Obituary of Arbella E Lightfoot

REVEREND ARBELLA E. LIGHTFOOT was born July 29, 1917 to John and Ida Lightfoot in Cumberland, Virginia. She went home to be with the Lord on November 9, 2010 at the Mount Vernon Hospital in Mount Vernon, New York. Reverend Lightfoot was educated in the Bethlehem School System in Cumberland, Virginia and also attended the Randolph Coleman Bible School in Manhattan, New York. Reverend Lightfoot. also work as a Domestic Engineer for many years. Reverend Arbella and the late Reverend Chauncic Lightfoot were raised to believe that God's will in their lives was one that they were to pursue and achieve. In doing so, the two traveled from their home in Cumberland, Virginia to New York in their early teenage years. Settling in the Bronx they made their church home at Mt. Sinai Fire Baptized I Ioliness Church of the Americas in Mt. Vernon. New York. Under the pastoral leadership of Pastor A. N. Frazier, Sr., Pastor Sam Jones, Elder J. 1. Martin and Elder R. 1. Davidson the Lightfoots grew both in Christ and in their ministries. There they developed the skills that would be required for the work, which lay ahead. Upon hearing the call from the Lord to move to a new level within their walk with Christ, the Lightfoot sisters began to consult God for a place (the land) that He would show them. This land was in the Village of Port Chester, New York. The ministry began in 1965 after renting a storefront building located at 106 Purdy Avenue, a place fondly remembered by some as "LITTLE" Bethel Fire Baptized Holiness Church of Gael of the Americas. Within this small yet greatly anointed place many souls were saved, set free and delivered from the bondage of sin. Through these two great women of God and because of their commitment to His vision, the membership soon began to grow. After a start of only three members: themselves and their eister Mother Mary Booker they soon received their first member, Sister Ferline Thompson. From this point the Lord's blessings were manifested with the addition of not only individual members but also families. Some of the many who entered into the doors of 'iLITTLE" Bethel through their ministry were as follows: The Moores, The Robinsons, The Black~, The Mayes, The Saunders Twins, The Nelsons, The Thomas', The Martins, The Brinsons, The Calderons, The Aliens, The Mcf.ovs, The Chaneys and The Epps. Throughout their pastoral leadership prayer and the written Word of God was the essence and foundation for its growth, Often times the members of Bethel would be found in all night shut-ins and tarry revivals. The Lightfoots believed and understood the concept that in order to get closer to God and His will in your life there must be a personal relationship. This gift of communication was given to us and therefore must be used. As part of establishing a firm foundation of spiritual growth within the church, revivals were often held. Some of the visiting clergy who imparted the Word of God included: Evangelist Saunders, Reverend Cunningham, Mother Wade. Evangelist Harris, Evangelist Cox, Mother W. 1. Chambers, Pastor Williams, Elder Friedman. Evangelist Pietro, Elder C. Campbell, Pastor Dorothy Ross. In 1975, feeling that they had taken "LITTLE" Bethel to the place where God wanted them to, Pastor A. Lightfoot and Co-Pastor C. Lightfoot relinquished their Pastoral duties. However, they continued to show sincere humility and godliness in respect and honor given to those who came after them. Reverend Lightfoot leaves to cherish her loving memory a cousin Lewis Taylor; one niece Emma Lee Justice; two spiritual nieces, Ferline Thompson and Addine Miller; two dear spiritual children, Tiffany Haywood and Evan Hurley; her church family and many caring friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ida Lightfoot; two sisters. Mary Booker (Wallace Senior and Junior); and Chauncie Lightfoot; two brothers, Tobias and Levi Lightfoot. Reverend Arbella Lightfoot will be sorely missed by all.