The life, the mission, the moment

ST. PETERSBURG — At such a time as this, it is imperative that the body of Christ is responsive to ministry that is sound integrity, purely anointed and that is of a divine appointment. Without a shadow of a doubt, such necessities of ministry are manifested in the person and work of Bishop Designate Albert “Al” Baldwin, Jr.

Baldwin, affectionately called “Preacher Al” or “Prophet,” was born on October 17, 1980, in Largo to Delores Bailey and Albert Baldwin, Sr.  He was reared by his grandmother, Hattie Bailey.

As a child, Baldwin encountered many hardships and struggles, which served as building blocks to a personal relationship with the Master. He went through many years of his life with both parents on drugs and in and out of jail. During this period, all he had was his grandmother, who worked three jobs to support him and his sister.

Due to the many struggles Baldwin encountered in his childhood, many people had begun to count him out, saying that he wasn’t going to amount to anything. God had a plan, however, and placed the right people in place to help push him into the plan that had been ordained for his life.

After hearing the Word and feeling a special touch in which only God can give, the way was opened to such a divine anointing, in which only the true and living God can provide.

From that day forth, Baldwin has been allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to and through him, use him and direct his paths. Baldwin’s inspiration in kingdom service is and will always be a part of the very fiber of his being.

After receiving the call from God in February 1998, he’s been ministering the unconditional love of God to many hurting men, women and children of all ages from city to city.  Baldwin stands firm on the Word of the Lord as recorded in Matthew 20:16: “For many be called but few are chosen.”  Baldwin knows that he is a chosen vessel of God.

The appointment to this scared office of Bishop came through Baldwin’s former Bishop, Bishop Isaac Andrews, the presiding Bishop of The Holy Ghost Church of God Purchased With His Blood. The announcement came across the pulpit to the church family on June 25 during the churches Women State Convention.

Bishop Isaac Andrews stated that it was time for the organization to go forth and to a higher level. He stated that he had been praying and seeking God for direction for the organization.

Andrews concluded that the Lord had spoken to him, informing that Baldwin was the right choice for the office of 1st Vice Presiding Bishop of The Holy Ghost Church of God Purchased With His Blood.

This is an office or position that Baldwin would have never seen himself in nor would he had ever asked to be considered.  He knows that he is called by God and carries a heavy anointing.

Baldwin knew that his faithfulness to God, to the work of the ministry and his loyalty to the people of God, would one day allow him to taste of the fruits that God has for him. He believes that Jeremiah 29:11 sums up his life.

Even during the process of preparing for this historic service, many obstacles, stumbling blocks and transitions have come Baldwin’s way.  He has remained steadfast and unmovable through them all for he believes that your greatest blessings come through your worst test an opposition.

This Saturday, Aug. 26, Holy Temple Pentecostal Assemblies of Churches, Inc. friends and family will join together to help celebrate the Episcopal Consecration of Bishop-Designate Albert Baldwin, Jr. as a Bishop and Prince in The Lord’s Church.

Our hearts are already celebrating! Please join us in prayer for this historical Episcopal Celebration led by his eminence, the most reverend Zema J. Florence, III, Th.D.

This celebration will be held at Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 4000 Fifth Ave. S. Doors to the sanctuary will open at 3 p.m. for the public Episcopal celebration.

There will be a special appearance and speech by candidate for Mayor Rick Baker, along with other city officials.

Anterooms will be available for guest officials to vest. We are asking that all attending bishops, prophets, pastors, elders, ministers, evangelist and missionaries be in their proper high holy attire, choir dress/CLASS A or civic attire.

For more information, please contact Bishop-Designate Albert “AL” Baldwin, Jr. at (727)754-0199