Congratulations for holding onto your Faith during this past year of challenge and change!! As we began the eighteenth year of my pastorate, celebrate with me as I shout from the mountain “what an awesome God we serve.” We have been able to witness the birth of a vision and testify to the reality and power of the invisible God in our visible world. Jehovah Jireh has truly been our provider. Through every valley low and mountain high, He has been a very present help in the time of need; guiding, directing and controlling every step. When I reflect over the past fourteen years, I am reminded of the words of our Lord as recorded in the Great Commission – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

This commandment has become the bedrock of my “Pastoral Commission”. It is the guiding principle behind my Pastorate here at Mount Olive. Throughout these past fourteen years and in future years to come, I endeavor to ensure my motives and actions align with Him who created all things for His benefit. The challenge before all of us is to serve Him with a pure heart and a clear conscience. The ability to lead by example is only possible because God does not necessarily call the Qualified but He does Qualify those that are Called.

In the years that lie ahead of us, we must acknowledge that the clarion call is before the church and those that call on His name. Today is the acceptable year of the Lord and
we – THE CHURCH – must become that light that leads the world out of the sea of darkness. Together with you, Rev. J.T. and me, we can commit to stand on sound doctrine as we preach, teach, lead and feed. If you will swallow and follow, we will be able to shine as a beacon light upon a hill. May God bless and shower down His blessings individually and collectively.

In His Love we remain,

Pastor Melvin Ware
Co-Pastor/First Lady J.T. Ware