Former General Overseer Honored
In confessing to the plot to lure Dr. White to attend the church’s 16th Annual Convention, which culminated in the Black-Tie Affair Event, Dr. Clive A. Porter, Sr., Pastor of The Greater Fort Lauderdale New Testament Church of God, spoke from his heart about the man of God whom he had long admired.
“I thank God I am a part of this wonderful church body. Sir, we did not invite you here for you to preach, but to honor you. We want you to know we love and admire you. We invited you here to honor you because you deserve to be saluted for your Christian conduct in the face of adversity,” Dr. Porter said.
Looking back to 1994, Dr. Porter continued, “I had not long arrived in the USA when you were appointed the General Overseer. A new day had dawned on this ministry. No wonder Dr. McGuire refers to you as a spiritual mentor. You once said, ‘If I am guilty of anything, it is that I am pro-people,’ Dr. White. You have inspired me. We love you and Kathy deeply. Sis. Kathy you have done well standing by your husband and today we are offering you honorary certificates of membership in our church, The Greater Fort Lauderdale New Testament Church of God Church (GFL). Sir, you’re a good man and you may have left office without honor, Dr. Porter continue, but we will not let you retire or die without the honor you deserve.”
He then presented the teary-eyed Dr. White and his wife with gifts including a plaque naming them honorary members of the local church, a lengthy proclamation, a love offering and a bear hug,
“Welcome to our family,” said Dr. Porter. “A lesser man than you would’ve left our organization; but not you. What a Christian character you are. Sir, thank you for living in my life time, you have taught me not only how to exhibit good Christian conduct but also how to be a minister defending the ministry with honor.”
Meanwhile, Dr G. Dennis McGuire, the current General Overseer, not only helped to orchestrate the plan to get Dr. White to Florida, but he was obviously thrilled to be a part of the night’s celebration. “I rise for this moment. I could not miss this meeting,” he beamed.
In talking about his friend, Dr. White, he took the time to entertain the audience with interesting details of Dr. White’s life. He noted that Dr. White weighed 15 pounds at birth and gave anecdote after anecdote that proved how well they know each other.
“He began his ministry as a singer but got a call from God. He then started out on a journey that has blessed thousands of people. It does not always come easy, but I have watched and I am impressed with him and his wife, Kathy. I know him as a revivalist who has always had an open door; not afraid of obstacles. He is a friend and like Issachar he is honest, inspirational and talented. He is energetic – always ready to preach.” the General Overseer told the audience.
Dr. Robert White had a prepared sermon. He was indeed ready to preach. So the announcement that he was to be honored took him by complete surprise. He was overcome by emotion and had difficulty putting into words his appreciation for the outpouring of love by Dr. Porter, his graceful wife, loving congregation and the pleased current General Overseer, Dr. G. Dennis McGuire.
“There has never been a plaque that I will treasure like this one today. I can handle adversity, but I can’t handle kindness. There is no way I can express how much today means. It is great listening to people who love you say kind things about you. This is exactly what the Church of God is about,” Dr. White said.
Underscoring that he has not harbored any bitterness towards the Church, Dr. White spoke openly of his feelings for the Church.
“The church of God has not done anything bad to me. If an American mistreats you, it does not mean America hates you. I am about unity, not division,” he said.
This was met with thunderous applause from the audience who sat with rapt attention.
The hotel room where the function was held was adorned with ladies in their finest gowns and gentlemen in their tailored suits. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as speaker after speaker paid tribute to Dr. White. There was standing ovation from those who gathered. A river of tears flowed unabated from the honoree and pride was evident on Dr. Porter’s face for having an idea well thought out and a function well received.
Continuing in the spirit of love, representatives from Dr. Porter’s congregation seized the opportunity to recognize the fact that he himself is celebrating his 30th year of preaching the word of God. They unveiled a huge poster with a dashing photo of their pastor, highlighting some of the successful programs which he has founded such as “The Retired Ministers and Widows Fund,” for the Church of God retired pastors and widows in Jamaica, his native land; and founder and president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Bible Institute. ¬ First Lady Sharon Porter, President of the Women’s Ministry, got in the spirit of giving too. She made a presentation of a fetching red hat which was graciously received by Lady McGuire.
The event was ably moderated by Dr. Karlene Fray, Dean of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Bible Institute. Guest singer, Shirley Willis, formerly of the well-known gospel group, Grace Thrillers and the local Praise Team provided entertainment. Other attendees included local politician, Commissioner Dale Holness of Lauderhill, Florida; Joshua Miron, church legal counselor; radio personality, Samuel “Mitch” Mitchell; Bishop William “Bill” Lee and Dr. Barrington Brown, Principal of Bethel Bible College, Jamaica.
