Pastor Jennie Harrell's hometown is Huntsville, AL, and her deeply religious parents raised their eleven children in the church. She said “I accepted Christ at age twelve, but at a point in time I backslid for a number of years when the world called, and I wanted to taste and see what was out there. Then I rededicated my life back to Christ and I've been there since.” In 1985 she was licensed to preach under Pastor James Peters of New Hope Baptist Church in Denver, CO. When she and husband; Pastor Steven Harrell moved to Albuquerque they attended New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church where she was ordained to preach by Bishop David Cooper, and was an Assistant Pastor for several years.
“You learn from other people and without this experience I don't know if I would have become a pastor. God has a way of leading your directions and putting you in the right place at the right time” she says. Led by God's direction, she became a Pastor in 2002, and with Co-Pastor Steven started the Word of Life Restoration Church. She said “there have been challenges especially with me being in the ministry and an African American female. Yet I'm positive that our church's growth lies in working as a team to deal with issues. My desire is to pastor full time to fulfill what I've been called to do.”
Pastor Stevens adds “since starting WOLR we try to invoke the presence of the Lord, and try to set the atmosphere of praise and worship. We want people to freely express their love and devotion for God which is the key in any service. Our mission is to emphasize the beauty of God's loving grace and worship Him because at some point our lives are punctuated with varying degrees of troubles, and He comes through with His immeasurable love.”
“We are servants of Christ”, Pastor Jennie said, “and we have a beautiful rainbow coalition congregation who try to work harmoniously, and try not to elevate themselves. We preach God's Word and want that word to be powerfully anointed so people will feel His glory and grow as they fulfill His given promises. God wants each of us to enjoy abundant life, and His blessings. ‘This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it' is a scripture I favor. Also the word; restoration; is significant because at times even Christians feel defeated and become complacent, and need to be renewed, refreshed, and revived.”
“In our belief structure a range of things happens in a church service, and when you're dealing with a powerful and creative God this should be done along the lines the bible instructs, and in an orderly manner. In accordance with these instructions; however you have a canvas upon which to paint and reflect people's futilities and frustrations. Hopefully this canvas will be woven into a constructive picture of wholesomeness, restoration, reconciliation, healing, forgiveness, and deliverance from the bondages of old habits. We want to make peoples' lives better, and motivate them to partner with God as saintly warriors and workers. We've seen tangible and incredible change in the lives of people who attend Restoration regularly. We're not looking for people to give us anything because we're about serving them and God.” said Pastor Steven.
Currently both are employed by the Social Security Department, she in Claims, and he as a Judicature in the Appellate Division. Pastor Jennie worked twelve years as his Paralegal while he was an Attorney in a private law firm. Pastor Steven is also an accomplished artist.
The Harrell's had a whirlwind courtship and married after meeting at church in Denver. They have been married for twenty-three years, and are proud parents of sons; Steven Jr., Veejay, Justin and daughter Stephanie.
The community is invited to worship at WOLR located at 1605 San Pedro NE at Constitution where you'll be received with love, anointed preaching, and high praise. For Worship Service information call (505) 217-0090.