing to listen and obey. It’s as though we’re blindfolded when we walk by faith and not by sight. The participants truly enjoyed the activity and got extremely emotional due to the message it conveyed to them. We experienced a move of God, which was deeply inspiring.
After this activity, the youth colored a paper shoe and showed their creativity. Snacks were available, and pumpkins were given to everyone in attendance once the youth had an opportunity to select the ones they wanted. Mrs. Gloria Spence, Conference Director of CED, offered remarks followed by Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Donald Jones. Mrs. Felicia Brittingham-Hill, District Director of Youth, and her son, London Hill, took beautiful pictures of our program.
Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful Ministry!
