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CPT ministry, Bishop Bell return home for anniversary celebration
FORT WAYNE—As the theme of change is heralded in bold voices across the
nation, it seems only appropriate that the message be echoed in places
beyond politics— in the ministry for example. That historic backdrop is
perfect for a milestone anniversary of a unique ministry that grew out
of Fort Wayne and expanded to the South and beyond.
Bishop R. Bell (better known to some as the “Thugg Bishop”) is scheduled
to return to Fort Wayne to celebrate the 11th Anniversary Celebration of
Changed People Today ministry from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 29 at Greater
Spirit of Love Church of God In Christ, 6116 S. Calhoun St., with Pastor
Paul Taylor Jr., presiding.
In addition to celebrating with the preaching of the Word of God by
guest speakers Evangelist David Robinson and Evangelist Terry Barnes,
Bishop Bell is scheduled to perform Christian hip hop songs from his new
eponymous CD“The Thugg Bishop.” The Bishop is scheduled to be joined in
performance by Christian rapper Jesse Allen Jr., aka “Bruiser,”
performing the song “God’s World,” and producer and performer Vincent
“V-Note” Burney, performing the acclaimed song “Judgement Day.”
More than a dozen years ago, the former Chris Bell was in a different
world. Instead of being a willing and active participant in God’s
kingdom, the former gang member said he was in the streets doing
everything he shouldn’t have been doing.
“Before I legally changed my name to Bishop, everybody knew the young
thug Chris Bell from the south side of Fort Wayne,” explained Bishop
Bell.
He said he wasn’t out there alone.
“Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s David [Robinson] and I were
partners in crime. We did everything from burglary, stealing cars,
womanizing, smoking ‘big’ weed and drinking together,” said Bell.
But, his world came crashing down, when at age 18, he was shot in the
head with a 12-gauge shotgun. After the shooting, he emerged from a
six-week coma and discovered he was totally blind. Ironically, Bishop
Bell explains that the loss of physical sight caused him to really see
himself and his place in the world more clearly. And, he learned that
God had a mission for him, one suited to a person like him—ministering
to others trapped in the street life.
With that in mind, Bishop Bell started CPT ministries. In another bit of
irony, it played on the letters of an established gang—only in this
case, CPT stands for Changed People Today.
“God is a ‘now’ God. He changes lives right now,” said Bishop Bell.
After a time, he legally changed his name from Chris Bell to Bishop
Bell, following the biblical tradition of people changing their names
after receiving a revelation and new life from God. He also altered his
old “thug” persona to that of the “THUGG—True Homies Under God’s
Grace—Bishop.” Having undergone that change of heart and spirit, he
embarked wholeheartedly upon a mission to spread Jesus Christ’s message
of love, peace and salvation. That journey has taken him from Fort Wayne
through the south, including Oklahoma and Dallas, where his ministry is
now based.
“I’ll go wherever God sends me,” explained Bishop Bell. “That means I’ll
do my rap and share my testimony and teach the Word of God on college
campuses, in churches, on the streets, at retreats, in coffeehouses, in
prisons, at youth rallies, you name it. Wherever God opens the door for
me to minister is where I will be.”
While it hasn’t always been the easiest path, Bishop Bell has persevered
to expand his ministry, working through the Internet and even creating a
telephone church through which people across the country can dial in to
hear sermons.
Although some might think he’s moved worlds away from the Summit City,
Bishop Bell said Fort Wayne always will have a special spot in his
heart. That’s one reason he said he’s happy to celebrate the ministry’s
anniversary here. The affair also will serve as something of a reunion
and another reminder that God does change people as a number of his
former street friends also are now devoted Christians working for the
kingdom of God. That, said Bishop Bell, was one of the biggest surprises
of his life.
For example, he said he was especially excited about this year’s
celebration because of his closest friend’s decisions to walk with God.
Bishop Bell’s long time friend and role model David Robinson has really
inspired him by fully submitting and selling out to the word of God.
“Not only did I not see myself ever becoming a powerful minister or my
voice being heard worldwide,” said Bell, “but, I really had no
expectation to believe that my good friend David—aka Capone, my old
partner in crime—would change his life in the last two years by also
being a voice for God. What really shocked me and tripped me out was his
fiancé— Terry Barnes, who also played a part in my life when I was young
and in the streets.”
Bell said this time of gathering will be occasion for rejoicing because
of his friends’ decisions to become “Changed People Today.” He said that
this reunion is really not about him it’s about family, friends and
special mentors who helped him achieve some of his highest goals in his
ministry.
“I would like to give a special thanks to Pastor Paul Taylor Jr. for
believing in me from day one and never turning his back on me even
though I was a stubborn, knuckleheaded, rebellious spiritual son in this
ministry,” said Bell.
“I love you, Fort Wayne, Ind.,” he added.
For more information about the 11th Anniversary Celebration of CPT
Ministries, call (214) 447- 0000 or log onto www.thuggbishop.com. Or
call Greater Spirit of Love Church of God In Christ (260) 744-0074.