The Voice 2.0 August 2019 by MEMBC

Dayton, OH 45402 Pastor Cory J. Pruitt Website www.mtenonbaptistlive.org Sunday School – 8:30 A.M. Sunday Morning Worship – 10:00 A.M. Mount Enon Youth Church – 9:30 A.M. Daily Prayer Line – 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. (Dial 937-265-4344 – Ext. 101, Enter Code 502801253#) Watch Dayton Spiritual TV, Digital Channel 992 Tuesdays at 3:30 PM and Saturdays at 6:30 AM Weekly Prayer Meeting Wednesday at 9:30 AM and 5:45 PM Weekly Bible Study Wednesday – 11 AM and 6:30 PM Saturday – 11 AM

MT ENON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH | THE VOICE 2.0

MT. ENON’S VISION STATEMENT

MOTTO Our motto is "Because We Care, We Share". We share our love, resources, and faith with all. We are a Christian family and invite all to become children of God in the fullest way by receiving the teachings and gift of salvation. MISSION Our Mission is to maintain the general design of the Church as outlined in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. To extol and magnify Christ and His teachings: To promote the spiritual and moral welfare of its members. To advance the Christian faith and religion: To enforce good order: To aid the needy and suffering within the sphere of its influence both within the congregation and

community.

The vision of Mount Enon Missionary Baptist Church is to: EXALT the Lord through worship, EVANGELIZE the Lost through relationships, EDIFY, EDUCATE and EMPOWER the Laity through discipleship and to ENCOURAGE the Laborers through fellowship. Because we are a striving congregation in Dayton, Ohio, which has been called and commissioned to become a group of believers in whom the Lord will be well pleased by developing each member as true disciples of Jesus Christ: We will LOVE the Lord according to Deuteronomy 30:15-16 We will LEARN the Word according to Deuteronomy 17:18-20 We will LIVE the Word according to Joshua 1:8 and We will LEAD the World through the Word according to Acts 1:8 We are challenged today, to get involved, and take responsibility, and we must understand that we are ambassadors of Christ and of Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church. We decree and order that all Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church would experience a greater move of God in their lives because they submit to live by God’s biblical order to win Lives to Christ. “God can do anything; you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (Ephesians 3:20) -Pastor Cory Pruitt

MT ENON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH | THE VOICE 2.0

THE VOICE 2.0

Contents

Volume I, Issue 10 August 2019

Church Anniversary

NOMBA

UNITY Revieval

Cookbook

Fasting

PhytoNutrients

7 LAST WORDS OF CHRIST

AAVAG Exhibit of Churches

Men of Honor Brunch

Let’s Talk

Youth

Tornado Testimony

Grace

Scheduled Meetings

Editors-in-Chief – Pastor Cory J. Pruitt – Andrea Foy Managing Editor – Lois Foy Contributors –

   

Sis. Sis. Sis. Sis.

Andrea Foy Lois Foy Glennia Gilyot Judy Dammons

The Mt. Enon Magazine is produced monthly.

“Our Shephard” Pastor Pruitt, MT ENON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH | THE VOICE 2.0

FROM THE EDITOR

Materials for inclusion are due on the 15th of each month and are subject to approval by the Editorial Board. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be included.

Publishing Schedule

Next Deadline Aug 15th, Uploaded Online â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sept, 1st

Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates 94th Church Anniversary

Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate 94 Years of ministry in 2019! The theme for the Church Anniversary is Turning Back to God. (II Chronicles 7:14). This celebration presents an opportunity to rejoice in the awesome dedication and faithfulness of the congregation and all that God has done for them. Current and former members, church congregations and the entire community are invited to join in this memorable occasion, looking back at all God has accomplished in and through Mt. Enon over the course of 94 years. Founded and chartered in 1925 under the leadership of Rev. W.E. Jones, the first church service was held at the original location on Home Avenue at Hawthorne Street. It was moved to a more favorable site on South Summit Street, later to College Street & Mercer Avenue, and eventually to its current permanent home at 1501 W. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Dayton. The addition of the John F. Cunningham Family Life Center, the church fellowship hall and gym, was completed and dedicated in 2003. From 1925 to 2012, Mt. Enon was led by seven dynamic, devoted pastors who served faithfully and grew the church tremendously. In 2012, Pastor Cory J. Pruitt accepted the call from God to lead this flock. Under the leadership of Pastor Pruitt, the eighth pastor, Mt. Enon has grown into a vibrant congregation that has directly impacted thousands of people in Dayton, serving not only as a church home, but also as a source of help and encouragement to the community. In obedience to the Holy Spirit, Pastor Pruitt will continue to carry out the vision given to him by God to lead the church to continue to build a healthy church to serve an unhealthy society. Over the years Mt. Enon has undertaken several social missions, the most recent being in May of 2019 immediately following the tornado destruction that affected Dayton and surrounding communities. The American Red Cross designated Mt. Enon as an official shelter where the church provided housing, meals, relief supplies, prayers, love and support to displaced and needy persons. Other projects include: a joint venture in 1990 with the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. and the U.S. Department of HUD to build Enon Plaza and Joshua Manor, housing complexes developed for seniors and people with disabilities; in 2012; First Fruits, an outreach ministry that provides meals, clothing and fellowship to anyone who desires; in 2016 a global outreach initiative to build wells in Ghana, West Africa to provide sustainable access to drinking water for its residents; an afterschool tutorial support program for youth; a community garden, and various ongoing educational programs for adults. The celebration of the 94th Church Anniversary is marked by a program of activities leading up to and throughout the month of August, and culminates with the publishing of the Historical Cookbook in November. Highlights of the celebration include: 5

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Back-to-School Giveaway / Adopt-A-School Evangelism Team Outreach Into the Community – August 1-17, 2019

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Special Anniversary Hymn & GospelFest – Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

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Worship Service with Mortgage Burning – Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

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Anniversary Program with Mortgage Burning - Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

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Joint Unity Revival

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Historical Cookbook (to be published post-Anniversary) – November 2019

Tuesday - Thursday, August 20-21-22, 2019

As Mt. Enon members highlight their 94th Church Anniversary Celebration, all are invited to the grand service of worship and music planned for Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. The celebratory service includes a Mortgage Burning Ceremony, preparing Mt. Enon for a strong launch into the next 94 years. Pastor Courtney D. Meadows, Senior Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Whitehall, Alabama, will bring forth the Word of God. Mt. Enon youth, the future leaders of the congregation, will also have an active role in the service. The grand day will conclude with the Anniversary Service at 3:00 p.m. Pastor James Washington of Phillips Temple Church in Trotwood will be preaching the Word of God. The excitement carries over to a joint Mini-Revival being held at Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church the following week, August 20-22, 2019. Come to Mt. Enon for an inspiring revival. Details will be forthcoming. There are so many faithful ministries of Mt. Enon that we could lift up, but in recent years the emphasis on community outreach continues to be exciting. As we celebrate Mt. Enon’s past and the many faithful people who have brought us by God’s grace this far, we look for Mt. Enon to continue to move boldly into the future of ministry into which God is calling them.

Media Note: Reporters are welcome to join Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church’s 94th Church Anniversary Celebration at 1501 W. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in Dayton, Ohio. Please contact us at (937) 222-0867 for details about covering the Anniversary events.

MOUNT ENON HISTORICAL COOKBOOK! Mount Enon family, We are in the process of publishing our 3rd Cookbook as part of the 94th Church Anniversary and we need your help. We are not planning on it just being a recipe book, this book will have short stories of cooking as a family, family reunions, the real meaning of soul food, etc. starring the members of Mt Enon. A real keepsake! Because we are now a Historic landmark, we will be partnering with the Historical Ministry for pictures and history! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you can help! We need. Contributors: First and foremost, we need your family recipes and short stories about cooking, food and family gatherings. Gatherers: Help collect recipes, be able to fill out form for those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. (May be asked to visit those homebound members who want to contribute) Editors: Help make sure all recipes and information are correct Typists: Type recipes and stories in MS Word and email to committee chair Designers: Help decide photos, stories to use Collectors: Help collect money for books, from sponsors Distributors: Help distribute purchased books, sell books not paid for Marketers: Help get the word out, write copy You can drop off your recipe or story in the marked box in the office or email it to info@andreafoy.com. We will also have the box with the Coffee Ministry so you can come out after service, have refreshments and fellowship. For more information, please see: Church Committee Chair: Ms. Beverly King Co-chairs: Judith Dammons and Andrea Foy

AAVAG's Exposition Through Art - Historic African American Churches of Southwest Ohio Art Exhibit will be available at Dayton Main Library, 2nd Floor Art Gallery, starting on August 4th running through September 6th. Regular viewing hours are Sunday 1 to 5PM; Mon, Tues, Thurs 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM; Wed, Fri, Sat 9:30AM to 6 PM. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, August 4th, 2 to 4PM. We hope to see you there. The 26 churches honored in the exhibit were chosen for their 75-plus years in existence ministering to their congregations, serving the communities in which they reside, and being civil rights advocates in their cities. 17 AAVAG member artists and invited artists, creating in a wide variety of medium, contributed their creative talents to celebrate the accomplishments and longevity of these churches.

Man of Honor Awards Brunch The first Man of Honor Brunch was held at Mount Enon Missionary Baptist Church on June 22nd, 2019. The men were chosen from across the city from various churches. They were men who had made a difference in the lives of others for a better life. Close to 300 family and friends were in attendance to support the honoree. The honorees were pinned with a medal of honor and presented with a Proclamation from the Mayor of the City of Dayton. The master of ceremony was Minister Derek Myers. The director was Mrs. Alice Ditto. The Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church honored these men. The men were recognized who may or may not have had a job title or have been compensation driven. They requested no recognition for the good deeds that they have generously offered and have given throughout the community. These men of honor are motivated by their hearts and passion caring and love for others. Director, Alice Ditto and Assistant, Beverly King. Characteristics of the eligibility for a nominee of the men of honor award:        

70 years of age and beyond. Make positive differences in the lives of others. Be of good character, integrity and honorable. Since their support and caring for others. Men with spiritual values and teaching. Dedicated, trustworthy and honest. Positive role model. Supportive to the community and country. 17

Left to Right: Claude Baker White, John R Smith, Willie Jones Jr, Doug Toles, Norris Brown, Ph.D, Jesse Gooding, Larry Dunn. Back Row: Alice Ditto, Director., James Palmer Sr., Richard Phillips, Tommie McCurdy, James Moreland, Robert C. Walker Sr., Herman Dixon Sr. Pastor Cory J. Pruitt of Mount Enon Missionary Baptist Church. Also, honored was Leonard Jackson (not pictured) and Mr. Nolan Harlamert, in Remembrance:

Volunteers who helped organize the Men of Honor Brunch.

Let’s Talk……….. Honoring the Honorable

by Judith Dammons

Sunday, June 9, 2019 was a very special day for the family and friends of the late Page E. Gray Jr. The youngest son of the late Page E. and Elizabeth Gray has been immortalized with his name placed above a portion of Liscum Dr. for all the world to see. Page E. Gray Jr. Way stretches from the intersection of Route 35 & Liscum Dr. south to Dayton-Liberty Rd. Dr. & Liscum Dr. Mr. Gray was the youngest brother to Mt. Enon members Flaura Dammons and uncle to Judith Dammons and Deacon William Dammons. So what was so special about a man who wasn’t recognized in many households or had a name that wasn’t mentioned around the kitchen table on a regular basis? Read on! Page E. Gray was an important figure for the Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunities for minority workers in the City of Dayton during the 1960’s and 70’s. Born in Alabama in 1936, moved with his family to Dayton in 1944 and was a graduate of Dunbar High School’s Class of ’56. He was the first African American to be hired at NCR (National Cash Register) in a capacity other than janitor or factory worker. He received an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Sinclair Community College and was later promoted to work in the Engineering Dept., becoming, again, the first African American in such a position. Although he was doing well, he realized this was not the case for many African Americans, not only at NCR but other local companies such as Inland, McCall’s, Delco and Good Samaritan Hospital. Knowing there is strength in numbers, he organized a group of workers called, “The Second Family”, who confronted management about the injustices in the hiring and promoting of African Americans. The group held many meetings which led to protests, boycotts and picket lines. The Second Family was joined by other community activists that helped put pressure on the ‘good ol’ boys in the corner offices. As months and years passed, after much media coverage and a growing movement, slowly minorities across the city started realizing employment opportunities that were once off limits and out of reach. 20

As with many activists, past, present and undoubtedly in the future, Mr. Grayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment and dedication was not without consequences and personal sacrifices that included time away from his young family. He was arrested and served jail time and his home was under surveillance. Ultimately he was terminated from NCR. Mr. Gray continued to have a positive impact in the lives of Dayton area residents, especially students. He stressed the need for and importance of education at all levels. In addition to his associate degree he was a member of the Sinclair Alumni Association Executive Council. He became an instructor of math for the Dayton Public Schools as well as being employed by The Student Rights Center as an Ombudsman. He counseled students as to their rights and responsibilities, provided information on educational programs, career development, sources for financial aid and scholarships. To this day there are still former students and colleagues who graciously recall how he was influential in their lives and how thankful they were then and still are. Page E. Gray ended his career as a Realtor and member of the Dayton Board of Realtors.

A man of unwavering faith he was a long time active member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church. He built his home in the six hundred block of Liscum Drive over fifty years ago and resided there until his death in 2017.

What an honor for a Man of Honor!

June 2019,

Youth Ministry; How To Make A difference Living as a Christian Youth While reading through the Sunday Church Bulletin, I noticed an article titled “Youth Ministry”, it caught my attention. As I began reading the article it was explaining to church youth how they could make a difference in church and on other youth by “living a Christian life every single day. I realized immediately, that we should not make the mistake by thinking only “Youth” can understand what it takes to live a Christian life, we as “adults” can learn from this information as well.

1. Obey God- You are created by God to live for him (Colossians 1:16). You’ll only be happy if you do so. 2. Obey your parents (Obey the word of God) We are to show then, respect, obedience, and thankfulness, and to render to them every service possible. 3. Obey the Authorities-Paul says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” Romans 13:1 4. Get plugged Into the Local Church-God’s plan A is the church and there is no plan B. 5. Develop A Devotional Life- When I say “devotional life” what I mean are things that you do in private to grow in godliness. 6. You probably shouldn’t be dating anyone. Definitely not in junior high, and probably not in high school. 7. Learn to steward your singleness well-Singleness is a blessing even if it sometimes feels like a curse. Allow the lord to shape your character as you look to him in this season. 8. Re-think your social media habits- Don’t use social media to create your identity. The validation that you’re looking for, in Christ, you already have. 9. You Can Make A Difference For Jesus Right Now- You don’t have to wait until you have gray hair to make a difference for Christ. Of course, there’s a refining process that every teenager must go through. Hopefully your most fruitful years are ahead of you. But as Paul says to Timothy: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in concert, in love, in faith, in purity (Timothy 4:12). Lois E. Foy Managing Editor of the Voice, Historian, Educator

“I Got to Go See About My Mom” The F4 Tornado That Hit the Miami Valley, Memorial Day 2019 Psalm: 23-1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2; He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still water. After returning home from a cookout at my sister’s home in Huber heights, I was watching the new reports aware of approaching stormy weather. As the evening turned into night, Brian the WDTN Channel 2 weather forecaster who had been tracking storms all evenings, finally, began issuing warnings for the Trotwood area. I started calling my children, Andrea and Terrance who live in Trotwood, a few miles from me and informing my sister in Huber Heights. We moved to Dayton, a year after the Xenia Tornado killed hundreds in the late 1970’s, but May 31 , 2019 was the first time I had experienced living through a dangerous, violent, destructive storm. st

As the evening wore on and warnings were issued, I was home alone and becoming increasingly nervous and concerned. I live in the Retirement Community close to Hara Arena. Andrea and Terrance live close to me, between Shiloh Springs Road and Westbrook Road in a Condo Development. I remember hearing a rolling sound of thunder. It was dark but I could see the clouds were very dark. The rolling sound of thunder lasted for several seconds. Not a thunderclap, but the thunder lasted long enough for me to walk through my house, looking for lightening. Seeing no lightening, I realized this sound was not “thunder.” Sirens were beginning to sound and suddenly a loud screaming warning came through my cell phone. It was getting scary. I had to call my children again, and again. They were scared, but I wanted to make sure they were listening to the weather report. “Are you on the first floor, where are your lanterns,” Suddenly, Brian Davis, spoke words that will forever be etched in my mind and changed my life and thousands of others forever. He said “If you live on Shiloh Springs Road and West Brook Roads, take cover immediately. Go to your safe place.” Nearing a state of panic, I called my children again, they were close to hysteria but trying to stay calm. They assured me they heard the warning and were in a laundry room in the with the metal doors secured. As Andrea ran into the bathroom realizing she was alone, she screamed for her brother. She ran out to see where he was and found him looking out the window. This time when she screamed “Get in here!” He ran in. As soon as they ran through the bathroom and closed the inner doors to her washroom as their ears popped. The bathroom door flew open. They heard debris flying around hitting windows, then, it was over. Meanwhile realizing I was all alone, I headed for my bathroom. I had a lantern on the dining room table, but in my fear, left it there. I entered the bathroom, as Brian had instructed, everyone to get into 23

your safe place, but I was turning around and around. I could not stay there. I knew why. I had to go someplace else, my steps were ordered by my “Heavenly Father” who was guiding my steps to safety. He sent me into my bedroom, to my closet to pray. It is in the center of my house next to the bathroom. There in my closet, “my secret place”, I crouched under clothing close to the back wall of the closet, and there kneeling, I began to pray. “Help me Lord Jesus.” Nobody and nothing could help me now. All alone, suddenly, I felt a violent shaking of the house. It was so strong, it felt like the entire “world” was vibrating. All I could do was call on the name of “Jesus”. He was the only one that could help me now. I was all alone in that closet as the shaking was taking place, I began to plead, “Help me lord Jesus, Help me Lord Jesus”, over and over I called on the name of Jesus. He was there with me. Psalm 23- 4; Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for thine art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me Suddenly, the shaking stopped. I did not know what had happened, I got up, slowly, turned and opened my closet door. The house was pitch black. I had left lights and the television on, but the sudden blackness was blinding, the quietness was deafening. Slowly in my state of not knowing what had happened, and confusion, I made my way to the table feeling where I thought the lantern was and turned it on. I looked around the room to see if my house was still standing. With the lantern in hand I went into all rooms and realized the house was sound. I looked outside and in the blindness blackness I could only see what looked like hulks of the housing units around me. The chilling silence was deafening. I called my children. They were safe but excited. They heard their neighbors, running through the condo units with flash lights, screaming and calling out to everyone, “Is everyone ok? With flashlights they could see destruction all around them. But by the Grace of God all of the voices in the distance were answering, “Yes, yes”. My son, Terrance ran out to assure everyone that he and his sister were ok. Their unit was spared, but it was pitch black and they could not see other units. They could see trees blown down sheared off close to their yard and other huge trees blocking the drive ways all around them, everyone was blocked in. It was over, but the second wave of terror, and the paralyzing fear and anxiety was just beginning. They could hear voices in the distance, like them fearful and terrorized but trapped in 24

not able to get out or go to check on family and friends. But the worst fear was not knowing what and how much destruction had occurred elsewhere. The first awareness was Thank God everyone there was safe, “alive.” I was not able to sleep, I could not go to bed, so I lay on my couch, wanting to be with my children and not knowing when I would see them. Something had happened! I did not know what and with no power and no way to power cell phones, we talked briefly waiting, waiting, it felt like 10 midnights before day finally arrived. My children informed me that their Condo Association worker Donny, had arrived. As soon as he heard Trotwood was hit hard, he left his home in Miamisburg and tried to make it to see what was going on with the people and condos. But first he had to get through down power lines and blocked roads and finally arriving, began working with a chain saw, sawing trees, and tree limbs moving them out of the streets and driveways surrounding the condo units as fast as he could. People ran out to help him. By early morning the streets in the condo units were cleared but that was as far as anyone could go. My son finally made his way out of their area, he tried to come over to my place, but Shiloh Springs Road was blocked by law officials. He needed to power his cell phone which was dying so he headed to my sister’s house in Huber Heights, they still had power. He kept calling, saying, “I am being turned around again, and again, everywhere roads are blocked.” Close to two hours later he finally made it to my sister’s house to power his cell phone. In the meantime, Andrea, was determined to come to see about her mother. With the power out, her car was locked in her garage, but somehow by the Grace of God, she jimmied the powerless garage door opener, pushed and had to force the now heavy powerless garage door up, got her car out, made her way out of tree lined streets and up Shiloh Springs road when she saw law officials turning people around; she didn’t stop; she moved up she kept coming even after seeing cars waved back and turned around. when it was finally her turn the law official waved her back, she jumped out of her car ran up to him and said, “I got to go see about my Mom” (“But God”), the man immediately stepped back and waved her by. In the deafening silence, suddenly I heard a car door slam, I looked out of my front window and she was running to my door, there she was, my daughter, She had come to see about her Mom. Lois E. Foy, Managing Editor of the Voice, Historian, Educator