A Brief Synopsis of Pastor Maria Gardner's Millineum Vision

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The vision of the ministry of Pastor Maria Gardner-Thomas and the B. M. Oakley Memorial Temple for the year 2000 is multifaceted.

The church will sponsor a Family Conference (December 2000), a Women's Conference (March 2000), a Men's Summit (June 2000), a Youth Prom and Conference (August 2000), along with other special events.

The Maria Gardner Christian Academy was recently started in September of 1999 for the purpose of educating children from kindergarten to grade four. In addition, a Big Brother and Big Sister Club was recently started to help young men in homes without fathers and also to aid girls who come from broken homes. The goal is to instill basic principles in children in order to keep them on the right track in an inner-city environment.

The ministry has also purchased a house that will be utilized as a home for unwed mothers. There are also plans to move the Day Care Center from the basement of the sanctuary and convert the area into a multipurpose family center which will offer a positive alternative for youth to enjoy various shows and live entertainment on Friday nights. These activities, along with a vision to establish wholesome community basketball and bowling teams for young men and women, are all designed to keep young people productive and off the streets.

With a longing to reach those who are broken, Pastor Maria Gardner also desires a monthly women's healing ministry for the purpose of gathering and ministering to women in the city who are hurting.

There are so many things that have already been manifested since the inception of "The Vision". Please continue to pray for us and with us that God's will be done in our lives and at B.M. Oakley Temple, Church of God in Christ!