Resurrection Sunday

The YMCA Black Achievers pose for a group shot in front of The Clay Center in Charleston, WV with Pastor Wayne R. Crozier and the First Lady Renea Crozier from Abundant Life Ministries Church

By Crystal Johnson

Today we enjoyed service at Abundant Life Ministries in West Virginia. Wayne R. Crozier is the founder and CEO of Abundant Life Ministries. We walked in while the children’s choir was rehearsing the song they performed later on, “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus.” The children’s choir and praise choir performed very well. The word for the day was “God has not forgotten about you”. The scripture for the sermon was from the book of St. Mark, chapter 11; verses 1-4.  The pastor talked about how the word of God can manifest into reality. He explained how we apply scripture in our everyday lives to help ourselves and other people.

We were also honored to hear Bobby Jones, host of Bobby Jones Gospel on BET, and the Nashville Super Choir. They were Abundant Life Ministries’ special guests for today’s Easter service. Bobby Jones and the choir encouraged the congregation to sing along while performing, especially during the song “He Lifted Me”.

Dr. Jones was very engaged with the congregation by walking around the congregation and asking a few individuals what Easter means to him/her. Also, he gave a special acknowledgment to the Black Achievers. He addressed our group by saying education is the key to success in our country. It was the perfect statement to start our weeklong college tour.  He also spoke to everyone about how it’s best to “come as you are” which metaphorically means to come as you are spiritually. He did explain coming as you physically appear is acceptable as well; however, you should be wearing your “Sunday’s Best.” 

After service we took a group picture with Pastor Crozier and First Lady Renea Crozier. Abundant Life Ministries was very excited to have us as guests today. It was nice to feel the love from the church. We are very grateful for the snack bags they gave us for our drive to Greensboro, NC.

After we arrived in Greensboro, NC we ate dinner at Golden Coral. Everyone was excited about the chocolate fountain! Before we loaded the buses to travel to the hotel for the night, there was a rap battle between the two buses. The evening was concluded with an hour of free time. Overall it was a very good day.

Tomorrow we visit North Carolina A&T State University and Winston Salem State University.