City of Refuge-Lakeland

09/06/2026

City of Refuge COGIC -Lakeland

08/30/2026

08/20/2026

Join us as we celebrate 40 Years of Ministry at the City of Refuge Church Anniversary!

Theme: Back To The Future
Scripture: Philippians 3:13–14

Sunday, September 27
4:00 PM

We are honored to welcome our special guest, Bishop Anthony W. Gilyard and the Brown Memorial Church of God in Christ, Tampa, as we gather for an unforgettable time of worship, praise, and thanksgiving.

For 40 years, God has faithfully led us, strengthened us, and positioned us for what lies ahead. As we celebrate our rich legacy, we also look forward with renewed faith and purpose, pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Come celebrate this historic milestone with us. We look forward to worshiping with you!

05/24/2026

03/26/2026

Keon's lesson...

It wasn't difficult to see Keon in the crowd of more than 200 job seekers.

He was the 16-year-old with a sweeter-than-cotton-candy grandmother by his side.

Cathey Elam adopted Keon when he was five months old. She has taught him more life lessons than there are leaves on a sycamore tree. Respect others and yourself. Read everything. Show compassion. Call on God; he answers.

On Thursday, Cathey began teaching Keon the value of work.

She brought him to the Better Together job fair at City of Refuge Church in Lakeland. Never more than a few feet away, she watched Keon, who is excelling in high school and uses AI like a Jedi, talk with employers.

Keon smiled brightly, made eye contact while speaking, and shook hands confidently.

"It's a new experience for me, and it's opening me up to adulthood," said Keon, who has interviews scheduled with Wingstop and Waters Car Wash.

Before leaving the job fair, Keon rang the 'opportunity bell.'

If you listened closely, you could hear his grandmother's voice in the melody.

"Always think you are somebody."

(Story and moments by Kinfay / Better Together)