About the Founder
Dr. Irene Huston
Dr. Irene Huston was born on May 24, 1938 in Collins, Ms. She is the daughter of Leroy and Dovie Huston, she had five siblings, in which two are deceased. Dr Huston was just a little girl during a fascinating time in context of 20th century history, the “Second Great Migration”, where more than five million African Americans from the South moved to the North, Midwest and West to escape the torment of racism and unfair labor practices. Her family’s journey began in the 1940’s as her father sought a better life for his family and moved to Berkeley, California.
Dr. Huston received and committed her life to Christ at the age of 16 and her testimony is that of family restoration and "standing in the gap" for families. Dr. Huston is the widow of Elder Ralph Huston, Sr. of whom she was married for fifty years. Elder Huston has preceded Dr Huston but prior to his death he served as Pastor and Prophet renowned in his own calling serving faithfully in ministry with her. Dr Huston is a loving mother of six children, fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She has a heart for families and family restoration. Her husband, children, mother, sons-in-law and sister all worked together in ministry.
Dr. Irene W. Huston attended Contra Costa Junior College in Richmond, California. She received her B. A. in Theology from International Seminary, Plymouth, Florida; an A.A. in Psychology from Phoenix University, Tempe, Arizona; an M. A. in Education from Antioch Christian University, Denver, Colorado; and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from National Theological Seminary of the Commonwealth University in St. Louis, Missouri. She also received a Doctorate of Divinity from Elbon/Solutions College of Ministry, Apple Valley, CA. Attended Harvard University; was a lecturer at San Jose State University. Dr. Huston credits her friend and mentor, Dr. Ernestine Sanders, as being instrumental in furthering her theological education even now.
Dr. Huston walks in the five-fold Apostolic Anointing and is known as a “DISTURBING ELEMENT” in the Body of Christ who has made the transition to the Platinum Level. As she preaches the Word of God with power and authority, the Holy Spirit engulfs the atmosphere with healing, deliverance and restoration. Dr. Huston’s first ordination to preach the Gospel was under Pastor Alfred A. Watson of Ollie Grove Pentecostal Baptist Church in Berkeley, California and under Elder Ralph Huston as Administrator. She also received impartation in ministering the Word through her travels and mentorship under Dr. Ernestine C. Reems. Dr. Huston attributes her confidence and uncompromising stability in the call of God to Dr. Beverly “BAM” Crawford’s spiritual guidance.
In 1980 she launched the first Women’s Conference in Northern California, Bay Area, Irene’s Women’s Faith Foundation (I.W.F.F.) Dr. Huston has been preaching for over 32 years with a total of 50 plus years in ministry. Her evangelistic travels have taken her throughout the United States and many foreign countries. She was ordained to International Ministry by the late, Archbishop Benson Idahosa of Nigeria, Africa. She has ministered the gospel to thousands around the world; including Bangalore and Madras, India; Benin City, Nigeria; London, England; and Jerusalem, Israel. She received the Apostolic ordination from The World Outreach Association.
In 1986 Elder Ralph R Huston, Sr. and Dr. Irene Huston founded and Pastored Global Christian Ministries, Richmond, California; Dr Irene Huston founded Irene’s Women's Faith Foundation; President & CEO of Global Reaching Out, Inc.; and Founder of Global Seminary.
Dr. Huston has authored several books, “Opportunities Through Crisis,” a motivational book on how to handle life’s crisis by precept and example; wrote several pamphlets such as “THAT”; “How to Pray for your Lost Loved Ones”; “Irene’s Motivational Thoughts & Inspirations”; “Meditation and Stretching through Faith Talk. “ Release Your Mind and Live Again”, "A Powerful True Story" is her newest release. Dr. Huston was the first Black woman on Channel 36 Television and “The Word Network” Television. She also had a TV broadcast called “Best Day Ever", on KTLN TV every Wednesday morning at 8:30 am. She is known for her motivational speaking and Spiritual Empowerment Workshops around the San Francisco Bay area.
Dr. Huston was awarded a "Certificate for the Betterment of Richmond," and many "Proclamations" by the Mayor of Richmond. These include one for the city's first Theological Seminary and as well as her other outstanding community efforts. She received from the Contra Costa County House of Representatives, Honorable Mention for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2000. Dr. Huston has been recipient of the “Pastor of the Year Award" from the C.O.G.I.C Women’s Department, and is consecutively listed in the National Who’s Who in Executives.
In 1992 she received a contract with the Oakland Warriors Basketball Franchise to design uniforms for their dancers and band members. In 1998 she opened a her clothing boutique, Irene’s Apparel in El Sobrante, California.
In 2006, Dr. Huston received a certificate from the Mayor of Richmond in recognition of the Years of Service for the Irene’s Women’s Faith Foundation. In May of 2013 she received certificates of accomplishments from both Supervisor, John Gioia, of Contra Costa County, District 1, and from, Congresswoman, Barbara Lee, of the State of California’s 13th District, congratulating Dr. Huston for her contributions to Contra Costa County through the years.
Dr Huston is known for one of the first All-women’s Evangelistic Conferences, non-affiliated in Oakland, California. The late Ruth Carter Stapleton, sister of President Jimmy Carter was a keynote speaker. Women from cities across California and the nation were in attendance as well as across the country. Dr Huston was also invited to sit next to the President when he visited San Francisco, California in 1976.
Dr Huston was also invited by the Honorable Jack Kingston to attend the Third Annual First Lady Luncheon given by First Lady Laura Bush, in Washington D.C. Dr Huston was also invited to the White House Ball.
Dr Huston has found that life is truly “not over”. According to Haggai 2:9, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of host; and in this place will I give peace saith the Lord of hosts”. Her latter is truly greater than her former as she sees a resurgence of Global Christian Ministries in Richmond, California. which was founded 32 years ago, and a rebirth of the spirit filled and highly regarded women’s conferences she hosts in the Bay Area. She is in high demand at the age of 80 years. Dr Huston is now mentoring a new generation of young ladies and women in ministry, adding playwright to her list of accomplishments, directing a play titled “The Door” which will be released in 2020 based on her life story and book “Release Your Mind and Live Again.”