June 2014 cofield report

The Cofield Report

In Memory of Dr. Maya Angelou 1928 - 2014

“Listen to yourself in that quietude you might hear the voice of God”

June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

The Cofield Report EDITOR

Allen Green

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS June 2014 Vivian Paine Pastor Lenora Young Phil Hughes Monica F. Hudson Christine Tunstall Minister Donald Graham, Jr. Mary Daniels Kathryn Kemp Ms. Mozelle

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” The world has lost a truly remarkable woman.

Maya Angelou was a wonderful poet, writer, activist and singer. Her singing and speaking voice had such richness and she shared such wisdom that I could listen to her for hours.

She didn’t have an easy upbringing, but over her 86 years, Maya was able to forgive, love and create wonderful art. And while she did so, she encouraged us all to forgive, love and create wonderful art as well.

Her charming, wise words continue to inspire. Below are a few of some of quotes from this brilliant and extraordinarily talented woman: “All great achievements require time.”

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

“Nothing will work until you do.”

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goals. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must never be defeated.”

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

“The idea is that you write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.”

“If you get, give. If you learn, teach.”

“The best candy shop a child can be left alone in is the library.”

“Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

“Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!”

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” Maya Angelou was an American author and poet. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning more than 50 years.

Synopsis Born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is known for her 1969 memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which made literary history as the first nonfiction best-seller by an African-American woman. In 1971, Angelou published the Pulitzer Prize-nominated poetry collection Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die. She later wrote the poem "On the Pulse of Morning"—one of her most famous works—which she recited at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993. Angelou has received several honors throughout her career, including two NAACP Image Awards in the outstanding literary work (nonfiction) category, in 2005 and 2009.

Early Years Multi-talented barely seems to cover the depth and breadth of Maya Angelou's accomplishments. She is an author, actress, screenwriter, dancer and poet. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, Angelou had a difficult childhood. Her parents split up when she was very young, and she and her older brother, Bailey, were sent to live with their father's mother, Anne Henderson, in Stamps, Arkansas.

As an African American, Angelou experienced firsthand racial prejudices and discrimination in Arkansas. She also suffered at the hands of a family associate around the age of 7: During a visit with her mother, Angelou was raped by her mother's boyfriend. Then, as vengeance for the sexual assault, Angelou's uncles killed the boyfriend. So traumatized by the experience, Angelou stopped talking. She returned to Arkansas and spent years as a virtual mute.

During World War II, Angelou moved to San Francisco, California, where she won a scholarship to study dance and acting at the California Labor School. Also during this time, Angelou became the first black female cable car conductor—a job she held only briefly, in San Francisco.

In 1944, a 16-year-old Angelou gave birth to a son, Guy (a short-lived high school relationship had led to the pregnancy), thereafter working a number of jobs to support herself and her child. In 1952, the future literary icon wed Anastasios Angelopulos, a Greek sailor from whom she took her professional name—a blend of her childhood nickname, "Maya," and a shortened version of his surname.

Career Beginnings In the mid-1950s, Angelou's career as a performer began to take off. She landed a role in a touring production of Porgy and Bess, later appearing in the off-Broadway production Calypso Heat Wave (1957) and releasing her first album, Miss Calypso (1957). A member of the Harlem Writers Guild and a civil rights activist, Angelou organized and starred in the musical revue Cabaret for Freedom as a benefit for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, also serving as the SCLC's northern coordinator.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” In 1961, Angelou appeared in an off-Broadway production of Jean Genet's The Blacks with James Earl Jones, Lou Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson. While the play earned strong reviews, Angelou moved on to other pursuits, spending much of the 1960s abroad; she first lived in Egypt and then in Ghana, working as an editor and a freelance writer. Angelou also held a position at the University of Ghana for a time.

After returning to the United States, Angelou was urged by friend and fellow writer James Baldwin to write about her life experiences. Her efforts resulted in the enormously successful 1969 memoir about her childhood and young adult years, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which made literary history as the first nonfiction best-seller by an African-American woman. The poignant work also made Angelou an international star.

Since publishing Caged Bird, Angelou has continued to break new ground—not just artistically, but educationally and socially. She wrote the drama Georgia, Georgia in 1972—becoming the first AfricanAmerican woman to have her screenplay produced—and went on to earn a Tony Award nomination for her role in the play Look Away (1973) and an Emmy Award nomination for her work on the television miniseries Roots (1977), among other honors.

Later Successes Angelou has written several autobiographies throughout her career, including All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986) and A Song Flung Up to Heaven (2002), but 1969's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings continues to be regarded as her most popular autobiographical work. She has also published several collections of poetry, including Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die (1971), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

One of Angelou's most famous works is the poem "On the Pulse of Morning," which she wrote especially for and recited at President Bill Clinton's inaugural ceremony in January 1993—marking the first inaugural recitation since 1961, when Robert Frost delivered his poem "The Gift Outright" at President John F. Kennedy's inauguration. Angelou went on to win a Grammy Award (best spoken word album) for the audio version of the poem.

In 1995, Angelou was lauded for remaining on The New York Times' paperback nonfiction best-seller list for two years—the longest-running record in the chart's history.

Seeking new creative challenges, Angelou made her directorial debut in 1998 with Down in the Delta, starring Alfre Woodard. She has also written a number of inspirational works, from the essay collection Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now (1994) to her advice for young women in Letter to My Daughter (2008).

Interested in health, Angelou has even published cookbooks, including Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories With Recipes (2005) and Great Food, All Day Long (2010).

Angelou's career has seen numerous accolades, including the Chicago International Film Festival's 1998 Audience Choice Award and a nod from the Acapulco Black Film Festival in 1999 for Down in the Delta; and two NAACP Image Awards in the outstanding literary work (nonfiction) category, for her 2005 cookbook and 2008's Letter to My Daughter.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report�

Personal Life Martin Luther King Jr., a close friend of Angelou's, was assassinated on her birthday (April 4) in 1968. Angelou stopped celebrating her birthday for years afterward, and sent flowers to King's widow, Coretta Scott King, for more than 30 years, until Coretta's death in 2006.

Maya Angelou with Coretta Scott King in New York City, 2002. (Photo

by KMazur/WireImage) Angelou was good friends with TV personality Oprah Winfrey, who has organized several birthday celebrations for the award-winning author, including a week-long cruise for her 70th birthday in 1998.

After experiencing health issues for a number of years, Maya Angelou died on May 28, 2014, at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The news of her passing spread quickly with many people taking to social media to mourn and remember Angelou. Singer Mary J. Blige and politician Cory Booker were among those who tweeted their favorite quotes by her in tribute. President Barack Obama also issued a statement about Angelou, calling her "a brilliant writer, a fierce friend, and a truly phenomenal woman." Angelou "had the ability to remind us that we are all God's children; that we all have something to offer," he wrote.

Marguerite Annie Johnson. (2014). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 01:55, May 30, 2014, from http://www.biography.com/people/maya-angelou-9185388.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

Stand Up Written by Vivian Paine

I recently participated in a Seven Up program where we each had been assigned word in conjunction with the word up. My assignment was “stand” up. So of course I began with the definition of the word stand, there were 11, but I selected a few that were pertinent to our discussion: 1) to take or maintain an upright position on the feet; 2) to be placed in or maintain an erect position; 3) To remain stable, valid, intact or unchanged. 4) To assume or maintain an attitude, conviction, or course.

When I read the first definition I wondered why do we say standup when by definition if you stand you are up on your feet. But I continued to read and as I went a little further into the definition I came upon a section they called phrasal verbs where they combined stand with different words and arrived at verbs such as “stand down” , stand in, stand out, and standoff . No matter which of those phrases you use the stand denotes one on his/her feet assuming a position. For the purpose of our discussion I want to focus on stand up and stand down.

If I stand up for a position I’m in an offensive, fight mode prepared to defend or maintain my position. If I stand do STAND UP While I am no longer in fight mode, it doesn’t mean I don’t have the same conviction it means I’m not going to fight you over it. If I am a soldier or policeman and I stand up for a cause I’m aiming my weapon at my enemy/or opponent, if I stand down, I lower my weapon. Please understand, I may have lowered my weapon, but I still have the means and the authority to shoot you, I’ve just decided not to use it. And there are times when you have taken a position or you maintain a belief which is different than others and standing down is the right thing to do. You can just agree to disagree- you’ve still maintained your conviction, so in standing down you’ve stood up for what you believe.

I Corinthians 16:13which reads: 13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong -KJV and the New American Standard version reads 13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Paul had established this church in Corinth, which was one of the largest cities in the Roman empire and because it was a port city people from everywhere passed through it going to and fro, it was important to the early church as well because the converts would be traveling taking their new found faith to other parts of the 5

June 2014 “The Cofield Report” world. But much like today the fact that it was a large bustling city was also its problem the influx of myriad types of people from everywhere is also the reason it was filled with every form of wickedness. Including the temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which housed a thousand temple prostitutes. So this first letter to the Corinthians is addressing some issues the church had encountered after Paul had left the area. In the first 4 chapters he addresses the division among the members, in the next two chapters he addresses the failure to discipline the gross immorality that was reported about them; chapter 7 gives instruction on marriage, 8 talks about eating things offered to idols; nine and 10 encourages self-control and self-discipline, then in chapters 11 through 14 he teaches on church structure and matters of doctrine and when we get to chapter 15 he reminds them of the gospel story the death and resurrection of Jesus that redeemed them from sin and the promise of the resurrection unto eternal life after he reminds them of the message he brought to them he says “ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

So we come to the last chapter, verse13 and he says 13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I want to say to the church today stand up on the Word of our God, stand up cry loud and spare not. The church today has become so lax, many church members don’t believe there is a hell, we don’t believe He’s going to judge sin; we’ve become so enlightened we don’t believe God will “send” people to hell, because they reject Jesus as their savior, because He loves all mankind. The truth is He loved us so much that he gave us a choice; he didn’t require us to serve Him. He said chose ye this day whom you will serve.

The Word tells us to come out from among them, to be a peculiar people and therein lies the problem- we don’t want to be different from the world. Although the Word says “Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind”, we have the same mind set as the world. We don’t see anything wrong with shacking up, we don’t see anything wrong with gay marriages, we don’t see anything wrong with pastors and bishops having had three or four wives.

What we need to understand is that the same God who struck Miriam with leprosy for talking about Moses behind his back, the same God that rained down fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, and the same God that turned Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt for disobedience, is the exact same God before whom the whole world will stand in judgment. How do I know that? Because he said so in Malachi 3:6 I am the Lord I changeth not, and in Hebrews13:8 he said, I am the same today, yesterday and forever more”

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” If God called it sin you call it sin, we are too busy trying to be politically correct if God said lying, cheating, stealing, fornication, homosexuality is sin- that settles it don’t argue about it , don’t be swayed just because the multitude is doing it, the multitude thought the golden calf was a good idea, the majority thought Jericho was too hard, the multitude thought if they killed Jesus, his influence would die stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. AND STAND UP ON HIS WORD

Am I Santa Claus or am I ___?

Written by Kemba Cofield

Recently I have been going through a rough time. I have been begging the Lord for blessings and guidance and He just hadn’t answered the way I saw fit this GOD of MINE! I think it is pretty funny to realize how arrogant and accusatory I had become when dealing with Him and His purpose for MY life. I had prayed all I was going to pray. I had wept all I was going to weep. I had reached out to the last person. God had a plan and I decided to press Him to explain it to me. I chose to fast. I don’t fast from all food. I fasted from meats my first week and from fish and meat my second week. However, I changed my daily life. I started listening to God more instead of telling him my views or what I wanted from Him. I found myself at a crossroads. He showed me that I was Santa Claus. LOL Not the Turkish Priest who blessed many during his time named Bishop Nicholas but I was walking around with a big old bag of sin and pain. I had some heartache, unforgiveness, lists of infractions from others, anger, disappointment, depression, sadness, and sprinkled in some weakness to make the bag complete. I put them all in this invisible bag and was walking around with the weight on my shoulders and back. I struggled desperately. I was in pain emotionally and physically ironically. However at the end of this fast, I submitted all of these sins and pains to God. Ironically, I have been changed ever since. Who would think that by trying to hold onto all of those things I listed that I would also hold onto pain and block my blessings? I’m totally different now. I have moved forward into growth and know who and what I want to be. I took each thing out of the bag until every last one of them was gone. I gave them all to God to control and handle and it left my heart at peace. I couldn’t handle my pain but God could. When I did so. When I finally released, I could hear him so much better. I walked a tad bit taller and blessings started coming down. Fear had no place in my life and those that had wronged me weren’t as bad anymore. They were okay. No more attachment to them is what I am meaning. It was like the moment that big old bag was off of my shoulder; I could function as a woman of stature and truth instead of a woman of fear.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” Ladies and Gentlemen, things happen to the best of us and there is no way to make it better or worse it just is what it is. However, we can control how we handle situations. Do we hate people and create a bitterness that every time they do something is pricked causing mental anguish or do we forgive and GIVE the situation to the Lord to handle? I mean thinking about what he or she did in a negative way can bog us down with pain. If we take these pains, sins, whatever and pass them over to God like a spiraled football, or hearts can have more space to grow and flourish. Don’t be Santa Claus be _____.

Denominations - Noooooooooo!

Ms. Mozelle When God gave the law to Moses, He made no provision for the division of Israel into sects and parties. However, by the time Jesus came into the world, division was well entrenched into the Jewish society. There were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, and many others. Question! Which of these groups did Jesus belong? None of them. He maintained His independent, non-sectarian relationship with God to the very end and for this reason, they all opposed Him.

Jesus did not want His followers to be divided into sects and parties. He desired that they might be united. After Jesus had prayed for His apostles, He then prayed that all His disciples might be one as He and the Father were one (John 17:20-21).

Through the years, divisions have developed and have been perpetuated by the writing of creeds and the formation of denominational organizations.

Now among followers of Jesus there are many denominations, many faiths, and many baptisms.

There is a big difference from the unity of the church described in the New Testament. The apostle declared, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).

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Many today regret the division among believers and wish it did not exist. They desire the uniting of all the denominations and work diligently to that end. But they assume that until this is accomplished, there is nothing an individual can do but join one of the existing divisions and maintain a kind and tolerant spirit. Nothing in the teaching or practice of Jesus supports this approach to unity.

Jesus did not undertake to convene an ecumenical conference designed to effect a merger of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes into one super sect. Neither did He pray that His disciples might be united into one super denomination. He prayed rather that individual believers might be united in Himself and in the Father. His teaching was designed to turn individuals from the doctrines and traditions of men to the simple word of God.

In the first century the church was simply composed of all who were saved by Jesus Christ through repentance and baptism, and it continued to grow as others were saved (Acts 2:38-47). Groups of these saved people met in various cities and each group was a church. Though united in Christ, they were independent of any human association or federation. Christ directed them through His inspired apostles, teaching them how they were to worship and work together.

If we obey the same instructions given through the Lord's apostles, repenting of our sins and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, we too will be saved. When we are saved, the Lord will add us to His church as He added them. They joined no other religious organization; neither should we. In Christ, we are united with all others who are in Him.

As members of the Lord's church, we must then study carefully the New Testament's description of that church and the instructions given to it. This is found in the book of Acts and in the letters which follow it. Since the apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit, we can be sure that the churches under their instruction were exactly what Jesus wanted them to be. If we duplicate these early churches the Lord will be pleased with us.

We live in a world of religious confusion. There are literally thousands of religious denominations claiming to follow the Bible and declaring allegiance to Christ. Attitudes of tolerance have developed toward all these differences. Many believe God approves of all the conflicting denominations. Yet most have never considered the meaning of the term "denomination," or examined the word of God to determine if denominationalism is

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report� scriptural.

The word "denomination" signifies a part of a whole, a class, or division. When one searches the Scriptures he finds that nowhere is it suggested that the church of our blessed Lord is made up of divisions.

There are three very important reasons why the church of our Lord cannot be made up of denominations. First, our Lord prayed for unity-- the very opposite of division. With the cross near at hand, Jesus prayed on the behalf of those who would become believers through the words of the apostles asking, "that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me" (Jn. 17:20-21). Never did Christ intend for His church to be a clutter of differing groups each teaching conflicting doctrines and wearing different names.

Second, Jesus died for unity, not division. Before Jesus' death all men fell into two classes, Jew and Gentile.

There was enmity between the two. Our Lord reconciled "both in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (Eph. 2:15-16). Consider this...if Jesus died that men might not be "two," how could He be pleased with men being divided into thousands of denominations?

Finally the teaching of Christ's New Testament advocates unity and condemns division. The division among the Corinthians was condemned (1Cor. 1:10-13). The Scriptures state Christ's church is His body and that there is only "one body" (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4). Yet the denominations say there are many religious bodies that make up the church. Who's right?

Someone who has never studied the Bible and wants to know what to do to become a Christian will be confused if they go to several denominations to find the answer. Among the many denominations are different doctrines that teach different things concerning salvation. How can we know what the truth is?

One basic principle will help us-- seed produces after its kind. This is an unchangeable law of God set in place from the beginning (Gen. 1:11-12). For example, a carrot seed produces a carrot, a watermelon seed a watermelon, etc. Jesus taught that the seed which produces a Christian is the word of God (Luke. 8:11). When the apostle Paul taught a person the word of God and that individual believed and obeyed that word, it produced 10

June 2014 “The Cofield Report� a Christian. The same was true with Peter or Philip. When they taught a person the word of God they became a Christian. The word of God always produces a Christian, and only a Christian.

When you ask folks what they are religiously, most respond with a denominational name. But how did that person become a member of a denomination and come to wear a denominational name if the word of God produces simply Christians?

Nowhere in the New Testament does one find where the word of God produced a member of some denomination. When Peter proclaimed the gospel for the first time on Pentecost and people received it by believing and obeying, they simply became Christians and the Lord added them to His church (Acts 2:41, 47).

What denomination is described in Acts 2? Of course, there is not one. In fact, you neither find denominations, nor disciples calling themselves by denominational names, mentioned anywhere in the Scriptures. You see, it takes something else besides the word of God to produce a denominational-Christian. That something else is the particular creed published and honored by each denomination.

So, how can one become just a Christian and only a Christian like those in the first century and simply be a part of Christ's church? The answer is to discard all of the creeds of men which contain the doctrines peculiar to each denomination. If denominational creeds have more than the Bible, they have too much. If they have less than the Bible, they don't have enough. If they are the same as the Bible, why do you even need them? We must go back to the seed, the word of God. When we believe and obey the same thing that the apostles of Christ taught, then we will be Christians and only Christians and Christ will add us to His church. We are warned against doing anything else (Gal. 1:6-9).

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” A HEALTHY BODY IS A HEALTHY MIND IS A HEALTHY SPIRIT

By Phill Hughes

This summer promises a series of gatherings, be it reunions, picnics, barbecues or just folk coming together. In doing so there is always food and plenty of it. Two of my favorite; fried chicken and potato salad are almost always a part of the spread. Rumor has it that they aren’t healthy at all. Well, I disagree. Let’s take chicken first; If you fry anything, do it in clean oil. Especially with battered foods, use a slotted spoon to remove any debris, otherwise cooking oil will become discolored and can taint your food.

Battered and breading of foods before frying can offer a delicious crust and taste, but it can also inflate calories and cause oil absorption. All-purpose flour adheres well because it contains gluten, but too much flour causes the food to absorb more oil. Adding gluten-free ingredients like cornmeal or rice flour reduces that absorption. And batters that use carbonated beverages (beer or club soda) or baking soda produce gas bubbles that discourage oil absorption as well.

Let’s take a look at my other favorite, potato salad; Potatoes, The Harvard School of Public Health is quoted as saying, “ they are high in carbohydrate – and in particular, the kind of carbohydrate that the body digests rapidly, causing blood sugar and insulin to surge and then dip (in scientific terms, they have a high glycemic load.”

Eggs, the Mayo Clinic is quoted as saying, ”if you eat an egg on a given day, it's important to limit other sources of cholesterol for the rest of that day.”

Mayonnaise is loaded with fat, calories and salt. One tablespoon provides roughly 94 calories; 10 grams of fat; and no protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron or calcium. "It's high in calories without much in the way of nutrition except for fat,” says registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, author of The Flexitarian Diet.

So, what’s the alternative, you ask?

Potatoes - choose red potatoes boiled lightly in salted water.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” Eggs, just be conscious of your intake. Limit the other sources of cholesterol for the rest of the day.

Mayonnaise, Dawn Jackson Blatner says, “Greek yogurt is a nutrition superstar -- and a versatile one at that.

One tablespoon provides roughly 8 calories and 1.5 grams of protein and calcium. Try mixing some into your favorite salad, be it tuna, egg, chicken or potato,” I would add, “season to taste.”

Think healthy this summer and let this be the beginning of you making healthier choices. I always say, “a healthy body is a healthy mind is a healthy spirit.” Keep all three intact and be good for your sake and for those who are near and dear to you.

Hysterical Rants/Historical Issues

By Christine Tunstall

On April 27, 2014 TMZ presented to the world a recording of the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, making reprehensible statements about minorities in general and blacks in particular. You should note in your anger and frustration concerning Sterling that Donald Sterling did not become a racist the day the recording of his rants was released. Nor did he become a racist the day he made the statements (which we understand was some months prior to their release.) While the recording of Sterling’s rants turned viral in record time, the tape did not illustrate the first time Sterling has made statements that would make the Grand Master of the Klu Klux Klan proud. Donald Sterling has been a racist for many years under the watchful eyes of the NBA, the local branch of the NAACP, tenants who were saddled with renting property in his apartments and countless others who have had business dealings with him. The federal government has known for quite some time that Sterling is a racist. Immeasurable amounts of money have been spent in an attempt to offer relief to those who have been recipients of Sterling’s systematic, methodic, documented intolerance of blacks in particular and minorities in general.

On April 24, 2014, with the world watching, Cliven Bundy, the Nevada farmer who was turned into a modern day folk hero by many on the Right due to his constant expressions of disdain for the current administration, expressed his views concerning minorities in a very hateful, racist manner. For more than twenty years the federal government has attempted to stop Bundy from grazing his cattle on public land - free. Bundy has 13

June 2014 “The Cofield Report” refused to be treated like other citizens in this country who pay to utilize land whether to farm on it or build on the land. For several weeks prior to Bundy’s news conference, there were repeated displays of support for Bundy from various prospective presidential hopefuls who currently hold national public office. Bundy and his armed supporters were called ‘patriots’ by those on the Right. These persons (men and women) who claim to love the United States were supportive of an individual who publicly refused to follow the laws of the same Constitution of the United States that they claim to love. Bundy’s behavior and armed presence, reinforced by his armed followers, threatened the lives of the United States National Guard who were tasked with providing security to the area. Cliven Bundy did not become a racist on April 24, 2014 when he so clearly stated that “blacks were better off as slaves because it gave them something to do all day”. Even after making the remarks, Bundy defended all he said and even used Rosa Parks’s historic stance of refusing to give her seat up as his basis for being able to say the repugnant comments concerning blacks.

On January 27, 2010 during a State of the Union Address when President Obama was speaking, Representative Joe Wilson yelled “You Lie”. The representative did not yell out during any of the State of the Union Addresses given by former President George Bush post two wars that certainly were begun from manufactured information (“lies”). Certainly even during the impeachment proceedings of President Nixon no one yelled ‘you lie’. It was not until an African American President was speaking that utter disrespect for the office of the Presidency and the sanctity of the Address was expressed in such a manner. It is the belief of many that this occurred only because of the race of the individual speaking. That my friend is racism.

On February 26, 2009 when it came to light that California Mayor Dean Grose sent a racially offensive joke to a black volunteer, his racial bias was exposed. A picture accompanied the joke. The picture had watermelons strewn across the White House Lawn with the comment that there would not be an Easter egg hunt at the White House this year. As is the custom when someone is caught red handed making a racist statement, he feigned ignorance of the fact that blacks like watermelon. Obviously since the newly inaugurated African American President was now residing in the White House for less than six weeks at that time, the Mayors protestations seemed ridiculous and were obviously disingenuous. Especially since the Mayor did not deem it necessary to send the email while the most recent President or any before him were residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

While the Mayor attempted to distance himself from any racial undertones in this regard, let it be known that his racial beliefs did not begin on February 26, 2009. They may have reached a boiling point a few weeks earlier when President Barack Obama took office but they certainly were simmering in the Mayor’s very psyche.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report�

More confederate flags are proudly displayed, more hand guns have been purchased and more threats against a sitting President than ever recorded before are now the rule instead of the exception. These and other examples of racism in the United States did not begin on January 20, 2009 when Barack Hussein Obama took the office of President of the United States. They have however certainly reached a boiling point where the hatred that lay dormant with many of these individuals reached an uncontrollable level. It took many years for Jim Crow to hang up his Klan outfit, redefine himself and return to the seats of power in police departments, in board rooms, in management positions, earning his degree and refining his hatred, all the while hiding behind his new mask and re-entering the world as James Crow, Esquire. While it took many years to reach such a comfortable position, he nonetheless is now more ruthless, undermining, inexorable, vindictive, malevolent and unrelenting than ever before. The only thing he hadn’t counted on was the nomination/election of a black President. That single action caused the current outpouring of hatred toward minorities to come from behind the curtain and stand boldly wherever it wants. Never forget this hatred of blacks (minorities) began many hundreds of years ago. It began when blacks were looked at with such disdain that they were stolen from their home and brought thousands of miles away to be subjected to the most inhumane treatment imaginable. That my friends is when racism started. It started in the hearts of the individuals who were able to formulate in their minds and see in actuality such a horrific crime against a people that was carried out and sustained for a couple of hundred of years with the full support of the founders of the United States. Donald Sterling, Cliven Bundy, Dean Grose, Tom Wilson and the others are merely holding up the banner of what was started hundreds of years ago.

Be blessed.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” ODE TO A FATHER The vessel through which a child is brought into the world His manly biological functions complement the biological being of the woman The woman who he will make into a mother The man who holds the child with admiration, With pride and appreciation for this gift of God that needs nurturing The man who watches the child grow The child whom he will raise in the way God commanded The man who will build in his children their self esteem The mirror through which the children see themselves The man who is the pillar of the home The pillar that holds the home The center of unity The solid foundation on which the home sits

By Kazeem Alimi

The four C’s for building healthy relations authored

by J. A. McGruder, PhD, pastor, professor, educational psychologist and professional counselor briefly discusses four key tenets to building healthy relationships, regardless of the type. The book was crafted to empower singles, couples, adolescents, adults and all who are interested in relationship building with the knowledge of what it takes to build lasting relationships.

Book can be purchased by going to Barnes & Noble online or in-store.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

Health Tip of the Month HONEY, HONEY! Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world.

Scientists of today also accept honey as a very swift and effective medicine for a wide range of ailments.

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot.

What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey will always remain honey.

However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time, honey will ‘crystallise’. When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally.

It is then as good as it ever was.

Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in honey.

Weekly World News, a Canadian magazine January 17, 1995 has listed the following diseases that can be cured

by Honey and Cinnamon, based on the research of western scientists:

HEART DISEASES - Make a paste of Honey and Cinnamon powder, apply it on bread instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.

Also, those who have already had an attack, when they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.

Regular use of the above diet relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged. Honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS - Arthritis patients may take daily (morning and night) one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” In a research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, within a week. Within a month, almost all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS - Take two tablespoons of Cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of Honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL - Two tablespoons of Honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea decoction given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.

As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure Honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS - Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm Honey with ¼ spoon Cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH - Honey taken with Cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also heals and clears stomach ulcers from their root-levels.

INDIGESTION - Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of Honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

GAS - According to studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with Cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM - Daily consumption of Honey and Cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that Honey contains various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INFLUENZA - A scientist in Spain has proved that Honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY - Tea made with Honey and Cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” RASPY OR SORE THROAT - When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of Honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until sore’s symptoms disappear.

PIMPLES - Three tablespoons of Honey and one teaspoon of Cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from their roots.

SKIN INFECTIONS - Applying Honey and Cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS - Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink Honey and Cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow any fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER - Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of Honey with one teaspoon of Cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE - Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of Honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and Cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of Honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with Cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH - People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of Honey and Cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS - Daily morning and night Honey and Cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report�

PASTORS & MUSICIANS Church: Are you in need of a musician to enhance your morning worship service.

Musician: Are you seeking a Sunday morning Ministry to share your musical talents.

Contact: Make It So Management: 267.979.0691 Monday through Friday between the hours of 11 AM and 5 PM. We may be able to assist you.

Musicians please provide your salary requirements, Qualifications and experience

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” “The Name Speaks For Itself” Pastor Lenora G. Young

Scripture: Acts 3:6, 16 (NKJV) 6

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

(Acts 4:12) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Definition:

“Name”

A word or phrase by which a person, thing or class of things is known, called.

The great poet William Shakespeare once posed this question: What’s in a name? That which we call a rose – By any other name would smell as sweet. Our modern society places little significance on the meaning of a name. We usually name children after our relatives or well-known people. At times, a child’s name is chosen because it sounds good not taking into consideration the meaning of the name. Names, have meaning. The name given is suppose to correspond directly to the one designated by the name. Let’s look

at some. The name Kenneth comes from the Greek word meaning “to know”. So a person given the name Kenneth is supposed to be knowledgeable – (informed – educated – experienced). The name Diana comes from the Greek word meaning “of a god”. A girl given this name is suppose to be “simply divine” in her beauty, her attitude, character and other qualities. The same goes for the names of cities. Philadelphia means “city of brotherly love” It comes from the Greek words phileo which means “to love” and delphos “city” The name Jerusalem means “city of peace” being derived from the Hebrew word shalom “peace”. Biblical names have significant meanings, such as Abram – meaning “father of height.” – later named Abraham meaning – “The father of a multitude.” Moses – meaning “drawn forth, or taken out of the water.” Hannah – having a beautiful and attractive meaning of gracious – graciousness of favor.” Joseph –“may God add or increaser.”

Jehoshaphat – “the Lord judges.” We should not take names so lightly. Often a name provides an important 21

June 2014 “The Cofield Report” clue to the nature of a person. It depicts your character, your personality – the name says who you are, it speaks for itself. This is certainly true of God. The bible refers to God by many different names, and each one reveals some aspect of God’s character or His relationship with us. The translators who gave us the different versions such as King James and other translations simply translate His name as “God” or “Lord” – When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, as recorded in Exodus, He revealed Himself as yhweh, a puzzling Hebrew word which means, “I AM that I AM” His name can also be translated as “King of Kings” – “Lord of Lords” – “Alpha and Omega” – “Prince of Peace” – “Mighty God” In reference to our text – taking a look at the 3rd chapter of Acts, it tells us about the healing of the lame man. A man who had been lame from his mother’s womb, was taken every day and laid at the gate of the temple which was called Beautiful. Everyday he would ask for alms. Looking for a handout – looking for a contribution. According to the scripture, He saw Peter and John approaching the temple – going to the temple to pray – as they were about to go in, the poor beggar saw Peter and John, asked them for alms and he hoped that they would be able to give him something. When Peter and John looked at him, with certainty that they would give him something. To his surprise, Peter and John did not respond in the manner he expected. Peter and John both looked at him, Peter answered by saying’ “Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I do have I give unto you. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”. I may not have what you are looking for but what I have is better than your desire for a hand-out.

“The Name Speaks For Itself”. Because of that name, the beggar was taken by the right hand, and was lifted up – and immediately (because of that name) his feet and ankle bones received strength. Because of that name, he leaping up – stood up, and walked into the temple with them. Walking, and leaping and praising God. This miracle was accomplished through faith “in the name of Jesus Christ.” A man lame all his life now leaping and giving God praise. “The Name Speaks For Itself”. All the people in the temple saw him walking – they all saw him leaping – they all experienced him giving God praise. They recognized him. They knew it was the one that sat at the temple gate begging. This same man in which some passed by – some looked down on him but now as he stands and gives God praise (if you will allow me to speak metaphorically) I can just see him smiling as he is walking, leaping and praising God – looking at the same people that looked at him funny – the same people that thought he would never rise up out of the low state now see him on his feet – I can just imagine him saying “How Ya Like Me Now.” As the lame man who was now healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together toward them in amazement. When Peter saw this, he began to respond. Why are you so amazed – why do you marvel at this? Or why do you look at us as though this was done by our own power?

This was done in “His name, through faith in His name,” he has made this man strong who you see and know.

Because “The Name Speaks For Itself.” Because of that name, he has been given perfect soundness in his body.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” This thing was not done in a corner, it was done right here in front of you. Because of the faith in His name – it brings about healing of the mind, body, and soul. Because of the faith in His name – “The Name Speaks For Itself” NAVIGATING YOUR SEASONS OF CHANGE

By Donald E. Graham Jr.

Many people have asked me why I decided to write a book called Navigating Your Seasons of Change. Quite honestly because I notice that a lot of church folk (including myself) know how to praise, shout, and dance without ever truly walking in victory. We know how to play church and have church, but one area that we all seem to struggle with is being able to discern the seasons we are in. That is why so many of us find it difficult to embrace change. I believe that once we are able to identify the season we are in we will stop frustrating the grace of God in our lives. The bible reminds us, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Most of us are familiar with the story about the prodigal son. The bible says that after squandering all of his inheritance and living in a pigsty, "he came to himself." It was after this revelation that he decided it would be best to go back home to his father's house. Essentially, he took inventory of where his life was, and then made a conscious decision to make a change. I learned a valuable lesson from this story several years ago as I began taking inventory of my own life, and what I needed to do to successfully navigate my own season of change. I was determined to put away childish things and walk worthy of the calling that was upon my life. As a result, I decided to write this book in order to help people recognize the season they are in and to provide them with the inspiration to navigate their way through it.

Are you ready to Navigate Your Seasons of Change?

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

My Mother's Day with Chef Green

By Mary Daniels I woke up on Mother's Day feeling some pains in my stomach that made it difficult to stand up. These feelings had occurred intermittently for a few weeks. However, once I start stirring around, those pains would decrease. My legs often remind me that they have been walking around for 70 years and sometimes they just want to lay around the house.

Besides that, Mother's Day can be rather lonely for those of us who have no children and/or have lost our mother. I've been able to diffuse such feelings by reaching out to others. It's Mother's Day, time for celebration; not time for a pity party. Saturday, I attended a “Pre-Mother's Day Breakfast” at New Covenant (Dr. Eve Fenton, speaker) – it was exhilarating and my music mentor had surprised me with a Mother's Day gift...so “Mary, let's go” My former music teacher and close friend, Diana Newman, had been hospitalized for several days and was released on Friday. She had requested my assistance on Sunday morning; I agreed. Now, THAT was the Lord's way of delivering me from a focus on myself. Soooo, I resisted the desire to curl up in the bed and wait for the pains to go away. I asked God to touch my body and give me strength to press my way..... keep my word. I fumbled through the wardrobe and found a beautiful suit that was “gifted” to me several months ago but didn't have the right shoes. Pulled out another dress and it was a little too tight. If I didn't get dressed soon, I'd just stay home. I grabbed an old “standby” suit that seemed to always be ready (doesn't need much ironing) found a matching blouse and was on my way.

I still felt some pain as I walked out my door but I was on my way, although later than I had anticipated. Diana lives a few blocks away and was relieved to see me. I arrived just in time to cook breakfast and to prepare her to welcome her Mother's Day visitors.

After a couple of hours, I left her home in time to catch a portion of the service at Oxford Presbyterian Church, about 10 minutes away. On the way to church I stopped to wish Charmaine (of Harrison Studio) to say Happy Mother's Day. They weren't home and their dog informed me he wasn't allowed to open the door for anyone while they were gone, but he (the dog) told me to come back after church.

Oxford is a beautiful church on lovely grounds, picture-perfect for a post card or fan. Rev. Ethelyn Taylor is an excellent speaker who always has a powerful message. The service is shorter than most and is wonderful for caregivers or others who have time-sensitive commitments.

Mothers were recognized but without the usual fanfare that makes other women feel slighted. In fact, there was a wonderful “brunch” after service that celebrated the occasion and welcomed everyone. Although this church is known for “chat & chew” EVERY Sunday (free of charge), this was over the top. It was a “Golden Corral” breakfast – including waffles with strawberries, apples & raisins, whipped cream toppings, homefries, eggs, grits, choice of turkey or pork sausage, bacon, mixed fruits, biscuits, etc. Remember, I left home fighting pain to prepare a meal for a friend. I didn't have time to fix anything for myself and I believe because I “pressed” my way to God's house, He gave me more than I could ask or think....not to mention the powerful sermon entitled “Resurrected Life” which encouraged us to appropriate the joy that comes from really living as a NEW creature.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” The fellowship was sweet as I conversed with Rev. Taylor, her daughter and several members of the congregation. I also met a woman who had written several books and was fascinated as she shared the ebb and flow of her 40+ years of marriage. More than an hour had passed, there was lots of food, we went back for seconds and talked and talked. Most of the people were gone except for the pastor, a few members, kitchen crew and the the author I had just met.

I'd promised my friend I'd return after church to assist her if needed. But, I remembered the dog's invitation to drop in on the Harrisons after service. They were just arriving home from a gig (Photo shoot) and invited me to stay for dinner. I explained I couldn't tarry, I needed to check on my friend.

They are excellent cooks and I'm always welcome to join them for a meal and fellowship.

Meanwhile back at my friend's house, the nurse was there to check her vitals and set up professional services. I noticed flowers, plants and cards had already begun to fill the house. Young people from the neighborhood, her church, and even former music students had begun to drop in to display their love. I sat there and soaked up the love showered on me by hugs and kisses. One young lady, from the neighborhood showed up with her boyfriend. She walked in and said “Hello Sunshine” - someone near me stood up and she hugged him but said “I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to Miss Mary”.

That made my day since I had thrown an outfit together without much thought. I didn't recognize her at first, she had grown into quite a lovely young woman. She gave me a big hug. We laughed and talked as people continued to visit “bearing gifts”. The daughter and grandson lite the Bar-b-cue grill and the tantalizing smell filled the house inside/out. It was VERY tempting. Tanya Newman knows how to cook and serve a delicious meal and is a pro at the grill. I almost forgot the invitation for dinner with the Harrisons. It was 6:30 p.m., they probably have finished by now BUT I thought I would honor the invitation.

CHEF GREEN FROM JAMAICA The family had just sat down. Charmaine said, “Grab a seat Miss Mary”. Her cousin from Jamaica, had fixed a fabulous meal. He is a respected Chef and had prepared the meal in honor of the mothers of the household: Charmaine and Terrain (her daughter). I asked, “is that Lobster” (those large orange things) he explained “they are Alaskan Crab legs” - I had never had them before. There was Salmon stuffed with crab meat, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, a delicious salad and a choice of wine – dry and sweet served in beautiful crystal stemware. I noticed a nutcracker on the table...didn't see any nuts but after a few minutes of observing the chef and family AND feeling the toughness of the shell, I proceeded with caution. It was fun watching the children as they tried to conquer this “delicacy”.

The dog, who will dance on two legs to beg for a morsel, sat near the baby's high chair to grab all the food the baby innocently and effortlessly threw his way. He had a ball helping her eat and so did the baby.

I again found myself in the presence of such a warm group of people. We have such rapport. Charmaine relaxed on the deck, her daughter and her fiancee were in the front porch, the children had relaxed in the gorgeous basement, the dog was still looking up at the table just in case another crumb would fall and I and the young gifted Chef Green, talked for hours. I learned so much about the preparation of food as well as the challenges and obstacles that face a young Black “qualified” Chef

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” in a world still full of prejudice. We also recognized the “crab like mentality” endemic to Blacks regardless of culture. I was impressed with his intelligence, knowledge and candor. A handsome young man that is rather unassuming yet with insight beyond his years. My visit was reminiscent of a dinner at a five-star restaurant but without the reservations or “hours” of waiting, tips, etc.

Now it was getting late and the family began to prepare for bed. Terrence came over and politely removed the tablecloth...Of course, that's what happens in restaurants when it's closing time. And, the Chef and I joked about the lights usually get turned down as another sign of closing. Terrence has a beautiful smile as he began to clean up the area. We laughed and laughed as I began to gather my things and thanked them for being so kind. THEY have surrounded me with love, day after day, month after month. God has blessed me by placing me in “several” loving families; the Harrisons are one of my favorites. his day started off with physical pain, but as I ignored MY problems, reached out to others, God removed my pain and gave me “beauty” for ashes.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

39 TIPS FOR GOOD LIVING Health: 1.

Drink plenty of water.

2.

Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3.

Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..

4.

Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy 5.

Make time to pray.

6.

Play more games 7.

Read more books than you did in 2010.

8.

Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day 9.

Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes’ walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality: 11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake 17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....

Society: 25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report�

Stay in touch.

Life: 32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come..

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Good Read Author Anonymous Someone has written these beautiful words.

Try to understand the deep meaning of it.

They are like the Ten Commandments to follow in life all the time.

1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2] So a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small?

Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.

3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4] All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either.

5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” 9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

Dr. Feranda Williamson

Chicago Mass Choir

Make A Joyful Noise – Chicago Style: Dr. Feranda Williamson CEO/President of Chicago Mass Choir

by Kathryn Kemp author of Make A Joyful Noise: A Brief History of Gospel Music Ministry in America Dr.Feranda Williamson is president and CEO of Chicago Mass, a nationally and internationally known gospel choir. She is also the Dean of Capella University and has a background in higher education. Dr. Williamson shares her contributions to gospel music ministry in this interview.

Q: What are the mission, vision, and purpose of Chicago Mass?

A: Our mission is to promote excellence in gospel music… Spreading the good news in the United States and abroad… reaching out to the community through quarterly workshops and service.

Q: When did you begin your music ministry?

A: I began singing at the age of four. I gained experience singing in youth choirs, announcing, playing the piano and singing lead….ministry is a part of what I am” Q: What is the relationship of Chicago Mass to the Ecclesiastes Community Choir?

A: The Ecclesiastes Community Choir was founded by James Chambers in 1971. I was a charter member and lead singer. Each July a community workshop was held at Kennedy 30

June 2014 “The Cofield Report” King College modeled after the Gospel Music Workshop of America. That evolved into the Chicago Mass Choir. One year a record producer from Lite records came to the Friday musical. ..The rest is history.

Q: What are some of the awards Chicago Mass has received over the years?

A: We have been nominated for a Stellar Award for each of our projects and twice nominated for a Grammy Award. We received the New Artist of the Year Award from GMWA for “I Can Go to the Rock. We’ve been nominated four times for the Dove Award. We received the Chicago Music Award for the ‘Best Gospel Entertainer of the Year’ (2012).

Q: Where has Chicago Mass traveled throughout the years?

A: We’ve traveled throughout the US and ministered to individuals of diverse backgrounds.

This December I’m proud to say we will have completed our ninth concert abroad and simultaneously will have a group going to Switzerland… and Spain…very seldom do you hear of one choir going to two places at the same time”. We’ve toured in Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece. My vision is to continue to expand our horizons outside of the US…. We haven’t been to Africa but I would love to minister in Africa… Thank God for favor.

Q: What do you feel makes your music so special to these diverse communities?

A: Because…when you meet people where they are…our ministry speaks to hope and inspiration… All of our songs are uplifting and inspirational.

Q: How do you know your music has ministered to others? Through testimonies?

A: On our Facebook page people write all the time about how one particular song has gotten them through and even led them to Jesus, ” I Pray We’ll All be Ready” …That encourages and uplifts us as well.

Q: Who are the leadership team of Chicago Mass?

A: God wants excellence in all we do. The leadership team is structured to bring people with specific gifts and talents to the choir. Percy Gray, our VP of music, is a dynamic producer who has written over 400 songs and the majority of our songs; Ramona Hernandez -VP of Finance; Aquanettta Bland - Administrative Assistant who supports the VP of music. Our recording secretary and treasurer are professionals in their own rights. Our Advisory Board has an attorney as well as a person with a background in marketing. We look for leaders in each of the areas to fulfill [needed] capacities. God wants excellence in all we do.

Q: How are you able to do ministry within your music industry”?

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” A: Through prayer. It is critical that each member of the choir has a personal relationship with God and is connected and committed to a church body. The choir is composed of a variety of congregations.

Q: How do you feel about the present album Chicago Mass XV nominated for a Stellar?

A: It’s very powerful. I’m very pleased with it…We recorded this album at the TBN studio in Henderson, TN. We were one of the first gospel groups to record there.

Q: God has continually opened doors for you and this ministry. What is your greatest accomplishment at this time as CEO of Chicago Mass?

A: Given the present trends of praise and worship teams and solo artists… moving a choir of our size…we’re one of the few mass choirs that is consistent, still in existence and is nationally known… is a great accomplishment… one that has done nine tours abroad….What is critical to me is our community service as a choir and individually…Each month we focus on a different organization. Members give praise reports of how God has blessed them to be a blessing to others. I thank God for favor and longevity.

Q: How does someone become a member of Chicago Mass?

A: If there are open auditions… a simple test. Individuals sit in on two rehearsals. They must know some of the history of the organization Dr. Williamson concludes with these revelations.

“God gave me the vision fourteen years ago to have a spring concert to help defray some of the expenses for our ministry... God has given me a ministry of encouragement. My motto is ‘If I can help somebody- then my living will not be in vain’”.

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Friends, I am sure YOU have asked this question. You will appreciate this message.

Love and prayers, Mary Daniels

Why Does God Allow Evil? - Dr. Charles Stanley Genesis 2:15-17 When Christians discuss how and when evil entered the world, they most often point to the serpent’s temptation of Eve. But in fact, we must go back a bit further to the moment when God planted the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. By offering Adam and Eve a choice between obedience and rebellion, the Lord allowed for evil to enter His perfect creation.

Now, you are probably asking the very question that plagues many believers as well as unbelievers: Why does a loving God allow evil? Some unsatisfactory answers have been given over the years—for example, that the Lord doesn't care or that He’s helpless to prevent evil. Such responses contradict what God says about Himself in Scripture (Rom. 5:8; Ps. 47:8). The truth is, our loving Father wields absolute authority over this world.

God had a reason for letting evil enter the world. The Tree of Knowledge was a testing ground. Adam and Eve had to choose between rebellion and love, evil and righteousness, disobedience and obedience. Because the Lord desired love from the human beings He created, He had to offer a choice. Genuine love is given freely.

The alternatives were either to skip the whole creation process or to program mankind like robots to give Him glory and praise.

The Lord gives two assurances regarding evil. First, His purpose is not for us to sin (James 1:13). He desires that we live with righteous intent so that evil finds no room in our hearts. Second, when we are touched by evil, He will make the situation work for our good (Rom. 8:28).

Theirs Is the Kingdom The Dominican Republic, like many Caribbean island nations, is known for resorts that cater to tourists. But outside the town of Puerto Plata’s manicured beaches and villas is another world—one you wouldn't see from the highway.

Behind the sugar cane fields are the trash heaps of the local landfill, and behind that are shantytowns filled with families—mostly refugees from Haiti—who methodically sort through the garbage, looking for anything

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” recyclable or salvageable. And just past the dump, hidden away at the top of a small hill, is an old concrete compound where drug addicts are in rehab.

It’s right here, in the midst of poverty and struggle, that the light of God’s kingdom is growing stronger each day. Pain and darkness abound in the dump, but love and dignity also flourish in this impoverished community.

Many have become believers, and pastors have risen up from their midst, sharing the gospel and discipling younger Christians.

And from the rehab center on the hill, a steady stream of fervent prayer flows—not just for these warriors’ own freedom, but also for their nation and the rest of the world. Led by an ex-addict turned pastor and other men he’s mentored, these brothers are inviting God’s kingdom to come on earth, “as it is in heaven.”

When an intern from In Touch Ministries visited this community on a mission trip, he took Spanish-language Messengers with him. And in giving away these precious discipleship tools to believers with few earthly possessions, he gained a new understanding of true wealth.

HEALTHY LIVING 14 Things You Should Know About Pigs This is a good reason to eliminate pork products from your diets

1) A pig is a real garbage gut. It will eat anything including urine, excrement, and dirt, decaying animal flesh, maggots, or decaying vegetables. They will even eat the cancerous growths off other pigs or animals.

2) The meat and fat of a pig absorbs toxins like a sponge. Their meat can be 30 times more toxic than beef or venison.

3) When eating beef or venison, it takes 8 to 9 hours to digest the meat so what little toxins are in the meat are slowly put into our system and can be filtered by the liver. But when pork is eaten, it takes only 4 hours to digest the meat. We thus get a much higher level of toxins within a shorter 34

June 2014 “The Cofield Report� time.

4) Unlike other mammals, a pig does not sweat or perspire. Perspiration is a means by which toxins are removed from the body. Since a pig does not sweat, the toxins remain within its body and in the meat.

5) Pigs and swine are so poisonous that you can hardly kill them with strychnine or other poisons.

6) Farmers will often pen up pigs within a rattlesnake nest because the pigs will eat the snakes, and if bitten they will not be harmed by the venom.

7) When a pig is butchered, worms and insects take to its flesh sooner and faster than to other animal's flesh. In a few days the swine flesh is full of worms.

Swine and pigs have over a dozen parasites within them, such as tapeworms, flukes, worms, and trichinae.

There is no safe temperature at which pork can be cooked to ensure that all these parasites, their cysts, and eggs will be killed.

9) Pig meat has twice as much fat as beef. A 3 oz. T bone steak contains 8.5 grams of fat; a 3 oz. pork chop contains 18 grams of fat. A 3 oz. beef rib has 11.1 grams of fat; a 3 oz. pork spare rib has 23.2 grams of fat.

10) Cows have a complex digestive system, having four stomachs. It thus takes over 24 hours to digest their vegetarian diet causing its food to be purified of toxins. In contrast, the swine's one stomach takes only about 4 hours to digest its foul diet, turning its toxic food into flesh.

11) The swine carries about 30 diseases which can be easily passed to humans. This is why God commanded that we are not even to touch their carcass (Leviticus 11:8).

12) The trichinae worm of the swine is microscopically small, and once ingested can lodge itself in our intestines, muscles, spinal cord or the brain. This results in the disease trichinosis. The symptoms are sometimes lacking, but when present they are mistaken for other diseases, such as typhoid, arthritis, rheumatism, gastritis, MS, meningitis, gall bladder trouble, or acute alcoholism.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report�

13) The pig is so poisonous and filthy, that nature had to prepare him a sewer line or canal running down each leg with an outlet in the bottom of the foot. Out of this hole oozes pus and filth his body cannot pass into its system fast enough. Some of this pus gets into the meat of the pig.

14) According to Jewish law, pork is one of a number of foods forbidden from consumption by Jews. These foods are known as "non-kosher" foods. In order for a meat to be kosher, it must first come from a kosher animal. A kosher animal must be a ruminant and have split hooves - therefore cows, sheep, goats and deer are all kosher, whereas camels and pigs (having each only one sign of kashrut) are not kosher.

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report”

Some Food for Thought Jehovah God of the Old Testament is the same God who gave laws not just for Judah and Israel, but for the benefit of all mankind. Question! Are these laws still relevant today? Jesus said “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled”. (Matthew 5:1718) God gives only good things (James 1:17), and the apostle Paul certifies that "the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good" (Romans 7:12), His law is for our benefit.

In things regarding religion the Bible should be the foundation for discussion. We are going to deal with the clean and unclean laws specifically mentioned early in God's Word. In the account of the Flood when Noah was commanded to take "seven each of every clean animal" (Genesis 7:2). When he and his family were back on dry land, Noah "took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar" (Genesis 8:20). This advocates that these laws were known and practiced before the Flood. If you go back further to the earliest days of mankind to Abel's acceptable offering (Genesis 4:4). At that time in the past there were no Jews, Israelites or any Hebrews. Therefore, these laws are evidently for all humankind.

In Genesis 9:3 God speaks to Noah, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs." Some people take this to mean that God gives man free rein authority to eat any kind of animal. God gives mankind the authority to eat flesh within the same parameters as He allows us to eat vegetation. Does God allow us to eat poisonous plants like poison ivy, hemlock, deadly nightshade, etc.? No indeed! Just as certain plants are harmful to us, so are certain meats.

God did not give poisonous herbs as food. He gave man the healthful herbs. Man can determine which herbs are healthful, but man cannot by himself determine which flesh foods are harmful. That is why God had to determine for us in His Word which meats are clean. Since the Flood every moving clean, healthful, nonpoisonous type of animal life is good for food, just as God gave us the healthful, nonpoisonous herbs.

Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 contain God's commandment to Israel concerning clean and unclean meats.

In these passages, He lists specific animals that are clean and unclean. He also provided instructions about how to determine if an animal is clean or unclean.

People have varying reactions to these scriptures. Some take the position that unclean animals are harmful to the body. Many people have had experiences, either personally or by an acquaintance, with poisoning by trichinosis (a disease caused by parasitic worm larvae) in pork or becoming deadly sick from shellfish.

God designed many of the unclean animals for the specific purpose of disposing of the earth's garbage. For example, vultures can consume 59 times the amount of botulin, the neurotoxin that causes botulism that it would take to kill a man. Pigs are scavengers that will eat anything, and if pork is not fully cooked to kill the Trichinella Spiralis it can destroy a person's health or even cause death.

There are several scriptures that some people use to prove that eating unclean meat is approved by the Bible.

However, they are all misinterpreted passages. In fact, in the final investigation, none of them is even about clean and unclean meats!

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June 2014 “The Cofield Report” The best known scripture is Acts 10:9-16, in which a huge sheet full of unclean animals is lowered from heaven, and a voice says, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." Peter replies, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean". The Voice then responds, "What God has cleansed you must not call common".

First, what is the subject of Acts 10? It is apparent from a detailed reading of the chapter that it is entirely devoted to the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, the first Gentile baptized into the Christian church.

Peter's vision must be understood against this background to be understood correctly.

Second, Peter does not at first understand what his vision meant; he certainly does not jump to the conclusion that all meats are now clean. While he is pondering it, a delegation from Cornelius arrives and requests that Peter travel with them to Caesarea to speak to the centurion. God tells him directly to go with the men, "for I have sent them". Obviously, God was coordinating the whole affair.

Third, if unclean meats had been permitted, Peter would have understood this from what he had learned from Jesus having lived with Him for over three years. If anyone knew that the law of clean and unclean meats had been abolished by Christ's sacrificial death, it would have been Peter, but a decade later, he is operating under no such notion.

Fourth, his reply to the Voice, which Peter identifies as the Lord's, is quite self-assured, even passionate: "Not so, Lord!" This was a command that the apostle knew went against everything he knew about God's law. Even though the Voice repeats the command twice more, Peter never changes his mind!

Fifth, within the situation, Peter himself reveals what the vision meant. To those assembled in Cornelius' house, he says, "You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation.

But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean" (verse 28). The vision of unclean animals was merely an illustration God used to help Peter understand that salvation was open to those previously held at arm's length (see Acts 11:18). This is further evidenced by the Holy Spirit being poured out visibly on these Gentiles (Acts 10:44-47). Neither Peter nor Luke, the author of Acts, makes any further commentary regarding clean or unclean foods, as the vision had served a greater purpose.

Lastly, nowhere in the context is it ever said that God had cleansed unclean meats—this is something assumed by readers with a predisposition against this statute regulating what we should eat. As Paul says, "The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be" (Romans 8:7). Acts 10:1?

11:18 confirms that "what God has cleansed" is the Gentiles, not unclean foods.

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