2006 AIGA National Convention

2006 National Convention Now History

We are still rejoicing over the 2006 National Convention. What a wonderful time we all had! The attendance was the best we have seen in a few years, but more importantly, the Spirit of the Lord was present in an unprecedented way. Some did have to leave the convention early because of the storms.

People started coming into DeSoto on Monday, July 17th., many checking into motels, and some pulling camping trailers, and parking them at the Washington State Park just outside of DeSoto. Everyone seemed to be anticipating a great move of God, and no one was disappointed! Members of AIGA came in from all directions in order to attend this year’s annual convention. The following states were represented: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. In addition, the country of Nigeria was also represented. Our coordinators to India and Central America were there.

The convention kicked off on Wednesday evening, July 19th. The service started at 7:00 P.M. and soon St. Louis’ First Family Of Gospel Music, The Lester Family began to sing. Many have since stated that the Lester Family was at their best that night. Then came the icing on the cake. Rev. Bobby Moore of Pine Bluff, Arkansas brought the Word of God. No one present will forget this night, for the enemy was also upset. A huge thunderstorm started in Illinois that night, swept into St. Louis, and then down through DeSoto and beyond. Weather reports say the winds of this storm were the same force as a category one (1) hurricane. There was much damage caused by this storm, with literally thousands of homes and businesses being left without electricity for several days.

That night, as Brother Moore was preaching, the storm hit DeSoto. Water began to blow under the door and flood the church. But, God kept everything under control, and the water stopped. In addition, even though a number of houses and businesses in the community were left without electricity, the church never lost its power! That’s right, the Holy Ghost moved in such a way to continue the service, and the church never lost its electricity either. What is interesting to note is that the storm took out the electricity at Washington State Park, as well as the hotels where our people were staying. The park closed down that night, and did not open back up for about a week. Some of the hotels were without electricity for that night, and some of them were without for the rest of the convention.

The convention continued on Thursday morning at 10:00 A.M. with the Founder’s Service. During this service, Dr. Allen Smith presented a PowerPoint Presentation, talking about the history of the AIGA. During the presentation many historical pictures were shown that most people had not seen before. After the Founder’s program, Dr. Smith continued with a PowerPoint Presentation about the International Bible College & Seminary. During this presentation, everyone present learned about the different programs now available through I.B.C.&S., and also about the two (2) special offers that were being made to save money for new students.

Two wonderful meals were served each day at the convention. Rev. Terry R. Newman and Rev. Margaret Newman, our Illinois state leaders were in charge of the kitchen this year, and did a wonderful job. Sister Connie Chronister our general secretary and Sister Dorothy Hampton also gave a helping hand in the kitchen. Sister Janet Burns also worked hard during convention, taking care of all the business that needed to be taken care of during the convention.

Thursday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. was the AIGA World Mission service, which was conducted by Rev. Stacy Jackson of Cameron, New York. Rev. Jackson is the Chairman of AIGA’s International Missions Committee. During this program, Dr. Ifeadi Onochie Okaro, AIGA’s Coordinator to Africa was a featured speaker. Dr. Sam Paul Gokanakonda the AIGA coordinator to India was also a featured speaker. In addition, before the service began, a PowerPoint presentation about AIGA’s world missions was shown to everyone present.

Thursday evening at 7:00 P.M. was our next service. During this service, Gene Warren and the Glorylanders from St. Louis, Missouri ministered in song. Everyone present was blessed by their ministry, which led right up to the evening speaker. Rev. Don Mitchell of Milstadt, Illinois, brought the Word of God to us that night. Rev. Mitchell is a member of the AIGA Illinois State Committee. Brother Mitchell brought a very powerful message that night.

In Friday morning’s 10:00 A.M. service, the singing group Pardoned of Whitehall, Arkansas, brought the Word in song. Revs. Jeff and Tammy Reed, AIGA’s Youth Chairman and Vice-Chairman then provided a PowerPoint presentation about the AIGA Youth Department. During this service, the new name of the Youth Department was also announced. That new name is Gospel Youth in Christ. Rev. Alfred Morgan of Lebanon, Missouri brought the Word of God to us. Rev. Morgan is our Coordinator to Central America.

Friday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. was the Women In Christ service. During this service special singing was provided once again by Pardoned of Whitehall, Arkansas. During this service, Rev. Pearl Ellis of Stafford, Texas, and President of WIC presented the information on the Women In Christ program.

Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. was our annual ordination service. Steve Wilson and the Wilsons of Ballwin, Missouri provided special singing that night. They ministered in song, along with a little bit of preaching. You really needed to be there to see what kind of blessing they actually were to everyone that night. Rev. Virgil McWhorter of Salem, Missouri, our General Vice-President brought the Word of God to us that night. Everyone present was truly blessed.

During this service the Biblical admonition to lay hands on a person to be ordained was followed. Those who were ordained during this service were: Rev. Joseph C. Fregia, Sr. of Hull, Texas; Rev. Janyce A. Stratton of New Orleans, Louisiana; Rev. Gloria Olateju of Bealeton, Virginia; Rev. Tamara K. Reed of Bonne Terre, Missouri; and Rev. Jeffrey J. Reed of Bonne Terre, Missouri. (This is also a requirement by the I.R.S.)

Everyone was blessed during this year’s convention. The 2006 convention ended as everyone said farewell for another year, if the Lord should tarry that long.

There were several who attended the convention this year that had never attended an AIGA Convention before, and God blessed them for attending. We are already looking forward to the 2007 National Convention. It will be held once again at the DeSoto Faith Assembly. The convention dates for next year are: July 18, 19, & 20. Be sure to start planning now to receive the blessings of God that He has in store for you then. Now, of course we know that the Lord may come back before then, but if He doesn’t, let’s be good stewards, and be prepared to receive His blessings and plan to work for Him should He delay His coming. Be sure to mark you calendar now, and make plans to attend the 2007 AIGA National Convention. I’m sure that God has something great in store for us at that time.