Great Commission Theological Institute Student Altagracia James made a reflection on discernment on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8:15 a.m., during the 43t Student Convocation. This momentous event will be held at the Great Commission Church at 53-67 Marshall Street, Paterson, NJ 07501.
Sister Altagracia James is part of the Great Commission Theological Institute’s graduating class 2025, which will be held in July this year.
She is the fourth of nine children born to Enrique Porter and Julieta James in Barahona, Dominican Republic. Her journey with the Lord began at the tender age of 14, and she has been serving Him with unwavering devotion ever since, a testament to her faith and commitment.
As a young girl, she participated in the Youth Ministry of the Assemblies of God, her Church at the time. She remembers the first time she preached: “Pastor Altagracia Mercedes told me to preach on a Sunday in Church. I was very nervous and spent the week preparing for the message. When the time came to preach, that was a blessing. God honored the faith and disposition of the preacher. At the end of the sermon, the Church stood up and gave a big round of applause.”
In 1972, Sister Altagracia James and her family made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United States from the Dominican Republic. This brave move was a significant chapter in their lives, marking the beginning of a new and promising journey.
Upon arriving in Paterson, Sister Altagracia James and her family congregated at the Great Commission Church, then under the pastorate of former Rev. Miguel Mena. Since they did not have a place to stay, Pastor Mena allowed them to briefly live in the Church’s building, now the campus of The Great Commission Theological Institute where she currently studies the Scriptures.
Sister Altagracia James is the mother of three children: Algeni, Walter, and Carolina, whom God blessed her with along with her husband, Héctor Durán.
Altagracia is a cousin of Bishop Alejandro Benjamin, who currently teaches at the Great Commission Theological Institute.
At present, she serves the Lord in the Church Ministry of God’s Word, pastored by Rev. Freddy Carrion. She is a singer-songwriter with a dozen songs, among which ‘Talk to Me About You’ stands out.
The Student Convocation is a pivotal part of the Institute’s curriculum. It serves as a platform for each student to reflect on a biblical theme, a requirement they must fulfill before graduating. This event is not just a formality, but a meaningful and enriching experience for the students and the audience.
The Student Convocation is the communion of the Great Commission Theological Institute on Saturday mornings when classes are in session. It is a time when students, alums, family, friends, and area residents come together to worship, reflect, and learn. Before classes begin, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., everyone joins the Institute’s faculty and leadership team members for service, followed by a reflection. The reflection, delivered by students, leaders, or teachers, addresses topics that quench the thirst for knowledge of the Scriptures and stimulate a deeper understanding of God. It is a time of spiritual nourishment and koinonia.