Pastor Juanita Rivers is a visionary with profound faith who serves as pastor, wife, mother, grandmother, community leader, and more.
As a teenager Pastor Rivers accepted Jesus into her life and began her path as a devoted Christian. In 1981, Pastor Rivers' walk with Christ led her to become a member at Beulah Tabernacle under the leadership of the late Elder Calvin Thomas, Sr. Pastor Rivers epitomizes the Scripture, Ecclesiastes 9:10 which states "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might..." she was motivated and committed to becoming an activate member. Pastor Rivers found her passion for teaching while serving under the Sunday school ministry. Her love for the youth led her to be leader of the ministry and the desire for excellence and order positioned her to be the business administrator of the church until her departure in 2001 when she and Elder David Rivers gave birth to Ebenezer Temple Pentecostal Church.
Though Ebenezer Temple Church was founded in 2001, God placed the pastorate calling on her heart since 1990. Discerning that God would be elevating her, she decided to increase her education by earning her bachelor's and master's degrees. After strategic planning, Ebenezer Temple Pentecostal Church held its first service on February 25, 2001. Combining her professional career with her love for the community, Pastor Rivers partnered with Campaign for Working Families, Inc. to help provide free income tax preparation to the community. Her version for ministry soon outgrew the current facilities and she stepped in faith to purchase a larger building in the same neighborhood so that she could continue expanding the vision God gave. With the enhanced space, Pastor Rivers expanded the church's community outreach ministries to include a free 5 week summer enrichment camp, annual back to school giveback, Thanksgiving Day event that provides free home cooked meals along with winter coats and more.
Behind every strong woman is an even stronger man: Pastor Rivers found the love in Elder David Rivers, her high-school sweet heart. Together they raised three great children and eight beautiful grandchildren. Though she cherishes time with her family, Pastor Rivers personified hard work and excellence through her career with Department of Treasury. Beginning in personnel and rising through the ranks to senior operations manager her work ethic and dedication left a mark on the company that outlived her physical presence.
Pastor Rivers is a woman of great faith who continues to faithfully follow God and be used for His Purpose!
Pastor Rivers connects with me because she takes time to listen and understand what may be going on with me. Pastor Rivers teaching has taught me to never give up, stand up for what's right because God will never give up on me!
