Held at Bryn Mawr Park Presbyterian Church
20 Buckingham Road Yonkers NY 10701

ACLC NY First Prayer Breakfast meeting of 2007: It was hosted by Rev. Nagi Yousef of the First Arabic Baptist Church in Yonkers and was held at the Bryn Mawr Park Presbyterian Church in Yonkers. We were warmly welcomed to the beautiful, spacious facility by Elder Nancy Hansen of the Presbyterian Church. After Archbishop Moses de la Rosa of the Christ Family Church, located in Mt. Vernon, delivered the invocation we enjoyed a wonderful, wholesome breakfast. As breakfast concluded the West Rock Family Church choir created a harmonious atmosphere with a beautiful song "Come before Him with Song."

Peace under one God, A Pilgrimage for Reconciliation: This 15 min video presentation contained many moving testimonies from representatives of the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. One particularly heartfelt testimony and reflection was from Imam Haitham Bundakji of the Islamic Society of Orange County California as he stood looking over Jerusalem, reflecting on his youth growing up there. He was shown in the video embracing in tears his Jewish and Christian contemporaries, during a rally for peace in front of Al Aksa Mosque.

Evangelist Emma Loftin Woods of Yonkers shared a testimony about her participation in the 5th World Tour: She had told God she was ready to embark on a journey of wherever He wanted to send her. However, secretly she hoped it would be to a warm country. Then the call came with the invitation to journey to Ukraine, one of the colder countries on earth this time of year. She felt God was challenging the limitations of her heart, and she rose to meet that challenge.

Rev Harvey Kendricks of the First Grace Baptist Church in Harlem, a veteran of the 4th World Tour, read the goals and objectives of the ACLC with great clarity and conviction. Bishop Henry Coaxum of the Bronx read from the Bible. Bishop Margie de la Rosa of Christ Family Church, while struggling to contain tears, read an excerpt from the ACLC’s founder’s speech "God’s Ideal Family and the Kingdom of the Peaceful Ideal World".

Rev. Raymond Dyer of The First Church of Illumination in Harlem: Rev Dyer was our keynote speaker this month. He thanked everyone who helped prepare this month’s meeting and introduced and thanked his wife, who was also present. Rev. Dr. And Mrs. McGhee were also acknowledged and welcomed.

Rev. Dyer started by saying that in difficult times we need to pray. In times like these we need to hold on to our anchor. The theme Rev. Dyer chose for this month’s sermon was "The Sovereignty of God". He stated that the final word in all situations comes from a higher authority, comes from God. He asked those present if they knew what a knockoff was (an imitation of the real thing) and declared that Satan was the ultimate knockoff. He said when Satan comes we need to remind ourselves that God is still sovereign and has the final word and that we are heirs to God’s throne and have a right to share in His sovereignty. He stated that the Lord comes to us in our time of need.

In reference to the upcoming State of the Union speech, he shared that although we have satellites probing the edges of space we should take a good look at the real state of our union, which is beset by so many problems. He mentioned the problems facing the entire world, for example, about the 1.1 billion people who don’t have adequate drinking water. He said, if you have love you must give love otherwise, as the apostle Paul said, you are just a clanging symbol. He talked about the need of the secular leaders to heed the voice of the religious leaders; he cited King Saul and the prophet Samuel as an example for us to learn from. He stated, nowhere is this more obvious than in the 1960s era of civil rights, when the government was guided by the religious leaders! He said the changes in the 60s were not only for African Americans but for Latinos and all oppressed people and that it was also a time of liberation for the white race as they were liberated from the position of oppressor. He quoted Dr. King, saying darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and we shall all end up in darkness. He said a shift of power is coming in our world. Even though churches may appear small and insignificant, with God’s guidance they will grow and make a difference. Rev. Dyer concluded his sermon with words from Dr. Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech, "Let Freedom Ring".

The sermon was followed with a song from Rev. Dr. McGhee, who sang "The Sweetest Name I Know" and was joined by our chairman, Bishop Riley, and several others.

New York’s ACLC co-chairman, Rev. Grodner, recognized several prominent members of ACLC and thanked all present for coming. He then introduced the meaning of the Holy Wine ceremony and guided everyone’s participation in the ceremony.

Rev. Green, representing the Caribbean community, was introduced and welcomed to the position of one of the three co conveners for ACLC New York. As the West Rock choir returned again with the beautiful song "All of These", Rev. Compton led the offering appeal and Rev. Green then delivered an encouraging message for new pastors to join ACLC and take the express train to the kingdom.

New York’s Chairman, Bishop Cecil Riley, apologized for the meeting running longer than intended. He thanked Rev. Yousef for being such a wonderful host and for providing such a great venue. He commented on the great work of ACLC of New York in bringing people of all races together and advised us not to take this accomplishment lightly. Our keynote speaker, Rev. Dyer, concluded the meeting with benediction.

Reported by Rev. Tom Corley

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