Bishop
Charles E. Johnson, Pastor
Biography
Charles
Edward Johnson, Sr. was
born September 23, 1948, in Chester, PA to James
and Dorothy Johnson. Educated in the Patterson Public
School System, he graduated from Eastside High School
in 1967. After graduation, Charles enlisted in the
United States Air Force and served his tour of duty
in Vietnam and Taiwan. In 1972, Sergeant Johnson,
with numerous citations for distinguished service,
was honorably discharged. As a civilian employed
by the International Telephone and Telegraph Company
(ITT), he returned to Vietnam, assigned to the Defense
Attaché Office. He was one of the last Americans
air-lifted before Saigon fell. He then, with ITT,
worked as a Ground-to-Air Communications Operator
in Thule, Greenland.
A
greater work in the Army of the Lord lay ahead for Charles
Johnson. His close friend, Deacon Samuel Height, witness
to him of God's love shown by the death, burial and resurrection
of the Lord Jesus Christ and invited him to services at
the Greater Morning Star Pentecostal Church (GMSPC) on
December 31, 1976. While preparing to celebrate the New
Year at a disco, Charles heard an audible voice speak to
him. Twice the voice told Charles to "Go to church." The
Lord guided Charles to GMSPC. Then, on New Year's Eve in
1978, Charles Johnson was baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ. On January 10, 1977, he received the gift
of the Holy Ghost, speaking with "other tongues," according
to Acts 2:38.
Sister
Sheila Yvonne Chamberlain and Charles Johnson
were joined in Holy Matrimony on August 19, 1978. God
has blessed this union with four beautiful children:
Charles, Jr., Michael, Lawrence, and Lora.
In
November of 1978, Minister Johnson preached his trial sermon.
His subject was "Let God's Help Continue," (Acts
26:22). God's help continued, and on April 6, 1986, less
than 10 years after being saved, Elder Johnson was installed
as Pastor of GMSPC with approximately 600 members. Present
membership has increased to nearly 1500.
God's
help continued, and in August of 1996, Pastor Johnson was
consecrated to the Board of Bishops at the National Convention
of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW). Bishop
Johnson faithfully served in the 22nd District of the DC,
Delaware and Maryland State Council as Chairman. Concurrently,
he served on the Board of Director for PAW's Aenon Bible
College, and PAW's International Foreign Missions Board.
God's
help continued, and Bishop Johnson served as Diocesan of
PAW's 42nd Episcopal District in Togo, West Africa, was
later transferred to rebuild the 8th Episcopal District
in Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming, and has now returned to
his home District of the DC, Delaware and Maryland State
Council as Diocesan.
God's
help continued, and in 16 years, besides the establishment
of five new churches, Bishop Johnson's anointed leadership
has affected over 30 church enhancements. They include:
 |
GMS
Scholarship Program |
|
Ministerial Training |
|
SAT Tutorage Program |
|
Sharing and Caring
Ministry |
|
GMS Bible Institute |
|
Transportation Ministry |
|
Telephone Prayer
Counseling |
|
Broadcast Committee |
|
Hospital Visitation
and Bereavement Ministry |
The
GMSPC family gives praise to God
for giving us a pastor according to His own heart!
