“If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.” #BlackJesus John 14:13 ICB
By Eric Stradford, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired
AMWS,
February 8, 2026, Maputo,
Mozambique -- U.S. foreign policy under
the Trump administration is moving the world’s 2.4 billion followers of Jesus
The Christ closer than ever to God’s purpose for their existence.
At the heart
of manifest destiny was a
gross misperception of racial superiority.
Just governments rightfully commend the obedience, loyalty, support, and
defense of all Christian men and women they control and protect. The Right Reverend Jeffrey N. Leath, 128th
Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, has cautioned his church’s
institutional voice to seek
substantive change from a shrinking dollar. “
· We Have Capable Leaders in Districts 14-20
·
We want to decide for ourselves (leaders and governance structures)
·
We need/want Development Financial Support, but we have some resources
without it.
·
We need a different Episcopal District Configuration (Zambia)
Fiduciary
Trustees for Free African Society for the 21st Century (FAS2) call
on advocates and antagonists for church reform to assess generational needs
through a $100
m seed for ending poverty.
FAS2 seeks to leverage equity in a $6 trillion asset to partner
on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1, #NoPoverty2030 in Alkebulan.
The Historic
Black Church, evolving from Philadelphia
society, assimilated racist values into their divine rights to perpetuate
perception of their inferiority. Each February,
historically disadvantaged believers honor founders to include Richard Allen
and Absolom Jones for a vision to carry out the
spirit of #BlackJesus.
Young Adult
followers are poised to assume responsibility for leveraging newly discovered
assets for their ecosystem’s sustained development. The Richard Allen Young
Adult Council (RAYAC), scheduled for “convergence”
at this year’s gathering of the Global Development
Council, sets hope for multi-generational trust.
RAYAC’s Black
History report to the church of Richard Allen can repair and restore followers to
their manifest destiny
In Revelation
3:7-8 ICB - To the Church in Philadelphia
The spirit of the original Free African Society acknowledges the
church's deeds, stating, "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you
an open door, which no one can shut. For you have only a little strength, yet
you have kept My word and have not denied My name" (Revelation 3:8).
The letter
to the church promises protection and vindication. Jesus assures them that He
will keep them from the hour of trial that is coming upon the world (Revelation
3:10). He also promises that the one who overcomes will be made a pillar in the
temple of God, signifying stability and honor in His presence.
Heirs of Salvation
here and throughout State of
African Diaspora (SOAD) can sing a new song for repair and
reconciliation. With almost 350 million
people, the African Diaspora equals the THIRD COUNTRY in the world after China
and India, but greater than The United States of America (323 million),
Indonesia (258 million) and Brazil (205 million).
The
African Diaspora is derived from two main waves of migration:
- The first
is related to the deportation of Africans in the context of the slave trade,
whether it is the Eastern Trade (from the 7th to the beginning of the 20th
century), or the Western Trade (from the 15th to the 19th century). The
descendants of these populations are still living today in countries like Yemen
or Iraq, or The United States of America and Brazil, for example.
-The second
wave is an economic migration that pushed the African population to Europe,
since the twentieth century, especially after 1945. These are African
descendants in France or the UK, but also in many other countries of the world.
The
Covenant
In 2004, the
AME Church made a major commitment to Indigenous Leadership with an
unprecedented election of three bishops who were born in overseas districts
(Districts 14-20). The intent was sealed with a document:
Persons born
outside of the USA would serve areas of their birth. Yet, the understanding of
those elected was not clear in terms of their having made an active, career
long obligation.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION 23. OF THE RULERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA
The
President, the Congress, the General Assemblies, the Governors, and the
Councils of State, as the delegates of the people, are the rulers of the United
States of America, according to the division of power made to them by the
Constitution of the United States, and by the constitution of their respective
states and the Councils of States delegates of the people, are the rulers of
the United States of America, and by the Constitutions of their respective
States. And the said states are a sovereign and independent nation, and ought
not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction.
It is acknowledged that the African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the United States. However, the African Methodist Episcopal Church is an international Christian body with constituents around the world, and a Christian witness that is both parochial and global. Article 23 presumes the duty, loyalty and patriotism of our constituents, as citizens of sovereign nations, to obey just laws, to recognize and respect the organizational structure, and to uphold the Constitution of the country or nation-state in which our members hold the rights and privileges of citizenship. Further, obedience to Civil Government is one of the principle duties of all persons, and was honored by our Lord and His Apostles. Though differing in form and policy, all just governments rightfully commend the obedience, loyalty, support, and defense of all Christian men and women they control and protect.
