Fun in the Son Community Magazine 2021

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FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR

THIS NEW LAND NAMED LIBERTY!

Cliffannie Bowman

WOW!

It has been nine years of producing this special community engagement event, and it gets better and better each time.

There is great power in a group of people who come together to create impact, not for themselves or recognition, but because of their willing heart to serve.

I have always been fascinated with the Bronx community; not just because I grew up here (shoutouts to the children and residents of the BX!), but because of the pride and joy I’ve seen coming from those whose origin and story lies here.

The pride and joy I see daily comes from the store owner who opens his shop to sell pizza, or the supermarket clerk who spends time singing to the produces in the morning, or even the icee man who laughs at the simplistic joys of a child eager to enjoy a rainbow icee.

The beating drum heard under the honks of a busy street is attached to the beat of all our heart’s: it’s that of hope

and love. Love for our borough and city, and hope formed by the camaraderie we find in one another, both near and far.

Fun in the Son was an answer to a call made by all of us who desired to form a closer bond with others in our communities. With our theme this year being, “Love & Liberty in the Son,” how fitting is the thought that we have been experiencing love and liberty, and joy and relational freedom being connected one to the other. Just think about it: each year, there is a production planned, then the word is spread outwards to the members and businesses linked to our communities, and then we all land at the same place, around the same time, to relate to each other under the sun (Son)!

Yearly, we form a freedom trail; a freedom trail for our families, for our communities, and for the generations to come. Undeniably, there have been many changes in and to the Bronx since I was born, yet there is a constant - our communities thrive better when we unite together.

That, in and of itself, is liberating.

I’m so grateful to be a part of something that creates impact.

YOU are apart of a movement that impacts, and this impact asserts this: “No man is an island. No man stands alone.”

With Love,

Cliffannie Bow-

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MEET DISTRICT 12 COUNCIL MEMBER, KEVIN RILEY

A Fighter for Our Community - A NEW LEADER FOR THE BRONX

Written by: Amanda E. Medina

K

evin C. Riley is the New York City Council Member for the Bronx’s 12th District, where he represents the Wakefield, Baychester, Eastchester, Olinville, Co-op City, Edenwald, and Williamsbridge sections of the Bronx. Born, raised, and still residing in District 12, Council Member Riley possesses the connection and determination to formulate change for his home. His community engagement and service started during his long-time membership with Butler United Methodist Baptist Church. This is where his passion for service and social justice was born and continued to grow throughout his academic and professional career.

His studies at SUNY College at Old Westbury awarded him a B.A. in Politics, Economics, and Law, and he later obtained an M.P.A. in Public Af-

fairs and Administration from Metropolitan College of New York. He positioned himself as a leader, becoming president of the Mu Omicron Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; a historically black Greek letter organization, founded on service and its motto, “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.” Kevin, living this motto, returned home and went on to work for the Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Carl E. Heastie for thirteen years. This bold step laid the groundwork for his passion to di-

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WELCOME BACK, BRONX!

If the current COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything about life, we were given the important lesson of “togetherness.” For almost one whole year, this nation, our country and our communities experienced what it would be like not to share space with one another. Out of country travels were paused, malls and outlets were closed; the carefree laughter from children were muffled behind closed doors, and there was no way to get away from or around the alarming absence felt around the world.

We lost loved ones, we experienced unexplainable frustration and dealt with more responsibilities than can be described.

BUT...here we are!

We’re back outdoors, smiling at one another (through masks) and remaining high spirited, like only Bronx people can. Who knew that after going through what we’d gone through that we’d emerge with so much joy, so much love to share, and so much stories to tell! Being able to connect again in person illuminates more genuity than cell phone or social media can provide.

It’s been a while, but we’re here.

Welcome Back, Bronx!

We’ve missed you.

Liberty in the Son REV. PAUL A. PEART

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merican culture exalts the ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Nice as that may sound, everyone should be aware of the caveat; “Let the buyer be aware”. What does this mean? It means, you may not get what you thought you paid for and the American dream of liberty can become a nightmare of slavery. It is easy to be under the impression that slavery in America ended over a hundred years ago, but slavery can take on many forms. Chances are, all of us are still in some form of slavery. I want to briefly mention four types of slavery and exhort us to continue to strive for Liberty. The four types of slavery I want to address are Physical Slavery, Economic Slavery, Mental Slavery and Spiritual Slavery.

PHYSICAL SLAVERY

Today in America and around the world, physical slavery can take on the form of Human Trafficking and Mass Incarceration. The increasing wealth of some depends upon the exploitation of others. For example, we see incidents where people are lured into traps, like drug addiction, and they are then forced or pushed to work as sex slaves. For others, they work for little or nothing. Some government systems enact laws that criminalize common and petty human behavior, this way they can incarcerate people and exploit their labor for pennies. Many of our young men of color fall into these traps and end up spending years as slaves.

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Liberty in the Son continued from page 8

ECONOMIC SLAVERY

Today in and around the world, slavery is easily imposed on individuals by way getting them into debt. The Scriptures indicated that “the borrower is a slave to the lender.” When a person is in debt he or she is obligated to turn over the fruit of their labor to the lender. For example, if a person obtains a mortgage to buy a house, they can be voluntarily in slavery for up to 30 years. The trick of acquiring a mortgage is that the bank lends you your future earnings which you have to pay back to them with more interest than you borrowed. The secret is that if people are willing to lend you money, it must mean that they know that you are rich enough to pay it back. The reality is that you are in fact already rich. In fact you are likely a millionaire.

How so?

Well, the average person earning between $20,000 to $50,000 per year over the period of their working life, will earn more than a million dollars. Further, if such a person saves and invests a portion of their earnings, they will retire as a millionaire.

The key to actuating this depends upon whether a community can cooperate together and pool their resources so that they can purchase things (like homes) for cash, thus

eliminating the waste of money on paying interest on debt. I’m convinced that getting out of debt and staying out of debt is a key to liberty.

It is the key to escaping from financial enslavement.

SPIRITUAL SLAVERY

Spiritual Slavery is basically idolatry and is achieved by deception and subtlety. The most prominent form of idolatry in the world today is that of casting God in the image of man, particularly the White Man. God is cast as a White Man by means of portraying Jesus Christ as a Caucasian. This was done by the Romans and subsequently the Europeans in their quest to conquer and subjugate the world. They achieved this by portraying Jesus Christ as White. Since Jesus Christ is believed to be the Son of God, the resurrected Savior of Mankind, and worshipped as Lord, viewing Him as White can tend to subjugate nonwhites to whites. Indeed, White supremacy is rooted in a delusion that is based upon a belief that the Supreme Being is a White Man. White supremacy depends upon White people believing that God is White as is commonly portrayed by artists. This would seem to indicate that white people are superior since they look like God, which makes it more insidious when nonwhites believe that God is

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Bishop Steve Smith B

ishop Steve Smith currently serves as the Administrative Bishop for the New York Church of God. He is a second generation Church of God minister.

The call to ministry and the hands of God has been evident in the life of Bishop Smith, even in his early childhood. At about age 12 on his way home from school in the beautiful island in Jamaica, Bishop Smith was able to share the Gospel with someone, which resulted in them being led to Christ. This great minister of the gospel has served the church body in various capacities.

He has been the administrative Bishop for the New Jersey Church of God for four years, leading the state from “mission” status to “AA” status.

Beforehand, he led as Youth and Discipleship Director for the New York Church of God State for eight years and he served as Chairman of the Northeast Winterfest Committee for six years.

As a man wearing many hats, Bishop Steve Smith has also served on the

International Youth & Christian Education Board and the Church of God International Discipleship Board.

Bishop Smith has a Master’s Degree in Church Ministries from the Church of God Theological Seminary and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Northeastern Seminary. He has also served honorably and courageously in the USA Armed Forces, with decorations that include The Army Good Conduct Medal and other varied achievement awards.

In November 2011, he ran and successfully completed the New York Marathon (26.3 miles) as an outreach tool for evangelism. In November 2016 he again ran the New York Marathon as a FINISH COMMITMENT church planting project; “26 miles, 26 church plants”.

Bishop Steve Smith is married to the beautiful Mrs. Karen Smith. Their children, Sarah and Johnathan, are known to be two of the many ways the Lord has blessed their union.

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J

amaican legend Papa San (birth name, Tyrone Thompson) recognized his musical gifting from an early age and it quickly became evident to others in his community. He was singing and creating music at the age of 12, performing with other artists more than twice his age. He was also exposed to the full musical qualities

of Reggae music through dance, singing and chanting which played heavily throughout his hometown.

Having had his first hit song while still just a teenager in the mid-80s, Papa San’s phenomenal, on-going reign on international music charts earned him the nickname “Marathon Man,” as it was not uncommon

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Comic Corner

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Liberty in the Son MENTAL SLAVERY

“

Jesus came to set Mental Slavery stems in part from spiritual slavery, that is; the captives free. believing whatever is false. indoctrination can lead No matter what False people into an inferior comkind of slavery plex resulting in low self esteem and self hatred which you are in, call can make them willing to submit to an inferior role as of on Him. slavery. On the other hand, be-

White. Such an error can cause nonwhites to transfer the reverence that we normally should attribute to God, to White people. There is no way to get rid of spiritual slavery unless a person begins to think rightly about God. God is a Spirit.

He is invisible.

That makes Him colorless.

Yes, He was manifested in the flesh, but it was certainly not white flesh, since people of Middle Eastern origin are not white. They are in fact Colored. Not that the color of Jesus matters in any way; He was in flesh, but is flesh no longer, for He has been glorified. However, if our material mind still insists that God should have a color, then my advice is that a person should accept Jesus Christ into their heart and then take a look in a mirror, and there before you, lo and behold, is the Color of God. If He is in you, He now has your color.

lieving that all humans are equally created in the image and likeness of God will set us free from the inferior mindset that can lead a person to become a victim of mental slavery.

I want to encourage everyone to look to Jesus Christ, not as He is portrayed by those who are seeking to deceive and exploit - Jesus came to set the captives free. No matter what kind of slavery you are in, call on Him. That is why He is called Savior.

He saves from the traps of slavery to sin, as well as from slavery to debt, human trafficking, and every other trap that can be named. If He could get out of death and hell and the grave, surely He can also liberate you.

And who the Son sets free is free indeed!

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A Fighter for our Community continued from page 5

rectly impact the community, and thus, sparked his road to becoming a New York City Council Member.

Since assuming office in January 2021, Council Member Riley has recognized the impact of Covid-19 in our neighborhoods, and made it his priority to respond with action to its challenges. In partnership with other elected officials like Speaker Carl E. Heastie, Senator Jamaal Bailey, and contributions from various state, city, and local food distributors, Council Member Riley addresses food insecurities and financial hardships by distributing boxes of food and PPE to local neighborhoods within the district. He organizes with local food businesses, like Triple Deuce Restaurant, to support some of our essential workers with meals and supplies. In efforts to assist in keeping our communities clean and in collaboration with The New York City Department of Sanitation, Council Member Riley actions Day of Service, which rallies volunteers to take part in a community clean up in high traffic areas within the district.

Our council member has dedicated his hard work to effectively support reformation to education, and has focused on empowering and uplifting our youth. He strongly believes in the impact of mentorship, and partners with other elected officials, community leaders, and local businesses to give back. Mr. Riley makes it a priority to show up for the young people in his district, from speaking with students at schools in the neighborhood to providing mentor-

ship to our future leaders like the young men of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. From his role with Speaker Carl E. Heastie’s office to his newly elected role as our City Council Member, Kevin has played an integral role in the development and formation of the New Northeast Bronx YMCA (scheduled to open this fall). He hears the concerns of his constituency and has thus, actively taken a stand against violence in our communities by publicly advocating for community togetherness, funding crime prevention programs, and establishing initiatives that promote a safe environment for District 12.

Council Member Riley truly cares and desires to create real perpetual change within his community. He understands that change starts with the right representation and he has fully dedicated himself to be the change and advocate in the best interest of the people in District 12. A proud father of two daughters, the council member co-founded The Dad Gang organization to change the negative connotation of black fatherhood to the public on a national level. The Dad Gang represents black fathers who are present, who support their families, and provide support for others through service.

Council Member Riley’s family, especially his daughters, are a driving force and inspiration for him to uplift this community through public service. His election in December 2020 and reelection in June 2021 has only given him more motivation to continue to carry out the foundational work essential to building up District 12 and leading to a better future for the Bronx.

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FROM THE DESK OF REV. INGRID PEART

Welcome to Fun in the Son 2021!

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od is so very faithful. Thank God for Freedom in the Son! We are alive, and very thankful for God’s grace. His mercies endure forever.

Here at NTT we are working on a Strategic Prayer Initiative. Everyone should pray (Luke 18:1), and have humble conversations with God. Let us continue to surrender to our loving Father. There is still time to foster an intentional relationship with God—won’t you seriously consider doing that now?

Psalm 139:17-18 “How precious are your thoughts

about me O God. They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand…”

Thoughts are powerful — and apart from breathing, hardly any other involuntary activity of the human body can compete with our endless ability to think thoughts. We are constantly thinking! And our thoughts are

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Welcome to Fun in the Son 2021! really words full of potential that will take on indelible definitive life when uttered.

Thoughts (yes, those words), become plans, and then plans become actions… but on a deeper level, thoughts indicate intent. The Father declares His intent towards us in Jeremiah 29:11-13. This is what gives us true freedom; KNOWING that God thinks good towards us. That is Love!

God is intentional!!

He Declares: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

God also has constant thoughts…

So, His Word—and His constant thoughts towards us are good. Only.

They are to help us get to destiny & to Freedom in Christ.

So, soar!

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CARLENE DAVIS

NEW MUSIC ON THE HORIZON!

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arlene Cowan, known professionally as Carlene Davis, is known to be one of Jamaica’s most influential and dynamic recording artiest. She is a Caribbean Hall of Fame awardee and co-founder of Gospel Festival Fun In The Son. Carlene Davis was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, raised by both her parents and grand-parents, who laid the foundation and the importance of having Christ in her life.

After many years in the entertainment industry performing and recording over 15 albums and as a recipient of numerous awards with 12 Gospel albums to her credit, her audience all over still sing their heart’s out to favorites such as, “My Forever Friend”, “This Island Needs Jesus”, “One Day At A Time”, “Stealing Love” & “Handful Of Salt.” Carlene went on to release her album Dripping Blood in 2015 that charted top three on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart, making it her first PAGE 22

album that has soared that high.

Amidst all her successes, Carlene is still able to recount a real encounter with God that she had when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. She shares, “I knew without a doubt that the hand of God was upon my life all these years and this was the turning point to simply let go and let God. My prayer was and still is ‘Lord, use me as your vessel. I’m through with running from You; I run to You.’” Today, she stands as a living testimony of the mighty, healing power of God as she moves forward with renewed tenacity into her calling as an ordained minister. This mighty, musical minister has worked fervently to obtain her Ph.D. degree in Pastoral Counseling from Trinity Theological Seminary of South Florida. She is also a graduate of the Ron Kenoly Praise Academy. In 2007, Ms. Davis was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Government of Jamaica for her contribution to the music of Jamaica and community development.

Carlene entered a pivotal phase in ministry when she and her husband, Tommy 'Yes Indeed' Cowan founded the “Jamaica Fun In The Son” production, which has now become the largest Gospel Festival in the Caribbean. This music production in conjunction with their label “Glory Music” serves as a major outreach for transforming the youths in Jamaica and Haiti and has been produced in the Bronx, New York since 2013.

Tommy Cowan has played a major role in the ministry of CarPAGE 23

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They will Soar Rev. Gladstone Johnson

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

T

he1968 Film Where Eagles Dare has been one of my favorite films to watch. The movie follows a team of Allied soldiers that stage a daring rescue during World War II. A U.S. general is held captive in an imposing castle fort, high in the Bavarian Alps, when an audacious plan calls for Lt. Schaffer (Clint Eastwood), Maj. Smith (Richard Burton) and other operatives to parachute down wearing Nazi disguises. Their goal is to penetrate the mountain outpost, while undercover operatives assist them from within. However, their

mission changes when they discover that there's a traitor in their midst.

The Bible often uses the symbol of an eagle to portray strength, power, vision, and even destruction. The Biblical analogies using eagles should inspire us to righteous living and strengthen our walk with God as we go into all the world and preach the Gospel!

God is calling us to rise up and soar with wings like eagles. With the great mandate to share the gospel, we should endeavor to run out of the

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four walls of the Church to those who are in need of God’s Love. Like the cast of Where Eagles Dare, we must dare to meet the challenges that face our communities. The mission may have to change because of unintended circumstances, but we know the plan of God remains resolute. So, let us dare to join forces with all the stakeholders within our community to provide expanded services that address hunger, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, and the need for education and training. But most of all, spiritual formation.

Deuteronomy 32 vs. 10 to 11 states that, “In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye; like an eagle that stirs up its nest

and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft.”

Many of our communities are like desert lands, with barren and howling waste. God is looking for a strong team of believers who will help to rescue and shield these communities. God regards them as the apple of His eye. He’s stirring us up and like an eagle, He will spread His wings to catch us when necessary, so we need not to fear.

Forward ever!!!!

Rev. Gladstone Johnson is the Administrate Pastor of New Testament Temple Church of God and the Executive Director of Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency in the Bronx, NY.

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THIS ALL COULD BE

By CayCay Jennings Transitions towards a worldwide truce Highlight our hearts, hopes, hymns and Inspire us to embrace peace as a truth Spread globally strong from love’s roots.

All prayers seek universal peace, Love-filled hearts breathing ease and Living life as freedom guarantees.

Corrupt power holders need be Outnumbered by justice seekers, United in faith to crumble cruel Leaders and their false rule, to then Determine all lives harmony soothed.

Blessings of equality could be as they should be, Enjoyed by all brothers and sisters of humanity.

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Papa San

for him to simultaneously hold down several positions in the Top 10 at one given time. It didn’t stop there; he also acquired long runs at the No.1 spot, that no reggae or Dancehall artist to date has surpassed.

In 1994, he filled dance floors around the world with smash hit, “The Program,” which made him the first dancehall artist to hit the top of the Billboard dance chart twice.“Gimme Love” trailed behind, thereafter. Thus, it was his "unique blend of traditional reggae sound and his intricate, mesmerizing style of rhythm and wordplay" that became popular with the mainstream Hip-Hop and Rap Circles in America. With breakout songs like “I Will Survive”, “Hippity Hop”, “Legal Rights”, “Pray fi Dem”, “Strange” and “Maddy Maddy Cry”. Papa San amassed a huge audience that surpassed the Caribbean Islands. His audience broadened to Japan, The UK, Europe, Africa, the U.S. and farther, especially in the 80s and 90s.

Despite all the much deserved success, fame and material wealth this “once poor Jamaican” acquired, he still felt unsatisfied, like something was still missing in his life. Growing up in a Rastafarian culture, Papa San did not know much about Jesus and the Christian faith. While growing up in an inner city environment, this talented artist experienced hopelessness, grinding poverty and street violence. He reflects on this time in life saying, "as a child growing up, I always believed that if I just achieved certain material things

that everything would be all right.

As I became older, I had lots of success. I had lots of things, and had tried many things, but I never found the satisfaction I had expected or fulfilment of peace.” In 1997, when unexpected turns in his life were obviously moving him in the wrong direction, Papa San decided to begin a spiritual journey. He began by simply opening up a Bible, reading the Word of God. This led to a spiritual transformation through his belief in Jesus Christ, and giving his life to Him. Since his conversion, all the success, fame, accolades and material wealth accomplished before he got saved counts them as dung! He regards his life since receiving Jesus Christ to be the best.

As a result of his growing relationship with Christ, Papa San's focus for music shifted. The content of his songs changed to convey his newfound faith in the Gospel but the mighty grooves, unforgettable hooks and a mile-a-minute words and rhymes continued to soar. His astounding international success and signature sound has established him as a visionary in Reggae music, while being anchored adamantly in Kingdom-building.

Papa San is without a doubt a trailblazer in Gospel Reggae and is also still known as Jamaica’s fastest lyrical speaking DJ. He has emerged to the forefront in music and in ministry as a leader and an innovator.

This evolution is reflected in his continual presentation of poignant lyrics and in his dedication to the Gospel. Papa San is a trendsetter

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https://www.bonitajamaica.com

"One Island, Every Kind of Beauty.

LIVING IN DIVINE PURPOSE JUDITH A. GAYLE

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E

vangelist Judith A. Gayle is a prime example of God's ability to transfigure brokenness to wholesomeness. Her testimony tells a story of a life of despair transformed to a life of divine purpose.

some of America’s greats, including Vickie Winans. In 2016, Judith was nominated for the Sterling Gospel Music Awards in Jamaica.

Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Judith did not have the privilege of completing high school, but that did not deter her from successfully pursuing higher education in later years. In her pursuit of knowledge, she attended the Jamaica Open Bible Institute from 2009 to 2010 and completed her studies when she moved to New York, graduating 2014 from Canon University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology. Since childhood, Judith had a myriad of experiences that helped to shape her identity. She found solace in music and began her journey in the 1980’s beginning as a background singer for secular artists like Richie Stephens. In 1999, Ms. Gayle was invited by a friend to a local church in Clarendon and it was there that her life changed.

Ms. Judith Gayle has been churning out great gospel music over the years, inspiring millions with hits such as “Bigger God”, “Survivor”, “Things Already Betta” and “Stay with God”. Her mega-hit “Give Me Jesus” has become quite an anthem at concerts, on radio stations and has amassed over 7 million views on YouTube; an achievement that is second to none among Caribbean gospel artists. Her six albums to date include: The Sun Shines Again (2003); Broken to be Blessed (2005); Designed to Worship (2009); I Believe (2012); It’s Gonna Be Alright (2013) and The Winner in Me (2017).

Evangelist Judith Gayle was ordained as a Minister in 2014 by Bishop Michael A. Frith of the Family of Christ Church of God Ministries International in The Bronx, New York. She serves as the Worship Leader at The Temple Of Restoration in Brooklyn, New York, under the leadership of Bishop Angelo Barboso. In addition to her ministry of singing, Judith is also an author and humanitarian. She has published two inspiring and thought provoking books, titled, Broken to be Blessed; Destined to Win and This is Real, Take the Mask Off. She currently has a children's book on the way.

PURPOSE LEADS TO GREATER THINGS

As an international gospel singer & songwriter, Judith Gayle was nominated for the Mahalia Jackson award in Canada in 2007. In 2008, she placed 2nd in the Jamaica National Song Festival with the song “Mi Nah Lef Jamaica,” and in 2009, she was named Female Artist of the Year, in Jamaica. Judith continued to rack up awards as she received the MegaJamz Gospel Awards Artist of the Year in Jamaica (also in 2009!) and in 2011, she accepted the Atlanta Gospel Music Award for Best Collaboration. In 2015, she was awarded the “TrailBlazer Award” from Gospel Vibes Radio in Connecticut. Judith recalls that the highlight of the year 2015 was her appearance at the distinguished and well known Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. She sang alongside

BECOMING GOD’S PURPOSE

In recognizing and highlighting the gift of God, Judith believes that if you allow God to mold you, you will be the vessel He calls you to be.

Judith Gayle is living proof of the life transforming power of the Eternal Father.

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and is always seeking to find ways to make a difference, whether in his lyrical styles or his style of clothing.

He does not only aspire to be an effective Christian but also to make a genuine difference in this world.

Few have found the level of commercial success in the reggae and gospel arenas as Papa San. With 20 secular albums and over 15 #1 secular hits to his credit, this groundbreaking Jamaican native has impacted music and changed radio waves around the world —not only in his homeland but everywhere.

Since 1997, the swift speaking lyricist has released seven gospel albums to date, all hitting the top ten on the Reggae Billboard Chart, including the album entitled, ONE BLOOD that charted No. 1 on the Reggae Billboard Chart, on Amazon and on Itunes. He has collaborated with the likes of Kirk Franklin, Toby Mac, Percy Bady, Fred Hammond, Michelle Williams, Israel Haughton, Lecrae, Da Truth and many more…

Papa San is an internationally renowned, Jamaican Gospel Reggae and Dancehall Singer, songwriter and producer. He holds multiple recognitions in awards. He has accrued success as twelve time Marlin Award winner, GMWA Award winner. He is a Stellar Nominee and Stellar Award winner as well as an Tamika Award winner. A Dove nomination and Soul Train nomination are also included in his resume.

In 2011, Papa San and his wife Debbie, having been ordained ministers of the Gospel, were launched into Pastoral Ministry and started their joint ministry called “Our Fathers Kingdom International Ministries.”

When asked how he balances the role of being a Husband, a Senior Pastor, a Father of six children and an artist, Papa San responds that he balances it all by separating each role. “With my wife, I am her other half; at church I am Pastor Tyrone; with my children I am daddy and on stage I am Papa San.”

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CARLENE DAVIS NEW MUSIC ON THE HORIZON! continued from page 23

lene Davis as manager, songwriter and producer. Together, they have worked tirelessly both locally and internationally to spread the gospel.

This union has produced two children, expanding their family that includes three children from Tommy’s previous marriage.

SAME CARLENE NEW MUSIC!

In 2019, prior to the 2020 lockdown, Glory Music production released Carlene Davis’ 12th Gospel album The Assignment distributed

by VPal Music. This 17-track album delivers powerful songs such as “Praising God”, “Pray For You”, “Jamaica Belong To Jesus” & “You Deserve It”.

In regards to her newly released song, “Cover Me,” Dr. Carlene says, “this song has become quite a testimony, demonstrating the goodness of God, especially during my husband’s sudden hospitalization and recovery from multiple bypass surgery in November 2020. As we trusted and believed in prayer, we experienced the peace of God sustaining and covering us through the storm. Today, I am thankful to everyone who supported us in prayer and in so many other ways; words are not enough to express our gratitude. As the Scripture says in Psalm 150:6 ‘Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord’. I am so grateful for another opportunity to

offer music that inspires hope and encouragement as we go through these unprecedented times where sickness, doubts, fear, economic and social disruption seems to be the order of the day but His grace is sufficient to see us through. I pray for God's will to be accomplished through this gift of music as we

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Carlene Davis & Tommy Cowan, 2018

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The Promi Lies in the of Hope!

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mise of Joy e Comfort

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Jamaica's Independence "This is the Land of my Birth!"

Wi show off inna yellow Wi show off inna green Wi celebrate till di sun gone dung Wi celebrate fi victory!

Hot food, yes, wi love dat Banana, dumplin & cooked yam Stew peas mommy ah serve fi Sunday dinnah Mannish water inna wi hand Pots & pans ah ring together when wi see wi country man Blazing through inna di Olympics, Bringing joy inna wi land No mattah how far wi deh No mattah how long wi gone Wi still ah guh rep Jamaica Di free island where wi born!

Poem by Cliffannie Elisabeth

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Strengthening Communities

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE FUN IN THE SON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRESENTED BY

The Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency

Everything Matters

“BRING IT HOME!” TOKYO OLYMPICS, 2020

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Rios Entertainment What do you do when the Lord says to prophecy with an amplified voice to multitudes that are saved and unsaved? You move!

Efrain Rios, Dave Brown and Carl T. Smith started as humble musicians with small sound systems. The strategic and undeniable hands of the Lord put a team of willing hearts together to be hands extended, providing clear sound, immaculate staging, and precise lighting for various church events, both large and small.

Their obedience to serve others opened doors to so much more!

Their combined efforts with the team and executive members of Fun in the Son in the Bronx has caused Rios Entertainment’s team elated anticipation for what’s to come; not only for their business, but also for North Bronx. Nine years later, Fun in the Son has become reliant on the prowess and expertise of Rios Entertainment.

To them we say, thank you!

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e c a l p t e k r Ma

Glad to be a part of Such Event May God Continue to Bless our Community...

May God Continue to Bless From : Palm Tree Marketplace & Family our Community...

THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES CDC, Inc. 1451 E. GUN HILL ROAD, BRONX, NY 10469 TEL: 718-881-1180 | Fax: 718-881-1190 EMAIL: INFO@BRONXNHS.ORG WEB: BRONXNHS.ORG

About Us Our Purpose The Bronx Neighborhood Housing Services has been around for over 30 years, providing vital services to prospective and existing homeowners.

We are a non-profit counseling agency approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Our mission is to revitalize communities and address emerging needs while empowering residents to achieve self-sufficiency through homeownership.

Bronx NHS works with the NYS Affordable Housing Corp., NYS Homes & Community Renewal, and the NYC Dept. of Housing Preservation & Development to provide FREE education, counseling and other resources to potential and existing homeowners. Sustaining homeownership protects our neighborhoods from property abandonment, which can drive home values down.

What we do  EDUCATION & COUNSELING  GRANT/LOAN FACILITATION  REAL ESTATE SERVICES  FREE TAX PREPARATION  REFERRALS

First Time Homebuyer

Foreclosure Prevention

Bronx NHS is a recognized leader in helping community residents overcome the barriers to homeownership and offers a full range of educational services designed to build knowledge and confidence and strengthen neighborhoods. Bronx NHS provides the following housing and education services aimed at first-time homebuyers:  2 Hours orientation/Free of charge  Learn what it takes to become a home owner  Grants for down payment and closing cost  Competitive loan products  Education and counseling  Referrals to lenders, inspectors, attorneys, real estate & insurance agents

Struggling with your mortgage payments? Our experienced counselors will help you understand the different options available and determine the best course of action for you to take based on your circumstances. Together, we will:  Review your budget and finances  Negotiate with your lender as needed: Refinance, Modification, Forbearance, Partial Claim, Reverse Mortgage  Review paperwork and submit on your behalf  Help you find a reputable attorney or realtor.  Discuss other potential options available

First Home Education Course (FHC) This course is for long-term clients that may need more time to get ready to purchase.

It will meet 3 times quarterly.  Will help prepare client to buy first home.

Fast Track Course Designed for near ready to buy clients or Bank approved clients.  One day, 8-Hour Class  Will help prepare client to buy first home.

What You Need to Do 1. Attend free Homeowners seminar 2. Complete Bronx NHS intake form 3. Gather required documents:  2 most recent paystubs  W-2 or 1099 forms for past 2 years  Tax returns for past 2 years  Social security award letter (if applicable)  Proof of alimony and child support (if applicable)  Proof of additional income (if applicable)  Proof of funds available (i.e. bank statements) Schedule a counseling session with us

To learn more or to register for a homebuyer orientation, please visit our website www.bronxnhs.org Follow us on

/bronxnhscdc /bronxnhscdc

1451 East Gun Hill Road, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10469 - (718) 881-1180 - www.bronxnhs.org

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We are proud to support Fun In The Son Bronx Community Engagement

Andrew A Williams Assistant Vice President | Branch Manager ANWILLIAMS@investorsBank.com 718.628.8391 * Office Ridgewood Branch

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YEAR

9

HOW TIME FLIES.

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Thank you Children’s Village Healthy Village Security Décor Transportation (Artiste/General) Hospitality Media Support/Audio/Visual Food and Beverage Project Management Stage Management/Artist Management Social Media Welcome Desk Supplies Management Prayer Evangelism Follow-up Set-up/Breakdown Electrical

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And our story continues...

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Eternity Funeral Services, LLC Karrie O. Harvey-Edwards ~ CEO / Licensed Manager 725 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10467 ph (718) 231-8737 • fax (718) 231-3169 efsnys@gmail.com www.EternityFuneralServicesNY.com