Trailblazing Bishop releases new book and journal

By Globe Staff

OAKLAND – Blessed with the gifts of wisdom, encouragement, beauty and the ability to transform lives, Bishop Ernestine Cleveland Reems-Dickerson has released a new book, In The Storm: Fulfilling the Will of God (ISBN-1-56043-254-3 from GEDA Publications).
In this inspiring work, a host of challenges facing today’s woman - as she seeks to do the will of God while balancing family, career and personal goals - are addressed. Known and sought after for her commitment to prayer and fasting, the venerable leader says of her God-centered and Faith-driven life:
“I firmly believe that prayer, fasting and the word of God are three essentials for maintaining a God-focused life: to do that you have to have a life of prayer and the Word of God. All of these components strengthen one’s walk with God and these are the areas that I continually focus upon for they have brought me thus far.
Having a consistent prayer life and fasting have been my strongest sources and through them, God has seen me through all kinds of circumstances and situations. As a wife, as a mother, a pastor, an evangelist, a Bishop, God has been with me because I’ve kept a consistent, faithful walk with him. That’s so important and a lot of emphases are not placed on these spiritual principles today and there once was.
We find that many people have a very intellectual approach to their walk with God, feeling that they are well-prepared without these disciplines.
But, through these areas of worship you keep the anointing upon you and a listening ear to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you and I firmly believe in these three components to feed your faith teaches one how to humble yourself before God.”
Bishop Reems-Dickerson blazed trails over 37 years ago as her ministry began. She founded Center of Hope when women were not even allowed into many pulpits.
Today, the ministry has grown reaching thousands both domestically and internationally.
She has established churches from Africa to the Caribbean and has led the way in urban development including affordable housing for families in transition, a capacity charter school for K-5th grades, safe housing for seniors and a current plan for retail development in East Oakland.
Reems-Dickerson has been called upon by elected officials, heads of state and major corporations for advice on urban renewal and economic development in local communities. She has been seen around the globe by millions as part of the phenomenal ministry of Bishop T.D. Jakes, a speaker during his Mega-Fest conferences.
Many of today’s highly visible global ministers credit Bishop Reems- Dickerson for helping to open doors that were heretofore closed to embracing the impact spiritual ministry can have upon challenged communities.
Maternal aunt to multiple-Grammy award winning recording artist Tramaine Hawkins (who performed during the wedding reception), Bishop Reems-Dickerson is yet a humble giant whose focus and goal is to help and empower individuals around the world.