New Windsor - Members of the Empowerment Temple International gathered together at Anthony’s Pier 9 this past Saturday to honor Pastor Almetra Murdock on her fourth pastoral anniversary. They were joined by fellow clergy, community leaders and well-wishers in praising this woman of God.
Almetra Murdock surrendered her life to the Lord in 1994. Through the miraculous power of Christ Jesus manifested in her life she was saved, delivered and set free from the darkness and captivity of sin. This was a turning point that birthed a transformation as she began to develop a heart after God.
In 1996, Almetra served faithfully in her father’s house (The Bishop Michael Densmore of Community Tabernacle in Stamford, Connecticut). It was there she taught Children’s Sunday School and Teen Bible Study. Her compassion also led her to prepare and serve at shelters and soup kitchens, feeding and ministering. Being led by her passion for souls, every Saturday for three years, she continuously went out at 6:00 a.m. to do Street Ministry, preaching the gospel to the lost and addicted and won many souls for the Lord. Through her faithfulness and laboring, the call on her life as an evangelist was proven through her works. She was later ordained to the office of Evangelist in 1997. Soon after receiving Christ, Almetra attended Vision University and progressed to achieve her Bachelors in Theology and is currently pursuing her Masters in Christian Counseling.
Parishioners describe Pastor Murdock as a well rounded and gifted person - spiritually and financially. She received her Associates in Business and Finance. She also holds the position of CEO and founder of The Sons and Daughter of Destiny, Inc. This is an outreach and mentor program that provides resourceful services, tools and ministry to equip and strengthen all. This is currently in the process of extending to radio, television and the building of transitional homes.
Almetra Murdock was later sent out to assist her husband, Pastor Mark Royals Murdock. Through diligent service, she was trained, mentored and later ordained and consecrated to the Sacred Office of Pastor. In March 2005, she was installed as the Senior Pastor of the formerly known Christ Temple Worship and Deliverance International Ministry.
On the occasion of her fourth anniversary, Murdock reflected on her time as pastor. "This fourth year pastoring has been so rewarding with seeing the many souls converted, the church increasing daily, people with the mind to work, finances multiplied and families restored. It has been such a supernatural experience, the Lord is still so kind towards us, seeing His Word being manifested as the vision unfolds," Murdock stated.
Murdock says she is grateful, "for I never could have made it without Christ. Now I can say, it has been good for me to be afflicted. I am stronger, better and wiser in Him."
