October 2nd - October 5th, 2008
Let's Rock The Boat
Bishop Dr. Ezra Nehemiah Williams Visionary Award
The annual Bishop Dr. Ezra Nehemiah Williams Visionary Award is sponsored by Bethel Gospel Assembly in an effort to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of those involved in missions at home and abroad.
The award honors the life and ministry of Bishop Dr. Ezra Nehemiah Williams, Pastor Emeritus of Bethel Gospel Assembly. Having served as the Past President and Bishop of the United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God; Founder of Urban Global Mission Alliance (UGMA) and Beth Hark Christian Counseling Ministry and Discipleship Program, Dr. Williams has been a Master Preacher, Teacher and Crusade Leader, who is known, loved and revered throughout the United States, Africa, India and the Caribbean.
The Bishop Dr. Ezra N. Williams Visionary Award celebrates the legacy of a man committed to local and global missions and seeks to recognize those of like mind. Its recipients are noted for being visionaries in terms of their involvement in the development and nurturing of ministries that impact Christian culture and the Body of Christ worldwide. These individuals have exemplified the integrity and humility characteristic of the life and work of Bishop Dr. Ezra N. Williams. The apostolic anointing upon their lives is evident by the manner in which they are embraced by the Christian community
2008 Award Recipient - Rev. Dr. Robert Johansson
Rev. Dr. Robert Johansson was born and raised in NYC, he has spent the past 48 years in pastoral ministry. He was ordained by the Assemblies of God in 1959.
As Senior Pastor of Evangel Church in New York City for 40 years, he has served the City in many ways, both cross-cultural and cross-denominational. Presently, he serves in an advisory capacity to many churches, organizations, pastors and leaders throughout the Metropolitan Area – and as a consultant in leadership training.
He and his wife, Jan, counselor for Evangel Christian School, reside in Whitestone, and have three married children and four grandchildren. His daughter, Carolyn Marko, is the Principal of Evangel Christian High School; his son, Brian, serves as Executive Director of the Bowery Mission in NYC; and his son, Stephen, leads the music ministry at Missionary Alliance Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Evangel Church, with a congregation of over 1000, connects with the greater N.Y.C. area through ministry, leadership and resources. The church is committed to evangelism and discipleship. A key element of church ministry is Evangel Christian School. With the enrollment of 500 students, it is the largest evangelical Christian school in the city and the only chartered High School.