Powerhouse Women in Ministry Gather in Los Angeles

Participants felt an outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Women in Ministry Conference organized by the Los Angeles branch of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC). The meeting was held on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at the True Vine Baptist Church in Inglewood, California.

Rev. Cassandra Buchanan

True Vine Deaconess Tina Wall brought the audience to their feet with songs of praise, followed by an opening prayer from Deaconess Debra Banks, president of the True Vine Deaconess Board. Immediately the room took on the vision of the conference’s theme: “Women United in Heart for the Family.”

A letter of congratulations from Rev. George A. Stallings, ACLC national co-chair, was read, before mistress of ceremonies Rev. Cassandra Buchanan introduced the day’s activities and speakers. Dr. Eva Benson from First Summit Evangelical Church began by thoughtfully and enthusiastically speaking on “God’s Original Ideal” for Adam and Eve and the human family. First Lady-Elect Michelene Millsap from Sadoc Christian Peace Family Church also powerfully delivered a presentation on “What Went Wrong.” Both sessions were followed by heartfelt discussion as conference participants broke into small groups.

Dr. Millsap and First Lady Elect Michelene Millsap

In the afternoon, Magdalene Millsap entranced the crowd with a soulful rendition of “Amazing Grace.” The song set the tone for the rest of the presentations. In the keynote address, Bishop Sulanch Grant Lewis encouraged the audience to “rise up as women of God, taking up the divine role to usher in God’s Kingdom on this Earth in the spirit of Mary Magdalene when she beckoned the apostles to meet the risen Lord.” Another song performed by Magdalene after the address had the entire room on its feet in praise and worship.

ACLC National Co-President Bishop Sulanch Grant Lewis

Music played a big part in the conference as a form of entertainment and worship. Participants were inspired later by Naoko Hiraki, as she sang in both Japanese and English, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

One of the highlights of the day was the appointment of seven women as Ambassadors for Peace. Mr. Nasser Zomorod, secretary general of the Los Angeles branch of Universal Peace Federation, bestowed the appointments on these women who have served the local community in many different capacities.

From left: Dr. Marcia Coppertino, Evangelist Billie Moore, Rev. Benedicta Ogbonnaya, Mr. Nasser Zomorod, Minister Susan Munsell, Mrs. Laura Johnson Lee(seated), Mrs. Magda Ozono, Deaconess Lula Sterling, Evangelist Carrie Henry-Sanders

Following the appointments, Ambassadors for Peace Mr. and Mrs. Utar introduced their daughter Leah. She was born prematurely and, despite being blind and having Autism, she amazed the entire gathering as she sang, “You Raise Me Up.” Truly one of the most memorable and touching moments of the conference, it epitomized the strength and power of women to inspire peace.

Ms. Leah Utar singing “You Raise Me Up”

Everyone left grateful and inspired. Participant Dr. Eva Benson said, “It was a beautiful day—such a blessing to be in the presence of such powerhouse women who are utilizing all of their resources for the building of God’s Kingdom here on earth.”

Dr. Nicholas Benson, ACLC Co-Chair and Dr. Eva Benson