 On the morning of July 23, 2022, Bishop-Elect Dr. Glake Hill Jr. texted Senior Associate, Anthony D. Bobo, Jr., “I will meet you all at 11:30 at the Firebird restaurant.” Little did Bobo know he was in for more than a meal, but a meeting of the minds. As part of the Sankofa Project, Bobo and Bishop Dr. Robert Owens (Rivers of Life) attended the Church of Christ (Holiness) USA (COCHUSA) annual convention. The Sankofa Project (sponsored by Influential Global Ministries) looks back at the history of the African American Church to glean ideas for reimagining the future church, Bobo and Owens attend the 125th Commemorative Convention to interact with one of the oldest black denominations in America. Bobo reflects on the lunch meeting that morning between Owens and Hill, “Bishop Owens, with his roots in the black church and years of experience in the evangelical church, asked questions of Bishop-Elect Hill… Hill, with his rich history in the Holiness Movement and understanding of systems because of his background in science would respond and then ask questions back…” It was like sitting at a tennis match watching, listening, and laughing as these two leaders shared their theology of the church.” “I felt so blessed to be able to gain understanding from these men who have given their lives to Christ and serving the people of God.” Bobo and Owens attended the Sunday morning service that started with great pomp and circumstance. Many of the church leadership and committee members marched down the aisle while we all stood to our feet while the choir sang a hymn of the church in the background. After praise and worship and church administrative type announcements, the Senior Bishop of the COCHUSA, Bishop Vernon Kennebrew was announced as the speaker of the hour. The sermonic song sang by the spirit filled choir and energetic musicians before he spoke manifested an overwhelming presence of God in the room. He could hardly speak over the Saints “giving vent to the Spirit.” Kennebrew’s message for the morning was, “The Mission Has Not Changed.” With authority, he informed the congregation that the mission of the church has not changed, but methods in which we minister must change. As Kennebrew explained that holiness is a “way of excellence,” he encouraged his hearers to do everything (including living our lives) in the spirit of excellence for God. That night, we returned and the highlight for Bobo and Owens was witnessing their friend and brother consecrated to the bishopric. The consecration service was filled with great excitement because it had been over a decade since the last bishop was consecrated and this night two bishops would have the oil poured on their heads. What a sight to see him and his wife as he stood wearing his robe while members of the South-Central Diocese presented them with gifts of love. The trip to Birmingham, Alabama took Bobo and Owens back to the historic black church… while allowing them to see the future of the black church, as it adapts to methods to save a dying world.  Mark Bobo (Associate, The Joseph Factor Group) was announced as a member of Leadership Columbus Board of Trustees. Leadership Columbus provides education and training for emerging and existing leaders in the Columbus area.
Help us congratulate Mark... Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, “Your knowledge, expertise and diligent service has provided support for special events and new initiatives, and garnered increased resources for Maryland’s State Park system.”
Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. (Senior Associate, The Joseph Factor Group) has served on the Maryland Park Advisory Commission (Commission) for over 8 years. The Commission was one of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources civil groups providing expertise in the area of parks and recreation. Secretary Haddaway-Riccio shares more of Bobo’s contribution, “In all, your service has strengthened the conservation mission of the Maryland Park Service and has enhanced our department’s ability to connect all people to the natural and historical resources preserved in our public lands.” We are elated over Bobo and his hard work in the areas of advising, influencing, and leading in the area of natural resources. “My most proud moment of the work with Maryland Parks is the Employee Mentoring effort that I led with some of the Park Service staff. To set up a process for enhancing employee engagement, empowering leaders and staff, and influencing organizational culture in a meaningful way means so much to me.” Mark Spurrier, Manager at Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks and Mentor Program Lead, comments on Bobo’s work with the team, “I found working with Anthony Bobo to be very helpful. His experience provided an outside perspective as our committee developed the mentoring program for the Maryland Park Service. His feedback was honest, thoughtful and positive. It was obvious that he had a true passion for developing leaders in the field of natural resources management.” While Bobo's term with the Commission is over, his work with Maryland Park Service continues. “I enjoy being outdoors! And I will not just cut the friendships I have developed with the many Park employees across the state. I will be out there on foot, on my bike, or on a scenic drive visiting my friends and enjoying God’s creation.” |
