A senate RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor Dr. Cheryl Washington, a Senior Associate Minister at Bible way Church of Atlas Road, and to congratulate her for being the first African American female ever to earn a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia International University.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that Cheryl Washington has devoted herself for the past thirty-five years to education and ministry, using her spiritual gifts of teaching, evangelism, counseling, and working with new converts; and

 

Whereas, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Cheryl Washington retired from the United States Army in 1990 after twenty years of distinguished service, retiring at the rank of Sergeant; and

 

Whereas, in 1995, she earned bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Divinity in 2000 from Columbia International University (CIU), also known as Columbia Bible College. In 2011, she became the first African American female in the ninety-year history of CIU to earn a Doctor of Ministry. She also graduated from the Chaplain and Pastoral Education Program at Baptist Hospital in 2005; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Washington was first licensed as an evangelist in 1997 by Bishop Colie Lorick Sr. and ordained by the Bibleway Church World Wide in 2006 by Bishop Roy Belton. She attends Bible Way Church of Atlas Road where she serves as a senior associate minister, on Christian education, as an altar worker, and as an adult Sunday school teacher; and

 

Whereas, she founded God's Anointed Women of Prayer Ministry in 2003. This outreach is a mission that includes ministering to women and men in and out of the body of Christ by helping them to become whole both spiritually and naturally; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Washington traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, on the continent of Africa on a short-term missionary trip where she ministered for two weeks in many villages teaching and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and

 

Whereas, Dr. Washington has been teaching on the college level as an adjunct professor for nineteen years with two years at W. L. Bonner Bible College, seventeen years at Limestone College, and some twelve years at Southern Wesleyan University; and

 

Whereas, her teaching has been honored with numerous recognitions, such as A Teacher of Excellence Award from students in class 2000-2001 at W. L. Bonner Bible College and selection as a member of Who's Who Historical Society of Professionals for the years 2001-2002 and 2006-2007. Along with these awards, she has been blessed with a fine son, Cary Vernell; and

 

Whereas, with a heart's desire of taking advantage of every opportunity to teach and assist others in becoming better equipped in winning souls for the Kingdom of God, Dr. Washington has a favorite Scriptural verse in Psalm 31:3, "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Dr. Cheryl Washington, a Senior Associate Minister at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road, and congratulate her for being the first African American female ever to earn a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia International University.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Cheryl Washington.

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