From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson

Greetings Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

Hope this midweek note finds you strong in the Lord and the power of his might! Our Pastor Emeritus reminded us so eloquently and prophetically through the witness of Job that faith is living in Christ. Our month long celebration has begun. Thank you to all of who have joined our campaign and shared your faith journeys thus far. The road is never easy but it is as we persevere that we learn God's grace is enough for the journey.

This week we hear from another one of our own, Minister Charlotte Williams. She serves in so many capacities but officially as our Minister of Communications. She is a daughter of ATBC and of our renowned Worship Leader, Mrs. Bettye Williams. She knows something about the grace of God. Let's hear from her:

In my thirties, I lived a rather high-flying life, literally and figuratively. In addition to being in itinerant ministry, I was the Country Manager for Sephora Canada based in Toronto; my life took me around the world for work and play. More than anything, I wanted to be in ministry full-time; the bi-vocational lifestyle wasn't satisfying. What I didn't know at the time was how God would work through a series of events that changed the trajectory of my life.

One balmy Toronto spring evening, I became the victim of domestic violence, and the resulting scars were emotional and spiritual, but most of all, physical - head trauma. I stuffed everything about that experience deep into the recesses of my mind and soul, told no one, and went on trying to live what soon became apparent was a shell of a life. My emotions were frayed, I was ready to jump out of my own skin, and I couldn't pray, I couldn't cry, I couldn't scream. Instead I found myself living with headaches that seemed to get worse as the weeks lingered on. I'd gotten to the point where I could barely get out of bed for the pain, couldn't see well, at times I couldn't hear.

One day while flying between Montreal and Toronto, my head hurt so badly that I thought it would explode. Soon after landing, I made my way to Women's College Hospital. A kindly lady doctor told me her findings with sorrow in her eyes - I had post-concussion syndrome on top of severe chronic migraine disorder. Test results showed that I indeed had some brain damage, and in short, I wouldn't be able to continue my high-powered lifestyle; I would live this way for the rest of my days. All I could do was wonder...there was no way that I could be like this - could I?

In the months that followed, I read my Bible (when I could see well enough). What resonated with me the most was the very person of Jesus Himself as foretold by the prophet Isaiah in chapter 53, verse 5: "By his wounds we are healed." (CEB) I had to become the one who was doggedly determined to stand on what the Scriptures said, and believe who He is. I gave up my job and moved back to the States. I had to learn to deal with the daily ups and downs of living in chronic pain. Migraine attacks come out of the blue and bring me to my knees. There are days that it hurts to hold my head up, let alone put one foot in front of the other. I still haven't found the exact combination of medication that works perfectly. The battle with insomnia is real. I have memory lapses sometimes. Some days, it hurts to think. There are times where I have to go to the emergency room for serious episodes. My neurologist is on speed dial. And yet, I know that Christ Himself hung on a cross so that I might be healed.

Since then, the physical scars have faded, but the emotional and spiritual scars have taken a bit more time. Through much grace, prayer, and therapy, I have come to see that our Lord will love us through our healing and walk in front of, alongside, and behind us on our journey. I believe 2 Corinthians 8:9, "My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness." (CEB) I'm okay with the lasting effects because they force me to be completely dependent on Him for the life's daily functions. He continually makes a way for me to survive; I no longer make six figures, but He has given my life an indescribable fullness and richness in allowing me to serve His people in full time ministry, and even blessed me to finish seminary with excellent grades - something that my neurologist said I'd never be able to do. Some people say I do too much with too much intensity. Every little thing I do is an offering of thanks to The Lord because He let me live. And I am aware at every moment that if God can do all of that through me when I'm at my so-called worst, what more can He do in my life?

I've shared all of that to say this...my testimony isn't about me. It's about my experience helping to save someone else that may be experiencing what I did in the here and now. Someone may be reading this or perhaps you know someone who is trapped in the vicious cycle of domestic violence, whether physical, emotional, or financial. Domestic violence knows no barriers; age, racial, socioeconomic, educational, or geographical. During October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must come together to destroy the stigma and create safe spaces for survivors to heal and reconstruct their lives. They should be able to come forward without fear of gossip, repercussion, rejection or shame, whether in their communities, the courtroom, or the church. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has trained advocates to take calls through their 24/7 hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Knowing and sharing that number could help you save your life or that of someone you love, work with, lives in your community, or sits on the same pew with you at church.

My takeaway is simple yet beautifully complex. I know that the pain I live with 24 hours a day is a reminder to lean on Him. I am proud and blessed to be a survivor. And along the survival journey, I've come to believe Him to be who He Is - a healer, a sustainer, a deliverer.

We are grateful for the grace of God that keeps us even in the most harrowing situations. God most certainly takes what is meant for evil and works it out for our good. Praying that you will Believe God's Grace is Enough!

Blessings to you,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor

Greetings Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

As always, I hope this midweek note finds you well and giving thanks in all things. Bro. Dan reminded us from his journey shared last week that no matter what we face in this life, we should "give thanks in all circumstances for this the will of God in Christ Jesus for you". (1 Thess. 5:18-ESV) Despite a week of unexpected challenges and attacks, I am still thankful for God's faithfulness. We as a church should be grateful as well because this Sunday marks the kick-off Sunday, celebrating 95 years of God's faithfulness to us as a community of faith.

How fitting then is it for us to hear from the one who served faithfully as Pastor of this great body of believers for 40 years, our very own Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith Sr.. He has joined our "I BELIEVE" campaign, and when I asked him to give his testimony, he shared as only he can:

Christianity is a corruption of the religion of Jesus when it entices persons to become members just for the sake of earthly and heavenly benefits. Take another look at Job and see if Satan did not suggest to God that Job was worshiping God just for the blessings, benefits, and bounties that God has bestowed upon Job.

The faith of Job was not in his possessions. He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and had numerous servants. Job had a large family of seven sons and three daughters. But Job lost his possessions. Job was a power broker. But Job's faith was not in his power. As a power broker, according to Eliphaz, Job had helped the helpless. Listen to Eliphaz speak to Job:

Think how you have instructed many,
how you have strengthened feeble hands.
Your words have supported those who stumbled;
You have strengthened faltering knees (Job 4:3, 4, NIV).

But Job's power to help others and Job's power to get things done were gone. Hear Job speak of his powerlessness:

I have become a laughingstock to my friends (Job 12:4, NIV).

Men open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me. God has turned me over to evil men and the clutches of the wicked (Job 16:10, 11, NIV).

Job truly said, "I used to have power, but God has taken my power. I am a broken and beaten man now."

All was well with me, but he shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target; his archers surround me. Without pity, he pierces my kidneys..." (Job 16:12, 13b, NIV).

Job's faith was not in position, possessions, or power. He had lost all of these blessings. He had even lost the respect of the younger generation.

But now they mock me, men younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs (Job 30:1, NIV).

Worse than losing the respect of the younger generation, Job was less than the lowest of the homeless underclass. He was worse off than a bagwoman.

He throws me into the mud, and I am reduced to dust and ashes (Job 30:19, NIV).

His precious children dead, his position stripped, his possessions taken, his power lost, his pride among peers gone, Job was reduced to mud and ashes. What kind of faith did Job retain?

Job's faith enabled him to say:

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10, NIV).

Tell us a little more about your faith, Job. We want to know what you got from serving God after you had lost everything. Give us your testimony, Job. We want to listen and learn from you, Job.

Well, this is Job's personal testimony:

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my foot on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God
(Ps. 40:1-3, NIV)

Thank you, Brother Job, for your testimony. It will help us on our journey.

Do we have time for one more testimony? Is the witness a reliable witness?

Yes, your honor. His name is J. Alfred Smith, Sr.

If that is the case, bring J. Alfred Smith, Sr. before the court and swear him in so that we can hear his testimony. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., do you promise to tell nothing but the truth, so help you God?

I do, your honor.

Proceed with the testimony.

Your honor, I have been crucified with Christ.

Wait a minute, witness; how could you testify if you have been crucified with Christ?

Your honor, you are partially right and you are partially wrong. I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Thank you, witness! What is in it for me? Now I know that it is not position, possessions, power, or pride, but it is Christ, Christ in me. Christ with me. Christ for me. Faith is living in Christ!

Nothing else to be said.

God has spoken..Let the Church say, Amen!

Blessings to you,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor

Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

I hope this midweek note finds you well and confident that God has a perfect plan. I am grateful to Amelia for that reminder. I would need it more than I knew. On Tuesday morning, a beautiful, powerful, praying trailblazer went home to be with the Lord. Rev. Dr. Malvina Stephens was not only a pillar of faith, but one of the pillars of our church. She touched the lives of so many at home and abroad. Her life and ministry embodied Matthew 25:35-36: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." The news of her transition was shocking and painful but this week's faith journey encouraged my heart as we prepare to honor her life.

Meet Bro. Dan French. He is one of the servant leaders of our wonderful youth ministry and a national corporate trainer for the Ruth Chris Steakhouse. He is a trusted and faithful member and has had an amazing faith journey:

My relationship with the Lord has been Wizard of Oz like. I was an eight-year-old boy at a sleep away camp in the heart of Kansas. My best friend at the time, Stephen Holmes and I were woken in the middle of night as the wind howled around us and the rain pounded our tin shelter where we bunked. Thunderstorms sometimes breed tornadoes, so our imagination was getting the best of us. Suddenly, Stefan asked me, "Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?" My parents and I went to church regularly, but I did not have a personal relationship with God. I told Stefan that I didn't think so. It was at that moment he led me to the Lord, as I repeated after him the Sinner's Prayer and accepted the Lord into my heart. I instantly felt a sensation of peace and comfort come over me. I have never forgotten that moment. This absolutely is a true story and it would not be the last time I prayed myself through a storm.

Fast forward thirteen years. I was freshly graduated from UC Berkeley. It was sudden and out of the blue, when I suffered a seizure. I soon was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As I sat in the emergency room, a calmness and comfort came over me, just as it had that stormy night in Kansas. It was a 12-hour surgery that successfully removed the tumor. It came back two and five years later. Both times, it was treated with radiation. Many times family and friends have exclaimed, "Of all people, why you?" I am blessed immeasurably and often thought, "Why not me?" God trusted me enough to know that I had unwavering faith and for that, I was grateful. Through it all, I never got depressed nor discouraged. I did get frustrated, but it was mostly caused by the side effect of the radiation and medications. I wanted to be a witness to my friends and family of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's Will in Christ Jesus." I prayed through the storm because I had faith that it was only a season!

I have a clean bill of health now. I'm very passionate about our youth developing a relationship with God. I knew that the Lord had given me serenity and joy in my youth that sustained me to this day. There is no reason they cannot have the same. Just like it was said in the Wizard of Oz, "There is no place like home!" I agree, home in the arms of the Lord.

Dan's journey gave me perspective. Despite the loss, I can give thanks to God for the blessing of knowing Dr. Stephens and for her courage to pursue ministry. She blazed the trail, that so many of us as women in ministry walk in. She is indeed at home in the Arms of The Lord! Thank you God! I also give thanks for each and every one of you who have taken a leap of faith, sacrificed and joined our "I Believe" Campaign.

Until next week, give thanks in all things!

Blessings to you,
Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor

Greetings Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

I hope this midweek note finds each of well and trusting in the goodness of our God in spite of. Just this week we are at war with ISIS, battling issues of domestic violence and child abuse in America's beloved NFL. In addition, there are many other realities eclipsed by these two headlines including the crimes committed against us and those we commit against ourselves. And yet, as believers we know that human news outlets do not have the full story. There is a gospel, good news that ATBC member, Tiye Scott reminded us of last week in her faith journey: GOD WILL SUSTAIN US!

This week, meet Amelia Roberts, "Mimi" to those who love her and "Melia" to me. She is an active member having grown up in Allen Temple, and part three of the trio known as the Roberts sisters. She sings in the LYFE choir, works as a youth leader and is a member of the Deaconess Ministry. She serves quietly without fanfare and dispels the notion that Millennials are fleeing the church. I pray her faith journey encourages you on yours:

I realized when I was about 15 years old that it was God's plan for me to become a nurse. It was around the time when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. I felt that the Lord gave me a glimpse of what my career would be like. Honestly, at the time I did not know much about the profession, but before I knew it I was enrolled in nursing school at the University of San Francisco. As I started to take nursing courses, the four years of college flew by and I was amazed at how the profession seemed to be a perfect fit for me. It seemed like all of the nursing opportunities just fell in my lap without a lot of effort of my own. At the age of 21, I was excited about my future in nursing and the fact that I already had an emergency department job lined up for me after graduation. All I had to do was pass my licensing exam. I studied for months to prepare myself to take the national boards to become a licensed registered nurse. As I sat for this important exam, after seventy five questions the test stopped, indicating I was done. It would take weeks to get the official results, but I instantly knew I failed.

I immediately felt hopeless knowing that I would lose my job. I would be stuck with a college degree, but nothing to do with it. I was infuriated with God because I felt He let me down. I could not understand why He would guide me into the profession of nursing, keep and provide for me all throughout nursing school, secure me a job, and then allow for me to fail the test. I was lost, disappointed, and confused. My hopelessness then turned to depression; so severe that I had to temporarily move back home with my parents. After several days of being in bed, wallowing in my sorrow, my mother finally had enough of my pity party. She looked at me and said, "Do you believe that if you pass the test or fail the test that God has a perfect plan for your life?" I replied "Yes." In that moment I started to think about the plans and promises God had revealed to me over the years. As the days progressed I started to develop a peace knowing that regardless of the outcome God always makes good on his promises.

As I started to move on and think about the next steps of my life, I received a letter stating I passed the national board exam. I immediately realized that I passed the nursing test, but I had failed God's test. God was testing my faith in Him and my ability to trust him, even in hard times. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Now 10 years into my nursing career, I never forget and stand firm on the fact that when God sets a path for you He will shelter you while you make the journey. Over the years when I did not think I was smart enough and expected failure, God surrounded me with favor. When colleagues lied on me and slandered my name, God promoted me. When I thought I was not good enough, God put people in my life that reminded me I was more than enough. God has proven over and over to me that he is faithful and a promise keeper.

Whatever path God may have you on, believe with me that He has a perfect plan for your life; He will answer every prayer and fulfill every promise!

Until next week, know God has a perfect plan!

Blessings to you,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Assistant Pastor