SPRING 2008 VOL. V N0. 2
EVERINCREASINGFAITH
THE POWER OF FAITH TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE!
MAGAZINE
invitation to salvation
a message from dr. price
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful
also in much….
—Luke 16:10
More than thirty years ago, I was impressed to go on the radio to teach the
Word of God. It never occurred to me that my 15-minute program would blossom
into our current worldwide broadcast that reaches millions daily via radio, television, internet, and podcasting. I know that this milestone would not have been possible without the generous financial support and prayers of you, the viewers and listeners of Ever Increasing Faith
Ministries (EIFM). You have been a
great blessing to this ministry and to the
Body of the Lord Jesus Christ in general.
I am happy to report that
EIFM is growing stronger than ever
because our focus has remained steadfast
on teaching the uncompromising Word
of God and feeding the sheep. When I
heard the Lord speak to me some 38years ago about the vision He had for this
ministry, I purposed in my heart to do it
His way and not allow the trends of life to
move me off course. I am convinced that
today’s successes are a direct result to
doing His Word and being faithful to the
little thirty-plus years ago.
I thank each and every one of
you who have contributed your hard
earned money to this ministry. I am truly
humbled by the trust you have demonstrated toward us. Thank you again and
again—on to the next 30-plus years!
At the 2007 Fellowship of Inner City Word of Faith Ministries (FICWFM)
Convention, the members unanimously agreed to proclaim 2008 as the “Year of the
Apostle,” and to officially recognize me as their Apostle. This office title will be officially conferred at this year’s FICWFM convention here at the FaithDome in July.
I invite you all to come and witness what the Lord has done. The celebration will
also include a presentation regarding the upcoming Apostle of Faith Library that
will break ground sometime in the near future.
Life is full of wonderful surprises when you are living the Word of God. There is no end to the goodness of
God and His great blessings. I pray that you too are
experiencing the good life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
“ …today’s
successes are a
direct result to
doing His
Word and
being faithful
to the little…”
For we walk by faith, not
by sight. —2 Corinthians 5:7
If you
are not a
Christian
and
would
like to
become one,
pray the
following
prayer:
Dear GOD in Heaven,
Thank you for sending Your
Son JESUS CHRIST to destroy
the power of Satan over my life. I
accept Jesus now as my personal
SAVIOR and LORD, and I
choose to turn away from the sins
of my past to a renewed Life in
Jesus.
You said that if I would confess
with my mouth the LORD
JESUS and believe in my heart
that You raised Him from the
dead, that I would be saved. I
believe JESUS died for my sins
and that You raised Him from the
dead for my benefit.
HEAVENLY FATHER, I
thank you for the gift of salvation
and for accepting me now as Your
child.
In JESUS’ name, Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer,
please let us know by writing
to us at:
Crenshaw Christian Center
P.O.Box 90000
Los Angeles, CA 90009
Attn: Administration Office
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
3
CONTENTS
SPRING 2008
Ever Increasing Faith Magazine
Spring 2008
Vol. V, No. 2
Publications Coordinator
Michelle McIntosh
Copy Editor
Daniella Masterson
Columnists
Pastor Frederick K. Price Jr.
Dr. LaVerne Tolbert
Contributing Writers
A. Michael Evans
Patricia Hays
Danielle Masterson
Kerri Webb
Wanda Wilkins
6
10
12
Art Design
Lorena Iñiguez
EIF Graphics Designer
Ardena Brooks
Photographers
Harry Langdon
James Byndon
Proofer
Charles Rideaux
Make Up
Adrian M. Evans
Editorial Offices
7901 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
(323) 758-3777
E-mail:
eifmagazine@faithdome.org
Website:
www.faithdome.org
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6
To order from or
to subscribe to this magazine:
Call 1-800-927-3436
Ever Increasing Faith Magazine is published
by Crenshaw Christian Center, a recognized
nonprofit corporation. 2008 Crenshaw
Christian Center. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Ever Increasing
Faith and the logo on the back page are registered trademarks of Crenshaw Christian
Center, Inc. in the United States and other
countries where Ever Increasing Faith
Magazine circulates. Ever Increasing Faith
Magazine has no subscription or newsstand
price and is supported through contributions.
All gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible.
Printed in the United States of America.
4
18
FEATURE ARTICLE
20
10
For 30-Years EIFM Has Been
Broadcasting Around the
World Reaching …
Utilizing New Means of
Communication!
Angela Evan‘s Measure of
Success: Less is More
Two Years After Losing 69
Pounds, Angela Is Still Fit
and Fabulous!l
By A. Michael Evans &
Patricia Hays
By Daniella Masterson
DEPARTMENTS
A Message from Dr. Price
On the Calendar
Contributors
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
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14
16
18
From The Headlines
Pastor’s Corner
The Bizness
YOU ARE HELPING TO
MAKE IT HAPPEN
Crenshaw Christian Center
Thriving In Namibia
Testimonies of Faith and Life
More Abundantly!
By Missionary Wanda Wilkins
Namibia is a country of
diverse cultures and ethnic
groups located in Southwest
Africa. It is a country rich in
natural resources.
Unfortunately, too many of
its people suffer from corruption, poverty and AIDS.
It is a country in great need
of the message of faith.
Angela had a “live to eat”
diet. After two children and
years of out-of-control eating, Angela had ballooned
up to her heaviest weight,
221 pounds.
Angela
shares how God’s Word
helped her get rid of “Fat
Angie.”
For 30-years EIFM is broadcast around the world reaching an audience of more
than 15 million households
each week. Today EIFM
ministers via the radio, TV,
internet, podcasting and
looking forward to utilizing
new means of communication.
3
5
HEALTH & HEALING
20
23
Parenting Matters
On the Air
on the itinerary
2008
CALENDAR
June 7
Dr. Betty R. Price
Dr. Betty R. Price
Celebration of
Womanhood
Pastor Priscilla Bradford
Hilton San Diego Airport
1960 Harbor Island
Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 291-6700
June 11-14
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
2008 Men’s Advance
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jerry
Savelle
JW Marriott Resort & Spa
74855 Country Club
Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Reservation Required
(323) 758-3777 ext.
4297
Ontario, CA 917642208
(909) 983-5269
7:00 PM
July 21-25
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
18th Annual FICWFM
Convention
The FaithDome
7901 S. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
(323) 758-3777
August 14-15
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Heritage Family
Fellowship
Dr. Art Aragon
201 E. Broadway
Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 817-1900
August 16
Dr. Betty R. Price
Clarion Call-Sound the
Trumpet Women’s
Conference
Women of Influence
Lisa Perry,
CEO/President
P.O. Box 451515
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 355-8653
12:30 PM
June 22
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Crenshaw Christian
Center East
1 West 96th Street
New York, NY 10025
(212) 749-9323
June 25
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Ontario Christian Center
Dr. Juan Williams
1336 North Baker
Avenue
August 21
Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Crenshaw Christian
Center East
1 West 96th Street
New York, NY 10025
(212) 749-9323
New York
Los Angeles
contributors
A Michael Evans Jr. is
the Vice President of
Marketing for CCC.
Additionally, he is the
Executive Producer of
the Ever Increasing
Faith Television, radio,
internet, and livecasts.
He is also Manager of
the Flight Department.
In his role as
International Travel Coordinator, Evans has
coordinated cruises for CCC since 1984.
He and his wife Angela, President of CCC,
have two grown children.
Daniella Masterson is Director of Public
Relations at CCC. She was recently the fresh
voice of choice for KRBV V100, hosting “It’s A
New Day.” Whether writing for print publica-
tions, producing for television or hosting a
radio talk show Ms.
Masterson is dedicated to using her skills to
make Jesus famous and
to speak life into any
project.
Kerri Webb the former
Senior Writer for Ever
Increasing
Faith
Magazine, has been a
member of Crenshaw
Christian Center for 28
years. A graduate of
the
University
of
California,
Santa
Barbara, she is currently the media spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Sheriff's
Department, and is a member of the Public
Relations Society of America and the National
Association of Black Journalists.
Wanda Wilkins along
with her husband Jack,
is a missionary under
the leadership of Dr.
Frederick K.C. Price.
They are graduates of
Dr. Price’s Ministry
Training Institute and
are the overseers of the
operations of CCC Global Ministries and
Ministry & Leadership Training Institute in
Windhoek, Namibia.
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
5
feature article
By A. Michael Evans, Jr. & Mrs. Patricia Hays
Humble
Beginnings —
The Radio Ministry
ver
Increasing
Faith
Ministries (EIF) began
more than 30 years ago in a
small, cramped, dimly-lit
closet in the McCarthy
Circle area in Los Angeles in early
1972. At that time, a young passionate minister by the name of
Frederick K.C. Price sat with
the door closed, a single light
bulb over his head and portable
cassette tape recorder at his
side.
This young pastor
believed that it took the same
amount of effort to teach the
many, as it did to teach the
few. He thought, “Why
just minister to those in
attendance at church on
Sunday mornings, when
I can reach thousands of
people with the Word
E
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EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
of God over the radio airwaves?” So in a little closet in his
home, a humble Fred Price taught God’s Word with every
bit of gusto he could muster in the 15 minutes he had purchased. When he had completed five segments, he got
dressed, drove the family car to a local radio station called
KTYM in Inglewood, California and delivered his messages
to the masses for the week. Although his locations and circumstances have greatly improved since that time, today Dr.
Price still teaches the Word of Faith with the same gusto by
radio as well as by other multimedia avenues.
Judging by the response, that radio program proved to be
a breath of fresh air. There wasn’t any yelling, screaming,
whooping, or loud organ music accompanying the preaching. No. It was just the pure, unadulterated Word of God
being taught uncompromisingly by a Black man. This was
revolutionary. It did not take long before the listeners started writing to Dr. Price, personally approving the new format. He preferred not be called “Reverend Price” because he
had seen too many ministers called by the title “Reverend”
who were anything but reverent. So he made up his mind
that he was not going to use the “reverend” title. He became
known as “Pastor Price” or “Fred Price,” or just “Fred.” So,
now “Pastor Price” had a growing radio audience, and he
needed to minister to these listeners just as he ministered to
those who attended his church on Sunday mornings or his
Bible Studies during the week at the West Washington
Community Church. These listeners made it clear that they,
too, wanted to learn more of God’s Word. Many would
eventually come to visit West Washington Community
Church to see and hear this dynamic teacher of God’s Word.
Many would later become members of the church. Those
who were unable to come to West Washington, for whatever reason, still depended upon the radio ministry and Dr.
Price’s other teaching materials, which they could purchase
through the mail from the church.
The Ministry Expands:
The Ever Increasing Faith
Television Ministry
Although the church moved from the West Washington
location to Crenshaw Boulevard in 1973, it was not until
April, 1978 that the television ministry began. At that time,
Dr. Price said the Lord told him to go on television. His
assignment was clear. Actually, it was no surprise to Dr.
Price that he would go on
television, because that
was the way to go for
reaching millions and
millions of people in
one instant. Years
ago, even before
going into the ministry, the Lord had
spoken to him in an
audible voice. Dr.
Price said the
Lord said
to him, “You are to teach my people faith.” Through the
media of television, he could see how this could more easily
be accomplished. Dr. Price said he was told not only to go
on television but where he was to start. The program was to
be aired in five American cities: Los Angeles, New York,
Chicago, Detroit and Washington, D.C. (Notice, that all
these cities have inner cities, with many social problems and
large Black populations.) Further, God told him what He
wanted him to do on this program: “Don’t preach, don’t have
special guests or music, JUST TEACH.” Because this was
something new to him, Dr. Price consulted Kenneth Hagin’s
Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, because
they had a similar program. He was told by a Rhema board
member that the concept of just teaching or being “a talking
head” on television was never going to work. This gentleman
said, “You need some variety to have a successful TV program.” But Dr. Price stuck to what he believed God had told
him to do. This was no small venture because having a program on television is very expensive. The equipment is
expensive; the air-time is expensive; everything about television is expensive. Christian television is not advertiser supported; consequently, all the expenses must initially be borne
by the individual ministries. Of course, in time, the viewers
are given the opportunity to help financially support the
broadcasts, but until that time happens, the church or ministry has to finance all costs by itself.
In 1978, Crenshaw Christian Center did not have the
money to invest in the air-time needed to broadcast in five
cities, so Dr. Price decided to begin in Los Angeles. He contacted a local Television Station Metro Media KTTV. They
had a production arm that did field Production, called “All
West Video.” This company placed two trucks on the
grounds of Crenshaw Christian Center at 9550 Crenshaw
Boulevard in the city of Inglewood. They set up the lights
and cameras and of course, Dr. Price provided the action and
the Ever Increasing Faith Television ministry was born. At
first this company did all the production, and KTTV television aired the program on its station in Los Angeles,
Channel 11. As the money came in to support the program,
more air-time was purchased for the other cities and the program was sent to the local stations in these cities where EIF
had purchased air time. The program became an instant success. TBN, the Christian Television Station, also wanted to
air the program and so air time was purchased from them;
the program has remained on TBN since that time.
Today, EIF has been broadcasting the uncompromising
Word of God for over 30 years. The program is heard across
the nation and around the globe—currently airing in 15 of the
20 largest markets in America, reaching an audience of more
than 15 million households each week. It is ranked number
five in popularity among Christian television viewers. The
lives that have been impacted by the Word through EIF ministry are inestimable. People have been healed, filled with the
Holy Spirit and set free from all kinds of bondage.
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
7
feature article
Marriages have been restored and children, who were lost,
have been reconnected with their parents and with God and
people are being delivered from fear and prejudice all over
the world. In October 1997, Dr. Price taught his landmark
and controversial series, Race, Religion & Racism. Years
later this same series was aired in South Africa and other surrounding countries and the reception of this teaching was
received well. This is a miracle for that part of the world.
Yet, with all our celebrating of this 30-year event, we know
this milestone could not have been achieved if it were not for
the faithful financial support of our viewers, listeners and
FaithPartners. Your contributions, as valuable supporters,
cannot be measured. Only God knows the sacrifices you
have made and will reward you accordingly for what you
have sown into His Kingdom through the ministry of
EIFM. And, we will continue to teach and proclaim the living Word of God because of your future prayers and financial
support.
The Ever Increasing Faith
Messenger — written companion
to the outreach ministry
With the success of the EIF television program and the
continual growth of the TV audience, something more was
needed to enhance the spiritual growth of the congregation
and TV viewers. Hence, the Ever Increasing Faith MESSENGER, the written companion to the ministry of the
Word was put into circulation in 1984. This first magazine,
published by Crenshaw Christian Center, was from four to
six pages, with teaching messages from Dr. Fred Price and
other articles of interest for people involved with the church
or television ministry. It included Dr. Price’s speaking
schedule and a schedule of where the program was being
broadcast. Later messages from Dr. Betty, along with her
speaking schedule, were added and the magazine expanded
to 16 then 24 pages. Today, the quarterly magazine called
Ever Increasing Faith Magazine not only includes messages
from Drs. Price, it contains articles from guest authors and
writers, articles by and for today’s youth, health issues and of
course, teaching messages by Pastor Fred Price, Junior.
Since most TV viewers cannot physically attend
Crenshaw Christian Center, the magazine has become an
added ministry tool to keep the viewers and listeners
informed about EIF Ministries and Crenshaw Christian
Center’s activities.
EIF Expands to Include
Television Crusades
An integral part of EIF was the television crusades. The crusades came about as a result of the many
speaking invitations Dr. Fred Price received as more and
more people became exposed to his television ministry.
Speaking invitations poured in from all over the country—so
many, in fact, that there was no way he could have accepted
8
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
them all. As a result, Dr. Price agreed to hold crusades and
or meetings in various arenas in major cities across the
United States. This way, he could minister to more people at
one time, rather than in churches were the crowds would of
necessity be limited. So in 1982, the first EIF Television
Crusade was held at the South Mountain arena in East
Orange, New Jersey for two consecutive nights. (This was
as close as he could get to New York.) This arena was an ice
skating rink that held events on top of the covered ice.
Needless to say, it was freezing in the arena, but people still
came in droves to hear Dr. Fred Price teach them how to
walk by faith and not by sight.
The television crusades grew in popularity over the next 10
years. These events were held in the Nassau Coliseum,
Madison Square Garden, Washington, D.C. Convention
Center, Miami Convention Center, Masonic Lodge and
Cobo Hall. The crusades were held in such cities as Detroit,
Cleveland, Philadelphia, Houston, Richmond, Atlanta,
New Orleans and many other American cities.
After years of teaching others via radio, television, in print,
as well as at crusades, other young ministers responded to
the call on their lives and started teaching the Bible on radio
and television, as well as holding teaching meeting across the
country. Eventually, it wasn’t necessary for Dr. Price to travel as much as before because there were many new Word of
Faith ministers sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The EIF
crusades stopped and the Internet explosion began.
In 1997 Ever Increasing Faith Ministries launched its first
website. Dr. Price loved the movie “Star Wars” and all things
galactic, so the website had a Star Wars look and feel to it. It
had all the elements that the EIF viewers and listeners needed to further their study of God’s Word. Through the website, Dr. Price could do every form of ministry short of actually laying hands on people. Other variations of this initial
website continue strong: It’s FaithPartner and Eagle Eye
programs Chat rooms, Fellowship Forums, Podcasting,
Cyberstore, 24/7 on demand video, even live Sunday service
and Tuesday Night Bible Study—all these are a part of our
present-day broadcasts.
Ever Increasing Faith Ministries has grown with the times
and continues to provide teaching of God’s Word by Dr.
Fred Price, Dr. Betty R. Price, and now their son, Pastor
Frederick K. Price to those who otherwise can’t physically
get to Crenshaw Christian Center for a live service. After 30years of successful ministry to God’s people, the mandate of
Ever Increasing Faith Ministries remains the same: Teach
the uncompromising Word of God to the masses in the spirit of honesty, integrity, and excellence.
We are proud to continue to bring to you—the viewers and
listeners of EIF Ministries—ministry, teaching and news
from Crenshaw Christian Centers (Los Angeles and New
York) because: “You are the ones who are still helping us to
make it happen! —EIF
EIF survey
EVERINCREASINGFAITH
MAGAZINE
This year, we are celebrating our 30th
Anniversary on the airwaves through
Ever Increasing Faith Television. I am
ever grateful to the Heavenly Father for
His faithfulness to me as a result of my
obedience to do that which He instructed me to do.
I am one who is ever learning and ever
growing. I am always seeking opportunities to improve everything I do. To
that end, I am soliciting your input
regarding a very important decision.
Before I ask you to offer your input, I’d
like to give you a brief overview of my
vision for the Ever Increasing Faith
Magazine. Many of you may remember
the Magazine was called “The
Messenger” for many years. It was, I
believed, to be an extension of the TV
Ministry in print to our TV viewers and
partners.
As we go forward, I want to find out
whether this magazine continues to
minister to you, if you want to continue
receiving it, should we continue publishing it and if you would be willing to give
a small annual donation specifically for
the magazine to help cover the cost of
producing it.
If you would be so kind as to fill out the
enclosed survey, if you have not previously done so, I would greatly appreciate
it. My aim remains to always be a good
steward of that which God has entrusted to me. Thank you in advance for your
feedback and remember; you are helping
to make it happen!
AN INCENTIVE TO PARTICIPATE
There’s even an incentive to participate—we’ll send you a free mini-book if
you complete the survey and provide us
with your mailing address by
September 30, 2008. Thank you for
your time and for your interest in Ever
Increasing Faith Magazine.
In the Service of the King,
READER SURVEY
EVER INCREASING FAITH IS GOING GREEN!
Would you support a paperless
magazine via the internet?
Yes
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I do not have access to the internet
Here is my e-mail address:
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Calendar
People and Places
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(11 = most interesting, to 1 = least interesting; the
same number may be used more than once)
Feature Article
From the Headlines
A Message from Dr. Price
Pastor’s Corner
Health and Healing
Parenting Matters
The Word of Faith
You Are Helping To Make it Happen!
Power of Faith Letters
Q&A: Straight Talk with Drs. Fred and
Betty Price
FICWFM Focus
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EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
9
health & healing
ANGELA EVANS’
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS: LESS IS MORE
Two Years
After Losing
69 Pounds,
Angela is Still
Fit and
Fabulous
By Daniella Masterson
ngela and her husband Michael
Evans were delighted to join her
parents Drs. Betty and Frederick
K.C. Price on a recent couples’ lunch
one day. The restaurant was elegant
and boasted a sumptuous menu of all the
things that would make a person over eat
when the meals arrived, instead of immediately digging in like everyone else, Angela
pulled out a scale to weigh her food to make
sure the portions were consistent with her
weight management recommendations.
“Daddy looked at me as I was weighing
the food and asked, ‘You are serious,
aren’t you?’” said Angela.
“And I said,
A
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EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
‘Yes Daddy! I’m in the zone!
I’m serious!”
It’s been estimated that two
thirds of the United State’s population is overweight. According to
MedLinePlus Encyclopedia, an online
magazine, experts believe that a person’s
body mass index (BMI) is the most accurate
measurement of body fat for children and adults.
• Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are
considered overweight.
• Adults with a BMI greater than 30 are considered obese.
• Anyone more than 100 pounds overweight is
considered morbidly obese.
People of color are at the highest risk of obesity with an estimated 75% of all African American
women being overweight. The health community defines obesity as being 30 pounds or more
over the recommended weight. Surprisingly,
Caucasian women consider themselves
overweight at 25 pounds, but African
American women don’t think they’re overweight until they are 50 pounds over their
recommended weight.
Like many people, Angela had a “live to eat”
diet. After two children and years of out-of-control eating, Angela had ballooned up to her
heaviest weight, 221 pounds. She was so disenchanted; she gave her new image a
moniker, “Fat Angie,” to describe her fat alter
ego. Now, the once svelte 135 pound, 5-foot8-inch beauty who was voted “Best Figure” in
high school had to learn how to “eat to live.”
After failing to shed the weight for nearly
twenty-five years, she enrolled in a Lindora
Comprehensive Weight program.
There she learned how to be faithful
to care for God’s most precious
and fragile gift by
chang-
ing her diet and dealing with her negative attitude about herself.
Today, she has influenced millions of women to apply their faith to
fight the good fight as a featured personality on Lindora’s commercials.
Lindora Lean For Life Program Nurse Practitioner and
Director of Lindora Online, Shelly Lummus, R.N., M.N.,
F.N.P.c., praised Angela’s hard work.
“Angela is an inspiration to many Lindora patients and to the
community,” said Lummus. “Her dedication to her health and the
benefits of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight has motivated many others to achieve the same, great results! Angela is a wonderful, healthy role model.”
But it wasn’t an easy journey, commented Angela.
“I kept saying to myself, ‘Just face it! You're going to be fat
forever!” said Angela. “You're never going to get it together!
But …I did it!”
stress and anxiety. But God can give you the victory!”
Five years ago, when Angela would look in the mirror, “Fat
Angie,” a sinister alter-ego who ate indiscriminately, would stare
back. But today, when Angela looks in the mirror, she’s not “Fat
Angie.” She’s “Phat Angie—” a svelte 5-foot-8-inch beauty who wears
a sensational size six. The disciplined woman God called her to be.
“God has come to give you life more abundantly, but you must
choose life,” said Angela. “By applying the Word, I was able to make
decisions that didn’t sabotage my happiness, my health or my purpose. I encourage you to make a commitment to be your strongest
advocate, even when no one else will. I’m fortunate to have a loving
and supportive family, but I had to choose to overcome through
Christ. So can you.”—EIF
To learn how you can get the victory over obesity, order
Angela Evans’ funny and inspirational DVD titled,
“Flee Self Hateration: Angela Evans Weight Loss Journey”
offered in this magazine.
“Everyone knows that obesity is dangerously out of control in America,” said
Angela. “Christians have the advantage of
having a personal revelation from God
matched with prayer and the Word to
motivate them to change their lifestyles.
Additionally, that revelation will explain
what is eating them. Overeating is often
driven by hurt and damaged emotions,
(800) 391-6145
www.faithdome.org
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
11
you are helping to make it happen
C
renshaw Christian Center Global Missions (CCCGM)
Namibia is thriving with testimonies of changed and
restored lives. Reports of healings from HIV and AIDS;
job promotions and financial increase in the lives of God’s
people are coming in from the north, south, east and west.
Believers attending the Ministry & Leadership Training Institute,
Monday Night Bible Study and or members of the newly-founded
Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) in Windhoek, the capitol of
Namibia, are experiencing the blessings of the Lord!
The Ministry & Leadership Training Institute (MLTI) was
started in 2005 and in 2006 the school graduated its chartered alumni
class of 35 students. This year
the school will graduate 47 students and has already received
an early enrollment of 17 individuals for the next term. These students represent pockets of communities all over Namibia where
they will take the Word of Faith
and teach it to their congregations and cell groups.
On opening Sunday, Pastor Wilkins taught his first message from
CCC’s vision and tenets of faith. He expounded on Dr. Price’s love
for God’s people and the vision God gave him some 38 years ago to
teach the uncompromising Word of God. The heart of Pastor
Wilkins is to follow closely our spiritual leader, Dr. Price, as he follows
Christ by teaching through precept and example, and with great simplicity, the Word of Faith. Our goal is to disciple the people so they
will grow in the knowledge and power of our Savior Jesus the Christ.
Namibia is a country of diverse cultures and ethnic groups located in Southwest Africa. It is a country rich in natural resources. It has
the world’s largest sand dunes and an abundance of wild life. Its
neighboring countries include
South Africa, Zimbabwe and
Botswana. Because Namibia is
free from civil strife, its businesses
and industries are rapidly growing.
Crenshaw Christian Center
Thriving in Namibia
Straight from the heart of
missions, CCCGM Namibia
was founded by Dr. Frederick
K.C. Price and opened its doors
on January 27, 2008 with a membership count of 70 individuals.
My husband, Pastor Jack
Wilkins, and I are responsible for
the oversight of this exciting outreach in Africa. True to Dr.
Price’s teachings, the focus of
our instruction is on faith, our
redemption in Christ, prosperity, healing, integrity and any
other biblical principles that lead
to the Believer’s victorious
Christian life.
Testimonies
of Faith and
Life More
Abundantly!
By Missionary Wanda Wilkins
The Crenshaw Christian Center Global
Missions Namibia board members from left
to right: Sophia Lubaki, Joan Guriras,
Wanda Wilkins, Jack Wilkins, Peter Mbutu,
Emilio Augustinus and Coenie Botha.
12
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
Unfortunately, too many of the
indigenous people of Namibia suffer greatly from corruption, poverty
and the awful pandemic of HIV
and AIDS. It is a country in great
need of the message of faith. God
says that the entrance of His Word
brings light. The light of God’s
Word is spreading throughout
Namibia. The people are reaping
the benefits of just what God sent
His Word to do!
We have seen first hand the
results of our teachings from the
uncompromising Word of the
Living God. We are seeing people
growing in godliness and experiencing the goodness of God in
their lives. They are experiencing
Zoë! Jesus said in John 10:10, “…I
have come that you might have life
and life more abundantly.” And,
because God’s Word does not come back to Him
void, we have witnessed the people of Namibia drink
of the oasis of fresh water in a spiritually dry and
thirsty land.
The fruits of CCC’s love and compassion for
God’s people can be clearly seen in Namibia. The
work that has taken place and will continue to take
precedence will produce a harvest that is long and
deep, drawing a great multitude of souls for the
Kingdom of God.
We know that God’s Word works for those who
work the Word. And, the proof is in the testimonies
of those who have dared to believe the Word and to
apply it to their lives. Gerson V. Kamatuka believes
that the Lord blessed him with a special healing, “I Front row seated: Missionaries Jack and Wanda Wilkins; Individuals standing: Charter members of Crenshaw Christian Center Global
believed the Lord for healing in my body, and it man- Missions Namibia; Building: College site where church services and MLTI classes are temporarily being held
ifested recently,” he said. “I believe the breakthrough
persons. Sophia Lubaki is a living testimony that what God does for
came after taking the class on “Divine Healing” as part of the MLTI curone, He must to do for all when the children of God are obedient to do
riculum. The instructor taught us that healing is part of our redempHis Word. “The Word has made me a better person, has improved my
tion. The same way I was saved is the same way I was healed. I acceptquality of life, has improved my relationships, has empowered me to
ed this revelation right away and it changed my outlook on life.”
embark upon major projects,” she said. “I have learned the value of givIf there is one area that the people of Namibia need today is what
ing and investing in the Kingdom of God and found that I cannot beat
God has to say about prosperity for His people. Maria Ipadut Opali
God giving, no matter how I try.”
said she has experienced more victory as a result to joining the school. “I
Thank you for supporting missions through your prayers and givjoined the school and within weeks of attending the class of “How Faith
ing.
You are helping to make it happen in Namibia!—EIF
Works” my life started changing for the better!” she said. “Today, even
before completing the Bible School I am completely debt free and I
If you would like more information on this outreach,
have managed through faith to build a private school.”
please contact Missionaries Jack and Wanda Wilkins at
Many of the participants have learned that God is not a respecter of
(800) 391-6145
jwiki@faithdome.org or wwkili@faithdome.org
www.faithdome.org
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
13
from the headlines
HONORING THE MAN
WHO ANSWERED THE CALL
By Mrs. Patricia F. Hays
t the 2007 convention for the
Fellowship of Inner City Word of
Faith Ministries (FICWFM), members unanimously agreed to make history by proclaiming 2008 as the “Year
of the Apostle,” and to officially recognize Dr. Frederick K.C. Price as our Apostle.
This declaration is not only consistent with the
Word of God, it is a long overdue honor bestowed
on a man who took the road less traveled to follow a
clarion call.
In the Book of Ephesians, we read about the
establishment of this office. The Apostle Paul, who
was not one of the original 12 apostles but was
divinely called to the apostolic office on the
Damascus Road, states: “And He Himself gave
some to be APOSTLES, some PROPHETS,
some EVANGELISTS, and some PASTORS and
TEACHERS for the equipping of the saints for the
work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). The word “apostle”
comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” which
means “one sent forth.” The dictionary defines this
office as meaning: “a person sent on a special
m i s s i o n
A
14
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
[much like] the 12 disciples sent out by Jesus to
preach the gospel.”
These five offices, known as the “five-fold ministry gifts,” can and do operate in combination with
one another, such as prophet/evangelist,
pastor/teacher, and so forth. They are listed in order
of rank. Dr. Price now operates as pastor/teacher,
and when his confirmation as apostle takes place in
July at the 18th Annual FICWFM Convention, his
ministry offices will be apostle/pastor/teacher, and
Crenshaw Christian Center will be declared
“Crenshaw Christian Center Cathedral, Home of
the Apostle.”
Dr. Price actually received a divine call to
apostleship many years ago. He says about this
occasion: “It was in the early years of
our marriage and Betty and I
had joined this Baptist
church. When the people came to the altar
to be fellowshipped
in, it was the tradition of the pastor
to shake hands
with the new
members and ask
them what they wanted to do in the church. On the
Sunday that I was being fellowshipped, I was trying
to think of what I was going to say when I heard an
audible voice speak in a clear tone, ‘You are to teach
my people the gospel.’ The voice (which I now
believe to be the voice of Jesus) was loud enough
that I thought everyone heard it. I looked around to
see the people’s response, but no one seemed to have
heard the voice except me. So when the pastor
asked me what I wanted to do, I said, ‘I am going to
preach the gospel.’”
It wasn’t until some years later (after being
filled with the Holy Spirit and while pastoring a
small church in West Los Angeles) that Dr. Price
entered into his apostleship calling—traveling here
and there, teaching the “Word of Faith.” Since
going on television in 1978, his ministry has impacted the lives of millions around the world. In 2006,
Dr. Price celebrated 50 years of ministry—teaching
the uncompromising Word of God to His people.
The Apostle of Faith Library
In addition to making the recommendation
that 2008 be made the “Year
of the Apostle,”
Bishop Wiley
Jackson,
Jr., a
FICWFM Charter and Board Member and
Pastor of Gospel Tabernacle churches in Atlanta,
Georgia made a presentation to the membership for
an Apostle of Faith Library. It was recommended
that the library be built on the grounds of Crenshaw
Christian Center, next to the FaithDome. Funds
for this project would be received from free-will
donations.
“Dr. Price has taught us how to utilize the
Word of Faith effectively to bring about a change in
our lives and communities, “ said Bishop Jackson.
“The effect of Dr. Price’s obedience to his assignment has branched out to reach people at the ends of
the earth. It is up to us to preserve the roots of this
ministry, and to record its history for future generations. In this Library, the story of this momentous
movement will be memorialized in the collection of
Dr. Price’s written, audio, and video works.
Persons can come to this place for generations to
learn from its beginnings the development of this
ministry that has and continues to transform lives
from defeat to victory in Christ.”—EIF
If you would like to contribute to the financing
of this project, donations can be sent to:
Crenshaw Christian Center
P.O. Box 90,000
Los Angeles, CA 90047
Attn: Apostle of Faith Library.
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
15
paster’s corner
W
ized for complications of this disease.
e’re ready to rock and roll.
But God is faithful, and so was Mike.
Standing on the rock and
One of the most dedicated members of
your name is on the roll of
CCC, Mike was first introduced to the
the Book of Life” said
teachings of Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
fun-loving
Pastor
via the Ever Increasing Faith television
Michael D. Reid during his teaching at
ministry.
a Sunday service in the FaithDome.
During the memorial service, friends
For anyone who has ever been on a
and family shared fond and loving memteam, the concept of a “team player” has
ories of the man who knew no fear in
a significant meaning. A team player is
spite of all that he faced. Perhaps no one
someone who always puts the needs
could have known this more than
and best interests of the team at a highMindy, his wife of 18 years, who
er priority than his own. This player is
described how his life was a walk of
the first one out on the playing field and
faith.
the last one to leave.
“When Michael was a teenager, he
Crenshaw Christian Center’s
wasn’t supposed to live long. There was
(CCC) Pastor Michael Dean Reid was
a time when the doctors only gave him
the perfect embodiment of a “team playthree months to live,” Mindy said. “He
er.” His family, friends and loved ones
had been sick and in some kind of pain
can attest that his life was dedicated to
since he was six years old and it only
service.
escalated
as he got older.”
The members and staff of CCC and
According to Mindy, Mike, at one
Ever Increasing Faith Ministries said
point, went blind. A friend told him
goodbye to one of our greatest team
about a man named Fred Price on televiplayers when Pastor “Mike” Reid
sion and that healing was God’s Will.
passed away in January 2008. He was
Some time later, after hearing and
44 years old. On January 16th, nearly
receiving the Word of Faith, he awoke
1000 people entered into the
one morning with 20/20 vision. Mindy
FaithDome for an inspirational and
explained how Mike’s growing faith in
moving tribute to his life and legacy.
God led him to attend church services at
Mike’s life was a living testimony of
CCC despite all that he faced physically.
unwavering faith and miracles. Mike
“There was a time when Michael
never shied away from an opportunity to
came to church with tubes in his chest,
tell how God’s miraculous love and
under his clothes,” she said. “He still
faithfulness played a dominant role in
By Kerri Webb
came to church and volunteered to
his life.
work. That’s how much he loved this
“I’m living proof that God is in the healchurch.”
ing business,” Mike would often say. “When I was young, they told my
Mike lovingly and wholeheartedly served as a CCC volunteer until
mother to plan my funeral, but God had other plans.”
1986, when he became an audio technician, working within the televiGod had other plans for him indeed. Mike is perhaps best known
sion production department. His sense of teamwork knew no bounds.
for the lyrical prophesies he gave during church services. His ability to
“He wanted to serve [at CCC]; he wanted to work for Dr. Price,”
discern and deliver specific and intentional messages from God earned
Mindy said. “For us, this is where he was called to be. What God wanthim a reputation for being a prophet extraordinaire. It was not uncomed Michael Dean Reid to do was right here. You all allowed him to
mon to see Mike, intense and focused-face, stand up during Sunday
speak into your lives [and] you embraced him as a brother.”
services to speak to the church about what was on God’s heart.
Pastor Reid’s commitment and dedication to
Born on May 22, 1963 in Arcadia, California,
Crenshaw Christian Center ultimately led him to
Mike was born-again at the tender age of five years
become a member of the Pastoral Staff on May 31, 1999,
old. His faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ was
he was ordained by Dr. Frederick K.C. Price. CCC
a constant force in his life as was the love for his lovAdministrative Pastor Craig Hays remembers how
ing and supportive wife, Mindy and their only son,
Mike’s bold walk in Christ surprised even him.
Nathan.
“Michael was so loving; he was kind, he was good,”
Mike’s life was a series of miracle after miracle.
Mindy said. “I’ve never ever met someone who was so
According to Mindy, Mike’s health was a rollercoastselfless.”
er ride of highs and lows. “Michael’s health was poor
during about 70 to 80 percent of our marriage,”
Pastor was the true definition of a genuine team
Mindy said during the memorial service.
player and we will miss him greatly. —EIF
Mike’s time on this earth was faced with an ongoing battle with Diabetes, and he was often hospital-
Celebrating the
Life and Legacy
of
PASTOR
MIKE REID
Pastor Reid’s wife Mindy and son.
16
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
“PROSPERITY:
GOOD NEWS FOR GOD’S
PEOPLE”
By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Says Dr. Price, “In this book, I want to show you
God’s plan for prosperity, and how He intends for all
Believers to be financially secure. Critics want to
dismiss this as ‘name it and claim it.’ It’s nothing of
the sort. It is the very blueprint for how any
Christian should conduct his or her life when it
comes to money. Prosperity is the result of doing
God’s Word.”
In this new book release Dr. Price presents a comprehensive analysis of what the Bible says about wealth and money—
what God says—and how we, as Believers, fit into the picture.
Today, more than ever, the Body of Christ needs money to spread
the gospel. Learn how you can be a channel that God can use to
get His covenant established in this earth realm.
Book
FPB 62 (Hardcover)
$17.95
CD
The Purpose of
Prosperity Series
PPD 1 (22-CD)
$132.00
(800) 391-6145
www.faithdome.org
(800) 391-6145
www.faithdome.org
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
17
the bizness
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
The Priceless Gift of Fatherhood –
A Generational Blessing
A Celebration of
Father’s Day
T
ing those tough years because he
had to give his loss to God. I
believe that like Abraham and
Sarah, God allowed my mother to
become pregnant with me at an
older age of 45 when my father
completely released his firstborn
son.
he year 2008 is
truly a year of new
beginnings for my
family and I. On
January 22nd at 7:11
am, my wife Angel
gave birth to
Frederick K. Price, Jr. Seeing
my son born was an experience
of unimaginable joy.
The next great defining
moment was watching my
father, Dr. Frederick K.C.
Price, dedicated my son in the
FaithDome. As a prelude to
the ceremony, the church had
dug up some archival footage of
my father dedicating me in our
old church on Crenshaw
Boulevard after I was born 29
years ago. In the video, my
mother stood adoringly beside
my father as he proudly held me
over his head and said, “Frederick K. Price, I offer you up unto the
Lord our God and dedicate you to our Lord Jesus Christ.”
After the video, my father performed the same ceremony with my
son. An epic experience, my mother, my wife, my sisters, other family members and I stood proudly by in awe as my father held my son
over his head and proclaimed, “Frederick K. Price, Jr., I offer you up
unto the Lord our God and dedicate you to our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take; life is measured by the number of awesome events and blessings that take our
breath away. This wasn’t an ordinary event. This heaven-staged
event was a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to perform His
Word.
When my older brother was tragically killed at the age of eight,
my father had to accept that his only son, Frederick K.C. Price, III,
his namesake and his heir apparent was gone. He wanted a boy after
Cheryl. He had hoped to name him Stephen Paul but Stephanie
Pauline showed up. When he became filled with the Spirit, he was
able to cast that care onto God. He didn’t necessarily believe God for
a male child, but he believed God for restoration.
Being a good father, he invested his heart and soul into his three
daughters, although he grieved the loss of his first son for many years.
But what the Devil meant for evil, God changed for good. I think my
father learned a deeper more abiding trust and faith in the Lord dur-
18
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
In addition, true to the Bible’s
principle of restoration, God
granted my father and our family
exceedingly and abundantly above
all we could imagine with the birth
of my son. Now, the Price name
will be carried another generation
to the glory of God!
Becoming a father has taught
me a more profound appreciation
not only of my earthly father, but of
my Heavenly Father. God has
planted a desire within men to have
a legacy as fathers. We need to see
our seed and our many years of toil as providers extend beyond our
years to our children’s children. Similarly, our families need us.
Family stands on the foundation of God’s Word—integrity, security,
wholeness and completeness. And, it is the fathers that provide the
integrity and security part of the equation. I believe one reason Satan
has been so successful in destroying so many young men of color is
because they don’t have a father to give them right identity and the
power to protect them from the forces of negative identification. Our
hard working single-mothers do the very best they can, but statistics
paint a different outcome of their efforts. The high school drop out
rate of Black and Latino males, the disproportionate number of men
in prison, and the escalating number of homicides due to gang violence is a sad commentary on fathering that we as men and only men
can correct. We must protect our children – our legacies.
The Bible says that a good
man leaves an inheritance for his
children’s children (Proverbs
13:22). I am honored and humbled to have Dr. Price as a
father. However, more importantly, I am thankful that my
father has given me an inheritance in Christ that will sustain
me and my legacy until Jesus
returns for His Church.—EIF
(800) 391-6145
www.faithdome.org
Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. However, most Christians
are not living the more than enough lifestyle, even though they are reading the right Bible,
making the right confessions and attending the right church.
If you or a loved one find yourselves in such a
dilemma, Dr. Price has your answer in his latest teaching.
Enjoy the abundant life— it’s just one purchase away!
[CD Set] CGD79 (5-CD)
[DVD Set] CGDV79 (2-DVD)
$30.00
$30.00
(800) 391-6145
www.faithdome.org
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
19
parenting matters
A Missionary’s Perspective
By La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D.
“You have carpet on your
floors! You’re rich!” exclaimed
my classmate, Helen, a
missionary from China whom
I met while a student at
Talbot School of Theology
many years ago. In obedience
to the biblical mandate to be
hospitable, I invited Helen to
escape the routine of campus
life and spend Spring Break
with me and my daughter, La
Nej. It was also, I thought, an
excellent way for my daughter
to meet a real missionary.
nce she entered our apartment, I had difficulty convincing Helen that we weren’t rich at all! Here I was,
single…in the process of adopting La Nej…experiencing all of the challenges of raising a child alone.
As a student, I struggled to make ends look at each
other, but God somehow made them meet. For
example, my idea of a splurge was going to the dollar
movie on Wednesdays and having pizza every Friday. Certainly by
our standards, we weren’t living the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
But Helen’s visit changed our perspective. She supported her
premise that we were rich by pointing out the following: We didn’t
O
20
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
share one room. Our apartment had
several large rooms—a novelty in China.
The floors were carpeted. Only the wealthy
in her home country could afford such luxury.
We had a nice kitchen with cabinets and a double
sink and dishes and a dining table and chairs, a television
set and sofas.
When Helen finally calmed down from the excitement of
walking on carpet, she insisted that we remove our shoes and
leave them by the door. We prepared dinner together (I used a
wok to stir-fry vegetables and chicken—one of La Nej’s favorite
meals—and since it had an Oriental flair I hoped our Asian
guest would be pleased). Helen felt right at home. She even
nudged me away from the wok and corrected my recipe!
Grateful Hearts
When we sat down for dinner and prayed, my heart was overwhelmed with gratitude that God had favored us by bringing into
our home this servant who had sacrificed so much to spread the
Gospel. Then we dug our toes into the carpet and feasted.
Helen talked about her vision. Her goal was to complete her
seminary studies and return home to China to train pastors and
teachers. Leaving family and all that was familiar to live abroad and
study in a foreign language was a small price for this young woman
to pay in order to do God’s will. She was thrilled that He trusted
her with this charge and was absolutely unafraid to minister in a religiously hostile environment.
How grateful I was for this teachable moment for my daughter!
Here she sat listening to this slight, unimposing woman who was a
model of strength and humility. I’ve often wondered whether this
encounter impacted La Nej’s decision to go to the mission field
once she entered college.
On the drive back to campus days later, Helen and I talked of
our passion as women in ministry fully aware of the boundaries.
Though politically restrained, Helen was culturally free to teach and
preach. Though politically free, American women often face cultural restrictions in proclaiming the Gospel.
I often wonder about Helen. Because writing letters potentially put her ministry in danger, we’ve lost touch over the years. Today
I’m married, and my husband moved us out of the apartment and
into our own home. Not surprisingly, we’ve maintained the practice
of removing our shoes and leaving them by the front door…a silent
tribute to Helen.
First Missions Trip
When La Nej was a sophomore in college, she went on her first
mission trip to Haiti. This was the rugged kind, so we shopped for
flashlights, camping gear, mosquito nets and the like. I covered her
with prayer as we packed her suitcase with several pairs of jeans,
warm tops, and tennis shoes.
La Nej returned home with a near-empty suitcase. The poverty she witnessed overwhelmed her, and she gave away all but the
jeans and shoes she wore home. She told us of her heartbreak to see
children scramble for clothes. If they were able to only grab one
shoe, whether it fit or not, they put it on and proudly marched down
the dusty road wearing just one shoe. One woman even pushed a
bundle into her arms and begged La Nej to “Please, take my baby!”
so that he could be raised in the United States.
La Nej continued to go on mission’s trips and even preached to
teens in South Africa. As parents, exposing our children to missionaries and encouraging them to experience short-term missions is
one way to propel them into the will of God. We teach them to live
out their faith by loving, witnessing to and working to win the lost.
La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D., Director of Christian Education Ministries at
Crenshaw Christian Center, is responsible for ministry to children, teens, and
young adults. Dr. Tolbert is president of Teaching Like Jesus Ministries, a
parachurch ministry dedicated to training teachers and parents in the local
church. She writes children’s church curriculum for inner-city churches. Visit
www.teachinglikejesus.org for more information.
Remembering Helen
I have a picture of Helen and her family buried somewhere in
the archives. When I come across it again, I promise myself that I’ll
have it framed. Helen’s passion and commitment are fresh
reminders of God’s bountiful blessings in my life: Blessings I appreciate more than ever since spending those days with Helen. How
right she was. We are rich! —EIF
(800) 391-6145
www.faithdome.org
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
21
Historic Memorial Service of Slain Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT
Officer Randal Simmons
Was Held at the FaithDome
By Kerri Webb
I
t was an unprecedented event for
an unprecedented tragedy.
bers followed behind the wooden coffin ceremonially draped with an American flag,
carried by white-gloved members of Officer
Simmons’ SWAT unit.
They came from as far away
as Canada, Israel, Egypt, and
England. From states as far away
as New York, Florida, New
Jersey, Georgia, and from those in between,
they came. From all over the state of
California, they came.
It was a surreal experience to behold.
Never before has there been such a police
presence from so many different branches in
one place. On that day, at that time, it was
obvious that law enforcement and other
emergency response personnel are a united
family. Most of the officers sitting in the
FaithDome that brilliantly sunny, late-winter morning, never even knew Officer
Simmons. But they were family members;
sharing a bond of life-saving commitment to
the community they protect and serve, as
described by LAPD Chief William
Bratton.
And it was amazing.
The wide, six-lane Vermont Avenue
became a parking lot filled with police vehicles that stretched a mile long, as approximately 16,000 law enforcement and emergency personnel from around the world came
to pay their respects to a man whose whole
life was dedicated to service.
As far as the eye could see, hundreds of dark blue uniformed
police officers were there to remember 51-year old Officer Randal
Simmons. Officer Simmons was the first Los Angeles Police
Department (LAPD) officer in the Special Weapons and Tactics
(SWAT) team to die in the line of duty. Officer
Simmons died the same way he lived—a hero.
Considered one of the largest funerals in
Los Angeles’ history, city, county and state officials joined police officers, sheriff’s deputies,
fire fighters, and other law enforcement representatives in overflowing the FaithDome to
capacity on Friday, February 15, 2008. The
heart of Southern California was tuned into
the historic memorial as a result to the
FaithDome’s ability to provide live feeds to television networks by connecting their news
trucks to CCC’s studio to broadcast to millions of people and hundreds of media outlets.
Not only did CCC donate the use of the
FaithDome and church grounds; a large number of CCC staff and volunteers helped to execute the prodigious service.
The solemnly beautiful music of bagpipes
echoed throughout the sanctuary, leading the
procession. Officer Simmons wife, Lisa, their
two teenage children and other family mem-
22
EVER INCREASING FAITH MAGAZINE Spring 2008
"Console yourselves knowing that he spent his last moments in
the company of you, his police family," Chief Bratton told his grieving
police force.
While Chief Bratton’s eulogy was moving, Pastor Alton
Trimble, Officer Simmons’ pastor of Glory
Christian Fellowship International in
Carson, California, gave a message so powOfficer Simmon’s
erful, it lead to hundreds of officers and ranking elected officials to give their lives to
Christ. Pastor Trimble paid homage to Dr.
Frederick K.C. Price by thanking him for
Chrisitianity guided being a mentor. Drs. Fred and Betty Price
were in attendance.
his life, both on and
off the police force.
The LAPD was the first police department in the world to develop the SWAT
team as a result of riots in the 1960s. For
decades, police departments from all over
the globe have looked to the LAPD’s example when developing their own SWAT
teams. Sergeant A.J. DeAndrea, a SWAT
member from Colorado was among the
thousands of out-of-town officers who made
the trip to California to pay their respects.
“It’s just important for us to be here—to
show support," said Sgt. A.J. DeAndrea, a
SWAT member from Arvada, Colorado.
"[When] You lose one, you feel it all across
the country. I need to show my respect. He
would have done the same if it were me."
Officer Randal “Randy” Simmons lived
a covenant life. His love for his Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ knew no bounds and
was evident to all who knew him. Simmons,
at 6’3 was well-known in the police department and the community for his extremely
strong and well-built physique.
…a passionate man
with a heart for
spreading the Word
To his family, friends, and church, he
was humble, a passionate man with a heart
for spreading the Word of God to children.
In 1981, Simmons began his career with the
of God to
LAPD. In 1988, he joined the elite SWAT
that specializes in high-risk, often violent
confrontations with criminals. When he
wasn’t chasing gang members or negotiating
with hostage takers, Simmons was a youth pastor at his church
home.
On February 7, 2008, Simmons was shot and killed during a
hostage standoff in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles.
He was among the SWAT unit members who broke through the
front door of a mentally troubled man's home, when he was struck
in the neck by a round of bullets that lodged in his brain stem. The
shooter was killed by a police sniper as he shot at officers and tried
to flee his home which was on fire more than 10 hours after the
standoff began.
on the air
Simmons is credited for saving the life of
his partner, James Veenstra, when he jumped
in front of him during a barrage of bullets during the shootout. Officer Veenstra, who was
in critical condition days before, insisted that
he’d be in attendance of his best friend’s funeral and he was.
When services at the FaithDome concluded, the funeral procession traveled over five
miles to the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver
City. Thousands of people lined the streets to
view the impressive caravan of more than
1,000 police vehicles.
children.
The emotional day came to an end at the
cemetery, as four LAPD helicopter flew in a
“Missing Man” formation, shortly after a 21gun salute was conducted and taps was played
by trumpet. LAPD Chief Bratton solemnly
presented Simmons’ son with the folded flag from his father’s coffin.
The sun set on a historic day, steeped in tradition and reflection. To the born-again Christians, the day was a celebration for we
are comforted in the knowledge that Officer Simmons’ covenant life
was not lived in vain. He is now in the presence of our God in
glory.—EIF
Quotes and police information provided by the Los Angeles Times
news reports. For more information about LAPD Officer Randal
Simmons, please visit www.randysimmonsswat.com
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