JOY NATION APRIL ISSUE

WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Saved and Single Survival Guide

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF AVERAGE

3 LEADERSHIP QUALITIES I OBSERVED FROM A YOUNG NBA COACH

The Heart of Worship GROUND BREAKING

New Building in Alamogordo APRIL 2022 ISSUE FAITH BASED

EDITOR’S LETTER Have you ever questioned why everyone else is succeeding in life, and passing you by? Have you succeeded at some things but now find yourself stagnant and unmotivated to strive for anything greater? Better yet, have you detached yourself from the potential of being great to avoid disappointment and failure, and instead settled for a mediocre run-of-the-mill life? God has called you to be great. From the moment you were created in God's image, your greatness was predetermined. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” As a child of God, there’s no reason we should blend in with the world. We should stand out like the “city on a hill” and draw others to His light.

It is too easy to get stuck in a rut and allow life’s circumstances to dictate the trajectory of your growth. Challenge the life you’ve been living with what God has designed for you. God has given our man of God the wisdom and the words to help us break free from the bondage of conformity and stagnation. It doesn’t matter how old you are, sow seeds for your future today by creating habits that will lead to an extraordinary life. (More on page 12) Our first edition of Joy Nation magazine comes as the introduction to the vision given to our man of God. In the April edition, you will find a diverse array of articles, including devotionals, global news, and a section for Kingdom Kids.

Ultimately, it is our prayer that this magazine is yet another form of ministry that allows us to reach lost souls! We encourage you to share it with as many people as you can, as we continue to grow!

Thanks for stopping by, Andrea L. Newman, Managing Editor

INSIDE APRIL

Share this magazine with a family member or friend

12

breaking the cycle of average by mikel brown

04

be the light

by andrea newman

05

breaking ground by pastor charles bennett

06

INSIDE OUT

BY YOLANDA SKULL

08

heart of worship by devon west

16

kingdom kids

20

you'll never rise above what you believe

BY ANDREA NEWMAN

22

what's love got to do with it

by bishop mikel brown

25

3 leadership qualities i observed from nba coach, adrian griffin by dr mikel brown

28

5 ways to pray for christians in russia and ukraine

30

testimony of freedom

32

jc phoenix is growing

by pastor roy & eld. tish times

35

everything that shines isn't gold by bishop mikel brown

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!

It has been our joy to bring you the good news for 44 years of ministry. With this magazine, we will continue to share the amazing joy of Jesus and inspire a generation by connecting people who experience the JOY. -Mikel and Debra Brown

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Download Today!

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to watch live

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”

Genesis 1:3-5 NKJV “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”

II Corinthians 6:14 NKJV

BE THE LIGHT

BY ANDREA NEWMAN

“The very first day of creation was a day of division (Genesis 1:3-5). God divided the light from the darkness, yet we can see that He only called the light good. For the light to be good, it had to be separated from the darkness. We see this again in II Corinthians 6:14, as Paul addresses the Corinthian church. He admonishes them for being restricted by their affections and, poses the question “What communion has light with darkness?” As we maneuver through life in our own strength, at times the line between good and evil becomes blurred and we begin justifying certain relationships and environments that deep down we know are no place for us. The more we dabble into darkness the more the light within us is dimmed. We no longer become the light in the darkness but instead invite darkness to inhabit our hearts and minds, leaving no room for the light.

God modeled the necessity for light when He created plants. A plant requires light to grow and if deprived of such it dies. Slowly the leaves begin to brown and eventually the entire plant withers away. Often there are red flags, signs that we avoid, that indicate we are dying.

The Holy Spirit speaks, attempts to guide us, and instead, we continue placing ourselves in dark rooms with

18

inadequate sunlight. Eventually, our light receptors become seared and the conviction that once kept us becomes nonexistent. Don’t wait until it’s too late beloved. Examine your life today. Are you maintaining toxic relationships for the sake of your flesh? Most of the time we know the answer but we've justified our actions.

When we said yes to God, old things passed away and we became a new creation. You can't experience all that God has for you, holding on to what used to be or to relationships that are not headed in the same direction God is taking you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for holding on to people and things that are not of you and denying you access to all of me. Give me a heart to hate the things you hate and love the things you love. You created me to be the light in the darkness and to draw all men unto you. Give me the boldness to stand for what’s right and to share the gospel. Holy Spirit reveal to me the areas that I have not surrendered. I give you full access today and place you back on the throne of my heart. Have your way in me, God. Amen.

JOY NATION | PAGE 5

DEVOTIONAL

|

APRIL 2022

Whenever you make a move in faith, the next move will always be a move of opposition! Especially when you are desiring to build or establish something for the Kingdom of God that will remain on the earth long after you’re gone.

BREAKING GROUND

By Pastor Charles Bennett Photographs by Kristen Weathersby

Through our Bishop, God revealed that a new house would be built for Joy Center Alamogordo in 2022, the year of fulfillment! The new facility is a portion of Bishop Brown's overall vision, being that there is still more to accomplish, by the grace of God. We already own the land where our new building will be located, which means we will be debt-free!

Certain obstacles have arisen along the way in an attempt to slow us down. We've had to re-adjust and continue moving forward in what God said to do regardless of the situations that presented themselves. He never said it would be easy or that we wouldn't face any hurdles. Faith must be tested for its authenticity, for without it we cannot please God. Challenges are not a sign to give up, but rather, a sign to keep going! God said NOW. (no opportunity wasted) Therefore, nothing will stop our ongoing progress.

Alamogordo is longing and ready for something fresh and new that will benefit the community overall.

We've already begun preliminary construction plans for the building and construction will begin in late April.

The new 12,000 square foot worship facility will house a stateof-the-art sanctuary that will seat 300 people. There will also be administrative offices, children's classrooms, a fellowship hall, and a Bible Land Childcare Learning Center. With this facility, we will be able to serve the Alamogordo and Holloman AFB community more effectively by operating 6 days a week.

Thank you to all of Joy Center Nation, your financial support and prayers have helped tremendously thus far. We ask that you continue to sow and pray as our work to make this dream a reality continues by the grace of God! JOYNATION

| 06

APRIL 2022

INSIDE OUT "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Philippians 4:8

By Yolanda Skull

Inside Out, in simplest terms, is a 12-week, biblically-based support group designed to help us navigate through this odyssey we call life. It is not always easy for a believer to walk with the Lord. We may encounter challenges, trials, and tribulations arising from circumstances we have encountered before or even after we began our journey with Him. Those circumstances and consequences thereof oftentimes leave us feeling broken and alone. Challenges do not discriminate by age, race, position, influence, or anything else that we might have in our lives, and neither does Inside Out. We created Inside Out to help you cope, connect, and be empowered on your way to being MADE FREE, from the inside out. Each class is designed to build upon the next, ultimately creating an effective, God-centered arsenal of tools to run this race.

Inside Out is based on two foundational Scriptures – Romans 12:1-2 and Philippians 4:8.

We cannot always change or control the things that happen to us, but we can choose to allow God to change our mindsets about it. Everything begins as a thought, and we determine the outcome of any thoughts that surface by filtering them back through the Word of God. One of the beauties of the group is that it provides a safe place to process; a thin place where Holy Spirit is allowed to flow as He wills. The group setting places all of us on an even playing field as we recognize our need for God, and the importance of connecting with others.

Are you prepared for and committed to the journey? Remember, God, wants us free, and you can be made free indeed! (John 8:36) You can plant seeds for a bright future today by allowing God to heal you from the inside out.

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JOY NATION | PAGE 8

Heart of Worship Written by DeVon West

Not all worship is worship. We tend to measure things by their outward appearance, and we qualify the authenticity by what we see. However, God sees our heart.

T’S SUNDAY MORNING AND THE worship leader is prompting you; “lift your hands!” “give God some praise!” At this point you have to ask, are you truly worshiping, or is this just a ritual?

The phrases themselves are not harmful unless we are misinformed about their meaning and intent. A few questions arise concerning the subject. What is worship, and how do we do it correctly, according to the will of God? Along with, how do we as believers make sure we are offering acceptable worship unto God? I’ve come across some of the most beautiful expressions describing the essence of worship that truly resonate with me. Worship is, having a heart that is constantly longing to please God and, choosing to live a life that pleases God in every situation. It is our passionate response to God’s passionate pursuit of us. I Believe all of these are true. However, what does the Bible say worship is, and, what is pleasing unto God? John 4:23 says, “But the hour cometh, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh

JOY NATION | PAGE 7

such to worship him.” Now, there’s no way we could worship God apart from having this scripture in our hearts as believers! Trying to worship, without any regard for what the word says, would be like a man trying to perform open-heart surgery without any medical schooling! It would be a sloppy mess with no productive end.

The Bible lets us know what is required of us to

continued on page 9

JOY NATION | PAGE 09

worship him. We MUST worship in spirit and truth.

So how do we do that? If we look at 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, it tells us that only the Spirit of God truly knows what the Father desires and reveals those things to us by his Spirit. The beautiful thing about this is that we don’t have to guess or rely on the opinions of others. We must have faith and believe in what the Spirit has revealed to us. Faith is paramount being that without it, we could not please God. I can guarantee that if you have a lack of faith then there is no way you could please him with your worship. How could you worship God yet not believe in Him? It just doesn't make sense. This brings us back to the heart of the matter. When the Bible says in spirit and in truth, what that means is with all your heart, mind, and, soul completely surrendered unto Him. In John 4:23, we can see that there will be fake worshippers whose intentions are not genuine because it says, God is only seeking TRUE worshippers. Could you imagine someone asking for a woman’s hand in marriage by getting her the brightest, biggest, and, most luxurious ring? She’d be overwhelmed with excitement and satisfaction until she later realizes that the diamond he gifted her is fake! If the woman knew that from the beginning, she probably would have been a little reluctant to accept it. God is all-knowing and

19

“Worship is our passionate response to God’s passionate pursuit of us” already knows what is real, and what is fake. He has made his requirements for worship clear. Anything else is only a form of worship that has been constructed to please those around us with their preference instead of God’s. While those fake worshippers may appease the feelings and comfort of themselves and others, disregarding the requirements of God blatantly goes against His Word. In the Bible, we see the example of Cain, who offered a sacrifice unto God with the wrong heart and thus was rejected by God. Instead, we should strive to be like his brother Abel, who only offered God the best and not what was leftover. Putting anything else before God and offering up what is left, as an act of worship, is not our best and will only go as high as the ceiling.

JOY NATION | PAGE 10

I don’t know about you, but I’m sticking to what the Bible says. If there is ever any confusion or question about whether or not your worship is real, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the will of God to you concerning that matter, and for a heart that's open to receiving. If any of us lack knowledge in any area, we can come to God and ask boldly because we belong to him and he won’t criticize us for asking. Set aside some time to spend in the presence of God. Everything we need can be found there. The next time you hear, “lift your hands and worship!” Let it be an act of surrender as you allow the Holy Spirit to tear down any walls that are keeping you from experiencing true intimacy and the fullness of God.

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BREAKING THE CYCLE OF AVERAGE WORDS BY DR MIKEL BROWN

Are you tired of life just passing you by? It’s time to step out of the shadow of excellence and be who you were created to be!

JOY NATION |

12

ave you ever heard something that stuck

be better than what you presently are, you

position on your job, but you were

must do things differently or better than

with you and shifted

passed over because you just blended

others whose standard is 'just enough to

the way you thought?

in? All of these, and more, real-life

get by.'

scenarios have been used as the culprit

I remember watching

for quitting, or becoming stagnated,

Sister Act II and being

Aim beyond what you think you can

so motivated hearing

where you no longer gave a hundred

achieve. Challenge yourself to develop a

Whoopi Goldberg say

percent effort.

total disregard for where your abilities end,

"if you want to be somebody, if you want

and turn enthusiasm into the energy that

Life is about always moving forward,

to go somewhere … you better wake up

moves you beyond your fears. Your future

no matter what. It's not becoming

and pay attention.”

depends on many things, but mostly on

stagnated by some emotional letdown

There is a very large class of people in society that you want to stay as far away

you. You might succeed if nobody else like a child having a temper tantrum believes in you, but you will never succeed when something doesn't work out the

from their influence as possible, unless you

if you don't believe in yourself.

want to be a part of them. Whether you

way you planned it. Finding excuses to quit life or give up on your dream will

heard of this group or not, the most

The difference between the average 90 and

important thing about this group is that this group are not necessarily bad people,

the uncommon 10 is that the average 90 depression and anxiety, which will wait for opportunities to be exposed, oftentimes, leads to self-destruction. while the uncommon 10 will create them. It However, those who have a resolve in

but if anyone from this group has your

takes perseverance to break away from the

their heart realize that quitting is not

undivided attention, they may be a

mediocre and to do something other than

an option. Disappointment, frustration

you do not want to be a part of it. People in

deterrent to your progress. This consortium of people is commonly known as 'The Average 90.' This is a group of people who may be stuck

give most people immediate access to

"TURN ENTHUSIASM INTO ENERGY THAT MOVES YOU BEYOND YOUR FEARS"

, and failures are all a part of life.

Unfortunately, we can not always escape these life factors, because while we are learning

in a box without any desire or passion to break out of it. They

how to live, we what most people are willing to do, which is are also learning how to succeed at

avoid risk, abandon conflict, and run from

to get a job…a job that pays them below whatever is before us. You must

any challenge that requires more than a

their skill level. In reality, this person may

change your perspective on failure

mediocre effort.

just have the mindset of a "minimum wage

altogether. There are life lessons that

earner." Isn't it ironic that a person can be inevitably lead to mistakes. How you Are you the kind of person who will give

so talented and gifted, but their drive is like

deal with your errors will either

that little extra to achieve more than what

the power of a gas-operated scooter and demonstrate your mental stability and

the average person can accomplish?

not that of a Ferrari?

your inner strength, or the lack thereof.

Average people live in the shadow of excellence—always

admiring

the

achievements of others who are not as gifted, but more daring. You don’t have to be the smartest or strongest person to achieve greatness. Have you noticed that the most intelligent people in school are

Have you ever been at a point in life when For life to work in its most simplistic you wanted to give up, throw in the towel, form, a person must understand that it and quit for the rest of your life? Remember takes wisdom to fast forward, as children, when we played baseball and intelligence to pause, the integrity of we failed to catch the ball or were strength to play, and foolishness to go

not always the most successful, or the ones

embarrassed at school for liking someone backward. If you can fully grasp these who didn't like us? How about when you four components, you will be able to

who leave their mark on life? If you want to

felt you were the most qualified for a

make better sense of life. You'll have a

position JOY NATION |

13

better awareness to discover that life does indeed have a purpose. You were not designed to be average.

No one comes into this world and begins life counting backward by years, months, weeks, and then days. All of humanity is designed for forwarding mobility, and we start, not at one, but at the beginning. A person cannot set goals for the days they've already lived; they can only set goals for days that have not yet been lived. This suggests that there is a Mastermind and Designer who created us to live progressively, not to die in a backward mode.

Do yourself a favor and rid your mind of mediocrity.

Examine your efforts, challenge your strength and intelligence, take the limits of being average, and throw them as far away from you as possible. You must refuse to accept what life throws at you, like most people do, and throw at life the direction you believe God has designed for you to go.

I understand that it is your life to do with as you please; however, it is not your right to make other people feel guilty because they don't want to live their lives alongside yours. It is difficult to follow a parked car. If you are not going anywhere in life and your movement is synchronized with those who are average, can you please move out of the way so others can get by you without the possibility of tripping over you? If you want to waste your time that's your decision, but I won't give you the opportunity of wasting mine.

To break away from the norm you have been accustomed to, you have to move through the crowd of people and create your own path. People of destiny will make life happen; average people will wait for life to happen. Which one are you?

"IF THEY COMPEL YOU TO GO ONE MILE, GO TWO" MATHEW 5:41

JOY NATION | 14

Unleash The Power to Make Life Work For You

By Dr Mikel Brown

NOW AVAILABLE $14.95 USD PAPERBACK

Scan to get your copy on Amazon NOW!

Excerpt from Chapter 4: Don't Just Sit There!

If there is anything that will expose you to solutions during a crisis, it is the realization that crises are normal to life. How you see a crisis will be quintessential to how you deal with it. When you see a crisis as only misfortunes, they conceal the opportunities that are just underneath. The word "crisis" is from the Greek, meaning "a moment to decide." The chronic recurrent moments of crisis and decision, when understood, are growth junctures, points of initiation that denote the release from one state of being and growth into the next.

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?' When life is hard, you constantly have to react to situations that occurred because you did not act when the opportunity was presented. A life of reaction is a life of slaveryintellectually and spiritually. One must fight for a life of action, not reaction.

When you're faced with unfamiliar conditions or a situation that demands an immediate response and answers are not readily available, what will be your primary source of information? It is situations like these that test your resolve and gauge your ability to apply critical thinking. It is not stress that kills us; it is. our reaction to it. Knowing what you want and making decisions based on you getting it, puts you on the right track. However, being on the right track is not enough to ensure that you are going to make it. Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.

Taking action may not always be what you want to do; but without it, there will be no results. Ideas without actions are worthless! Start by doing what is necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible...

BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR CHILDREN’S CHURCH STAFF

16

What if someone said to you, “Oh, I know all about Easter. It’s Easter baskets and chocolate bunnies and coloring eggs.” What would you say? Do you know how to talk about the real miracle of Easter? If you’re not sure what to say, here’s some help.

Some people respond to this separation from God by saying God doesn’t exist, or by doing lots of good things, or by focusing on jobs or money. None of these will take away your sin. But if that’s true, what can you do about your sin?

The Easter story starts with God and how he created you. God gave you value and purpose; He wants you to know him personally. But when you sin, you can’t have a personal relationship with God. What is sin?

Sin is anything (thoughts, actions, words, attitudes) that turns you away from God. What’s the result of sin? It separates you from God eternally—which means even after you die.

Jesus is the only one who can bring you to God. He paid the price for your sins when he died on the cross on Good Friday, but he didn’t remain dead. Jesus rose from the dead and defeated Satan and your sin once and for all on the first Easter Sunday!

How can you have a personal relationship with Jesus?

First, admit you are a sinner and are separated from God because of that sin. Then believe that Jesus is your Savior! He promises to forgive your sin. Trust Jesus from now on to lead you so that you live for him.

That's the real meaning of Easter. We remember Jesus' death and .resurrection, and we know that he did it all to save us! If someone asks you about Easter and candy this year, be ready to talk about Jesus. He’s the reason we celebrate! . .

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APRIL OVERVIEW Stay up to date with what your kids are learning this month!

4/3

God remembers His promises

1 kings1:46

4/6

God gives us wisdom

Proverbs 4:7

4/10

The temple is God's house

Psalms 127:1

4/13

Solomon's wisdom made him famous

1 kings 10:1

4/17

Jesus is ALIVE!

Mathew 28:6

4/20

God punishes sin

1 Kings 11:9

4/24

Your choices have consequences

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1 Kings 11:31

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17 REFRAME. “The Miracle of Easter.” Kids Corner, https://kidscorner.net/liz-and-friends/episodes/the-miracle-of-easter

YOU’LL NEVER RISE ABOVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE

Words by Andrea Newman

As a child, I remember believing that I could do incredible things and ultimately be extraordinary. There were no limits placed on my imagination which made it so easy for me to stretch beyond what I saw or even knew. As I grew older and my life experiences left me jaded. My imagination became limited by the reality of my fears, the pain I endured, and the world around me. I became what my situations made me and, I didn’t even dare to challenge the thoughts that kept me in a perpetual state of conformity. For years I lived my life

The answer is simple yet at the time I had no clue. The moment I

believing I was doing the best I could with

allowed my negative thoughts to become words spoken and eventually

the cards life had dealt me, but the truth of

actions, I painted my world with everything I had come to hate. It’s

the matter is, I had given up all hope that

crazy really how one thought can snowball into a life of regret and

there was more for me. I found myself in an

anguish if it’s never challenged. Growing up in the church I was taught

abusive relationship that ate away at any

that I was created in the image of God. A unique one-of-a-kind creation

self-worth I had left. I couldn’t leave because I believed every toxic lie spoken to me that said I wasn’t worthy of genuine love.

I

became

addicted

to

drugs

attempting to fill the voids I felt in my soul.

I believed I needed them to feel something, anything other than despair. When nothing I tried in my own strength worked I resulted in numbing all the pain I felt, falling into a state of deep depression. At what point did I stop believing everything I was created for and dreamt of being, and

with a purpose to fulfill. I was taught that with God, all things are possible. That foundation alone gave me the confidence to make declarations such as, “when I grow up I’m going to change the world.” I was unstoppable until I wasn’t. I reached rock bottom after being functionally depressed for years. I attempted to end my own life because I was lost, and there seemed to be no other solution to the problems I faced. I jumped out of a moving vehicle into oncoming traffic landing two lanes over, where there was a car going over 50mph that just barely stopped in time to avoid running me over. As I lay there on the street, unable to move, my head cracked open and bloody, the only thing I could think about was that little girl in Sunday school ready to conquer the world, eager to be who God created her to be. I didn’t understand how things got so bad so fast. I had become so angry and I

instead trade it all in for a false narrative

blamed the world for being unjust. I blamed everyone else for the

that was slowly killing me?

things that happened in my life and at the end of it all, I was still stuck.

Joy Nation | 20

YOU’LL NEVER RISE ABOVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE The truth of the matter was that nobody else was conformed to this world, but be transformed by to blame for where I found myself. I had allowed the renewing of your mind, that you may prove my circumstances to dictate the conditions of what is that good and acceptable and perfect will my life instead of operating in my God-given of God.” We must continually renew our minds so authority. My burdens were heavy because of the that we don’t become stuck in situations we have things

that

attached

themselves

to

me power and authority over in Christ Jesus. I don’t

throughout the course of my life thus far. I want to be in the way of what God wants to do in believed I was unworthy of love therefore I didn’t my life. I’ve come to understand that holding onto have the unconditional love I desired. I believed I false information about whom I am is only keeping was defeated therefore, I never fought back, nor me from discovering whom God says I am and did I put any effort into changing my habits and walking in that truth. God has redeemed me and behaviors. I believed I was average therefore, I the life I live now no longer looks like what it used settled into conformity. All of these things were to because I changed what I believed. Ask lies of the enemy I accepted and came into yourselves this, what do I believe to be true in my agreement with. I had to take a good look at life that is contrary to the Word of God? Whatever myself and find some accountability.

the answer, challenge yourself to have faith in what God says and not what is holding you hostage.

God saw fit to give me another chance because What you'll find if you're honest with yourself and that little unstoppable girl that He created in His allow the Holy Spirit to move, is the beginning of a image was still somewhere inside of me with a beautiful transformation in Christ Jesus. purpose yet to fulfill. On November 18th, 2017 I rededicated my life to God and it became known to me as “the day that “nothing else was the same” I was fed up with the life I had without God and I didn’t know what I was doing.

At

some point, you have to make a choice. I’ll admit, it’s easier to place the blame on everyone else, instead of accepting responsibility for what we chose to tolerate in our lives however, that’s a dangerous place to be. Many of us are even guilty of blaming God when we find ourselves in difficult seasons that we put ourselves in and because we never become accountable for the choices we made that led us there, that season of difficulty becomes prolonged due to our pride and ignorance. Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be

Joy Nation | 21

“TODAY I HAVE GIVEN YOU THE CHOICE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH, BETWEEN BLESSINGS AND CURSES. NOW I CALL ON HEAVEN AND EARTH TO WITNESS THE CHOICE YOU MAKE. OH, THAT YOU WOULD CHOOSE LIFE, SO THAT YOU AND YOUR DESCENDANTS MIGHT LIVE!” ‭D E U T E R O N O M Y ‬ ‭3 0 : 1 9 ‬ ‭N L T ‬

JOY NATION

P. 22

TIPS & FEATURE

what's love got to do with it?

BY BISHOP MIKEL BROWN

It is frightening to think that romance can cause two people to lose their sensibilities and disrupt sound decision-making. But feelings of love and infatuation affect people when they get swept away in a torrent of emotions. How is it possible for two people to get so caught up in some strange unseen power?

he attraction we have to another

Marriage

is real, but most people do not allow

marriage is an institution for the blind. Laugh, it’s a

infatuation substantive

to

give

reality

way

of

love.

to And

the it

is

is

love,

and

love

is

blinding.

Therefore,

joke. In reality, a person would be quite silly to base a relationship

on

feelings

and

appearance.

True

love

infatuation that causes most people to

should always be tested and proven based on how you

make serious commitments before love

see your future mate not by how you want to see them.

has a chance to settle in. An infatuation is an illusion

You should never close your eyes to their human flaws

of a self-manufactured assumption. When it surfaces,

with the thought that you can change them. Real love

it is usually another person’s most ideal and fondest

accepts a person along with his or her imperfections.

thoughts. Infatuation appears as the initial stage of

You must safeguard against trying to force your spouse

fascination, and it is this fascination that draws two

to

people

become. If you’re not careful, your entire marriage may

toward

one

another.

The

term

infatuation

change

into

means to be carried away by fanatical passions. It is

become

initially engaging each other in an affair of the mind. It

disapproval.

someone

polluted

they

with

were

constant

never

meant

complaints

to

of

offers no more than a fantasized relationship which often ends up going nowhere. Pursuing the object of

How can I know if it’s real love or just some childish

your

romantic

infatuation

is

like

trying

to

build

a

house

on

shifting sand, it won't sustain any hardship it endures.

fascination?

Life

holds

no

guarantees

or

promises. People are not immutable in their character.

In life, some people experience true love and others

confident that he was the right man for her. Several

never do. Those who enter relationships thinking that

romantic

love

do

When she made him aware of the pregnancy, he grew

something to earn or deserve it, view love as a reward

angry and argued that the baby wasn’t his. He left her

gained

Pure,

and used that as his excuse to ease his wrongdoing

unconditional love is something they cannot conceive.

leaving her wounded, hurt, and despondent. Her self-

Subsequently, the love the person has never received

esteem was savagely wounded and got to the point

is precisely the love they cannot give.

where she didn’t want to live.

Several years ago, a young woman thought that she

After several months had passed, she allowed another

had fallen in love with a young man who appeared to

young man to come into her life. He didn’t seem to

be very nice and gentle. Over time, he eventually won

care about her being pregnant. He claimed to love her

her confidence. She was, however, naïve and oblivious

regardless of her misfortunes and abandonment. He

to his sinister nature. He seemed to be so honest and

was patient with her during her second trimester, so

open about his life that she felt that he could never be

she became confident of his feigned genuine concern.

the kind of guy that he turned out to be. After he

She was unaware of the deeply rooted violence that

pushed with subtle pressure for them to engage in

surrounded

sexual relations, she gave in and committed her body

relationship would become a near-fatal experience.

will

eventually

in

be

exchange

the

for

outcome

something

if

they

else.

encounters

this

later,

young

she

man’s

became

life.

This

pregnant.

time,

her

to him. Although she wasn’t comfortable, she was

P. 23

JOY NATION

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

JOY NATION

P. 24

He

began

to

feel

as

though

he

had

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

demonstrated

enough love for her and that she needed to return the

Pursuing the object of your

favor by engaging in sex, despite being pregnant. She

infatuation is like

informed him of her desire to be with him, but she had no desire to engage in intercourse until the baby was born.

This

young

expression

man of

thought

love

and

that he

sex

was

demanded

the it

trying to build a house on

ultimate

now

shifting sand.

more

insistently. He was relentless and downright frightening, but his anger would subside as he regained his calm.

One

day,

fed

up

with

the

constant

rejection

of

his

advances, he went into the kitchen, pulled a knife out of the drawer, and commenced stabbing her. He stabbed her a total of thirty-seven times. She survived this ordeal, but her life and trust in men to this day are destroyed.

Psychiatric assistance was needed to nurse this woman back

to

a

state

of

normal

well-being.

Her

near-fatal

wounds were not nearly as deep as her mental wounds.

Domestic violence has crossed all racial, socio-economic, and gender lines and slipped undetected into many

relationships. It’s too easy to ignore all the red flags when infatuation is present, but in doing so you could be sacrificing your future or simply placing it into the hands of an individual with no intentions of loving you. Don’t be afraid

to

do

some

extensive

investigation

of

the

individual you plan to marry because if you are going to spend the rest of your life with someone, you might as well

experience

the

supposed to offer.

peace

and

joy

that

marriage

is

Three Leadership Qualities I Observed From NBA Coach, Adrian Griffin written by Dr Mikel Brown

A Person Can Learn More by Observation than They Can by Participation.

My name is Dr. Mikel Brown, and I am an Author, Life Coach, Businessman, and Clergy with over 40 years

of

experience

mentoring

and

counseling

people from rocky marriages to rocketing careers.

I

have

mentored

a

few

active

and

retired

professional sports coaches and players from the NBA, NFL, and MLS. Personally and professionally, I can

comment

on

how

each

of

them

has

done,

from leadership to domestic issues.

One of the most hypocritical elements of coaching is trying to teach principles that you do not exude as

a

leader.

I

have

heard

teachers,

as

well

as

parents who've instructed their students or children to not do as they do but to do as they say. This is like

a

doctor

patients health

not

who

to

smokes

smoke

conditions

that

cigarettes the

advising

because

of

smoking

cigarettes

harmful can

cause.

A selfish and self-seeking coach is innately unable to truly teach and coach people because giving orders like a drill sergeant is the only way they know to get a job done. This kind of coaching strips a person of their creativity and individuality.

The biggest problem with this method of teaching is that people primarily learn from what they see, not by what you say.

I have highlighted three principles that I believe Adrian Griffin, head coach of the Toronto Raptors and one of the coaches responsible for leading the Raptors to an NBA championship, embodies in this

article.

decade,

I

After can

being attest

in

AG's

to

the

life

for

validity

over of

a my

observations.

continued on the next page

JOY NATION | 25

JOY NATION | 26 There are three principles I believe are absolute

My 35 years as a marriage counselor have taught me

essentials to being not just a good coach, but a

how damaging false information can be when put

great coach as well. Integrity, Adaptability, and

forth

the Ability to Connect are three major areas that

psychotic. When disparaging information is publicized

will help elevate a good coach into a great coach;

on all platforms of the media, the readers inherently

and Adrian has all three of these attributes.

feel as if they must make a judgment about what they

to

portray

one

party

as

being

guilty

and

read. This is not only unfair, but it leads to prejudice

Integrity A

coach

personal

based on ungrounded information. The consequences should

be

conviction.

a

person

If

not,

of

invalid

and

misleading

information

can

preference will drive one into indecisiveness, and

the case for Adrian Griffin. No one person is perfect,

mental instability. This fosters a person to easily

and everyone assumed to be guilty is not guilty. It

become

and

person

of

psychologically damage a person, but that was not

weak

a

and of

psychologically

being

integrity

to

takes a great deal of courage and fortitude to stand

separate what is personal and what is business. It

unable

before people that may or may not have heard rumors

is hard to survive and remain constant in a field

about your character, which is not a true depiction of

where your personal business is scrutinized. Coach

you as a person; and at the same time continue to do

Griffin knows this all too well.

what

you

love,

despite

how

public

your

life

has

become.

Adrian was raised in a Christian home where his father was a pastor who taught values about God

A coach is a person who is responsible for a team of

and family. Adrian loves his wife and has a great

people, therefore, it is important to be forthright and

deal of love for his children. He exudes the same

upfront

love and concern for his children that his father did

disapproval.

for

employees reflect you as a coach and teacher, but

him

and

personally

his

that

siblings Adrian

is

before in

passing.

constant

I

know

pursuit

with

your Your

approval team,

your

as

well

company,

as and

your its

of

also as a person. If you govern yourself with honesty

improving his relationship with his children despite

and make ethical behavior a key value, your team will

being separated from them due to his grueling NBA

follow. Not only will they follow, but they will both

schedule.

respect and trust you moving forward.

Adaptability The ability to be adaptable is crucial to being a great coach and or teacher. I never met a great coach that did

not

exemplify

adaptability.

the

Good

quality

leaders

of

understanding

have

the

fervent

intelligence to comprehend and admit that change is inevitable. Instead of trying to preserve a status quo just for the sake of consistency, embrace change and innovation.

Be

alternative

ways

open of

to

innovative

thinking.

This

will

ideas

and

enable

your

team to explore options to optimize the probability of success.

When

I

am

speaking

to

leaders

of

organizations, I often say “Never punish a learner.”

Everyone brings a unique viewpoint to the table, and that

is

something

to

take

advantage

of,

not

discourage.

Ability to Connect If a person in a leadership position views their role as someone called to help change lives instead of just having a job, it is going to be exemplified through love and a deep concern for the protégé’s personal development. To be an effective leader, you need the right motivation. Money cannot be one’s motivation over a personal concern for a person’s development.

This attitude will inspire a powerful unique connection that will last a lifetime.

Maya

Angelou

said,

“I’ve

learned

that

people

will

forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but

people

will

never

forget

how

you

made

them

feel.”

A coach’s ability to connect to people can never be underplayed

or

undermined.

Coaching

is

about

helping to facilitate and cultivate an environment and belief that a person can pull out of themselves the hidden

treasures,

and

the

ability

to

do

what

they

never thought they were capable of doing.

I have both experienced and heard from NBA Players themselves,

the

exemplary

ability

of

Coach

Adrian

Griffin to pull the best out of his players. From offense to defense, these players have come back to honor him with material gifts of appreciation for his genuine concern for them on and off the court. If a coach, mentor, teacher, or parent can display these three major leadership qualities, they will not only develop other great leaders, but they will inspire a generation of

generals

in

the

field

of

leadership.

Dr.

Adrian

Griffin is a leader of men and in my humble view, he is developing into a coach of coaches.

JOY NATION | 27

CURRENT EVENTS

PAGE 28

JOY NATION

5 WAYS TO PRAY FOR CHRISTIANS IN UKRAINE AND RUSSIA TODAY WRITTEN BY CHRISTIAN NEWS

As war rages in Ukraine, many are unsure

We’ve already seen some of these 2016 laws come

how to respond and what to pray. The

into play in parts of Ukraine governed by separatist

conflict is complicated, and will no doubt

groups supported by Russia. The U.S. Committee on

mean challenges for citizens—and believers—

International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) found that

in Ukraine, Russia, and across the region, particularly in places where Russia maintains significant influence. That’s because Russia has its issues with persecution against

“in

Russian-occupied

Crimea,

the

occupation

authorities continued to enforce Russia’s repressive laws and policies on religion, which has resulted in the prosecution of peaceful religious activity and bans on groups that were legal in Crimea under

Christians.

Ukrainian law.” USCIRF even recommended that

Russia has appeared on Open Doors’ World Watch

Russia be placed on the State Department’s list of

List (most recently on the 2020 list) in the past and

“Countries of Particular Concern.”

remains on the Persecution Watch List of countries just outside of the top 50. Most of the worst

Russia’s support of breakaway regions is also

persecution in Russia stems from localized pressure

troubling for Christians in Ukraine. Two of the parts

and violence against believers in Muslim-majority

of

regions. Christians in regions like Chechnya and

independent,

Dagestan experience pressure from the community

Donetsk People’s Republic, have imposed rules

and local leaders who seek to ensure the dominance

requiring

of Islam.

Complying with the rule has been extremely difficult

Ukraine

that

have

Luhansk

religious

declared

People’s

organizations

themselves

Republic to

and

register.

for many Protestant churches. For instance, a But a series of laws were instituted in 2016 across the

December 2019 list of 195 registered religious

country and have been used to prosecute groups

organizations by the Luhansk authorities showed

that are active in evangelization. While these laws

that no permission had been granted to any

have primarily been used to persecute religions like

Protestant community.

Jehovah’s

Witness

and

Scientology,

some

Protestants—including evangelical and Pentecostal

In June last year, three Protestant churches were

groups—have also come under fire.

banned by authorities in the self-declared Donetsk

CURRENT EVENTS

PAGE 29

JOY NATION

People’s Republic and others had their buildings

—no matter what wars, conflicts or persecution

confiscated. In August, books by Charles Spurgeon

bring, the gospel will go on. And part of our role is to

and Billy Graham were placed on a list of banned

pray. Our brothers and sisters in Russia and Ukraine

“extremist” literature by a court in the Luhansk

need us to stand with them as this new conflict

People’s Republic.

begins. Here’s how you can pray with your family in these places:

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is primarily in the eastern half of the country—and the churches in the western

part

are

preparing

themselves,

1. Pray for peace. Pray for violence and tension to end, and that leaders on all sides would pursue

the

diplomacy and peace in a way that allows people

president of the Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary, Yaroslav “Slavik” Pyzh, told Christianity Today. “Churches already agreed,” he said. “Those

of all faiths to live in freedom and peace.

2. Pray for believers in Ukraine and Russia, to build bridges of love and hope that would transcend

that are on the western part of Ukraine … told our

any conflict between their countries. Ask that

brothers and sisters in other parts of Ukraine [that] if

God would work to overcome divisions and that

something happens, we will open our homes and our churches to you.”

His power would be visible to all.

3. Ask that God would open the hearts of leaders in Russia and areas of Ukraine under Russian

Pyzh also said Baptist churches in eastern Ukraine

control, that they would not restrict the ability of

would go underground if Russia decides and succeeds in taking control of that part of the country. “You have to understand that historically we

believers to worship God freely.

4. When war happens, so many innocent lives are upended and affected. Pray that human rights

had that experience before under the Soviet Union,”

would be protected and that peace would break

he told CT. “So, the church did not forget what it means to be persecuted, and I think that we will

out anew in this part of the world.

5.

Pray that God would work through the

rearrange, reorganize and still do what we always

diplomacy of countries around the world and

do, still preach the gospel.”

that His peace would prevail.

That’s what Open Doors has always believed

This story originally appeared at Open Doors…

Testimony of Freedom AN

INTERVIEW

WITH

BOBBIE

JO

MUNOZ

Who were you and what kind of life did you live

When did you get saved?

before you got saved?

I got saved in January of 2018. I had accepted Christ

Before getting saved, I was very self-sufficient and

in the fall of 2017, but I was attending a megachurch

independent.

and

and therefore lacked accountability. It wasn’t until I

constantly felt the need to control my environment,

started attending the Joy Center that I made

relationships, and circumstances. I realize now that

meaningful and lasting relationships with other

I was very broken, angry, and bitter about past

believers that helped cultivate true change in my

traumas that I had endured. I used things like work,

life.

I

struggled

to

trust

others

school, and alcohol to numb the pain I did not want to face. My emotions became my god and I allowed

What led to you making that decision?

them to dictate and rule my life.

I had become very disenchanted with the way my life was going. Things that made me happy before

Looking back now, what kind of things kept you in

became meaningless. I lost my drive and hope to

bondage?

strive for anything meaningful. I lacked purpose and

Some of the biggest things that kept me in bondage

felt extremely empty. I lacked identity and was

were fear, shame, and depression. I never knew how

longing for something deeper.

much weight they carried in my life until after being born again. These things held me back in so many

Was the transition from living in the world to living

areas of my life. They ultimately were the main

for God hard for you?

things keeping me from turning to Christ.

30

|

JOY

NATION

I stopped doing a lot of things “cold turkey” when first coming to God. I knew I wanted to change, and that it was going to require sacrifice on my part to get

there.

While

letting

go

of

some

of

my

relationships was challenging, the inward changes have been the most difficult. This is because they require

surrender,

vulnerability,

intimacy,

and

transparency with God. I have had to face a lot of deep-rooted issues without the pacifying I used before.

Who are you now that you’re saved?

Now that I am saved, I have such a strong sense of purpose. God has given me hope and promises that I am truly grateful for. I know now I no longer need to have all the answers or have my life perfectly planned out because He is guiding my steps. I trust in His plan for me and have found peace in His presence.

What has been added to your life as a result of putting God first and choosing Him? First and foremost an undeniable and unconditional love. I lived a lot of my life up until this point without it and believed I did not deserve it. God is showing me the true warmth and love of a father. I know now that He has always been there through every moment even when I have felt I was left alone. Each day, He reassures me that I am not and have never been abandoned. His love has been the most liberating gift in my life and has helped me break free from those strongholds that kept me in bondage before. It's also opened my heart to lasting, meaningful relationships with others. I have peace of mind knowing God's in control and I no longer have to be.

What kind of advice/ encouragement would you give others who may find themselves where you were?

KEEP GOING. Consistency is key. Even when you fall or make mistakes, run to God and let Him be your help. Bishop has talked about being “a great starter but lousy finisher” and I believe it holds especially true in our walks with Christ. If we are to see the glory that is to come, we must be able to build resilience. It can be easy to want a quick fix, but God is with you for the long haul. Push through even on those days you may not “feel” like it because emotions are fleeting. Overall, God’s hands are the safest place to be in, even when you don’t understand the entire process.

31

|

JOY

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32

JOY

NATION

JC PHOENIX IS GROWING WRITTEN BY PASTOR ROY & ELD. TISH TIMES PHOTOGRAPHY: MCKINLEY OLIVER God is moving in the bosom of Phoenix, Arizona! Joy

though there wasn't any evidence of the promised

Center

results.

Phoenix,

a

growing

location,

has

the

mandate to make an impact in the Phoenix Valley for the kingdom of God. In March 2014 the doors were opened, and we began to reach out to the

In the process of our obedience, God who is always faithful began to send people who were hungry for the

community.

gospel.

Word, With

our

initial

enthusiasm,

we

reached

out

to

neighbors, people we saw at the grocery store, and people from the business community. We talked to hundreds of people in our efforts to build God’s house. Discouragement arose because the ministry wasn’t growing as quickly as we’d expected to see.

What we found, however, was that the work first had to be developed in us before we could see the growth

that

was

promised.

We

had

to

commit

ourselves to do what God was telling us to do even

and

People their

started

lives

coming,

began

to

hearing change.

the We

preached the same Word that our Bishop teaches and

it

was

making

a

difference.

It

IS

making

a

difference.

Joy Center Phoenix is impacting this community in multiple ways. Our primary goal is to win souls for the Kingdom of God. Some of our goals towards that effort are; to have a community clothing closet where

people

can

obtain

clothes

to

use

for

job

interviews, as well as being able to provide classes educating the community on purchasing homes,

33 vehicles, and getting out of debt. Additionally, we will

provide

people

to

job

gain

readiness

interview

workshops

skills

for

enabling

new

jobs

and

employment etiquette for upward career movement.

We currently have efforts to encourage and help the large

Phoenix

homeless

population.

We're

ministering to people who have been on drugs and are fighting their way back, inspiring them to their sobriety. found

We're

ministering

themselves

in

to

the

people

jagged

who

have

embrace

of

pornography unable to free themselves. People who came

to

us

with

deep

anger

and

bitterness

are

realizing that the joy of the Lord is their strength.

The

young

financially

and stable

seasoned, and

married

financially

and

single,

struggling

are

realizing that they can purchase homes and start businesses. Those who previously found themselves on the wrong career path are hearing the Word, trusting

God,

and

finding

themselves

that they only dreamt of previously.

continued on the next page

in

positions

JOY

NATION

"Joy Center Phoenix is a seed that God has planted in this city and like a seed, our primary responsibility is to live surrendered so that what God put on the inside of us for this city can be released."

We

have

been

asked

to

pray

in

front

of

the

courthouse with the mayor and with the city council.

We have had conversations with the mayor to pray concerning believing

the

God

direction for

of

that

our

level

city

and

of

impact

we

are and

connection to continue to grow.

We're

looking

eventually

buy

to

expand

land

to

the

build

church a

new

space

and

church.

Joy

Center Phoenix is a seed that God has planted in this city and like a seed, our primary responsibility is to live surrendered so that what God put on the inside of us for this city can be released. We will see a harvest for God’s glory here.

Our mission is to

find, disciple, and multiply worshipers and workers so we can continue to expand the Kingdom of God in Phoenix. We are broadcasting to this community that Jesus died for them, that God loves them and that He has a plan for them to prosper and not to harm them, to give them hope for the future. We are committed to what God has called us to and though we are still in the early stages of growth, nothing will stop our ongoing progress!

34

JOY

NATION

EVERYTHING THAT SHINES ISN'T GOLD THE SMARTEST WAY TO BUY GOLD DR MIKE BROWN

Should I own physical gold? This is a relevant

Gold coins weigh about an ounce or less. Those

question. Physical gold is one of the best forms of

popular among collectors and investors include

long-term wealth protection. It is ideal for your

the American Eagle made by the U.S. Mint, the

heirs since it will outlast any currency they may

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, and the Krugerrand.

use in the future. Physical gold is not subject to the

What if a person is not interested in coins? Gold

risks that come with paper assets. It cannot be

bars weighing in at one kilogram or less are often

hacked or erased.

marketed to the average investor, but bars as large as one hundred ounces are also available,

Is it better to buy gold coins or bars? This is

according to the World Gold Council. The Gold-

another great question. Gold coins are known to

Buying Process is easy but purchasing should be

have more sentimental value than gold bars both

entered inadvisedly. One common way to

historically and culturally. Simply put, gold coins

purchase gold bars is through licensed retailers

can be more ideal for you than gold bars if you

online. I would not consider buying gold from an

want to invest in something with a more historical

individual because of the risk involved in

and cultural value. Again, gold coins have more

purchasing flawed, blemished, or fake gold coins or

collectible value than gold bars.

bullions.

JOY NATION | 35

While there are many legitimate ways to invest in

When markets hit turbulence, investors often turn

gold, there are also several gold-related

to gold and gold-related investments—such as gold

investment frauds. These frauds might center on

mining stocks and mutual funds or exchange-

inflated claims regarding stocks of gold mining

traded funds made up of gold-related businesses,

companies, claiming the stock’s price is linked

or gold exchange-traded funds. This assumes that

directly to gold prices. They may claim you can

gold's price will hold steady or climb even as the

make a lot of money with negligible risk through a

value of other investments drops.

“financing agreement,” or even that a company will store your gold for you. You should always be

The price of gold "reflects global uncertainties,"

cautious of those red flags, but for more

former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke

information on gold fraud, be sure to read this

said in 2011. "The reason people hold gold is as a

CFTC advisory:

protection against what we call tail risk, really, really bad outcomes. And to the extent that the

Browse gold bar products on reputable retail

last few years have made people more worried

websites such as the American Precious Metals

about the potential of a major crisis, then they

Exchange (APMEX), JM Bullion, and Wholesale

have gold as a protection."

Coins Direct. Select the gold bars you wish to buy according to weight, quantity, and price.

Another concern for people interested in investing in gold is, How much do I need to invest in gold?

There are five things to check before you buy.

Because gold is volatile in the short term and will

Cost per gram. The first thing you need to do

not appreciate in the long term like a stock or a

before you buy gold is to find out its current

bond, financial advisers typically recommend

price per gram.

investing no more than 10% of your savings in

Level of purity. Gold is available in various

gold.

levels of purity, and this can affect the gold price.

What does it mean to Pay a Premium? The price

Genuine certification.

you see gold trading at on commodities exchanges

Other charges.

(called its “spot price”) is not the price you will pay.

Buy Back Terms.

Individual investors typically buy gold from dealers—as opposed to buying it on the wholesale

Is it wise to buy gold now, especially in these

market. Dealers charge a premium above the spot

inflationary times? Gold and silver, but especially

price, which often includes a dealer fee, as well as

gold is often considered A "Safe Haven"

charges for the manufacture and distribution of

Investment. Gold's advocates have historically

the yellow metal. Similarly, if you would like to sell

seen it as a safe-harbor asset that protects

your gold, you'd be selling to a dealer who will pay

purchasing power against inflation during

you a certain percentage below gold's spot price.

challenging economic times since it tends to hold its value long term despite any fluctuations.

JOY NATION | 36

JOY NATION | 37

When you buy gold, you will need a place to store it for safekeeping. It is important to keep your gold safe and out of reach of children that are unaware of its value. A five-year boy found some gold coins from his parents and started playing with them.

When the father saw what his son was playing with, he snatched them from the son and was trying to get his son to remember where he put the other coins that were missing. Fortunately for him, he was able to find them after a full day of searching for them.

Where will you keep your gold? Some might prefer using safes in their homes, renting safety deposit boxes at banks, or using precious metals storage services offered by banks as well as companies outside the banking system. How quickly do you wish to access your gold—would

you want to be able to grab it right away during an emergency? —may determine how you decide to store it. Let these concerns be strongly considered when you think about storing your gold.

You can purchase gold bullion in several ways: through an online dealer such as APMEX or JM Bullion, or even a local dealer or collector. A pawn shop may also sell gold. Note gold's spot price – the price per ounce right now in the market – as you are buying, so that you can make a fair deal.

Like I always say, “You have to do your due diligence." When it comes to any investment, doing your homework is worth its weight in gold.

UPCOMING EVENTS 5.11.22 @ 7PM

ACTIVATING YOUR MIRACLE: PASTOR BILL THEMALARAS

5-14-22 @ 9AM @ 11AM 5K WALK FOR THE JOY THE5-21-22 POWER OF AGREEMENT OF HEALTH MARRIAGE LUNCHEON:

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