COLUMBUS — In what is anticipated to become a regular happening in Columbus, the Mississippi Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship is holding its 16th Annual State Conference in the Friendly City for the first time ever.
“Thank God for us being here in Columbus. This is his vision. This is my home area, and we want to be able to come back here again next year, and after that,” said Bishop Bobby L. McCarter Sr., the bishop for the state of Mississippi.
McCarter made these comments Wednesday at a press conference in the lobby of the Trotter Convention Center, the setting of the conference. It began Wednesday and is scheduled to continue through Friday.
Although this is a conference involving pastors and other church officials from Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, the public is encouraged to attend many of the events, said Northern District Overseer the Rev. Glenn Jefferson Sr., pastor of New Beginnings Full Gospel Church in Crawford.
“This is a spiritual event, and we want the public to be a part of this. I am so thankful we are able to host this event,” he said.
Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith said the Columbus conference is a great opportunity for the community and the county as a whole.
“We can show these visitors the many wonderful sights of Columbus and this county. It is going to be a blessing,” he said.
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith welcomed Bishop McCarter and others to Columbus.
“This is not only going to have an economic impact on our community, it is going to have a spiritual impact as well,” he said.
Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director and CEO James Tsismanakis said that at least 1,000 people are scheduled to attend the event.
“For the three days they will be here, this should generate at least $300,000 to the city. This is for hotels, meals and other things. We are working to make sure Columbus can be the host city for this conference every year,” he said.
Events are also scheduled for youth at this conference as well. Among them included an educational forum, concert and a step show on Wednesday.
Other events during the conference include inspirational messages, midday worship services and evening services.
The theme for this year”s program is “More of the Glory.” Bishop McCarter said it is his hope when the conference concludes, each person who attends will gain spiritual benefits.
“We want this conference to change the lives of people who come, and they can go back to their home churches and work to help their communities,” he said.
Allen Baswell was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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