Women In Ministry Culminates Four-City Seminar Tour

Seventy men and women clergy and other attendees from nine states gathered in Oklahoma City for the ACLC (American Clergy Leadership Conference) “Women United in Heart for the Family” conference held at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, an all-day event held on September 5, 2015.  Some came from as far as Chicago and New York.

Even in a formal conference room setting it’s easy to feel the warm Oklahoma welcomes and kind hospitality. In fact, prior to the event, Rev. Marilyn Kotulek, ACLC Co-Chair-Oklahoma and Co-Chair of Women In Ministry, right at the conference entrance prayed together with a small group of clergy.  She uplifted her fellow clergy members and welcomed God in her prayers.  Even throughout the day small groups gathered in prayer, approaching God with tears and sincerity.

This was the fourth in the Women In Ministry’s four-city program. Rev. Marilyn Kotulek was the emcee, and the morning started with praise and worship. Evangelist Greta Myers, Mrs. Carrie Tonkumoh and Min. Fannie Mae Smith from Chicago prepared the atmosphere with praise songs, followed by a moving opening prayer by Bishop Sulanch Lewis, ACLC National Co-President.

Rev. George Akeen, ACLC-Oklahoma Co-Chair and a Chief of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribe, humbly shared welcoming remarks. Mrs. Cleopatra Barrett from Life Center COGIC of Chicago conducted the statement of purpose, the reading of ACLC and ACLC Women In Ministry’s mission and goal.

The video “Stand for the Family, Save the Nation” was shown and the guests intently felt the spirit of the early days of ACLC activities, as well as the urgency to show an example themselves as faithful families within their communities. 

The guests were informed that Rev. George Stallings, Jr., the original keynote speaker, unfortunately could not attend because his flight was canceled. Instead, two Native American pastors were invited to give remarks. Rev. Paul Beartrack offered personal testimonies and anecdotes, confidently stating, “The Gospel is forgiveness.” When sharing about his recent cancer diagnosis he inspiringly shared, “We don’t have problems, we have challenges,” and invited his fellow clergy to look beyond their hardships. Rev. Marilyn Kotulek then led a prayer with Rev. Buddy Ray for Rev. Beartrack that his cancer may be removed and he may continue to do his work for God. Everyone joined in this precious powerful moment and reached out their hands in offering their sincere prayers for his health.

Then Rev. Postoak, pastor of Central Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, gave a short speech with a beautiful testimony of how he and his wife were reunited after their separation by God’s blessing.

Rev. Michael Jenkins, chairman emeritus of ACLC, showed a PowerPoint presentation about Women In Ministry’s activities from 2004-2014, including major programs focused on reconciliation between Native Americans and descendants of colonial settlers.

A brief ceremony for the Appointment of Ambassadors of Peace was officiated by Rev. Bruce Biggins, Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Director from Arkansas. The awardees received a certificate of Generation Peace Ambassador. Ten pastors and native leaders received certificates.

Rev. Jun Orikasa and his wife, Family Federation State Leaders of Oklahoma, gave greetings, and then Rev. George Akeen honored them for their love and sacrifice for Oklahoma with gifts of a beautiful Native American shawl and blanket.

Two presentations were given of the ACLC True Family Values Ministry. Bishop Dr. Patra Kidwell, overseer of God’s Ministry International Churches, presented “God’s Original Ideal,” while Bishop Georgia Scott, from the Evangelical Outreach Ministry Network, presented “What Went Wrong.” Both women engaged the audience throughout their presentations.

After each presentation guests at each table discussed one question from a list of five suggested questions.  As usual, the give and take was lively and new guests wanted to give reports afterward. Participants appreciated the sincerity of each one’s remarks.

Right after the reports, Rev. Tanya Edwards read powerfully from True Mother’s speech about the true love of God.

Rev. Marilyn Kotulek had felt a strong inspiration to prepare a Proclamation of the Family, which was signed by all participants.  Then Rev. Jenkins conducted a holy wine ceremony for the Blessing of Marriage and Family.

The conference closed with recognition of the ACLC Women In Ministry Co-Chairs, Min. Reiko Jenkins, Bishop Sulanch Lewis and Rev. Marilyn Kotulek, along with remarks from Rev. Tom Cutts, National Executive Director and Rev. John Ngoran, ACLC-Oklahoma Executive Director.   To conclude everyone celebrated with a bright pink cake and joined hands in a circle for prayer.

Immediately everyone began preparations to depart for the Cheyenne-Arapaho National Powwow hosted by Rev. George Akeen. Oklahoma is home to 39 Native American tribes and they proudly display their heritage at the powwows, dynamic events with drumming, honor dancing and competitions, songs and give-aways.

The ACLC Women In Ministry gathered many powerhouse women clergy from the Midwest. Each guest left with renewed determination and spirit for rebuilding families in America.