This Sunday, November 16, 2014, is Church of God International Native American (American Indian) Sunday. The Church of God has been with blessed with the ministry of many indigenous people groups through Multi-Cultural Ministries who have added significant contributions to the heritage of our church.
The Native American, also known as American Indians, have shared their unique ethnic ministry throughout the United States creating a legacy for generations to come. There are several different groups of American Indians within the church including a specialized ministry for the South West Indian Ministry, better known as S.W.I. M. Southwest Indian Ministries is the Church of God regional office that services Church of God congregations in the heart of Navajo country. It is headquartered at beautiful Manuelito, New Mexico.
Eastern North Carolina is the home of over 40,000 American Indians. There Church of God congregations include Coharie, Haliwa, and Lumbee American Indians. Among these the Saddletree Church was first organized on January 18, 1949, with 18 members under the District Overseer, Reverend Floyd A. Boger. Saddletree has emerged into one of the leading churches in Eastern North Carolina averaging over 460 in morning worship under the leadership of Bishop Millard Maynard. Later, under the leadership of Brother Maynard, a campground was purchased and a tabernacle was built in 1962. Today that tabernacle has been fully renovated and named in honor of the late Bishop Millard Maynard, who served as district overseer until his death in on September 5, 2012.
Bishop Maynard dedicated his life to the Lord at an early age, held many important positions in the Church of God, and was faithful to his death. He served as an evangelist, missionary, a member of the Eastern North Carolina State Council, on the International Cross Cultural Board, and as the Pembroke District Overseer. He was also appointed by Governor James B. Hunt to the North Carolina Board of Prisons. This amazing Christian man was loved by all, and throughout his ministry organized many churches. He was responsible for the creation of the Pembroke Church of God Conference Center, which is now named in his honor as he pastored the Saddletree Church of God for 25 years. During his tenure, he mentored men and women to be leaders and make life-long commitments to God and the Church of God. After his failing health, Bishop Kenneth Locklear was named pastor of the Saddletree Church of God, and Bishop Lesaundri Hunt assumed the responsibility as Pembroke District Overseer along with serving as a member of National Council of American Indians.
Bishop Maynard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ernestine Smith Maynard, a son Robert (Rita), and daughters Carol and Sandy (Bill).
(Source: Church of God Multicultural Ministries)