Peniel

We are facing challenging times. The stress of these times have caused many men and women who could have been productive in their communities to fall prey to substance abuse. Many of them have digressed from their potential. These problems are not exclusive to any one sociological, economic or ethnic group. It has reached epidemic proportions crossing all barriers and reaching into all communities.

Of course the local church is doing all it can to meet the challenge. However, many of these cases have become so severe that pastors and churches are ill-equipped to build a spiritual barricade that will fortify the community and insulate the family. In the face of these overwhelming realities, God has established a ministry that has been highly effective in impacting this generation. Peniel is assisting those who have fallen prey to addictive behaviours to become productive.

I have had many occasions to witness, firsthand, the strong anointing that flows from the most inspiring places I have ever had the opportunity to serve. I am grateful to God for this ministry and for Dr. Harold and Marion Spellman who serve as the visionaries for this tremendous endeavour. There is a price to be paid to be available to God, and they pay it with grace and dignity.

I believe with all my heart that the oil and the wine needed for the crises before us flow without reserve from Peniel. Now all of us cannot do what they are called to do, but we can lend support to those whom God has chosen. I, for one, bid them Godspeed and grace as they continue to help stitch back homes, mend marriages, and salvage lives. I commend them and recommend them, as I travel across the country, as being and expedition that challenges one of the greatest wildernesses of this generation. America must realize that one of the greatest mission fields of our times is not just across the waters, but the frontier that needs us now may be just across town from our suburban porches of comfort.

Sincerely,
Bishop T.D. Jakes Sr. (December 1996)

Click here to view a video clip of Bishop T.D. Jakes speaking on behalf of Peniel.
NOTE: In order to view video at best quality, right-click the link ("Click here") and choose "Save Target As". This will save the video file to your computer, and then you can simply click the video file to view once the download is complete.