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African Community News

Rosa Whitaker Wins Africa Economy Builder’s Award Pg. 7

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Undocumented Immigrants In VA Can Now Qualify For In-State Tuition

From the Editor

O u r G r eates t G lor y is n ot in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll .

We ar e co mmittted to b r in gin g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ia s por a. Yo u may a ls o vis it o u r webs ite a t www.a f r ik a n pos t.com f or d a ily n ews u p da tes o n Af r ica .

D is cla imer : Th e o p in io n s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s tor ies in th is N ews p ap er a r e th os e o f th e a u th o r s an d d o n ot n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ika n Po s t . All commen ts a n d s u g g es tio n s ar e welcome.

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On Wednesday,April 30 Giancarla Rojas put down her deposit to transfer to George Mason University — something that she wasn’t sure would be possible two days before.

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol.6 Issue 5

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Lupita Nyong'o Of Kenya Named World's Most Beautiful Person Pg. 7 Award Winning Actress From Sierra Leone Demonstrates Courage And Perseverance Pg. 28

Coach Kwesi Appiah Handed A Doctorate Degree Pg. 17

HER PAGE

Give in to Strength Pg. 20

SPORTS

Ghana Embassy Ready To Receive Black Stars To The USA Pg. 39

UPDATE

John Kerry In Africa Pg. 17

Rojas, who just finished her sophomore year at Northern Virginia Community College, is an undocumented immigrant. Despite living in Falls Church, Va. since she was 13 years old, Rojas has had to pay out-of-state tuition for the past two years.

Out-of-state tuition at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) costs almost $9,000 per year, almost as much as in-state tuition at George Mason, which is $9,908.

Mark R. Herring, attorney general of Virginia, announced that Virginia students who have been approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program now qualify for in-state tuition.

“If the Commonwealth is to remain competitive in a global economy, we must embrace a strategy that maximizes our talent pool and helps all Virginians reach their full potential,” says Attorney General Herring in a statement.

Students who qualify for DACA have been approved by the government to stay in the U.S. They can be approved if they’ve been in the U.S. since childhood and have pursued education or military service here.

Rojas is one of 8,100 other Virginia students who has been approved for DACA, according to the attorney general of Virginia.

“I couldn’t believe it. Even after he said it I couldn’t believe it because it has been a struggle,” Rojas says.

“This is my last semester at NOVA and I’m going to transfer in the fall and I was supposed to give an answer

by May 1.”

If Rojas hadn’t been approved for in-state tuition at GMU, she would’ve had to take some time off school to work and save up. The attorney general’s announcement came with two days to spare for the May 1 deadline.

Now she can start at her new school in the fall.

Paying for education has been difficult for Rojas and her family. Her mother worked three jobs, her father worked and Rojas had a job and multiple scholarships. Despite having to pay out-of state tuition, getting an education has been worth the hardship for Rojas and her family.

“I am the first one in my family who is going to college.

[My] parents unfortunately couldn’t go to college because they had to work,” Rojas says.

When Rojas was six years old, her parents came to the United States to build a life, while she and her younger sister stayed behind in Bolivia with their grandparents.

Seven years later, Rojas joined her parents in the United States.

Her siblings are one of the reasons Rojas has worked so hard to get an education.

“They’re the ones who look up to me, for me an education is very important. It’s one of the reasons I came to this country,” Rojas says.

Rojas was one of seven plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against the State Council of Higher Education For Virginia. The lawsuit requested that DACA students receive in-state tuition.

Simon Sandoval-Moschenberg is an attorney for the legal aid justice center and was the lead counsel on the case.

“It really does show that it’s a new day in Virginia here, that the new attorney general is not only doing the right thing, but he’s obviously proud to do the right thing,” Sandoval-Moschenberg says.

He acknowledges that the lawsuit wasn’t the only thing that caused the announcement, but he is happy that the attorney general’s ruling is in complete agreement with his team.

The plaintiffs dropped the lawsuit after Herring’s announcement.

Sandoval-Moschenberg says that the atmosphere at the announcement was one of celebration. He says that many students and their families were in tears.

“This is the difference between being able to graduate college in four years and being able to graduate college in eight years,” he says.

But not everyone is celebrating Herring’s decision.

Earlier this year, Republicans in the general assembly shut down a state Dream Act. Following this, the House GOP leaders for the commonwealth released a statement Tuesday in contrast with Herring’s announcement.

“We are deeply concerned by the attorney general’s actions today and what appears to be a continued willingness to ignore and circumvent the duly adopted laws of the Commonwealth,” the statement says. “Undoubtedly, many Virginians hold sharply contrasting views on these issues and how they should be resolved.”

Alberto Pardo, a freshman at University of Virginia, believes it is unfair to give undocumented students opportunities that out-of-state Americans do not receive.

“I just personally disagree with it because I see my out-ofstate friends [who] always talk about how they’re paying an arm and a leg to be able to go to school here, and to see that the illegal students get in-state tuition…I think that’s kind of wrong,” Pardo says.

He is also concerned about how the influx of students applying to universities will affect his opportunities for financial aid.

Gabriella Morrongiello, a rising senior at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., is very unhappy with Herring’s decision. She believes by lowering the costs, more people will be able to access an education, which could have negative effects on enrollment and costs for the university.

“Basically it’s helping those who came here illegally and leaving law abiding American citizens to pick up the tab,” Morrongiello says. “Their parents came here knowing that if their children wanted to go to college one day they would have to face increased costs because they came here illegally.”

She believes that it is unfair to give special treatment to students if their parents came to the U.S. illegally and hopes that requiring undocumented immigrants to pay outof-state tuition could have deterred people from coming to the U.S. “Unfortunately they do need to pay for the mistakes of their parents … hopefully watching their children incur those costs will deter more people from coming over,” Morrongiello says.

Eliza Collins is a senior at University of Oregon.

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Sierra Leoneans in USA Celebrate 53rd Independence Anniversary on the Country’s 53rd National Day.

“We are all profoundly aware that Sierra Leone is becoming one of Africa’s greatest success stories.

“When I was Senator from Massachusetts, the suffering of Sierra Leone was not just an issue on the Foreign Relations Committee; it became personal because my state became a haven to so many Sierra Leoneans fleeing violence and grievous wounds.”

“I came to know children who had lost parents and parents who had carried on after losing their children. They dreamed of a day when their home would be peaceful again.”

“Today, that is much more than a dream. “Sierra Leone is a model post-conflict country.

Although so many lost so much during the civil war, we have proudly witnessed how Sierra Leoneans summoned the will to pick themselves up and rebuild their country.”

Members of the High Table: l-r Ambassador Amadu Koroma, Ambassador Bockari Stevens Ambassador I.S.Conteh, Mr. Mohamed Bah, and Hon. Deputy Minister of Finance Madam Mabinty Daramy delivering her key note speech .

By: Pasco Gerald Temple - IA USA on April 29, 2014.

Sierra Leoneans in the United States of America joined the Embassy of Sierra Leone Sunday April 27th, 2014 to celebrate their country’s 53rd independence anniversary in a different style. (Photo: View of the Civic Center Auditorium, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA)

The ceremony which was slightly different from the usual wining and dining, took a different turn this year, by it becoming more Sierra Leonean and academic.

It was a symposium characterized by brain storming, to chart a way whereby Sierra Leoneans living in the diaspora can meaningfully contribute towards the ongoing transformation and continuous positive development of the country.

It saw three presenters, Dr. Ibrahim Diallo, Jesmed Suma, and Michael Akpan, made three different presentations on “Setting the Policies and Regulatory Framework for Diaspora Inclusivity: Diaspora as the 5th Region of Sierra Leone”: Knowledge Management as a Means to Strengthening Capacity, Knowledge Transfer and Information Sharing to Restore Brain Gain: and “Establish Sound and Effective Regulatory Framework to Promote Diaspora Investment Vehicles in Public, Private-private institutional settings.

The more than 250 attendees were later divided into three groups according to topics, followed by a plenary session and reporting from groups.

The occasion was attended by several dignitaries including Madam Mabinty Daramy Deputy Minister of Finance who gave the key note address: Ambassador Amadu Koroma Deputy Permanent Representative United Nations, and other officials from Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission in New York, Sierra Leone Consuls in Boston Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Former Deputy Mayor of Texas, some Executives and members of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) Party, some Executives and members of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Chief Executives of business organizations, heads of organizations and community leaders.

“We are pleased to continue helping train and equip Sierra Leone’s own troops. Sierra Leoneans are not just beneficiaries of peace.”

“They are performing admirably as contributors to peace and security not just across the region, but around the world.”

“There are still miles to go to build durable, democratic institutions, provide services, and improve governance. But Sierra Leoneans will not face these challenges alone.”

“The United States remains deeply invested in peace and stability in Sierra Leone and will continue to lend its support.”

“On this historic occasion, we celebrate Sierra Leone’s progress and its promise for the future. I offer best wishes for a safe and joyous holiday.” Ambassador Stevens.

Several other Speakers including the Hon. Mabinty Daramy Deputy Minister of Finance spoke on the current development of the country and said, the Government is not 100% there yet. Similarly, other distinguished personalities spoke on the history, development and challenges of the government.

The program was moderated by Mr. Daniel Koroma, Mr. Sam Ford, and Fatmata Barrie Esq, while Minister Counsellor Mrs. Isatu Sillah called the program to order.

Distribution of Awards to Ambassador Bockari Stevens by the Sierra Leonean Community for his outstanding quality as a unifying force, and Ms. Nadia Bangura the longest serving Confidential Secretary for her competence and high skilled in performing her duties – formed the high point of the occasion.

Source:sieraexpressmedia.com

During his 53rd anniversary address, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador accredited to the United States of America, His Excellency Bockari Kortu Stevens, gave a summary of the achievements of President Ernest Bai Koroma since his assumption of office in 2007, and said each year of President Ernest Bai Koroma’s reign brings with it, its own development.

“As I speak, President Ernest Bai Koroma has just officially commissioned the first municipal stadium in the Bo/Kenema highway, Southern Bo district.

“This is a fulfilment of a promise he earlier made as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

“President Koroma has also commissioned a newly constructed modern tarmac road (Regent – Grafton Road) a stretch of road that takes a driver from the west end through Wilberforce – Hill Station to Regent and lands him/her in Grafton in the east of the city.

Ambassador Stevens said President Ernest Bai Koroma is held in high esteem by his colleague Heads of State and the President of the USA. To justify this, Ambassador Bockari Stevens read out some paragraphs of Mr. John Kerry, Secretary of State’s congratulatory message to Sierra Leone

Attendees at the Civic Center Auditorium

Fibroids: An Overview

No one knows exactly what causes fibroids, but by age 40, somewhere between 40 and 70 percent of women will probably have them, notes Steven R. Goldstein, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at New York University in New York City.

These noncancerous tumors can grow on the inside, out side or within the wall of the uterus, or can be attached to it by a stemlike structure. Many women who have fibroids are not aware of them because the growths can remain small and not cause any symptoms. However, in some women, fibroids that are large or numerous can cause problems. When symptoms do occur, they often include irregular bleeding, pelvic and lower back pain and pres sure, difficulty urinating and an enlarged abdomen. In some women, fibroids cause infertility and miscarriage, although many women with fibroids can conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.

Fortunately, women have several options for dealing with fibroids.

"Treatment depends on where the fibroids are located, the symptoms they cause and their size," says Howard T. Sharp, M.D., associate professor and chief of the general division of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Treatment options include the following: Wait and see In the absence of any symptoms, the best treatment may be no treatment at all, especially near menopause, a time when fibroids naturally shrink. Your doctor may simply monitor the fibroids regularly to make sure they aren't growing.

ability to become pregnant, but delivery may involve a C-section since the uterine wall is often weakened. Sometimes a myomectomy can cause scarring, which may lead to infertility.

Drug treatments Oral contraceptives and progestin-only pills can suppress excessive bleeding, and pain relievers such as ibuprofen may ease discomfort If the fibroid is large, your doctor may prescribe a hormone medication to shrink it and reduce bleeding. The problem with these medications is that the fibroid grows back once the drug is discon tinued. The drug can also lower bone density and, with extended use, can cause fnenopausal symp toms such as hot flashes and vaginal drynegs.

Surgical or outpatient options

MYOMECTOMY In this procedure, the doctor removes the fibroids but leaves the uterus intact. Women who eventually plan to become pregnant may opt for a myomectomy. The proce dure may also be useful for women with multiple or large fibroids. How the treatment will be done depends on the size and number of the fibroids.

ENDOMETRIAL ABLATION This procedure destroys the lining of the uterus to halt or reduce heavy blood loss, a common symptom of fibroids. A doctor can use a range of methods, including radio waves, low-voltage electricity, laser energy, freezing or a heated loop. This outpatient surgery requires general anesthesia, but most women recover within a day. After treatment, pregnancy is usually not possible.

UTERINE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION Performed by interventional radiologists, this nonsurgical procedure preserves a woman's uterus and usually main tains her hormonal cycles. A catheter is inserted into each of the two uterine arteries and small partides are injected to cut off the blood flow Q&A. to the fibroids, which causes them to shrink. Early results suggest that embolization provides effective How are fibroids diagnosed? Your doc- short-term relief, but long-term results are undear. tor may detect fibroids during a routine Because the safety for future pregnancies with pelvic exam. Further tests can provide emboliza tion isn't known, it is currently recommore information: Ultrasonography uses mended only for women who have completed their sound waves to create a picture of the families. uterus. Hysteroscopy uses a thin telescope inserted into the vagina and cervix EXABLATE 2000 that permits the doctor to see some This device, approved by the PDA in October fibroids inside the uterine cavity, HSG 2004, uses an ultrasound beam guided by a magnet(hysterosalpingography) is a special X- ic resonance imaging (MRI) machine to target and ray test to detect abnormal changes in destroy fibroids. The technique may require as the size and shape of the uterus and fal- many. as 50 'pulses, with each one lasting about 15 lopian tubes. Laparoscopy uses a slender seconds, and the procedure can take up to three device inserted through a small cut just hours to complete. ExAblate is currently not availbelow the navel that enables the doctor able nationwide, and many doctors still consider it to see fibroids on the outside of the an experimental treatment. uterus.

Can I still get pregnant after having a HYSTERECTOMY myomectomy or uterine artery If other treatments fail and the pain and abnormal embolization to remove fibroids? A bleed ing associated with fibroids persist, a doctor woman can usually become pregnant may recom mend a hysterectomy, the surgical after both procedures. But the safety of removal of the uterus. If the ovaries are also pregnancy after embolization needs removed to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer when more research. Although 100 women in a hysterectomy is done, many women enter early one study conceived after an emboliza- menopause after the procedure, which can cause tion, some had problems. In a number of bone loss, hot flashes and vaginal dryness. cases, the baby did not grow properly, or the fetus was abnormally positioned.

Culled from: www.womansday.com A myomectomy preserves a woman's

Nutrition Corner May

Written by Valerie Agyeman, Dietetics Student, Radford University

Beating Cancer with Nutrition

2014 Page 6

blood clotting, vitamin A for eyesight and vitamin C for immunity.

Minerals: Minerals in plant foods are also essential to good health and research suggests some may be protective against cancer in research that is underway.

Fibers are found naturally in plant foods and help ensure good digestion and may speed elimination of potential carcinogens from the body. Aim for 25-35 gm of fiber per day. Studies show that 9 out of 10 Americans do NOT get enough fiber in their diet.

Diets high in fiber have been linked to lower risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

• Consume less meat: Meats are very high in saturated fats, and are associated with higher rates of cancer, according to research. Limit consumption of RED meats (beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats. There is convincing evidence that red meat is a Did you know that Cancer is the second leadcause of colon cancer. Red meat probably also increasing cause of death in the African American es risk of lung, esophageal, pancreatic and endometrial population? According to the American cancers, according to the expert report. Aim for leaner Cancer Society, African Americans have the meats such as fish, chicken, or turkey. highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic group in the United • Spice up your life: Choose some immune States for most cancers. In 2010, the death boosting spices such as garlic, ginger, curry, turmeric, rate for all cancers combined was 15% higher basil, coriander. in African Americans than in Caucasians.

What exactly is cancer? The Cancer Facts • Preparation of Foods: Avoid frying your and Figures Journal define cancer as the foods. Try healthier methods such as broiling, baking, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the and braising. Use healthier oils to cook such as olive body. Cancerous cells are also known as oil. malignant cells. The causes of cancer are very complex and not completely understood, • Reduce Salt and Sodium: Add less salt to but many things are known to increase the your meals, purchase foods that also contain less sodirisk of cancer such as: a poor diet, lack of um. Avoid high processed foods such as frozen meals, physical activity, obesity, exposures to radiaready-to-eat packages, chips, sauces, canned soups, flation, tobacco, and more. vored rice mixes, etc.

Whether cancer runs in your family, or you are currently fighting cancer, lifestyle habits • Limit Alcohol: Consuming excessive amounts such as your diet can make a difference in of alcohol has been proven to increase the risks of varihelping you beat cancer. The American ous types of cancer. Avoid or limit drinks: Men should Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) have 2 or less drinks, Women should have 1 or less.

Guidelines for cancer prevention states: • Eat more Fiber: Fiber is the part of plants that AICR’s recommendations for cancer prevenyour body can’t digest. You can find fiber in (vegetation have been simplified into three guidebles, fruits, and grains). It plays a big role in keeping lines which explain how the choices you your digestive system clean and healthy. Fiber also make about food, physical activity, and moves cancer causing compounds out before they can weight management can reduce your chances create harm. The more natural the food, the higher it is of developing cancer. Aim to be a healthy in fiber. weight throughout your life, be physically active every day for 30 minutes or more, • Stay Active: Physical activity may lower the choose mostly plant foods, limit red meat and risk of cancer by preventing obesity, reducing hormone avoid processed meat, and always remember, levels, and also improving insulin resistance and do not smoke or chew tobacco. immune system function. Adults should participate in You ask yourself, “What can I do to lower moderate intense activity 30 minutes a day, 5 days a my risks of developing cancer?” Here are a week. few tips that can help: Your diet and lifestyle habits are one of the most • Consume more plant based foods: important factors under your control. These are measVegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans. ures you can take today to help prevent the disease Plant based foods contain phytochemicals, (AICR). Stay tuned for new topics every month in which are chemicals that protect against bacNutrition Corner. teria, fungi, and many viruses. They are also known to prevent carcinogens (cancer formTo find out more information on cancer, and anti-caning agents) from forming. A few examples of cer diets, visit references below: some plant based foods are: apples, blueberAmerican Cancer Society: www.cancer.org ries, cranberries, grapefruit, squash, tomaAcademy of Nutrition and dietetics: www.eatright.org toes, carrots, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, Myplate.gov strawberries (American Institute for Cancer The American Research for Cancer Research: AICR: Research). www. Aicr.org Vitamins: Plant foods also provide essential vitamins such as vitamin K to help bones and

Lupita Nyong'o Of Kenya Named World's Most Beautiful Person May

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Kenyan Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o, 31, has been named the world's most beautiful person for 2014 by People magazine.

She said she "never dreamed" she would be praised for her looks and find herself on the US weekly's cover.

Nyong'o shot to fame in the film 12 Years a Slave, winning the Oscar for best supporting actress last month.

She subsequently won her first major endorsement when she became the new face of French cosmetics giant Lancome.

Nyong'o said it was "exciting and a major, major compliment" to be on the cover of People.

"I was happy for all the girls who would see me on it and feel a little more seen," she is quoted by the magazine as saying.

She received an Academy Award this year in the category of Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Patsey in the Steve McQueen-directed film.

Rosa Whitaker Calls For A True Economic Partnership Between Africans And The Diaspora chairman of Zimbabwean telecommunications giant, Econet Wireless; Ashish Thakker, President of East African business conglomerate Mara Group, and associated Mara Foundation, and Sir Samuel Jonah, President of Private Equity fund Jonah Capital and former President of AngloGold Ashanti.

Ms Whitaker, presented with the highest award for “Commitment to the Economic Emergence of Africa”, was received with a standing ovation and praised by fellow award recipient, renowned architect, Pierre Goudiaby Atepa, for her exceptional contribution to Africa’s economic growth. Hundreds of guests from around the continent, including Whitaker’s husband, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and The Whitaker Group’s new Senior Vice President Ghanaian-born Kristianne Reindorf were present to applaud the 2014 honourees.

Rosa Whitaker, Chief Architect of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and President of The Whitaker Group, has called for the collective economic growth of Africans and the Diaspora as a people with “common values, aspirations and agenda”.

Honoured at the 5th Africa Economy Builder’s Awards Ceremony in Cote d’Ivoire , she stated in her acceptance speech that, as an African American, she felt truly privileged to be selected for an award primarily designated for Africans.

“This is a substantial mark of progress since 2003, when the African Union first recognized the African Diaspora as the 6th region of the AU’s organizational structure” she stated.

She added that she hoped this marked a first step in greater collaboration for the future, reminding the audience that the African American population, together with Africans in the Diaspora represented a formidable economic block that had not as yet successfully been leveraged to Africa’s benefit:

“We can do so much together. We ought to do more together.

Together, we represent a formidable economic block: Africans in the Diaspora remitted a total of $60 billion to the continent in 2012. The African-American population of 44 million had a buying power over $1 trillion in 2013.

We have not successfully leveraged this economic block to date – not because of any conflict – not because of any differences. The reason is simply that we do not have the right platform to do so. My hope is that organisations such as the Africa Economy Builders will create the platforms to bridge the barriers that currently divide us, and enable true partnership, true collaboration and our growth as a people with common values, aspirations and agenda.”

The award ceremony, hosted by the Fraternité Matin media group, was launched to coincide with the 50th independence anniversary of most Sub-Saharan African countries and recognizes the outstanding contributions to Africa’s economic growth.

Other award recipients included Strive Masiyiwa, founder and

Source : The Whitaker Group

May

2014

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D.C. Driver's Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants Now Available

The District of Columbia has started issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the city for at least six months, joining only 10 states and Puerto Rico that currently do so.

Until todayMay 1, undocumented immigrants in D.C. who wanted to drive a car had to do so illegally, since they were not eligible for a driver’s license. But last year the D.C. Council passed and Mayor Vincent Gray signed a bill creating a new license and ID card for residents in the country illegally, following the lead of states like Maryland and California.

The limited-purpose licenses are being made available today, and city officials estimate that between 16,000 and 19,000 residents could get one of the new licenses. According to immigrant advocates, the new credentials will offer numerous benefits to their holder.

"In terms of the driver's license, I think that will allow just an increased mobility and access for undocumented people to have a valid identification that can be used in a number of different ways, whether it's for education purposes, employment purposes, just for pure identification purposes," says Susana Martinez of the Latin American Youth Center.

Roxana Olivas, the director of the D.C. Office of Latino Affairs, says that a significant benefit will be in access to higher education.

"They'll be able to use it, if you're a student or you just graduated, to get what we call the DREAM Act, because you do

need an ID to get into UDC," she says, referring to the law that allows undocumented immigrants brought here by their parents to access benefits like in-state tuition at public universities.

What the license won’t do is allow undocumented immigrants to use it to enter federal buildings or board a plane. That’s because the federal government still considers the IDs and their holders unlawful, and in order to comply with a new federal law on secure ID cards, D.C. officials had to distinctly mark the new limited-purpose driver's licenses.

"Our limited purpose driver's license and ID cards will look just like our existing credentials, except that they will have the words 'Not for official federal purposes,' and that is a federal requirement that we mark those credentials such," said Lucinda Babers, the director of the D.C. DMV, on The Kojo Nnamdi Show on Wednesday.

The conflict between local and federal law has some immigrants concerned, says Martinez, and could limit the number that initially apply for one.

"There is still some relative, I think, fear from the immigrant community about what this means, and is this going to perhaps disclose their status in any way that could be used against them," she says.

Martinez also says that immigrants are worried about what could happen if they're pulled over in states that don't have similar licenses.

"There are a lot of residents that are very concerned that what if,

perhaps, they're driving in Virginia or they're driving in other states where non-citizen ID is not permitted and what that would mean for them if they have to display or show this identification. As far as I can tell, there haven't been any clear answers," she says.

Still, groups like the Latin American Youth Center are working to convince immigrants that the licenses are safe and the benefits outweigh the perceived risks. It seems to be working: the DMV says that 360 immigrants have already scheduled appointments to get the licenses over the next two weeks, all but taking up the available slots.

By: Martin Austermuhle

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Djibouti: US Signs Long-Term Lease for Military Base USCIS Will in Djibouti Accept Only the money into what’s seen as a relatively stable Current Version country in a very strategic location with access to a lot of unstable countries will pay of Form N-400 off both in the near and the long term," said Joe Siegle, research director at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

Beginning May 5 May 2014

Ben Fred-Mensah, who teaches international relations and government at Howard University, said, “terrorism is very much alive. As America always says, ‘It’s better we fight them outside, than to wait and fight them at home.”

Photo: The White House President Obama and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti discuss ways to strengthen security and economic ties at their meeting in the White House.

The United States and Djibouti have signed a new 10-year lease on a U.S. military base in the Horn of Africa nation that the White House called a critical part in fighting terrorism.

President Barack Obama announced the deal Monday at a White House meeting with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh.

Obama called the base a critical facility and extraordinarily important to the U.S. role in the Horn of Africa. He said he is grateful to Guelleh for agreeing to a long-term lease.

Guelleh thanked Obama for what he called a vision for the development of Africa, including heath care, education and food security in Djibouti.

Both presidents promised to continue working together to increase economic development and fight terrorism in the Horn of Africa, including their committment to keep al-Qaida and the Somali-based Islamist terrorist group al-Shabab from gaining ground.

In an interview with the VOA Somali service, Guelleh said $3 billion of Western pledges to help Somalia rebuild its army and the country have not been met. He said there is no getting around the fact that rebuilding the army is a necessity if the world wants to see Somalia stand on its own feet.

Anti-terrorism hub

The tiny East African country of Djibouti is strategic to the United States as a hub for antiterrorism efforts in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Djiboutian solders are part of the African Union force that has had some success against alShabab in Somalia.

Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti houses about 4,000 U.S. soldiers and other military personnel. The United States regards it as a major staging area for attacks against terrorists in Yemen and Somalia. It is the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa, and Washington pays $38 million a year to lease it.

Until recently, the facility was used to launch U.S. drone strikes against suspected al-Qaida fighters.

In a joint statement from the White House, the two leaders noted their shared commitment to combat violent extremism, to counter piracy and to secure Djibouti's borders.

Obama announced the United States would increase technical and financial aid for Djibouti civilian projects and, according to the statement, would "provide enhanced security assistance and equipment to Djiboutian security forces."

Militarization fears

There are many who worry, however, about any pivot of U.S. foreign policy toward what they call “the militarization” of Africa.

The Republic of Djibouti is a geographical gold mine. With its busy port, it sits strategically in the Horn of Africa. It’s across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen and bordered by Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia -- making it a prime counterterrorism partner for the United States.

“The U.S. has calculated that putting the

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Beginning May 5, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept only the current edition of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, dated 9/13/2013. USCIS will reject and return all naturalization applications using previous versions of Form N-400 after Sunday, May 4, 2014.

But Djibouti residents complained when five drones in three years crashed, one just 1.5 kilometers from the capital, Djibouti City. So USCIS issued the revised version of Form Nthe U.S. moved the drone fleet to another 400 on February 4, 2014. As we transitioned airstrip 13 kilometers from the airport. to the redesigned form, USCIS allowed applicants to continue using previous ver-

Abayomi Azikiwe, the editor of Pan-African sions of Form N-400 for a 90-day transition News Wire, opposes the U.S. military period. This transition period ends on buildup. In a Skype interview, he said there’s Sunday, May 4. more at play than terrorism.

“More and more oil is being imported there from Africa into the United States, as well as other strategic minerals," Azikiwe said.

"That, in our opinion, is guiding this increased military presence."

Fred-Mensah said his opposition stems from his African roots. “I begin to question whether we still enjoy our sovereignty or whether we are losing our sovereignty because we are relatively weak,” he said.

The Pentagon plans to spend more than $1 billion over the next 25 years to expand and renovate Camp Lemonnier - reaffirming its presence in Africa.

For the U.S., investing in Djibouti is a matter of balance. Djibouti has a less-than-stellar human rights record. Freedom House, a human rights reporting agency, labeled Djibouti as “Not Free” in last year’s Freedom in the World report. It accused Guelleh of suppressing civil liberties and ranked the nation's political rights near the bottom.

In the interview with VOA, Guelleh said he is not bothered by the Djiboutian opposition claims that security forces arrest and harass its members and squelch protests and a free press.

The president said people in Djibouti are arrested because of a crime and are given the right to a trial with a lawyer. »

BY CAROLYN PRESUTTI

About the revised Form N-400

The revised form has an improved userfriendly look and feel, clearer instructions and enhanced 2D barcode technology that improves efficiency and data accuracy, resulting in fewer rejected forms. For more information on the changes to Form N-400, please watch our “USCIS Revises Form N400, Application for Naturalization” video, available on USCIS’ YouTube channel.

Please note that the naturalization eligibility requirements have not changed. You can always find the latest versions of forms free of charge at www.uscis.gov/forms.

Filling out Form N-400

USCIS encourages customers to take advantage of the 2D barcode by accessing the revised form at www.uscis.gov/n-400 and filling it out electronically. Individuals who are unable to fill out the revised Form N-400 electronically may still print the form and complete it by hand in black ink. Before submitting Form N-400, customers must remember to sign the form, and include the correct filing fee and supporting documentation to avoid any delays.

Source:www.uscis.gov

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May

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Sec. Kerry Meets With Anti-Poaching and Anti-Trafficking International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Office of the Spokesperson Department of State Washington, DC May 6, 2014

Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to combat wildlife trafficking, Secretary Kerry met today with conservationists and law enforcement officials from 12 African nations visiting the United States as part of the Wildlife Conservation: AntiPoaching and Anti-Trafficking International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Program participants also took part in a roundtable discussion with U.S. Department of State representatives to examine cooperative efforts in the global campaign to combat wildlife trafficking.

This project is the second in a series that reinforces President Obama’s commitment to combat poaching and wildlife trafficking as articulated in the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking. The State Department, along with the Departments of Interior and Justice, co-chairs the President’s Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking and leads efforts to strengthen international cooperation, reduce global demand for illegally traded wildlife products, and build global law enforcement capacity.

During their three weeks in the United States, the participants will also visit Miami, Florida; Bozeman, Montana; and Ashland and Portland, Oregon. They will meet with wildlife officials and nongovernmental organization leaders in places like Yellowstone National Park, Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.

State Department Photo

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Afrikan

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2014 FIFA World Cup Schedule

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Thursday 12 June 12 JUN 2014 - 17:00 Local time GROUP A Arena de Sao Paulo

BRAZIL VRS CROATIA 13:00 Local time GROUP A Estadio das Dunas Natal

Mexico Vrs Cameroon 13:00 Local time GROUP C Estadio Mineirao Belo Horizonte

COLOMBIA VRS GREECE

15 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP E Estadio Nacional Brasilia SWITZERLAND VRS ECUADOR

16 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP G Arena Fonte Nova Salvador

GERMANY VRS PORTUGAL 17 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP H Estadio Mineirao Belo Horizonte BELGIUM VRS. ALGERIA

18 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP B Estadio Beira-Rio Porto Alegre

AUSTRALIA VRS. NETHERLANDS 19 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP C Estadio Nacional Brasilia

COLOMBIA VRS. CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Friday 13 June

18:00 Local time GROUP B Arena Pantanal Cuiaba

16:00 Local time GROUP B Arena Fonte Nova Salvador

Chile Vrs. Ausralia

Spain Vrs. Netherlands

Saturday 14 June

16:00 Local time GROUP B Arena Fonte Nova Salvador

URUGUAY VRS COSTA RICA

Sunday 15 June

22:00 Local time GROUP C Arena Pernambuco Recife

CÔTE D'IVOIRE VRS JAPAN

15 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP E Estadio Beira-Rio Porto Alegre FRANCE VRS HONDURAS

Monday 16 June

16 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP F Arena da Baixada Curitiba IRAN VRS. NIGERIA

Tuesday 17 June

17 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP A Estadio Castelao Fortaleza BRAZIL VRS. MEXICO

Wednesday 18 June

18 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP B Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho Rio De Janeiro

14 JUN 2014 - 18:00 Local time GROUP D Arena Amazonia Manaus ENGLAND VRS ITALY

15 JUN 2014 - 19:00 Local time GROUP F Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho Rio De Janeiro

ARGENTINA VRS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 16 JUN 2014 - 19:00 Local time GROUP G Estadio das Dunas Natal GHANA VRS. USA

17 JUN 2014 - 18:00 Local time GROUP H Arena Pantanal Cuiaba

RUSSIA VRS. KOREA REPUBLIC

18 JUN 2014 - 18:00 Local time GROUP A Arena Amazonia Manaus

SPAIN VRS. CHILE

CAMEROON VRS. CROATIA

19 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP D Arena de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo

19 JUN 2014 - 19:00 Local time GROUP C Estadio das Dunas Natal

Thursday 19 June

URUGUAY VRS. ENGLAND

JAPAN VRS. GREECE

Afrikan

2014 FIFA World Cup Schedule

Post

Friday 20 June

20 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP E Arena Fonte Nova Salvador

20 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP D Arena Pernambuco Recife ITALY VRS COSTA RICA

SWITZERLAND VRS FRANCE

21 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP F Estadio Mineirao Belo Horizonte

21 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP G Estadio Castelao Fortaleza

Saturday 21 June

ARGENTINA VRS IRAN

GERMANY VRS GHANA

Sunday 22 June

22 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP H Estadio Beira-Rio Porto Alegre

22 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP H Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho Rio De Janeiro

KOREA REPUBLIC VRS ALGERIA

BELGIUM VRS RUSSIA

23 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP B Arena de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo

NETHERLANDS VRS CHILE 24 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP D Estadio das Dunas Natal ITALY VRS URUGUAY

25 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP F Estadio Beira-Rio Porto Alegre NIGERIA VRS ARGENTINA

26 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP G Estadio Nacional Brasilia PORTUGAL VRS GHANA

23 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP B Arena da Baixada Curitiba

Monday 23 June

23 JUN 2014 - 17:00 Local time GROUP A Estadio Nacional Brasilia CAMEROON VRS BRAZIL

AUSTRALIA VRS SPAIN

Tuesday 24 June

24 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP D Estadio Mineirao Belo Horizonte

COSTA RICA VRS ENGLAND

24 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP C Arena Pantanal Cuiab JAPAN VRS COLOMBIA

Wednesday 25 June

25 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP F Arena Fonte Nova Salvador BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA VRS IRAN

25 JUN 2014 - 16:00 Local time GROUP E Arena Amazonia Manaus

HONDURAS VRS SWITZERLAND

Thursday 26 June 26 JUN 2014 - 13:00 Local time GROUP G Arena Pernambuco Recife USA VRS GERMANY

26 JUN 2014 - 17:00 Local time GROUP H Arena de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo

KOREA REPUBLIC VRS BELGIUM

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20 JUN 2014 - 19:00 Local time GROUP E Arena da Baixada Curitiba

HONDURAS VRS ECUADOR 21 JUN 2014 - 18:00 Local time GROUP F Arena Pantanal Cuiaba

NIGERIA VRS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 22 JUN 2014 - 18:00 Local time GROUP G Arena Amazonia Manaus USA VRS PORTUGAL

23 JUN 2014 - 17:00 Local time GROUP A Arena Pernambuco Recife CROATIA VRS MEXICO

24 JUN 2014 - 17:00 Local time GROUP C Estadio Castelao Fortaleza

GREECE VRS CÔTE D'IVOIRE

25 JUN 2014 - 17:00 Local time GROUP E Maracanã - Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho Rio De Janeiro ECUADOR VRS FRANCE

26 JUN 2014 - 17:00 Local time GROUP H Arena da Baixada Curitiba ALGERIA VRS RUSSIA

Afrikan

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Pastor With Two Wives Gets Sacked

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In May 2012, Pastor Isaac started going to Kwahu Mountains ostensibly for prayers. Not known to the wife and his own family, Pastor Isaac arranged and married Patience Frimpomaa, a.k.a.

Martha Afua, 26, under customary marriage.

Inspector Atimbire said even though Frimpomaa was aware Pastor Isaac was legally married, she went ahead with the marriage and now has one child with him.

According to the prosecutor, in September 2013, Kaleen, the first wife of Pastor Isaac, gave birth to her second child and went to her elder sister’s place for a period of one month.

He said during the period, Kaleen visited her matrimonial home one afternoon only to meet her husband with Frimpomaa in an amorous manner, and reported the matter to the head pastor of Supreme Life Chapel International, where Pastor Isaac fellowships.

Inspector Atimbire told the court that the executive committee of the church investigated and found that pastor Isaac was married to a second wife, Frimpomaa.

The prosecutor said the church suspended Pastor Isaac and ordered him to divorce Frimpomaa, the second wife.

He stated that Pastor Isaac refused to divorce Frimpomaa, and was subsequently excommunicated from the church.

A pastor who married two wives has been excommunicated from his church for refusing to divorce the second wife as directed by the church.

But the matter did not end there.

The first wife reported the case to the police and the pastor has now been convicted and sentenced to a fine of Ghc420 on his own guilty plea while the second wife pleaded not guilty to the charge of getting married to a person previously married, and was granted bail to reappear on May 27.

Prosecuting, Inspector Kofi Atimbire told the Cocoa Affairs Court 5 that the complainant, Kaleen Quaye Fynn, 33, is a caterer while the accused, Isaac Quaye Fynn, 35, was a pastor of the Tesano branch of the Supreme Life Chapel International.

Inspector Atimbire said on February 26 this year, Kaleen, the first wife of Pastor Isaac, lodged a complaint with the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service and Pastor Isaac and Frimpomaa, the second wife, were arrested. They admitted the act and were charged with the offence before court.

Pastor Isaac was charged with bigamy, which he pleaded guilty to, and was sentenced to a fine of Ghc420.

Frimpomaa, who was charged with getting married to a person previously married, contrary to section 264 of the criminal offences act, Act 29/60, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail to reappear on May 27.

He said Pastor Isaac and Kaleen have been legally married for over four years under ordinance and have been blessed with two children, aged three and six years, and live together at Alajo in Accra.

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16

Ethiopia's Fight Against AIDs an Example to World, Kerry Says

During a visit to Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Addis, Ababa, Secretary Kerry praises the effectiveness of the Ethiopian-U.S. partnership committed to "investing in a healthy future together" and joining forces to combat HIV/AIDS.

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U.S. Secretary Celebrates Africa's Progress on Visit

During his May 1 visit to Gandhi Memorial Hospital, the secretary praised the effectiveness of the Ethiopian-U.S. partnership committed to "investing in a healthy future together" and joining forces to combat HIV/AIDS.

"Back in 2004, there were about 2.7 million Ethiopians who were HIV-positive, living with the disease," Kerry said. "That has been cut by at least a third, but most importantly, for young children, for the children coming into the world, because of the progress that we've been able to make, those children now have the chance of being able to live HIV-free."

"And the example of what you're achieving here in Ethiopia is an example that we can take all over the world," Kerry said.

Kerry is visiting Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola from April 29 through May 5 to encourage democratic development, promote respect for human rights, advance peace and security, engage with civil society and young African leaders who will shape the continent's future, and promote trade, investment and development partnerships in Africa.

Secretary Kerry Addresses Reporters During News Conference in Ethiopia U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks during a news conference on May 1, 2014, that followed a round of government meetings in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the outset of the six-day trip through Africa.

Secretary of State John Kerry visited Ethiopia to encourage democratic development, promote respect for human rights, advance peace and security, engage with civil society and young African leaders, and promote trade, investment and development partnerships. He also visited South Sudan,the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.

Photo: U.S. State Department Secretary Kerry Plays With Little Boy at HIV Clinic in Ethiopia U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry plays with a little boy whose family has received treatment at a PEPFAR-supported HIV clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 1, 2014.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry engages with young people at the University of Addis Ababa on his last visit to Ethiopia. Alongside him is BBC television anchor Zeinab Badawi.

Photo: U.S. State Department A pharmacist gives U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry a rundown of his supplies during a tour of a PEPFAR-supported HIV clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 1, 2014.

Africa’s Best Social Entrepreneurs Honored At World Economic Forum May

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Here are the winners of the 2014 Africa Social Entrepreneurs of the Year:

3. Martin Kariongi Ole Sanago, Institute for Orkonerei Pastoralists Advancement (IOPA), Tanzania Front Row: Winners of the 2014 Social Entrepreneurship Award (Swab Foundation)

Seven of Africa’s best social entrepreneurs were honored on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Abuja, Nigeria. The awards were presented by Managing Director of the WEF Philipp Rosler.

RELATED: China, U.S., France, U.K. & Billionaire All Pledge To #BringOurGirlsBack at WEF 2014 “Social entrepreneurs are an integral community of the World Economic Forum and an increasingly sought-after one,” said David Aikman, managing director at the World Economic Forum and head of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship.

“A growing number of corporations see income inequality and environmental problems like climate change as fundamental threats to their long-term growth.

“Many governments are starting to rethink the way they deliver goods and services that improve social outcomes. I am confident this trend will only continue to grow in the future, and the forum is proud to be at the forefront of catalysing partnerships among these stakeholder groups for social and environmental change.”

1. Patrick Awuah, Ashesi University, Ghana

Ashifi Gogo, Sproxil; Ghana, Nigeria, and India

Ashesi was founded to address Africa’s biggest roadblocks to progress: the need for ethical leadership and innovative thinking. Ashesi University College is a secular, private, non-profit liberal arts college located in Ghana, West Africa.

Ashesi aims to make a significant contribution to transform Africa by educating a new generation of ethical entrepreneurial leaders.

Ashesi’s unique curriculum combines a rigorous liberal arts core with practical high-impact majors in business, computer science, and MIS. It also has a four-year focus on leadership development and community service. To date, 100 percent of Ashesi’s graduates have found quality placement within a few months of graduating and more than 95 percent have stayed to work for progress in Africa.

4. Jay Kimmelman and Shannon May, Bridge International Academies, Kenya

5. Gbenga Sesan, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Nigeria

Sproxil has developed and trademarked a Mobile Product Authentication (MPA) solution that enables consumers to verify that the pharmaceutical product they are buying is genuine. Consumers use a scratch card, similar to those used to replenish cellular talk-time, to reveal a one-timeuse code on pharmaceutical products. Sproxil has set up Africa’s first national, mobile-based anti-counterfeit service in Nigeria and has already sold more than 250 million anticounterfeit labels.

6. Allen Wilcox, Village Reach, Mozambique

IOPA facilitates transformation and diversification of the economic system of the Maasai through social business, social entrepreneurship, and innovation. Using radio programmes, roundtable discussions, and festivals, the Institute prepares a fertile ground for self-examination and collective action. The Institute also teaches the Maasai veterinary services and techniques and sensitizes them to the use of both modern and traditional veterinary medicine, carrying out vaccination campaigns that have enabled pastoralists to use modern treatments and methods of livestock management, allowing animals to live healthier, longer, and more productive lives.

Bridge International Academies is a chain of nursery and private schools in Africa delivering high-quality education for just $5 a month on average. The model of Bridge International Academies – centered on the academy-in-a-box solution and delivered through data-enabled tablets – enables thousands of teachers to deliver world-class lessons to children who had struggled simply to have a teacher show up at their previous schools. It has been just more than four years since its first academy opened. As of January 2014, Bridge operates 259 academies in Kenya, employing more than 3,000 people and educating approximately 80,000 pupils.

By 2025, Bridge plans to be educating 10 million pupils in over a dozen countries.

Paradigm Initiative Nigeria’s (PIN) vision is to connect underserved young Nigerians with ICT-enabled opportunities to improve their livelihoods. Solving unemployment and cyber-crime is at the heart of PIN’s strategy.

Its model involves a two-pronged approach of capacity-building/ICT empowerment and ICT policy interventions. PIN offers income-generating ICT training and social media consultancy to private or non-profit organizations that need them, working with PIN’s graduates as implementing partners. Current partners include the Peery Foundation, Internews, Microsoft, and Google.

VillageReach is a non profit social enterprise with a mission to save lives and improve health by increasing access to quality health care for the most-underserved communities. VillageReach develops, evaluates, and proves system innovations that improve health system performance. Through collaboration with governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities, VillageReach seeks to extend the reach of health systems in scalable and sustainable ways by strengthening health service delivery, enhancing information and communication technology systems, and engaging the private sector.

Source: BY SANDRA APPIAH face2faceafrica.com

May

2014

Offices in Dumfries and Alexandria Call to Make an Appointment

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Give in to Strength Her Page

in our beings and choose to let our better selves prevail. We shall rather give in to strength and not to weakness.

Scenario #1 You work in an environment with various people and personalities. The office is not only a place where current events and entertainment news are discussed, but it is also a space where employees gossip about each other, mixing up truth, lies and rumors. You are a part of this environment Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah and someone comes to you with a negative report about another co-worker. What do he choices we generally have to you do? Do you listen and join in with make in life are simple. Our your own input and even make inquiries choice is to do or not to do. regarding the dirt being dished, desiring to However, we are beset with so many be well fed with this new gossip? Today, I petty and unnecessary behaviors and will say to my sister or brother to give in to characteristics that the very simple and strength. Don’t see this as an opportunity wise choices we ought to make are often to have your hearing and curiosity satisfied the ones that we fail to make. We conwith hot and juicy gossip. Rather, shut the sciously make a left turn, when a situaitching ear and rest the gossiping tongue. tion actually calls for a right turn. Then It is easy for us all to walk into the trap of we find ourselves in hot and undesirable gossiping and even backbiting, especially if spots. We regress instead of progress. we think the person deserves it. But we We have the power in our hands to make can do better. We can turn off our hearing the right choice, but forego that choice to the gossip and instead of engaging in it, too often and choose a path that is not abstain from it with a deafening silence. beneficial but harmful. It will be wise I know a woman who when someone for us to pause and, guided by the word comes to her with gossip about another, of God, choose the right path. We should would say to the gossiper, “let me go and progress, not regress. ask her (the victim of the gossip) if it is There are basic characteristic true and can I tell her that you are the one weaknesses that hinder us from advanc- who told me this?” What typically happens ing on various levels. They present here is that the gossiper would refuse to be themselves in impatience, anger, lying, referenced or even associated with the gosgossiping, cheating, backbiting, insulting, sip. When this happens, then this lady swindling, wastefulness, stealing, jealwould say, “then don’t come to me with ousy, argumentativeness, selfishness, any such information again.” And of greediness, slothfulness and so on. We course, that person never returns to her can become easily entangled in these with any more innuendo. This woman characteristics as if they are webs. But could have easily fallen victim to gossip by these are webs that could very well be satisfying her itching ears and enjoyed the averted, because they are quite visible to pleasures of privately gossiping about the eye. Yet, we walk into these webs another, but she chooses to give in to then when caught in them, we find that strength. That is strength of character. She we are awkwardly and desperately chooses not to become entangled in a web attempting to free ourselves from their of confusion and lies. Can we all do that? unpleasant, yet very real attachment to us.

Scenario #2 Instead of allowing such manA couple is highly involved in their nerisms to hinder us, let us rather vow to church with their services and financial set ourselves apart from these behavioral giving. The entire church knows them well downfalls. Let us choose that our names and acknowledges that they are good will not be referenced as a source of lies Christians. However, during one fundraisand gossip. Let us choose that we will ing event in their church, they pledged to not be remotely associated with speaking sell a property and give all its proceeds to hypocritically. Let us choose that we will the church. But when they sold it and realnot be labeled as lazy, incompetent, weak ized that the property yielded more money or untrustworthy. Let us choose that in than they had anticipated parting with, they future instances, we will project strength conspired to keep a part of the proceeds and integrity. Let us choose to abide in and give only a portion to the church. As it God’s will. That though it can be very would turn out, when they came to offer easy, we will not allow ourselves to the sum to the church, the pastor asked become victims of our weaknesses. Let them if the amount they were offering was us consciously acknowledge these issues the full proceeds from the sale of the prop-

T

erty. United in their lie, they insisted that their offering was the full amount. There and then, the couple fell dead, for they had lied not simply to the pastor, but they had lied to the Holy Spirit of God. Here, this couple allowed themselves to be victims of covetousness, greediness, swindling, thievery and a lying tongue. Had the couple known that they would have gotten sick or even die by lying and keeping part of the money, I am sure they would not have made that poor decision. But the fact is that choosing to do the right thing shouldn’t be based on what you think people might know or find out, but it should be based on what you know to be the better thing to do.

This couple, Ananias and Sapphira (as accounted in Acts 5), chose to lust after money instead of honoring their vows.

What basic commandments do we fail to observe? Does it have to do with tithing, offering, paying our vows to God? Sometimes in the midst of hardships, we make vows to God and when God answers our prayers, we seem to compromise our word. We try to play with God as if He has forgotten that we made a vow to Him or as if God doesn’t need us to honor that vow. We vow, “Lord, if you open the door for me to get a job, I will do this and that….” If you make a way for me to come to the United States or England and change my life’s course, I will do this and that for you…” “If you hear my prayers, have mercy on me and grant my desire to bear a child of my own, I will do this and that….” In our need and desperation, we make such vows and promises and when we get what we need, then we pretend to have spiritual amnesia or simply brush off our vows. Unlike the couple above who not only broke their vow but also lied, let’s give in to strength. Let us do what we have promised to do. Honoring our vows might be more challenging than lying and withholding from God, but it shows the strength of our character; it shows integrity and moreover, it will be a further blessing unto us. Besides, can we afford to handle the repercussions of breaking a vow to God? We suffer such repercussions all the time, but because we are not spiritually engaged, or because we have brushed off our infraction as nothing at all, we are clueless about the source of some hardships we face.

Scenario #3 Lastly, let us consider the situation of Jesus and the disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. When Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, He took along with Him His three most trusted disciples, Peter, James and John. “He said to them, ‘my soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me’…and He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed…” He was trusting them to support

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Him in His hour of need. He needed them to pray, for He knew the tremendous course ahead of Him as well as them. Yet, each time He returned from prayer, He saw that they had fallen asleep. When He found them asleep, He said to Peter, “so you men could not keep watch with Me for an hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:3841).

When you read the events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ, you can plainly see how the disciples deserted Jesus although they had sworn to Him that they would be with Him even unto death. Did they intentionally lie?

Probably not, because they felt and believed that they loved Him so much so that they would support Him in spite of what may come. Would you have been able to honor your word to Christ even as Peter, James, and John could not?

The Lord Jesus Himself knew that the men were genuine with their intentions when He told them “keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” The lesson here is not that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak as we all are guilty of quoting this scripture and using it as an excuse.

Rather, the lesson here is that we should be careful to keep watching and praying that we may not enter into temptation.

While we can never be perfect, we can do better with the help of God if we are indeed careful to watch and pray so that we do not fall into temptation. If we are conscious and desirous of watching and praying, then we would be careful not to fall into a gossiping or lying habit. If we are careful to watch and pray, then we will even be fearful to make a vow to God and then turn around and break it after God has graciously answered our prayers. Finally, if we are careful to watch and pray, then we will be faithful to God in the area of ministry that He has called us into, instead of falling asleep on the job or simply quitting the work He has entrusted to us, because it became challenging.

If we are able to do these things, then we are giving in to strength and our Father above could only be proud of us as He was of His servants Job, Abraham and Moses. Can we give into strength?

Of course!

Who Is The Dumbest?

Joke Center

Aki And Pawpaw Turn Women

A Ugandan who goes to the the bank with a spanner to open a bank account.

A Nigerian who removes his shoes to enter a taxi.

A Kenyan who went to bed with a ruler just to know how long he has slept.

A Tanzanian who watches news on TV and waves at a news reader.

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Missing Purse

Akpos returns a missing purse to the owner in a market.

The lady was so grateful but when she looked inside, she got confused and said, "But I had just a single note of a thousand naira, now there are ten notes of one hundred naira, how come?" Akpos said, "I changed it, because the last time I helped someone to find her purse, she said she would have given me some money but there is no change available."

http://www.akposjokes.com/

A Zambian nurse who wakes up a sleeping patient simply because he forgot to give him sleeping pills.

A South African who lowers his TV volume because he wants to read a text message.

A Ghanaian who sprays him self raid to chase away mosquitoes.

My Time

A Zimbabwean who polishes his shoes to take a passport size photo. Who is the dumbest?

A 54 year old woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked, "Is my time up?' God answered, "No, you have another 34 years to live." Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, a liposuction and a tummy tuck. She even changed her hair colour.

Finally she was released from the hospital. While crossing the road on her way home, she was killed by a truck. Arriving in front of God, she asked, "You said I had another 34 years to live. Why didn't you save me from the truck?" God replied, "I couldn't recognize you!"

Source:www.jokecenter.com

Source:http://www.akposjokes.com

What Will You Call This

A. Patience

B. Madness C. Faith

Source: Watsup

21

Human Beings

A little girl asked her mother,"How did the human race come about?" The Mother answered, "God made Adam and Eve; they had children and, so all mankind was made." A few days later, the little girl asked her father the same question. The father answered, "Many years ago there were monkeys, and we developed from them." The

confused girl returns to her mother and says, "Mom, how is it possible that you told me that the human race was created by God , and Papa says we developed from

monkeys?" The Mother answers, "Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about the origin of my side of the family, and your father told you about his side."

Which side are you on?

http://blog.onlinenigeria.com/jokes/

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The Church of Pentecost Western Region Convenes in Las Vegas May

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The Western region of the Church of Pentecost convened at the Alexis Park Resorts in Las Vegas, Nevada from Friday, April 18th thru Sunday, April 20th for their 2014 Eastern Convention under the theme “Jesus paid it all ” which was hosted by the Arizona District headed by Rev. Samuel Sampson Sackey-Hughs. The convention brought together about 600 members from the various branches of the Church in the West Coast of the United States.

The Guest Speaker Apostle Emmanuel Nkum on Saturday, April 19th spoke about the relevance of the Blood of Jesus in the life of a Christian. At the end of Saturday morning service there was a moment of massive deliverance and healing. Some testified openly that their yokes were broken, sicknesses had disappeared. On Saturday evening he delivered another soul inspiring message about the life of a Christian which is chronicled as a document that has been closed and needs to be opened.

On Sunday Morning, Apostle Augustine Asemnor, the Convener and Area Head concluded with a message on the essence of Christ Resurrection.

There was special performance by the Western Region Mass Choir and the Children from the various districts were not left out as they sang various songs and danced to the admiration of all.

The following Ministers were at the Convention, Rev. Samuel Joojo Forson ,in-charge of Los - Angeles District, Rev. Jehu K.A. Gyimah in charge of Oakland District, Ovr. John OwusuSacramento District, and Ovr. Samuel Sampson Sackey-Hughs - Arizona District.

From Left : Ovr. John Owusu, Apostle Nkum, Rev. Jojo Forson, Rev. Jehu Gyimah and Ovr. Samuel Sampson Sackey-Hughs

Apostle Emmanuel Nkum ministering to the congregation

The Mass Choir Ministering

Pastor’s Wives and Deconnesses

The Packed Auditorium

Apostle Augustus Asemnor-Regional Head leading the congregation in a time of prayer

Afrikan

Launching of International Youth Soccer Organization (IYSO) Post

Our Goal The goal of IYSO is to increase the level of international support for sports and educational programs that empower youth by giving them access to educational, economic, and entrepreneurial resources and opportunities.

Our Vision IYSO envisions a world where children and youth can thrive and achieve their full economic, social and intellectual capacity.

Mission Statement IYSO’s mission is to create partnerships and programs that support and encourage children and youth to engage in positive, healthy activities. We will create opportunities for businesses, non-profit-organizations, philanthropists, and the general public to channel their expertise and financial resources to promote youth empowerment and establish scholarships and other educational programs. IYSO will assist other organizations working in developing countries to improve the quality of life for youth through play and education.

IYSO Launches Go Black Stars Campaign

May

Joel Sarsah, President of IYSO and his wife Linda.

Presently, Dr. Sarsah is owner and Pharmacy Director at Express Pharmacy in Woodbridge, VA. Dr. Sarsah is well recognized in the Northern Virginia area as a business and community leader.

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Auctioning of Black Star T Shirts

In 2014, IYSO was appointed by the Ghana Football Association to help expand the international fan base for the Black Stars—Ghana’s beloved national soccer team. IYSO then created the “Go Black Stars” campaign to increase the team’s visibility with U.S. audiences and to garner financial support for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2014 World Cup. The “Go Black Stars” campaign is promoting special events and other activities that encourage the involvement of fans as well as companies, community organizations and individuals interested in advancing the competitive strength of the Black Stars and development of Ghana.

The Go Black Star project seeks to increase the ever-growing support and fan base of Ghana’s ultimate soccer team – Black Stars. Particularly towards the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil. With activities geared towards arrival of the team in the United States as they play a friendly match on June 4th, 2014.

(Left) Baud (David) Soleyman, (Board Member) and Michael Phillip Checka, Chairman of IYSO Board

Gerald M. Forman II- Mayor of Dumfries addressing the gathering

From left: Gerald M. Forman II- Mayor of Dumfries, Mr. Nelson Cofie, Dr. Joel Sarsah-CEO of IYSO, David Soleyman, Loan Officer-Prospect Mortgage, and George Bright-Abu-Editor and Publisher of Afrikan Post

Dr. Gonzalez, Pharmacist and Professor at VCU in a chat with Dr. Joel Sarsah

Selom Coffie-Operations Director of IYSO

From left :Mr. Kumi (Best Care Home Care-A Black Stars Sponsor, Maxwell Konadu-Assistant Coach and Dr. Joel Sarsah of IYSO.

Afrikan

Post

May 2014

National Day of Prayer Includes Call to Repentance

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Americans gathered at more than 40,000 events across the nation to mark the 63rd official National Day of Prayer May 1, with participating leaders warning of a continuing moral and spiritual decline, interceding for national repentance.

Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of famed Protestant evangelist Billy Graham, was a keynote speaker at the main Day of Prayer event in Washington, DC, and her message included a warning of impending judgment on America over its increasing tolerance of wickedness. The remedy, she said, “will not be political or military or economic or education. The answer is to fall on our face before God and cry out to Him in humble repentance of sin.”

As the honorary chairperson for this year's Day of Prayer, Lotz read the 2014 National Prayer written for the event, which included the declaration that while God is merciful, forgiving, and righteous, “this day we are covered with shame because we have sinned against You, and done wrong. We have turned away from Your commands and principles. We have turned away from You. Yet You have promised in 2 Chronicles 7, that if we — a people identified with You — would humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways, then You would hear our prayer, forgive our sin, and heal our land.” http://www.thenewamerican.com/ Written by Dave Bohon

Francis Gyimah, the youth leader expressed his appreciation to the parents of the young ones for making it possible to avail themselves to be part of this event. He said the young ones most of whom are high school students boldly joined hands in the glare of the public to pray at the various monuments at the National Mall .

Youth Departments of the Church of the Living God, ( Northern Virginia and Hyattsville, Maryland) at the National Mall with Rev. Kwasi Gyimah-Senior Pastor, Minister Hughes-Minister for Pastorial Counseling and Elder Francis Gyimah of the Northern Virginia branch.

Quite a number of young men and women from the Church of the Living God, Hyattsville, Maryland and Northern Virginia were at the National Mall to join hands to pray at the various monuments

Goodluck Jonathan: Boy Released By Kidnapper Nigerian Girls' Abduction A Turning Point After Singing Gospel Music

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France who have despatched teams of experts to Nigeria.

France on Thursday announced it would station about 3,000 troops in Nigeria's neighbours, to help tackle Islamist militants in the Sahel region.

Shortly after his speech, President Jonathan told the BBC that with the extra assistance the country was now receiving, "we will be able to bring terror to an end in Nigeria".

The abduction of more than 200 Nigerian girls by Boko Haram could be a turning point in the battle against Islamist militants, Nigeria's leader has said.

"I believe that the kidnap of these girls will be the beginning of the end of terror in Nigeria," President Goodluck Jonathan said.

In his speech, he also thanked China, the US, the UK and France for their offers of help to rescue the girls.

Their kidnapping three weeks ago has caused outrage worldwide.

Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is forbidden" in the local Hausa language, began its insurgency in Nigeria's north-eastern Borno state in 2009.

At least 1,200 people are estimated to have died in the violence and security crackdown this year alone.

The schoolgirls were kidnapped from their boarding school on the night of 14 April from the town of Chibok in Borno state.

In a video released earlier this week, Boko Haram's leader threatened to "sell" the students, saying they should not have been in school in the first place, but rather should get married.

It is believed the girls are being held somewhere in the forested areas which stretch from near Chibok into neighbouring Cameroon.

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived a shooting by Taliban insurgents, has said the world must not stay silent over the abduction.

She told the BBC that "if we remain silent then this will spread, this will happen more and more and more".

President Jonathan was addressing delegates at the World Economic Forum for Africa in the capital, Abuja, which has recently been hit by two attacks blamed on Boko Haram.

He thanked them for attending "especially at this time that as a nation we are facing attacks of terrorists" and said their presence was a "major blow for the terrorists".

"If you had refused to come because of fear, the terrorists would have jubilated."

The president said China had promised to assist in the search for the girls - and he also thanked the US, UK and

He pointed to the use of sophisticated satellite images, saying that, so far, nobody knew exactly what had happened on the day of the abductions.

Also at the event, Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, said that he would invest $2.3bn (£1.35bn) in sugar and rice production in the north of the country to help create jobs in the impoverished area.

Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, now a UN education envoy, announced a "safe schools initiative" at the event in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the Nigerian business community would donate $10m (£5,8m) to provide security for around 500 schools as part of a pilot project, without giving further details.

In the face of recent criticism over its handling of the abductions, the government has defended its response to Boko Haram's insurgency, saying it was "fighting a war".

"We have to limit and manage collateral damages but the insurgents do not care," presidential spokesman Doyin Okupe told the BBC's Newsday programme.

"They can kill soldiers, they can kill villagers, but we cannot do that. And people must understand that, we have to fight this war within the rules of engagement that is accepted internationally."

He confirmed that suspected Islamist insurgents attacked the town of Gamboru Ngala, near Cameroon's border, on Monday, massacring civilians during a busy market day.

He said the official death toll was between 100 and 150; residents and the area's MP have said more than 300 residents died during the five-hour attack.

Source:bbcnews.com

USA Today, ATLANTA - A young boy’s love of gospel music may have saved his life.

Earlier this month, police say a man kidnapped then nine-year-old Willie Myrick from his southwest Atlanta driveway. He allegedly drove the boy around for some time before dropping him off unharmed in East Point.

But Willie’s actions during those terrifying three hours are inspiring people around the country. Willie says he sang the gospel song Every Praise until the man let him go.

Thursday evening, community leaders held a meeting in Willie’s honor, celebrating his happy ending, but also telling other parents and children what to do if this happens to them.

In front of a crowded sanctuary at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Willie recounted the moment he was freed from the car. Willie said while he was singing, the man kept cursing and telling him to shut up before eventually kicking him out.

“He opened the door and threw me out,” Willie said. “He told me not to tell anyone.”

Willie’s story traveled fast and soon caught the ear of Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Hezekiah Walker — the man who performed the song.

“It’s just emotional to me because you never know who you’re going to touch,” Walker told 11Alive’s Blayne Alexander.

Upon hearing the story, Walker made the decision to fly from New York City to Atlanta to meet Willie.

“I just wanted to hug him and tell him I love him,” Walker said.

Thursday evening, the singer entered the sanctuary of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church to a standing ovation, grabbing Willie into a tight hug as tears streamed down the boy’s face. Walker then led the church, and Willie, in singing Every Praise.

Watch the video above to see the emotional embrace between Willie and Walker.

“I really believe that God spoke through me to save that young man’s life,” Walker said.

The man who abducted Willie is still on the loose. Police have released a sketch and are asking anyone with any information to call CrimeStoppers at 404-577-TIPS.

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Award Winning Actress From Sierra Leone National Church Of Bey Is Demonstrates Courage And Perseverance A New Church That Worships Jay-Z's Wife, Beyonce

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While managing her family business, Ms. Bangura met a Nigerian film producer who reawakened the notion that acting might be a road for her to pursue.

As a child in Sierra Leone she was interested in acting, drama, fashion and theatre and she even participated in child beauty contests as well as drama productions in her elementary school. It was a lifelong desire to continue in these areas but as a result of the trauma her family and she faced it had been pushed aside for more serious considerations. Now with her new life Ms. Bangura began to look for opportunities in the world of drama.

Her first project was “The Entrapped Movie”, released in 2012. In this film she played the support role as “Allison” and was also credited as a producer.

This was followed by a larger role in “Koming from Afrika”, released in 2013. She has another role in the film “The Busted Life”, produced by Chima Austin of Nollywood fame.

Wendy Bangura

There are times in life when the most awful tragedy can become the start of something new in one’s life and lead to a triumph so wonderful it could not be imagined. In the case of Wendy Bangura, the tragedy that befell her family was unexpected and violent, yet her mother did not let it prevent her from saving her family and looking for options for survival and ultimately success.

Wendy Bangura grew up in Sierra Leone of the 1990’s. This was a period of turmoil in the region; in neighboring Liberia, a civil war had erupted that led to massive migration of Liberian refugees in to Sierra Leone. The president of Sierra Leone at the time, Joseph Momoh, proved to be unable to handle the crisis and maintain the standard of living for the country. As a result in early 1992 a coup d'état took place and the military took control of Sierra Leone under the guise of the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC). In December of that same year, allegedly to secure the coup, 29 individuals were summarily executed without a trial or a chance to prove their innocence.

Among those executed that night were Ms. Bangura’s father, Captain Hanciles Bangura, the Quartermaster of the Sierra Leone Army (SLA), as well as Colonel Kawuta Dumbuya, her uncle.

Thus began a period of terror and uncertainty for Ms. Bangura and her family.

The years of 1992 through 1997 proved to be very difficult for Wendy Bangura and her family. Because the soldiers of the NPRC had not only executed her father but also had robbed her family’s home and bank accounts the family lived on the contribution of others. In addition, the family was under surveillance by elements of the ruling council and were, according to accounts, under serious and constant danger.

Through the guidance of a Nigerian acquaintance, the family entered the USA visa lottery and won, entering the country in 1997 and settling in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Ms. Bangura entered Bladensburg High School, graduating in 2002 and then entered Prince George’s County Community College, studying criminal justice and psychology. To support the family her mother, Samira Bangura, had opened International Tropical Foods, store marketing African foods and products in College Park, Maryland. Ms. Bangura became the store manager, offering her contact with a wide range of residents of African descent in the Washington, DC area.

Currently, Wendy Bangura is in the process of editing her newest film “Unforgettable Words” which she not only produced but played the female lead. She is also the CEO of Golden Touch Entertainment, a production company for independent projects both in Sierra Leone and the USA.

Wendy Bangura’s work is hardly complete. She is definitely seeking a mainstream opportunity as both a producer and actress as well as fulfilling her dream of having a clothing and perfume line. Her efforts in film were recently recognized by Africa Radio Salone, a Washington DC area based online radio channel for Sierra Leoneans. The station presented her with its award for best actress of the year.

As Sierra Leoneans living in this country, both Samira and Wendy Bangura have a strong relationship with their homeland. Samira Bangura works to improve conditions through her foundation, Help the Poor African Charity Organization (HELPAC). Ms. Bangura assists this foundation and returns home when she can to develop projects for improving the life of citizens there. She states that “My mom is my role model”.

There are still many chapters to be written in the life story of Wendy Bangura. Hopefully, her positive future will continue and lead to greater success. As she concedes her life thus far has been filled with hard times but she admits they have made her stronger and more hopeful for the future.

Samira Bangura’s foundation can be found at: www.helppac.org.

Responding to widespread criticism and public outcry, the National Church of Bey founder Pauline John Andrews stated, “We are very disappointed in the failure of the public to recognize the existence of a divine Deity walking among them. Deity’s often walk the Earth in their flesh form. Beyonce will transcend back to the spirit once her work here on Mother Earth has been completed.”

They believe that Beyonce “sits among the throne of Gods”

He continued, “As our congregation continues to swell, we ask that you consider what is more real; an invisible spirit on high, or a walking, talking, breathing Goddess who shows you her true form daily? Beyoncé’s spirit is entrancing. We know that she was sent to this place to spread love, peace, and joy. While we do not believe Beyoncé to be the Creator, we recognize that she still sits among the throne of Gods. There is a lot of false information being spread about our beliefs, but we will correct all of the vicious lie-tellers. As Beyoncé spreads her gospel through song and dance, her message provides uplifting, loving, and many times real-life happenings. We humbly ask you to respect our beliefs, just as you want those to respect yours. Open your mind to new possibilities and you will see, just as we did, that Bey is a true higher power. Surfbort!”

They have their own version of the Bible — the Beyble

He adds, “We have published the Beyble and it will soon be available for free to the public. Donations have poured in and we will soon have enough to build a temple in honor of Mother Bey. We will invite her to speak to her flock, once the doors are open.”

Reportedly, The National Church Of Bey is also looking to expand outside of the Atlanta area. According to them, they already have parishes popping up all over the United States, Canada, and England.

Source:: http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/

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Afrikan Post

May 2014 Page 30

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Afrikan

Post

One-On-One Interview With Raquel after I composed it there was no one better than Sark that I knew could deliver on it without a doubt. We had worked on some underground material some years before recording the Sweetio record so we already had that chemistry.

8. How does technology impact your music?

Well let’s just say that things are not as they used to be when the best way to own a record was to walk into HMV or any music store and have a physical copy of a record…NOW it’s the 21st Century so everybody wants to download and I mean almost EVERYBODY. And we have great phones and all kinds of gadgets that can load music up for you within seconds. All you have to do is type an artist’s name or song title and BAM you have it, lol. So I guess it’s an easier and faster way of When one sits down and is in the mood to hear a beautiful love song, the first songs that pop into the mind are songs by the lovely pushing the music out there. It’s not always helpful though Raquel. Songs such as “Sweetio” and “Lovie Dovie” are timeless because of copyright issues and all so…I guess it’s just a matter songs which reflect love in various forms. Raquel is affectionately of getting your music up on to the right sites. known as the “queen of love songs” in Ghana, but her music is 9. What year did you officially enter the market as a musiinternationally recognized. Raquel is a solid artist, and she has cian? collaborated with many of Ghana’s other top artists, including Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Trigmatic, and others. Raquel’s music 2005

is unique in the sense that she sings about the emotions that all people are capable of feeling. Raquel is currently working on the release of her first album and has many things in store for the year 2014 and beyond. Please read the following interview I conducted with Raquel:

1. Tell us a little bit about your background- where did you grow up and go to school, how many siblings do you have?

I grew up in West London with my Mum and three siblings…I have two brothers and one sister and I’m the last but one. I actually attended many schools because we moved houses a few times…but my favourite schools were Hogarth Primary School based in Chiswick, and West Thames College.

10. Since entering the music scene, what’s the most important thing you have learned?

That you have to stay humble no matter what because a lot of unexpected things are going to hit you like a ton of bricks and that can make you lose focus and remain untrue to your art.

11. Do you consider yourself a UK artist or a Ghanaian artist?

Both…because my music has a blend of everything

12. The Ghana market is flooded with male musicians; there are not that many female musicians. What do you offer to the music scene that is different from the other female artists?

I just do me!!! … I’m something out of this world. Absolute bonkers.

2. How did music influence your childhood?

We had a lot of domestic issues in our home, so music was a way of survival for us…a place of joy, a place to escape emotionally and mentally, and even spiritually. My Mum and Dad had the LP player on 24/7. Music was food and water for us when money was 13. When was the first time you were nominated for a down. We were so full and satisfied as long as music was blasting Ghana Music Award? through the speakers in our home. It influenced every aspect of my Some few years ago with my first single ‘Odo’ . childhood.

14. The media is always getting on you for dressing too provocative. How would you respond to the media that 3. What is the importance of music in society, as a whole? seems to pay more attention to your dressing than your I think music is absolutely honest, it never lies…it addresses all issues that the average person is too scared to talk about. Society is singing?

Lol! You have ONE problem then all of a sudden everything filled with so much politics, gender issues, spiritual issues, class you do is talked about. I just don’t pay no mind to some things issues but at the end of the day music is the only element in life cause everything I do is going be talked about anyway and that EVERYONE is so cool with. Music is society’s best don’t get me wrong there are some media houses that like to friend…you can always count on it. push the positive things about me to the world and unfortunately we have those that will always condemn you once you slip.

4. Who were your favorite musicians when you were growing I’m not worried though because sooner or later they WILL pay up?

A LOT more attention to my music whether they have or I never really had or have a favourite musician because…I’m an all-rounder when it comes to that but I know Brandy was an artist haven’t already. For me the focus is always and will always be on my Art .

I listened to EVERYDAY…and Shirley Brown, Aaliyah, Monica

and Mary J, Faith Evans you know…SWV and all. I also remember my Mum and Dad constantly playing Reggae and Wulomie and hi-life and then my older brother too was a hip hop lover, which got me also addicted to hip hop at a tender age.

5. Who are your favorite musicians now?

I just try and update myself with what’s new around the world and in the industry , that’s all, and I have specific songs that I really like…and of course I still listen to old school jams.

6. Which Ghanaian musician would you like to work with and why?

I would love to work with the legends. I can’t name them cause I would work with them all if I could, lol. I grew up listening to Pat Thomas, Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba, Amakye Dede, AB Crentsil and more…

7. One collaboration you are widely known for is your collaboration with Sarkodie in “Sweetio”. How was that song created and how was Sarkodie chosen to collaborate with?

Sweetio was a song I had worked on; for one of my birthdays and

15. How many albums have you released?

I’m about to release my Debut Album, called @25

16. Out of all of the songs you have released, which one is your favorite?

I love the new one that’s out now, ‘ I Won’t Cry’…it really shows the serious side of me, a part of me that the fans are yet to experience and this song is the introduction to that side of me. I also have a few more favorites on the album but I can’t tell you about that just yet, lol .

17. Tell me a bit about your hit song “Lovi Dovi”.What influenced you to write that song and how did you come up with the concept for the video?

Haha!!! I got the beat from Teey-Mix of Nigeria and it just had to be a Lovi Dovi Song… I just heard the beat and I was all in a hi-life kind of loving mood and so ‘I want to do the Lovi Dovi’ just came out. When Raquel and Pascal are in the same room you’re going to witness some crazy, artistic stuff, lol, we

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just threw ideas at each other and it worked

18. What were you doing and where were you the first time you heard your song on the radio?

Wow! I think it was Jeremy Van-Garshong that played my song first and I was actually being interviewed by her at the same time and oh my!

Was that an experience…it just felt strange hearing myself ,lol, but I was ecstatic.

19. Before you give a live performance, what backstage rituals do you do to calm your nerves?

I try to keep as normal as possible because the moment you try and do something different it all goes wrong so I just try and stay calm but act normal.

20. You have done collaborations with Sarkodie and Okyeame Kwame and others. Which collaboration was the most challenging?

Lol! Trust me when I say that there is a story to tell for every collaboration that I have done and even with my own solo projects, so I don’t really think there was ever one specific time where things went a little smoother than the other…they were all so challenging and THAT should tell you that God has a different plan for everything and you know it’s all going to fall in place at the end.

21. How did you choose the name Raquel as your artist name?

My birth name is Raquel Patience Naa Ayorkor Ammah so I decided to choose my first name, my real name…so you could get the best, and the first, and the real me.

22. Describe the way that you write your songs—what factors into your music writing process?

It depends…on what I’m writing about, my environment/atmosphere, my mood and whether I have a beat already or not…I think maybe I should take you around with me sometime so you can see how it really works, the different and many ways I handle writing, recording and production sessions etc. You would love it.

(Author note: Yes, AfrikanPost would love to experience a day with Raquel).

23. What inspires your music writing?

My life, the universe and things that we experience in general in our minds and what not .

24. You tend to sing in both English and Twi. How important is the language when composing a song and how do you determine which language a song will be sung in?

I’ve done a few songs in Ga, Twi, English, and Spanish before, hehe…I just hear a beat or write a song and say ‘HEY’ there HAS to be another dialect in there because it just sounds like that but…the English is what I’m more used to and the Ga and Twi are my mother tongues so the three always remain a priority in my work still.

25. If you could look back and give one piece of advice to yourself, like 5 years ago, what would you say?

I would keep things the same. I wouldn’t change any of my doings. I’m happy with who I am now so I would not advise myself differently.

26. What are your goals for the upcoming year?

More videos, more music, more shows, Charity work, travelling the world and more…

27. If you were not making music, what do you think you would be doing in your life?

I would probably be another being that doesn’t even exist as of now lol!

Or a different human that exists in another body with the name of Frafel hhaha!!! Music IS a MUST for me.

Fun Facts about Raquel, Favourite TV show: Scandal Favourite song: I Won’t Cry , Left handed or right handed: Right Tell us something most people don’t know about you: I have an extreme street and hip hop alter ego Favourite food: Banku and Okro stew OR Jollof OR any pasta dish Last time you cried: The ‘I Won’t Cry’ Video shoot Craziest thing a fan has ever done: Fainted

Interview By Amy Ansong

Oloruntobi Dare, Nigerian Student In The US Wins $350,000 Gates Millennium Scholarship Afrikan

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Ghanaian Methodist Church featured on TBN May

World's largest Christian Broadcasting Network

Christ the King Ghana Methodist Church, Bethlehem, GA, may be only a couple of years old but as one member confessed concerning its activities and accomplishments, 'God is taking us places'.

One such being a visit to and being featured on renowned Christian broadcasting Network, Trinity Broadcasting Network on May 6th 2014. The 2- hour long program saw the leaders and members of the Church proudly clad in the 'official' uniform of The Methodist Church Ghana. If their numbers didn't catch an eye, the bright Ghanaian garb did for the host, Pastor John Gray of Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, could not but comment on how beautiful the members looked.

Oloruntobi Dare, a senior at the Hubert Flowers High School did her school, family and friends proud by making the coveted list of 1,000 students to have earned the Gates Millennium Scholarship 2014, which has less than 10 percent acceptance rate.

“We commend you on your strong leadership, community service and academic achievements, and recognize you as a leader for America’s future,” her school said in a commendation letter.

The letter announcing her nomination also read in part, “We are very excited for you to join the community of Gates Scholars and we are very pleased to confer this distinct honor that distinguishes you as a Leader for America’s Future.

Oloruntobi Dare has been a consistent Talented and Gifted (TAG), student since she started pre-school in the USA. Aside from winning the Gates scholarship, she has won other several awards including Most Outstanding Science Student, Hubert Flowers High School, Maryland; Winner, Prince George’s Community Church’s 8th Annual African American History Essay Contest; 3rd place winner, Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education Essay Contest 2014; and Maryland Representative at the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Day Parade .

Oloruntobi Dare, a Nigerian, now a naturalized American citizen, is the daughter of award-winning journalist, Sunday Dare, and Registered Nurse Olukemi Dare.

The prestigious Gates Scholarship comes with a solid financial package that covers tuition and other incidences for the distinguished scholars till PhD level.

The Gates scholar can attend any college or university in the country.

The scholarship is renewable up through a doctorate degree in specific fields, and carries an estimated value of up to $350,000.

Since it was established in 1999, over 10,315 Gates Millennium Scholars have completed a degree. The five-year graduation rate is 80.6 percent and the six-year graduation rate is over 86.3 percent. Twenty-eight percent of the scholars transition into graduate school. http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/

When the program began members shouted enthusiastically 'Y3y3 adehye' when Caretaker Joseph Essiful-Ansah, while being introduced along with other Church leaders present cried out the Society's slogan "Christ ntsi". He then introduced his spouse and the congregation and the Church's location as was protocol. Members joined several others in the Atlanta Metropolitan area who had come to witness what happened to be the first program recorded in TBN 'S plush Decatur studios after the Resurrection of our Lord. The main theme for the programme bordered enhancing the Kingdom of God.

Established by the late Rev. Paul and Jan Crouch some 40 years ago, TBN, is currently the world's largest Christian television network. TBN is carried by TV stations and cable systems, across America and around the world to millions of homes. As a matter of fact, TBN is featured on over 5,000 television stations, over 70 satellites, the Internet and thousands of cable systems around the world. It is worthy of note that TBN is at the moment carried on over 70 international satellites making it possible for any Ghanaian awake at 2am Greenwich Mean time to have seen the young Society make history.

Gospel Artist Isaac Carrie was on hand to give the audience a time of their lives in song and dance. Members of Christ The King sometimes forgetting they were being recorded danced their hearts and sang along as they joined others present "PRAISE THE LORD in keeping with the name of the program on which they made history. Some songs he ministered from his new Album were 'Redeemed", "Lifestyle" and " But God".

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Guests Speakers on the show coming from as far west as Texas and north as New York included Pastors James McMenis, Reginald Steele and Carl Lentz. When the program was telecast young and old members of the Society stayed up late to see what God had been able to do in their lives, vowing like the Israelites of old to tell their children and grandchildren how on one fine day members of so young a Church made history on Trinity Broadcasting Network. Brother Evangelist Nana Abrefa, Society Steward of Ghana Wesley Methodist Church, Newark, Delaware was elated ' while watching', he told this Reporter, 'I saw all my brothers and sisters all looking gorgeous in Methodist 'uniform'. I hope all will see it.' He said he was touched by the Speakers. One said JESUS' love is for everyone. His blood was she'd so that all could be saved.

Sis. Josephine Quartey, President of Women Fellowship of Ghana Wesley, Newark, Delaware was also a viewer of the Program and was happy to see a Ghanaian Methodist Church featured on TBN for the first time and thanked God for the exposure given the Mother Church thereby. In her view this had in a way propelled the Mother Church and congratulated the leadership of Christ The King Ghana Methodist Church. This signified working hard in the Lord's vineyard, she added.

For Sis .Doris Mantey, resident of Lawrenceville and member of the Church, watching the Church on no mean a station as TBN brought to mind a Scripture that seemed fulfilled: "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him." [Psalm 40:3] For members of Christ The King Ghana Methodist Church, who recently moved into a new place of Worship at 208C North Broad Street, Winder, GA, this epic but humbling experience was another way of emphasizing and fulfilling its theme for the year 2014 as found in Daniel 11:32,, "... The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." www.ghanaweb.com

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Afrikan

Sierra Leoneans In USA Award Ambassador Stevens And Two Others

Post

Sillah handed the Award to Ambassador Bockari Stevens.

Also recognized was one of the most dedicated, hardworking and composed staff of the Embassy Ms. Nadia Bangura, Secretary to the Ambassador.

According to a citation read out, Ms. Bangura a Sierra Leonean by birth, has a very strong character and has worked for the embassy of Sierra Leone for twenty years.

She was recognized for serving the Sierra Leone Community by not only making sure members of the Sierra Leone Community in the United States follow due process that will enable them have access to Ambassador Stevens, but also without discrimination always makBy: Pasco Gerald Temple - IA USA on May 1, ing sure that individuals and groups 2014. receives timely reply to their correspondences.

A cross section of Sierra Leoneans residing in the United States of America spearheaded by “Friends of Sierra Leone” have recognized the exceptional contributions made by three distinguished personalities and resolved to openly thank them to the full view of the Sierra Leonean Community on the West African Countries Independent day on April 27, 2014.

(Photo: Minister Counselor Mrs. Isatu Sillah presenting a treasured award to Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens on behalf of a cross section of Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora) (Photo: Minister Counselor Mrs. Isatu Sillah presenting a treasured award to Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens on behalf of a cross section of Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora)

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador accredited to the United States of America His Excellency Bockari Kortu Stevens was recognized for not only opening the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington DC to Sierra Leoneans, but also tried in his own way to link the Sierra Leonean Organizations in the United States to themselves and made them collaborate with one another irrespective of religious and Political dissimilarities.

According to a citation read out by Mr. Aiah Fanday of Friends of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Bockari Kortu Stevens has actually brought Sierra Leoneans closer to the Embassy of Sierra Leone and has made us realize that “we have someone who cares for us, and we are not alone”.

Of importance to the Sierra Leonean Community is her courage and tact to transmit messages be it Positive or negative.

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Renowned Designer Kofi Ansah is dead

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Also recognized was Mr. Sam Ford, a Liberian Broadcaster of “ABC7”.

According to a citation, Mr. Ford was of tremendous help to Sierra Leoneans during the turbulent times in Sierra Leone. He was so passionate about the war in Sierra Leone and the wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans that, he was always “watching our backs”. He was always there for us, which is why we decided to honor him Ghanaian fashion designer Kofi Ansah passed away. A today. pioneer in modern African fashion & design, Ansah had been a tireless force in promoting and exposing West African styles The recipients were prevented from on the international stage. Born to Ghanaian artists, (a classiresponding by the continuous round of applause characterized by cheers from the cal musician and a photographer) Ansah graduated from London’s Chelsea School of Art before deciding to return to audience. his native country to start a line and help develop its national Source:http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com fashion industry. Ansah started with his freshman label ArtDress Ltd., later expanding into an eponymous line through which he organized and gave workshops to young and emerging Ghanaian designers. He also created and served as president of the Federation of African Designers. In terms of style, he’s known for his craftsmanship in womenswear, highlighted by an undeniable signature touch — a great combination of Western contemporary design and traditional West African art. Kofi Ansah also designed the costumes for the opening and closing ceremony of the CAN 2008 African Cup of Nations which was staged in Ghana to an international acclaim .

Mr. Mohamed Bah presenting the prestigious and deserving award to Ms. Nadia Bangura -

Kofi Ansah through his company was the winner of the prestigious Millennium 2000 African Fashion Awards. He also designed the Anniversary fabric for the Ghana @ 50 Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Kofi Ansah was a renowned innovative and creative fashion designer. He was credited with the changing face of the Ghanaian fashion landscape and a leader in the field of African Fashion Design. He was a founding member, as well as a past president of the Federation of African Designers.

Source:http://www.okayafrica.com/

“Whenever there is an event or any occasion like this, the Ambassador will invite us and allow us to make our own input into the activity/ies.

Mr. Fanday recalled that Ambassador Bockari Stevens is on record to dispatch his senior embassy staff to a bereaved family in Pennsylvania, resulting from a collapsed building.

Therefore, we have thought s it fit to give him a surprise at an occasion like this and on a day like this”. Minister Counselor Mrs. Isatu

May 2014

Mr. Aiah Fanday Presenting a deserving award to Mr. Sam Ford

The Gambia Disqualified From All Caf Competitions

Afrikan

Post

The Confederation of African Football's (Caf) Executive Committee has suspended The Gambia Football Association from all Caf competitions for two years, for deliberately falsifying players' ages.

of one of those players, Ali Sowe, born in June 1994. He was found to have registered with Caf in 2012 in the Confederation Cup with an identical passport number but a birth date going back to 1988.

Last month, The Gambia were disqualified from the qualifiers for the continent's under-20 cham- The Caf President, Issa Hayatou, has reitpionship for fielding overage players. erated zero tolerance in such cases of age fraud.

Now, The Gambia have been banned from all Caf competitions - including the 2015 Africa He has urged members of the Caf Cup of Nations - in line with a clause in Caf's Executive Committee to continue strict regulations. reinforcement to rid African football of practices, which Caf claim "violate ethics It states "for any deliberate intention to foul or and morality." cheat in any matter involving the falsification of documents, the defaulting association shall be The Gambia's disqualification means that suspended for two years from all Caf competiSeychelles automatically go through to the tions ." second qualifying round for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

On 20 April, The Gambia were disqualified from the African U-20's Championship for field- Seychelles will meet the winners of the tie ing five overage players in the qualifier against between Swaziland and Sierra Leone for Liberia on 6 April. All five players were born in the right to join Cameroon, DR Congo and 1994, whilst the rules state that the competition Ivory Coast in Group D of the qualifying is open to players born on or after 1 January group phase.

1995.

Caf then launched an investigation into the case

May 2014

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Nigerian Actor Gets New Political Appointment

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Governor of Anambra Willie Obiano has named veteran actor, Bob Manuel Udokwu a Senior Special Assistant on “Movie/Entertainment Industry”. Bob-Manuel revealed his new role via a Blackberry message. “The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has appointed me BobManuel Udokwu (FCAI) his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on the Movie/Entertainment Industry with immediate effect.” he said.

He continues, “With this appointment, the creative industry now has a clear representation in the goverment of Anambra State. I therefore call on all movie/entertainment professionals in Nigeria, across Africa and all over the world to feel free to berth in Anambra State to ply their creative and talent driven enterprises!

The State is highly welcoming and conducive to do business in. Please feel free to contact me with views on how best to make the most out of this golden opportunity for the advancement of creativity.I am here to serve you, Anambra State, Nigeria and beyond.”

Source: millsmusicent

BASIC PRINCIPLE OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION - 4

Afrikan Post

Rev. George Annan

The Principle of Grammar

We need a literary study of the scriptures because there is no magical meaning to scriptures. Before nations were born in Genesis 11, earliest form of Woodblock printing dating back to Roman Egypt in the fourth century and dictionary was developed God accommodated himself to man’s understanding and dictionary meaning of the word TESTAMENT which have had the same meaning since the beginning of time. In the Bible a noun is a noun, a verb is a verb and figure of speech is a figure of speech 2 Peter 1:20, Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation To study the grammar, we must look at the sentence, the prepositions, pronouns, verbs, nouns, and phrases, dependent clauses and the subordinate phrases? We must study how the words relate to each other in the sentences and in the paragraphs in order to study carefully. The care-

ful interpreter will observe "little things!"

Example 1: In Matt. 28:19-20, for example, we have the Great Commission—"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... 'teaching them to observe all that I commanded you... “(the New American Standard Bible).

As you first read it, "Go" sounds like a verb; "make disciples..., baptizing... teaching" all sound like verbs. But as you study the sentence, you find there's only one verb, matheteusate, "make disciples." "Go" is nothing more than a participle. "Baptizing," is a participle, and "teaching," is a participle, which means they modify the main verb. What the Great Commission says is, "Make disciples," and "teach." When you understand that, the fullness of that concept comes out of the text.

Example 2: The scripture says in Matthew 3:16 that the Spirit of God descended on Jesus ‘like’ a dove after he was baptized by John. The passage does not suggest that the Holy Spirit is a dove. The word ‘Like’ is a simile which makes reference to semblance or characteristics. What it means is that the dove possess character attributes that can be found in the Holy Spirit.

So doing a comprehensive study on the characteristic of the dove will let us have a better understanding of the character, functions and operations of the Holy Spirit. Attributes which are to be seen in the life of everyone baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Remember there are no magical meanings to scripture. Simple rules of grammar have to be applied if we desire to have a better understanding of scripture.

Head of Information at the Ghana Embassy Pays A Courtesy Call on Afrikan Post May

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Mr. Jojo Bruce-Quansah

www.redemptionnews.org

From Left :George Bright-Abu (Afrikan Post) Selom Coffie (IYSO) Jojo Bruce Quansah, Kwame Boakye Danquah (GTC Radio) Michael Adjei (Wofa Yaw- Highlife Radio)

The Head of Information at the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC paid a courtesy call on Afrikan Post Newspaper to introduce himself as the new Head of information and also to discuss ways of bridging the information gap between the Ghana embassy and the Ghanaian community.

Afrikan Post was joined by Michael Adjei (Wofa Yaw) of Highlife radio, Kwame Boakye Danquah -Ghana Tourist Coach Radio, Selom Coffie and Dr. Joel Sarsah of the International Youth Soccer Organization (IYSO ) in hosting the information counselor.

Mr. Jojo Bruce -Quansah was one time the editor of the Ghana palaver newspaper and as a media personality he has found the need to partner with the media in the United States in the proper disemination of authentic information about Ghana. He assumed his new post at the Embassy early this year and has expressed his willingness to open his doors to the community in addressing the needs of Ghanaians inorder to project a positive image about Ghana.

The visit was seen as historic since for the first time the Ghanaian media in the United States are being accorded such recognition as partners in the dissemination of information. Mr. Bruce Quansah aslo visited other media personalities in the Washington Metro Area.

Afrikan Post

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offer expires on June 13th, 2014

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Afrikan Post

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Ghana Embassy Ready To Receive Black Stars To The USA

The atmosphere at the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC is that of excitement as the Mission prepares to welcome the National Team, the Black Stars to the US.

The Black Stars are billed to play an international friendly match against the Republic of South Korea in Miami, Florida on June 9, as part of the team’s preparation towards this year’s FIFA world Cup tournament in Brazil next month.

Mr. Jojo Bruce-Quansah, Head of the Information section of the Embassy who spoke to the media on behalf of the Acting Ghana Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Mrs. Amma Twum-Amoah, on preparations by the Mission to welcome the Black Stars to the US said the Mission is excited and feverishly preparing to welcome the national team to the US and is also glade to be part of the team’s preparation towards the FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil.

Mr. Bruce-Quansah said “though it might not be a good idea for the Black Stars to play their last match before the World Cup at the back yard of one of their rivals in the tournament, I am confident the technical handlers and coaches have a very good reason for deciding to play the trial match here in the US and I hope the camping will not disturb the team’s concentration .”

“Members of the National Team are professional footballers with many years experience and camping in the USA will not distract them, even though supporters and well-wishers might think otherwise.”

“I am therefore appealing to the Ghanaian community to give the team their support and have faith they are going to improve on their performance in the last World Cup in South Africa”, he added.

Besides the Ghana Embassy, the Ghanaian community in the US are also elated that the Black Stars are coming to the US, an excitement Mr. Bruce-Quansah hopes would translate into getting the International Youth and Sports Organization (IYSO) the needed support to help in the preparation of the Black Stars on their way to Brazil and also get as many Ghanaians as possible to travel from the USA to cheer on the national team in Brazil.

“We are aware of the enormous arrangements going on currently in Ghana by individuals and organizations to help supporters travel to Brazil to support the Black Stars; we also know it will be less expensive to go to the World Cup from the USA, this is why the Ghana Embassy hope the IYSO gets the needed assistance to enable it carry out its mandate from the GFA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to undertake fundraising and promotional activities on behalf of the Black Stars.”

Mr. Bruce-Quansah believe the National team will do very well at the World Cup Finale in Brazil and said the Embassy is willing to support the team in any way possible.

Besides the Black Stars, other African teams also camping in the USA are Cote d’Ivoire and reigning African champions Nigeria.

Source: Oral Ofori of #TheAfricanDream

Anti-Racism Against Football Accelerates

Anti-Racism against football is getting popular day by day specially after the incident of Dani Alves, his decision to eat banana thrown at him by an opposition fan in Villarreal.

Big players like Neymar, Hulk, Suarez Balloteli and Aguero supported this cause by posting pictures of them taking bites out of Bananas.

The FIFA president Sepp Blatter also supported the cause and promised zero tolerance towards discrimination at the mega event of World Cup. On the other hand Villarreal also took a positive step by identifying the guy who was responsible for Alves incident and handles him a lifetime ban.

Alves got huge amount of support on social media for his act, Neymar was the first to support him, he posted a picture on Instagram of himself holding a banana and Caption was “#WeAreAllMonkeys”, Milan’s star striker Mario Balotelli posted a pic of himself in a similar poLiverpool Striker and Top Scorer of the EPL Luis Suarez posted a picture of himself and Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho, they both were taking bites out of Bananas, while writing #SayNoToRacims #WeAreAllMonkeys.

Other star players like Aguero, Adebayor, Chadli, Dembele and Lucas all supported Alves.

Barcelona also backed up their player and thanked Villarreal for what they have done to support anti-racism movement.

May 2014

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