MARANATHA CHURCH ORDAINS NEW ELDERS
by Lesonie Walker
Maranatha Church in Miami Gardens, Fla., led by Pastor Keith Harding, witnessed an influx of new believers in 2010 with 97 baptisms. This increase, as well as numerous prospective members enrolled in Bible studies, necessitated the ordination of additional elders for service:
Franklin Jones
Franklin is a businessman who has transferred the fervor and enthusiasm of salesmanship into witnessing for Christ. He and his wife, Glasmin, have a passion for youth and family life ministries. Baptized in 1994, Franklin has served the church as head deacon, men’s ministries leader, and prison ministries coordinator.
Cynthia Binns
Cynthia is a senior Bible instructor credited with helping scores of people accept the message. Her husband, Ainsley, shares her passion for witnessing. Baptized in 1996, she has served as an usher, deaconess, and personal ministries leader.
Anthony Lewis
Anthony is a public service aide with the City of Miami Police Department, a credentialed literature evangelist, and veteran Pathfinder. He knows how to hold a listener’s interest while he imparts the word of God, and he considers his wife, Vilma, as his co-laborer. Anthony has served as Sabbath School teacher, Pathfinder leader, and deacon.
In a solemn act of dedication at the ordination ceremony, candidates and their spouses were called to the altar as ordained elders joined them for a dedicatory prayer offered by Pastor Harding. He also challenged the newly ordained elders to live exemplary lives and to use their talents in service which are pleasing to God.