Upper Room Ministries of Greater Gainesville celebrates pastors' 23rd anniversary
A ministry that began in the living room of a pastor’s home has grown into a sanctuary for believers to praise and worship Jesus Christ.
It was with that same spirit parishioners attended a service to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Superintendent Karl Anderson and Shepherdess Pearlie Shelton as pastors and co-founders of Upper Room Ministries of Greater Gainesville Church of God in Christ.
"Purpose Made Possible" was the theme of the service held Sunday at the church at 3575 NE 15th St.
Ushers of the church led Shelton and her husband, First Gent McArthur Shelton I, along with Anderson and his wife, Lady Brecka Anderson, to the pulpit to start the service.
“Twenty-three years ago in my house, the ministry started in my living room,” Shelton said. “Some of the people I have started with are no longer here, but their presence are still in this ministry. Their spirits still live on.”
The ministry began with 25 people and she has continued to embrace the ups and downs of serving the community as a pastor, said Shelton, whose family is known and respected for being a part of ministry in North Central Florida for decades.
“I’m excited to see where God will take us,” she said. “I have enjoyed the triumphs and defeats. With every pitfall, there is an opportunity to grow and move forward.”
Anderson said he appreciates the support from the community that celebrates his and Shelton's anniversary as leaders of the church.
“I am humbled and honored to lead prestigious people who continue to see the vision and operate in our purpose-driven ministry,” he said.
The guest speaker was Prophetess Natasha Latrese of The Purpose Pavilion, home of Natasha Latrese Ministries in Orlando..
Through an airplane analogy, Latrese’s sermon encouraged parishioners to allow the wind of God to propel them to take off in life.
“Before you move into purpose, it will attract your assignment and assassins,” Latrese said. “The devil knows when you fulfill your assignment, you will tear his kingdom down.”
Before you take flight, you must endure the pressures of life to mold you into a strong believer and warrior, she said.
“You have to be able to endure the attack on your life,” she said. “How would we know if you are for God if you don’t go through the process? You have to shift your thinking when you are waiting for take off.”
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Once you have endured your trials and tribulations and kept your faith, you will be rewarded, Latrese said.
“When you’re being cleared for take off, he will answer you and exceed it,” Latrese said. “You have to go through things on the ground to be cleared for take off. Most quit because we don’t like to endure seasons of uncomfortability. You can’t receive a God result when you’re not in a God posture.”
She ended her sermon with an altar call and encouraged parishioners to keep the faith and endure the process.
“Not only are you cleared for take off, you will fly above the storm,” Latrese said.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Church celebrates anniversary of pastors at Upper Room Ministries
