The Temple, St. Mark AME and City of David unite for three nights rejuvenating praise
If times are hard and you are feeling defeated, consider attending the 3rd Annual Spring Revival held on May 14 through May 16, at 7 p.m., at Bryant Temple AME Church, 2525 W. Vernon Ave., in Los Angeles.
According to Pastor Dwaine A. Jackson, the three-day event is designed to rejuvenate and demonstrate to believers that God can overcome any challenge in their life.
“We are holding these services to instill into the congregation and community that there is still hope,” said Jackson, who united with Pastor Kirkpatrick Tyler of St. Mark AME Church and Pastor Demiko Fitzgerald of City of David Community Church to present the revival.
“People are hurting and going through financial crises and mental health crises. We want them to know that even though you’re hurting or going through suffering, there is still hope. God still will provide,” insisted Jackson.
“So we have three powerful preachers that we think will get that message across really well. They can give us a realistic point of view on how God is working, even in our mess,” he said.
The revivalists are well known for their practical, spiritual messages that can be immediately applied to your life, added Jackson. The Rev. Joseph Robinson, founder and pastor of Resurrection Church in Carson, will kick-off the services on Tuesday, May 14.
A spiritual leader for more than 25 years, Robinson reaches millions around the world through his broadcasts on the Impact and Word networks. He also serves as chaplain to the Los Angeles Clippers professional basketball team and produces inspirational films through his company, N3Days Media, Inc.
Describing one area of his ministry, Robinson said, “I create opportunities for young people to further their educational and career aspirations. I create opportunities for institutions and community minded leaders to discuss issues and solve problems that affect the common good. And I create opportunities for visionaries to bring their dreams to life.”
The Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, associate minister at First AME-L.A., will deliver the sermon on Wednesday, May 15. A licensed psychologist and recording artist, Bryant-Davis specializes in providing relief and empowerment to marginalized persons.
She is also an acclaimed author and has published four books focused on spirituality and religion in the lives of women – “Tweets for the Soul: When Life Falls Apart,” “Thriving in the Wake of Trauma: A Multicultural Guide,” “Mangos and Manna,” and “The Birthing of a Lioness.”
Sharing her philosophy of life, Bryant-Davis said, “I live by words from my mother, Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant, who states, “God is speaking. My life is God’s vocabulary.’”
On Thursday, May 16, the Rev. Dr. Jamal H. Bryant will preach. The founder of the mega-church, Empowerment Temple AME in Baltimore, Bryant accepted an appointment as senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia in December 2018.
Often called “a prolific and eloquent orator,” Bryant’s dynamic ministry in Baltimore led to the church’s growth from 43 members to a congregation exceeding 10,000. Under his leadership, Empowerment Temple operated a school, donated millions to charity and awarded hundreds of scholarships to college students. His reputation has been further enhanced by his national involvement in social justice and economic parity issues.
Regarding his work at Empowerment Temple, Bryant told the Baltimore Sun, “I have been successful only because of the church I have been blessed to shepherd and the mighty God we serve.”
On May 14 and May 15, the revival service will include music by recording artist Brent Jones, who also serves as Bryant Temple’s minister of music. Jones’ latest track, “Open Your Mouth and Say Something,” was recently nominated for a Stellar Award.
CDs and DVDs for all services will be available. To learn more, call Bryant Temple AME at (323) 293-6201.
