Fun In The Son Community Magazine 2019

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Editor’s Desk FROM THE

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ello to All! Welcome to the 7th edition of our Magazine!

Over the years we have covered a variety of topics, ranging from mental health to effects of gun violence. While we delve into a plethora of topics concerning our community, we always remember to keep faith in the forefront, communicating to our readers that through knowledge (as we all know knowledge is power) and Christ, we can do anything. Through the Grace of God, all things are possible.

This year the focus is on providing financial education to our community. The relationship between finance and the black community is severely lacking. Financial literacy and economic health are extremely important for the well-being of a community. A few years ago, April 16, 2016, to be exact, I held a financial event in conjunction with Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency, the event was titled “Wealth Mastery Luncheon: Journey to Financial Freedom through your Investments, Taxes, and Credit,” during the event I had experts in their respective financial field come and discuss the importance of financial health and how to gain control of your financial future. In our community, this subject is rarely discussed and being in a financial bind can lead people to do things they are not proud of.

Today's music reinforces the trope of making money by any means. This is why is important to introduce to the youth ways to educate themselves and live the way God intended. I have heard many horror stories about what people have had to do while living hand to mouth. “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

Eliminating this lifestyle by influencing our community through education will help individuals understand their financial strength. As the old adage goes, “ give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”. Once a man learns something, no one can ever take that away from him. Knowledge is power, knowledge is a force- self-sufficiency is the end goal. Partnering with young people such as myself and giving the community the education it so desperately needs, has always been a theme of Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency. This year we are proud to introduce a new addition to 12th District 2019 FUN IN THE SON 4

Community Engagement Day Fun in the Son, the Wealthy Village, bringing panels of experts to our community to educate and develop a relationship so our people can flourish, grow and leave a legacy behind.

Partnering with New York City (NYC) Councilmember Andy King, the 12th District Community Engagement Day Fun in the Son is presented to show our community engagement and pride. With a reach to over 20,000 people in the past 6 years, we have been able to provide invaluable information to help others help themselves and flourish.

And so I leave you with this, “Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.” Ecclesiastes 7:12

Zara Diaby is a recent honors graduate from Queens College. She is a dynamic writer with a passion for helping and educating her community. She resides in the Bronx and intends to continue her calling in service.

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Editor’s Desk

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Divine Judgement & The Love Of God

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Minister Carlene Davis

12

Who Is New York City Council Member Andy L. King?

Message From The First Lady

Giving Back - A Passion For Doing Good

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For Community And Client

15

Glacia Robinson

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Who Is My Neighbor?

Odayne Rhoden And The Worship Experience Papa San

You Have Already Won!

Who Are The Amplifiers?

A Business Success Story

Suicide – An Epidemic In The Making? Sara Conner

Minister Kevin Heath Eddie James

High Chief Mrs.Celine Orji Praise Xpressed

All Access Granted- Jesus Paid It All Jamaica ‘One Nation, One People’

Rev. Donnie McClurkin History Of The Bronx

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REV. PAUL A. PEART

here exists a belief that everyone, except those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, will be judged and condemned and cast into the lake of fire to be punished for ever and ever. This “everyone” includes anyone who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel, even if they were “good people”. This belief is based upon several Scriptures, such as; “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 5:12, and “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6), and “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Rom. 10:9

“

I have fought a good

fight, I have finished my

course, I have kept the faith:

”

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at

that day: and not to me

the gospel, were baptized, and are included in the first resurrection and rapture of the living saints, are doomed to be condemned and cast into the lake of fire at the final judgement. I believe that conclusion is in error.

While I firmly believe that Jesus Christ is the only means of everlasting life, I also believe and will prove from scripture that many persons that were not raised from the dead at the first resurrection or that were left Based upon these and other texts, it behind at the time of the rapture, will is believed that anyone who is not in fact, not be cast into the lake of saved to the extent that they heard fire, but rather will be found quali2019 FUN IN THE SON 8

fied to inherit everlasting life. The question is often asked; how can a loving God condemn people (including good people) to everlastings punishment in a lake of fire, even if they never had the opportunity to hear or respond to the gospel? The typical answer is difficult to accept.

Persons that would have a loving God subject so many of his creatures to everlasting punishment do so on the basis of what they claim to be God’s justice. They claim that since God is just, he must judge sin and the punishment for those not saved from sin is sentence to everlasting fire. However, that God is Just also suggest that God is fair. By fair we mean that the punishment must suit the crime. In our justice system we extend leniency even to the guilty based upon various circumstances, such as; ignorance, first time offense, age, character, passion, etc. Additionally, even those that are sentenced to be punished are given more or less time or more or less se-

continue on page 49

FROM THE DESK OF

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t is a distinct honor afforded to us, by the Holy Spirit, to be alive today.

If it were not for the grace of God, we could all ask this one question… “Where would I be?’ Thanking God for yet another year of Fun In The Son!

This year finds us seeking God in absolute surrender. It seems that after years of trying to do things our way, making our own plans and trying to please God, we realized that letting go of the controls was not enough…. We have to completely let go.

The blessing is that God does it in us once we allow him to by giving up our fight to do everything we want to do for Him by our own strength.

Here a few quotes from Andrew Murray’s book “Absolute Surrender”—

“God does not ask you to give the perfect surrender in your strength, or by the 2019 FUN IN THE SON 10

First Lady REV. INGRID PEART

power of your will; God is willing to work it in you. Do we not read: “It is God that worketh in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). ...learn to believe...” (page 8, Andrew Murray, Absolute Surrender)

God knows, even in our uniqueness, what we all need—

“…no outward instruction, even from Christ himself, or His words in Scripture, can bring us the full blessing— until the Holy Spirit works it in us.”

“…to every waiting heart that will make the sacrifice, and give up everything, and give time to cry and pray to God, the answer will come. The blessing is not far off. Our God delights in helping us. He will enable us to perfect, not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, what was begun in the Spirit.”

“...there is a God present who at that very moment takes possession of you. You may not feel it... but God takes possession if you will trust Him. When God

has begun the work of absolute surrender in you, and when God has accepted your surrender, then God holds Himself bound to care for it and to keep it. Will you believe that? In this matter of surrender there are two: God and I— I a worm, God the everlasting and omnipotent Jehovah. Worm, will you be afraid to trust yourself to this mighty God now? God is willing. Do you not believe that He can keep you continually, day by day, and moment by moment?” (page 12, Andrew Murray, Absolute Surrender) Let us absolutely surrender to the God to whom nothing is impossible. It is about time that we trust Him to do exactly what He has promised. 2 Tim 1:12 says “ For I know in whom I have believed and I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”

2019 we are continuously committing ALL to Him. God bless you.

Carlene Davis C Minister

arlene Davis latest project is out in the form of the gospel album titled “The Assignment”

The ordained Minister continues to spread the good news of the gospel in this her 12th Gospel Album and the 25th of her career. The 17 track album is aimed at reaching the unchurched and non-believer to a life that’s ‘Christ like’. “It’s about souls” says Carlene. The title track and title of the album “The Assignment” speaks to the purpose that God has on every person’s life. It speaks of hope to those who are without – that you have to fight for what’s yours. Fight the distractions, the naysayers, the negatives and seek God’s assignment for your life.

“An assignment is instructions from God, His desire for us. None of us was born by mistake. God said to Jeremiah [Jeremiah 1:5], ‘Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I knew you….and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’ “We are created, born and ordained for a specific assignment on Earth. It may be that thing that you desire or have a passion for. She said, “The Assignment” also speaks to the body of Christ. We want to see a revival among the Christians. We are saying, wake up and be the agents of change, take our rightful place, declare who God is and encourage each other.

The woman of God also admitted that this new project has also been a source of encouragement to her. “As I listen to the songs and reflect on the four years it took to get it finished, I recognize the importance of staying the course of what I’m called to do – first as an ambassador for Christ, using the gifts and tools He has given me to carry that message of the hope and love of Christ to a hurting world.”

The album features other gospel ministers to include Marion Hall on Pray for You, Naomi Cowan on I am No-longer a Slave to You, DJ Nicholas on Shake it Off; and Bishop Jackie McCullough sermonette on the root version of Shake it Off. There is a music video from this project with track ‘Praising God’ which can be seen on You Tube. All music available on digital platforms - iTunes, Amazon, Tidal, Apple Music, Vpal Music and Spotify. Distributed by VP Records, executive producers, Tommy Cowan and Carlene Davis-Cowan, a Glory Music production. 2019 FUN IN THE SON 12

MAUREEN GOULBOURNE

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Giving Back

- A PASSION FOR DOING GOOD FOR COMMUNITY AND CLIENT

On giving back - A passion for doing good for community and client New York Life President’s Council Agent Maureen Goulbourne on her career as a way of giving back to her community

Giving back to the community

rowing up in Jamaica, Maureen Goulbourne’s humble beginnings shaped her commitment to her clients through community engagement and her passion for giving back on a consistent basis. It’s no coincidence that a significant portion of her clients include her church community. She affirms “volunteering my services in areas of charitable events, youth and benevolent outreach programs is how I like to make a difference.”

She credits a personal experience at her church six years ago for pursuing a career at New York Life. She states “Professor Robinson from my son’s high school made a presentation at our church during Black History Month six years ago. The message was centered around economic conditions endured by underserved communities and the stigma that comes with this affiliation. This desire to help others realize their full potential and planning for the future ignited my interest.”

“And then coincidentally, the following day, I received a call from a recruiter at New York Life” she states. After speaking with then Partner Alexander D’Agostino, now Managing Partner in the Great Plains GO, she realized that New York Life had all the resources that she needed “to empower and educate people about having a brighter future both economically, socially and to start dreaming big.”

Goulbourne likes that her career has allowed her to be “in business for herself, but not by herself.” She notes how “building relationships is a fundamental element and allows me to effectively qualify the client and their motivation for investing. The primary purpose of qualifying clients is to enhance their experience.”

She also maintains “Every policy that I write through my level of dedication and commitment converts my new prospects into loyal clients. This has resulted in increased growth of my client base via word of mouth, as clients feel more comfort-

able doing business with me and sending me referrals.” For these reasons Maureen has topped the awards scale at New York Life with the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), Premier President’s Council – top 2% successful agent, Premier Ambassador for the African American Cultural Market, Top Producer of the Year Award 2013 – 2018 in the Westchester General Office, Guest Panelist – The American College for Financial Professionals (Women in Finance), and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisor (NAIFA).

Living a life of purpose is just one way that Goulbourne believes she can change the financial future of communities. Her purpose is to educate the communities she serves by creating awareness around financial topics that impact them on a daily basis. She proudly declares that “knowledge is powerful!”. Being deliberate in selecting the communities that can benefit greatly from her services is just one way Goulbourne has been able to create a business model rooted in giving first. 2019 FUN IN THE SON 15

Nyackk C College is proud to serrve as a sponsor for Fun in the Son 2019

For more information about Nyack programs and grants, please contaact: Derrick Adkins Nyack College derrick.adkins@nyack.edu 646-378-6104

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To answer the question who is my neighbor it occurs to me that I have to ask in the same breath: Who am I? Luke 10:25-37

lawyer asks Jesus who is my neighbor? In Luke 10:29. He asked this question to set up something he wanted to say. He wanted to justify himself. Jesus would have none of that.

Jesus told him a story he would not have expected. Whatever this lawyer had in mind for the answer, it wasn't the story Jesus told. And it's not what we would expect either. Yes, we may all know the parable of the Good Samaritan, but it can be a little confusing. The “neighbor,” it would appear, is the man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho who was beaten and left for dead (Luke 10:30). Most of us know that our neighbors are those who live in close proximity to us or those in need. But in the end, Jesus says the Samaritan who helped the man "proved to be the neighbor" (Luke 12:36–37). So here we are, along with the lawyer, trying to figure out whom we're sup-

posed to love, and Jesus turns the question around. Look at this man who acts in mercy. Stop asking, "Who is my neighbor?" There are deeper questions to ponder. "When we are done trying to establish, 'Is this my neighbor?' — the decisive issue of love remains: What kind of person am I?"

"Who are you?" — that's the question. Are we going to be like this Samaritan who gives help when help is needed? Or are we going to be caught up in questions about who we're supposed to help, and when and where and how, and what if they will be ungrateful or misuse or abuse our neighborly love.

So the way we think about neighbors must change. Look at the man/woman in the mirror. It is not about looking for a neighbor but it is about being that neighbor. The neighbor was the Good Samaritan not the man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho. The Priest and Levite disqualifies themselves because they failed to be neighborly. Father thank you for allowing us to have a new perspective on the question “Who is my neighbor.” We understand

those in close proximity to us and those among us with needs we can meet are our neighbors. However through this parable you have shifted the focus from the neighbor next door to the neighbor in us. We now understand you more, you want us to be that neighbor by doing good works of service. Amen. Matt 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Rev. Gladstone A. Johnson

Adminstrative Pastor New Testament Temple CHurch of God

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Glacia Robinson

maica, New Zealand, Sweden, and various locations within the USA.

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lacia Robinson is a multi-award winning singer, songwriter, composer, producer, anointed minister of music, praise and worship leader, missionary, and author. She spends her life in service to God and to others. Often with guitar in hand, Glacia’s travels have taken her to Antigua, Barbuda, Belize, The British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Israel, Ja-

A humanitarian at heart, her gifting has applauded the efforts of many charity organizations. She particularly passionate about giving back, embracing those who have been rejected and dejected by society and their situations, working behind the scenes, helping them to fulfill their purpose and destiny. With five (5) award winning albums and many singles released to date, she has extended her creative and cultural footprint by singing and recording in Spanish, Korean, Sotho, Creole and Surinamese. Glacia has various collaborations with recording artists from Thomas Mc Clarey (from the Commodores) to the energetic Papa San, Terry Clarke, Mr. Vegas, Carolee Mayne, Agent Sasco, and other recording artists from Jamaica, Canada, Sweden, Norway, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Puerto Rico and the list goes on. The song, " I Remember" was recently featured as the soundtrack for the Christian movie "Liberacion/ Liber-

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he Worship Xperience under the leadership of Bro. O. Rhoden was birthed in February 2016. A vibrant, spirit filled group of young people joined in the ministry and has worked ardently to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Worship Xperience goes way beyond aesthetics, as the group’s main focus is to serve their brothers and sisters. During their tenure, they have shared their entertainment space with some of America’s finest Gospel artist and musicians inclusive of, Marvin Sapp, Dr. Juanita Bynum, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and RESOUND. On the other hand, when the lights go out and the music ceases,

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ation" in Puerto Rico.

Her powerful testimony glorifies God and His mighty works in her life for she was revived from the brink of death, restored, blessed and preserved. She was sick for five and a half years (51/2 years), her body weight plummeted to less than ninety pounds (90 lbs), passing through many hospital doors, surviving countless tests, wheelchair, pampers and strong medications. Even though doctors gave up on her, holding on to the word of God, she declared Psalm 118:17 “I shall not die but live to declare the works of the Lord.” God has a purpose for her life and she lives each day to fulfill that purpose. Her ministry extends into international missions, inspirational and motivational speaking.

Visit www.glaciarobinson.com for bookings and for more information. facebook.com/glaciarobinsonministries twitter.com/glaciarobinson

ODAYNE RHODEN and The WORSHIP

Xperience

these powerful ministers of the gospel launch out into the community to socialize with the grassroots people who are sometimes forgotten. They host health fairs, feed the homeless, visit the sick in hospitals, and comfort the troubled in prison. As a matter of fact, they sometimes get invited to do concerts to bring joy and hope to the inmates at Riker’s Island and even young students in kindergarten and middle school.

Their goal is to continue promoting the Good Samaritan creed through ministry and to shine the light of Jesus Christ in the hearts of their brothers and sisters.

PAPA SAN J amaican legend Papa San, rightfully named Ty- rone Thompson, realized his musical gifts from an early age and quickly became evident to others in his community. He was singing and creating music at the age of 12, even performing with other artists more than twice his age. While growing in an inner city environment, he experienced the hopelessness, grinding poverty and street violence. He was also exposed to the full musical qualities of Reggae mu- sic through dance, singing and chanting which was played full blast with large sound systems through- out his hometown. Having had his first ‘smash’ 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 for him to simultaneously hold down several positions in the Top 10 at one given time, as well as to the long runs at No.1 that still no reggae or Dancehall artist to date has surpassed.

In 1994 he filled dance floors around the world with ‘The Programme’, which made him the first dance- hall artist to hit the top of the Billboard dance chart twice, also with “Gimme Love”. 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 smash hits like I Will Survive, Hippity Hop, Legal Rights, Pray fi Dem, Strange and Maddy Maddy Cry, among many others, brought Papa San a huge audience in all the Caribbean Islands and around the world in Japan, UK, Europe, Africa, the U.S. and more throughout the 80s and 90s. Despite all the success, fame and material wealth this once poor Jamaican acquired through his talent and music, he still felt unsatisfied, like something was still missin g in his life. Growing up in a Rastafarian culture Papa San did not know much about Jesus and the Christian faith. Living in poverty, Papa San fig- ured that things would be great if he could get out of this hard life style by earning enough money. Papa San reflects, "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 manythings,butI neverfoundthesatisfactionIhadexpectedorfulfilmentof peace”. In 1997, when unexpected turns in his life were obviously moving him in the wrong direction, Papa San began a spiritual journey, simply by opening up a Bible, reading God's Word. This lead to a spiritual transformation through belief in Jesus Christ, and giving his life to Him. Since his conversion,

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all the suc- cess, fame, accolades and material wealth accomp lished before he got saved he count 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 sig- nature sound has established him as a visionary in Reggae music while being anchore d adamantly in Kingdom building. Papa San is without a doubt the trailblazer in Gospel Reggae, and is still known also as Jamaica’s fast- est lyrical speaking DJ. He has emerged to the forefront in music and in ministry as a leader and an inno- vator. This evolution is reflected in his continual presentation of poignant lyrics and in his dedication to the Gospel. Papa San is a trend setter and is always seeking to find ways to make a difference. Whether it was in his lyrical styles, his dressing and even making changes in Gospel Music when he was introduce as a “Gospel Dancehall Singer”. He does not only aspire to be an effective Christian but also to make a 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, the Jamaican native has impacted music charts and radios around the world —not only in his homeland. Since 1997, the swift speaking lyricist has re- leased seven gospel albums to date, all hitting top ten on the Reggae Billboard Chart. Which includes the album“ONEBLOOD”thatwasNo.1ontheReggaeBillboardChart,AmazonandItunes. Hehascollabo- rated 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 Gos- pel Reggae and Dancehall Singer, songwriter and producer, twelve time Marlin Award winner/ GMWA award winner/ Stellar nominee and award winner/ Tamika Award winner/ Dove nominee/ Soul Train nominee beside others. In 2011, Papa San and his wife Debbie, having been ordained ministers of the Gospel, were launched into Pastoral Ministry and started “Our Fathers Kingdom International Ministries.” Even with being a Husband, a Senior Pastor, a Father of six children and an artist when asked how he balance all the roles, he says, “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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YOU HAVE ALREADY WON!

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REV. CLOVER HAWTHORNE

Snr. Pastor The Gathering Int.

s a pastor I have always encouraged my congregation to spend time with God; to spend time in His word so they can hear His voice for themselves. When you find yourself in the middle of a crisis and you need a word from God, you cannot wait to get to your pastor, or the resident prophet. You need a NOW word! You must be in the position where you can assuredly say, THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO ME. Let me remind you that your dependence must be upon God; not your boss, not your parents, not who you hang with and, not your pastor.

The word of the Lord came to me May 17, 2017, and this is what the Lord said, “I am realigning everything that was out of alignment, including your families. Where there has been confusion, or lack of understanding or uncertainty, where there has been panic, or a breakdown of order, God is now bringing order, clarity, and structure. I want you to receive this in your spirit. The Apostle Paul said, “We also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers (1Thess. 2:13). The word from the Lord is that things that were difficult in the past season will become

easier. I want to say to one person reading this right now, God is up to something! Even though you may not be able to recognize it now, I believe if you will pay attention, and listen with your heart you will see the Lord fixing things for victory. If you really know your God, then you will know when He is about to make a move! When God is about to speak something, the people who really know their father, who walk in the spirit will be able to sense it. How? Because there is this unique ability given by the Holy Spirit to sense when God is about to make a move.

By Faith we hear things that we cannot yet see. When the word of the Lord comes into your life you may not immediately see a change in your circumstance. While you may not see an immediate outward change in your situation, know that it is producing a change in you that will bring about the anticipated manifestation. Faith in God’s word is what empowers it to produce. There are some things I know in my soul that I haven’t yet seen in my situation, but because they are God breathed, I believe God will bring them to pass. You know there are things God told you that have not yet materialized, but you know your God will bring them to pass. You see, whenever you start out in faith, it always feels like nothing . . . like nothing is happening in the natural! And that’s tough, because you know what you’ve heard. I believe this is what Habakkuk had in mind when he wrote, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (ch. 2:3). Just because you cannot see it, doesn’t mean that God hasn’t spoken it! Remember the story in 1 Kings 18? “Now Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and

drink; for there is the sound of the roar of a heavy shower.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink.” (But Elijah did not.) Sometimes you cannot eat like everyone else. You have to assume a lifestyle of fasting and prayer. So, while Ahab was eating and drinking, ELIJAH went up to the top of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth and put his face between his knees. Watch this! He was not looking. He was praying and listening; listening for God’s promise.

Maybe you too need to listen. You need to go by what God has said and is saying, and not by what you see! Hebrews 11:1 admonishes that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I don’t know how long Elijah assumed that position of crouching, but in 1 Kings 18: 43 he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” The servant went, looked and saw nothing, Elijah then told him, “Go again seven times.” It came about at the seventh time, that the servant said, “Behold, a cloud as small as a man’s hand is coming up from the sea” (vs 44). Elijah must have thought “That’s it! “Go up,” he instructed the servant. “Say unto Ahab, “Prepare your chariot and go down, so that the heavy shower does not stop you’ “(44). In a little while the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy shower.

Don’t miss this. Elijah told Ahab there was the sound of the roar of a heavy shower, but how many times did the servant go by the sea to look before he even saw a cloud as small as a man’s hand? Seven (7) times! May I suggest to you, that perhaps, just perhaps there were some things Elijah knew in His soul that he hadn’t yet seen in his situation. I believe he saw the rain, in the spirit, before even a cloud became visible in the skies – in the natural! So, he went up to the top of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth and put his face between his knees and listened.

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Who Are the Amplifiers? Hey, that’ll be us! The Amplifiers are a group of passionate young adults who recognize the scarcity of leadership within our generation, for our generation and have decided to solidify our mark in our community as believers and vessels of the one who has redeemed us. Birthed in the year of 2018 out of our home at New Testament Temple Church of God, we understand the hunger that is spreading rapidly through those of us that are desperate for a change; in our community, in our ministry/faith-based

homes (also known as our churches), as well as in our personal reality. We heard and still hear the cries of those who wish to find solace because they’re starving for something or someone to replenish them as well as give realistic tools to overcome realistic difficulties. Although we don’t have it ALL figured out, we follow the one who truly does; our Father in heaven. Our main focal goal, as per our mission statement, is to seek to empower others; to be the hand extended. We choose to build and to

grow together than to struggle apart. We seek to grow from the inside out and what better way to do that than to fellowship together, to learn from each other as well as the trials and errors that we’ve endured? We are in no way finished products, but our hope is that we be set aside for God to pour into us, as we submit to Him refining and molding us as He sees fit. Our continual prayer is to understand the ways of life through Christ’s eyes, especially as young adults who live in Faith and not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (shameless Bible Plug-In) • Welcome to Our Family. Instagram: theamplifiers_

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By: Zara Diaby

his year, Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency (GNCOA) is introducing to the 12th District Community Engagement and Fun In The Son Festival “The Wealthy Village.” According to the United States Census Bureau, black wealth is about 7% of whites. In 2014, the median net worth of black households was $9,590, while for Hispanic households it was $17,530, and the median net worth for non-Hispanic households was measured to be $130,800. The Economic Policy Institute reports that many black families, approximately 25%, find themselves in debt and have zero or negative net worth.

Because so many black families are in debt or find themselves with a negative balance, this negatively impacts the entire race, for every $100 owned by a white family, black families only own $5.04. To quell this disproportion, Good Neighbors has developed The Wealthy Village to be a catalyst to offer financial literacy and promote awareness in our community. We will focus on black spending power and the ways in which we can improve our credit, investments, savings, and mortgages.

COREY LAWRENCE A BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY

A beacon of black-business ownership, Corey Lawrence, the owner of East Harlem’s IHOP, with locations at 2088 Lexington Avenue and 2294 Adam Clay-

A Business Success Story ton Powell Jr. Boulevard, has been providing financial and technical support to Good Neighbors Community Outreach Agency and New Testament Temple Church of God (NTT), for the benefit of his community. As a result, Thanksgiving dinners are served to the homeless annually and weekly breakfasts served to community residents. Mr. Lawrence uses his influence as a business owner to attract other businesses to help support the Fun In The Son Community Engagement. His engagement with his community demonstrates how important business ownership is to increasing black wealth for a better community.

POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

GNCOA joined forces with Council Member Andy King and the 12th District Community Engagement Day Parade in 2016. As a result of the coming together of businesses, elected officials, and charitable organizations a synthesis has been formed that produce a positive expression of charity that exists within the community and is being expressed to the community. The festival includes a Children’s Village with Junior Broadcast Training, Throwback Games, assorted treats, reading sessions and distribution of over 1,000 books. A Healthy Village focusing on nutritional education, preventive care, screening for diabetes, and other potential ailments.

With a reach of over 20,000 people in the past 6 years, we have been able to provide invaluable information to help others help themselves.

Corey Lawrence is a perfect example of how black wealth and black business ownership can positively impact our community.

We look to the future when there will be a larger representation of the business community along with the endorsement

of other elected officials who will follow the lead of Councilmember Andy King. Most importantly we would like to join forces with faith-based charitable organizations such as churches, schools and community organizations to increase the wealth of the black community.

JOIN OUR GROWING LIST OF SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

GOOD NEIGHBORS COMMUNITY OUTREACH AGENCY NEW TESTAMENT TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES (IHOP HARLEM) COUNCIL-MEMBER ANDY KING 12th DISTRICT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DAY PARADE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEDDY NISSAN CITY WORLD AUTO GROUP CONEDISON VICTORIA MUTUAL BUILDING SOCIETY APPLE BANK WEBSTER BANK THE GATHERING INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM WORSHIP CENTER NY CHURCH OF GOD S&Y GRACE SUPERMARKET J & C GRACE WEST INDIAN SUPERMARKET JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD COOLER RUNNINGS JAMAICAN RESTAURANT NYACK NEW YORK’S CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Zara Diaby is a recent honors graduate from Queens College. She is a dynamic writer with a passion for helping and educating her community. She resides in the Bronx and intends to continue her calling in service.

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DELIA M. FARQUHARSON, LCSW City Councilwoman – City of Mount Vernon, NY

ow do we explain what appears to be a sudden increase in the number of suicides? What is more alarming is what appears to be a significant increase in the number of suicides among young children and law enforcement personnel. Why? How come?

In a 2018 article The Washington Post reported, “Historically, suicide rates in the United States have been higher for whites than blacks across all age groups.” Are you concerned yet? According to an article by CBS News dated September, 2016, an examination of suicide data in 17 states between 2003 and 2012, 87 children ages 5 to 11 died by suicide, 606 children aged 12 to 14, the majority of those children were male. For communities of color, it gets worse. 40% of those children were Black children and most of them died at home.

According to the article at least the majority of the victims had a mental health problem. 60% of the children were reported to have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

Research in this area also looked at several reasons that could be contributing to the increase number of suicides among children: • Developmental Issues • Interruption in family relationships and social connections • Increased Social Isolation caused by social media • Decreased direct play and physical interaction Are there similar concerns with law en2019 FUN IN THE SON 32

SUICIDE

– AN EPIDEMIC IN THE MAKING? forcement officers in the United States? CBS News recently reported on the death of another police officer, this was believed to be the third suicide in less than two weeks. “Suicide is a growing problem — not just in New York — but nationwide.” These three deaths are seen as part of a disturbing trend across the country. “In 2018, at least 167 officers died by suicide — 9% more than the number who died in the line of duty, according to Massachusetts nonprofit Blue Help.” According to one study, cops are 30% more likely to kill themselves than the general public.

The authorities describe the trend as a crisis of mental health.

Officers don't want to go home and burden their spouse with the ugliness they have encountered the last eight to 10 hours," said Chicago police chaplain Father Dan Brandt. "These officers see more evil in the course of a 10-hour tour than most people see in a lifetime."

As this article was being written, another police officer, 53-year-old Kevin Preiss, was found dead in his suburban home from a gunshot wound to the head. His death is believed to be the sixth cop death by suicide in New York City so far this year.

It is reported that Officer Preiss killed himself while he was sitting on his porch and while there was a family gathering happening inside the home. His colleagues described him as hero who saved people. So,

what could possibly have driven the officer to this decision?

In the Daily News, The Chief of Department, Terence Monahan asked. "How we can handle this better? How we can help out people? Cops run out, day in day out, and save people’s lives that we don’t know. We have to figure out a way to save our own lives.”

So how can lives be saved? More mental health training is one way. Everyone who is able to, should consider doing the Mental Health First Aid course. It is unfortunate but families must now regard themselves as the first line of the defense and pay keen attention to the moods and mental state of their loved ones, especially if they are police officers and first responders. And then the New York City Police Department declared suicide a mental health crisis within the department. Immediate and urgent action is required.

We must do all we can to prevent others from completing suicides. If you suspect that a loved one is suicidal always Call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or 1-800-273-TALK.

My best advice is this: Be ever hopeful Listen to others when they speak Show compassion Do not be afraid to say the “S” word, ask about suicide Seek help immediately.

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SARA CONNER

ara Conner was born in Kingston, Jamaica into a prominent musical and diverse family. Having personally overcome devastating situations, she helps others discover the strength, faith and hope that comes through obeying the Word of God. A firm believer that adversity can be used as a catapult to greatness, Sara is rallying others to stay the course, increase our commitments and serve where we are planted. Sara is funny, practical, energetic and engaging. She is passionate about God and His people. She reaches across denominational and cultural lines travelling across the globe encouraging others to live a winning life in Christ. Her assignment in Christ has allowed her to speak to congregations around the world in Europe, Africa, South America the Caribbean and the United States where she currently lives. From audiences of 100 to 80,000 Sara commits to “preach the word” as commanded in 2Tim. 4:2, build the local church and reach those who do not know Christ.

Sara is a graduate of Christ for the Nations Institute where she received a Certificate in Biblical Studies and Missions. She earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary of South Florida and a Masters in Christian Education with an emphasis on Biblical Culture from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. In addition, Sara is a certified Christian Counselor

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with the International Institute for Faith Based Counseling.

Sara is the author of Warfare 101, The Space Between as well as the Fearless, Pure Heart and Sunny Side Up Devotions. She is a contributing writer for MICI Magazine in Australia and B3 Caribbean Parenting Magazine. She is a frequent guest on the Victoria Osteen Radio show, has appeared on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Get Up Erica Radio Show with Erica Campbell. Sara is the Assistant Pastor of Word of Truth Family Church in Arlington Texas alongside her husband Eben. They have been married 24 years and have two children, Heaven & Landon.

FB: @pastorsaraconner IG: @pastorsara Twitter: @pastorsara

Minister Kevin Heath

ecording Gospel Artist, a kingdom believer, an evangelist, a Preacher, a motivational speaker, a counsellor, a jovial man of God.

Met in a terrible accident, had an ‘out of body’ experience. Lived on the streets for several years. Won Cayman Islands Gospel festival 2012 with his song “True Friend”, was the 2013 gospel artist of the year in the Cayman Islands. Was nominated for local gospel hit of the year 2017 with his song ( I’m Above). Was nominated as gospel breakout sensation of the year 2017 and awarded for same in 2018 at the Sterling Gospel Music Awards in Jamaica. Was nominated for gospel male artist of the year for 2019. He is happily married and the union has produced two Boys Kevroy and Tadrew. Kevin continues to reach people everywhere he goes. Whether on the school tours, the different churches, the cooperate fraternities, the chil-

dren’s homes, the infirmary, the charity events, the concerts, the inner city. He is always making every effort to reach souls and help bring them to Christ.

Kevin does songs that people can relate to namely I’M ABOVE, CAN’T KILL PURPOSE, COVER ME FEATURING JERMAINE EDWARDS, TRUE FRIEND, WATCH THE FINISH, LORD YOU KNOW and has covered ‘ THANK YOU LORD’, just to name a few and as many more in the pipeline.

Kevin as being travelling and ministering all over Jamaica in the different parishes and in the Caribbean he as travelled to Turks and Caicos islands, Antigua, Anguilla, Nicaragua, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman and international he has ministered in Canada, the United States of America and England so far and all for the glory of God as he has given him the mandate.

2019 FUN IN THE SON 33

High Chief Mrs.Celine Orji

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igh Chief Mrs. Celine Orji is an IboNigerian born, Bronx Resident, US based distinguished woman. She relocated to New York with her children in 2008. She started singing in her local church in AbaNigeria where her father was the choirmaster. Being inspired by the holy spirit, she has been singing praise songs for God.

Her Songs include: Beautiful Life, Jesus Network, You are gracious, Heavenly Father, Its Amazing, Testimony, Inestimable Love. Apart from live performances, she has also done Individual and group music productions.

Her experience in the field of Education includes being a high school teacher after graduating from the University of Nigeria Nsukka but currently employed by DOE. She is one of the humanitarian experts in the development of human potential and personal effectiveness. As a humanitarian consultant for many Organizations here in the US and abroad. She presently holds many executive positions including: • Founder/Board chair, Diamond Links • Initiatives INC. NY.

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President and UN Rep. for Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora NY. Founder/President General, His Extended Arm Direct Solidarity (HEADS) Global Outreach. Board Secretary, Abia State Association New York. Treasurer, Item Development Association NY. Vice President Global Foundation For Community Health, Social And Economic Development [GLOCHAS } Former Principal National secretary, Ageibo Cecilia Care Foundations Nigeria.

She has strong obsession for Gender Equality Advocacy. A professional Speaker who has made presentations for International, National and State Associations in personal empowerment and development. In-depth in her mission of making profound and positive difference in people’s lives since she was 8 years old.

she has spent ample time inspiring and creating more powerful and purposeful future for this generation and next in Health and Social support.

Praise Xpressed

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raise Xpressed is a group of friends, under the leadership of Sandra Grant, who are passionate about worship and spreading the good news of Christ. We worship at different churches from all over the Tri-State area. We have crossed many denominational and cultural barriers. We believe and have adapted Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Praise Xpressed, because the Lord has called us and through our songs, we have been anointed to bring good news to the poor; he has sent us to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” We are a ministry that has done just that. We pray you are blessed by our ministry. 2019 FUN IN THE SON 35

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GEORGIANA HOLDER

ALL ACCESS GRANTEDJESUS PAID IT ALL

any years ago, I heard a story of a young man who dreamed of traveling to America for a better life. His humble parents knew of their son’s desire, so they decided to use their life’s saving to purchase a ticket for him on the next ship heading to America. When the young man received the ticket, he was overjoyed and thankful.

The next day, he boarded the ship to embark on the 2-week journey from Europe to America. While boarding, he followed the crowd heading towards the 3rd class quarters. This area was located on the lower level of the ship. The space was cramped and damp. He had to share his small cabin with six other passengers. During the evenings, he heard laughter and dancing on the upper decks of the ship where the 1st class passengers occupied. The delicious food aroma would seep through the vents and made his stomach growl. He was hungry most of the time because the food served in the 3rd quarters was limited and bland. Every day he became curious. He wanted to see the 1st class area for himself. He built up his courage and on the last night of the journey he went to the upper deck to see good life of the 1st class passengers. He was amazed by what he saw. His jaws dropped open as he admired the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms. As he walked into the banquet hall, he was mesmerized by the many aromas of succulent meats and cakes. He was in awe of the

splendor. Hey, you cried the security guard. What are you doing up here? Let me see your ticket! The young man panicked because he knew he was in trouble. He slowly took out his passenger ticket that was buried neatly in his coat from the first day of the trip and handed it to the security officer. The security officer inspected the ticket and returned it to the young man with a smile. Sorry for bothering you sir, please carry on. The officer turned around and left. The young man stood baffled. What just happened, he thought? He looked at his ticket and slowly read these words out loud- 1st Class Passenger- All Access Granted! He almost fainted; he was overcome by a rush of emotions! All this time, he sighed as he held his head in disbelief. All this time I settled for being a 3rd class passenger when I had a 1st class all access ticket! This story is an example of how many of us live our lives before knowing what God has done for us. In the Bible, Jesus said in John 10:10 (ERV) that the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. Let’s look closely at this scripture. Satan’s purpose is to steal your joy, kill your dreams, and destroy your future. What does a thief do? He schemes and sneaks. He is subtle, and he wants to catch you off guard. He is a thief! He wants to steal your 1st Class PassengerAll Access pass.

I have good news! The best news ever. God is greater! Jesus is greater. He has overcome and conquered everything that the

thief had stolen from you. Jesus said that He came to give you life, but not just any life. He didn’t come to give you a so-so, just enough, barely making it life. Look at the scripture again and see what it says about you. Your loving God says He is giving you a life that is full and good. I declare that your life is full of the goodness of Godfull of His peace, joy, love, knowledge and many more. Amen!

Now, you are enlightened, and you will never be the same. Jesus has paid All! He paid in full for your first class all access ticket. My late pastor/mentor Rev AWC Kerr, once said the bottom level is always crowded; there is always more room upstairs. Aim higher- there is more room for you. Let’s thank God right now: Say Jesus, I thank You for giving me a full good life. Thank You for paying the price- for dying and shedding Your blood for me, so that I can have abundant life. So now Lord, open my eyes, heart and mind so that I can fully experience the good full life You have given me. I love you and accept you as my Lord and Savior! Thank You for the 1st Class All Access Life. I receive Your best. In Jesus name, Amen!

To hear and read more encouraging words, go to www.georgianaholder.com Please email me at georgiana@giholder.com 2019 FUN IN THE SON 37

2019 FUN IN THE SON 38

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JAMAICA

‘ONE NATION, ONE PEOPLE’

“O

ne Nation, One People” will be the theme for the celebration of Jamaica’s 57th anniversary of Independence in 2019.

Olivia GrangeThat announcement was made last month by Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport. According to Grange, the theme was chosen because it addresses an important area of focus Jamaica must pay attention to.

“We are at a very critical time in our life as a nation,” the minister explained in a recent press release issued by the government.

“We are witnessing the transition from one generation to the next and I believe that unity has to be a very important ingredient in the process to help us to solidify the gains we have made so far and build on them

for the future.”

MOTTO

wider Jamaican context to observe the tenets of its national motto: “Out of Many, One People”.

Grange said while the nation continues to celebrate the “Interna- “We must always be reminded that tional Decade for People of African this nation is a melting pot of culAncestry”, it is important in the tures, built by people from many

continue on page 50

2019 FUN IN THE SON 45

Continued from page 24

YOU HAVE ALREADY WON!

If you will believe long enough, if you can trust God’s word and not what you see, you too will soon see a cloud as small as a man’s hand coming up from the sea. Sometimes there are people in your life, who can’t wait for the fulfilment of the promise. If they had just stayed in the marriage . . . If they had just stayed on the job. You may have started something, for example, your studies. Although you failed out of school so many times, you decided to go back and give it another shot. Somehow, you knew in your soul that it would work out that time, but because it was taking a while to manifest, some people whom you expected to celebrate you, said you wouldn’t finish. They couldn’t see it, so they said it was nothing. They said it would not materialize. On the other hand, sometimes they saw it, but they said it was insignificant. They said it was not much. Because occasionally, the beginning is so small, and since it has not amounted to much as yet, some people can’t celebrate. They can’t celebrate the small beginnings. They can’t stay in the grind. They do you know that, not despising small beginnings is what will help a person sustain the blessing when it comes.

2019 FUN IN THE SON 47

Do not let the enemy intimidate you with the way things appear right now. The way the devil gets you to abandon your assignment; the way he gets you to lose your focus is to convince you that it’s not much - that this is insignificant. It might not be much, it might just be the cloud the size of a man’s hand, but it is significant! I want to encourage you to just keep on believing what God has told you. If God has told you He is going to cause you to have good success, all God needs you to do is believe it. He has spoken and that is more than enough. Keep His word in your heart. You see, this is a faith move and the devil can’t mess with it because the devil never started it!

The devil can mess with what he gave you your feelings, but not your faith, because he never gave you faith. My Bible tells me that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, and faith has no emotions. Therefore, if God gives you a promise, keep it, for God cannot lie, and the devil cannot curse what God has blessed. Please don’t allow the devil to mess with your emotions and cause you to become bankrupt in your spirit. When you are bankrupt in your spirit everything in life

operates as an element of poverty. That’s why you are looking to someone else to help you with what only God can help you with. What you are dealing with is not natural. It is a spiritual experience and I don't mean holy spirituality. You have to now make the conscious decision that, only God can help me, and get connected and realigned to your father.

Today the Lord wants to deliver your mind from the attack of the enemy. Remember that only the spirit of God gives life. YOU HAVE TO PUSH BACK EVERY LYING SPIRIT THAT TELLS YOU, YOU WILL NEVER MAKE IT. I declare that you will make it, in Jesus name, even on broken pieces. I encourage you to give God your heart today and let Him fill your life. The sooner you realize that it’s more than about you, the better for you. it’s not always about you, it’s bigger than you – . It is about what God wants to do in and through you. Maybe your family is at stake, maybe a city is at stake, maybe a whole nation is at stake, maybe your future is at stake! Arise and get realigned to your Father. You have already won!

Divine Judgemant & Love of God continued from page 8

vere punishment accordingly.

Now, considering that God is the creator of every person. And further considering that no person chose to be a sinner, for as is written, “Behold, I was born in sin and shapen in iniquity…” (Psalm 51:5). Our nature is sinful and therefore we sin as a consequence of our nature. Further, even if we wanted to do good, we often cannot find that ability in our selves. (Romans 7). So, in what justice system can a person be condemned for doing what is natural for him to do or had no opportunity to be delivered from such a natural tendency.

What we actually know about God is the following: God is love. As it is written; “God loves the world so much that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life. God did not sent his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16. It is not the will of God for any to perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Pet.3:9; That God does not charge a person with sin (sin is not imputed) where there is no law. Rom.5:13; 2 Cor.5:19.

I want to summarize my position of divine judgement and the love of God thus: Faith to believe and receive eternal life comes by hearing the WORD….the WORD which was with God and was God, by whom all things were made, and which Word was made flesh. John 1:14. That same word is written upon the conscience of every per-

2019 FUN IN THE SON 49

son, as it is written; “…the true Light, which lightens every man that comes into the world.” John1:9. That same word is revealed in every thing that God made. God has ensured that every person who has ever lived has in some way shape or form heard the WORD. The psalmist David affirms this saying; “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handy work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. Psalm 119:1-4. The Apostle Paul sites the same passage when he argued that; “they have all heard the gospel.” Rom. 10:13-18. He, also speaking about the gentiles, said; “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Rom.1:19-20. So then, the Word revealed by God to the gentiles in various ways is the same Word that become flesh. For again, “the heavens declare the glory God…”; and the Son is the Glory of God.

So then, God has revealed himself through the Word to all humans of all times. It is an interesting fact that many ancient nations had similar concepts of heaven and hell and divine judgement….our Bible says this is because God showed it

unto them. It is also a fact that all nations have a moral code that encourages righteousness and discourages immorality. It cannot be argued that people strive to do good to please the devil. So, if good works is not to please the devil, then it must be to please God as well as to avoid damnation of hell and to gain admittance into heaven. The apostle Peter also affirms this by saying; “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him”. Acts 10:34-35.

So then, it is true that in order for a person to qualify to go to “heaven” they must believe on Jesus Christ. However, that does not exclude those who hear the word by way of natural revelation, or conscience, or native religion. Even though such persons may not have heard the name Jesus. However, since Jesus is the Word, those who heard, received, believed, and obeyed the Word by any other means have in fact received Jesus. So then, those people who did not hear the Gospel in the traditional way are not excluded from the kingdom God. So then, people who lived and died from the beginning of the world and those who have since died while the New Testament Gospel delayed to reach then in the remotest parts of the world are also not eternally damed. For if they obeyed that word and walked in that light which God revealed to them, then in actuality, they have received the WORD and walked in that LIGHT, which is Christ, and like Abraham, their faith

will be counted for righteousness. They will be judged on the basis of their works wrought by their faith and so be saved and that according to the love and justice of God.

The Second Coming of Christ & End Time Judgements

The event of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is related in St Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, Revelation 6:12-17. The term judgment refers to end time events related to the second coming of Christ in which humans will give account to God for their life and works and receive reward and or punishment accordingly. Apparently, there are two judgements. The one most prominently referenced in Scripture is the final judgement other wise known as the White Throne Judgement. The other is referred to as the Bema or Judgment Seat of Christ which occurred about one thousand years before the final White Throne Judgment.

The First Judgment (Judgment Seat of Christ)

According to the texts to be sited, there is to be a second coming of Jesus Christ, at which time a number of related events will transpire: First; the dead in Christ will be resurrected and raptured to meet the Lord in the air. Second; the living in Christ will be changed into glorified bodies and caught up together with the resurrected saints. I Thes.4;16-17. This resurrection and rapture takes place at the sound of the last of the seven trumpets. 1Cor.15:51-52. Anyone who takes part in this first resurrection and rapture have been saved by believing 2019 FUN IN THE SON 50

Divine Judgemant & Love of God

and accepting Christ as personal Savior, and have been justified by faith. They are therefore not subject to judgement for sin. Their judgement is one concerning rewards for work done for Christ. The rewards consists of crowns, positions, possessions, etc. Crowns include; life, righteousness, glory, etc. Position include; Bride of Christ, Priests of God, Judges, Kings, Rulers, Citizenship in the Heavenly City, etc. Possessions include; titles, names, access, authority, glory, robes, stars, treasures, mansions, thrones, etc.

the prophets and saints The one hundred and forty four thousand from the tribes of Israel (Rev.14:1-5), “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and peoples, and tongues� (Rev. 7:917). All these will be inhabitants of the New Jerusalem which is the Bride of Christ (Rev.19:1-9).

After the rapture of Church, the wrath of God will be poured out upon the earth (Rev.11:15-18; 14:17-20 & Rev. 15&16). After the Battle of Armageddon and the destruction of Mystery Babylon Rev.

The time of the First Judge- 17 & 18), Christ and the saints will ment is at the seventh trumpet, just reign for one over the earth for one after the first resurrection and the thousand years. rapture of the Church. (Rev.11:18; 14:1-16.) The Place of the first The Second or Great White judgement is said to be at what is Throne Judgement called the Bema. The Bema is reThe Great White Throne lated to an award stand similar to Judgment takes place after the thouthat on which olympic athletes stand sand year reign of Christ. It is deto be awarded for their winning per- scribed in Revelation Chapter 20 formance. The Judge at the Bema is and St. Matthew Chapter 25. This Christ. Those to be judged at the teaching is to demonstrate that deJudgement Seat of Christ are the res- spite popular belief, many who are urrected Dead in Christ and the Rap- to stand in judgment at the Great tured living in Christ. These include: continue on page 51

continued from page 44

different ancestries,” she said.

“It is remarkable what we have been able to achieve by working together and it is that spirit of unity that we want to engender as we celebrate our Independence and look to the future.”

Grange said Jamaicans at home and abroad should look forward to a spirited Independence celebration as her ministry is working to make sure events such as the Jamaica Festival Song Competition, Jamaica Festival Queen Competition, Jamaica Gospel Song Competition and the Grand Gala are spectacles to be remembered.

2019 FUN IN THE SON 51

WELCOME

“This year we will welcome various heads of government for Independence and we intend to display the best of Jamaica as the eyes of the world will be upon us,” Grange said.

The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Grand Coronation will be on Emancipation Day, Aug. 1, the World Reggae Dance Championship Grand Final on Aug. 2, Mello-Go-Roun on Aug. 3, the Jamaica Gospel Song Grand Final on Aug. 4 and the Pop and Variety Grand Final on Aug. 5.

“We will be streaming most of our activities to the diaspora so that everyone feels a part of the Jamaica Grand Gala will be held on Inde57 celebrations. We are well ad- pendence Day, Aug. 6, at the Navanced in our planning and things tional Stadium. have been going well.” For more information on the InThe Jamaica Festival Song Grand dependence celebrations, call Final will be held on July 27, with 876-926-5726-9, or visit the Emancipation Jubilee slated for www.jcdc.gov.jm. July 31.

Divine Judgemant & Love of God

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White Throne Judgment will enter into life eternal in the kingdom of God. We will see that the basis of their judgment will be their works and whether their names are found written in the Lambs book of Life.

The Judge seated on the Great White Throne is Jesus Christ: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:” St Matt.25:31 “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.” Rev.20:12.

their works.” Rev.20:13. The works were whether or not they had; fed the hungry, given drink to the thirsty, sheltered the stranger, clothed the naked, visited the sick and the prisoners. Another Book opened is The Book of Life: “…and another book was opened, which is the book of life:”, And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:15). The Reward of the righteous who had done good works is that they will be welcome into the kingdom of God. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matt.25:35-40. We assume that they receive new immortal bodies.: “…..but the righteous into life eternal.” Matt.25:46

With the exception of the raptured Church, etc., those who are to be judged in the second judgment which is a general judgment and includes the righteous and the wicked of all ages. “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” Matt.25:32-33. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God…”Rev. 20:12. “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them.” Rev. 20:13 There are Books of records of works: “and the books were opened:”, “and the dead were judged out of those things which were writThe Punishment of the ten in the books, according to their works.” (Rev 20:12). The Judge- Wicked - Those of the dead who had ment is Based upon Works “….they done no good works were punished were judged every man according to with banishment into the lake of fire. 2019 FUN IN THE SON 52

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” St. Matt.25:41-45 “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment.” St.Matt.25:46 “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15

Conclusion

Since the First Judgement called the Judgment Seat of Christ or Bema, is limited to the rewarding of the righteous, then the judgment described in St. Matthew 25 cannot be the First Judgment, for it is a judgment of the blessed and the cursed together. So the Judgment of Matthew 25 and that of Revelations 20 must be one and the same. Those found to have done good works, their names will be found written in the Lambs Book of Life and they will be admitted into the kingdom of God. It is therefore proven that not all who are Judged at the final White Throne Judgement will be cast into the lake of fire. Only those who are wicked having done no good works will go their way into everlasting punishment.

HISTORY OF

T

THE BRONX he Bronx was called Rananchqua by the native Siwanoy band of Lenape, while other Natives knew The Bronx as Keskeskeck. It was divided by the “Aquahung” river, now known as the Bronx River. The land was first settled by Europeans in 1639, when Jonas Bronck, for whom the area was later named, established a farm along the Harlem River in the area now known as the Mott Haven section. The Dutch and English settlers referred to the area as “Bronck’s Land”.

The territory now contained within Bronx County was originally part of Westchester County, an original county of New York state. The present Bronx County was contained in four towns: Westchester, Yonkers, Eastchester, and Pelham.

In 1846, a new town, West Farms, was created by division of Westchester; in turn, in 1855, the town of Morrisania was created from West Farms. In 1873, the town of Kingsbridge (roughly corresponding to the modern Bronx neighborhoods of Kingsbridge, Riverdale, and Woodlawn) was established within the former borders of Yonkers.

New York County In 1874, the western portion of the present Bronx County, consisting of the towns of Kingsbridge, West Farms, and Morrisania, was transferred to New York County, and to New York City; the three towns were abolished in the process. In 1895 the Town of Westchester and portions of Eastchester and Pelham, similarly were transferred to New York County and City. City Island, New York City’s only nautical community, voted to join New York County in 1896. In 1898, the amalgamated City of New York was created, including the Bronx as one of its five boroughs (although still within New York County). In 1914, those parts of the then New York County which had been annexed

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from Westchester County in the past decades were newly constituted as Bronx County, while keeping its status as a borough of New York City.

Bronx County The Bronx underwent rapid growth after World War I. Extensions of the New York City Subway contributed to the increase in population as thousands of immigrants flooded the Bronx, resulting in a major boom in residential construction. Among these groups, many Irish and Italians but es-

pecially Jews settled here. Author Willa Cather, Pierre Lorillard who made a fortune on tobacco sales, and inventor Jordan Mott were famous settlers. In addition, French, German, and Polish immigrants moved into the borough. The Jewish population also increased notably during this time and many synagogues still exist throughout the borough, although many of these have been converted to other uses.

In prohibition days, bootleggers and gangs ran rampant in the Bronx. Mostly Irish and Italian immigrants smuggled in the illegal whiskey. By 1926, the Bronx was noted for its high crime rate and its many speakeasies. After the 1930s, the Irish immigrant popu-

lation in the Bronx decreased as a result of better living conditions in New York suburbs and in other states. The German population followed suit in the 1940s. So did many Italians in the 1950s and Jews in the 1960s. As the generation of the 1930s retired, many moved to southeastern Florida, west of Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The migration has left a thriving Hispanic (mostly Puerto Rican and Dominican) and African-American population, along with some white areas in the southeastern and northwestern part of the county.

Urban Renewal During the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s, the Bronx went into an era of sharp change in the residents’ quality of life. Many factors have been put forward by historians and other social scientists. They include the theory that urban renewal projects in the borough (such as Robert Moses’ Cross-Bronx Expressway) destroyed existing low-density neighborhoods in favor of roads that produced urban sprawl as well as high-density housing projects. Another factor may have been the reduction by insurance companies and banks in offering property-related financial services (mortgages) to some areas of the Bronx — a process known as redlining.

Read more at: http://yesthebronx.org/about/history-of-the-bronx/

THE BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING ING SERVICES CDC, Inc. 1451 E. GUN HILL ROAD, AD, BRONX, NY 10469 TEL: 718-881-1180 80 | Fax: Fa 718-881-1190 EMAIL: INFO@BRONXNHS.ORG WE BRONXNHS.ORG WEB:

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 & Communityy Renewal, al, and tthe 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

EDUCAT CATION & COUNSELING GRANT/LOAN FACILITATION REAL ESTATE SERVICES FREE TAX PREPARATION REFERRALS

Foreclosure Prevention

First Time Homebuyer Bronx NHS is a recognized leader in helping community residents overcomee the barriers to homeownership and offerss a full range of educational services designeed to build knowledge and confidence and d strengthen neighborhoods. Bronx NHS HS provides the following housing and education services aimed at first-timee homebuyers: 2 Hours orientation/Free of charge Learn what it takes to become a hom me owner Grants for down payment and closin ing cost xCompetitive loan products xEducation and counseling xReferrals to lenders, inspectors, attorneys, real estate & insurance agents First Home Education Course (FHC) This course is for long-term g clients that at may need more m time to get ready to purch chase. It will meet 3 times quarterly. Will help prepare client to buy firstt home. Fast Track Tra Course Designed for near ready to buy clientts or Bank approved a clients. Onee day, 8-Hour Class Will help prepare client to buy firstt home.

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 budgett aand finances Negotiate with your lenderr as a needed: Refinance, Modification, Forbearance, Partial Claim, Reverse Mortgage Review paperwork and nd submit s on your behalf Help you find a reputable attorney or realtor. Discuss other potential options available

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

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

/bronxnhscdc

/bronxnhscdc

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

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P-U-R-P-O-S-E CLIFFANNIE BOWMAN

P

urpose says that we’re destined to be great.

Purpose says that we owe it to ourselves to be better than where we were yesterday. Purpose also says that we must sacrifice our comfortability to be uncomfortable; like shape-shifting. Except, it doesn’t look cool nor does it feel satisfying. First, let’s define “purpose”. According to Merriam-Webster, the noun for purpose is, “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” The verb is to “have as one's intention or objective”.

So in other words, everyone on the face of the Earth (and if you believe there are others on the face of another planet, sure, them too…) are created for purpose. Their God-given purpose. But how do we get to find our purpose? To get us to understand and take this study home, let’s create an acronym for our word.

P stands for Promises U stands for Understanding R stands for Responsibility P stands for Protection/Protecting O stands for Originate S stands for Silence E stands for Execute

Promise- standing on God’s word over our lives, what He says Understanding- that what he says will come to pass in his timing, his will and plans he has given us is perfect, beyond our measure Responsibility- to do what he says and be a steward over what he’s assigned to us, not to focus on what others have and what they’re doing- writing out the plans, praying over it and working (sometimes tirelessly) on it Protection/Protecting-knowing that he wouldn’t give us more than we can bear, being covered, being equipped for the purpose and planted to blossom in due season- protecting our environment (stepping away from toxicity) Originate- Crafting your creativity and developing in maturity in the season you are building in

Silence- Learning to be still and be patient, being okay with it not being your season, to bloom when that time comes but undergoing surgery first - “isolation season”- learning to trust God and in Him because alone time can mean that he wants to spend time with you Execute- Going forth in confidence and doing what you were created to do before the beginning of time; your name is on your assignment and other souls are counting on your purpose to be fulfilled - “if you don’t discover what your purpose is, or rather delay your purpose from being fulfilled, others won’t receive their breakthrough through you.”

Because of the purpose spoken inside of you, it’s innate for you to become the purpose. Neglecting your transforming season(s) can cause delay and unnecessary frustration that will eat away at your confidence to produce a greater harvest.

It’s time to find your purpose. You’re a King’s Kid; purpose belongs to you - purpose is IN you!

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Strengthening Communities

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