Way of the Cross Church - International Youth for Christ

Conference Information

Speakers

Guest Speaker - Wednesday, August 1, 2012, 8:00 p.m.

Dr. Marvin Sapp
Pastor, Lighthouse Life Center Church, Grand Rapids, MI.

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Guest Speaker - Thursday, August 2, 2012, 8:00 p.m.

Elder Jason Nelson
Pastor, Greater Bethlehem Temple - Baltimore, MD

Pastor Jason Nelson, son of Bishop James D. Nelson, Sr. and Mother Bessie Nelson, grew up in Baltimore, MD with his three siblings: Janice, James, Jr., and his twin brother, Jonathan. As the son of a devoted Pastor, he cultivated his instrumental and vocal musical talents playing the bass and singing in the house of the Lord. He graduated from Baltimore School for the Arts and continued studying music at Morgan State University under the tutelage of the late Dr. Nathan Carter. In May 2005, he released his first praise and worship CD entitled “I Shall Live”.

Traveling all over the United States performing as a gospel recording artist, Pastor Jason Nelson recognizes that the purpose of his anointed music ministry is to complement his assignment as Pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple. Called to preach the gospel at the age of 17, his vision is to establish a church that is relevant to the 21st century with an emphasis on building and empowering kingdom citizens. An anointed man of God with prophetic authority, Pastor Jason Nelson declares boldly that “Victory is our only option”. His musical gifts and talents have ignited his passion for restoring worship to its rightful place in the body of Christ. From leading the congregation in praise and worship to empowering members with practical principles for an abundant life, Pastor Jason Nelson ministers with love and compassion. He teaches the Word of God with remarkable simplicity, conviction, and power. He challenges believers to transform their lives and move from just going to church to establishing the kingdom of God on earth.

First Lady Tonya Nelson complements her husband in the ministry. Her zealous efforts to minister to adolescents include co-facilitating workshops for “at risk” youth and coordinating events highlighting the talents of local youth. In July of 2005, Tonya co-founded Young Women of Destiny, a mentoring program for young ladies created to build self-esteem, develop character, and promote the social, emotional, and spiritual development of young women. Pastor Jason Nelson and his wife Tonya reside in Westminster, MD with their children, Jaelyn and Jason.

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Guest Speaker - Thursday, August 2, 6:00 p.m. -

National Academic Recognition Service

"The Church Attorney" Erika E. Cole, Esq.

Law office of Erika E. Cole, LLC -
Owings Mill, MD

ERIKA E. COLE, ESQ.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., the “Church Attorney”, has successfully defended several churches in well-noted court cases, protecting both their property and integrity, with her victories being reported locally and nationally. She is known to represent small and medium-sized churches with the same diligence she provides to her mega-church clients.

Mrs. Cole is a member of the Maryland State Association, the D.C. Bar Association and the Baltimore County Bar Association. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications from James Madison University and her Juris Doctorate from the University Of Baltimore School Of Law. Mrs. Cole served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law teaching “Legal Analysis and Writing” and at Loyola College of Maryland in the MBA program.

She is frequent lecturer and invited guest for both businesses and churches.
Mrs. Cole is a former Clerk to Chief Judge Robert M. Bell and the founding member of The Law Offices of Erika E. Cole, LLC, a full-service law firm representing church and tax-exempt clients. As the founder of The Church Compliance Conference, an annual event for pastors, trustees, church officers, and administrators, she is the go-to person for church and ministry matters. Mrs. Cole was admitted to Strathmore’s Who’s Who in 2008, and shares her expertise each month on WEAA-FM in the segment A Moment with the Church Attorney.

In August 2011, Mrs. Cole was appointed by the ECFA to the Panel of Legal Experts for the Commission on Accountability for Religious Organizations.

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Speaker - Thursday, August 2, 2012, 9:00 p.m., Morning Glory - Part II

Elder Clifton Harris
Greater New Hope Saint Paul WOTCC - Orangeburg, SC

Minister Clifton Dwayne Harris was born on June 14, 1980 to Mae Dell Gipson and Alphonzo Terry Harris in Manhattan, NY. At the age of four, Min. Harris was brought to Summerton, SC to be raised by his grandmother, Eartha Mae Gipson. He attended and graduated from Clarendon School District 1 in Summerton, SC.

At the age of twelve, Min. Harris received the gift of the Holy Ghost at Prayer House Mission Pentecostal Holiness Church in Summerton, SC, under the leadership of Mother Queen E. Bennett. After more understanding of the word, he later left and joined Gethsemane Apostolic Church in Lynchburg, SC. He served as a faithful member, driving over an hour to attend each service for four years. One of the ministers launched out to start his own work in Santee, SC, which was closer to Min. Harris' home. In 2002, he started attending the church in Santee, The Assembly of Kingdom Glory. After a split within the church, Min. Harris found his way to Miracle WOTCC in Cameron, SC. He and his family later joined and was soon put to work. Min. Harris served as the amour bearer to the late Bishop Harold K. Clarkson.

In 2007, Min. Harris accepted the call into the ministry and preached his first sermon in October 2007. Even after his called to the ministry , he still stood faithfully by Bishop Clarkson's side until his passing. While at Miracle, Min. Harris also served as 2nd vice to the youth department, Youth president, and a member of the brotherhood department. In 2010 Min Harris left Miracle WOTCC and was advised to assist District Elder Paul J. Jenkins at Greater New Hope St. Paul WOTCC in Orangeburg, SC. He presently serves as the Adviser of the local Youth For Christ and President of the Western District Youth for Christ of the state of South Carolina. He later moved his family from Manning, SC to Orangeburg, SC

In December 2003, Min. Harris meet Sis. Joyce L. Goodman of Lynchburg, SC and married six months later. Together they have four children; Schaffie (12), Zacchaeus (7), Caylah(6) and Jordan (4).

Min. Harris believes in preaching and teaching the word of God as it is; nothing added or taken away. He stands firm on the apostolic doctrine and the plan of salvation as the word instructs. He also believes in giving God what's due to Him; PRAISES.

NYFC Basketball Tourney 2012