Fifth PLP Conference Honors Three Local Leaders

By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones

POUGHKEEPSIE – The Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of honor is “public esteem; to recognize, to show appreciation, respect, or affection (for someone) with a public celebration.” Honor was the theme of the 5th PLP (Pastors & Leaders Pour) Conference. The three day event culminated on Saturday, April 26th at The Gathering at Faith Assembly, given by One Accord Christian Church, Inc.

“The theme is honor. And we believe in honoring God, but we can’t honor our God without honoring each other. So that’s important. As the Bible says, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. Then the second is like the first. Love your neighbor as yourself, and that’s honoring your neighbor as yourself. And so, it’s important for us to honor each other. And there’s great benefits that comes with honoring one another,” said Bishop Robert J. Bolton, Jr., pastor of One Accord Christian Church, Inc. who explained how he chose this year’s honorees. “They’ve done [a lot] in the community… Lynwood Rhodes, he does a lot of things in the community privately. The Bible says if you do things in private, God will reward you in public. Reverend Bottoms, he’s been serving the community for many years, as well as Apostle Gause. And so, they are trailblazers, and I like to honor the trailblazers, those that have paved the way for many of us young ones.”

Panelists Bishop Michael A. Baston, Bishop Monique Ross, Bishop Robert J. Bolton, Jr, Bishop James Hassell, and Bishop Arnold Batson were panelists on the “Honoring the Pillars That Paved the Way Panel” where they discussed honor and answered questions from the audience. Honorees Linwood Rhodes, Apostle Debra E. Gause, and Rev. Dr. Jesse V. Bottoms (accepted by his son Kristopher Bottoms) were presented with awards for their exemplary community service.

“To God, be the glory. The honor belongs to him… I’m kind of lost for words, and I don’t get lost for words very often. But [I’m thankful] for this honor… This is what my mother taught us… She said, ‘Some things you won’t get, until you occupy the seat,’” said Apostle Gause.

Attendees had the opportunity to attend various workshop sessions held in the morning. The workshops included: “Honor Thy Finances Through Amplification,” “Honor They Vessel Through Self-Care,” “Honor Thy Manhood,” “Honor Thy Marriage,” and “Honor Thy Singleness.” There was also an Honor Luncheon. In addition, attendees were able to visit The Marketplace and purchase clothing, jewelry, handbags, candles, sunglasses, snacks, and other merchandise.First Lady Lashelle Bolton promoted her brand Glory, not Guilt, a nonprofit, faith-based total wellness movement. Other vendors included Salad Expressions by Kyro Bouquet and her husband Franz Bouquet, Cakey Candles by Evangelist Catherine Ortiz, The Total Armor Apparel by Deaconess Tishma McPherson, HoneyDipp handbags by Heidi Stringfield, Lyssaberries & Treats gourmet desserts by Alyssa-Marie Barnes, Elegancia Total Paparazzi Jewelry by Pastor Maria Shiles, My Core Fit 360 by Personal Trainer Prophetess Lisa Henderson, R.E.A.C.T. Apparel by Robin Holland, and She’s Framed fashionable eyewear by Shamika Brooks and her husband Carlos “Supe” Brooks. The proceeds from She’s Framed benefits Shamika’s Foundation, Red Lipstick Dementia Foundation, which supports caregivers of individuals with dementia, helping caregivers navigate benefits, assessments, and Medicaid processes.

“The foundation supports the caregivers, so those who are taking care of their individuals, and we’re helping support them while they’re going through the process of getting benefits…. moral support…. We talk to them, just making it real about the situation that they’re going through. I’m my mom’s sole caregiver… I need that outlet and that support… When she first was diagnosed, I had no knowledge… I struggled knowing her benefits, what she’s allowed, and what she’s not allowed, and I also struggled with getting the right assessments to have in my home… I help with [the] Medicaid process… We just share ideas on how we can support each other without hospitalizing our loved ones,” said Shamika who offers support, awareness, resources, and a sense of community with her foundation.

One of the special guests at this year’s conference was BET Sunday Best Winner, Billboard-Topping, Psalmist Tasha-Page-Lockhart. She shared her personal testimony of overcoming challenges such as addiction, molestation, and gang rape, and celebrated 19 years of sobriety without rehab, attributing her recovery to God’s deliverance. Beauty Brand Entrepreneur, Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee, Billboard-Topping, Multiple Award-Winning Gospel Recording Artist Jekalyn Carr delivered a powerful word. She emphasized the importance of celebrating and embracing a shift towards honor and reversal of negative situations.

Journalist Ms. Jones