Black History Breaking Chains in Gainesville
- Loretha Cleveland
- Feb 17, 2022
- 3 min read
The annual Black History program at Redeeming Faith & Anointing Church (Redeeming Faith) was an immense success on Sunday, February 13, 2022.
The festive crowd, dressed in traditional African attire, celebrated its 20th year embracing educational opportunities, while advancing the healing of souls by breaking the chains of racism and stereotypes that infest our growing culture.
Redeeming Faith is a modest church in Gainesville, at 5619 SW 63rd Blvd., less than a quarter mile off Archer Road. However, through its integrated youth programs, tremendous academic achievements spawn across the globe, with graduates living in all parts of the world.
In 1999, the first achiever, Christopher Polke, was awarded the Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship, hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida, Incorporated. This accomplishment inspired Senior Pastor, Rev. Babajide (BJ) Osoba, and the church leaders, to incorporate Black History as a part of the community outreach fellowship. Since then, more than 12 scholars and achievers have graduated from various prestigious colleges and university programs, advancing to distinguished careers and services.
Assistant Pastor, Teresa Osoba, explained, “The Redeeming Faith program acts as a catalyst to educate youth through their actual involvement. Historically, it provides an avenue for the youth to research the contributions of Black descendants, inventors, scientists, doctors, lawyers, etc., then share their research knowledge through actual depictions, completed with costume and prompts to honor our rich history.”
She said, 20 years later, most Redeeming Faith youth have grown up and moved on with their individual adult lives making positive contributions in communities worldwide.
On Sunday, the glass double doors opened to electrifying rhythms of gospel music and vigorous clapping, welcoming esteemed guests, and members. The Praise Team took center stage leading the congregation in praise and
worship, followed by several confessions of encouraging scriptures. Ushers meticulously distributed Black History literature, as the inspirational songs “Way Maker” and “Break Every Chain” embraced those attending.
During the program, guest speaker, Kenneth Watts, shared a powerful message about the many challenges of life. His motivational and uplifting words inspired the congregation to always continue holding on …“through the process as God, the Potter, molds us, the clay, to be the person He would have us to be. We must continue to stand in faith while going through the process of being molded in the image of God,” Watts said.
The program ended with Amos Watts, Jr., cousin of the guest speaker, inoculating the congregation with a spiritual a cappella hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”.
What’s next for this thriving humble church?
“I’m excited to announce that Redeeming Faith & Anointing Church will be celebrating 25 years of faithfulness on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.; everyone is invited to attend,” said the Assistant Pastor, before dismissing service.
She talked about the past year’s being extremely community focused, with a significant local impact, hosting such ministry outreach events as Operation HOPE (Helping Other People Eat), back to school backpack giveaways, summer community fun day, Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas gifts and the Clarence E. Polke $300 Scholarship to a deserving graduating high school senior attending Redeeming Faith.
Rev. BJ is in Nigeria, Western Africa, completing a six-week mission trip, and was, therefore, not in attendance Sunday.
You can Like Redeeming Faith on Facebook; call them at (352) 367-9933 or get more information about Redeeming Faith & Anointing Church at www.redeemingfaith.net.
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