Written by Nathifa King
Embarking upon their 10th year anniversary of “Brownsville Shines”, Exousia Cathedral joins forces with HealthJox Foundation, Inc. to produce their 2022 event providing free product for the community of Brownsville. Hailing out of the Brownsville community, Exousia Cathedral esteems to be a beacon of light that is set apart from the norm of “church within the walls.” According to the founder of Exousia Cathedral, “Stepping out on faith and accepting the call of God goes beyond the inner walls of the church building as the church is not a building, but the embodiment of the “called” that makes up the congregation.” This is the philosophy of Missionary Bishop – Dr. Lester Bradford which he states, “We are into Kingdom building and not castle building.” Seeing his vision realized, Brownsville Shines moves forward with the initiative to provide for the needs of the underserved community of Brownsville.
Truly the heart of each team member can be experienced as their words emulated the heart of God and their collective purpose. As December 9th approaches, readers are encouraged to come out and support a remarkable event that promotes the true spirit of Christmas. As Bishop Bradford would state, “Just look for the orange building with the silver gates and show up with the expectation of receiving love and fellowship as Brownsville Shines uplifts our community.”
ABOUT THE EVENT:
Brownsville Shines is an annual event servicing the community of Brownsville, Brooklyn, in the spirit of the holidays. On Friday, December 9, 2022, (from 7:00pm – 9:00pm) at 693 Ralph Avenue (between Sutter Avenue & East New York Avenue), Brooklyn, NY, 11212 – the home of Exousia Cathedral and HealthJox Foundation, attendees will enjoy a festive atmosphere consisting of Christmas caroling and thoughtful wishes while enjoying refreshments that’s guaranteed to warm the hearts of all participants. In grand tradition, the peak of the event concludes with the actual lighting of the Christmas tree which is posted directly in the center-front of the building. With brightened eyes and gasps that can be heard from the elated hearts of the children and the young at heart; the colorful lights that glistens off the green pine leaves invigorates the spirit of love, hope and happiness.
To expand their efforts in Brooklyn, Exousia Cathedral and HealthJox Foundation will hand out some of the most coveted toys to Brownsville’s youth after the tree lighting ceremony. In addition, they will have a variety of untraditional gifts for the adults who are just looking to ease their spending during the holidays which includes, but not limited to: household appliances, cleaning products, sneakers, slippers, apparel, coats, juices, hair products, canned & dry goods ALL FOR FREE. Also, the first 200 select attendees who sign-up in the beginning of the event will receive free phones and $10 tablets with a free 6-year service… (first come, first served).
During this event, there will be live performances. There will also be a special guest appearance by internationally recognized SAG/AFTRA actor, motivational speaker, professional athlete, model, philanthropist, and humanitarian – Sergio Delavicci (Gio), known for his role in films such as John Wick 3, Creed 2, The Post, and You Were Never Really Here to distribute products. Also, to address the crowd will be Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso, who will make a formal address in support of Brownsville Shines showing his love of the Brooklyn community.
ABOUT MISSIONARY BISHOP – DR. LESTER BRADFORD:
Missionary Bishop – Dr. Lester Bradford is a native of Antigua. He currently serves as Senior Pastor of Exousia Cathedral, located in Brooklyn, New York for 30 years. Bishop Bradford has been called by God to the mission field since 1997. During his tenure as head of this international ministry, Transforming the Nations, Bishop Bradford has conducted national days of prayer and fasting on three continents, and the Caribbean region. He also produced a successful gospel concert for 7-years in St. John’s, Antigua called “Prayer Jam” where he and his team flew-in numerous artists from around the world to minister the gospel through music in the genres of traditional gospel, hip-hop and R&B. He now has plans to bring Prayer Jam to Brooklyn, NY in 2024. Within Brooklyn, NY, Bishop Bradford conducts annual prayer breakfasts, food giveaways, coat drives and toy drives for the community of Brownsville. He is also known for the tree lighting ceremony called “Brownsville Shines” which 2022 is their 10th year anniversary.
After over 20 years of committed service, the Lord commissioned him to start a reformation. He is the founder of Exousia Assemblies as well and will be consecrated Chief Prelate on October 14, 2023, in Brooklyn, New York. Exousia Assemblies is quickly expanding. According to Bishop Bradford, “We have 6 churches in Nigeria, 1 in Zimbabwe, 8 in Haiti, 1 in Antigua and 2 in New York City.”
He is an author of 4 books and conducts “And the Two Became One” marriage retreats with his wife. Bishop Bradford is happily married to his wife Pastor Janette Bradford for over 49 years. They will celebrate their 50th Anniversary on June 21, 2023. Together they are the proud parents of 7 children and 14 grandchildren, 2 sons in law and 2 daughters in law.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Missionary Bishop Lester Bradford, Brownsville Shines Coordinator Taniesha Bradford, Home Missions President – Pastor Constance Wright, Pastor Kayla Swindell, Minister Lucia Bradford, Clothed With Love, Uncle Chase Foundation, Fenix Community Fridge, Foodtown, Toys For Tots, Top Marketing, HealthJox Foundation, Inc., Home Missions, Go Fish Ministries, and honorable guests, Sergio Delavicci (Gio) and Brooklyn Borough President, Antonio Reynoso.
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