Tower Newsletter Q2 2025
Grace and Peace to You, Tower of Deliverance - “House of the Remnant” Friends & Family!
As we enter the second quarter of this year, we pause to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the ways He continues to move in and through our church. The past few months have brought opportunities for growth, connection, and service, and we are excited to share updates, celebrate victories, and look ahead to what God has in store.
In this edition, you’ll find highlights from recent events, important announcements, and ways you can stay engaged in the life of our church. We encourage you to read, pray, and consider how you might continue to be part of the work God is doing in our community.
Thank you for being a vital part of this body. Together, let’s press forward with hearts full of expectation and faith.
With love and gratitude,
The Tower of Deliverance Newsletter Team
Tower of Deliverance Women’s Department Glory Night
Our Glory Night was truly a move of God! While Pastor Ronald McCray took a much-needed and well-deserved time of rest, the Lord used three powerful women of God to pour into us in a mighty way. The atmosphere was filled with His presence as we worshipped, prayed, and received fresh revelation. Hearts were stirred, chains were broken, and many left renewed and strengthened for the journey ahead.
We are grateful for every sister who showed up with expectation and every speaker who allowed the Lord to use them as vessels. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!
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Scripture Reference: Acts 16:14
Lydia, a trailblazing woman of faith whose story reminds us that success and spirituality are not mutually exclusive—they can thrive together under God’s direction.Lydia was a successful businesswoman known for dealing in luxurious purple cloth, a trade associated with wealth and royalty. Yet despite her status, Lydia's most admirable trait was her receptive heart to God. When Paul preached, Scripture says the Lord opened her heart—and she responded. Her life was marked not only by business savvy but also by genuine faith and hospitality. She opened her home, supported ministry, and lived generously.
Sister Nakiyah encouraged us to take Lydia’s example and apply it to our own lives:
Reflect God’s love through your work — Let excellence and integrity in business point others to Christ.
Ask for wisdom — Invite God into your decision-making, big or small.
Value relationships over results — Don’t get so caught up in working that you forget to build and nurture godly connections.
Embrace faith-fueled resilience — Lydia’s faith gave her the strength to lead and serve in a male-dominated space. We can draw on that same faith today.
Give back and practice stewardship — Use what God has given you to bless others, just as Lydia did.
Give God all the glory — Your wins are not just personal—they’re divine testimonies.
Through Lydia’s story, we are reminded that our calling isn’t just about what we do, but how we do it—and who we do it for.
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Scripture Reference: Acts 12
In a powerful message on servanthood and prayer, Sister Melissa Allen reminded us that prayer is not a formality—it’s warfare, and it’s personal. Drawing from Acts 12, she highlighted the story of Rhoda, a young servant girl whose joyful faith allowed her to believe in a miracle even before others did.
Sister Melissa challenged us with a question: Do you believe what you’re praying for? True prayer warriors are those who carry faith and joy, even in the face of persecution and difficulty. Rhoda didn’t hesitate to believe that Peter was freed—her response teaches us that faith sometimes looks foolish to the faithless.
Key takeaways from her message:
Prayer is active faith—not a checklist, but a lifestyle.
Humility and service are the foundations of powerful prayer. A true servant accepts feedback without offense, seeking to glorify God, not self.
Hope in miracles means praying with the expectation that God will answer—even if the answer doesn't come how or when we imagined.
Prayer will stretch you—but it will also shape you. Wrestling in prayer is part of servanthood; it's how we come to know God more intimately.
Prayer habits don’t happen by accident—the enemy works to isolate us, but we draw strength when we stay connected to the Father.
Her message was a wake-up call to persevere in prayer, even when it’s hard—and to remain joyful in the wait.
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Leadership and Influence — Scripture: Book of Judges (Highlight: Judges 5)
Sister Marilyn McCray delivered a bold and timely word on godly leadership and influence, using the Book of Judges to show how God raises up leaders for His purpose—even in messy, stubborn, and sinful times.
She reminded us that like the Israelites, we often fall into patterns: sin, cry out, and look for rescue. But God always has a plan. In the midst of this cycle, He raised up judges—chosen and anointed to act as His representatives.
Among them, Deborah stood out—a prophetess, warrior, and wise leader in a male-dominated time. Her story in Judges 5 teaches us what it means to lead with conviction and courage.
Key takeaways from her message:
Lead with wisdom and discernment, rooted in prayer.
Stay obedient even when your flesh wants control.
Drive out distractions (your “Canaanites”) so you don’t adopt their ways.
Embrace your God-given calling, without apology or hesitation.
Encourage and empower others, especially those coming behind you.
Use your influence to glorify God—not for personal clout, but for kingdom impact.
Uphold justice and truth, even when it's uncomfortable.
Recognize the power of collaboration—Deborah didn’t lead alone.
Stay close to God in every season—intimacy fuels clarity.
Sister Marilyn left us with this charge: God has something for you, even if you can’t see it yet. Don’t let stubbornness block your breakthrough.
Paint & Praise with the Women’s Department
What a time we had at our very first Paint and Praise! With 25 women in attendance, the atmosphere was filled with creativity, connection, and the presence of God. We broke bread together, laughed, painted, and worshiped—all in one unforgettable evening.
Shoutout to our incredible hospitality team for serving up delicious food, and congratulations to the winners of our raffles! Two beautiful, handcrafted fascinators—designed by Sister Brejánae McCray—were raffled off, and Sister Briannah took home our grand gift basket giveaway.
From the vibrant canvases to the soul-stirring worship music, every moment was a reflection of the unity and strength of the women of TODC. Under the dynamic leadership of Evangelist Crashondia McCray, the Women’s Department is alive, active, and on the move!
Stay tuned for our next gathering—you won’t want to miss it!
Outreach in Action: Feed My Starving Children
The Outreach Department, in partnership with Feed My Starving Children, recently stepped outside the four walls of the church to serve globally—one meal at a time.
This Christian-based organization is committed to ending world hunger by providing nutritionally complete meals to malnourished children across the globe. With over 20 volunteers from our TODC church family, we were able to pack an astounding 189 boxes, totaling 40,824 meals—a real and lasting impact.
Every box packed was a reflection of our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus. After two hours of intentional work, we paused to pray over the pallets before shipment. Sister Brejánae McCray led this moment in prayer, covering the meals and the children who would receive them in God’s love and provision. It was a powerful moment of unity, faith, and purpose.
This outreach was more than just service—it was a time of fellowship, laughter, and compassion, showing that when we work together, we can be a part of something much bigger than ourselves.
If you weren’t able to make it this time, we’d love for you to join us next time! We plan to partner with Feed My Starving Children quarterly, with our next outreach scheduled soon. Stay tuned for more details.
Let’s continue to be a church that serves beyond the walls—locally and globally.
Covering in Prayer: Preparing the Atmosphere for Mother’s Day
Theme Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:6–9 & James 1:27
Throughout the month of April, the Women’s Department at TODC committed to ushering in the presence of the Holy Spirit through weekly intercessory prayer in preparation for our Mother’s Day Luncheon held on May 3rd. Every Monday evening, women of faith gathered with the intention to stand in the gap, to wage war in the spirit, and to prepare the ground for breakthrough.
These prayer gatherings were led by mighty intercessors whose voices carried both power and humility:
April 7 – Talisha Smith & Kyndra Flowers
April 14 – Brejánae McCray & Kia Matthews
April 21 – Marilyn McCray & Naomi Toppins
April 28 – Shaniqua Ford & Arielle Townsel
Each session focused on specific prayer points, lifting the Mother’s Day Luncheon, the Women’s Department, and the entire TODC family:
The luncheon budget, ticket sales, and vendor arrangements
Peace, unity, and strength among the women of TODC
Speaker: Apostle Marie Mosley—for a prophetic, Spirit-filled word
The hospitality team, chefs, and servers
The program—expectation, faith, and freedom in worship
Mothers in all walks of life: single, married, divorced, widowed, adoptive, foster, aunts, sisters, and spiritual mothers
Prayers for restoration, healing, deliverance, and repentance
Continued covering over Pastor Ronald R. McCray and the vision, mission, and values of TODC
This month of prayer was more than a countdown to an event—it was a call to consecrate our plans, align our hearts, and invite the Holy Ghost to move freely. As we look back, we are confident that every seed sown in prayer is already producing fruit.
To God be all the glory.
3T Monthly Gathering Recap – Mental Health in Black Women
Theme: “Faith, Wellness, and Wholeness”
At last month’s 3T (Third Thursday Talk), the Women’s Department created a much-needed space for open dialogue around a critical topic: mental health struggles in Black women.
Sister Jekisha Rhymes, BSN, RN, led the conversation with grace and truth, highlighting the unique stressors that Black women often face, including:
Racism and discrimination
The pressure to carry the “strong Black woman” identity
Economic inequality and caregiver fatigue
Medical bias and neglect
These challenges can silently lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional exhaustion, yet many suffer in silence—fearing judgment or feeling unsupported.
But the church has a role to play.
Sister Jekisha emphasized the dual role of the church as both a place of spiritual healing and emotional safety. She also confronted the stigma that sometimes arises when mental health is oversimplified or spiritualized with phrases like “just pray about it.”
What the Church Can Do:
Offer a safe, judgment-free community for prayer and encouragement
Preach messages that normalize mental health conversations
Promote both faith and therapy as essential tools for healing
Equip leaders with mental health education to support the flock more holistically
Biblical Encouragement:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“He restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:3
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
This session reminded us that mental wellness is a faith issue too—and that God cares about the whole woman: body, mind, and soul.
Stay tuned for next month’s 3T session as we continue to grow, heal, and empower one another in Christ.
Staying properly hydrated during an Arizona summer is critical due to the extreme heat and dry climate. Here’s what you need to know:
Why It Matters:
• Arizona summers often reach 100–120°F (38–49°C).
• The dry air causes you to sweat without noticing, increasing your risk of dehydration.
• Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, kidney strain, and more.
How Much Water to Drink:
• General Rule: At least half your body weight in ounces per day (e.g., if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 oz).
• In extreme heat or with physical activity: Increase by 16–32 oz per hour of outdoor exposure.
• Don't wait until you're thirsty—by then, you may already be dehydrated.
Smart Hydration Tips:
1 . Start Early
Drink 16–20 oz of water when you wake up.
2. Carry a Water Bottle
Specifically, insulated bottles help keep water cool all day.
3. Electrolytes Matter
Drink something with electrolytes (e.g., sports drinks) if sweating heavily.
4. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
They can dehydrate you—balance with more water if consumed.
5. Eat Hydrating Foods
Watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges contain high water content.
6. Set Reminders
We all get busy. Use phone alarms to prompt drinking regularly.
🚨 Watch for Signs of Dehydration 🚨
• Dark urine
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Rapid heartbeat
If symptoms persist, especially with nausea or confusion, seek medical help—heat stroke can be deadly.
🔥 Stay Connected – Upcoming Events at The Tower!
🔥 Stay Connected – Upcoming Events at The Tower!
There’s always something powerful happening at The Tower—and we want you to be a part of it! Mark your calendars and get ready for a series of events designed to uplift, equip, and ignite your faith:
🌮 Tacos & Talk – Real conversations. Good food. Authentic fellowship.
🔥 Prophetic Encounter – Come expecting a divine move. Healing, clarity, and breakthrough await.
🔥 Mid-Day Fire – A spiritual reset in the middle of your week. Quick, powerful, and refreshing.
📖 Sunday School – Foundational teaching that grounds your walk with Christ.
You don’t want to miss what God is doing in this season. Stay tuned for dates and details!
Bible Study Series Recap: "Traumas & Triggers – The Journey to Wholeness"
Finding Healing Through the Word of God
Over the past several weeks, our church family has been walking through a transformative Bible study series titled "Traumas & Triggers: The Journey to Wholeness." This series is helping us confront the pain of our past and learn how to walk in spiritual and emotional freedom through the power of God’s Word.
With transparency and compassion, we’ve explored the reality that you can be saved, sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost, and still struggle in your mind. This truth has opened the door for many to acknowledge hidden wounds and begin the healing process without shame.
Understanding Trauma Through a Biblical Lens
We are currently examining three types of trauma:
Acute Trauma – A single overwhelming event
Chronic Trauma – Repeated and prolonged exposure to distress
Complex Trauma – Multiple traumas, often layered and deeply rooted
Each type carries its own challenges, but all can be healed through Christ.
The Danger of Unaddressed Trauma
One of the most eye-opening truths we've learned is that:
If we don’t combat our traumas with scripture, our traumas will become our identity.
This reminder has called us back to the Word of God as our weapon, our guide, and our anchor. The gospel of Jesus Christ isn’t just for salvation—it comes to transform every part of who we are, including our emotional and mental health.
Key Scriptures We've Studied
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 91:1–6
Romans 8:35
Hebrews 12:1–3
These verses remind us that God is present, powerful, and personal in the midst of our healing journey.
A Gospel That Heals and Changes
As we continue through this series, one theme rings loud and clear:
The gospel of Jesus Christ comes to change us.
It doesn't just save our souls—it heals our minds, mends our hearts, and renews our identities.
"Traumas & Triggers" is more than a teaching series—it’s a call to healing. As we walk this journey together, may we remember that wholeness is possible in Christ. Let’s continue to apply scripture to our scars and trust God with the process.