Bishop Byron Rogers' father; a teacher; instilled the value of obtaining an education in him, his three brothers, and three sisters, and since, has been a strong advocate for education. He was instrumental in starting the first Black Christian School mainly because of what was happening in the city's public schools. At this time many students; especially children of color; were behind or failing learning the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The school focused on teaching these subjects so when students assimilated back into public school they would be at their grade level, and their efforts confirmed the schools motto; "We can't help everybody, but we can help somebody!"
Later the school concentrated on educating adults who desired to understand and gain knowledge of the bible in conjunction with other accredited curriculum; certificate level to PHD; offered through Leeds University. "My mission is education because my bible says our people perish from lack of knowledge" Rogers said.
He was active in church, but not saved. In 1965 while visiting family living in Albuquerque he met Sister Dollie Wreen; a minister and organizer of Haven of Love Rescue Mission; the city's first women's shelter, and was saved under her ministry. Rogers returned in 1969 to live, and joined God's House Church where for nineteen years he was a faithful steward as he moved up the church ranks to become Superintendent of Sunday Schools; at that time the largest Black organization in the state. Rogers said "when I left this church I asked the Lord where would he have me go and do and the Lord said I want you to Pastor."
He became a minister in 1991, and received his Fellowship license after attending several Seminary Schools. He started his ministry in 1995 holding services in his living room, and later while looking for a church home he found the building he wanted located at 6235 Churchill SW. He offered to buy, but the owner; who also invested in saving souls; signed over the church deed free and clear, and this became the second church he planted.
Rogers said "Our mission at Power House Church of God is two fold; we're serious about expanding and growing in the knowledge of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ and prayer, wherein this congregation often holds all night prayer vigils. We're also a cross cultural Frontline Ministry; dealing with people at risk, not much education, who have to be taught decency, and gotten off drugs before you can preach to them. I believe we're all one in Christ, faith, and baptism, and this is the reason we should all try to work together."
He added "I'm blessed for truly the Lord is my shepherd. My family and I may not have always had what we wanted, but God has always provided for our needs. I was called here to do a work, and although I've been offered other Clergy positions, I won't move myself until I have received word from the Lord to do so." He was ordained Bishop in 2001, and was the first Black to serve on the Church of God's Board of Deacons for NM and West Texas. He served in Vietnam, and his military stint enabled him to further his education under the GI bill. He took advantage of this to attend and graduate from Kansas State Teacher's College. During his thirty year business career he worked for only two companies the last as General Manager at the computer firm; Con-Graphics for fifteen years before retiring.
Rogers and his lovely wife Selma have had a successful marriage for thirty-two years, and to carry on the family's legacy are their four children, Byron Jr., Wesley, Larry, and Jonita, twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild.
For information concerning Power House Church of God Worship services, school programs, or other activities call 321-0779.