New Destiny Christian Center Members Protesting Paula; They Want Riva
Chile, You think I.V. Hillard had a fit over the Paula White “Takeover” of New Destiny, the Members of New Destiny Christian Center are raising even more havoc over the Leadership selection of Paula White as Tim Zachery’s sucessor. Members protested recently carrying signs with slogs saying “Come Support Pastor Riva!” Use Your voice. The article below denotes quotes by New Destiny Members:
By Jeff Kunerth, Orlando Sentinel
A small group loyal to Riva Tims protested outside New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka Thursday evening over the apparent selection of Pastor Paula White to succeed Zachery Tims, who died in August. Riva co-founded the church with her husband in 1996.
Protestors carried signs with slogans such as “Come Support Pastor Riva! Use your voice!” as they tried to get the attention of those attending New Destiny’s Bible study group, which meets Thursday nights.
New Destiny plans to announce the church’s new leader Jan. 1. But Sunday the congregation was surveyed by church leaders about whether they wanted Paula White to take over. No other name was offered for approval. White is pastor of Without Walls International Church in Tampa
Among those protesting was Samantha Moore of Altamonte Springs, who joined New Destiny three years ago. “I don’t feel like the congregation had any say,” Moore said. “I don’t agree with what is going on. I don’t feel like she [Paula White] is who we need.”
Jerelen Jackson, who joined New Destiny in 2002, said current and former members of the megachurch in Apopka are upset that the church’s board refused to consider Riva. When she and Zachery divorced in 2008, Riva became pastor of her own church, Majestic Life Church in Lockhart, in 2009.
“Pastor Zach died and Pastor Riva is alive. Who knows that church better than she does? And she wasn’t even considered,” said Jackson, 39, who followed Riva to Majestic Life.
“To have somebody else come in and not even consider Sister Riva is not right,” said Jackson of Orlando, “We simply would like Sister Riva to have a chance before you consider anybody else.”
Riva Tims made it known after Tims’ sudden death at 42 that she would like to be involved in the selection of the next pastor for New Destiny, but was not invited to do so by the church’s board of officers.
The cause of Tims’ death has not been released by the New York City medical examiner’s office, which was sued in October by the preacher’s mother to keep what killed him confidential.
A New York judge ruled this week that the medical examiner’s office could release the cause and manner of death, but that decision has not yet become official and is expected to be appealed.
UPDATE!!!!
I love me some Atoast2wealth staff writers, they always give us the extra! Below is an endearing facebook message the found from Pastor Riva’s supporters and her response:
“We are shocked at the news and praying for God’s perfect will to manifest. We love you, Pastor Riva.”
Riva Tims responded:
“i am too, you should have seen zion today wearing his father’s suit and shoes. he is only 12 years old. this was a tough day for the children. the board has never reached out to them and has refused any meetings with me. God is in control. My faith will not waiver. love you both very much”.
Much love to Atoast2wealth, for going the extra mile for us. Click here to read their entire enlightening article on this fiasco.
