Kingdom Life Magazine Jan Feb 2022 Edition

KINGDOM

KINGDOM Publisher Bernard S. Harrison, Jr. Editor-in-chief Kamilah Bowers

Co-Publisher Orlando Executive Producer Photo Director Production Director Senior Editor Design Editor Design Director Digital Director

Charles Baxter Taylor Klein Michael Evans Guillermo Wilkins Angela Mitchell Alma Myers Patti Lawrence Gerard Hernandez

Advertising Director Senior Advertising Executive Editorial Assistant Art Director Distribution Photo Assistant

Heather Wilkins Jacquelyn Rodgers Eric Elliott Tara Haynes Geneva Leonard Andre Harrison

Williamsburg Bureau

Staff Writers Contributing Writers

Contributing Photographer Contributing Illustrator

Apostle David & Prophetess Jacquelyn Saunders, Ruseena E.S. Johnson, Priscilla McKinney, Dr. Davet'a J. Saunders, Leslie R. & Carlie C. Williams, Shaweenka Selby Bridget Toole Tish & Joe McDaniel, Jeff Byrd, Bryan Hurdle, Glen Mason, Dr. Peggy Morris-Turner Ronald J. Atkinson Adobe Stock.com

EDITORIAL OFFICE 719 High St. Portsmouth, VA 23704 +1757-996-2060 | info@kingdomlifemagazine.com Kingdom Life is published by Kingdom Marketplace International LLC 719 High Street Portsmouth VA. 23704 | 800-7854961 or 1-757-356-5483 wwwkingdomlifemagazine.com Kingdom Life magazines are published bi-monthly by Kingdom Marketplace International LLC. Copyright 2020 all rights reserved. Reproduction by any means either whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without written permission from the publisher. KLM assumes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements. Material accepted for publication are subject to such revision to meet requirements of this publication and become property of Kingdom Life Magazine

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

08 09 14 17 21 23

22 SPECIAL REPORT: 23 27 30 Special Feature: 32 36

KINGDOM LIFE MAGAZINE

Publisher's Pen

WELCOME HOME TO ANOTHER EDITION OF KINGDOM LIFE MAGAZINE Revelation 21:5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."

This is the time of the year for newness. Lots of people wear the new clothes they received as Christmas gifts. Maybe some sporting the new watch or the diamond necklace they received.

Maybe you drove in that new car, in your new clothes, to some new destination. Right after Christmas, we have a lot of news.

We even take back some things that we received as gifts that we didn’t like or we didn’t need, or they just didn’t fit and we get more new things to replace them.

Then you have the New Year where you have people who make the New Years resolutions with new challenges, and new commitments that we seek to change in the up coming year.

A young man was at a New Year’s party. He asks his friend for a cigarette. The friends replied, “I thought you made a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking”. The young man answered, “I’m in the process of quitting; right now, I am in the middle of phase one”.

“What’s phase one?” his friend asked. They young man replied, “I quit buying”.

Isn’t that the way it is? We all want change, but for the most part, we are not willing to do what is necessary to make that change.

They say that over 90% of all New Years' resolutions will not last over a month.

NEW YEAR YEAR NEW NEW YOU YOU YO OU NEW www.kingdomlifemagazine.com 8

I know somehow some pounds have invaded my body and I will be making some adjustments to my diet to get rid of them. I think that all of us if given the opportunity would like to change something about ourselves.

One of the gifts that I received for Christmas was the book that Joel Osteen wrote, “Become a Better You”. As I opened it, I jokingly asked the person who gave it to me; “What’s wrong with me now?” “Are you trying to tell me something here?” But the truth of the matter is that we all can be better. Just for some like me, it is just more obvious than others.

So since this is the time for newness, I wanted to talk to you about ways we all need to change in the coming year. I’ve entitled this sermon, “New Year, New You”.

In our text we read at the beginning, it stated, "Behold, I make all things new."

I make all things new, No matter what state you are in right now in this point and time of your life, God can make it new. And it’s not just one time of the year, but every day God can make it New no matter what. So let me give you some things we need to be made new. The first thing we need to be new is a …

New Beginnings heard something the other day that kind of surprised me. What time of the year do you think there are more wedding proposals given? I would have thought Valentine's Day would have been # 1 but they say the #1 time to propose is New Year. I would have thought maybe even Christmas. I mean what woman would not enjoy a ring on her finger, and not to mention that you don’t have to spend the money on any other gifts. Now that’s my thinking.

But what a better way to begin a New Year with a person you love to plan a wedding. My question is, of those who go through with the engagement, how many of them would like to have a new beginning again after a few years of marriage.

New things give us an opportunity to start over. A new job means you have the challenge to do better than the last job. In a new job, they don’t know your weaknesses, failures, and problems. A new job is a second chance I always thought the only reason I was promoted with new teachers every school year is that the old ones did not want to put up with me another year. A new year… a second chance. continue on page 50

CHURCH CULTURE NOW

CHURCH/ BUZZ

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS SLOW TO CHANGE. WHEN IT COMES TO THE NAMES OF OUR CHURCHES, THAT’S A GOOD THING Construction workers put the finishing touches on the Staples Center sign outside the arena in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 16, 1999. (AP Photo/Xerro Ryan Covarrubias, File)

By: Joe McDermont

COMMUNITY

THE RECKONING >

A Year In The Making:

People in Brunswick, Ga., react outside the Glynn County Courthouse on Nov. 24, 2021, after the jury reached a guilty verdict in the trial of William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., Travis McMichael, and Gregory McMichael, charged with the February 2020 death of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. (CNS photo/Marco Bello, Reuters) A

to the intentional, difficult, and uncomfortable work of naming and eradicating systemic racism.”

Archbishop Hartmayer said people must see everyone as a child of God. “We are called to acknowledge and root out racism in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and yes, even our churches. I hope you will join me in prayer, peace and restorative works of justice in this cause of respecting the human dignity of all,” he said.

Arbery was jogging through a neighborhood in Glynn County, Georgia, on Feb. 23, 2020, when the McMichaels pursued him in a pickup truck; Bryan later joined with his truck. Travis McMichael approached Arbery with a shotgun and, after a brief struggle, fatally shot him.

Travis McMichael was convicted of malicious murder. Gregory McMichael and Bryan were convicted of felony murder. All men were convicted of additional charges, and prosecutors have indicated they intend to seek life in prison without parole.

After the verdict, Joan F. Neal, deputy executive director of the Catholic social justice lobby Network, said: “These guilty verdicts show how the criminal legal system can and should work, but are no substitute for Ahmaud Arbery’s life.” d

THE ULTIMATE PICTORIAL OF

WINTER PLEASURES Food 2 freedom Food ministry 1year anniversary partnership with Operation Blessing, NGMBC, and Kingdom Marketplace Intl.

Image: Ronald J. Atkinson

PASTOR HORACIO HALL

It was a true honor and blessing to speak with Pastor Horacio R. Hall in regards to his 25 plus years in ministry, family, and church.

Ruth Pitt: Pastor Hall when did you first recognize the calling of God on your life?

Pastor Hall: It was October 1988 when I first realized I was called to ministry.

Like many, I ran from it, resisted it, and denied it at first. God had a plan for me and completely convicted my heart one October night. While at bible study the pastor at the time preached on Isaiah 6:8, my now favorite verse, and I knew there was no denying that God was going to use me to do His work.

Ruth Pitt: Pastor Hall can you please share with me how Faithway Baptist came about?

Pastor Hall: Faithway Baptist was established in March of 1997. I moved my family to the Tidewater area to start the church. We passed out flyers and canvassed neighborhoods. We first started meeting in the local YMCA until we were blessed to acquire a building of our own in August of 1998.

(l to R) Brandon Hall, Gale Hall, Horacio Hall and Avery Hall

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Ruth Pitt: Pastor Hall what would you say is your biggest passion in regards to ministry?

Pastor Hall: My biggest passion is sharing God’s love with the lost and seeing them surrender to His glory. I also have a big heart for our youth. Our youth are our leaders of tomorrow, and it is important to pour into them and guide them for the future.

Ruth Pitt: Pastor Hall how do you manage your family life and time for ministry?

Pastor Hall: That’s a tough one. It helps that my family shares my passion and is involved in the ministry. I would say I use a lot of wisdom and I prioritize when it comes to balancing both. I cannot deny my family, but I also need to be there for the sheep. So praying and asking The Lord were to pull back or push more is most important when it comes to balancing.

Ruth Pitt: What would you say has made Faithway Baptist the church it is today?

Pastor Hall: We are a close-knit church at Faithway. We have roughly one hundred eighty members and we are just one big family. Members and visitors often express to me that they feel at home, loved, and embraced when they come and worship at Faithway.

Ruth Pitt: What would you say is the ultimate mission of Faithway Baptist?

Pastor Hall: Sharing God’s love. Our mission statement is “Each one reaching one, with the Good News for everyone.”

Ruth Pitt: When you are called to glory one day what is the legacy you would like to leave? What is your hope for the church?

Pastor Hall: I would like to be remembered as a man that loved The Lord, and someone who was His faithful servant. For the church, I would love to see it continue to grow and reach people for Christ. I pray that the ministry would continue to strive forward until God comes back to call us to glory.

What Others Say Associate Pastor DeQuentin Dickey: Our family Joined Faithway Baptist church in 2003, during that time Pastor Hall and 1st Lady Gale had a heart for ministry and for people. They mentored me and watched me take my first steps in discipleship and to become a Pastor. We as a family unit have grown physically and spiritually under their guidance.

Mrs. Roxanne Watkins: My husband (Rufus) was a member before we got married, but I became a member in 2004. The journey has been remarkable and so unbelievable, Pastor and Gale have been true spiritual advisors and friends. In times of physical distress, they were there. They have helped with our marriage, children, and grandchildre e n. I look forward to seeing what en. wh a at God has next. grandchildren.

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Business Spotlight

Social entrepreneur Dr. Terrance V. Wilson shares details behind his decades of

In The Pursuit of Success

success in the global relationship marketing scene Dr. Wilson has had Kingdom leadership on his mind since entering the Airforce as an officer. Captain Wilson, served as a Navigator on the KC -135 Air refueling aircraft, and as the first Auxiliary Chaplain for the new Dyes, AFB gospel service, and finally as the Deputy Commander of Moral Welfare & Recreation.

BY LEAH CHRISTIANS

The 51-year old’s passion has materialized into the Fast-Growing Relationship Marketing Company focused on helping and Leadership Training. www.ckingdomlifemagazine.com

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In the span of his career, Wilson has served as CEO of Christ Christian Center World Outreach, Dean of the Academic School Of Excellence, CEO of ABC Child Development Centre, Host of several broadcast programs with other earned leadership positions with Equinox as a top 5 producer, director, and recruiter. The #1 Recruiter and Trainer with Ameriplan, Top Training Director of TTB Travel.

Born in Selma Alabama, TV Wilson became the first student from the Black Belt Region of Alabama to receive the Congressional Nomination from Senator Richard Selby. This award put him on the path to obtain graduate degrees, a Master's and Doctorate in Divinity, and a Ph.D. Today, Dr. Wilson is the Co-Founder and COO of a Fast-Growing Relationship Marketing Company focused on helping entrepreneurs with Leadership Training conducted by CEO, Dr. TV Wilson is the dean of the mental department, Dr. Ed Wheeler, Co-founder. This class is intended for leaders and those who are learning how to lead. Dr. Terrence V. Wilson has pursued other non-traditional ventures and led over three dozen individuals to millionaire status as he achieved the same millionaire status on three separate occasions.

Dr. TV Wilson is following the vision given to him by God, to be the founder of XIXI NOW and lead 1,000s of others to pursue their passion projects as they gain wholeness empowerment. Dr. TV Wilson believes in entrepreneurial growth in 5 Major Areas of Life Spiritually- through intercessory prayer partners and spiritual calls, Physically- with healthy products and success coaching tips, Financially- with the opportunity to become your own boss and establish lifetime residual income, Socially- through relationship building with face-to-face meetings, and Mentally- through educational videos, conference calls, and marketing tools.

Dr. Wilson’s experience and his willingness to serve and share the knowledge with the teams makes him such a great mentor He is a calming yet insightful personality which transfers to the loyalty of his teams

Words by STEPHEN A. PETERSEN Photos by NICHOLAS GIDOLE

His Spirit In Service Kevin O’Dea is a well-known realtor of the

In 2005, after he served his term, he got his real

Norfolk/ Hampton Roads community. Beyond his

estate license and began a career in commercial

charming smile, there is a powerful story that lies

real estate. Then, in 2009, he took a position at

beneath, rooted in the power of selflessness. He is

Apple, Inc., starting as a Sales Associate his first

a military veteran, a true leader, and a servant of

year and progressing to Business Manager for the

Christ.

remaining three years. In his time there, he used

Mr. O’Dea joined the U.S. Navy in 1999 as an

his military background and leadership experience

Intelligence Specialist, where he served six years

to help teams succeed, and orchestrated three new

on active duty and moved seven times. The military

store openings. His goal was to transfer out of the

had a huge impact on his life, as it was an

country with Apple, and he was in the midst of a

opportunity for him to thrive and supplied him

five-month interview process to do another store

with the controlled environment he needed. From

opening in Australia when God stepped in. He had

the age of 19-21, while many of his peers were

prayed about the opportunity in church on Sunday,

throwing parties, Mr. O’Dea was travelling the

and on that Tuesday, Apple pulled all international

world, having spent two years in England, two

transfers, sending Mr. O’Dea back into real estate,

years in San Diego, and two in Virginia Beach.

where he has since served the community immeasurably.

Mr. O’Dea left commercial real estate in 2015 to www.kingdomlifemagazine.com 19

work with clients one on one, and he finds great honor in the task of assisting active duty and military veterans looking to relocate. Additionally, he serves as a mentor to men both young and old. Most recently, he mentored two fellow military members, both whom graduated from college last week, and helped them jumpstart their careers in real estate. Mr. O’Dea’s goal is to lead others the way that he was led, and he credits the mentors in his life for much of his success. He is involved in a program called Manpower, which strives to develop men at middle school age by teaching them fundamentals and lifelong values. Mr. O’Dea gave his own lifelong commitment to Christ on August, 8th, 2010, one day before his 30th birthday, and is now a member of WAVE church in Norfolk.

On Jan. 2021 Kevin became a proud father and shares many joyous moment with his wife, family and friends. Kevin currently works for Keller Willimas Elite-Western Branch but sells homes throughout the 757 community.

Mr. O’Dea attributes his business victories to these four things: patience and persistence; humility; having a servant's heart; and outstanding communication skills.

In the last few years, he feels there have been moments where God was imminent in his life and attributes this blessing to praying often. He enjoys outdoor activities with his wife to include hiking, and they are sure he will serve his new family unit as righteously as he has served others.

Image courtesy of Facebook

Heath & Wellness

AISHA'S WATER DISCOVERY

WRITTEN BY AYOBOLA MICHAEL

Image

By Todd

She is a normal sweet-toothed woman who loathed the tasteless taste of water. She preferred any other liquid when thirsty to water. In a pathetic bid to be healthy, Aisha would choose to drink flavored water apart from the everyday delight of lemonades, sport drinks and basic supermarket juices.

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Aisha did not really have any underlying health problems apart from unceasing obesity, slight arthritis in the knees, unexplained and frequent tiredness, occasional insomnia, niggling toothache, unclear thinking, and headaches that come and go. Despite these, Aisha still considers herself very healthy. She thinks of others in her age range who are already committed to some life-long medication, she compares herself to not-too-good conditions in other people and concludes she wasn’t doing badly after all. She however secretly wonders why at thirty-something in her knees creaked in pain when climbing a staircase. It seemed all innocent and like an of-course-it-would-go- away- pain. She loved life but kept on struggling with many pains. Some old and some new.

Aisha could not continue her house shopping after her shocking discovery which showed how hazardous and sick her body had been. She went back into the car and although there was a winter breeze, her teeth clattered, and her lips shook more pitifully. Aisha reached for a bottle of water and downed it with reckless abandon. She stared outside watching every passer-by, wondering what story their internal organs had to say.

One day, Aisha went to a supermarket and came across a free health check and thought it a good idea since she qualified for it. Aisha, like many girls, disliked needles and pricks and quickly asked what the test involved. The petite physiologist presented the test in a very easy and good light. So, Aisha went ahead. It was good so far, she was 5 foot, 3 and a half inches, she was 96kg (she still felt good at this stage because she was 102kg last year) and she knew as she has always known that she would need to lose more weight.

As soon as she got home, Aisha immediately drank more water and allowed herself to feel the cleansing starting from within. She had been jolted out of fake beauty sleep. She couldn’t sleep on time that night. She went on the internet to research and learn more about water. Aisha now understands that it’s not just about a good past but what you are doing now to ensure a good future. Aisha now understands that a parched throat, dry lips or a mere feeling of thirst shows the internal organs have been long subjected to Operation Sahara Desert, the poor organs colliding with frictions and not well lubricated. She used the eyes of her imagination to look inward and did not like what she saw.

The male nurse was good-looking and chatty. He made Aisha feel at ease and asked some questions about her and her family. She was proud to say she had no underlying health problems neither did her parents. She answered every question with pride and was only waiting to be told ‘you have perfect blood pressure, but you need to lose weight.

The arm was strapped and electronically pumped for her blood pressure. Aisha was surprised to discover it was high. Twice the test was done and twice the bottom result showed over 90. This, the nurse said should not be over 90 and if one is perpetually overweight, the body will work overtime at every given point to pump blood around the body.

Well, the still-friendly nurse pricked her finger and to their amazement, not a jot of blood came out…the nurse tried to squeeze the blood out but there was hardly any drop. A thick dark red substance lazily struggled to come out. The nurse was not happy, he asked, when last did you drink some water? Aisha looked up and then down, and replied, ‘I think yesterday in the afternoon’. The once chatty nurse suddenly looked serious and looked at Aisha in the eyes. ‘You are killing yourself, you know that?’ he asked, when did you take your last smear test? This time Aisha was ashamed, she whispered ‘some years ago, I was scared to go there..

The nurse then went on to explain potential dangers to Aisha and he ended his heart-rending speech by saying ‘my dear, why do you want to make yourself part of the bad statistics? Why don’t you prove you are different, educated, and care for your life?’ it goes without saying that Aisha also needed to lose close to 30kg to be at the right weight for her height.

Aisha left the temporary clinic feeling deflated and shocked. She once thought she wasn’t that bad health wise. After all, she ate vegetables and fruits on a daily basis, she walks leisurely around or sometimes runs for the buses or trains, she liked sweet treats but was definitely not overboard with them. One thing Aisha knew though, she had made no efforts with water. Now it all became clear- the horrible pain in the joints, the horrible spots on her dry face, the bad period pains, constipation, dry and breaking hair, new allergies, the struggles to sleep, the unexplained anger and drop in happiness level are all symptoms germinating from a deep-seated and bad habit – the neglect of water.

Aisha placed herself on a water regime and spoke to loved ones to help her keep on. She took the matter seriously and prayed for a change in attitude and care for herself. She had had a deep-seated fear of drinking water for the then repercussion of wetting her bed as a young girl. This fear built the bad habit of staying away from water at all cost but was now threatening her very own existence. Aisha believed she is blessed to have had this experience and she asked me to write her experience for others to learn from.

So if you’ve been reckless either knowingly or unknowingly, reach for a bottle now and change the possible fatal destiny of your body. Aisha is now a changed being; she drinks pure water first thing in the morning and last thing at night not forgetting the constant sipping during the day.

Water is now glorious to Aisha and can be to you too!

WWW.KINGDOMLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

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SPECIAL REPORT

living healthy

GOD'S HEALTH LAWS BY: Ralph Jackson

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Today, health is a big issue. Our responsibility for personal health is slowly being taken away from us and handed over to the medical profession and private-sector health care. They seem to think they know what is best for every human and individuals are not qualified to know how to keep themselves healthy. Rather than natural remedies against ailments, doctors prescribe pills or surgery to correct anything that has gone wrong with our bodies. The use of chemicals has replaced any natural biological remedies because the latter, is not financially lucrative. The current medical system, using chemicals to cure illnesses, was set up in the middle of the 19th century by the Rothschild’s and aggressive marketing finally replaced any natural homeopathic healers. God’s principles of healing were and are largely ignored and the consequences over the past 150 years, albeit with a number of successes, have been disastrous for the health of many.

God wants us to be healthy. Wouldn’t it be great if we did not need doctors anymore? Well, you can live without the need for doctors if you take care of your body. We all know what we should do, but it is not easy to give up our habits, which slowly destroy internal organs. Smoking, alcohol and we know that high cholesterol is caused by what we eat, which causes obesity and puts stress on our organs.

God has given us a free health plan to go by, so I would like to share the health message from the Bible so you can have an abundant healthy, and longer life.

Religion and Health Principles “Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 john 12

Many today believe that humans, at death split in two: 1. A dead body and 2. a soul (spirit) that goes on living and returns to God? However, the Bible informs us that the body without the soul (or spirit), is dead, therefore both our body and our spirit are interrelated and interdependent

God gave humanity health principles to follow.

God commanded us to observe all his laws, not because He is a dictator, but because having created us in His image, He knows what is good for us. He wants to preserve us alive. (Deuteronomy 6:24). We are to fear God, that is respect and trust in Him. If we do as He says we will not make mistakes that will lead us into difficulties or ill health. In Exodus 23:25 it says:

“You shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and our water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.”

As I said earlier, God created us, therefore he knows what is best for our human

body. A manufacturer will give a manufactures guide to any piece of electronic equipment they produce.

God also gave us an operators manual – the Bible, so we could know how to keep our bodies and minds in good health. If we ignore the manual, it results in diseases and in twisted mental thinking, which leads us to an early grave.

Following God’s health principles results in saving our health (Psalm 67:2) and a more abundant life (John 10:10). If we cooperate with God, He can use these great health laws to significantly reduce and eliminate the effects of diseases created by Satan (Psalm 103:2,3).

As a Christian we are not to indulge in excessive eating and drinking.

Isaiah told us: “Eat what is good.” Isaiah 55:2 And Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31:

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to this glory of God.” God did not make a distinction between clean and unclean meat for no reason. If God says something is not fit to eat, He must have a good reason. As a loving father to his human creation, he does not want us to put into our mouths something that will make us ill or even kill us. We are told in Psalm 84:11 that: “No good thing will he withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

"ADAM AND EVE’S FOOD, IN THE BEGINNING, WAS FRUIT, GRAINS, AND NUTS. VEGETABLES So conversely if God withholds something from us it is not good for us!

(At this stage I should add that nobody can eat his way into heaven. Entry to heaven is not about food or drink, it is only by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior that we attain a place in heaven. However, by ignoring God’s health laws, we may fall into temptation and consequently commit sin, even to the point of losing our eternal salvation.)

God’s Food to Adam and Eve “God said, “See I have given you every herb that yields seed – every tree whose fruit yields seed. .. Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.’” (Genesis 1:29,2:16) Adam and Eve’s food, in the beginning, was fruit, grains, and nuts. Vegetables were added a little later. (Genesis 3:18)

Creatures which God specifically forbid to Eat.

In Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, God gave four groups of created creatures that were not to be eaten because they were unclean for human consumption. You can read the full list in both chapters; however, the four groups were:

1. All animals that do not chew the cud and have a split hoof (Deuteronomy 14:16) 1. All fish and water creatures that do not have both fins and scales (Deuteronomy 14:9) 1. All birds of prey, carrion eaters, and fish eaters (Leviticus 11:13-19) 1. Most creeping things (or invertebrates (Leviticus 11:21-44

These chapters make it very clear that most animals, birds, and water creatures people ordinarily eat are clean.

However, there are some exceptions. According to God’s rules, the following animals are unclean and are not to be eaten: Cats, Dogs, Horses, Camels, Eagles, Vultures, Hogs, Squirrels, Rabbits, Catfish, Eels, Lobsters, Clams, Crabs, Shrimp, Oysters, Frogs. And many others.

Will Pork Eaters be destroyed at the Second Coming?

In Isaiah 66:15-17 it says: “Behold, the Lord will come with fire - and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh; and the slain of the Lord shall be many. Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves – eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together.”

This sounds really shocking. Surely God is not going to destroy people who eat pork? If you are aware of God’s health rules, shouldn’t you obey them? If you choose not to obey what God has said, then you have chosen to disobey God because of your appetite. Wasn’t this the case for Adam and Eve too? A certain tree’s fruit was forbidden to be eaten, not because it had any specific healing properties, but because God said ‘don’t eat of it’. It was a test of loyalty and because Adam and Eve failed, they brought sin and death into the world. If we say that it doesn’t matter if we eat what God says we should not, then why should we be surprised if it causes our destruction.

Isaiah 66:4 says: “…they chose that in which I do not delight.”

Isn’t the Law of Clean and Unclean Animals just for the Jews?

The law of clean and unclean animals was given to Moses to write down, however, Noah lived a long time before any Jews existed but he knew about the clean and unclean animals, which he took into the ark. We can read this in Genesis 7:1,2: “The Lord said to Noah,….’take with you seven each of every clean animal…. two each of animals that are unclean.’”

In Revelation 18:2 it refers to some birds as being unclean just before the second coming of Christ. Christ’s death upon the cross did not, in any way affect or change God’s health laws given in the Old Testament, since all who break them will be destroyed when Jesus returns (Isaiah 66:15-17). Human digestive systems are all the same, whatever your ethnic background, therefore God’s health laws are for all humanity and for all time.

What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol?

Proverbs 20:1: “Wine is a mocker; strong drink is a brawler and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”

Proverbs 23:31,32: “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly, at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.”

1 Corinthians 6:9,10: “Neither fornicators…. nor drunkards…. will inherit the kingdom of God.” Remember Isaiah 66:4 – “…. they chose that in which I do not delight.”

Using Harmful substances such as tobacco.

God made mankind to be strong and healthy. According to 1 Corinthians 3:16,17, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We read: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of , God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

Nicotine is a poison that enslaves the user. It is addictive and destructive to lung tissue and because it enters the bloodstream it winds its evil way through every part of the body, opening up the cells to all manner of disease, particularly cancers. In Romans 6:16, it says: “Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to

”“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”

The Bible’s simple and important health laws 1. EAT YOUR MEALS AT REGULAR INTERVALS AND DO NOT USE ANIMAL FAT OF BLOOD “Eat at the proper time.” Ecclesiastes 10:17 “This shall be a perpetual statue – you shall eat neither fat nor blood.” Leviticus 3:17Heart attacks are generally caused as a result of high cholesterol and this is caused by the intake of too much fat in the diet. God certainly knows what is bad for us.

2. DO NOT OVEREAT “Put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.”

Proverbs 23:2 In Luke 21:34 Jesus warned against intemperance in the last days. Overeating is a form of intemperance and is responsible for many degenerative diseases!

3. DO NOT HARBOUR ENVY OR HOLD A GRUDGE With these kinds of sinful feelings, you actually disrupt the bodies digestive processes. in Proverbs 14:30 it says: “Envy is rottenness to the bones.”

Christ commanded us to clear up any grudges that others might hold against us. Matthew 5:23,24 4. TRY TO MAINTAIN A HAPPY DISPOSITION “A merry heart does good, like medicine.” Proverbs 17:22 “As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 Depression causes many diseases of the mind and body but a happy cheerful disposition promotes health and long life.

5. PUT YOUR FULL TRUST IN THE LORD “The fear (respect) of the Lord leads to life and he who has it will abide in Satisfaction.” Proverbs 19:23 Trust in God strengthens health and life: “My son, give attention to my words…. for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20,22 HEALTH COMES FROM OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S COMMANDS AND FROM PUTTING OUR FULL TRUST IN HIM. 6. BALANCE WORK AND EXERCISE WITH SLEEP AND REST “Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall not work.” Exodus 20:9,10

The Bible is our road map to God. If we are true followers of the Word, then we should be willing to follow all of God’s health principles. We can start our healthy journey today on this earth by refusing to put those things into our stomach, which God has forbidden us to do. Contrary to the current belief today that government, doctors or physicians are in control of your health, nobody other than yourself is responsible for keeping you healthy and to be healthy you must follow God’s health principles.

// VOLUME NO. 2 // JAN -FEB 2022

A TASTE OF WILLIAMSBURG THE WILLIAMSBURG BUREAU

WILLIAMSBURG ONCE CONDIDERED THE HUB OF COLONIALISM IS NOW A VIBRATE DIVERSE COLLECTION OF CULTURE

www.kingdomlifemagazine.com 31

WILLIAMSBURG CHORAL GUILD UPCOMING 2022 SCHEDULE

We are excited to share that our very own Kingdom Life Magazine’s “Williamsburg Bureau” staff member Shawneeka Selby (3rd row, 4th chair on the left) participated in the Williamsburg Choral Guild Winter program “The Snow and the Frost. If you missed the beautiful, heartening, and inspiring sounds of the Snow and the Frost, no worries.

Join the Williamsburg Choral Guild for the upcoming March program and other programs throughout the year..

EGDELWONK RUOY TSURT

Question & Answer

Recently, I ran across a childhood friend from my old neighborhood in Williamsburg, VA. Upon learning that she is now a prolific psalmist and accomplished author residing in a nearby city I knew I had to interview her. Dr. Rema Frazier Henderson is the wife of Master Sergeant Mark Henderson (Ret.), mother of 2 beautiful daughters, and a doting grandmother. She and I reminisced about life in the good old days citing many of the things that led her to write her children’s books and pen her memoirs. With five books published and 1 in the works, Dr. Henderson had this to share with aspiring writers. Dr. Henderson believes God is using her as a speaker for him in this season of her life in the Williamsburg community and surrounding areas. Here’s what she wanted to share with our readers.

Jacquelyn: Dr. Henderson how do you stay balanced and functional managing your life as a wife, mother, grandmother, psalmist, and writer of 5 books with another soon to be published?

Dr. Frazier-Henderson: My husband (Mark) and I are empty nesters and the type of work that I did allow me to work on my book at home and away from home. I had the time, space, and energy. I also use a planner.

The power of the positive is also very important. I try to always remain positive. This also helps with keeping me balanced Jacquelyn: Currently, you have 5 books and are working on one more. You have “Through the Eyes of Ah Gurl,” “The Mind of Ah Young Lady,” “My Friend Helga,” “Man, that Sugar Cookie Stinks,” and “Princess Noa.” What is an early experience that intrigued you to become an author?

Dr. Henderson: When I was younger, I used to doodle and read all the time. I used to read signs on the highway. I read everything. I loved writing and just journaling. It was peaceful to write what I was thinking. The powerful thing about writing is that it gives you peace and you can release your thoughts.

Today, I encourage young ladies if they have an idea to write it down; start to journal. I also give out a lot of journals to them, helping the young ladies to get started in writing.

Jacquelyn: Most young people would think that writing a book could be hard work. Is writing a book difficult?

Dr. Henderson: I would say, no. If you have an idea to write, start journaling. I always thought it would be difficult to write a book, but it isn’t. My suggestion for those who are interested in writing is to just get started. I had a publisher for my memoirs

and self-published my children’s books. Self-publishing is when I realized that writing a book wasn’t challenging at all. I challenge everyone reading this article, again, just get started journaling and before you know it, you will have a book.

Jacquelyn: Dr. Henderson, it sounds like journaling truly paid off. This is excellent empowerment to up-and-coming authors. I, myself, have been inspired to go forward with turning some of my journals into publications.

Now, I know you said your husband said in jest you should write a book, but how were you inspired to go forth with the heartwarming content from your early childhood and as a young adult for your memoirs?

Dr. Henderson: In 2011, I started writing “Through the Eyes of Ah Gurl.” When I decided to write a lot of things raced through my head. I thought about what I saw through my eyes as a girl where I grew up in Mooretown. I thought about the abuse and various things we went through as young girls. I thought about how the teacher wouldn’t let me be snow white when I was in the 2nd-grade school play, and my mother told me I would never be snow-white at the majority Caucasian school I was attending. I thought about when I was seven my aunt’s house caught on fire and my grandmother called us on the phone screaming, how men would abuse the women, and etc.

As I said, so many thoughts raced through my head, and I just journaled everything. Before I knew it, I had written my memoir. I finished it in 2011 but didn’t publish it until 2017.

In 2017 a friend approached me sharing that she was starting a publishing company. I shared what I had written, she loved it and the rest is history.

Jacquelyn: Dr. Henderson, we both grew up in Williamsburg. I have met people who didn’t know that Black people even lived in Williamsburg. How was it for you growing up in Williamsburg as a black girl? Did you feel that you were treated equally with the white children?

Dr. Henderson: People tell me that all the time. I tell people, yes you do have black people born and raised in Williamsburg.

Jacquelyn: I want to address something you said earlier. You mentioned that you were bothered when your mother advised you that you would never be selected for the role of Snow White at the predominantly white school that you attended. Did this inspire you to further prove that you can achieve success in a White-dominated society or discourage you from participating in future events?

Dr. Henderson: I was so determined to go forward. That incident stuck with me even throughout my adult life.

However, I was determined to do something about it. I would tell the reading audience when faced with this type of adversity don’t let anything stop you, regardless of what people say or do to discriminate against you in any fashion. You can do it, do not give up, and stay positive because people will try to discourage you and make you doubt yourself so that you will give up and quit.

During my senior year of high school, I auditioned for Ms. Williamsburg. I was the only black girl that entered the competition, and I was dark-skinned. I felt like I might not win the pageant because I was a little black girl, but I knew I would win the talent part of the competition because I could sing. I did just that, I won the talent competition.

I was faced with many racial tensions as mentioned, but I was determined to go forward. I wasn’t intimidated because what made me feel like I could do anything was that I could sing.

Singing was my passion and I pursued it. I would tell girls and boys don’t let obstacles stop them, it’s important to find that one talent that you have and use it to go forward. Always follow your passion.

MoveJ forward, be determined and confident, and don’t let a denial stop you from being whom God created you to be.

Jacquelyn: Now that’s empowering!

Dr. Henderson, you also mentioned growing up around abuse. You successfully overcame an abusive environment. How can you encourage young girls to stay focused on themselves and not the abuse going on in their environment as you did?

Dr. Henderson: We were churchgoers and enjoyed going. This was our refuge from all that was going on in our homes. Our Pastor Rev. L.F. Williams was so encouraging to us. He was all our father. All the children looked up to him because he was such a mentor to us. I learned everything about the Bible from him. We went to Sunday school, bible study, sang in the choir, and played baseball. We also had Ms. Harris and Mrs. Taylor were like mothers to us. They would tell us positive things to do to keep us grounded and away from frustrations as much as possible. So, I would advise young people who have issues in the home to get involved in the church or outside activities and keep busy with positive things. Concentrate on doing things that will help you and keep grounded.

Now I’m mentoring other girls doing the same things that Ms. Harris or Mrs. Taylor did for me.

Jacquelyn: I would like to stay on this subject a little. How did you approach someone with the situations that you were going through?

Dr. Henderson: I don’t remember really approaching them. It was as if they knew something was going on. They would approach us and ask us how we were doing with one question leading to another. Which I feel is a good way to approach any child that you might feel is going through an abusive situation I was a little brat, but I was also shy, so I didn’t know how to talk to them. Again, it seemed as if they knew what was going on and they would approach me inquiring as to how they could help me. They won my confidence and felt comfortable to talk to about what was going on.

Sometimes I felt that I couldn’t share everything with them, but I would share some and just share that gave me the release that I needed at the time.

I would tell the young girls that are going through any type of abusive situation or are in an abusive environment, share. Talk to a trusted counselor, teacher, or a trusted church member about what’s going on as much as you are comfortable with because you need that release.

Jacquelyn: Dr. Henderson, wow! You received a release from the elders of the church, outside activities, through your memoirs and now you are sharing inspirational nuggets that our readers can share with others who they know might be going through similar situations.

I can’t let you go without having you share a little about your children’s books. How were they inspired?

Dr. Henderson: Certainly. “My Friend Helga,” was inspired by a similar friendship of my daughter when we lived in Germany. It tells of how Helga comes to the US to visit only to find that her parents have other plans, which ultimately help her to meet a new friend.

“Man, that Sugar Cookie Stink,” is for children of all ages. The book is dedicated to my brother Cookie who lost his battle with diabetes. It shares great childhood memories of my brother. It shares brothers and sisters playing together, his positive nature, poetry, riding the bicycle, running, playing basketball, and more.

“Princess Noa,” is all about a princess of color inspired by my niece who is such a princess. The book teaches children how to share and be kind with others because Princess Noa is a sharing princess who loves sharing her life in the castle and the meaning of all of her beautiful flowers.

Jacquelyn: I love how all your children's books teach our children to have positive attitudes. Sharing with each other, siblings playing one with the other, and establishing positive friendships. You have helped me out a little with my shopping because I have purchased all of the children’s books for my grandchildren.

Dr. Henderson, share with us the last word to our aspiring young writers.

Dr. Henderson: Again, I would say start journaling now. If you are a girl, get a cute little journal. Boys, get a superhero or action figure. Looking at the pretty journal or superhero will inspire the children to pick it up and write. Boys and girls both should write down small things that you are thinking about. An easy and quick book would be writing about family. Ask family members about the family. Talk to grandparents, aunties, uncles, and older cousins and write down positive and funny things that they’re telling you. Put it in the order that you feel is best. Before long, you will have your first book.

Refer to the end of this article for the website of Dr. Henderson’s book website. Through this interview, I found that a childhood friend from Williamsburg, VA didn’t allow the struggles and adversities of her childhood to hinder her from going forward and becoming a successful and well-sought-after psalmist and author. I learned through her transparency, how we must live determined to go forward despite the day-to-day issues we have faced during our J lifetime.

I would like to say “my hat goes off” to Dr. Henderson for being such a tremendous inspiration not only to children but also women all over because we can all identify with her story at one time or another. I pray that we too will persevere towards our own individual success and go forward accomplishing our dreams, passions, and desires.

You may contact Dr. Rema Frazier-Henderson at: www.remafrazier-henderson.com and Email: Rema.Henderson@yahoo.com

Did I stutter?

By Lacroy Nixon What is one to do When words to ambitions to seize the day stumble over the doorstep of my lips like children running to catch the school bus Shoelaces still untied A backpack full of dreams still unzipped And eyes too bright to see darkness But what does want to do with the body of that boy becomes a coffin to lay the bullets to rest in cremation of flesh through the hot lead end A jogging eulogy Jogging my memory Instantly transforming from artistic to a statistic I wonder if his blood ran as fast as he did If the men that did this acted as if they threw his soul and body into the gutter I wonder if his heart stammered and stuttered How can one go from neighbor to nemesis faster than a white truck gassed up on prejudice? and what is one to do When the birds are chirping in the Georgia breeze, and you still hear the whistles of Emmett till As if violence is imminent till justice is served like grits from black panthers but the world is gritty black man kills black man we don’t have to protest but we die even when we stand for the anthem Because we are the anthem It’s sad that we're already considered leak when we try to open our hearts to those who are within our proximity Black men are expected to hold their emotions the same way we hold our liquor as long as we don’t regurgitate the same toxicity What is one to do When the church is quieter than the street after those shots rang out As if snitches get stitches As if the vast majority refuses to accept the part in this game like glitches When another crucifixion happens, and God seems to turn away As if his guardian angels were subject to budget cuts As if our thoughts and prayers only get as high as a cloud of smoke from shotguns But I know he’s there And I just want answers Or did I stutter?

In memory of Ahmaud Arbery and the countless others killed unjustly.

Poet’s Biography: Lacroy Nixon was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in Williamsburg Virginia. He began writing poetry in high school where he was entered into the NAACP-ACTSO competition and ranked nationally two years in a row. After starting college and joining bridging the gap urban ministries, he dawned the artist’s name “Atlas” and began to speak regularly. Since then, he has performed on many stages, had work featured internationally, and is currently the author of a book of poetry and art in titled “God and his Humor”. www.kingdomlifemagazine.com 40

MAN CAVE

ADJUSTING TO THE NEW NORMAL I finally got to meet because of COVID-19 my good friend over

was in the store but me, but then I heard one

the weekend after being separated from her for over 2 months.

of the employees coughing. I thought, “Well I

We decided it was probably best not to have our regular get-

am sure it is just allergies.” When I got up to

togethers as she is a nurse and would go home after work to take

the counter to pay for my supplies, the

care of her 91-year-old father. We just believed the risk would be

employee that was coughing, told another

too great.

employee that she has been so sick and did not know what she has, possibly the crude! I

When we had our long-awaited time together on Saturday my

wanted to run out of the store immediately,

friend gave me a big hug. My first thought as my friend was

as I realized the employee that said she was

hugging me was,” I have not hugged anyone other than my

so sick and was not wearing a face mask.

husband in 2 months, do I pull away or do I embrace my friend’s hug?” I honestly felt conflicted about what to do. I wanted so

I started to realize this is our new normal. We

badly to enjoy our long-awaited hug, but I couldn’t help think,

don’t think about going into public or being

“Should we be doing this?”

around those that are sick the same. We

This morning I ventured out to the Dollar Store to grab some

have more questions than we do answers to

cleaning products, and this time I decided I was not going to wear

reopening our economy in the midst of

my face mask. When I got inside the store I looked around and

COVID-19.

saw the store was empty. I felt relieved as no one was in the

There is so much conflicting information surrounding how we should behave in the midst of this pandemic. One report says to wear a mask while you are in public, and another says it does not make a difference.

Even though we are still supposed to practice social distancing, many are choosing not to. It makes me think, “If others are not social distancing, then should I stop too?”

Our church is opening their doors to have indoor services in 2 weeks.

While they are putting safe measures in place, I can’t help to think, “Is it safe to be indoors with so many people coming in and out of one building?”

We have been inundated for months with all the risks, and potential harm that would come if we don’t social distance and if we get too laid back in opening up our economy. But now, that is exactly what is happening, most people seem to be getting comfortable with getting on with their lives, as if we are not still facing COVID-19.

Having questions and concerns about how to precede on with your life after COVID-19 restrictions have lifted is normal. You may feel like I do, a bit hesitant to fully embrace life the way it was before. You may be ever-so cautiously venturing out and still feel uncomfortable with hugging and handshakes. You may be ready to go out to a restaurant but feel more comfortable eating outdoors. You may get together with friends and family, but are not ready to have a bunch of people in your house.

My belief is it is okay to slowly venture out and to have time with friends and family but still take the precautions that you need to feel safe. Don’t jump into the deep end as you are coming out of COVID-19 restrictions. Take it slowly as you begin to navigate into the world again.

Be smart and most of all rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you as what you are to do, and how you are to do it.

I believe most people are sick and tired of being quarantined that many are going to take a risk with getting back to their lives as normal as possible. I mean who does not want to go back to our normal way of life? I get this response to the lifting of COVID-19, but is this truly the best practice right now?

The coronavirus is real. People have gotten sick and people have died from the virus, but there has also been a spirit of fear that is worse than the actual virus. Get some time alone with God, and ask Him to show you if you are being led by His wisdom or the spirit of fear. Don’t base what you do on what everyone else is doing, but what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do.

Reflect and respond: 1. What challenges have you faced as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted?

2. What are you doing now if anything to be safe? Why or why not?

3. Have you considered asking the Holy Spirit how He wants you to precede with your life now that COVID-19 restrictions have lifted?

Stephanie R. Reck, LMSW, LBT, BCCC Founder of Hope Ministry

KINGDOM WEALTH

MONEY MATTERS THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF MONEY Part of our spiritual inquiry into money requires being honest about what it means to us, how we act around it, and what we value.

Money is a little like sex: we think about it frequently but rarely talk about it in healthy, open ways. Maybe we’re even worse at money talk: when Gaby Dunn started her podcast Bad with Money, she asked a bunch of hip, young strangers to name their favorite sex position and then how much money was in their bank account. Most had no problem talking about their sexual proclivities but clammed up at the mention of money.

Money is also a strange substance when you think about it: material yet really imaginary. It can grow when we have it and shrinks faster when we don’t. We certainly don’t think of money as being spiritual or having a soul, and that’s part of why so many of us have deep pain and unresolved issues related to it. So, what is the spiritual meaning of money?

Intergenerational $$$ Anxiety

By: Julie Peters www.kingdomlifemagazine.com 44

Many of us have a scarcity mindset when it comes to

In this suit, we are thinking about how we are

money. There’s never enough, and when we think about

supporting ourselves, what is happening with our

our bank accounts, we do not feel safe—even when,

foundation. Money often represents the

objectively, there is enough and we are in no danger.

foundation. When we think of it like that, how can

[Read: “Put Your Money Where Your Values Are.”]

we relate money to a foundation of support?

Money anxiety has been passed down through the

·Who or what supports me in what I do?

generations, and much of what we’re feeling and thinking

·How do I support myself?

about when it comes to the spiritual meaning of money

·Am I supported to do what I really want, or

isn’t even from our own lifetimes.

am I just surviving?

Take a moment to think about where you got your ideas

Money as a Representation of Value

about money. Here are some questions you could ask:

Psychologically, money represents value. When

·What did I learn about money when I was a child?

we see something expensive, we assume it has

·Did I feel that we had enough in my family? Enough

value. When we see something “free” or “by

food, enough space, enough for shelter, as well as

donation,” we assume it isn’t worth much. A

enough money?

classic marketing strategy is to raise prices so

·Did I feel like I was enough as a child?

that people see the product as being more

·What is my family history in terms of money? Look

valuable than at a lower price.

back a few generations. Who made it?

When we don’t have much money or don’t make

Who lost it? What decisions were made because of money or its lack?

Earth, Home, Security Money is related to the first chakra, Muladhara in the ancient energy system comprising seven energy centers

much for our work, we’re getting the message that we aren’t valuable, nor is our work.

Sometimes it’s hard for us to receive a lot of money for our work because we don’t think we have value.

along the plane of the spine. This is the energy center

The Spiritual Meaning of Money for

located around the perineum and down into the legs and

You

feet. It has to do with our sense of security, home,

Money is deeply important. We do not think of it

safety, and, yes, money. Like it or not, we live in a

as spiritual because it exists so much on the

culture where money is necessary for survival.

material plane. Of course, people can use money

Regardless of how much money you do or do not have,

to avoid spiritual connection, but it doesn’t have

take a moment to notice how it feels in your body to think

to be a barrier. In fact, if we have enough money,

about these questions. Close your eyes and take a deep

we can have the time and safe space to focus on

breath. Consider the following:

things like yoga, meditation, and self-growth. If

·What happens in my body when I think about money?

we do not have enough, we will be much more

·What do I notice around my pelvic floor/perineum

focused on survival than on spirit.

when I think about my bank account?

However, we also live in a culture where

·If I imagine myself completely supported in terms of

“enough” is elusive. We don’t really need that

money, completely safe with plenty to go around, what

much to feel safe and supported in ourselves.

changes in my body?

Part of our spiritual inquiry into money requires

In the tarot deck, money is represented in the suit of

being honest about what we think and feel about

pentacles, which also represents earth, home, security—

it, what it means to us, and what our behavior

all the same things as the Muladhara chakra.

around money says about who we are and what’s important to us. What is the spiritual meaning of money for you?

PREVENTION, PROSECUTION AND PROTECTION - HUMAN TRAFFICKING

BY: UN CHRONICLE, RUTH DELANEY How much would you pay for a winter coat?

How much would you pay for the child that made it?

Fifty years ago, the abomination of slavery seemed like a thing of the past. But history has a way of repeating itself. Today, we find that human slavery is once again a sickening reality. At this moment, men, women and children are being trafficked and exploited all over the world: 2.4 million have been trafficked into forced labour worldwide of these, 600,000 to 800,000 are trafficked across borders each year and 12,000 children are working as slaves on cocoa plantations in West Africa. It is impossible to ever reach a consensus on the true scale of the problem but, regardless of the figures, what matters is that human trafficking is big and getting

bigger. What matters is that every number represents a human life destroyed. It is happening on every continent and in almost every country: whether the place we live is a source, destination or transit point for trafficking, none of us can claim to be wholly unaffected by this crime.

As the extent of human trafficking is recognized, a number of approaches to tackling it have been developed. Stop the Traffik is one such approach. Born out of witnessing first-hand the effects of human trafficking, we started out in 2006 as an informal coalition dedicated to raising awareness of trafficking and generating the political will necessary to stop it.

During our short existence we have found that one of the biggest impediments to anti-trafficking efforts is a lack of understanding of the issue. Trafficking, and consequently, the measures taken to combat it, is often entangled with people smuggling, immigration and asylum, prostitution and other www.kingdomlifemagazinecom 47

forms of organized crime. It must be emphasized that the essence of trafficking is the forced exploitation of individuals by those in the position to exert power over them. While moving people is an intrinsic part of trafficking, this may occur within as well as across borders, and it may take a variety of forms. If they have been tricked or deceived, a person may even willingly transport themselves into a situation of exploitation. But unlike those who pay to be smuggled into another country, victims of trafficking have no prospect of making a new life for themselves.

International trafficking will inevitably raise issues of immigration, but its victims cannot simply be treated as illegal migrants, nor can the efforts to tackle it be reduced to stricter border controls. We can find sex trafficking abhorrent without taking a particular stance against prostitution, and policies to reduce or control the sex industry are just one approach to ending the trade of human flesh. Finally, despite the similarities between the organized trafficking of drugs, arms and humans, which may require comparable police tactics to combat, we commit a grave injustice against the victims of human slavery if we reduce them in our minds to the status of commodities.

The first step to preventing human trafficking and prosecuting the traffickers is therefore to recognize the complexity of the crime which cannot be tackled in a vacuum. Anti-trafficking strategies have to be embedded in every policy area, from improving female education in source countries so that girls are less vulnerable to trafficking, to increasing police pay in destination countries so that officers are less susceptible to bribery.

We cannot allow ourselves to marginalize the issue of trafficking, viewing it as something that can be ended with a few extra taskforces or dedicated units. We need everyone to be aware of how it affects them, and what they can do to stop it. Laudable efforts in this direction have already been made. In 2000, the United Nations launched the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, which established a victimcentred approach to trafficking. It has since been signed by 177 countries. In 2005, the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings marked a step towards greater cooperation and dedication within Europe.

But more needs to be done. Many people still do not know what trafficking is, or do not care. We are working to change that, at every level of society. In February 2008 we delivered 1.5 million signatures to the UN from people calling for an end to human trafficking; as a result, our founder Steve Chalke was appointed UN.GIFT Special Advisor on Community Action against Human Trafficking. Since then we have continued to build on our grassroots support, firm in the belief that trafficking cannot be stopped by international conventions alone. Our focus is currently geared towards three key campaigns.

First is Start Freedom, our dynamic new global project run in conjunction with the UN that aims to engage and raise awareness among young people, helping them learn about the issues surrounding human trafficking. The fact that over half of all victims of human trafficking are under 18 empowers young people to realize the importance of their potential to prevent this illicit trade. Already we've had stories from source, transit and destination countries such as Greece, Mexico and Nepal, about how young ¬ people, schools, faith groups and ¬ communities are engaging with Start Freedom. Communities are at the heart of our campaigns. During Freedom Week in March 2010, young people will connect, engage and share in their communities varied and creative ways to mark their objection to human trafficking.

Our other key project at the moment is Active Communities against Trafficking (ACT), which aims to bring together members of a community under the umbrella of an ACT group. We equip these groups with an abundance of resources to help them identify trafficking, understand how it affects local communities, and learn how to help prevent its continuation. They can do this by asking questions about missing children and by forming connections with local authorities, professionals and community leaders. We believe trafficking starts in a community, and can be stopped by a community, and as the ACT project takes hold across countries, we are witnessing the profile of trafficking being raised, bringing together a diversity of people to help combat human trafficking in its various guises. The second stage of ACT, currently being piloted, will be launched in 2010. It is essentially a community research project that aims to gather information about human trafficking for sexual exploitation in local communities. This project has strong potential to contribute immensely to our key objectives: prevention of trafficking, prosecution of traffickers, and protection of victims.

A third central focus is our Chocolate Campaign, which is informed by the fact that more than a third of the world's cocoa comes from Côte d'Ivoire, where child trafficking and forced labor has been widely documented and acknowledged by international initiatives, such as the International Cocoa Initiative. Since international deadlines for eradicating child trafficking were missed by manufacturers, we decided to campaign ourselves by trying to get the big chocolate manufacturers to tell us that their products are "traffik free". Up until very recently, most of them could not guarantee this -- quite simply because their supply chains were not free of child slavery. Our Chocolate Campaign encourages people to help spread awareness about child trafficking in the cocoa industry, and to pressurize big chocolate manufacturers to commit to certifications, such as Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, which are currently the best guarantees we have to indicate that products are "traffik free". Only with a concerted effort by governments, private companies, nongovernmental organizations, will start People talking, communities are rising, global networks are being forged and governments are responding to the united message that human trafficking must end

FAITH @ HOME

AFRICA N A M E R I C A N HOME D E S I G N TIPS BY :DANA BRECKINRIDGE

Create the perfect African American home decor, you have to choose home decor accents in the right colors and patterns.

Colors Colors that are perfect for an African American themed home interior decoration include striking black and white, warm colors such as yellows and brown and their various hues, bold colors such as orange and red as well as muted blues and purples.

You can incorporate these colors into your home by buying affordable home decor accents such as prints of landscapes or people, mugs, cups, saucers and matching coasters, candles and candle holders, pillows and cushions, figurines, switch plate covers, wall clocks and lampshades.

These home decor accents can have various images such as of families, churches homes and praying hands in these colors.

www.kingdomlifemagazine.com 50

INTERIOR Patterns Patterns that are perfect for an African American-themed modern home interior include Kente cloth patterns, Mud cloth patterns as well as animal prints such as zebra prints, cheetah prints, leopard prints, and giraffes prints.

Printed sayings such as Bible verses such as "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me."

(Philippians 4:13) and with God all things are possible are other perfect patterns for African American home decor accents.

These can be incorporated into your home interior decoration by buying mousepads and magnets, curtains and drapes for windows, wall hangings, cushion covers, and decorative throws with these patterns.

Experiment To set your home decor ball rolling, you can choose a room in your home to begin. The bathroom is a perfect room since it is private and thus gives you the luxury to edit your mistakes. For starters, you can begin by buying lotion pumps, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, tissue boxes, and wastebaskets all in zebra print.

Combine this with a bold red bathmat and shower curtains. Buy a few live plants for your bathroom or if you do not have green thumbs, purchase faux green plants such as ferns and mini palm trees to add an exotic feel to your bathroom. Finish off by buying African black soap to display in beautiful wooden bowls.

Excerpt from the book African American home interior decor by Miriam Kinai. This book teaches you the 5 key things you need to consider when choosing home decor accents for an African American-themed home. It also gives you perfect examples of how you can inject authentic Afrocentric style into the rooms of your home and teaches you how to make your African American home decor five-dimensional.

Dr. Miriam Kinai loves interior decorating and has written many books such as African American Home Decor, Asian Home Decor, and Christian Home Decor which are available at her blog http://www.modernhomedecorthemes.com/ and from http://www.amazon.com

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