Image by Public Radio Tulsa
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris was hailed as a “phenomenal servant of God” during a service at Koinonia Christian Centre Church in Greenville, North Carolina. The praise came from Bishop Rosie O’Neal, founder and senior pastor of the church, shortly before Harris addressed the congregation.
During her speech, Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, encouraged attendees to stay steadfast in their faith despite life’s challenges, drawing inspiration from the Bible verse Galatians 6:9, which emphasizes the importance of perseverance in doing good.
Reflecting on recent events, Harris specifically mentioned the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which brought devastation to several states, including North Carolina and Florida. The storms caused significant damage and loss of life, particularly in western North Carolina, about five hours from where Harris was speaking.
“It’s easy in these moments of crisis to question our faith or even lose it temporarily because of what we see,” Harris remarked. She shared that despite the hardships, moments like these do her “heart and soul good.”
She also reflected on her early experiences with faith, recalling her time singing in the children’s choir at the 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California. Quoting Galatians 6:9, she urged the congregation not to grow weary in doing good, assuring them that their efforts will bear fruit in due time.
Harris emphasized that faith is more than just belief, stating: “Faith is a verb, something shown through action.” She highlighted the teachings of her childhood pastor, Rev. Amos C. Brown, who often quoted Micah 6:8, urging people to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” According to Harris, these principles are especially significant during times of crisis like the recent hurricanes.
Concluding her address, Harris reminded the audience of the enduring message from Galatians, encouraging them to continue their good work despite difficulties. “Each of us has the power to make a difference,” she said, “and the measure of our strength will be clear when we see what we can do to lift others up.”
This heartfelt speech resonated with many in attendance, as Harris underscored the importance of resilience and faith in times of adversity.
