Freedom: Breaking The Chains
A family conference to fight against; abuse, depression, addiction and suicide
As we step to the threshold of our second annual “Storm the Gates of Hell” conference my heart is filled with gratitude for all those who have advanced to the battle and joined their swords with ours.
The first people who come to mind are naturally Ronnie and Tammy Alicea of Reignfest. I met Pastor Ronnie at an event hosted by Pastor Sam Infanzon of the St. Pete Dream Center. (A wonderful man of God) Pastor Sam invited me to speak at his Thanksgiving outreach in 2009 and introduced me to Ronnie and Tammy. I gave Ronnie my book, “Jesus Loves Me” and he told me about some of the jam/praise events of Reignfest. The next time I met Ronnie he told me how much Tammy had been touched by my book and he asked me to come and speak at his next Reignfest event. We had a few minutes to talk during the break and I shared with Ronnie about the tragic death of my nephew, (my sister Debbie’s son Nick) who after taking an overdose of drugs in August took his own life, he was 17 years old. Ronnie was soon in contact with Debbie and when she shared with him her passion to stop this from happening to other families he told her that he wanted to host the first “In the Nick of Time” outreach. From that day forward Ronnie has been the go to person and coordinator for all of our events. Tammy has graciously given of her time and efforts to support Ronnie and provide a strong foundation underneath the ministry God has called them to.
The next key person God sent to us was Pastor Wallace Phaire, Youth Pastor of Suncoast Cathedral. Pastor Wally and his wife Karminia welcomed us with open arms, they rolled up their sleeves and went to work putting together our first Storm the Gates conference and offered to host each annual conference at their beautiful facility. Senior Pastor Tim Suddreth accommodated and encouraged our ministry in every possible way and we are so grateful to God for bringing these dedicated people into our path.
I must not fail to mention Brother Dennis Lopez who was by our side from the day that we lost Nick helping and encouraging in so many ways, along with Rev. Linda McKnight, Dave and Valerie Hollingsworth and so many others, who produce fliers, write letters and run errands as they hold us up in prayer.
There are so many other artists, speakers, child care workers and the youth team of Onesm (One Student Ministries) of Suncoast Cathedral and all the people who work behind the scenes to make this conference possible I applaud your gifts and your efforts and I thank God for your willingness to reach out to those who are hurting. Your reward in heaven will be great for surly your King is watching.
As I write this note our conference is only five days away. I am praying that many of you will bring friends and family and be a part of this wonderful conference. You will come away armed with information and touched by the love and anointing of our mighty and merciful Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, the Son of the only living God.
Meet me on the battle field:
Saturday, May 19, 2012 10am -5pm
Suncoast Cathedral 2300 62nd Ave. N. St Petersburg, Florida 33702
For more information call:
Debbie Nelis (727) 515-4115 or Ronnie Alicea (727) 678-8806