Dear RZUA Family,
Thank you for making our two-day Founders Day celebration such a meaningful and memorable event. Your presence helped create a powerful atmosphere of worship, fellowship, and reflection. Together, we honored the legacy of the great leaders who have shaped our church, and I’m deeply grateful to have shared that time with you.
As we now turn our hearts toward Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday, I want to offer a word of encouragement from Psalm 139:
“You hem me in, behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me.”
This beautiful reminder assures us that God is always with us—going before us, standing behind us, and resting His hand upon us. In a world full of uncertainty and change, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our constant. No matter what leadership may look like on earth, God is still sovereign. He remains in control.
One of the most meaningful moments during Founders Day was the renaming of our headquarters in honor of Bishop George Sturdivant. While this building has faithfully served us for many years, it now bears the name of a visionary who shaped the very soul of our ministry. It’s now officially the Sturdivant Worship and Conference Center. Bishop Studivant’s unwavering commitment to growth, leadership, and kingdom excellence continues to inspire everything we do.
We also honored the lasting impact of our spiritual trailblazers—especially Bishop James R. Howell and Bishop Sturdivant—whose faith and leadership laid the foundation we stand on today. Bishop Howell, in particular, stepped out in boldness in 1869, leaving New York to plant a church in Virginia that would minister to a people newly freed, yet in need of hope and spiritual guidance. Despite every challenge, he remained faithful to that vision—and we are the fruit of that faithfulness.
We also paid tribute to First Lady Annie Goodrich Bland Sturdivant, who continues to carry Bishop Sturdivant’s legacy with strength, grace, and unwavering dedication. First Lady, we love you and appreciate you more than words can express. You are a beacon of inspiration to us all.
To our fellow ministers, I want to echo a word I’ve shared before:
Know the Word. Teach the Word. Live the Word.
Our people are hungry—not for shallow teaching but for deep truth. They’re asking difficult questions, seeking understanding, and pursuing spiritual maturity. As their leaders, we must be prepared to guide them.
I challenge each of you to continue growing. Don’t study just to preach. Rather, study to disciple. Don’t prepare just for Sunday. Rather, prepare for life. The more rooted you are in the Word, the more equipped you’ll be to lead, answer questions, and support the spiritual growth of your congregation.
An unprepared shepherd cannot grow a prepared people.
If your congregation is hungry for the Word, you must be just as devoted to your own growth and understanding. The more you know, the more you can pour into the lives of those you serve.
So let’s lead with wisdom, with clarity, and with hearts committed to growth—for ourselves and for our church.
As Colossians 3:1–3 encourages us, “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is…, not on earthly things.” As we honor the legacy of those who came before us, may we also remain faithful in the present and hopeful for what lies ahead.
As we navigate the changes and challenges brought by earthly leaders and shifting circumstances, this passage calls us to focus not on that which is temporary but rather on the eternal reign of Christ. No matter who holds positions of power or what changes around us, our hope and security are firmly grounded in Him. As we honor the legacy of those who paved the way for us, let us continue to set our hearts and minds on the eternal purposes of God’s kingdom, trusting that He is always in control.
As we looked back on our recent Founders Day celebration, we were reminded of the incredible legacy laid by our spiritual leaders. That special time of worship, remembrance, and fellowship allowed us to honor those whose faith and commitment have shaped the church we know today. In times of uncertainty, when earthly leaders may cause us to question or feel uncertain, we can remember that our ultimate hope is found in Christ. While leadership may change on earth, God’s kingdom remains steadfast, and His purpose for us is unshakable.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have celebrated with all of you, and I pray that the spirit of growth and unity continues to guide us forward.
God Bless,
Bishop John L. Ghee
