Speaking @ Greater St. John in Oakland

I am in Oakland. In the morning, I will be heading home from preaching at the Greater St. John Baptist Church here, where Gregory Payton is the pastor. Pastor Payton has been hosting St. John's "Empowering the City with a Word" conference, which started this past Sunday.There has been a "lecturer" and speaker each night. Clinton McFarland from Columbus (Miss), Brian Hunter from Berkeley, Melvin Wade from Los Angeles, and James Dixon from Houston have spoken this week. Tonight was the closing night. I gave the opening message. And Pastor Dennis Jones of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in Houston gave the closing message.

The enthusiasm and energy of the congregation would have made you think that tonight was the closing night, not the opening night. The service began at 7 PM and didn't let out to about 10:30. And I didn't see anyone leave before it was over. It was a remarkable worship service and a wonderful setting in which to preach. It was obvious the congregation came to church to hear the word of God proclaimed. And, boy, did Dennis Jones preach. I have preached with him and have heard him on a few occasions now. But I have never heard him quite like this. He was in a zone and on target tonight. And God used him in a great may to minister to the congregation.

Please pray that much fruit will come from this meeting. And pray that the Lord will continue to bless and use the ministry of Pastor Payton and the Greater St. John Church.