Pre-MLK Day Celebration

309 West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard,Tyler TX 75702

14 January, 2023

Description

TAAM is inviting you to our Pre MLKJr. Celebration on Saturday January 14,2023 Time is 12 noon to 2pm. Come hear our great speaker Rev Ray Charles Lewis from Jasper Texas, Pastor of Faith Temple C.O.G. I.C. Jasper Texas. In November 1982, God in His sovereign wisdom, called Bro. Ray Charles Lewis to preach and proclaim the word of God under the leadership of Pastor Rayford Chimney. In January 1983 he was licensed and later ordained in June 1985 at Evangel Temple Church Of God In Christ, Houston, Texas by Bishop Joe Nelson, who served as pastor at that time. Rev. Lewis received his pastoral appointment in July 1984 to Faith Temple Church Of God In Christ, 800 Hursey St., Jasper TX. In March 1999, Rev. Lewis oversaw the planning, design, and construction of the new edifice of the Faith Temple COGIC located at 650 Pollard St. Construction was completed in October 1999, where the 250+ congregation currently meets. In 2012, Pastor Lewis oversaw the planning and design for the construction of a 13,000 square feet Family Center that provides community, educational and recreational services to Jasper and the surrounding areas, as well as serving as a recognized disaster shelter. Rev. Lewis, through his inspirational teaching, preaching, and leadership, has impacted the lives of countless numbers of persons. The Warm Hands & Gentle Hearts Food Pantry Program was instituted in 2002 to provide food and staples to the residents of our community who are facing economic hardship. Food and other items are distributed each month to more than 100 families. Additionally, Pastor Lewis and the Faith Temple Church family served as a vital resource to our community after the devastation left by Hurricanes Rita and Ike, distributing hot meals, staples, and ice while also providing shelter to displaced Hurricane victims for some 21 days. Having a strong sense of community, Pastor Lewis served as President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and rallied the cause for many Jasper residents who had been subjected to racial and social injustice. Through his wisdom, leadership, and practical reasoning, Pastor Lewis brought a sense of stability to the black community following the dragging of James Byrd, Jr. as it reached national significance. During this time, he served on a town hall discussion panel for “Night Line with Ted Koppel” on the ABC television network. Since that time, Pastor Lewis has worked tirelessly to both teach and maintain social and economic equality in our community. On numerous occasions, he has been called to assist law enforcement officials in bringing calm to hostile situations. In addition, he currently serves on a committee impaneled by the Jasper Independent School District to review and assess the demonstrated need for the construction of a new intermediate school campus. In addition to being Pastor of Faith Temple COGIC, Rev. Lewis is a mentor to many of the youth at the church as well as in the public schools. He supports the youth of the community through personal interaction and support. His efforts have resulted in the re-shaping of many young lives. Pastor Lewis, also an entrepreneur, presently owns and operates Lewis Timber & Land Company, Inc. Over the years, his various businesses and partnerships have provided job opportunities to some 20 persons. Pastor Lewis is married to the love of his life, Janett Lewis, and together, they have five beautiful children, Rashad (Ronzie), Kimpton, Kimberly (David), Anthony, and Anetra (Rob), and ten wonderful grandchildren; Joshua, Courtland, Landon, Jace, Zoë, Avery, Riley, Aubree, Kaylee and Rashad Jr.