Sanctuary of Praise

 

 Bernard Howard was born the younger of two children, to Bernard and Loretta Howard on July 14,  1964.  Bernard received his education in the Prince Georges’ County School System and briefly  attended the  University of the District of Columbia.

 

 In many ways, Bernard’s life was a picture of the Prodigal son. At the age of twelve Bernard desired and  received the Holy Ghost. However, with the pressures of adolescence confronting him, he lost focus and  turned away from God. Bernard spent nearly fifteen years of his life being a slave to drug addiction.

 

 One day he heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Choose ye this day whom you will serve….” Bernard  began  his journey towards deliverance and restoration. He went away to Teen Challenge, a Christian Drug and Alcohol program in Pittsburgh, PA. It was on the mountain, that the Lord cleansed Bernard and set him free from the bondage of drug addiction.

 

Bernard returned home on fire for the Lord. He enrolled in the Apostolic Christian College, while a member of New Birth Holiness Church. He later joined the Way of the Cross Church of Christ. He began living a regimented life. His days consisted of college, work and noonday prayer. Soon after, he was ordained a minister, and graduated from the Apostolic College with a Bachelor’s in Theological Studies. In 2001 Bernard was ordained an Elder, and went on to become the Youth for Christ President. After leading the Youth for 2 years, the Lord called Bernard to another vocation in the Body. In Oct. 2003, Bernard became Pastor and Founder of Sanctuary of Praise, Way of the Cross Church of Christ.