Ohio African American Fellowship Celebrates 15th Annual Gathering

By Pastor Bobbie Garrett, Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, Sandusky

In mid-September, the Ohio African American Fellowship (OAAF) of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (SCBO) celebrated its 15th annual gathering in Cleveland with three spirit-filled days of enlightenment. Seventy-five pastors and wives registered for this year’s event at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Cleveland. 

Guests included Florida Baptist Convention Catalysts, Dr. Jeffery Singletary, Erik Cummings, and Patrick Coats; and Zelvis Applin, pastor/planter, South Hills Church, Wimauma, Florida; Charles Grant, vice president for African American relations from the SBC Executive Committee; and David Mahan, policy director, Center for Christian Virtue. 

Attendees from across Ohio worshiped, heard inspiring and challenging messages, and conducted OAAF business. In addition, Dr. Jeremy Westbook, SCBO executive director-treasurer, presented SCBO Pastor’s Scholarships to four African American pastors: Pastor Karlie Hale, One Love Community Church, Cleveland; Bruce McLaurin, First Baptist Church, South Euclid; Michael Carter, The Well Church of Toledo; and Bobbie Garrett, Jr., Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, Sandusky. 

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve and be among these faithful brethren.

The OAAF elected Rodney Jackson, The Movement Church, Toledo, as the seventh president of the Fellowship.  The OAAF pastor’s wives assembled and encouraged each other. They discussed how to create healthy environments, protect their pastor/husbands, and strengthen women to stand against cultural pressures.

“God is at work in Ohio! It was a great honor to participate in this year’s Ohio African American Fellowship of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio (OAAF) gathering,” said Patrick Coats, Florida Baptist Convention black multicultural catalyst. “There was a sweet fellowship and unity among pastors and wives. In settings like this I am always excited to hear the amazing Kingdom stories. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve and be among these faithful brethren.”