WS Chronicle

By Felecia Piggott-Long, Ph.D.

Since September of 2023, Elder Ouida Renee Huckleberry Jefferson has been sharing the Word of God and lifting up prayer requests before God on Facebook Live on the first Friday of each month at 6:33 a.m. She chose this time of morning based on the scripture of Matthew 6:33 which reads, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

On the first call in September, 50 people were on the call, but 800 views followed. In October, 60 listeners were on the call, but 1,300 views followed. On Jan. 5, 95 people were on the call, but 2,100 viewers followed. The next call will take place on Friday, Feb. 2. Her husband, Michael Jefferson, will be her special guest that morning.

“God told me to launch out into the deep. Many people did not go back to the physical building of church after COVID-19. Many people in my family, including my brother, had not gone back to the physical church, but God led me to start this ministry by any means necessary,” Elder Jefferson said. “This way there is no excuse for saying that they had not heard the Word.”

The biblical mandate to “launch out into the deep” comes from Luke 5:4-6 which reads: “Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their nets brake.”

 “I have learned through this experience that when you obey God, He will blow your mind! Obey God. He will give you the vision and the provision when you obey Him,” said Elder Jefferson. “The devil tried to tell me that no one is going to get up at 6:33 a.m. and come to a prayer meeting on the line, but God reminded me, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’”

“The concept of the operating room came from my sister who is a nurse. God showed us how we can use the scripture, the Word of God, to give spiritual shots to those who come into the OR,” said Jefferson. “They can extract points from the scriptural text, such as ‘Keep God first,’ or ‘Turn up your spirit of discernment this year.’”

After God spoke to Jefferson about this vision of sharing the Word, she went to talk to her pastor, Tony Neal, Sr. and First Lady Michelle Neal at Greater Faith Empowerment Church in Lexington, where she has attended for 20 years. She also talked to her mentors, Apostle Roger Walton and Prophetess Dana Walton, from her home church in Welch, West Virginia. 

The oldest of three children, Jefferson’s parents and family members are strong supporters of her ministry. She was named after her grandmother Ouida, who included Jefferson as a prayer warrior during their home prayer meetings in West Virginia when Jefferson was only 10 years old.

 “I am a coal miner’s daughter, and a coal miner’s granddaughter. I am proud of my family legacy,” said Jefferson. “My mother, Dawne, always protected my gift for prayer. When I prayed too loud for some people, my mother said she could never stop her child from praying. I am so glad that both of my parents are still around to support me.” 

Jefferson and her husband have three children, Dominque, Amariah, and Nadaisa, and one grandson, Ayden. 

Jefferson works for Atrium Wake Health, having attended Marshall University and earning two bachelor’s degrees in healthcare administration and business administration. 

Each prayer session follows the theme God has chosen for that month. She has had messages on such topics as “Families,”  “The Mind – Mental, Spiritual, Physical,” “Peace,” “Strength,” and “Healing.” “We pray the scripture when it comes to prayer concerns. Some people put their prayer concerns in the chat or comment box, but others who want privacy, put their prayer requests through the inbox,” said Jefferson. “My goal of having these prayer and Word sessions is that someone will give their life to Christ. Whether they are driving in a car, or getting dressed at home, or on the job, I pray this prayer on the line every time. I pray the scripture. My opinion does not matter. We will keep on praying his Word. I have received many testimonies of blessings and breakthroughs through Messenger.

 “I express to those on the prayer line that this is not just a place to unload; it is also a download station. It is also a place where you receive the download God wants to give you,” Jefferson said. “Through prayer, we should take the time to receive direction and get it right. If there are things we are not doing right, we need to obey God, hear His voice.”

Jefferson invites the public to 33 minutes of prayer and a message from the Word. The first Friday at 6:33 a.m. you have an invitation to meet others on Facebook Live.