Bishop Featured in The Patriot News
Wealth of faith
A Harrisburg pastor and televangelist says relition and properity go hand in hand; a message that resonates with his congregation.
Monday, August 24, 2009
BY MARY WARNER
For The Patriot-News
Bishop Larry Harris' big cuff links sparkle like diamonds as he preaches the promises of heaven, down to the literal dimensions and the pearly gates -- along with the promises of wealth right here on earth for the faithful.

He's a retired Army sergeant, beauty shop owner, faith healer, televangelist and pastor of Bridge of Faith Ministries, housed in a converted grocery store in Swatara Twp.

This is the man who smiles down on busy Route 322 between Hershey and Harrisburg from that cryptic billboard that says "Boaz Blessing" in big letters. The woman beside him in the billboard is his wife, prophetess Sheila Harris.

As Bishop Harris tells the story, a prophecy came to him two years ago from another evangelist while they sat onstage during a Benny Hinn Miracle Crusade at the Giant Center in Derry Twp.

The prophecy said five Boazes, wealthy men like Boaz in the Old Testament story, would come into Harris' life -- three to support his ministry and two to support his personal needs.

It was a detailed prophecy. One of the Boazes will buy Harris a car every year, it said, and jets and yachts will be provided for the ministry. (Yachts? Jesus preached from a boat, Harris noted.)

The prophecy came with instructions, too.

Evangelist Mike Murdock "told me to write 'Boaz Blessing' on your mirrors, in every room in your house, put it everywhere," Harris said. "So I did it because I believe in prophecy." A church member went a step further and came up with the billboard, he said.

Harris is still waiting for the prophecy to come true, but he said he knows these things take time.

The belief behind the Boaz billboard -- that God rewards faith with wealth -- is embraced by many Pentecostals, the miracle-expecting faithful around the world who represent Christianity's fastest-growing segment....