Women of the Bible: A prelude to Mother’s Day

BY Allen A. Buchanan, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG — The Deaconess and Mothers Board of First Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1121 22nd  St. S. Church sponsored “Women of the Bible” Prayer Breakfast last Sat., May 10 to commemorate the coming of Mother’s Day.

Sister Ashley Shorter presided over the early morning celebration of First Mothers of the Christian faith. Missionary Cynthia Jenkins from the host church began the program as she talked about Rebekah, the mother who bore twins that would lead two opposing nations.

Sister Mildred Jackson of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church spoke about Mary and her immaculate conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. She talked about how Mary initially felt about other’s perception of her being pregnant without a husband. But her concerns were laid to rest with Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.

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Sister Cynthia Ford of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church shared the story of Sarah, the woman who laughed when God revealed to her that she would bare a son despite her advanced age. Interestingly, her future son’s name, Isaac, meant laughter.

Salome, a follower of Jesus and mother of the Apostles James and John, was also introduced by Sister Ford.  According to the New Testament, Salome was present with Mary – the mother of Jesus – and Mary Magdalene at the Crucifixion.

Missionary Sharon Bonner discussed the significance of the barren woman Hannah who was married to Elkanah.  Hannah was ridiculed by his second wife because she could not bear children for her husband until God interceded and blessed her with a son by the name of Samuel. According to biblical accounts, Hannah promised to give her son back to God, a promise that she kept.

Sister Bonner of Greater Central Missionary Baptist Church gave a dynamic synopsis of the five biblical mothers and a full breakfast was served to all who attended the pre-Mother’s Day ceremony.