The Rebirth of the Women's Prophetic Voices

PROPHETIC MINISTRY:
As with any ministry, the birthing process is often faced with great resistance by those who lack understanding. Such was the case with the liberation and womanist movement which were birthed out of a struggle for equality. The same holds true for the prophetic ministry. A Global Outlook
The original intent for my research was to develop a model of ministry that would speak to the needs and concerns of all women within the local congregations. Yet, in July 2016 a trip to Chennai, India would make an impression upon me and would solidify the need for this work. A delegation of seventy people from across the United States attended the 2016 A. M. E. India Annual Conference hosted by Bishop John Richard Bryant, and his wife, Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams-Bryant. "God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, He plants His footsteps upon the sea and rides upon every storm." This initial stanza recorded in the Hymn "God Moves in Mysterious Ways" written by Hymnologist, William Cowper, speaks volumes to the mystery by which God makes His presence known to all who seek Him.
The delegation participated in various workshops designed to empower and strengthened women living in very cumbersome situations. The women we encountered were referred to as the "untouchables" simply because of the families for whom they were born. Their voices silenced because of institutional and economic oppression known as a caste system. BBC world news defines, "the caste system is a complex social ordering grouping based upon religious purity. It originated from Brahman, the Hindu God of creation. The caste system has main categories: Brahmins- are the intellectuals (the brain of Brahman), Kshatriyas -the Rulers and Warriors (Brahman's arms), Vaishya- are the farmers and traders (Brahman's feet) menial worker and at the very bottom are the Dalits, the untouchables. This caste system mirrors the oppressive and misogynistic system that African Americans, and in particular women have endured for centuries. The various groups lived, worked, and worshipped segregated from one another.
Bondage attacks the very core of one's humanity. In an attempt to alter their current economic status, women would use lightening crème in an attempt to bleach their skin in hopes of modifying their standing within the community in which they lived and worked. The actions of these women bore witness to the various measures and methods people will often attempt in hopes of escaping the dreadful condition.
Encountering these women and listening to their stories also served as a stark reminder to me of the numerous times I, like the beautiful women of Chennai and countless others, had attempted drastic measures as a means of altering one's self-image in hopes of changing from being human commodity to becoming a beloved daughter of the Most-High God. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this entire process is knowing that God has entrusted me to embark upon such a monumental task of helping once silenced prophetic voices to be awakened. In doing so, I learned that despite the many obstacles, every step of freedom, regardless how small must be celebrated, even if no one else is able to celebrate. The silencing of one voice is one voice too many. The impact of the patriarchal bias as one of the forces that impacts the female voice within the church. The church is at the stage where that prophetic command is no longer asking about us but continues to ask what about God? To answer that question, a prophetic ministry of teaching and preaching leads to transformation. "True prophetic people are not just a bunch of folks going along with the latest trend. Real Christians are not fakes." It is not always easy to be honest, transparent, or open; but it is breathtakingly refreshing.

rReverend Doctor Rosalynn Kyle Smith Brookins was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. The seventh of ten children. Dr. Brookins was educated in the Little Rock Public School System. Upon graduating from High School, she matriculated to Philander Smith College receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, 1986. She has a dual master's degree. The first is in Human Behavior from National University, 2009 as well as a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 2012. Most recently, she received her Doctorate Degree from Payne Theological Seminary 2018. Making her the first inaugurated female to be conferred with the noted degree.
Understanding the importance of leadership, Rev. Brookins successfully completed a two-year certificated Pastoral Leadership Program (Communitas) from Pepperdine University, 2015.
In 2014, Rev. Brookins joined the academic team at Southern California School of Ministry as an Adjunct Professor teaching "Pastoral Care" and "The Gospels." Rev. Brookins has served as a consultant for student ministers entering into the Board of Examiners for the Southern California Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Rev. Brookins has written articles entitled "The Anointing" and "The Power of Faith" and co-authored "Daughters of Destiny" an abstinence curriculum for girls. As a part of her Dissertation entitled "The Rebirth of the Woman's Prophetic Voice: Using Liberation Theology to Impact the Local Congregation," Rev. Brookins established the first School of the Prophets for women. The purpose of this school is to train/empower women on how to effectively manage their prophetic gifts.
Rev. Brookins has preached in several pulpits across the county as well as Zambia and Canada. She has served as a Motivational Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Empowerment Coach and Revivalist. She has also received awards for outstanding service from the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Top Ladies of Distinction, and NAACP leadership award. She has been featured in the L.A. Sentinel, PACE News, the LA Focus Newspaper, and the Christian Recorder Newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She has received awards from the NAACP, Top Ladies of Distinction, Women's Missionary Society, Council member Curren Price (9th Council District) and Assemblyman Reginald Jones- Sawyer (59th Assembly District). She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Rev. Brookins is a Motivational Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Empowerment Coach and Revivalist. History was made in 2012 when Rev. Brookins became the first Episcopal Supervisor of the Women's Missionary Society for the African Methodist Episcopal Church to be given a Pastoral Appointment as Senior Pastor. She served the faithful people of Walker Temple AME Church in Los Angeles, California for seven successful years. Rev. Brookins currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Parks Chapel AME Church.
In 2020, Rev. Brookins received the Jarena Lee Award. This esteemed award is the highest commendation that a female minister can receive in the African Methodist Church.
During the 157th Session of the 2021 California Annual Conference Rev. Brookins was elected as the Women in Ministry coordinator for 2021-2023.
Rev. Brookins is the widow of the late Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins. She has one son and two step-children: Sir Wellington Hartford, Steven Hartford, and Bishop Francine Brookins, Esq. Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant affectionately known as "Rev. C" is a Spiritual Director, Missionary and Women's Empowerment Leader with a Global Vision. She has responded to the Jeremiah Mandate for "the healing of the nations."

Her visionary Leadership has heightened the awareness and response of the African and Diasporic church to Health, Ecological wellness, development, cultural and peace issues. "Rev. C" is founder of the A.M.E. Church in the Ivory Coast and co-founder with her husband, Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant, of the A.M.E. Church in India.

"Rev. C's" devotion to the uplift of women covers a field that includes New England, Maryland, Texas, the U.S. West Coast, the Caribbean and South America, West, Central and Southern Africa, Western Europe, Asia, Australia, Bermuda and Canada.

She has been an advocate and teacher of Prevailing Prayer. A "worldly" mystic who seeks to incarnate the Beatitudes. "Rev. C's" heart has been broken for the poor and suffering. She is an author, an intercessor and a lover of children worldwide. She is founder of primary schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dallas, Texas, Grand Bassa, Liberia and an orphanage in Mohotlong Lesotho. An Early Childhood Development Center in Seattle Washington has been named in her honor.

With undeniable faith in the Healing Power of God, "Rev. C" has mobilized health professionals (over 200) to serve in Haiti, the Ivory Coast, Zambia and the Kingdom of Lesotho. She has also equipped and mentored Youth for Missions in Alaska, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Her entire house is in service to the uplift of the Kingdom of God. Her husband of over 40 years, Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant was the Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church. Their son, Dr. Jamal H. Bryant was the founder and pastor of Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church, Baltimore Maryland. Dr. Thema Bryant Davis Ph.D, the youngest child, is a Psychologist and minister to women and liturgical dancer.