IN THIS ISSUE
“
The interruptions in your life are
not permanent road blocks but simply
detours which cannot prevent you from
continuing on your journey.
”
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s we focus our attention on the contributions of women in ministry in this issue of FAITH, we honor the
memory of the late Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis.
At the time of her transition (Nov. 9, 2013), Bishop
Davis was the president of the Council of Bishops
of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, presiding prelate of the church’s16th Episcopal District and vice-president of the
World Methodist Council. She was the 126th bishop elected and
consecrated in the AME Church and the third woman to become a
bishop in the church’s 219 years of existence.
Bishop Sarah Davis was undisputedly a godly woman of noble
character whose life of service impacted millions worldwide. Her life
has left an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who were blessed
to know and love her up close and personal and on countless others
who in various capacities have felt the influence of her ministry in
their lives.
Prior to her appointment to the bishopric, we met for the first time
at a radio station I worked for in San Antonio, Texas. I had recently
launched FAITH Magazine, and during a conversation after one of
her live morning radio broadcasts, I extended the offer for her to be
our next feature story, and she accepted. On the following pages
we have reprinted the interview I had the pleasure of conducting in
2004 while she was still the pastor of Bethel AME Church in San
Antonio. As you read her story, you will gain insight about the life of
a great woman who settled for nothing less than exemplary service.
The legacy of Bishop Sarah Davis lives on through her family
and friends, her countless acts of love and kindness throughout
the world, words of wisdom shared, her preaching and teaching,
her faithful service to God in the AME Church and the ecumenical
community, her sons and daughters in ministry, and all who were
impacted by her relentless commitment to serve humanity. Bishop
Davis was as a prayerful humble servant of the Most High God. She
heard the voice of God and where He led, she followed. What a
phenomenal woman she was!
I appreciate immensely the female pastors whose ministries have
had the greatest impact in my spiritual life: Claudette Copeland and
Suzette Caldwell. They have been consistent examples of what it
means to be a survivor and to trust God no matter what. Their stories along with Mia Wright’s and Yolanda Carroll’s will remind you
that the interruptions in your life are not permanent road blocks but
simply detours which cannot prevent you from continuing on your
journey.
Also included in this issue is information regarding health, finances,
how to improve your marriage by improving yourself, our featured
book, Prophetic Crack: Pushers in the Pulpits, Addicts in the Pews,
and other articles that will provide you with revelation, inspiration.
and spiritual rejuvenation to help keep you moving forward.
Answer “yes” to the call of God on your life and move in the
direction God is sending you. Acknowledge what you have been
commissioned by God to accomplish, commit to a life of prayer, be
determined to move into your destiny, and make your emotional
health a priority. It is my hope and prayer that the Spirit of the living
God that resides on the inside of you will propel you toward the life
of peace, wholeness, prosperity and purpose that God has designed
especially for you.
Be Blessed!
Diane Hannah
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
FAITHMAGAZINEONLINE.COM • DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014
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