White Rock Newsletter

BAPTIST CHURCH BAPTIST CHURCH BAPTIST CHURCH

WHITE ROCK WHITE ROCK WHITE ROCK Monthly Newsletter

The goal of White Rock Baptist Church is to exalt the name of Jesus Christ through our sacred worship, our strengthening of families and transforming lives through service and proclamation of His Gospel.

SHARING GOD’S LOVE THROUGH SONGS

Formanyyears,DeaconEarleManhertzandmembersoftheWhiteRockBaptist ChurchMaleChorus,havecommittedtheirtimeandtalenttosingtoresidentsof assistedlivingfacilities!Usually,amemberofWhiteRockisinresidenceatthe facility,buttheirmostrecentperformanceheldonSaturday,December17,2022 atFallsRiverVillageinRaleigh,NorthCarolina,wasanexception.Thisfacilityhad onlyheardaboutthewonderfulservicesoftheMaleChorusandextendedan invitationforthemtosingthere.

DeaconManhertzopenedtheeventbypresentingabriefhistoryofWhiteRock BaptistChurch.Hethenexpoundedontheoccasionoftheeventandread scripturewhichwasfollowedbyprayer.TheMaleChorussangsobeautifully tothegloryofGod!Toseetheexpressionsofjoyonthefacesoftheresidents, andtoheartheirexpressionsofenjoymentandappreciationwasso heartwarming!

CongratulationsandmanythankstoDeaconEarlManhertz,Mr.JamesKing, TrusteeShawnCheston,Mr.MackJarmonandMr.MelvinWilliams,Pianist,fora spirit-filled,successfulevent!MayGodblessyoutocontinuetouseyourgiftsto bringsomuchneededjoytoseniorsandotherswholiveinfacilities. page1

Jessie PickettWilliams

The Power of Personal Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating directly with God Why do we need to read books on prayer? Why can’t we just pray? After all, it’s just speaking to God. But learning to pray effectively and confidently can bring us closer to God and enhance our relationship with Him through prayer.

Your first resource should always be your Bible. In addition, using a well-written scriptural book can help us learn the finer points of prayer and enhance our devotional life There are dozens, if not hundreds of books written on prayer, so choosing the right one can be a challenge

Consider the books on this list Some of them were used in past White Rock Annual Prayer Retreats, so check to see if they are already in your library Others are suggestions from members of the Prayer Ministry, and one was written by Qwynn Gross, the daughter of our members Dwight and Birdie Midgette Be sure to share your favorites with friends and family!

SueJarmon

ThePrayersofOurForefathers

Many African-Americans have researched and studied the lives of their forefathers. As a result, it was discovered that many were slaves. They worked from sunup to sundown, lived in inadequate living conditions, endured physical and sexual abuse, often punished severely, separated from their families, experienced adverse weather conditions and many were never taught to read or write.

History has taught us that many of our forefathers knew God through their faith in Jesus Christ and they knew how to pray. They took the scripture “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul,” literally.(Deuteronomy 4:29 NKVJ) It is no surprise that this fervent prayer tradition was a central part of their lives. They knew according to James 4:8 to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. ” They were often up late into the night praying and singing spiritual songs to the Lord. I believe their prayers personally led to our freedom.

The power of prayer was evident in the civil rights movement during the 1950’s and 1960’s when Coretta Scot King recalled a prayer by her husband as recorded in her book, “Standing in the Need of Prayer: A Celebration of Black Prayer.” “During a particularly rough stretch of the Montgomery bus boycott. One night he received a threatening phone call. Upset, he prayed, “Lord, I am taking a stand for what I believe is right. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they will falter. I am at the end of my powers. I have nothing left. I have nothing left. I have come to the point where I can’t face it alone.” When Martin stood up, he was imbued with a new sense of confidence, and was ready to face anything.”

It is so important that we pray for everyone as recorded in 1 Timothy 2: 1-3 “I urge you, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. For kings, and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. For this is good, and please God our Saviour.” (NIV)When we pray, God answers our prayers. Psalm 91:15 says “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. Also, God honors prayer as recorded in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by my name with humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (NIV) As Christians, prayer with the guidance of the Holy Spirit changes those who pray. Consistent prayer builds a closer relationship to God and knowing Him better.

Persevere in prayer on the power of the Word of God and make an appeal to God. Pray for strength, God will give you strength. Pray for courage, God will give you courage. Pray for wisdom, God will give you wisdom.

The spiritual life of those in the enslaved community served as a defense against their bondage and collectively was a source of strength. Their faith and trust in God relieved the experiences they were forced to endure.

God will break every chain and stronghold in life and set you free.

Bold prayers by bold believes bring bold results from God.

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” NKJV

WALTER JACKSON

ELECTED

White Rock members have long been in the vanguard of community service in Durham and North Carolina, including leadership of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People. That tradition continues in 2023 as our member, Walter Jackson, has been elected Chair of the Durham Committee, a position that has been held by five other current or former members of White Rock Our member, Thelma Glenn White, is third Vice Chair of the Committee

The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black people was formed 88 years ago as the Durham Committee on Negro Affairs. Its purpose is to serve as a representative of, and as a leadership body for, the Black community of the City and County of Durham It is best known for its influence in the political arena, but it also has committees working in a number of other areas, including housing, health, public safety, civic affairs, economic development and religious and human affairs.

White Rock members who have led the organization, include F. V. “Pete” Allison, Dr. E. Lavonia, Allison, Atty. Kenneth Spaulding, Attorney Randal Rogers and Sen. Ralph Hunt. Our former pastors, Dr. Miles Mark Fisher and Rev. Lorenzo Lynch were key supporters of the organization, as was Rev. Thelma Battle. A number of our other members are or have been active in The Committee.

Walter Jackson, my brother, has been active in The Durham Committee for a number of years, and has served as chair of its Political Committee He has also been actively involved with the local and state Democratic parties. He is a graduate of Hillside High School, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Harvard University, and is a Vietnam veteran. He has one son, Atty. Marcus Jackson, of Greensboro, and three grandchildren who live in Greensboro.

www.DCABP.org

WRBC Girl Scouts Cookie Sale

The 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Sale will begin on January 14, 2023. This year's theme is "Go Bright Ahead" and the members of Troop 1581 are working to raise money to support our future activities.

If you would like to purchase cookies you may order online and select "girl delivery" or have them shipped to you for a small fee.

Girl delivered cookies can be picked up after service the Sunday after you place your order.

$5 PER BOX

Cookies are $5 per box and we will offer eight varieties - Adventurefuls, ToastyYay!, Lemonades, Trefoils (Shortbread), Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties (Tagalongs), Peanut Butter Sandwiches (Do-si-dos) and Caramel deLites (Samoas) . Additionally you can order our new Raspberry Rally cookie online and have it shipped directly to you.

SPOTLIGHT

This year we are also collecting orders to be donated directly to our troops as part of Operation Cookie Drop. These orders can also be placed online and will be shipped directly to various bases once the sale is over.

For more information about the cookies we have available you can visit this websitehttps://www.abcbakers.com/girl-scoutcookie-program/

(https://app.abcsmartcookies.com/#/social-link-landing/0a62f39c-33af-4109-aea1-3a7a971be9dd)

Please contact Kris Mayfield (gammasigmarho@gmail com) if you have any questions

Intercessory Prayer with Love

DEACONESS TRANNIE B. MEEKINS, CHAIR PRAYER MINISTRY

ThecharacterofGodislove. Heiseternallysteadfastand loving;compassionate, merciful,andkind,withholding fromusthewraththatwe deserve.Goddesiresthatwe demonstrateandreflectHis lovebyprayingforothers. Prayingforothers,which involvesintercedingon another'sbehalf,isaNew Testamentcommand.Often, wemayhearandperhapseven usetheterm"intercessory prayer",withoutgivingmuch thoughtastoitsmeaning. An articleonIntercessoryPrayer, byHeatherAdams,appearedin BibleStudyToolson 9/16/2022,

explainingIntercessoryprayer thisway;"IntercessoryPrayer, sometimescalledstandingin thegap,isessentiallyliftingup theneedsandconcernsof otherstoGod.Anditisan expressionofagape,orselfless love."Amen!

Godgivesusinstructionsto prayforothersinseveral placesintheBible. Paulurges us“thatsupplications,prayers, intercessions,andgivingof thanksbemadeforallmen,for kingsandallwhoarein authority,thatwemayleada quietandpeaceablelifeinall godlinessandreverence”(1 Timothy2:1-2).So,fromthis ScriptureGodhascommanded thatweshouldprayfor everyone.Weseethatpraying forothersisanactof obediencetoGod,aswellasan expressionofloveforall mankind. So,weareevento prayforgovernmentleaders andotherswhomaynoteven knowweexist,andwho haven’taskedustoprayfor them Godcomparesprayer withsweet-smellingincense thatpleasesHim(Revelation 5:8).

Jesus Christ even commanded, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you ”

(Matthew 5:44).

Love must be the driving force behind all of our prayers. James, the brother of Jesus, tells us to “ pray for one another, that you may be healed”

(James 5:16).

Jesus told us to pray in His name (John 14:13-14). When we pray in Jesus' name, we unite with Christ according to the will and purpose of God through the Holy Spirit. And God the Father, makes certain that His answers to our prayers bring Him glory, and honor to His Son, Jesus. Hallelujah! Praying and interceding on behalf of others, in the name of Jesus, gets our focus off of ourselves and onto the needs around us, it causes us to grow in compassion, and brings us closer to others. As we "carry each other's burdens," we "will fill the law of Christ." By focusing on the needs around us, rather than our own, we're moving beyond ourselves and helping to build up the body of Christ. Therefore, when we pray for others in love, we are fulfilling the purpose of God.

Jesus gives us a perfect example of intercessory prayer. On the very night that He was betrayed and soon arrested, He prayed not only for Himself, but for His followers, for you and for me. He had all of us on His mind. (Luke 22:41-42.) Listen to a portion of our Savior's prayer, as He intercedes to the Father, for us, and give Him thanks:

“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

JOHN 17:18-21

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me”

LUKE 22:44

Knowing full well what was awaiting Him, Jesus, because of His obedience to the Father and His great love for us, interceded, prayed earnestly, until His sweat was like drops of blood flowing from His brow, for us.

Now that's REAL Intercession with LOVE.

Useful Intercessors Prayer Steps:

1. Pray for others from the heart, with deep feeling and sincerity. (Got Questions article Praying from the Heart

2. Pray for others with faith, knowing that God has all power and loves the people we are praying for. Faith reminds us that God knows what is best for each person, and that even if God does not answer in the way we want at the time we want, we can trust He has all of our best interests in mind. (Got Questions article "What Is Faith?")

3. Pray for others with love. Remember that names on a prayer list represent real people with deep needs, struggles and feelings. Consider that God loves each of them and wants us to have the same outgoing concern. Godly love is totally unselfish and is the essence of God’s character.

Resources: Got Questions- (Articles) 1. "Prayer from the Heart" 2. "What Is Faith"

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

Today we spend more time on the phone talking than in prayer to God discussing things that bear on eternity. With all the marvelous things that Jesus was able to do, the one thing that stood out to His disciples was His prayer life. "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."

(Luke 11:1)

Prayer, constant contact with the Father, is what separates the righteous. Like anything of value, prayer takes effort, care and discipline. We so desperately need the Lord’s Prayer and need to sit at Jesus’ feet and ask our Lord “Teach us to Pray.” We were made to “ commune ” (to focus on God, converse, talk often with profound intensity), to share our heart and mind with God in prayer.

Some scholars suggest that people pray because prayer produces serenity and alleviates anxiety and fear. However, prayer is about God’s will being done –not our own.God’s will is perfect. Why would we persuade God to do something that is less than perfect? We are encouraged to bring our concerns, anxieties and needs before God. We bring our needs before God humbly and ready to submit to God’s perfect plan. God knows everything – He is omniscient – all knowing. Resist the temptation to use prayer as a way of alerting God, who knows all and even knows our hearts and minds better than we know ourselves.

Prayer does not change God, it changes us! Prayer is our opportunity to commune with God and develop true intimacy. There is no first-person in the Lord’s Prayer . . . Our Father who is in heaven . .

. Give us this day our daily bread . . . never leave the focus solely on ourselves. Find your secret place with Christ . . . take a deep breath and feel your lungs expand with oxygen. Now, think of something for which you are thankful. We have so much to be thankful for! Psalm 100:4 says “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”

Bringing thankfulness and praise to God is a way to worship Him. Make your personal prayer time a priority!

Father God

I come to You in the precious Name of Jesus I thank You that Your eyes are upon the righteous and Your ears are open to my prayers You delight in the prayers of the upright and You said I can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Thank you that the earth is filled with the glory of the Lord and the knowledge of Your glory as the waters cover the seas; that the Word of the Lord has multiplied to the nations; that the heavens are raining down righteousness and the earth is springing up righteousness and salvation. Father I am desperate for you desperate for Your presence and power in my life. Help me to stay sensitive to Your voice today Cleanse my heart of all carnality rationalization and hard-heartedness anything that would keep me from following Your leading I welcome Your revelation and divine insight Cause my spiritual eyes to function with 20/20 vision for the correct understanding of the times and seasons Father as I cooperate with Your battle plan anoint me for breakthrough Help me to watch for your movements and cooperate with your plans for me Make me sensitive to Holy Spirit so I will hear your voice Let your supernatural wisdom and understanding be upon me today. Open my ears to hear and move in sync with your perfect will for me my family my church my work and my community

In the name of Jesus

“NEW SCHOOL VS OLD SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAME AND FELLOWSHIP."

The game was held at WG Pearson Magnet Elementary School Gymnasium on Thursday evening, December 22, 2022.

Mr. Delbert Jarmon graciously provided basketball space for the game at the School--complete with a concession stand. Following the game, players and attendees came back to White Rock for Fellowship.

Our Teen Ministry sponsored this big family night out-a basketball game that was a delightful "duel" between men and women and boys and girls ages 44 and younger (New School), and men and women ages 45 and older (Old School). Guess who won? You guessed it: The "New School." However, Old School players gave New School players a "real challenge.” Many teens from White Rock, their fathers, a mother Carol Shirley, and friends participated in the games. A large audience was on hand to cheer for their favorite team.

Our youngest player was 11-year-old Pebbles, Sister Delores Shirley's niece. Players wore their own team jerseys and each one served as a valued team member. Brother Mack Jarmon served as referee and Raymond Johnson ran the game clock.

The game was a "hoot," with Cheerleaders to boot: Dr. Linda Hubbard Curtis, Deaconess Delores Shirley, and Raychelle Baptist. Minister Norwood served as "Coach NoGood." Deacon Albert Baptist was a formidable coach.

We also had a large audience of spectators. What was very delightful was that nonbasketball players, including women who were present, were encouraged to shoot a basket or two--and all testified that “it's not as easy as it looks.”

The idea for this Christmas Fellowship was put forward by our teen, Isiah Baptist, and Aria Johnson helped to orchestrate the details. Isiah and Aria are the leader and co-leader of our Teen Council which was started just before COVID shut things down.

While many teens and children from our congregation and their friends may not have been involved in the planning, they were active in the game in some form or fashion. Several other teens were unable to attend because of pre-planned schedules, but we look forward to their participation at the next event. All of our teens present were active either playing the game or serving as ardent boosters.

Isiah Baptist who came up with the idea Aria Johnson helped in putting details together.

Cole Johnson

Azaria and Christian Curtain

Ellis and Reese Merriweather

David Morris, III

Myles Haggins-Dixon

Elaina and Jonathan Eley

Kyle and Jordan Oldham

Adults behind the scenes who played a large role to make this event one to be remembered included: Raymond Johnson;

Dr. Linda Hubbard (Teen Ministry Leader);

Deaconess Martha Lester Harris;

Deacon Sonny Harris;

Sister Sue Jarmon

Sister Simone Perry

Dr. Irene Perry

At this Fellowship, all believers were united in heart and mind—there was no one left out. This event can easily be described as a “community garden” a beautiful picture of what Christ-honoring relationships can look like. Let us all continue participating in fellowship, serving together and helping each other, and that we may continue to grow beautiful spiritual fruit of kindness, generosity, and love.

WRBC Prayer Conference

NO FEE! PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Plans are being made for your attendance at our prayer conference on February 18, 2023.We are planning for everyone whose name is on the WRBC roster. Come, and experience God together through prayer Have you registered for this prayer conference? This is a special event that requires registration, but no payment is required to attend. We need to plan for you; so, don’t delay. Please register today by one of these methods:

1) Online at whiterockbaptistchurch.org/prayer-conference

2) Registration tables after Sunday service

3) Complete a form available in WRBC’s office

4) Contact a member of the Prayer Ministry.

Consider:

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise (James 5:13 ESV). Whether suffering or cheerful, lyrics of a well-loved hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer, help us identify and express many of the blessings of prayer. Well, we are being called to take time to pray individually and corporately in the WRBC building. Please register today. Let’s have a new experience through prayer.

Format?

1) Large group sessions in the sanctuary for everyone,

2) small group sessions for adults by their registration choices,

3) small group sessions for teens only and children 5-12 only.

DR. BRENDA F. ALLEN PRAYER MINISTRY

What?

WRBC Prayer Conference 2023

Who?

All disciples at WRBC and the wider community of faith

19JulyFirstmeetingofthebaseballclub

Why?

20JulyFirstmeetingofthescienceclub

To ignite a commitment, provide guidance, and sustain a delight for prayer within the congregational life and ministries of WRBC and beyond. This support is for all kinds of private and public prayersadoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (petition and intercession). Our WRBC Prayer Ministry is charged by Pastor Stephens to help advance and sustain a culture of prayer at WRBC.

When Saturday, February 18, 2023

Begins

9:00 AM with a gathering in the sanctuary

Ends

3:15 PM after a gathering in the sanctuary

Meals? Boxed Lunch

Preacher/SessionLeaders?

From our wider community of faith and WRBC

Ministry

WRBC’sPrayerMinistry withDea.T.Meekins, ChairandDr.B.Allen, Chair,Conference Committee.Other committeemembers: SistersL.BroussardMorris,C.Felton,E.

Jordan,A.Penn,Dea.B. Reese,Rev.R.Mitchell, andDea.Ernest

Jenkins,liaisonwith administration.

AFROCENTRIC SUNDAY

Sunday,February12,2023 (morningworshiponly)

Guest Concert Organist

Asriel Davis is a native of Bronx, New York but spent his formative years in Atlanta, Georgia. At the early age of six, he began formal piano training with the late Roger Davis. He holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance from Oakwood University where he toured extensively with the Oakwood University

Aeolians under Jason Max Ferdinand. Asriel Davis is currently a second-year master’s student at Syracuse University where he studies organ performance under Dr. Anne Laver. His skill set navigates across genres and styles including classical, gospel, jazz and accompanying in solo and choral settings. He also composes and arranges for instrumental and choral works.

Guest Steel Drummer

Mickey Mills is an exciting, energetic, multi-talented entertainer par excellence. He is a vocalist, songwriter and steel drum player, who has been called “the fastest steel drum soloist on Earth.” Born and raised in Port-of-Spain Trinidad, West Indies, Mickey first started playing the steel drums at the age of 12 as a soloist with the Solo Harmonite Steel Orchestra in Trinidad. In 1970 he moved to New York where he worked with artists such as Mick Jagger, Johnny Mathis, and many others. Mickey, who cites Bob Marley as one of his major influences, is no stranger to many wellknown venues throughout the East Coast. Now living in North Carolina, Mickey continues his performances schedule and also leads an educational program entitled Steel-A-Rama, which has been presented in several school systems on the East Coast. This program is loved by children and highly regarded by scholars as a great exposure to the culture surrounding the Trinidadian steel drums.

RaymondJohnson

Reflecting on the History of African Americans: PG 17

T H E H A L F T H A T W A S N O T T O L D

OneofthemostintriguingBiblicalstoriesthatcombineourAfrocentric history with a story of love is the meeting between King Solomon and The Queen of Sheba. This story reminds me that “BlackHistoryisourHistory”andthatonlyone-halfofithasever beentold.

Tips

WeareintroducedtoKingSolomon,in1Kings10,whenhewasattheheightofhisfame.Atthe time,heiscarryingoutthevisionofGodandthedreamofhisfather,David.KingSolomonbuilt amagnificenttempleandplacedtheArkoftheCovenantinitsinnersanctum.Heusedthe highestqualityofmaterialsandfinestcraftsmentobuildit:cedar,gold,andivory.Ithad exquisitedetails

Hisbuildingprogramdidnotstopatthatpoint.Withinaspanoftwentyyears,hehadnotonly builttheTemplebutalsoahouseforhimselfthatwasgranderandlargerthantheTemple.His home,whichwascommonlyknownasapalace,hadathronemadeofivorycoveredwithgold, aswellasgoldcups,platedandeatingutensils.Asexpected,KingSolomon’sfamespread throughouttheworld

Moreover,KingSolomonwaswealthy,wiseandhehadwives approximately700ofthem.He usedmarriageasadiplomacytactic.Forexample,topreventfightingwithaneighboring enemy,hewouldmarrythatKing’sdaughter.

Inthemeantime,QueenofShebahadheardofKingSolomon Shewantedtomeethim awise andwealthyman.QueenofShebawasnotlookingforamate;shecouldcarryherownweight. Specifically,shehadherowncaravan,bandofservantsandscouts.Shealsocarriedwithher, whenmeetingtheKing,goldandspices.WhenQueenofShebametwithKingSolomon,his teamhadalreadyvettedQueenofSheba.ShehadlongwaitedforthismeetingwithKing Solomontowitnesshiswisdom.InthedaysleadinguptohermeetingthegreatKing,Queenof Shebapreparedforherencounterbybathinginthefinestoilsandperfumes,combingherhair, andhavingherfingersandtoenailsmanicured.

Interesting,theKinghadalsopreparedtomeetQueenofSheba. Hehadpolishedhisgold, hadlaidouthisfinestrobes,andshinedhisowncrown. Hisfingerswerejeweled,hisinner chamberwascleaned,andthefinestaromaswereintheair.

AKingwasgettingreadytomeet aQueen aqueenwhoruledtheKingdomofShebain southwesternArabia. ShewasalsoknownasthemotheroftheEthiopiannation.

DeaconessDr.JoyceBlackwell ChurchHistorian

ItisinterestingtonotethatwhenthehistoryofAfricanAmericansistaught,itoftenbeginswith theMiddlePassageandslavetrade. TheemphasisisplaceduponthefactthatBlackswere onceslavesandthestoryisallabouttheirstruggleforfreedom

LittleisreallyknownaboutthegreatcivilizationsthatwerefoundedbyAfricans. Oftentimes,peoplenotevenexploreAfricanexplorerswhocametotheAmericas longbeforeChristopherColumbus.FerdinandMagellanandcountlessother Europeanexplorers.AfricanAmericanshavearichhistoryandlegacy—onein whichtheyshouldallbeproud.

AfricanAmericans’storyisgreaterthanslavery,JimCrow,andCivilRights.Instead, theirstoryisaworldstoryofAfricanpeoplewhobuiltpyramids,traveledacrossthe seas,tradedingoldandpreciousstones,maintainedrichlibrariesandacademies, hadastrologers,mathematiciansandmedicalpractitionersandbuilttheworld’s firstuniversityin989AD theUniversityofSankoreinTimbuctu,Mali,thatwas frequentedbyEuropeanphilosopherssuchasPlatoandAristotle.

AfricanAmericansaredescendantsofAfricanKingsandQueens.Theycantrace theirlineagebacktoBiblicaltimes.SomemightarguethatBlacksaredescendants ofKingSolomonandQueenSheba.Therefore,Blacksneedtotelltheirownstory.And intellingourownstory,theymustconveythattheyareagreatpeople,thatBlack Historyistheirhistory,andthatonlyhalfofourhistoryistoooftentold.

AnothersignificantpointtobemaderegardingthestoryaboutKingSolomonand QueenShebaasitrelatestoBlackhistoryisthatourhistoryisalsooneinwhichwe havealwayshadastrongandeternalrelationshipwithGod.Solomonhadapassion forGodwhichQueenShebawitnessedandwaslefttransformed.Thisistheother partofthestoryofAfricanAmericansthatisnevertoldwhenlearningaboutBlack history.Itisthispartofthestorythathastaughtushowtoremainfaithfulinthe midstofastorm;howtohavearelationshipwithGodthatwillempowerAfrican Americanstopressoninthemidstofdifficultiesandtopraytheirwaythroughlife knowingthatGodholdsthefutureinhishands.

Thisisourhistory thepartthatisoftennottold.ThestoryofKingSolomonand QueenofShebaisthehistoryofAfricanAmericansandthehalfofthathistorythat needstobetold.

PASTOR'S ANNIVERSARY!

White Rock Baptist Church’s Family and Friends will celebrate Pastor Reginald Van Stephen’s 28th Anniversary from April 2830, 2023. This event is historic for Pastor Stephens and the White Rock Family. In April, he will become the SECOND LONGEST SERVING PASTOR in the Church’s overall history and the LONGEST SERVING PASTOR in the Church’s contemporary history. Please plan to join us as we celebrate our Pastor. Additional information about the Anniversary and how you can become involved will be forthcoming.

Rev. Dr. Reginald Van Stephens, Pastor

Our Ministry to the Sick

Prayer:

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

3 John 1:2

Recovering through Home Care

Amina Al-Amin

Wilhelminia Bridges

Donald Lowrance

Thomas Tucker

Evelyn Wilkerson