Keys to the Kingdom Awards
The Extension Loan Fund Board presents the "Keys to the Kingdom Award" to Ronnie Kennett of Bluefield, WV and Garry Bryant of Oklahoma City, OK.
Assembling in San Diego, CA on October 14th for the tri-annual board meeting, David Parker, President and David Benton, Chairman recognized the two board members for their dedication and commitment for their years of service. Mr. Kennett served the board a total of 11 years from 2002 to 2013 and was Graduate of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking and has since had over twenty five years of banking experience with First Century Bank, N.A., Bluefield, West Virginia and as a Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of First Century Bank, N.A., from 1985 to 1999. Because of his value and experience he continued as a Consultant to First Century Bank, N.A., from 1999 to 2003. Mr Kennett also served in a number of ministry roles within the IPHC as Director of Men’s Ministries of the Appalachian Conference for eleven years and a member of the Board of Directors of Men’s Ministries of the Appalachian Conference for three years as well as the Director of the Appalachian Teen Challenge, Inc. for over twenty four years.
Rev. Bryant also provided a wealth of ministry and church knowledge to the board from 2009 to 2013. Garry received his B.A. in Biblical Studies from Advantage College and a Masters in Christian Ministries from Southwestern Christian University in Oklahoma City. His ministry background also boasts a fourteen year stint as the Senior Pastor in South Hill, Virginia and Virginia Beach and Bishop of the Redemption Ministries Conference from 1998 to 2007. Currently Rev. Bryant serves as the National Field Director of ACTS2DAY Ministries for the Evangelism USA department and is also the Assistant Director of Evangelism USA of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.
Both men served the Loan Fund Board well as they displayed a heart to see the Kingdom of God expand.
The award is a custom designed stained glass piece by Johnny Upton and constructed by Zee's Stained Glass of Oklahoma City. The award was inspiried by the scriptures in Matthew 16:19, when Jesus commends Peter for his revelation of who Jesus was, and his further revelation of the work of the Kingdom on the earth.
Rev. Bryant and Mr. Kennett were given this award because they too recognize who Christ is, and the work He is establishng on this earth; and they have endeavored to make themselves a part of it.