The Gospel Truth Magazine October 2019 | Page 11

Mt. Calvary National Church of God, Inc. located at 17500 SW 103 Avenue, Perrine, Florida, cel- ebrated its 39th church anniversary during the month of September. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Holding to the Hope We Pro- fess” (Hebrews 10:23). We thank the following pastors and churches for celebrating with us during six anointed services Dr. James Brown, Bishop & Overseer, New Beginning Worship Center, Pompano Beach, FL Dr. Ruby Franklin, Nationwide Holiness Church of Brotherly Love, Hollywood, FL Pastor Runnell Martin, God’s Holy Temple of True Believers Dr. Tina Dupree, Bishop & Overseer, United Christian Church of Christ, Inc. Apostle Sheila Ingraham, Community Church of Praise & De- liverance, Perrine, FL Rev. Dr. Bettie Ferguson, Faith in Action Ministries General Elder Tommy Phillips, House of God, Perrine, FL Pastor Carl Stringer, New Beginning Christian Fellowship Center Pastor Joel Joseph, Now Faith Last Day Ministries Rev. Dr. Kenneth Day, Sr., New Jerusalem Christ of God in Christ, Homestead, FL Pastor William Bradshaw, New Anointing Prayer Ministries Overseer Roy Peterson, Word of Life, Life Changing Ministry Pastor Jacob Gardener, City Mission Worship Center, Miami, FL Bishop Lawrence Smith, National Church of God, Perrine Elder Dr. Michael Gould, National Church of God, Miami Pastor Rummell Turner, Bible Miracle Deliverance Church The church was founded by the late Elder Craven Ferguson, Sr. and his wife, Betty Victoria Fergu- son on September 4, 1980. Initial services were held at the South Miami Junior High School on Ludlam Road. On June 14, 1983, the property lo- cated at 17500 SW 103rd Avenue was purchased and became the official location for the church. Elder Craven Ferguson became ill and shortly before the Lord called him home on March 21, 1989, he called Bishop Livingston Rolle to lead the church. Bishop Rolle assumed responsibility of the min- istry shortly after Elder Ferguson’s departing and served as Pastor until the Lord called for him on June 15, 2006. Under his leadership, the Mid- day and Intercessory Prayer services, and a sum- mer camp were established. He also established the Mt. Calvary CDC, a faith based Community Development Corporation dedicated to assist- ing in the economic development and empow- erment of area residents. The Mt. Calvary CDC, Inc. continues and is still committed to improving the quality of life in the South Miami-Dade areas by providing programs to educate, enrich and empower local residents. Rev. Melissa Rolle-Scott was installed as Pastor in March, 2008. Under Pastor Scott’s leadership, the Outreach and Missions functions of the church were revived and Youth programs increased. El- der Prince Ferguson continues to serve as the Assistant Pastor and Elder James Rollison cur- rently serves as Associate Pastor. The church continues to invest in the youth through its programs with weekly services, spe- cial events, and an annual Vacation Bible School, Youth Revival and Youth Explosion & Bible Chal- lenge which provides youth from area churches to compete through games, recitations and es- says. Book bags, school supplies and cash prizes are given to participants. Each year the church provides a Thanksgiving meal to area families with young children and seniors. The church has evolved to be an inspiration in the heart of the Perrine community and is af- fectionately known as “The Church of Genuine Hugs”.