New Bethel Church of God in Christ hosted its 12th annual Truth Marches on Conference in Toledo. A crowd of nearly 400 attendees packed the church, which spanned three days from March 9-11 and featured renowned musical guests and speakers, including Elder Christian Davis, Lisa Page- Brooks, Evangelist Sandra Riley, Pastor Smokie Norful and Dr. Marvin Sapp.

Dr. Marvin Sapp, Gospel recording artist and pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., told the audience a personal story of overcoming the death of his wife MaLinda Sapp and expressed his deep love for her.

He said to the audience, “Get married for the right reasons. Don’t get married for the wrong reasons. Find someone you can share your vision with.”

Sapp said losing his wife whom he referred to as his best friend was difficult, but said the Lord gave him strength to make it through his ordeal.

He delivered a powerful sermon based on Bible scripture Ezekiel chapter 37 titled “Valley of Dry Bones.” He immediately engaged his audience into his sermon by asking the congregation to look their closest neighbor in the eye and say “Live!”

Before leading the congregation into song, he said “Right now in this country, we are having problems with issues like the economy and foreclosure. And at times you may think you can’t make it. But just know you are still standing.”

Evangelist Sandra Riley delivered a sermon on the Bible scripture Book of Daniel, “Daniel and the Lion’s Den.”

She involved her audience into her message by telling them to look to their closest neighbor and say, “Neighbor, God is going to get you out of this.”

Riley’s sermon — which sparked much crowd reaction — applied the specific scripture to modern day issues. She spoke of negative people and obstacles that may get in the way in individuals’ lives.

Nellene Arnett and her brother Robert Arnett attended the event and said they were glad to be involved.

“It was a success I am glad to be involved,” Robert Arnett said.

Nellene Arnette agreed.

“A wonderful spirit came over me,” she said. “A word spoke to me as soon as I walked in the door. All I needed to hear from God, I heard from it tonight.”

Nellene Arnette further elaborated that Riley spoke to a situation she is currently facing.

“Everything she mentioned about Daniel and the Lion’s Den applied to what I am going through right now,” she said. “The message she got across was don’t let what people say or feel about you get in the way of what you’re doing for God. She said to keep your eyes on the prize and not be discouraged.”

Cecillia Wallace, coordinator of the Truth Marches on Conference, said she was pleased with the outcome of the event.

“The speakers did excellent,” she said. This is the third time Dr. Marvin Sapp has been with us and he is an awesome man of God.

Smokie Norful is just a dynamic speaker. This was the first time I had heard Evangelist Riley speak and I really enjoyed her as well.”

Wallace said the theme of the conference related to scripture John 8:32, which is “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” She said she thinks all attendees were inspired by this conference.

She said she was personally inspired by Dr. Sapp’s sermon “Live,” which was the basis for his message and also a universal message.

Referring to Sapp’s message, she said, “In spite of the obstacle in your life, you need to brush through them, trust the Lord and just live your life to fullest.”

Tags: New Bethel Church of God in Christ, Religion, Truth Marches

This entry was posted on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at 8:22 am and is filed under Community, Religion.
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