July/August 2021 - The Christian Outlook

VOLUME 97 NO. 4 JULY/AUGUST 2021

CHRISTIAN THE

MAGAZINE

OUTLOOK

SOCIAL JUSTICE:

FEATURE

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Bishop Mark C. Tolbert - 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop

CONVENTION UPDATES: July 28-31, 2021 TWO MILLENIALS TRADING CONSUMPTION FOR WEALTH Eugene and Lakeisha Partridge w w w . p a w i n c . o r g

W E H AV E A NEW HOME!

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT W W W. PAW B O O K S T O R E . C O M

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THANK YOU TO OUR YEARLY SUPPORTERS!

1. Bishop Charles. H. Ellis III - Detroit, MI Greater Grace Temple www.GreaterGrace.org

2. Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. - Chicago, IL Apostolic Faith Church www.afcchicago.org

3. Bishop Richard D. Howell - Minneapolis, MN Shiloh Temple International Ministries www.ShilohTemple.com

4. Bishop Barrington Smith - Mississauga, ON Kingdom Life Ministries www.klife.ca

5. Suffragan Bishop Charles L. Smith - Cincinnati, OH Zion Temple First Pentecostal Church www.ztfpc.com

6. Suffragan Bishop Joseph C. Farmer - Sutherlin, VA White Stone Pentecostal Church www.whitestonepentecostalchurch.org

7. Suffragan Bishop Radar Johnson - Louisville, KY Greater Bethel Temple www.greaterbetheltemple.org

8. Suffragan Bishop Avery Burrel - Muskegon, MI Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church www.ctafc.org

9. Indiana Avenue Pentecostal Church of God Chicago, IL www.ipc35th.org

10. Suffragan Bishop Michael C. Newman - Gilbert, AZ Gethsemane Park Apostolic Church www.Gethsemanepark.Org

12. House of Prayer Apostolic Church of God 13. Bishop Gwendolyn Weeks - Dorchester, MA Bethel Tabernacle www.betheltab.org

14. First Church of Christ 15. Suffragan Bishop David H. Burkett - Marion, IN Christ Temple Church www.ctcmarion.org

16. First Church of Jesus Christ - Clinton TWP, MI 17. Greater Mount Zion Pentecostal Church Bluefield, WV www.gmzion.org

18. Home Assembly Church - Los Angeles, CA 19. Bishop Charles M. Finnell - Indianapolis, IN Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Assembly www.christtempleac.org

20. Suffragan Bishop C. Shawn Tyson Indianapolis, IN Christ Church Apostolic www.ccaindy.org

21. Grace Temple Church - Johnson City, TN 22. Suffragan Bishop David E. Johnson Minnetonka, MN Grace Apostolic Church www.gacmn.org

23. Suffragan Bishop Dale I. Shaw Sr. New Britain, CT Bethesda Apostolic Church www.ba-ct.com

Suffragan Bishop Julian R. Johnson - Normandy, MO Bethesda Temple Church www.bethesdatemplestl.org

24. Suffragan Bishop Robert E. Martin, Jr.

Peace Apostolic Church - Carson, CA www.peaceonearth.church

25. Suffragan Bishop LaVelton J. Daniel, Sr.

11. Bishop Fredrick Jackson - Hartford, CT

Zion Temple Church www.ziontemplechurch.org

Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Temple www.geat1150.org

Christ Church of Deliverance www.ChristChurchofDeliverance.com

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The CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK Magazine (ISSN10894217) is published bi-monthly, and is the official organ of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Headquarters: 3939 Meadows Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205; phone (317) 547-9541. Please let it be known that all rights are reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic system, or transmitted in any form by means of electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of both the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., and its entity the Department of Publications. Periodical postage paid at Indianapolis, IN 46206. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Over 60 years of continuous publication in the interest of Christian perfection according to Ephesians 4:11-13, and emphasizing Apostolic faith and practice, the Second Coming of Christ, and the preparation of the people to be the Bride of Christ.

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EDITORIAL Evangelist Neechy Dumas Editor in Chief and Director of Publications Evangelist Mona Thomas-Green Associate Director/Graphic Design First Lady Jennifer Slaughter Content Administrator & Assistant to Editor in Chief Elder Demarcus Williams/FRESHDESIGNZ, LLC Creative Director/Graphic Design www.freshdesignz.net Sister Dawne Hill/DHDesigns: Graphics Studio, LLC Cover Design Graphic Design www.behance.net/dawnehill Minister Erick Bowens/Bowens Enterprise Graphic Design www.bowensenterprise.co Sister Gabrielle Louden Graphic Design Roxanne McDaniel Office Manager/Accounting Director Elder David Hollis, Jr. Minister Timothy Moore Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson Suffragan Bishop Harold E. Rayford Suffragan Bishop Leonard S. Scott Minister Ramona Ward Dr. Ruth Tyson Newton, Publication Proofreader Executive Contributors Stacey N. Monger Mary Sanford Production Associates

THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 4

Executive Officers

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Letter from the Presiding Bishop

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From the Editor

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Cover Story: Social Justice: Where Do We Go From Here?

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Called to Stand, Unite, & Drive Out Racism

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Soul-Winning Today

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The Labor of the Intercessor

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Like Unto Leaven...

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When Somewhere Is Nowhere BUT THERE

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History: Honorable Women Who Helped Shape the PAW

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The 106th PAW Virtual Summer Convention

30

Testimony: Trusting God In Your Process

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Women Intergrating Their Skills In Church Leadership Positions

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Good Oral Health Promotes Good Overall Health

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District Elder James L. Gordon

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A Path Designed By God

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Two Millennials Trading Consumption For Wealth

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Book Review: Leadership & Management Bias

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Adopt-A-Soul: In My Absence: A Father’s Dream

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From the Desk of the Presiding Bishop

Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr.

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

Greetings in the matchless, amazing Name of Jesus Christ!

Lady Brooks and greet you warmly with the love of God! We are yet again at one of my favorite times of the year: its Convention time! As much as I would have loved to see your faces in New Orleans this year, the Lord had other plans for the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. For many, the doors of the church are only just re-opening and we are starting to see some return to normalcy. Through it all, I have found comfort in the Lord and a sense of peace that only comes from relationship with Jesus. The preserving power of the Lord has been with us, for which I am glad.

Despite our many challenges, grief and changes, we can rest assured in the consistency and faithfulness of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Him, we find our stability in an unstable world. In Him, we find peace in chaos. In Him, we find hope for an uncertain future, and the confidence to keep going day after day. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever more—and He will be with us through each change we may feel and experience.

Though we are unable to gather together physically again this year, we have worked tirelessly to offer to you another amazing virtual PAW experience through our Virtual Convention. I pray you are blessed by the seminars, prayer sessions, and worship services.

Though we had high hopes to re-unify in New Orleans in person, we are still unified in spirit and across the airways. Each of us is a member of the Body of Christ, and in that we are never as alone as we may feel. We are together and unified in the Spirit of God no matter how the world shifts us, and that, my brothers and sisters, gives me hope for when we will gather again.

The Master’s Servants, Bishop Theodore and Lady L. Janice Brooks

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FROM THE EDITOR Evangelist Neechy Dumas

Welcome to the July/August 2021 Edition of the Christian Outlook Magazine!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many readers of the Christian Outlook for helping us to again, hit record numbers of pre-orders and overall magazine sales. This success would not have been possible without your dedication and support.

And, I especially want to thank all of those who are supporting us through a yearly and/or 2-year magazine subscription. Our leadership team at the Christian Outlook put out a clarion call asking for additional yearly subscriptions and the support and feedback has been phenomenal. Thank you again to all of those that have stepped up to the challenge!

I

’m also grateful to our presider, Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr. to be given the opportunity to serve in this capacity. Truly he is an anointed leader that is above reproach, constantly accountable and faithful to the care of those entrusted to him (1 Timothy 3:2). I look forward to all that God has in store for us as we have been “Positioned for Promise,” our hope-filled theme for this year, through us and through our leadership.

It’s the middle of the year, and we are beginning to see glimpses of life opening up again. Stores and restaurants are beginning to bustle with excited shoppers and joyous conversation, family gatherings are becoming more frequent and larger in number and we’ve also seen talks of the relaxation of the mask mandate in several states around the nation.

In the coming weeks, you will notice that all of our Outlook and Sunday School orders will be processed digitally. It has always been our goal, as a publication, to continue to be creative and innovative with the use of our technology and this is just one more way that we are able to reach our goal. Orders will be streamlined and simplified and order tracking will be a simple click of a button. The user experience will be enhanced and we’re excited to roll out our new digital process in the weeks to come.

As you turn through the pages of this edition of the Christian Outlook, it is my prayer that you are inspired by the entrepreneurial journey of Dr. Josephine Bennett, that your soul is stirred by the powerful words concerning intercession and prayer by Suffragan Bishop Franklin and that you are motivated to increase your soul-wining activities by Suffragan Bishop Harold Rayford.

May you continue to be fully persuaded that God is capable of performing every promise made in His word, and that you find yourself in the right place at the right time, to receive every blessing that God has in store for you. This year, be determined to be “Positioned for Promise.”

Blessings, Evang. Neechy Marketing & Publications Director @Neechy | www.Neechy.com www.BigDripThreads.com

As time progresses forward, I am excited to see how God begins to bring us back into corporate worship, with hands lifted high, voices raised in unison as we all praise God together for taking us through the last season of our lives.

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Now it

Shall Spring Forth

Positioned for Promise Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

- Isaiah 43:19 KJV “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” ‭‭- Luke 24:49 KJV‬‬

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COVER STORY

SOCIAL JUSTICE:

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Bishop Mark Tolbert Senior Pastor Victorious Life Church 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop of the PAW Heart of America Council of Churches, Diocesan

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n November of 2017, Bishop Mark Tolbert was recommended to the Governor of Missouri as the community person of choice to be appointed to serve on the Board of Police Commissioners for the City of Kansas City, Missouri. Now, in the 4th year of his tenure, the other four commissioners voted unanimously for Bishop Tolbert to serve as the President of the Board of Police Commissioners.

The Kansas City Police Department is overseen by a five-member Board of Police Commissioners, made up of the Mayor and four Kansas City, Missouri, residents appointed by the Missouri Governor. The board oversees a $249 million annual budget and over 2,000 sworn members and civilian employees. Sitting on Missouri’s western boundary with Kansas, with Downtown near the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri

Rivers, the city encompasses about 319.03 square miles (826.3 km2), making it the 23rd largest city, by total area, in the United States. It serves as one of the two county seats of Jackson County, along with major suburb cities.

When asked what his vision is for the Kansas City Police Department, Bishop Tolbert stated, “My goal is to see the police department of Kansas

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City protect and serve all citizens of the city. I grew up in Kansas City when “officer friendly” was a popular term. Officers walked streets, rode bicycles and actively participated in community policing. My hope is that we can return to some similarity of those days of community. We talk unity; I am convinced that you can’t have unity without COMM-UNITY. My hope is to work closely with the Mayor, Police Chief, City Council, Board of Police Commissioners and the Civic Council to bring about a synergy that fosters community. We cannot expect people to be content when the wealth gap, education gap, and digital gap continue to grow.

There must be some equity along the way that includes developing a level playing field where everyone can participate in building wealth, expanding educational opportunities, business startups etc. We must come together as a community to make sure there are jobs for youth, training for adults, micro loans for small businesses and an overall perceived sense of hope. Hope that all people, no matter what side of town or even in midtown, live by the same rules and are treated fairly by police, insurance companies, bankers and all the entities and components that it takes to make comm-unity. As the newly elected president of the police commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri, I ask the citizens of the city to pray for peace and volunteer your time, talent and resources toward making Kansas City one of the most friendly and livable cities in the United Stated of America.”

So, what does social justice look like in 2021 and beyond? Many people ask that question but few are in a position to make an impact. Marching is good. Going to community meetings is good. Getting involved in dialogue in your community is great. My goal is to encourage as many as possible to get off the side lines and stop getting angry on social media with people who don’t agree with you and do something meaningful. Run for office. Petition your city council, your aldermen your senators and

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Congress people to make sure decision-making boards have a cultural balance of people who reflect the community you live in. There are many people on various boards around the country who really believe they know better how to solve our problems than we do.

I am not against Black Lives Matter; I don’t necessarily agree with all of their philosophies but neither do I agree with all the NAACP’s policies, nor do I agree with all the Democratic parties’ agenda or philosophies, but yet I participate with all of them because each one brings some good to the table of social reform and social justice. I have been in a business of some kind since the 1970’s. During these 50 plus years I have experienced financial injustice, racial injustice and flat-out racism. We black folks have always learned how to take a licking and keep on ticking. Thank God for this new generation who has declared we have had enough.

“

In the United States, “since the 1980s, some 94 percent of the total increase in personal income has gone to the top 1 percent of the population; ” at least 25 million Americans (17.2 percent of the workforce) are presently struggling with unemployment or drastic underemployment; “close to 50 million Americans experienced ‘food deprivation’ (hunger) at various times in 2009,” and as many as 75 million Americans (25 percent of the population) live in poverty. Adding insult to injury, the top 10 percent of income earners in the United States live 4.5 years longer on average than the bottom 10 percent. I believe that all of this must be addressed in our plight for social justice. I am not as concerned about those who perpetrated the injustice admitting it; I am simply concerned about those of us who are really concerned coming to the table with some sense of comm-unity and urgency. The more unified we are the more we will accomplish. A house divided against its self cannot stand.

I have been a member of the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Police Commissioners since 2017. My goal was to serve as a liaison to my community. I served through three presidents and when I was asked to run for the president of the board, I was hesitant at first. But the Lord reminded me that God places us in strategic places for specific times. I have been able to help shape policies, ban choke holds, adopt a policy where other police are required to report illegal and unlawful behavior of other police officers. Many of the antiquated old policies were seemingly etched in stone. When we changed the policy about police reporting police, I made sure that the policy included that an officer can report to the Office of Community Complaints as well as they can make their report directly to the board of police commissioners. I have learned over time, it is a must that community people and people of faith make it their business to get people on these board that represent our interest. I would encourage pastors who are a part of clergy coalition groups in your cities to write letters and make calls to your governors, senators, aldermen and city council people and give them some lists of names of individuals who have the temperament and passion to serve on various boards and commissions.

In closing I pray that all who read this article will pray for me as I pray for you. I am praying that God would put a fire under you to get involved and be the change you are expecting to manifest.

I AM CONVINCED THAT YOU CAN’T HAVE UNITY WITHOUT

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Suffragan Bishop David E. Johnson (MN) and Bishop Richard D. Howell (MN), joined by other clergy and members of the community, listen as they are addressed by Reverend Al Sharpton.

CALLED TO STAND, UNITE, & DRIVE OUT

RACISM

By Suffragan Bishop David E. Johnson

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ountless police shootings and violence against Black men and women in cities across the country have left our local communities pained, perplexed, and divided. Too often, perpetrators go on without being charged, or awarded not guilty verdicts, while communities mourn, suffer, and struggle to continue suffering from loss, pain, and fear greater than any of us should have to carry. The result is pandemic levels of racism, white supremacy, persecution reflected in our criminal justice system and other systems of power. The root is the same root of all evil, sin.

As a Suffragan Bishop and Chairman of the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Dakotas District Council, I lead in places and spaces that allow for us to move into deeper action. In these times of great tension and division, mayors, and police chiefs call upon clergy to lead peaceful marches, deescalate confrontations, and create strategies to lower community violence. While this work is critical, we have an even greater opportunity to lead, speak out and ensure the church’s silence does not convey complicity.

In the final moments of the trial against Derek Chauvin, the now convicted killer of George Floyd, Jr., just a few miles from the courthouse a Brooklyn Center police officer discharged her firearm while yelling “taser, taser” and killed another Black man. This trial drew viewers from across the world, who wanted, needed to reckon the dismay and heartache felt after watching a man’s life taken from him brutally over the course of 9 minutes. Viewers watched what we all hoped would be justice from a system that has robbed Black people—victims of police violence—from justice more times than we can count.

“...blood-bought believers must be a part of that work to stop the shed of blood on our streets.”

While the verdict in this trial rendered judicial justice, we as a community and as people who believe that God created us all to live in harmony and peace know that we must pursue other forms of justice for reconciliation. As Minnesotan’s, we know that there is also much work to be done to heal our communities, and that blood-bought believers must be a part of that work to stop the shed of blood on our streets.

In less than 12 months, Minnesota’s reputation has shifted, from a state known as the home of the Mall of America, 10,000 lakes and the famous singer who made purple rain famous, to a state known for the devastating consequences of the deep-seeded, but often covert racism that fuels divisions between the blue shield and Black lives.

Today, the church wrestles with its role in civil rights. For too long, as a body, we have served in times of crisis but remained silent on matters that directly affect the church. As civil rights organizations, community leaders and activists stand up to fight, the church must stand up and speak.

For the church, these are not simply names in headlines, but often members or family members of our assembly. While we serve and meet basic human needs, we must also take the Gospel to call for an end to the sins of racism and hatred that are costing our communities human life.

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The church is the place of salvation and transformation. The church has always been a place for refuge. The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. was established and grounded in “missions” work. Our forefathers, including Bishop Robert C. Lawson, addressed racism and division both within the church and local communities through teaching and preaching the Gospel and advocating for justice and equality. His sermon in 1971, “The Greatest Evil in the World is Racial Prejudice” still rings true and we must work to root out this evil locally, throughout the nation and across the world.

Matthew 28: 19, Mark 16: 15, Acts 1: 8 gives the church her assignment.

Christ charged us to teach the Gospel in Matthew 2; equipped us with power to drive out evil in Mark 16; and outlined our foundational promise in Acts 2. In this season we are called to fulfill this charge, locally, nationally, and in every place that God may send us; to use the power of the Holy Ghost to drive out evil, especially in the forms of racial hatred and discrimination, and to fulfill the great commandment as we spread the Gospel of love, work to create peace, and facilitate reconciliation.

As our churches accept this charge and fulfill it, we believe that the power of God will bring peace in our communities, elevate righteous leadership in the halls of justice, the streets of our communities and in every sector that continues to perpetuate racism, and ultimately drive out the evil of racism and we draw all men to Christ.

“...the church must stand up and speak.”

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SOCIAL MEDIA THANK YOU

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EVANGELISM

SOUL-WINNING TODAY

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By Suffragan Bishop Harold Rayford

was recently invited to be a guest presenter to a group of OSU students. This group was especially unique, in that it consisted of African American Men, between the ages of 19-and 25. There were 22 of them! They were all undergraduates, from varying backgrounds and many religions. My assignment was to talk about Leadership and Faith.

Oh, and let me add, it was a Zoom Video Conference Call.

I thought I was ready for the class, until the faces popped up. As I looked into the little squares on my tablet, I felt totally unprepared. I did not know any of them, and they did not know me. We were strangers to one another. I do NOT know if any of them were what we call “Churched”.

But they were all clearly intelligent leaders.

The four-page presentation I had prepared, suddenly felt too scripted. Again, I felt out of place. So, I tossed my notes aside, and started a conversation. I probably spoke about 15 minutes, and then took some questions.

It was their questions that made me feel better about my presentation. Because their questions helped to know that they were interested in what I had to say. After the call, I went into prayer, and my next Bible study series was birthed!

This series is based on my transparent and slightly embarrassing regret that I do not currently know any young people in Columbus outside of my church. I have come to the conclusion that I have been so busy doing the work of the Lord that I have not connected with the people in the community that I Pastor and hope to reach and teach. I have been so busy, Pastoring, building, working, surviving a pandemic…that I have not been able to connect with people outside of our church.

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Some will hear this as a point of criticism. But those who know me well, know that that is not my motis operandi.

I love outreach. I love building relationships outside of church. I always have. But that now, in the 2020’s, is going to be different from doing it in the past. Because young people and non-church members are different.

Actually, if most of us are honest, we may all have to change our approach in order to reach more people for God. We will have to be more relatable.

So, the first thing I had to do, is acknowledge my areas of improvement.

• I am going to have to learn how to reach and relate to younger people!

• I am going to have to learn how to connect with a whole new generation!

• I am going to have to learn how to connect with children. (Little children)

If we are going to reach more souls for Christ, we will have to learn, or relearn effective techniques. Here are the three scriptures God sent me to start this. Proverbs 18:24, Proverbs 11:30, and I Corinthians 9:19-23.

In I Corinthians 9:19-23, we see Paul’s secret to success.

And I strongly believe that this method still works today.

Let’s consider 2 words from I Corinthians 9:19-23, … became…gain…

The Apostle found that finding common interests was the key to facilitating the opportunity for the presentation of the Gospel. This clearly takes time. Being relational takes time. The takeaway from this passage for me, is to reach a new generation, I will need to be relational. I will

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need to sit down, and talk, and learn about the people I need to know.

Every year there are a series of award shows that come on. The shows include The Oscars, The Emmy Awards, The Golden Globe, The Grammy’s, The NAACP Awards, The MTV Awards, The BET Awards. I usually don’t watch them! Or I will watch the opening monologues and tune out. I may watch the major performance or two. But that would be it.

First, let’s be clear on what the Apostle Paul is NOT admonishing! Paul is not saying, to the drunkard, be a drunkard, to the sinner, be a sinner! He is NOT saying that we need to entertain sin, in an effort to reach the next generation.

As I mentioned previously, this passage speaks to our ability to be approachable, and conversant. It also speaks to the ability of being well-versed. Which is where God wants us to learn.

About 10 years ago, I began to realize that I did not recognize any of the names of the newer starts. I didn’t recognize the musical artists, or even the songs that were being sung. About 5 years ago, I started making light of the this as a sign of me getting older. Then, I would criticize the entire content of the shows. Like the absence of decency, the lack of musicality, and the scarcity of diversity.

One solution to the questions is knowledge, or being knowledgeable. For me, this meant doing some research on the culture and values of the people outside of my normal paths. And that means doing so, without being judgmental or critical. This approach has to be a study, or research. This may mean to acknowledge the differing values concerning language, entertainment, and recreation.

Who is Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi, Lil Yachty, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Lil Pump, Lil Bow Wow, Lip Peep, Lil B? Drake, Rick Ross, Lizzo, etc… What ever happened to the Commadores?

EWF? Run DMC? LL Cool J!

What about the Saints?

But this year, The Lord used the Grammy’s to point out something to me that was rather bothersome. Here are the questions that came to my mind:

• How do you expect to reach a generation that you

regularly criticize?

• How do you expect to connect with a group of people that you know nothing about?

• How do you expect future generations to relate to you, when you don’t know their interests, values or opinions?

• Do I need to accept some of their music?

• Must I watch their video’s?

• Should I learn to play video games?

I am NOT recommending that the Saints go out and try to be hip and cool. But that the Saints reposition ourselves for some meaningful conversations. Those conversations will result in Outreach!

Want some homework?

• Read a synopsis of the 5 top Netflix Series.

• Study how to properly pronounce the popular recording artists’ names.

• Try to get understanding of the non-Christian genres of music

• Watch 2 clean viral videos.

• Know the difference between the mission of BLM and the movement of BLM from all perspectives.

Stay tuned for part II of this article. Where we will talk about Being more gracious, and Practicing What We Preach!

Suffragan Bishop Harold Rayford is the Senior Pastor of The Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to moving to Columbus, He and his lovely wife of 35 year, Jacquie Rayford, lived in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, where he Pastored The Faith Place Church for 13 years.

He was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, where he received his call into the ministry under the leadership of The Honorable Bishop Richard E. Young, Sr. Pastor Rayford is an accomplished musician, author, community leader, father and teacher.

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PRAYER

THE LABOR OF THE INTERCESSOR

By Bishop Michael D. Franklin

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“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” - Ephesians 2:1 KJV

t is imperative for us to understand and comprehend that the very foundation of our deliverance was laid and birthed through the prelude of the labor of intercession. Remember now, a prelude is an action or event serving as an introduction to something more important. There was nothing more important then Calvary within the holistic plan of God. We who were dead in trespasses and sins, were birthed out of that death by the power of prayer that is embodied within an intercessor. God Himself had to become the Chief Intercessor in order to ensure the success of Calvary.

For it is written in Isaiah 59:16...[16] And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.

It was the prelude of the prayerful labor of intercession

by Jesus Himself, who was God in the flesh, that made Calvary a reality. The Bible declares in Hebrews 5:7...[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; My brothers and sisters, it is without question, that the labor of intercession preluded by Jesus, transformed the promise of Calvary into a reality. The Bible says in Matthew 26:36-44… [36] Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

[37] And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. [38] Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. [39]

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And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

[42] He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. [44] And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Also, it is written in Luke 22:43-44...[43] And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. [44] And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

It is clearly seen from these passages of scripture that Jesus, the Chief Intercessor, labored in prayer to ensure the success of Calvary. It was His prayer that set the stage for Calvary to perform. He labored in prayer so intensely that an angel was sent from heaven to strengthen him.

My brothers and sisters, it is imperative for you to understand, that His Intercession got Him to Calvary, His Death transformed Calvary, His Burial freed Him from Calvary, and His Resurrection empowered Calvary.

It was through the labor of intercessory prayer by Jesus, that the promise of Calvary became a reality and according to the scriptures, He still remains our Chief Intercessor today. For it is written in Romans 8:34…

[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Like Unto

Leaven...

By Evangelist Rosemary S. Breeland

esus said the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven.

Matthew 13:33–”Another parable spake he unto them; the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened.”

Leaven is a substance put in dough to make it rise; modifying and transforming something for the better.

The word leaven is mentioned in the New Testament for the first time in Matthew 13:33. The word is used in the Old Testament in Exodus 12:15. The Hebrew word (seor) refers specifically to the leavening agent which today is thought of as yeast. In Jewish thinking, leaven was symbolic of impurity and corruption. Jesus used it as a symbol for the corrupt and hypocritical teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

In the meantime, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” [Luke 12:1] How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?” [Matthew 16:11] Jesus also used leaven’s ability to permeate a mass of dough many times its own size as a kingdom of heaven.

“unto...theleaven, kingdom of heaven is like which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal till the whole was leavened.”

Matthew 13:33 The leaven, which is the Word of God, is hidden in the message. It is hidden in the Word of God. “And is shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...” [Acts 2:17] All of these things shall come to pass because it is in the Word of God. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” [Psalm 119:11] Let the Word expand into wisdom, knowledge and understanding in your heart. Let it rise in your lives, in your testimonies, in your love for others. The living Word is like active yeast, if you put it in the right place, things will happen. Like active yeast, the Word of God will start with a small bubble, then a large bubble, then the expanding bubbles will cause things to happen. Before you know it, tears start flowing, hands and feet start moving, words start coming out of your mouth. Jeremiah said it best in Jeremiah 20:9; “... But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones.”

God is warning us to be aware of the leaven in the message. Be aware of false doctrine. We have been warned, “the kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven.”

Rosemary S. Breeland is a retired educator, an ordained Evangelist through the PAW. She received Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees and an honorary doctorate. She is a member of Calvary Christian Church of the Apostolic Faith of the PAW, Inc., located in Charlotte, North Carolina; founders are the late Bishop Edward C. and Pastor Emeritus Betty J. Roberts. Pastor-Elect Kameron L. Adams is currently serving as Pastor.

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PREACHER’S CORNER

When Somewhere is Nowhere BUT THERE

By Suffragan Bishop Donney D. Faulk

1Ki 17:1-5 “And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee THERE. So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.”

M

My brothers and sisters, it is so imperative that our time of training in secret places, far exceed our time of performing in public. Elijah ministered publicly for a brief moment, and that, too, was subsequent to being alone with God prior to being called to go into seclusion for 3 1/2 years.

It was “THERE” at the brook Cherith that Elijah remained for many days not being able to provide for himself, but he was given an absolute promise from God that his provisions would be met, for He said “I have commanded the ravens to feed thee “THERE.” No other place would Elijah have been provided for, other than the place where God had chosen for that set time! This meant if Elijah went any place other than “THERE,” he would have starved, and died of thirst and hunger during the famine that was in the land!

The Lord (Jehovah Jireh) proved to take care of Elijah his servant while hidden from public view, as He ministered to Elijah’s necessity through the instrumentality of ravens.

Wow! You talking about a really strange provision! Please know that this was something contrary to natural laws.

Hence, it took perpetual faith for Elijah to look for daily visits from ravens, which were carnivorous birds, who would naturally desire to eat the prophet’s daily provision!

But Elijah remembered the word of the Lord: “I have commanded.” Hence, it was God who provided, and not the ravens. He had the God of Israel with him in his hiding place, hence, he had to live by faith concerning the promise of God! The Psalmist stated in Psa 91:1-2 He that

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dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

My brothers and sisters, there is so much meaning in this little word “THERE.” Elijah had to be “THERE;” likewise, it is with all the Saints in Jesus Christ now. We must know where God would have us to be in Him, and abide there!

We have no right to choose our place, for the Lord “orders the bounds of our habitation,” and it is a marvelous thing for us to know this, and submit to His wise and gracious will. It was at the brook Cherith, and only that place, that the ravens were commanded to take bread and meat to the prophet. It might not have been the most comfortable place to reside; he may have wanted to go somewhere else, but if he had done so, he would have had to provide for himself. This was almost an impossible task based on the severe famine in the land, which caused many to become cannibalistic. Elijah knew that God’s divinely appointed provision would always be in His divinely appointed place.

What a lesson this is for all of us! The path of obedience in God, is the path of fulfillment and happiness. If we will earnestly strive to listen less to Satan and our flesh, we will be better spiritually, which will keep us on the path of happiness. This is how Elijah could say when he was on Mount Carmel: “If the Lord be God, follow Him.” If his own path would of interfered with God’s path prior to Mount Carmel, he could not have said this with boldness and confidence. I reiterate, it was because he did not walk in self will, nor a rebellious spirit!

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Hence; when the water brook failed, he was called away to a distant city of Zidon, only THERE to be nourished by a destitute widow, who seemed to be at the very point of dying from starvation! So God gives Elijah another command: “Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongs to Zidon, and dwell “THERE“: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.”

Wow, what a perceived carnal circumstance! A widow and her son starving, two sticks, and a handful of meal!

And yet the word of the Lord was, “I have commanded a widow woman THERE to sustain thee.” This most definitely was going from lack, to lesser than less! You know this had to be a total faith in God endeavor!

My brothers and sisters, this was the scene presented to Elijah, one of gloom and depression. But Elijah did not look at it through the natural eyes; he saw it through God’s eyes, because his purpose for being THERE was established and sustained by the immutable Word of God! Saints, sometimes things look dark and heavy through our natural vision, but when viewed through the eye of faith, it pierces through every dark cloud, and allows us to see beyond them because we can stand on a firm foundation that is ONLY found in God’s Word!

meal, it made no difference to him, for he looked beyond the circumstance and situation—to the God of circumstances. He did not see the widow, but God. He did not look at the handful of meal, but at the divine command rendered! Hence, his spirit was perfectly calm and unruffled in the midst of the circumstance that would have crushed the spirit of anyone only walking by sight. Elijah was able to say without a shadow of doubt “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.”

My brothers and sisters, “Thus says the Lord” settled everything! Therefore, they all were sustained until the drought was over. As we continue to walk with Jesus, let us remain cognizant of the fact that during this journey there are times “When Somewhere is Nowhere BUT THERE.” Please continue to walk in obedience to God’s Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit! Have a “JESUS DAY.”

Hence, Elijah staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. He knew that it was the Most High, the Almighty God, the possessor of Heaven and earth, who would meet his every need; hence, even though there had been neither oil nor

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Suffragan Bishop Donney D. Faulk Founder & Pastor MountainTop International Word Ministry CEO Cornerstone Faith Services Married 39 years to Lady Michelle Faulk, 3 Sons, 1 Grandson

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HISTORY

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TESTIMONY

TRUSTING GOD IN YOUR PROCESS

By Elder Anthony G. McDaniel

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD - Psalm 116:12-13

I

am a living witness that God can be trusted in your process!

My wife and I, Carla Ruth McDaniel, have always been healthy believers in the body of Christ, standing in faith, trusting God on every side, vacationing twice, sometimes three times a year, just enjoying the blessings of the LORD! Prior to the start of Covid-19, we were engaged in ministry, outreach, in-reach, whatever we could find our hands to do, inside and outside the walls of the Church, newlyweds, celebrating our seventh year of marital bliss! Out of nowhere, unannounced, Covid-19 showed up, and changed the way we would view life from that point forward.

Our Covid journey began on a cold Saturday afternoon, March 15, 2020. My wife and I went to Sam’s Club to stock up on supplies, due to the threat of businesses and establishments closing due to the pandemic. We, like others, went about our normal business while shopping.

I recall a gentleman sneezing, my wife and I both commented, let’s hurry up and get out of here with all these germy people (we made this statement jokingly).

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On my wife’s birthday, Tuesday, March 17th, she wasn’t feeling well. At this time, the news media was consumed with conversations about the virus. So, my wife asked the obvious question, do you think that I have Covid?

I responded NO, perhaps just a cold or the flu. Still not thinking that anything was seriously wrong, we decided to order dinner in and just celebrate her birthday at home.

A few days later she still wasn’t feeling well. Her doctor prescribed a Z-pac. Still, a few days after that, Carla still wasn’t feeling well. We continued to pray and believe God for healing.

On March 23rd around 2:35 am, Ruth woke me up and said, honey I need to go to the hospital; something is not right. The ambulance came.

On March 26th my wife called and told me she tested positive and they wanted her to go on the ventilator. The infectious disease doctor informed me that my wife was one of the first confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the State of Indiana. We prayed, and I said you will be fine.

That was the last conversation that we would have until April 28, 2020.

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While my wife was fighting for her life, I was running temperatures between 100 to 102. I’d lost taste, and was isolated from everyone…it felt as if the heavens were brass over my head.

The only human contact I had was with the doctors and nursing staff so I was in constant contact with them daily.

My first phone call came from the doctor: Anthony, how far do you live from the hospital? I said I’m 10 minutes away. She stated things are taking a turn for the worse with Carla, and that I may need to come to the hospital.

At the time…the only persons allowed at the hospital were those who were birthing a child or the transitioning of a love one. The doctor stated my wife needed to be placed on the ECMO machine, as a last option. I agreed.

In Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), blood is pumped outside of your body to a heart-lung machine that removes carbon dioxide and sends oxygenfilled blood back to tissues in the body. Blood flows from the right side of the heart to the membrane oxygenator in the heart-lung machine, and then is rewarmed and sent back to the body.

This method allows the blood to “bypass” the heart and lungs, allowing these organs to rest and heal.

My wife, a healthy woman had no underlining health conditions and as a result of Covid-19, her lungs were severely impacted.

The second phone call, within hours, came from the doctor who stated: Anthony, I’m so sorry but in my professional opinion I don’t believe your wife is going to make it. If she goes down, I won’t resuscitate her. I thanked her for all she had done, but I told her God has the final say. She said, you are absolutely right.

The third phone call came from the doctor who would again share that they would not resuscitate Carla if things went south. He shared that doing so could possibly break her ribs and ultimately kill her. I said “if they break her ribs,” she can recover from broken ribs.

While my queen Carla Ruth battled for her life, she also had to be placed on double life support systems.

Life was dark. I couldn’t hear a word from heaven. I had no one to assist me; family and friends couldn’t help due to Covid restrictions.

Then a fourth call came in my soul, as I laid full of fever and as fear had become a close friend. I heard the Lord speak, from Isaiah 26:3 in the original language: I will keep you in peace! Then I heard the Lord say, a bruised rid and a smoking flax I would not despise.

With tears running down my face, I sat up and said, in other words, Lord, where there is no life, you can speak life into a dead situation.

The next morning, the doctor shared that while Carla was not completely out of the woods, Carla’s health was starting to turn around. I thanked God for what He was doing! The doctor also shared that my wife had developed bleeding in her organs. The ear, nose, and throat specialist was called in to see if they could determine the cause of the bleed. They had to perform surgery to stop the bleeding. After my research on Google, I learned that the bleeding could’ve been a potential side effect from the ECMO machine.

My wife would spend four more weeks in the hospital, ultimately arriving home on May 4th. God is a healer!

Today, both my wife and I are healthy, whole and grateful! Covid allowed us to see a side of God like never before!

When life is at its darkest, God can bring you into the light of day. Child of God, be not weary in well doing, for in due season, you shall reap if you faith not.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Elder Anthony G. McDaniel is an ordained Elder with the PAW who has been in ministry since 1988. Called to ministry under the late Great Prince of preachers Bishop Morris E. Golder, he and his wife Carla are the proud parents of Britteny McDaniel, Eric and Cheyenne Moore; and 2 godchildren Ashton and Amir Scott. Elder McDaniel serves as the Associate Pastor over outreach ministry of Grace Apostolic Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, under the leadership of Bishop Kevin M. Harrison.

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LEADERSHIP

WOMEN Integrating Their Skills in Church Leadership Positions Psalms 78:72 …led them with skillful hands. (ISV)

By Min. Tonia R. Williams As I reflect on my life, I can see that I was born to be a leader.

At times, the journey has not been easy, but with God in my life, I can clearly see how His hand has been upon my life. I am grateful for the courage and confidence He has given me to lead women skillfully, spiritually, and with excellence.

At the age of ten, my family and I joined a church which became our “home church,” and we were actively involved in Sunday School, Sunday Morning and Evening Services, Tuesday Night Bible Study, Evangelistic Service, Friday Night Prayer, Children’s and Youth Choirs, 4th Sunday Youth Program, 5th Sunday Children’s Program and more, and I cannot forget 8:00 A.M. Saturday Family Devotion at home!

Early on with my church involvement and home training, I began serving in leadership positions as a teenager. With my academic skills, I began to integrate them into my positions and continued to do so as I furthered my education.

Incorporating skills from my formal education, work experience, classes, trainings, etc. (also understanding church dynamics and its inner workings), has been an ongoing process. While professionally a financial analyst, I am currently the Women’s Auxiliary President for the Northern California District Council. In this leadership position, I have integrated skills, such as, supervising, interpersonal communication, problem solving, project management, financial reporting, just to name a few.

Shortly after being elected to this position, I spoke with my staff individually. I asked specific questions that allowed me to learn more about them and assess their skill level for their elected position. Having been a supervisor, I also understood the importance of professional development, so I offered them the opportunity to develop skills within the scope of their elected position. By serving in other capacities (e.g., president, vice president, secretary, treasurer), I understood the responsibilities of the elected positions, and that coupled with my professional skills has helped me in coaching and mentoring, where necessary.

I remember speaking with a women’s ministry director who shared challenges she was having in leading women at her church. Professionally, she was employed by a major

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corporation as a supervisor.

While she spoke, I can recall actively listening—a skill I acquired through formal education and training. As a result, because of this skill and others I possess, I was able to recommend ways for her to utilize her supervisory skills in approaching the challenges and in being successful with them. She had never given any thought of incorporating her supervisory skills in her role as a women’s ministry director.

For women in church leadership positions, I encourage them to educate themselves through courses, programs, trainings, books, etc. that will allow them to develop and acquire the necessary skills relevant to leading effectively (Proverbs 22:29 Do you see someone skilled in their work? NIV). I also encourage them to have a mentor, a woman leader who can provide practical and spiritual advice and guidance (Proverbs 11:14 They that have no guidance fall like leaves: but in much counsel there is safety. BST). To integrate their skills in leadership, I recommend they go through the following exercise.

Job, Church, and Volunteer Positions 1. List job, church, and volunteer positions you have held and currently hold 2. List the responsibilities for each position (optional) 3. List the skills you acquired from each position Courses, Programs, Trainings 1. List courses, programs, trainings, etc. you have taken 2. List the skills you acquired from each one Now list the skills (from the two areas above) that you can incorporate in your current leadership position(s), and begin to utilize them in leading those God has placed in your hands. _________________________________ Scriptures ISV: International Standard Version (Psalms 78:72) NIV: New International Version (Proverbs 22:29) BST: Brenton Septuagint Translation (Proverbs 11:14)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Min. Tonia R. Williams Minister | Author | Leader Email: info@ToniaRWilliams.com Website: www.ToniaRWilliams.com Facebook: AuthorToniaRWilliams

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EVENTS IN

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY July/August 1963

June-August. Civil rights protests took place in most major urban areas.

August 28. The March on Washington was the largest civil rights demonstration ever. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

1964

July 18-August 30. Beginning in Harlem, serious racial disturbances occurred in more than six major cities.

1965

August 11-21. The Watts riots left 34 dead, more than 3,500 arrested, and property damage of about 225 million dollars.

1966

July 1-9. CORE endorsed the concept “Black Power.” SNCC also adopted it. SCLC did not and the NAACP emphatically did not.

1967

May 1-October 1. This was the worst summer for racial disturbances in United States history. More than 40 riots and 100 other disturbances occurred.

1970

July 1. Kenneth Gibson became the first black mayor of an Eastern city when he assumed the post in Newark, New Jersey.

August 7. There was a shootout during an attempted escape in a San Rafael, California, courthouse. Implicated in the incident, Angela Davis went into hiding to avoid arrest.

Davis would be acquitted of all charges on June 4, 1972.

1974

July 1. The largest single gift to date from a black organization was the $132,000 given by the Links, Inc., to the United Negro College Fund.

August 30. Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, Jr. was the first black American astronaut to make a space flight on board the space shuttle Challenger

1988

July 20. Jesse L. Jackson received 1,218.5 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention. The number needed for the nomination, which went to Michael Dukakis, was 2,082.

1992

August 3. Jackie Joyner-Kersee was the first woman to repeat as Olympic heptathlon champion.

Source: https://www.fs.fed.us/people/aasg/calendar/timeline.html

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

GOOD ORAL HEALTH PROMOTES GOOD OVERALL

HEALTH

By Pastor Marie F. Johnson, Ph.D., Th.M

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s a child growing up in South Carolina, we were not afforded the opportunity to see a dentist except for extreme emergencies such as toothaches. I can remember going to the dentist and sitting in a waiting room with a dental chair in the middle of the room. I watched as children and adults were called one by one to have a tooth extracted with no anesthesia.

My sister was next in line and I thought she was going to faint from fear. At that moment, I felt there had to be a better way to care for dental needs. I decided early in life to go to dental school to educate others on how to care for their teeth. I never wanted to see anyone go through that painful experience or having to lose their teeth as the only option.

I made a personal and professional commitment to gain as much knowledge about teeth as possible. I attended dental

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school at the (Medical College of Georgia), countless dental seminars, continuing education classes, dental conventions and worked with some of the greatest dental minds in the world. I opened my very own dental office (Dental World Inc.) in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon opening my office, I was immediately stricken with cancer that lasted for a twoyear period. I SURVIVED the cancer, was called into the ministry, and now pastor The Cathedral of Grace Apostolic Church in Covington, Georgia, with my husband Pastor Willie Johnson. I never gave up on my dental profession and have worked in dentistry for the past 25 years. I feel a spiritual connection of my calling into ministry and my dental profession as a way of helping God’s people. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I am now in a position to give hope to others through my dental, counseling and pastoral profession.

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e at The Goldstein Dental Center partner with The Dental Lifeline organization to provide complimentary dental services for those that cannot afford our services. Our dental assisting school (Dental Careers Institute) has provided complimentary career opportunities for single mothers that have changed their lives tremendously. People of all socioeconomic groups travel here to receive the best of what dentistry has to offer.

oral and overall health. People perish because of a lack of knowledge. Now that you have heard what can cause some of your health issues, I beseech you to invest in your oral health as you would in a new outfit of clothing or a vacation. A strong healthy oral foundation is like a strong healthy spiritual foundation; it should be built on the right source and it will be sure to last. The fear has been taken away from dentistry. Please take note of the list of things that you can start immediately.

I thought my life and career were both over when I became ill, but God had other plans. HIS plan and purpose for me were so much more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. He said he would use me to help restore. I finally realized what he meant. When you feel like giving up, God tells us, don’t be dismayed for He is with us and will strengthen us.

The experience of being a part of transforming a person’s smile has been so very exciting. I share in the joy and laughter with our patients once they see their new smile design. It radiates from the inside out.

Good Oral Health and Good Spiritual Health is what drives me every day of my life. I feel strongly that when a person is hurting, they need someone to comfort them and to reassure them that everything will be alright. I was able to face my dental fears that I had as a child and my experience with cancer also. I am now free of both with God’s help.

Dentistry today has changed so very much that we can prevent the pain, fix the pain, and create beautiful and healthy smiles by a technique called teeth in a day. We can restore an entire mouth in one day by placing same day implants, crowns, bridges and veneers. I heard of someone that went for an interview and during the interview she smiled and lost the job opportunity because of her smile. She did a smile makeover and is now the CEO of a company. There are many people that won’t smile because they don’t like the appearance of their teeth. There are many that won’t smile because they have been spiritually hurt. Proverbs 15:30 says, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”

I want to share a few facts that I feel will help someone that may be experiencing dental pain, and other health issues. Your mouth is the entry point to your digestive and respiratory tracts and some bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can adversely affect certain medical conditions. High blood pressure, endocarditis, (infection of the inner lining of your heart), cardiovascular disease, clogged arteries, and strokes have been linked to dental inflammation and infection. Periodontitis, can cause premature birth, and low birth weight. Diseases such as diabetes can lower the body’s resistance to infection causing health problems to become more severe.

Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease, eating disorders and certain cancers can also be linked to your oral health.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss daily.

• Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing.

• Limit food with added sugars.

• Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn.

• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.

• Avoid tobacco use.

Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health. I hope these words have enlightened you and will prompt you to take care of your ORAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH. Psalm 126:2 says, “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of There is a connection between oral health and overall health, and there are ways to protect and improve your joy.”

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PASTORAL & COMMUNITY

DISTRICT ELDER JAMES L. GORDON

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ur ministry started in 1986 in a depressed area of our city in Mount Vernon, Illinois, on the south side. When you came into this neighborhood you felt depressed because it was like a war zone. The people living in the area were up against a lot. God said this is the place to start the ministry that I have called you for at such a time as this.

the Lord told me to go ask the owner of a local business to loan me $25,000.00 to jump start the ministry. I called the business and set up an appointment to meet the owner. I went into the meeting and told the owner that God said for him to loan me $25,000.00 to start a ministry in the Southtown area of the city. The business owner told me to get out of his office or he would call the police.

Not having the financial means and no way in sight to start the work, the Lord spoke to me and said keep the faith and I will lead you and show you the way. A few days later

As I walked to my car the devil got busy telling me that I just made a fool of myself. Satan said just wait until your wife finds out about this; I kept this meeting to myself. I came

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home from my college classes and my wife said you have a message on the table. I read the message and it was the business owner asking me to meet with him. I said, I am not meeting with that guy; he’s crazy. But God moved in my spirit, and said go so I went. When I got to his office he called me in and told me that he had done a lot of thinking since our last meeting. He stated that if any man believes in his God enough to ask a total stranger for a $25,000.00 loan, then I am fool enough to make you the loan. So he gave me a check for $25,000.00. I still didn’t understand why God said $25,000.00.

But as I walked by faith it all came together. We found a church in the neighborhood selling their building for $70,000.00. God said offer them $20,000.00. We did and they accepted, and we got our building plus $5,000.00 in the ministry account. This was the start of something wonderful and the power and favor of God was at work.

I received experience at the beginning of my calling to the ministry in Wiesbaden, West Germany, while serving in the US Army and under the pastoral leadership of the late Bishop Ronnie Hill. He encouraged me to attend the International Bible College in Germany with ministers from 20 other nations. These experiences helped prepare me for what God was going to do in Mount Vernon.

Our ministry was instrumental in taking the lead in building 100 new homes in the area giving people a safe place to live and raise their families.

Our ministry was among 200 ministers in the nation invited

by President George W. Bush, Jr. to the White House’s first ever faith-based conference in Washington, D. C., in 2001.

I have been blessed to receive appointments to various

state-wide boards and commissions by Governors James Thompson, Jim Edger, George Ryan, and Rod Blagojevich’s transition team committee, but most of all I was appointed

by God for this ministry.

With the efforts of volunteers and community leaders, Southtown has been able to generate over 25 million dollars in programs and community improvements for the residents of the south-side neighborhood of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and Jefferson County. Through Southtown Apostolic Church, Youth and Daycare Programs continue to serve children and their families in Mt. Vernon with positive youth development programs, serving 300 youth and their families each month. In March of 2004, after 10 years of prayer and planning, Southtown moved into its newly built million dollar family center. A gift of $500,000.00 was donated to the project. The new facility has allowed Southtown to expand its programs and services to include onsite District #80 Schools Pre-K classes, and business development courses, parenting classes, anger management, life skills, resume writing and much more.

My wife, Shirley of 46 years and our children James Jr., the late Chad, Steffen and Tiffany have all worked with the ministry over the years. My former pastor, Bishop Paul H. Evans taught me leadership and faithfulness that helped me make it through the tough times in the ministry by his teaching example.

Praise be to God for all His blessings. God’s favor and blessings are unstoppable if you just keep the faith. By His grace, a young boy being raised by a single mother of eight children in the housing projects in Southtown has come a long way, Glory.

District Elder James L. Gordon is the Pastor & Founder of Southtown Apostolic Church in Mount Vernon, IL. District Elder Gordon along with his lovely wife, Shirley, are the proud parents of four beautiful children: James Jr., Chad, Steffen, and Tiffany. For more information, contact revjlgordon@gmail.com.

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BUSINESS

A PATH DESIGNED

BY GOD

By Dr. Josephine Bennett

I

was never really the person who desired to obtain a college education. Growing up I knew that my parents were unable to pay for college and for a long time I held the thought that college just wasn’t necessary nor a part of my journey. Boy, was I wrong! In hindsight, I am thankful that my parents pushed me to continue my education and become a first-generation college graduate. Of course, my journey hasn’t been absent of trials, set-backs, disappointments and failures, but I can honestly say that God has been with me through it all.

My Educational Journey After enrolling in a bachelor’s program, I had to un-enroll after the first year because I couldn’t afford it; even with

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an athletic scholarship and support from a program geared toward first generation college students. This could have been the end of the road for me, but there was something that God put in me to never be the one to give up and I didn’t. I just had to find another way to get it done—to finish what I started. Because of this, I worked two jobs and attended two schools to ultimately obtain my cosmetology license and a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. I thought I could finally rest once I completed my bachelor’s degree but one of my professors urged me to pursue a master’s degree. After stretching myself extremely thin to finish the first degree, I certainly wasn’t in a rush to start a new educational venture. However, there was

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something that stuck out to me in that conversation with my professor, he talked of how African American women are often absent from the business discipline especially in academia. So, there I was, yet again enrolling into school, this time a Masters’ program.

After obtaining my MBA, I was 100% sure that I was finished with any type of post-secondary education. A doctorate degree was never even a thought for me. But, six years later the Lord laid it on my heart to look into doctorate programs. He laid out a very clear path for me after I vacillated in my thoughts about how I was going to do this. I was working full time, expecting a daughter within a few months and my husband had just accepted a leadership role within his school system. My husband and I are very active in our church and I really didn’t know how I would find the time for school. Considering all of this as well as the expectation that this degree would be the most difficult one to obtain, I had to place my confidence in the fact that the Lord had led me to this process so He would definitely lead me through it.

Challenges I Encountered As I expected, completing a doctorate in business administration was one of the most challenging things that I have experienced in my life. I was challenged mentally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. A constant prayer of mine was these six words, “Lord, you’ve got to help me.” He did. I can truly say that for every challenge that I experienced in the process, there was also an immense amount of growth.

Another challenge with completing my doctorate was the level of sacrifice that was required. It wasn’t just me who had to sacrifice, but my husband and daughter’s sacrifice was equivalent to mine. This process has really given me a renewed sense of gratefulness to God for the spouse that He blessed me with because my husband was definitely a huge force of motivation and support for me in completing my degree.

My Career For over a decade I have worked as a government adjudicator interacting with some of the most vulnerable populations in the state of Alabama. After completing my doctorate degree, I began working with doctoral candidates, assisting them with quantitative analysis and dissertation completion. This work has generally been performed with minorities and those typically underrepresented in doctoral attainment statistics. Most recently, I began working for a corporate consulting firm, Everett Advisory, that specializes in HR Consulting and Analysis. I have also been blessed to obtain certifications in SAS, SPSS and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Concluding Thoughts So, here I am. Someone who initially had no desire to pursue any degree, with three degrees, one being the highest degree recognized in this country. It’s truly a testament of how God takes nothing; from a place of no desire, no will to pursue and puts one in a place of great achievement. No, there is no glory in the degree or job, but this is the path that God has led me on. And on it, I boldly stand as a born-again believer. With everything that I accomplish and achieve, I give the glory to God and represent Him in all things.

About the Author Dr. Josephine Bennett is a member of Faith Apostolic Church in Birmingham, Alabama. There she serves as the Ministry Lead of Sacred Arts. She is a staff member of the Young People’s Ministry and she also serves on the Audio & Video Ministry teams. She serves under the leadership of Suffragan Bishop Michael Bender and First Lady Betty Bender. She is married to Minister Aldric Bennett and they have a beautiful daughter, Alaina Bennett.

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MONEY

TWO Millennials Tr a d i n g

Consumption for

WEALTH

By Eugene & LaKeisha Partridge

Hello! Eugene and LaKeisha Partridge here. Guess what?

In 27 months, we paid off $109,319.22 in consumer debt spread across credit cards, store cards, auto loans, and other loans! We now live a cash-based lifestyle, investing over 31% of our annual income across eight different investment instruments. Do we have your attention?

In February 2018, we chose a life of wealth over consumption. We both started new jobs within one week of each other. A very close friend of ours, Ashley Brewster (@impact_financial on Instagram), heard the good news and insisted that she take us out to dinner. She asked her mother to watch our three daughters, and out to dinner we went. Little did we know that this dinner would change everything.

To understand our ascension, you must understand our genesis. We started our marriage as two broke people in the negative. According to the stats, we are not alone. The median net worth of Black families under age 35 is $600, between ages 35-54 - $40.1K, and over age 55 - $53.8K (Federal Reserve Board, 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances).

Let that sink in for a moment. There is a net worth crisis in America. The “Keeping up with the Joneses” mentality, mass advertising, and social media comparison have created a hyper consumption society. We are broke.

In 2015, we experienced lifestyle inflation. Our incomes increased substantially, and so did our standard of living.

We wanted our slice of the American Dream, so we built a house more than double the square footage of our condo.

Our credit was excellent, so why not finance everything inside the new home, too? You get a couch! You get a lawn mower! You get a refrigerator! To make matters worse, I left the closing table and bought my wife a car. In America, we believe that if we can “afford” the payment, we can afford the item. This explains why the average U.S. consumer debt is at a record high of $92,727.

pay all our debts in full. Our incomes increased again in 2018 and we refused to make 2015’s mistake again. We had been tracking Ashley’s debt free journey on social media. Our celebratory dinner metamorphosed into a three-hour financial intervention. We hired Ashley as our financial coach on the spot. We sat down on May 24, 2018, had our rights read to us, and committed to the plan she created. We cancelled a trip to Disney to focus on our destiny. We got out of every leadership position and extracurricular activity that didn’t support the plan.

The first thing we did was stopped digging. Ashley literally confiscated our credit cards. We created an automated cash-based strategy where portions of our paychecks went to separate accounts: Personal, Debts, Bills, Kids, Giving, Food & Gas, Emergency Fund, Car Fund, Dream Fund, and School Fees. We worked side hustles and applied any extra money to debt. We now have a high-powered investment strategy that will make us multi-millionaires at retirement.

Stewardship changed everything. The church needs to shift its focus from giving to wholistic stewardship. Proper stewardship would make giving automatic, ultimately changing the financial make up of our churches. How can we give freely when the money we are giving belongs to someone else? Our renewed mindset toward stewardship is the reason God continues to bless and expand us financially. When we get our financial houses in order, God can trust us with more. Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) reads, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” We chose financial integrity. God did the rest.

We got sick of debt and asked God for a change. We didn’t ask for “supernatural debt cancellation,” or for checks in the mail. We simply asked God for a strategy to

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Eugene and LaKeisha Partridge reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, with their three daughters, Sanei, Audrey, and Tori. They attend Greater Emanuel Apostolic Temple where Suffragan Bishop LaVelton J. Daniel is pastor.

Keisha recently joined Nike as a Sr. Talent Sourcer and is an AAU basketball coach. Eugene is a licensed minister, the Director of Procurement at Paycor, an author of two books, a producer, and a TEDx speaker.

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