UncomMAN Magazine June/July 2021

ISSUE 2

JUNE/JULY 2021

THE

UNCOMMAN

Freddie Scott Sr.

Table of Contents 5

Editor’s Letter

8

God Is Full Of Suprises

12

The Story of American Football in Israel

16

Fast Freddie & Sons Are Building Legacy

22

In God We Trust

26

ASHOF Class 2021

30

Journey

34

UnccomMAn Author’s Corner

Editor’s Letter

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e have been living in a society that has devalued, degraded, dishonored and almost defeated the role of a father. Men are being portrayed as immature, sex addicts, drug dealers and users, human traffickers, beer guzzlers and truly it’s time to take a stand and reverse the curse.

We know there are genuine fathers and male role models in this world but we’re in need of massive increase in order to save our generations to come.

God created man and he was His awesome creation that He gave dominion over the earth. Along with that dominion came great responsibility of which Adam could definitely handle. But did you notice how the enemy’s subtle entrance into the garden to deceive Eve was all predicated on getting rid of the man’s dominion. We as women desire men that are leaders. If they don’t lead, women won’t follow. This Father’s Day, I decree the restoration of fatherhood to arise and shine and take back dominion in this lost world of darkness.

Let’s look at Deuteronomy 6:1-2 - Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

I desire you to zero in on verse two - notice here that God’s command, not His option was for you to have relationship and communion with Him. He wanted man to know Him and know His ways in order to walk with Him in faith. By doing so man would continue to fear (reverence) God and teach these commands to his son, “thy sons son all the days of his life.” This is generations being established in God and developing a prosperous legacy and living a long life in divine health. Read the entire chapter and see the heart of God. Currently, based on a survey study done by Promise Keepers, The Baptist and Lutheran churches these findings should kick us into action. Today 63% of suicides are from fatherless homes, 90% of runaways, 71% of high school dropouts, 75% of all adolescent chemical abuse patients in drug treatment centers along with 85% of all youth in prison are ALL from FATHERLESS HOMES. LOVE is the answer and faith is the application. Faith without works is dead so let’s resurrect our children and take them back and build the Kingdom of God. I have yet so much more to say but I want to take the liberty of giving God glory for men such as yourselves who love and adore God your heavenly Father first and foremost. This love spills over to our children when they see a father that truly loves them, takes time with them and tell them, I LOVE YOU. Happy Fathers Day!

Dr. Brandy F. Gibson

Editor-In-Chief The UncomMAN Magazine & 7figure$ Christian Women Magazine

Contributors

CHASE WILLIAMS: CREATIVE DIRECTOR

BRANDON MAINER: CORRESPONDENT WRITER

God Is Full Of Suprises Minister Kenneth Dixson Who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number.

Job 5:12

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ur ministry training prepared my wife and I for many opportunities. After graduation in May 2001 from Pistis School of Ministry, Southfield, Michigan, founder, Bishop Keith A. Butler asked us to go to Savannah, Georgia, to serve under Pastor Michael Tucker at Faith Christian Center. Bishop Butler Ordained and Licensed us for ministry. Minister Kenneth Dixson served as Pastor Tucker’s assistant pastor.

We were in Savannah for almost three years.

In addition, while in Savannah, we became involved with the Homeless Center in the community. While Minister Deborah worked with the nurses handling assessments of patients, Minister Kenneth was asked to join the Interdisciplinary Team at the Homeless Center.

The team was comprised of a Psychiatrist, Social Worker, Registered Nurse, Psychologist, Substance Abuse Therapist, and a Minister.

Minister Kenneth’s title was Clinical Pastoral Counselor. Minister Kenneth’s role was to provide spiritual counseling. The team met once per month. Visitations took place on the campus of the Center. There were clients from various states within the United States.

Upon returning to Michigan in 2003, we began serving as Supervisors in the 24Hour Prayer Center. One morning while on my knees praying, I received a phone call from the office of Sister Peggy DeVaney, IHM, who is the Director of the Chaplain Department in the Oakland County Sheriff ’s Department, Pontiac, Michigan. I met Sister DeVaney as a Parole Officer, employed by the State of Michigan. I have known Sister Peggy over thirty- five years. Sister Peggy and I worked very closely with parolees in the community.

We worked with the parolees in rehabilitation, and serving their individual needs, as well as the protection of the community. I was asked to join the ministerial volunteer chaplaincy program at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.

I accepted, and included my family on my ministerial team. We ministered every 2nd Sunday of each month for 15 years, until the Pandemic occurred March 2020.

Our ministerial community involvement began to expand in the Pontiac, Michigan. In 2005, we developed the Agape Life Center which was a Non- Denominational MultiCultural Ministry. Agape Life Center was a “Bridge to Life” for incarcerated men and women who were re-connecting back into the community. The ministry was housed in a Methodist Church in the city of Pontiac.

Agape Life Center was an Evangelistic Outreach where people came to find love, worship, fellowship and an opportunity to hear a fresh Word from God, Ministered by Ministers Kenneth and Deborah Dixson.

People accepted the Lord and others rededicated their lives to the Lord during the Outreach. The Vision of Agape Life Center: Teaching the Word; Healing Hearts; Restoring Lives. The Mission: The word of God was taught to those who did not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, to the hurting, and to those who society has rejected. The application of Godly principals provided instruction, guidance, development, and empowered the people. Community resources were provided.

Consequently, during the Pandemic, in January 2021 the Oakland County Sheriff’s Volunteer Chaplain’s office contacted Minister Kenneth Dixson. He was asked to take a difficult counseling interview case.

Acceptance of the case provided, a positive outcome. This case took the Ministry to another level. Minister Kenneth Dixson was given the opportunity to provide virtual Counseling from home to men and women who are inmates at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, in Pontiac, MI. This role as Chaplain enlarges the ministry to provide resources to inmates. This platform allows virtual ministerial counseling for the inmates. Whenever there is a female inmate involved Minister Deborah is asked to assist in the visit.

Bishop Keith A. Butler gave us his blessings, in 2004 to go forth in ministry at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Volunteer Chaplain’s office. The Ministry has been a blessing. It will be a privilege to take our ministerial team comprised of our family back to the Oakland County Sheriff’s facility when it is safe to return. My wife and I currently serve at Word of Faith International Christian Center under our Bishop Keith A. Butler.

We serve in the Small Group Ministry as Supervisors and Coaches. We have served in the cell ministry since 1995, when Bishop developed Touch Group Ministry.

God has Blessed Us Tremendously in Our Journey of Life Educational Background: Kenneth L Dixson, Bachelors of Social Work Degree Minor in Criminal Justice - University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Mi. Served 22 years of service in Criminal Justice, for the State of Michigan.

Ministerial Ordination and License: Word of Faith Pistis School of Ministry, by Bishop Keith A. Butler, Founder.

Deborah C. Dixson, Bachelors of Science in Nursing, RN -BC Faith Community Nursing Nursing Experience: 51 years in nursing From: Madonna University, Livonia Michigan Ministerial Ordination and License: Word of Faith Pistis School of Ministry, by Bishop Keith A. Butler, Founder.

The Story Of American Football In Israel Betzalel Friedman Commissioner, Kraft Family Israel Football League

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ost Americans are unaware of the popularity of real American football across the globe. Over 50 countries are members of IFAF, the International Federation of American Football. The story of football in the Holy Land, Israel, started around 30 years ago.

Steve Leibowitz and Danny Gewirtz, American expats and avid football fans, used to get together with a group of fans to watch football broadcasts pirated from US Armed Forced feeds, and together the group decided to get together to play touch football, forming the AFI (American Football in Israel). In 2002, upon the discovery of organized flag football in Europe, the AFI started playing organized flag football and even sent its first international team to a tournament in France, quarterbacked by former Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer. In 2007, as tackle football made its way to Israel, the Kraft Family Israel Football League (IFL) was formed.

Football is currently the 5th-largest team sport in Israel, with over 1,500 athletes playing. The Kraft Family-sponsored tackle IFL and IHFL (high school football League) boasts 13 clubs all over the country, from Beersheva in the south to Karmiel in the north, while some 750 flag players, men, women, boys and girls, play competitively on one of nearly 100 flag football teams across the nation.

While flag football consists of mainly American ex-pats, the tackle football leagues boast a rate of nearly 90% native Israeli players.

Anyone talking of American football in Israel would be remiss without discussing the Kraft Family’s role in the development of the sport. Mr. Robert Kraft, and his wife, Myra (of blessed memory) decided that combining their great love for Israel and their great love for football would have significant impact on the Israeli people and have poured their love and support into Israeli football - at first fledgling, but now a growing force in Israeli sports. The Krafts’ main projects include the Kraft Family Stadium, the Kraft Family Sports Campus, the Kraft Family IFL and IHFL, the women’s national flag team and the men’s national tackle team. Additionally, the Krafts have brought many delegations of NFL players, alumni and Pro Football Hall-ofFamers, including all-time greats Jim Brown, Joe Montana and Tom Brady.

Israel has been sending National Flag Teams to IFAF European and World Championships for over a decade, with the women winning the silver medal twice at the European Championships and the men winning silver once. The National Tackle Team made it’s debut in 2015, winning on the road in Spain, and has since lost to Italy and Switzerland, beaten Turkey (also on the road) and lost to Belgium in the very first international football game to be played in Jerusalem.

The team has games this summer against Span and Hungary. Israel hosted the 2019 Flag Football European Championships, and in a last-minute, COVID-driven change, will also host the 2021 Flag Football World Championships at the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem.

In addition to the Kraft Family, football in Israel has been blessed by many American supporters, both Jewish and Christian. The support has not been only financial: football coaches have come to coach and run clinics and many high school and college programs have shipped excess equipment over to help start new programs.

Why Football?

Football is the ultimate team sport and a sport very fitting for Israeli culture. There are many comparisons one can make between a football team and a military unit. While both groups need good equipment, they really require camaraderie, discipline, ingenuity, perseverance, relentlessness and sacrifice as well as responsible leadership. The young men and women of today need platforms to disconnect from their screens and connect to other friends but mostly to themselves.

The AFI wholly believes in the role of sports, and football in particular in playing an integral part in building the youth of today into the responsible young adults of tomorrow.

For more information, email Commissioner Betzalel Friedman at betzalel@afi.co.il.

Fast Freddie & Sons Are Building Legacy Freddie Scott Sr.

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reddie Scott, Sr. is a NFL premier wide receiver in college and in the NFL as a state for ten seasons from 1974 through 1983 with the Baltimore Colts and Detroit Lions. In 2001, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Freddie Sr was born August 5, 1952 in Grady, Arkansas. More than anything else Scott, Sr is a husband, father, Speaker, educator and Associate Pastor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Freddie Sr. set New England records on the way to being named Little All-America. In his first season, Scott caught 29 passes for 614 yards and six touchdowns in just seven games.

In 1972, he had his best season as a collegian, compiling 936 receiving yards and breaking New England records for most receptions in a season with 66 and most touchdowns in a season with 12. As a senior co-captain, Scott caught 48 passes for 786 yards and nine touchdowns running his career receiving yardage to 2,336 yards and touchdown total to 27--both New England records.

In just 23 career games, Scott averaged more than 100 yards receiving per game and was named New England College Division Player of the Year by UPI. A two-time ECAC All-Star and selected to play in the North-South game, Scott received Amherst’s Tom Ashley Award for outstanding play in football.

Scott, Sr. never forgot the value of an education nor the importance of giving back to the community. He has maintained a strong involvement in many worthy activities domestically.

His son, Freddie Scott II also played wide receiver for Penn State University, and in the NFL from 1996 through 1998 for the Detroit Lions and the Indianapolis Colts. Freddie is married to the beautiful Tondalanea Scott who is also, a Minister, Psalmist, Entrepreneur and the Rock of Gibraltar and Motivator of the family.

Freddie Scott has a history as a player in the National Football League, a pastor, executive coach, public speaker, and author. He is the founder and president of Unlock The Champion, a non-profit organization committed to leadership development and empowering people to understand and maximize their influence by “Knowing their worth, and leading with values”.

Freddie Scott Sr. son, Freddie Scott II

Today Freddie travels throughout America speaking on such issues as leadership, healthy relationships, character development, personal growth, and parenting. The NFL Players Association acknowledged his work by awarding Freddie the 2013 Kenny Washington Award for community service, and the PTA of Tennessee also awarded Freddie a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

To date, Freddie has been featured on CNN, HLN, and TBN, and has spoken to thousands helping to empower people to identify and cultivate their gifts.

Freddie has a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, certified in Leadership Development and Executive Coaching by the Townsend Institute. Freddie is an author, a certified Transition Coach for the NFL Player Engagement Program, and serves as a family expert for the NFL Players Association conducting workshops across the country helping player’s transition from football to being better leaders, husbands and fathers. Freddie also serves as a consultant for the ACC supporting their member schools on character and life skill development. He is also nationally certified in Mental Health First Aid, and Suicide Intervention.

Freddie loves nothing more than to share what he’s learned with others who are eager to grow.

Here are a couple of his organizations: M46 - Project M4:6 Turning the hearts of father towards their children. Project M4:6 is an multi-media resource for men to become a better father, husband, brother and friend. It provide curriculum and engagement tools for churches to create a program for their Men’s ministry.

He is an on-demand speaker to numerous organizations, universities, corporations..

Freddie, II, the author of “The Dad I Wish I Had” has impacted many lives of those that have parents in professional high profile position that can’t always there due to work related responsibilities. His respect for his father was shown when he addressed his intent to write the book and why. His dad truly understanding gave his blessing to it.

Hall of Fame and NFL TV Analyst, Tony Dungy gives his review of the book: Freddie Scott is tackling this issue with “The Dad I Wish I Had.” He is not only providing an honest look at the problem but giving sound biblical solutions for overcoming it. I know that reading it will be enlightening and challenging. My hope is that this book inspires you to think about ways we can get our dads back to their rightful place in this country—involved and active in their children’s lives” Tony Dungy - New York Times Best Selling Author, “Quiet Strength”

Scott. Sr’s son Brandon Scott, played for Bowling Green State University while obtaining his degree in Child and Community Services. He is currently Community Relations Manager for Detroit Lions. Prior to his position with the Detroit Lions he was Associate Athletic Director of Detroit’s Police Athletic League.

His involvement in the community and with youth is indicative of his family’s heart. His mother Dr. Edna Scott has been an educator and community advocate for years that has impacted many lives in the Detroit Metropolitan area.

Brandon was responsible for developing and implementing the operational strategy for mentoring, working closely with agency staff to leverage community outreach opportunities and developed a best practice model for youth across a wide experiential, socioeconomic and geographic spectrum.

His development and implementation towards recruiting strategies for mentor involvement included: brand development, the integration of public and media relations, social networking, special events, and community outreach.

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Malachi 4:6

In God We Trust Sheriff Mark Pettway

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heriff Mark Pettway is a man of faith and contributes his success to family values, hard work, and dedication to God. The lifelong resident of Jefferson County was born to union of the late Ed Pettway and the late Camilla Satisfield Pettway. His father was an Army Sergeant First Class Officer; His mother was a retired Jefferson County school teacher. Together, his parents, having enjoyed 52 years of marital bliss, instilled in him values he holds dear today. Sheriff Pettway was taught to be respectful, kind, and fearful of God. One of his first life lessons was at the young age of 10. Sheriff Pettway landed his first job as a paperboy. He delivered newspapers on a route in his neighborhood near Legion Field. It was then Sheriff Pettway learned how to be dedicated, committed, and intentional with his work. He contributes that first job to laying the foundation for his career in law enforcement.

Sheriff Pettway went on to graduate from Ensley High School and later Faulkner University with a B.S. in Business Management Administration. He stepped into the law enforcement field in 1991, when becoming a Correctional Officer for the Birmingham Police Department. He also served for the Fairfield Police Department before becoming a deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 1999.

While progressing in his career, Sheriff Pettway met the love of his life, Vanessa. The couple has been married for 28 years. Marriage is not something to be taken lightly. The sacred union is filled with love and laughter and prayer. Sheriff Pettway knew he wanted to enter into a marriage with a God-fearing woman. Not only does the pair start the day with prayer together, but they serve together in ministry. Sheriff Pettway and his wife are both members of Word of Faith Global Ministries, where they are licensed, staff ministers. Together, they have two children, Markia and Gabrielle, who completed undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama with honors. Markia has completed her master’s degree with honors and will enter medical school this fall. Gabrielle is currently pursuing a master’s degree.

Over the years, Sheriff Pettway worked diligently for the County. During this time, he gained strong relationships with law enforcement and government leaders. After serving in his field for more than 27 years, he knew God was calling him to something more. In 2017, Sheriff Pettway decided to run for office. However, this was no small feat. He was up against his boss, an incumbent who held the seat of Sheriff for 16 years and individuals in his family held the seat for over 40 years. In politics, one of the keys to winning is name recognition, the ability a voter has to identify a candidate’s name due to the amount of previous exposure in prior campaigns. Sheriff Pettway had never run for an elective office, nor a family member baring the Pettway name. In politics, another key to winning is having a war chest of funds. The incumbent secured four times the amount of money that Sheriff Pettway was able to raise.

No African American had ever served as Sheriff for the County in it 200 years of history. Still, he knew he would come out victorious with his faith in the Lord and the support of his family. Sheriff Pettway’s achievement is even more remarkable when we consider that the odds were stacked against him.

Sheriff Pettway recalls while growing up his mom would frequently quote, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Sheriff Pettway truly believes that if God is on your side, you will be victorious even when the odds are stacked against you.

After a long battle on the campaign trail, on November 8, 2018, Sheriff Pettway was elected as the first African American Sheriff in Jefferson County. Since being elected, he has implemented several programs that serve to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community including: The Renewed for Reentry Program. The initiative teaches nonviolent inmates new job skills so that they can successfully reenter the workforce. Summer with the Sheriff is an internship program exclusively available to rising high school juniors and seniors that gives students an inside look at careers within the criminal justice system. The sheriff launched a mobile app to better connect with the community. It includes various features such as submit a tip, push notifications, and sex offender rosters. He started a weekly prayer, where chaplains pray over first responders. His latest initiative is Jobs Not Jail. It is designed to equip Jefferson County residents with the resources they need to be successful when seeking employment.

The Job Mobile is a mobile command unit that travels throughout the county twice a month with inperson services, including staffing agencies, resume writing, interview skills, dress for success, and more.

The sheriff is implementing the old proverb that if you give a man a fish, he eats for a day; If you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.

It has been said that, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Sheriff Pettway is using his power to empower Jefferson County residents. He knows that there is no way that he could have achieved all of this on his own. He is grateful to God for ordering his steps and becoming a man who is truly making a difference to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Psalms 75:6-7

Alabama Spor ts Hall O f Fame

Governor Kay Ivy, ASHOF Presenter

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night of anticipation in seeing some of Alabama’s super heroes in the athletic world be acknowledged and inducted into the 2021 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) for their contributions in their respective sport arenas was outstanding. The Class was selected by ballot through statewide selection committee; votes were tabulated by the accounting firm of Price Waterhouse Coopers.

The 53rd ASHOF annual induction banquet and enshrinement ceremony on May 8, 2021 was phenomenal. Alabama Governor Kay Ivy made presentations of plaque enshrinement and adorned each inductee with medal and ribbons, Those honored were DeMarcus Ware, Willie Anderson, George Teague, coaches Hal Baird and Cliff Ellis, golfer, Steve Hudson, Olympic champion and the only female in the Inductee Class, Lillie Leatherwood and NBA player Ben Wallace.

Hearing the majority of the recipients give all honor and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ made the evening a triumphant blaze of glory. So, let’s look at these invaluable inductees.

NFL Inductees Enshrined:

Willie Anderson of Mobile, AL offensive tackle for Auburn University from 1993-95played right offensive tackle in the NFL for 13 seasons, 12 with Cincinnati Bengals seasons and his final season with the Baltimore Ravens.

George Teague of Oscoda, Michigan played safety at the University of Alabama. He was drafted in 1993 by the Green Bay Packers and for a nine year NFL period he was with the packers, Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.

Class of 2021 DeMarcus Ware of Auburn, AL played defensive end for Troy University where he was instrumental in the program’s transition to the Football Subdivisions in 2001. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2005 where he played for nine season and three seasons with the Denver Broncos. Ware won a Super Bowl 50 Championship with the Denver Broncos. During his career he was named to nine Pro Bowls, four All-Pro first-teams, and three All Pro second-teams. He was a two time NFL season sack leader (tied record) and two-time winner of the Dick Butkus Award. In 2012 he was inducted into the Troy University Hall of Fame and in 2014, he was inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.

Baseball Inductees Enshrined: Hal Baird is from Fayette, Alabama. He pitched at Eastern Carolina where he recorded 105 strikeouts in the 1970-71 season. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians and also played for the Kansas City Royals. In 1977 he returned to ECU as an assistant and was named Head Coach in 1980 where he had three NCAA tournament appearances and two ECAC-South Championships. In 1985 he was hired as the Head Baseball Coach at Auburn University until 2000. He also earned three NCAA Regional Titles, an SEC Western-Division Championship, an SEC Tournament Championship, and two College World Series appearances in 1994 and 1997. Ten of his players earned All American honors and 51 were drafted such as Bo Jackson, Tim Hudson and Frank Thomas.

Golf Inductees Enshrined: Steve Hudson of Jasper, Alabama played collegiately at the University of Alabama. He was a member of the first SEC Championship team in 1979. Steve played in the U. S. Amateur Canterbury Country Club in Ohio in 1979. From 1981-87 he played professionally.

Three times he was named Alabama Golf Association (AGA) Player of the Year and twice AGA Senior Player of the Year. He won the AGA State Mid– Amateur Championship twice. In 2014, 2016, 2017 he won the Senior Amateur Masters Championship. He has reached the top ten in the Golf Week National Rankings four different ears and in 2017 he was named the Society of Seniors Player of the Year.

Track & Field Inductees Enshrined: Lilly Leatherwood of Tuscaloosa, Alabama was the only female in the 53rd Class of ASHOF 2021 inducted and enshrined.

She was a three-time NCAA champion in the 400 meters during her time at the University of Alabama, and a 10-time All-American from 1984-87. She was also an eight-time SEC event champion, including three event wins at the 1987 SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championship for 200 meters, 400 meters, 4x100 meter relay team at the Los Angeles Games.

In 1987, she was named SEC Female Athlete of the Year, won silver in the 400 meters at the World Indoor Championships, and won bronze in the 4x400- meter relay at the World Outdoor Championships. Her UA school records in the 200 meters and 400 meters have stood since 1987. In 1988, she won an Olympic silver medal as a member of the 4x400 meter relay at the Summer Olympics in Seoul. In 1991, she won silver at the World Outdoor Championships with the 4x400 meter relay team and bronze at the World Indoor Championships with 4x400-meter relay team.

NBA Inductees Enshrined: Cliff Ellis of Marianna, FL started his coaching career at Cumberland University. In 1975 he became head coach at South Alabama. In 1979 he had the Jaguars in the NCAA Tournament and six seasons later they ranked in the nations top ten. He led the Jaguars to three SunBelt titles, two NCAA appearances, and two NIT appearances.

In 1984 he was named the Head Coach of Clemson University where he led the Tigers to post season games 8 times. To date he is the coach with the most wins in Clemson history. From 1994 – 2004 he was the Head Coach at Auburn winning 186 games second only to Joel Eaves. Ellis’s 780 NCAA Division I wins ranks him 15th alltime and third amongst active coaches.

Ben Wallace of White Hall, Alabama. He attended Cuyahoga Community College and Virginia Union University.

He signed with the Washington bullets as an undrafted free agent in 1996. His career consisted of playing with the Washington Bullets/Wizards, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was NBA Champion in 2004, four time NBA All Star during 2003, 2006, three time ALL NBA second-team (2003, 2004, 2006). He was five-time NBA All Defensive first-team (2002-2006) and NBA All Defensive second-team in 2007. He was the NBA rebounding leader for two consecutive years in 2002-03, NBA blocks leader in 2002, and the Detroit Pistons all-time leader in blocks. Her jersey number 3 is retired by the Detroit Pistons.

Alphonso “Buck” Johnson, NBA Houston Rockets ASHOF Inductee with Troy University Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr.

We applaud ASHOF Executive Director Scott Meyers and his staff for a commendable job along with Sheriff Mark Pettway’s Jefferson County security and various committee members.

Journey Pastor Frank Amakoa-Gyampah

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orn in Accra, Ghana and leaving my motherland at the age of 10 to join my father in London, I never imagined or had the slightest idea of the journey and plan that God had installed for me to bring me to where I am today.

When my entire family relocated to the UK thinking it was temporal until my father’s official government post was over, I came to realised later that God had a greater purpose and plan for my life which was bigger than me or my father’s job. I will later tell my family jokingly that I was the reason for the whole move and for the favour, miracles that followed so that God can prepare and use me for His kingdom in the United Kingdom.

My journey into full time ministry began over two decades ago from serving in my local church in London as a teenager passionate for the things of God. From serving as a youth leader to you name it apart from singing, there was nothing that gave me much joy than being in the house of God and able to assist. This led to my desire to attend bible school when I heard that Word of Faith Int’l Christian Centre where about to open a Bible Training Centre at my church and to my surprise God made it possible for me to attend with a full scholarship in 2001. I was so excited that I was going to learn more about God and His Word that I didn’t think about how I was going to manage full time Bible school with a full-time university degree plus an evening job. But I later realised that God gives us the grace and the ability to do that which we cannot do by ourselves and strength. It was tough but He made a way at every juncture, and it was all part of the training and preparation.

Fast forward, two years later after bible school, I was ordained and installed as senior assistant pastor at Word of Faith Int Christian Centre UK (now known as The Place of Grace UK) founded by Bishop Keith A Butler. I served for over 10 years in that position and was also an instructor and later the Administrator of the school, Pistis School of Ministry. It was such an honour and privilege as part of my journey to be part of training and developing future christian leaders many of whom are now in ministry or serving in the Kingdom. When I think of these kinds of opportunities and experiences the Lord allowed me to have, it always compels me to ask, “who am I and where did I come from, that you will use in this way?”

In 2013, my family and I prepared to relocate to Ghana to start a Pistis Bible School under the leadership of Bishop Butler. The possibility of this new assignment was unimaginable as I was excited about what God would do back in my country of birth after 24 years. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out as expected but God had another surprise in this journey that led me to serving and assisting my Bishop in Brussels.

When it all started it was actually an answered prayer that I didn’t realise till later on. I was excited to be doing something new, traveling and preaching the Word in another country. Little did I know that two years later I will be made the pastor of the church and travelling at least 500 miles almost every weekend to be used by God. His grace is sufficient!

Pastoring Word of Life has been another added privilege and honour to the journey that brings back that same question stated before. Seeing lives being touched, changed and empowered makes me so humble that God counted me worthy to lead a church in the heart of Europe that is full of His love and hungry for His will on the Earth.

I am truly honoured to be part of what God is doing in these last days and my journey continues.

UncomMAN Author’s Corner Everyone Can Be A Ninja

By Akbar Gbajabiamila Available at: Barnes&Noble Amazon

Woodlawn

By Todd Gerelds

Available at: Barnes&Noble Amazon The Dad I Wish I Had

By Freddie Scott II

Available at: Barnes&Noble Amazon

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