Overshadowed Ministries: A Pearl Of Great Price (Matthew 13:45—46)
by Cherie Roberson — July 2004
Have you ever seen the expression on the face of a child running toward you, shouting “Come see what I’ve found?” Who could resist that kind of excitement? You’d just have to drop everything you’re doing to go see. Well I feel like that child!
In July 1979 we moved to Florida leaving the church we called home. Each time we
returned for a visit we were anxious to attend church services. Then in May 2002
we moved back to be with our family and friends and started back to church. However,
the assistant minister, Reverend Bill Davis, had left several years before and started
his own ministry. After attending church for some time we found we really missed
the fresh, uplifting, timely teachings that God had given him for bringing people
into the maturity of the Lord, so we tried to find Reverend Davis’ church,
but didn’t have any success.
While we continued to make the thirty-six mile trip to church, we began to pray and fast for God’s direction. As we traveled on Interstate 77, about half way between home and church I began to notice a pretty little church just off the road. Each time we went by I found myself watching for the little church and after a few months I began longing to visit it. I finally pointed out the little church to my husband and told him how I felt.
During the next few weeks I became more desperate to find teaching that would take
us deeper into the Lord. We have been Christians over thirty years and had grown
accustomed to the deep teachings in the Bible; teachings from some very skilled pastors
and teachers who were well educated by the Holy Spirit in addition to their schooling.
I say this because by following their teachings on faith, love and other essential
aspects of Christian living, we have developed a responsive relationship with God
where he meets our physical needs as well as our spiritual needs. He takes wonderful
care of us, as any good father would take care of his children.
As I sought God with all my heart, the Holy Spirit began to impress on me
to go see a friend that I had not seen for well over a year. That friend had the
words I needed, “Overshadowed Ministries”. I immediately searched the
Internet for it and found the company that made the church signs for Reverend Davis.
We looked for the address listed on the web page but could not find it. Our discontentment
along with our perseverance pushed us into the arms of the Lord with prayer and fasting.
As our hope increased God was moving to answer our prayers. (Romans 5:3-5)
God’s process in answering prayer is not always fast but his timing is perfect and extremely rewarding, if you’re patient. Jesus had perfect timing when he went to see Lazarus who had died. He had been in the grave four days when Jesus arrived, then in moments he was alive again. Just think of how everyone rejoiced. (John 11:1-45)
When we didn’t find Reverend Davis at the address on the web I thought he
might have retired. However, before looking for another good church, I needed to
know for sure, so my husband called Akron information and got a phone number for
Overshadowed Ministries. He then called the church and spoke with Reverend Davis’
daughter and she gave him the new address. As we drove up Arlington Road, my husband
said to me, “What if the address we’re looking for is the church you’ve
been looking at and wanting to visit?” Can you picture my excitement when we
pulled into the parking lot and the little church matched the address and Reverend
Davis had his name above the door?
We have been going there for a couple of months now and feel at home again. The services are full of the love of Jesus Christ for his people. The Holy Spirit is active throughout the services lifting you up, getting you ready for Him to meet your every need whether it’s salvation, miracles and healings or the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The powerful teachings of Reverend Davis inspire everyone to allow the Holy
Spirit to draw them into a closer walk with the Lord, Jesus Christ. God has rules
for his kingdom recorded in His word that will produce successful living. These rules
are taught along with God’s promises. They are taught in a way that everyone
can be assured of the hope for a good, strong, successful life, and the ultimate
promise of the glories that await us in eternity.
If you live in the Akron/Canton, Ohio area I urge you to visit this beautiful church that is so rich in the goodness of the Lord.
Overshadowed Ministries
Rev. William Davis, Pastor/Founder
2404 Arlington Road, Akron, Ohio 44319
Phone: (330) 606-4947 / (330) 645-9355