WS Chronicle

By Felecia Piggott-Long, Ph.D.

The theme for the first revival at Alpha and Omega Church of Faith was “A Cry for Revival.” I was so grateful to God for sending my amor bearer, Min. Kathy Torrey, just in time to support the revival as a spiritual experience for our church. 

Revival is just what we needed as we bring the year of 2024 to a close as a church body. Only God can bring a revival. Man cannot produce true spiritual revival. Only God can restore His presence to His people.

The revival was held at the church located at 1445 Gray Ave. on Nov. 22-24, at 7 p.m. nightly. The ministers who preached for the services included Minister Adero Munford, First Lady of Mount Calvary Holy Church of Winston-Salem; Pastor Paul Hart, pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church; and Minister Kathy Torrey of Alpha and Omega Church of Faith. Each night the revival was supported by members of various local churches.

I remember going to revivals as a child growing up in Union Baptist Church. I made my first commitment to Christ when I was 12 years old, and revivals always helped me to restore my joy, to remind me of my need to fear God, to cause believers to return to God. So I told those in attendance that revival begins with God.  

On Friday night Min. Munford preached “Is Your Heart Good Ground?” Her text came from Matthew 13:1-14, a familiar text on “The Parable of the Sower.” The sower represents God, and the seed is the Word of God. Although the text was familiar, the focus of her lesson was for each person to evaluate whether their heart was good ground for God to use us.

 “It is all about your heart condition. Come to the altar and get things right with God. Is there someone you need to forgive? Are there grudges you need to release? If you do not forgive others, you will not be forgiven. These are the thorns that choke out new growth,” said Munford. “Or do you have the stony heart where seeds will not take root? Or is your heart in good condition, ready for growth to take root.”

Pastor Hart came to the pulpit with a song in his heart. He sang, “Jesus is the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me.” Hart gave honor to God for establishing his life.

“God changed my heart. I have been married to Sandra Hart, the love of my life, for 46 years, and we have two daughters. For the past 19 years, I have been pastoring Pilgrim Rest Church. Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!”

He took his text from Revelation 5:5-7; his topic was “God Promised.” Hart described an encounter he had with God in the wee hours of the morning. God placed a calling on his life at 2:45 a.m. on a Saturday night.

“Jesus sat on the end of the bed and asked ‘Why don’t you do what I told you to do?’ But I told God I don’t want to do that. But God said, ‘I promise I will be with you. The Root of David, The Lion of the Tribe of Judah will come through for you,’” Hart said. “Many people run from the book of Revelation, but when I look at this book, I see God himself! God promised … He is our victory.”

Minister Kathy Torrey took her text from Judges 7:1-4, and her subject was “God Has and Always Will Do the Separating.” The Lord tells Gideon that his army is too large. So, God continues to reduce the number of Gideon’s soldiers. “Judgement will begin in the house of God. Let me separate. Let me try them. Let us take them to the water. All those who lap their water like a dog or those who keep looking around in fear. You need to go hard or go home! If you are too afraid to do what is necessary, go home. We can’t play games with the enemy. Nobody is left behind in God’s army,” Min. Torrey said.

The revival is the place to get our hearts right with God. This is the first revival I have initiated as a pastor, but it will not be the last. It is such an encouragement, such an uplift to the church..

“This revival has been a time of refreshing and transformation. Since we had the revival, there has been a change among the members. There is a spirit of praise and holiness that rules in our church. I believe that God is pleased with our church,” said Min. Torrey.