Tomorrow, January 1st marks the date that Holy Convocation (30 1/2 Days of Prayer & Fasting begin at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.
A note to the CMBC family. Remember that Pastor Fort has amended the initial fast of exclusively water, fruit and vegetables. Kosher fish was also included.
I have amended that initial list of foods to include chicken and wheat/whole wheat foods. However the chicken is not to be fried. No soda pop, no white pasta or breads.
That said, I hope to blog about my personal diet from day to day.
With respect to tomorrow know that I intend to eat the following:
Breakfast: apple and banana.
Lunch and dinner: brown rice, a mix of red, green and yellow peppers and broccoli.
Water to drink.
C.M.B.C. family remember to complete your "fasting contract". Remember, in addition to your personal reasons for fasting we are praying and fasting as a church family for the Spiritual, physical and financial health and healing of our church family, Christians around the world and the world at large.
Finally, also remember that our prayer commitment to pray every morning, at 12:00PM (no matter where you are); and again in the evening.
Let's pray for one another.
Happy New Years Eve.
safe in CHRIST,
Pastor Fort
Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!
Early this past Tuesday morning. Around 4:00AM I left Chandler Arizona bound for Ceres California.
My drive to the Bay Area was directly connected to the recent transition of my Aunt Joyce Nelson (Fort); from earth to heaven. It was also connected to the fact that I wanted to see my Aunt Kay Lee (Fort); my Aunt Elma Fort and my sister Arnita Echoes (Fort).
I arrived in Ceres California around 3:30PM. I visited with my Aunt and some cousins for about 30 minutes. I then drove to East Palo Alto California to see my Aunt Kay. I visited with Aunt Kay, Uncle Bobby, Cousin Jackie and others for about 30 minutes. I then drove to my sister Arnita's house near downtown San Jose California. I visited for a few minutes with Arnita and her husband Steven Echoes.
Then I went to sleep in their spare bedroom for about 3 and one half hours. I got up around 2:00AM California time (3:00AM Arizona time) and went to the gas station. I left the gas station about 3:32AM bound for Chandler Arizona.
I arrived in Arizona shortly after 3:00PM.
Brothers and Sisters, I made a vow to The LORD several years ago not to ever drive from San Jose California to Los Angeles California again. My reason for that declaration years ago was the fear and danger of driving through the "Grapevine" in fog so dense that I could not see the front of the car.
Well, I must confess that I broke that promise years ago. In fact, I've driven back and forth from Arizona to the Bay Area a number of times since then.
That said, let the record reflect that I revived my previous commitment to not drive to California again... period.
I cannot tell you how terrifying it was driving from the Bay back to Arizona. Perhaps you heard about the terrible rain, flooding, mud slides and the like from southern California through western Arizona? If not, let me tell you it was bad!
The rain seemed relentless, the wind was strong, the fog was present. To top all of that off the windshield wiper on the driver side of the car caused problems too. Instead of wiping the window clean it smeared the rain water across the window causing bigger problems with viewing the situation outside.
I prayed to The LORD and asked for His guidance, grace, mercy, love and favor the whole way. Quite literally I thought I was going to crash perhaps even die a number of times. But The LORD is faithful. I said to my sister "God still takes care of babies and fools". I was a fool for taking that trip, and continuing on despite the weather.
So in essence I'm writing this blog to encourage everyone to exercise Common Sense. I didn't do that. To make wise decisions... I didn't do that. To pull your car over when inclement weather is the order of the day... I didn't do that. To spend time with The LORD when you don't want anything... perhaps this will influence His blessing and keeping you- when you do want some things.
On a closing note, my Aunt Joyce Fort as I said earlier passed away two weeks ago this past Thursday. My Aunt Elma has been diagnosed with bone cancer. My Aunt Kay, Aunt Joyce and Aunt Elma were "runnin' buddies. Please pray for God's will to be done with my Aunt Elma and her cancer diagnosis. Ask The LORD to heal her completely... if that's His will. Ask The LORD to speak peace to my Aunt Kay and my Aunt Elma with the lost of their sister. I have another aunt, Aunt Zelma who still lives in Texas. Pray for her too.
Heck, just pray for my whole family.
Now then have a holy, healthy and happy CHRISTmas Eve and CHRISTmas Day. If you're a member of Canaan, or if you're looking for a CHRISTmas morning worship service, let me invite you to join us in our annual CHRISTmas morning worship service from 8:00AM until 9:00AM at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. Visit us online at: WWW.MYCMBC.ORG for more information. Or just stop by CMBC 931 South Stapley Drive Mesa Arizona 85204.
I call this blog "... THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!" not because of the CHRISTmas holy-day- but because I am trully full of wonder at how and why our GOD does what He does. Indeed He loves us one and all. Indeed His grace is sufficient.
Safe in the arms of JESUS CHRIST my SAVIOR and LORD,
Sherman J. Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST
My drive to the Bay Area was directly connected to the recent transition of my Aunt Joyce Nelson (Fort); from earth to heaven. It was also connected to the fact that I wanted to see my Aunt Kay Lee (Fort); my Aunt Elma Fort and my sister Arnita Echoes (Fort).
I arrived in Ceres California around 3:30PM. I visited with my Aunt and some cousins for about 30 minutes. I then drove to East Palo Alto California to see my Aunt Kay. I visited with Aunt Kay, Uncle Bobby, Cousin Jackie and others for about 30 minutes. I then drove to my sister Arnita's house near downtown San Jose California. I visited for a few minutes with Arnita and her husband Steven Echoes.
Then I went to sleep in their spare bedroom for about 3 and one half hours. I got up around 2:00AM California time (3:00AM Arizona time) and went to the gas station. I left the gas station about 3:32AM bound for Chandler Arizona.
I arrived in Arizona shortly after 3:00PM.
Brothers and Sisters, I made a vow to The LORD several years ago not to ever drive from San Jose California to Los Angeles California again. My reason for that declaration years ago was the fear and danger of driving through the "Grapevine" in fog so dense that I could not see the front of the car.
Well, I must confess that I broke that promise years ago. In fact, I've driven back and forth from Arizona to the Bay Area a number of times since then.
That said, let the record reflect that I revived my previous commitment to not drive to California again... period.
I cannot tell you how terrifying it was driving from the Bay back to Arizona. Perhaps you heard about the terrible rain, flooding, mud slides and the like from southern California through western Arizona? If not, let me tell you it was bad!
The rain seemed relentless, the wind was strong, the fog was present. To top all of that off the windshield wiper on the driver side of the car caused problems too. Instead of wiping the window clean it smeared the rain water across the window causing bigger problems with viewing the situation outside.
I prayed to The LORD and asked for His guidance, grace, mercy, love and favor the whole way. Quite literally I thought I was going to crash perhaps even die a number of times. But The LORD is faithful. I said to my sister "God still takes care of babies and fools". I was a fool for taking that trip, and continuing on despite the weather.
So in essence I'm writing this blog to encourage everyone to exercise Common Sense. I didn't do that. To make wise decisions... I didn't do that. To pull your car over when inclement weather is the order of the day... I didn't do that. To spend time with The LORD when you don't want anything... perhaps this will influence His blessing and keeping you- when you do want some things.
On a closing note, my Aunt Joyce Fort as I said earlier passed away two weeks ago this past Thursday. My Aunt Elma has been diagnosed with bone cancer. My Aunt Kay, Aunt Joyce and Aunt Elma were "runnin' buddies. Please pray for God's will to be done with my Aunt Elma and her cancer diagnosis. Ask The LORD to heal her completely... if that's His will. Ask The LORD to speak peace to my Aunt Kay and my Aunt Elma with the lost of their sister. I have another aunt, Aunt Zelma who still lives in Texas. Pray for her too.
Heck, just pray for my whole family.
Now then have a holy, healthy and happy CHRISTmas Eve and CHRISTmas Day. If you're a member of Canaan, or if you're looking for a CHRISTmas morning worship service, let me invite you to join us in our annual CHRISTmas morning worship service from 8:00AM until 9:00AM at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. Visit us online at: WWW.MYCMBC.ORG for more information. Or just stop by CMBC 931 South Stapley Drive Mesa Arizona 85204.
I call this blog "... THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!" not because of the CHRISTmas holy-day- but because I am trully full of wonder at how and why our GOD does what He does. Indeed He loves us one and all. Indeed His grace is sufficient.
Safe in the arms of JESUS CHRIST my SAVIOR and LORD,
Sherman J. Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
THANK YOU JESUS!
GOD is better than great... period!
To GOD be all glory, honor and praise... THANK YOU JESUS for keeping during my drive from San Jose California back to Arizona.
agape
pastor fort
To GOD be all glory, honor and praise... THANK YOU JESUS for keeping during my drive from San Jose California back to Arizona.
agape
pastor fort
Monday, December 13, 2010
CANAAN CELEBRATES 21 YEARS!
To God be all glory, honor and praise!
Yesterday, Sunday, December 12, 2010 the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church celebrated our 21st Church Anniversary.
Our special guest preachers for both services was the inimitable Rev. Terry Marks, Senior Minister/Pastor of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Phoenix Arizona.
My, my, my- what a Gospel Preacher! Rev. Marks is a former member of CMBC. He served as a trustee during some of his years at Canaan in addition to working in other capacities. But more important than his work as a trustee is the fact that he is a trusted, personal friend of mine.
I marvel at what I see our great God doing in the life and ministry of Rev. Marks. The sermon he preached yesterday was titled: "Built Up to Hold Up!". His text was the classic passage found in Matthew 16:13 and following. Thank you preacher for your ministry in The WORD of God.
Special thanks to members of his praise team too who accompanied their pastor to CMBC. They ministered in song and we were blessed by their singing.
An extra special thanks to the charter members of CMBC who joined us in worship yesterday. To Sis. Joyce Boyd and all those on her committee... Thank you too!
May our God bless and keep you.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Yesterday, Sunday, December 12, 2010 the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church celebrated our 21st Church Anniversary.
Our special guest preachers for both services was the inimitable Rev. Terry Marks, Senior Minister/Pastor of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Phoenix Arizona.
My, my, my- what a Gospel Preacher! Rev. Marks is a former member of CMBC. He served as a trustee during some of his years at Canaan in addition to working in other capacities. But more important than his work as a trustee is the fact that he is a trusted, personal friend of mine.
I marvel at what I see our great God doing in the life and ministry of Rev. Marks. The sermon he preached yesterday was titled: "Built Up to Hold Up!". His text was the classic passage found in Matthew 16:13 and following. Thank you preacher for your ministry in The WORD of God.
Special thanks to members of his praise team too who accompanied their pastor to CMBC. They ministered in song and we were blessed by their singing.
An extra special thanks to the charter members of CMBC who joined us in worship yesterday. To Sis. Joyce Boyd and all those on her committee... Thank you too!
May our God bless and keep you.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
Monday, November 8, 2010
E.V. HILL II ... THANK YOU JESUS!
This past Sunday I had the blessed opportunity to preach at the famed Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles California, Rev. E. V. Hill II, pastor.
This opportunity came about because Pastor Welton Pleasant II, invited Sis. Fort and I to participate in Marriage Conference 2010 held at his church. Consequently my friend and brother, Rev. E.V. Hill II, pastor of Mount Zion M.B.C., Los Angeles California heard about my coming to Los Angeles and extended an invitation to preach at "Zion".
Pastor E.V. Hill II, and I have known each other for some time. In fact, I've had him scheduled to preach at Canaan at least twice in the last several months. Neither one of those invitations came to pass. However, if The LORD see's fit, Pastor HIll will be with us in January of 2011.
That said, let me declare to one and all that "Zion" has it going on! What do I mean by that? Well consider that the last time I was at Zion it was the Memorial Service for the late Dr. E. V. Hill I. The service took place on a Friday night and the place of course was jam packed.
When I went to Zion this past Sunday it was my first time seeing the new facility since the fire. In a word it is AWESOME! It's beautiful! The sanctuary says "worship". So many sanctuary's don't communicate that today. It's modern. I mean the technology is there (cameras, screens and all); but if you're not looking for it you may miss some of it. The camera's and all are "under-stated". They are not obtrusive. The wood in the church works. I've seen so many churches with wood that are dark and maybe even foreboding. Not so here. The wood is warm and light. The key color is the same ... green. But now the green seems to me to be a richer, dark, emerald green. Last but not least let me say something about the sound system! Great!
In addition to all of this the Praise Team ... yes I said Praise Team at "Zion" was outstanding. The choir ... magnificent. And Pastor Hill of course was gracious to a fault. A ridiculously charismatic, sharp and always well groomed brother ... I thank The LORD for the kindness showed to me by Rev. E.V. Hill II.
If you live in South Los Angeles, do yourself a favor and visit Mt. Zion M.B.C. if The LORD leads you so to do.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
This opportunity came about because Pastor Welton Pleasant II, invited Sis. Fort and I to participate in Marriage Conference 2010 held at his church. Consequently my friend and brother, Rev. E.V. Hill II, pastor of Mount Zion M.B.C., Los Angeles California heard about my coming to Los Angeles and extended an invitation to preach at "Zion".
Pastor E.V. Hill II, and I have known each other for some time. In fact, I've had him scheduled to preach at Canaan at least twice in the last several months. Neither one of those invitations came to pass. However, if The LORD see's fit, Pastor HIll will be with us in January of 2011.
That said, let me declare to one and all that "Zion" has it going on! What do I mean by that? Well consider that the last time I was at Zion it was the Memorial Service for the late Dr. E. V. Hill I. The service took place on a Friday night and the place of course was jam packed.
When I went to Zion this past Sunday it was my first time seeing the new facility since the fire. In a word it is AWESOME! It's beautiful! The sanctuary says "worship". So many sanctuary's don't communicate that today. It's modern. I mean the technology is there (cameras, screens and all); but if you're not looking for it you may miss some of it. The camera's and all are "under-stated". They are not obtrusive. The wood in the church works. I've seen so many churches with wood that are dark and maybe even foreboding. Not so here. The wood is warm and light. The key color is the same ... green. But now the green seems to me to be a richer, dark, emerald green. Last but not least let me say something about the sound system! Great!
In addition to all of this the Praise Team ... yes I said Praise Team at "Zion" was outstanding. The choir ... magnificent. And Pastor Hill of course was gracious to a fault. A ridiculously charismatic, sharp and always well groomed brother ... I thank The LORD for the kindness showed to me by Rev. E.V. Hill II.
If you live in South Los Angeles, do yourself a favor and visit Mt. Zion M.B.C. if The LORD leads you so to do.
safe in CHRIST,
pastor fort
THANK YOU CHRIST SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, LONG BEACH, CA.
It's not often that I have the blessed opportunity to receive an invitation that involves both my wife and I working in ministry together. However, that's exactly what happened this past weekend.
My friend and brother, Rev. Welton Pleasant II, pastor of Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach California- invited Angela and I to participate in their Marriage Conference 2010.
This blog is being written to say a big THANK YOU to the pastor and people of Christ Second Baptist Church. Sis. Fort and I had a wonderful time sharing in ministry together. The Conference was wonderful. The Couple's Ministry Leaders, Deacon and Sis. Brown were very kind. The people of Christ Second Baptist Church were gracious to a fault.
All that said, what I enjoyed over the course of the Conference may very well have been the "refreshing" voice(s) of both Sis. Angela Fort and Sis. Teresa Pleasant (daughter of Dr. Fred Campbell, pastor, Mt. Zion M.B.C., Redwood City, CA.).
Angela and Teresa joined Pastor Pleasant and I in facilitating our respective Sessions. Wow! How very refreshing it was for me to hear them. Their voice, their perspective and the way they communicated the things they shared was wonderful to watch and witness. I thank our God for blessing us with gifted wives.
In addition to participating in the Marriage Conference, Pastor Pleasant also afforded me the privilege of preaching at the church this past Sunday morning. My, my, my ... what an experience!
Pastor Pleasant and I have been friends for some years now. I knew him when he served as Pastor of South Los Angeles Baptist Church in Los Angeles California. And what a great church South Los Angeles was. However, let the record reflect that our God has blessed Pastor Pleasant at Christ Second Baptist Church.
The worship was wonderful, the campus is great. The staff (from the Church Administrator to the young ladies working the Video ministry piece on both Saturday and Sunday); were all gracious and kind.
Most certainly I struggled some in preaching last Sunday morning, but still the people were gracious. I pray that they received what The LORD wanted to them to hear this past Sunday. I pray this is true more than I pray that they "enjoyed" the sermon; or that I'm ever invited back.
Thank you LORD JESUS CHRIST for this opportunity. Thank you Pastor Pleasant for the invitation.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor sherman j. fort
My friend and brother, Rev. Welton Pleasant II, pastor of Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach California- invited Angela and I to participate in their Marriage Conference 2010.
This blog is being written to say a big THANK YOU to the pastor and people of Christ Second Baptist Church. Sis. Fort and I had a wonderful time sharing in ministry together. The Conference was wonderful. The Couple's Ministry Leaders, Deacon and Sis. Brown were very kind. The people of Christ Second Baptist Church were gracious to a fault.
All that said, what I enjoyed over the course of the Conference may very well have been the "refreshing" voice(s) of both Sis. Angela Fort and Sis. Teresa Pleasant (daughter of Dr. Fred Campbell, pastor, Mt. Zion M.B.C., Redwood City, CA.).
Angela and Teresa joined Pastor Pleasant and I in facilitating our respective Sessions. Wow! How very refreshing it was for me to hear them. Their voice, their perspective and the way they communicated the things they shared was wonderful to watch and witness. I thank our God for blessing us with gifted wives.
In addition to participating in the Marriage Conference, Pastor Pleasant also afforded me the privilege of preaching at the church this past Sunday morning. My, my, my ... what an experience!
Pastor Pleasant and I have been friends for some years now. I knew him when he served as Pastor of South Los Angeles Baptist Church in Los Angeles California. And what a great church South Los Angeles was. However, let the record reflect that our God has blessed Pastor Pleasant at Christ Second Baptist Church.
The worship was wonderful, the campus is great. The staff (from the Church Administrator to the young ladies working the Video ministry piece on both Saturday and Sunday); were all gracious and kind.
Most certainly I struggled some in preaching last Sunday morning, but still the people were gracious. I pray that they received what The LORD wanted to them to hear this past Sunday. I pray this is true more than I pray that they "enjoyed" the sermon; or that I'm ever invited back.
Thank you LORD JESUS CHRIST for this opportunity. Thank you Pastor Pleasant for the invitation.
Safe in CHRIST,
pastor sherman j. fort
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A NEW BEGINNING!
GOD is better than great ... period!
I am sitting in the back of the sanctuary at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. I am watching Pastor Tommy Reynolds perform the first baptisms for the church The Lord blessed him to begin.
This inaugural baptism service is a real blessing. I believe Pastor Reynolds has baptized a total of 11 people tonight. WOW! What a blessing. In a day when some churches that have been around for years are not baptizing at all ... or very little, Pastor Reynolds is baptizing 11 people to the glory and honor of God most high!
Go 'head Pastor Reynolds and THE NEW BEGINNING'S FELLOWSHIP!
This is an awesome church and awesome pastor and Co-Pastor, the Rev. Nancy Reynolds.
Pray for them.
safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
I am sitting in the back of the sanctuary at Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. I am watching Pastor Tommy Reynolds perform the first baptisms for the church The Lord blessed him to begin.
This inaugural baptism service is a real blessing. I believe Pastor Reynolds has baptized a total of 11 people tonight. WOW! What a blessing. In a day when some churches that have been around for years are not baptizing at all ... or very little, Pastor Reynolds is baptizing 11 people to the glory and honor of God most high!
Go 'head Pastor Reynolds and THE NEW BEGINNING'S FELLOWSHIP!
This is an awesome church and awesome pastor and Co-Pastor, the Rev. Nancy Reynolds.
Pray for them.
safe in CHRIST,
Sherman J. Fort
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