ABOUT APOSTLE STACIE HOUSTON
Biography
Great is the Lord and Greatly to be Praised!
A committed servant of the Most High God, and doing her part in advancing the Kingdom of God. Prophet Stacie, is the founder of New Life Christian Ministries International in Indian Head, Maryland. She serves along with her husband Apostle Dennis B. Houston, teaching and living the principles of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Call, the Assignment, and the Response
Prophet Stacie had been serving the Lord for approximately five years before understanding that it would be her privilege to minister to the people of God. Now we know she did not quite think of it as a privilege or honor at the time. What she wanted was to have a solid relationship with the Lord and not go to hell. At this time (1986) she would study the Word literally day and night (six to ten hrs.) although she was going to college to receive a degree in Business she did not quite open those thick manuals. It was always the Word, the Word! Eventually she had this brilliant idea – “I should go to Bible College.” Not because she thought she was to preach the gospel but all she did was study the Word, so that made since, right. Oh, well the journey began. While in Bible College she heard the Lord speak that she would preach. Her first response was that women don’t preach the gospel (of course, this wasn’t a problem as long as it was other women). As you know that was not the end of the conversation. Next, He spoke clearly, “Feed My sheep.” Now how could she argue with that? That happened three consecutive nights. On the third night her response to the Lord had a contingency clause – called a psychological ploy, if You send someone willing to train me. At this time she really didn’t understand that He knew all the moves. The next day her phone rang and a friend of hers was planting a ministry and needed her expertise (that’s the line that was pitched). Nevertheless, she understood one thing, the One who sits on the Throne had the all the moves. So began her journey. She was then introduced to Dr. Darnell Leach of Shiloh Abundant Life in Forestville, Md. who ordained her and mentored her for a season. At the same time she was connected to Apostle Mary D. Lewis of Waldorf, Md. who encouraged her on this journey, later to be recognized as a spiritual mother. While embracing the call there were a few others who imparted to her in the sprouting years. (You’ll have to read the book to see “Who’s who”).
Being a woman presented a few obstacles but she would trust the One who called her. God alone is Faithful.
The Process
“And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive:” (Ephesians 4:11-14 KJV).
The very first service was held in an apartment. There were only a few people in attendance but they proceeded. Her mother, Elder Hester Jones was with her at the inception of the ministry and is still standing strong. She counts it an honor that her mother would serve in just about every capacity over the years; actually, every ministry at some point. Another woman of God at this point should be recognized and that is Elder Earlene Bush. Elder Bush came less than a year later and knew Prophet Stacie since the age of eight.
Although, called, the walk was to be worked out. In the book of Philippians we learn we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. As the years progressed it was evident to see that a person could be a gift to the Body but had to work the Word. During this process: dying to self-daily became second nature. Prophet Stacie wanted the Lord to be glorified and the people to grow. So die she did! Galatians 2:20 got added to the stack of memory verses “I am crucified with Christ , nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” She declares there are a few things noticeable about dead people but only one worth sharing for the benefit of others: they are not moved by the opinions of others.
She has found that in order to move forward and press into the high call, she had to have an ear to hear the Spirit and be obedient to what she heard.
Wilderness Wanderings
The death experiences were a preparation for the wilderness. After renovating the building they were originally in and getting settled. The Lord spoke a clear word that the ministry was not to sign the next lease. No one knew that the lease was in the mail therefore, based on the Word it was not executed. The people rejoiced in the beginning! Everyone thought we were going to a new building not the wilderness. We had to dismantle the sanctuary every Sunday. We had to utilize someone’s home for Bible Study; no permanent dwelling place, no place to beautify for the Kingdom. The wilderness will make you or break you. Some died in the wilderness others just left, but praise God for those who remained – now we can partake of the spoils.
A Land That He Would Show Us
Now located, in Indian Head, New Life held an “Opening Celebration in September 2013.” Many saints came to be a part of the celebration. Although, the place of visitation for the ministry has shifted four times since its inception it is now in its “Dwelling Place.” The prophet believes that the ministry is now “There.” There is much work to do in this new location and every day the kingdoms of this world are continuously becoming the Kingdom of Our Lord.
Prophet Stacie truly has a passion for children and to witness to the community which they have been assigned. The ministry will do outside JAM’s (Jesus Among Many), where various music ministries come together in worship to release the Voice of God in the Atmosphere.
Over the years she has implemented Bible Studies in the workplace, ministered in prisons, nursing homes, as well as ministering at retreats, conferences, and shelters for battered women.
Place of Grace and Righteousness
There have been many challenges over the years, but the benefits of serving the King of Glory have overshadowed every challenge. She is the founder of a women’s mentoring group entitled “Holy Handmaidens.” One of the main objectives of this ministry is to encourage other women to persevere. There is a need for the issues that women are challenged with such as divorce, remarriage, and dealing with blended families which have to be discussed. Many issues need more than what can be shared in a Sunday morning sermon. The goal is to uproot and bring deliverance to them that are bound! We are our sister’s keeper.
Prophet Stacie has also established “Royal Diadems.” This ministry is established to train young girls/ladies up to the age of 21. Those who attend receive training in the area of etiquette, hygiene, modeling, every day social issues and of course, the Bible. Although, young girls may receive proper training at home (i.e., etiquette, hygiene) it helps to have others assist in various aspects of the Training Process. It really does take a village to raise a child.
Covenant
She has mentored many in the Body of Christ over the years. In 2010, she and Apostle established “Ministries Advancing thru Righteous Covenant (MARC).” It is a ministry in which they serve to establish and impart the apostolic and prophetic. The ministries they cover are: In The Name of Jesus Church and His Mercy Ministries both located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Establishing/or covering ministries had not been on her radar but the Lord has solidified these relationship and revealed His will.
As they continue to yield to the Holy Spirit, God continues to provide avenues by which ministry can be provided to the body of Christ. She and her husband can be heard every Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on WPGR radio (http://www.wpgr.tv/station_team.htm, click on “listen live).”
Education
Prophet Stacie is a graduate of Washington Bible College and Bowie State University, and holds an Honorary Doctorate from Breakthrough Bible College.
Family
Proverbs 31:25-31 “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
What can be said of the family? Well we need them and rejoice for the increase. She is married to Apostle Dennis B. Houston and they have five (5) energetic and beautiful children: Destiny, Joshua, Jared, Jonathan, and Trinity. The children are being trained in the Word, the principles of God, and yes, they are being homeschooled. Homeschooling is also a “call.” There are days that we all flow together and there are days that we look and “wonder.” The Houston’s enjoy family time together movies, dinner, museums, and amusement parks.
Having children has taught her much about forgiveness and unconditional love.
Prophet Stacie is a true biblical example of a Proverbs 31 “virtuous women” and to God be all the glory.