On December 6, 2024, Breath of Life Ministries marked its 50th anniversary with a special event dubbed Legacy Night, held at Oakwood University Church (OUC) in Huntsville, Alabama, United States. The evening not only commemorated the ministry's growth and evolution over the decades but also honored influential figures who have contributed to its mission.

Founded in 1974 by Walter Arties, a musician and Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Breath of Life was established amidst the social and racial unrest of the mid-1960s. Arties envisioned uplifting programming specifically for the Black community, and he remained committed to this vision until the ministry officially launched. Dynamic preacher C.D. Brooks served as the first speaker/director, while Arties contributed as program producer, singer, and the founder of the Breath of Life Quartet.

Current speaker/director Debleaire Snell welcomed attendees by acknowledging the contributions of past leaders, including Arties, Brooks (1974-1997), Walter Pearson (1998-2010), and Carlton P. Byrd (2010-2021). Snell quoted 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, stating, “One man plants, another man waters, but God gives the increase.” He elaborated, saying, “Each speaker brought their passion, temperament, and perspective. And I think God customized the gifts to meet the needs in the body of Christ and the larger culture … in each era of Breath of Life.”

Legacy Night showcased various performances, including those by 10-time Grammy winners Take 6 and the current Breath of Life Quartet. Byrd, who is now the president of the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, delivered a sermon rooted in gratitude, drawing from Psalm 100. He emphasized the importance of recognizing God's promises and urged attendees to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” despite life’s challenges, asserting, “Your situation does not eclipse the goodness of God.”

He further highlighted the ministry's impact over the past 50 years, stating, “Breath of Life has been around for 50 years, and guess what? We’re not going anywhere. This is God’s ministry.” Byrd concluded his message by encouraging attendees to praise the Lord for the ministry’s achievements.

The musical program featured a performance by the reunited Breath of Life Quartet, who opened with an orchestral arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth,” followed by favorites like “Nobody’s Fault But Mine.” Take 6 also performed, starting with “If We Ever Needed the Lord Before,” a song they popularized from the Breath of Life Quartet repertoire. Founder Claude McKnight shared that the original members first sang this song while at Oakwood College, where their journey began.

Several individuals received recognition for their contributions during the event, including all three former speaker/directors, two associate speaker/directors, former and current quartet members, and local fundraising supporters. Awards were provided to those in attendance, while family members of deceased honorees received plaques on their behalf, including Walter Arties' wife, Beverly.

The Legacy Night event concluded a year of celebrations, which included a Giving Tuesday Praise-a-Thon and a Mediterranean tour retracing the evangelical path of the Apostle Paul, reflecting Breath of Life's commitment to evangelism and community outreach. Since its inception, the ministry has resulted in tens of thousands of baptisms and the establishment of more than 17 churches globally.

The original article was published on the North American Division website.