The Encomium

Greetings to the Saints of the Northeast and Southwest Ohio Districts
100th Centennial Celebration
With sincere humility I applaud you during this Centennial Celebration of the Fire Baptized Holiness
Church in ?The Ohio?s?. My prayer is that this Observance will ignite Revival and Renewal of the ?Vision?
of God?s purpose for the work begun 100 years ago.
A century of ministry produces notable milestones, and personalities that can never be denied. From this
labor, nurture, development, and training of influential status has been formed for the Fire Baptized
Holiness Church of God of the Americas, Inc., as well the Kingdom of Christ at large.
While my direct span of exposure or tenure with you has been relatively short, out of this century-long
existence, there is the recognition of powerful and dynamic character development, impacting ministry
throughout the Body of Christ. Consequentially, the moving and sending of Church leaders into and from
this area, serves as a testimony of the unquestionable service of the dedication exhibited by the
constituents of ?The Ohio?s?. God?s choice to use those called into His body to accomplish the task of the
ministry of reconciliation, as well the furtherance of evangelistic service, is categorically indisputable.
While we take this time, in reflective review, to salute those our predecessors from the noted
Centennial, let us not become captivated by the images in our review mirror. The glances of yesteryear,
should never be a place of camping, but should mark the course of direction for our future exploits.
History serves to reveal past accomplishments in order to compel us towards our ultimate potential
imparted into us by those before us. Remember, not solely for reflection, but for inspiration for the
ultimate.
The acknowledgement of these pioneers and patriarchs should serve as patterns for our directive
purpose. We must not seek to achieve the level of effectiveness of our ancestors, but to exceed their
expectations of our recognized possibilities. Yes, Great men and women have been sprinkled throughout
the course of this century of ministry, demonstrating the dynamic force of influence God purposed for
this Grand Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas, Inc., in ?The Ohio?s? as well throughout
the Body of Christ.
The question we must ask in this moment of reflective mode is, who are the sprinkled leaders for the
future development of our destined impact of ministry? Who will be developed by our presence? Are we
examples of motivating character? Do we influence holiness as a life style, which will cause conviction
towards Christ? Are we appealing to this generation by our presentation of a Christ centered life?
Therefore, let us take this time to re-evaluate what, who, and where we are in the plan of God for our
lives and for our place in this Grand Fire Baptized Holiness Church, and the Kingdom, His Body. I believe
God has greatness in our future. May we move towards this divine assignment with the most sincere
motivation and spiritual fervor. I pray that this Centennial Celebration moves us towards our potential,
and not towards our past.
Bishop Alonzo L. Rodgers
Presiding Prelate of the 3rd Episcopal Diocese