Dear Beloved Congregation,
I hope this message finds you well, wrapped in the love and peace of Christ.
As we step into the month of February, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who took part in last Sunday’s service. Your willingness to share the rich history of your individual churches, particularly those stories and experiences that extend beyond what was published in The History of the Reformed Zion Union Apostolic Churches of America, compiled and edited by the General Education Board of the R.Z.U.A. Church in 1998, was a beautiful reminder of how deeply connected we are. Not only do we share a common faith, but we are also united through the many unique chapters of our shared journey that continue to unfold.
I am especially grateful for the care and detail with which you shared the stories of how God has worked in your communities since 1998. These testimonies not only honor our past but also help to strengthen the foundation upon which we continue to build our future together in Christ. Your collective willingness to share history that has not yet been recorded in any book allows us to see God’s work in ways that are alive, ongoing, and deeply personal.
I want to encourage you to retain these stories, these living pieces of history, and continue to share them with your congregation and your families. It is important that we not only remember the foundational moments that shaped us but also recognize the milestones of our more recent past, for in doing so, we ensure that our history remains a living testament to God’s faithfulness and grace. By doing this, we invite future generations to know and understand the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped the church as we know it today.
I also want to extend my sincerest apologies for the moments at the service when time was stretched longer than anticipated. I fully recognize how precious your time is, and I appreciate your patience and understanding. In a world that often moves at a rapid pace, it can be easy to feel rushed. But just as we honor each other’s time, we must also remember that God, in His infinite wisdom, invites us to pause, reflect, and truly listen. Even in moments of extended time, there is grace, and in those moments, we find God’s presence in new and surprising ways.
As we also recognize Black History Month this February, I encourage you to reflect on the immense contributions that Black individuals have made to our churches, our communities, and our nation. From the deep faith of our ancestors who endured suffering and injustice, to the courageous voices of Black leaders who have fought for equality, justice, and freedom, we are reminded that the struggle for God’s kingdom is one of perseverance, hope, and unwavering love. Let us honor their stories, celebrate their legacies, and commit ourselves to continue their work of building a just and compassionate world.
On another note, I’d like to ask you to take a moment to review our webpage, where we’ve shared a recording of this meaningful event. However, I must apologize that, due to time restrictions, we were not able to include everything in the video as planned. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused.
Thank you for your understanding, your commitment, and for being the vibrant, living testament to the work of God in our midst. As we move through this month of love and reflection, may we continue to be a people who honor each other’s stories, nurture our shared faith, and live with patience and grace towards one another, as God has so graciously shown us.
With peace and gratitude in Christ,
Bishop John L. Ghee
