Masterclasses | N.I.J. COGIC

Masterclass Series

This year’s convocation theme is “In Pursuit”.

Read a bit about each of our session leaders and register below for one or more classes. These sessions are certain to bless you!

DR. TWYLA HARRIS

In Pursuit of Personal Goals and Achievement

Dr. Twyla Harris Lady Dr. Twyla Harris is a devoted woman of God who is passionate about serving Christ and helping others grow spiritually. She is an educator by profession and has dedicated her life to leadership, service, and empowering others through both ministry and education.

At New Grace Emmanuel Community Church of God in Christ, Lady Harris faithfully serves as President of the Women’s Department. She also supports various ministries throughout the Historic Northern Illinois Jurisdiction. She is committed to advancing the work of the Kingdom and believes in the words of John 9:4: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

Lady Harris has been happily married to Administrative Assistant Kenneth Harris for 31 years. Together they are blessed with wonderful sons, cherished daughters-in-love, and precious grandchildren. She considers her greatest blessings to be serving God and her family as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and First Lady.

Dr. Twyla Harris can be contacted at 312-871-8209 or via email Twylay.harris@yahoo.com

DR. LARRY EGWU

Leaders in Pursuit of Spiritual Renewal

Pastor, Dr. Larry Egwu was born in the West African Country of Nigeria. He emigrated to the United States and joined Evangelistic Crusaders Church of God In Christ, and has been with that church for 50 years. He later became the pastor of the church and has been for 23 years. He is renowned for his unsurpassed ability to teach the word of God.

Dr. Egwu holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Illinois; an MBA in Finance from Roosevelt University, and a PhD from La Salle University. He served as an Adjunct Professor of Business at Daley College in Chicago Illinois for 8 years.

Pastor Dr. Egwu is happily married to the Love of his life, Lady Essie Egwu and together, they have 5 children.

Dr. Larry Egwu can be contacted at 708-738-4139 or via email egwular@aol.com

LADY JEWEL HODGES

In Pursuit of Wealthy Health: Your Health Is Your Greatest Wealth

Lady Jewel Hodges is a veteran educator with nearly three decades of experience serving students through Chicago Public Schools and online tutoring. She is passionate about helping individuals grow academically, spiritually, and personally through practical, faith-centered teaching.

Alongside her work in education, Lady Hodges faithfully serves in ministry and is committed to encouraging others to pursue lives marked by purpose. She believes true wealth is found in a healthy relationship with God, a healthy mind, healthy families, and intentionally pursuing a life of purpose and peace.

Lady Jewel Hodges can be contacted at 773-610-7966 or via email jewel_hodges@yahoo.com

SISTER CHERYL MITCHELL

Banking Industry Professional

In Pursuit of Cyber Safety: Protecting Yourself and Your Assets

Cheryl Mitchell has been a member of Freedom Temple COGIC for 40+ years and serves in various areas at the local and jurisdictional level. She received a B.A. from Chicago State University and has over 25 years of experience as a financial services industry professional. Her goal is to share her knowledge and gifts with the people of God.

Cheryl Mitchell can be contacted at 708-704-6530 or via email cgcm09@ameritech.net

PASTOR JOHN ZAYAS

In Pursuit of Kingdom Expansion in Community Impact

Pastor John Zayas is the founder of Grace and Peace LLC, Revive Center, and Unity Chicago Housing Development Agency, and serves as President of the North Austin Community Center. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America and is a nationally respected voice in faith-based community transformation.

Pastor Zayas is also the author of Radically Imprinted, a powerful memoir and leadership testimony that chronicles a life shaped by faith, perseverance, and radical obedience to God.

Driven by a vision to strengthen individuals, families, and neighborhoods, Pastor Zayas has helped build organizations that empower people to thrive spiritually, socially, and economically. His leadership impact includes:

Job readiness training and employment placement for returning citizens.
Comprehensive services for migrant families, including healthcare, housing, education, food, and clothing.
Distribution of over one million pounds of food to more than 30,000 families through the GP Choice Store in the past three years.
Leadership of the annual Christmas Store, providing 1,650 toys and 400 coats to 380 families and over 500 children in 2025 alone

Pastor Zayas is deeply committed to serving the marginalized, developing leaders, and advancing Kingdom impact in urban communities. He attributes every accomplishment to a life fully surrendered to God and His redemptive purpose.

He has been married to his wife Angelina for 38 years. Together they are the proud parents of John Eric and Anais, and Erica Zayas-Martinez and Alfredo, and the devoted grandparents of Iliani Grace and John Micah.

Pastor John Zayas can be contacted at 773-410-3744 or via email Johnzayas8@gmail.com

Pastoral Offices