“We board the schooner Fearless for Nassau,” penned Carl M. Padgett in his journal entry dated December 31, 1909. The 27-year-old Padgett was embarking with Robert M. and Ida Evans on their missionary voyage to the Bahamas.
“This morning I felt a special burden for souls in Central America, and I am not sure yet, but Father may have called me to that field as I was at prayer out in the woods. As the call seemed to come I said, ‘Yes Father,’ and entered into groanings that could not be uttered…. The country and people are unknown to me, but I’ll go if God sends me.” [A.J. Tomlinson (December 17, 1905)]
When they refused to let us preach we invited the congregation to come out in the big road in front of the tabernacle where we preached with much liberty. We came out singing “While the Years Roll On.” The power fell, the saints began to shout, dance and talk in tongues. –Evangelist Sallie O. Lee
Although some of the specific details are lost to history, it is not hard to imagine the swirl of conflict in the heart of Wilmore V. Eneas when he arrived home the day his wife was healed.
From our earliest international efforts to today’s vibrant office of Black Ministries, men and women of African descent have been integral to Church of God ministries for more than a century. Some examples reveal the long-term importance of our black leaders.
In the crucible of battle, James Gooden made a life-long commitment.
