State of the Union (2010) Dr. Bernie L. Wade – Presiding Bishop
Together we have journeyed a lifetime in only a few years. I reflect back today on the first Gathering of Eagles and the first American Leadership Summit. In the first gathering of Eagles held in Cleveland Ohio I challenged us to “let Jesus Christ out of the box”. The next year at our Leadership Summit I challenged us to “Think out of the box”, and the following year “I challenged us to realize that there simply is no ‘box’ when it comes to God.” Despise not the day of small beginnings. What great things God has allowed us to do together. To God be the Glory! Because of our collective efforts ten’s of thousands know Jesus today. I am awed at what God has allowed us to accomplish and what I see coming is the greatness of the latter house prophesied by the prophet Haggi. We have established contacts, built relationship and bonded friendships. We have suffered through perils of false brethren, perils of those who hate unity, wrestled with global principalities of division, yet today we stand together on the precipice of what I believe is the greatest time in the history of the Church. Jesus said, “Greater things than these shall ye do!” I am honored that God has set so many of his able Generals together for this task. ‘Around the world from Nepal in the far East to the United Kingdom, from the tip of South Africa to cold Iceland, from Canada to Argentina, from California to New York and on to India and Pakistan there is a ground swell movement of the people of God reaching to a desperate world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must continue to: Share the Vision of Unity We must continue to share the mission, goal, vision and purpose of ICOF with everyone. Remember it is not about ICOF it is about UNITY. We will continue to expand our ministry by improving our Internet presence, expanding into Television, radio, more video, and more print. We need to work toward having this vision reach every jurisdiction on the earth. South America, the Middle East and the Far East remain areas we need to permeate and build relationships. Politics We need to affect the political process, but remember that God is not in the Nation state business. Broaden our Focus The Church is a nation of kings and priests. It is time for those of us who are priests to give the kings their rightful place in the body. While we have had success with bringing together a global body of ministers we need to include more of the body of Christ in our
vision. Not just preachers, but we need to develop and encourage the involvement of the entire body of Christ. Accountants, Attorneys, business owners, and men and women from all occupations need to be included and involved in this global vision. Let me congratulate all of you on your efforts. But let us not mark time. We have a job to do. A world that needs Jesus. Let us not concentrate on the non essentials but let us move forward with the essentials. Let us continue to voice the Magna Carta of the ICOF, TEAR DOWN THE WALLS OF DIVISION! Your my brother, you’re my sister, take me by the hand, together, in unity, we will work until He comes!