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Deacon James and Sis. Hazel Sanford
Deacon James and Sis. Hazel Sanford were selected by Pastor Robert N. Fortson, Sr., to develop and facilitate the Marriage Enhancement Ministry. Deacon Sanford is originally from Louisville, KY, where he was a faithful member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Robert Little. He was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost in February 1982 and is a second generation saint. Both his mother and father were saved and he was raised in holiness. He is known for saying that he grew up (not in the church but) around the church because of the fact that he did not get serious about salvation until he returned from serving four years in the U. S. Army. He has an Associate Degree in Accounting and currently owns his own business as a financial advisor, with emphasis on insurance and investments. He worked faithfully at Christ Temple as an usher and choir member.
During the summer of 1986, Bro. Sanford attended a National Convention in Houston, TX, where he met his future wife, Sis. Hazel Parker. Sis. Parker was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost in May 1979. She served the Lord faithfully in several capacities, including Membership Secretary and Sunday School Secretary. She was one of the original members of the Alliance of Christian Women for Holy Living. Bro. and Sis. Sanford dated by long distance for two years, prior to deciding to get married in May 1988 and establish their home in Mississippi. They have two children, Jeremy and Micah. Sis. Sanford is employed as the Manager, Customer Relations with the U. S. Postal Service and has a B.S. Degree in Management and a Masters in Business Administration.
After being married in excess of twenty years, the Sanford’s testimony about marriage is that “We feel no ways tired because we have come so far from where we started from. No one told us that the road would be easy, but he brought us too far to leave us.” Their goal is to be an example of what marriage should be, not just to their family and friends, but also to their community, co-workers, and the world at large.
MISSION/VISION STATEMENT
To provide support to the Pastor of Greater Bethlehem Temple in a facilitative role as coordinators for the Married Enhancement Ministry. The responsibilities of this ministry will include, but are not limited to, mentorship, ministry growth, fiscal obligations, community outreach, and communicating the vision and mission of the ministry.
GOALS
1. To promote harmony between husbands and wives
2. To coordinate an annual Marriage Enhancement Retreat which will focus on married couples’ issues, concerns, and generate fellowship
3. Facilitate bi-monthly meetings
4. Support community services
5. Participate in pastoral and church anniversaries
6. Create new and innovative projects/activities throughout the year
UPCOMING EVENTS
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