Pastor Marlon Bradford arrived at Carter’s Chapel at a pivotal time in our history. We were at a threshold of new ministry opportunities, and we were in need of a Minister of Music. Our prayers were answered in the form of one Pastor Marlon Bradford. The Senior Pastor of Victorious Living Church in Memphis, TN, he is a man of many gifts. In addition to being a loving pastor and passionate teacher, he can work wonders on a piano and organ. After arriving on the scene, Pastor Bradford quickly assessed the skill set of the choir and began to do God’s work through our music ministry.Although he he deeply loves Carter’s Chapel, and has a very close relationship with Overseer Ingram, Pastor Bradford knew that God was calling him to take Victorious Living to new heights. As he learned of Overseer Ingram’s vision to move to two services, the pull to do the greater work at Victorious Living grew heavier in his heart. Thankfully, God always has a ram in the bush, and Brother Daniel Jackson arrived at Carter’s Chapel to become our new Minister of Music.

Brother Jackson has taken the accomplishments of God through Pastor Bradford and gone to even greater heights in a short amount of time. The music ministry of Carter’s Chapel Full Gospel Baptist Church sounds angelic under his shepherding, and the worship experiences are all the more sweeter. We are excited for what God is doing through Brother Jackson at Carter’s Chapel.

Brother Jackson was available to provide music and direction for Carter’s during Pastor Bradford’s celebration. Carter’s Chapel sang until Heaven received the news, and all were blessed. Additionally, the praise team of Victorious Living were on site to provide beautiful selections of praise. Representatives from various ministries at Carter’s gave heart fell testimonies and farewells. Afterwards, all in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Carter’s Chapel in our Fellowship Hall. Pastor Bradford hugged everyone he could, but ensuring that we knew this was in no way a goodbye. Carter’s Chapel and Victorious Living will definitely be celebrating Jesus together in the very near future.

It is with a heavy heart but with exceeding great joy for what God is doing at Victorious Living through Pastor Bradford that we say, ‘Thank you, we love you, and we will see you soon!’

Following the success of At the Gates last week, the Carter’s Chapel Drama Ministry brought another masterpiece entitled Grandma Remembers. The play tells the story of an old grandmother with a house full of grandchildren. The oldest daughter has to write an essay about an African American she admires, but she’s lost as to who she should choose. Thankfully the grandmother (played by Minister Malvis Wilson), has a mind and a scrapbook full of memories of African American giants such as Madame C.J. Walker and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.The grandchildren listen attentively as the Grandmother pours her wisdom into their minds, albeit comically at times. Unfortunately, the oldest daughter (played by Sister Artisa Faulkner) is still confused as to who she should pick, so the grandmother gives one last figure: our own Overseer Michael E. Ingram.

The play was educational, as it gave a look on other black heroes besides the ones we normally read about. The members of A.G.A.P.E. acted out the parts of the people the grandmother spoke of, and their presentations were splendid.

All in all, this was the best Black History celebration we have experienced. The need and gifts of our youth were more evident now than ever, and all of us were charged with sewing into their future. After all, a mind is a terrible thing to waste.

The play gave a humorous account of the gates of Heaven as the nearly deceased wait in line to discover their fate. The play begins with St. Peter (portrayed by Minister James Becton) preparing his notes for the new class of candidates. God’s (portrayed by Brother Travis Wilson) voice is heard booming through the heavens, advising Peter to begin the screening. All of a sudden, the jazzy trumpet notes of Gabriel (portrayed by Minister B. Michael Ingram) pierce the air, causing everyone’s head to bob and toes to tap. Gabriel enters the scene, shimmying, shining, and extremely engrossed in his trumpet playing. Peter’s cries for Gabriel to calm down are ignored, and it takes God’s thunderous voice to calm him down. Grabbing his bearings, Gabriel brings in the new class.

The class begins to plead their cases, and what an interesting class it is. From a movie star (Sister Camise Dandridge), two war soldiers (Minister Tyrone Morrow and Brother Justin Grandberry), a lawyer (Brother Carl Rhodes), a Believer reluctant to go to Heaven (Sister Jackson), a wealthy banker (Brother Clarence Howell), and a once atheist now Believer (Brother Donald Humphry), each member shared something in which everyone could relate.

After a long day of showing some the door to Heaven and others the door to hell, Peter and Gabriel were prepared to head into Heaven and enjoy the Glory of God. All of a sudden, a door is heard opening and closing in the distance. The scuffs of high heels echo on the pavement, and everyone wonders who is about to arrive. Suddenly the doors swing open, and the infamous host of the B. Howell show, B. Howell (portrayed by Sister Brandy Howell) arrives with her own theme song (God in Me by Mary, Mary). When asked why she was late, B. Howell quickly explained that she died, but was brought back to life several times by trying doctors, only to now stand before the gate. Peter inquired why she should be allowed into Heaven, and B. Howell shared the guests of her television show (from The B. Howell Show, the 2008 Easter Play). Each of the guests witnessed the life of Jesus, and their testimony encouraged her to become a Believer. B. Howell danced her way into Heaven. Just as she arrived, God descended into the scene, advising us all that the choice of Heaven or hell is ours. He gave us His Word to light our paths, but only we can decide if we walk it or not.

The play was a wonderful performance, which reminded everyone to watch their faith walk.

On February 14, Carter’s was blessed with an interpretive dance by our own A.G.A.P.E. Praise Dancers. Using Kirk Franklin’s song Love, the dancers beautifully portrayed the grace of God exemplified through His love for us. Minister Brian Ingram choreographed the dance, and everyone in attendance was blessed.

The Carter’s Chapel F.G.B.C. Mass Choir rendered songs of praise and worshipped, and Overseer Michael E. Ingram delivered a relevant word from God. When asked about their thoughts on the service, many agreed that this was the best Black History month thus far.

We are beyond grateful for the gifts that God has given us in the Lady Kemmie Ingram. May God continue to bless her and use her for His Glory!