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GOD IS A MAXIMIZER! Though many may be in a struggle, ... I encourage all… “God Maximizes People through the Minimal”. -PASTOR WILLIAM A. BENNETT |
Co-Founder & Pastor: Colleen Bennett-Houston |
In 1972 while attending a Bible Camp in Iowa, she felt God call her into the ministry of Evangelism. This made her most eager to learn more of the word that she might properly prepare for the work of the Lord. In 1973 after graduating from Evanston Township High School, she attended Trinity Bible Institute in North Dakota majoring in Christian Ministry. In 1972 she was introduced to Minister Andrew Bennett, a Christian Drug Rehabilitation Counselor who also attended Faith Temple COGIC. They married June 29, 1974 and to their union were born two sons, Andrew, Jr. and William Anthony. Evangelist Bennett assisted her husband in establishing and building City of Refuge, C.O.G.I.C. which opened its doors in 1976 in Bloomington, Illinois. Together they worked in the ministry to build their congregation from a membership of two to a church that over-flows every Sunday morning. She has been the head of the Evangelism program and Co-pastor at City of Refuge for over 27 years. Evangelist Bennett has worked in Prison Ministry for over 28 years and is currently the Chaplain of the McLean County Detention Facility in Bloomington, IL. She is the only female and first African-American to hold this position. On August 6, 2003, the Lord in His infinite wisdom and love called her beloved husband and best friend, Pastor Andrew Bennett, Sr. home to glory. Although his death was not anticipated, Evangelist Bennett yielded to the infinite will of God and anointed instructions and directives of her husband to become the Interim Pastor of City of Refuge, C.O.G.I.C. On August 17, 2003 Pastor Bennett delivered her first official message. Being a female pastor has not been easy, but God’s word has confirmed that in Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ. (Gal. 3:28). Along with her two sons, Elders Bennett & Bennett, Pastor Bennett carries on the work started by her husband, which will one day become the labor of her sons to carry the legacy and vision farther. Pastor Bennett is a lover of her Savior, Jesus Christ, and a lover of people. She is an anointed and gifted speaker who believes the word when it states; “in as much as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”…Matthew 25:40. In 2006 Pastor Colleen Bennett turned the reigns of the church over to her youngest son, current Pastor W. A. Bennett. |
Colleen Smith was re-born March 1971 while attending service at Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Evanston, Illinois, as she sat and heard the anointed word preached by Pastor Carlis L. Moody, Sr. (now Bishop Carlis Moody, International President of Missions). The Holy Ghost convicted her heart of sin and she came crying “what must I do to be saved?” Having been delivered from a troubled life of alcohol, truancy, and criminal activity, she sat eagerly and enthusiastically under the teaching of her pastor. Sister Smith turned all of her energy into learning the word of God and being a faithful witness.
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