Catalyst Magazine Nov 2011

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CO N T EN T S November 3 • 2011

ARTICLES

The End of the World November 4th, 2011 Joe Grimaud..............................................................................................Page 4 Esther Women of Influence Welcomes Tandra Goodwin Ingram ..............................................................................................................Page 5 Hurricane Katrina & The Storm of God’s Love Gladys Grimaud.........................................................................................Page 6 Jimmy LaRose ..............................................................................................................Page 8 Artist Feature | Mario Ravenelle ............................................................................................................Page 10 Newton’s Laws of Influence Chakisse Newton.......................................................................................Page 15 Can We Imagine?

A Dream for the City.....................................................................................Page 27

CityLight South Asia .................................................................................................................Page 28 Jesus Pusher Stephen Manley.........................................................................................Page 29 I’ve Been Thinking About... Promises Jed N. Snyder, D. Min..................................................................................Page 30

FEATURES

Local Events & Points of Interest

.............................................................................................................Page 4

CityLight Prayer Breakfast Order of Service............................................................................................Page 7 Table Sponsors ..........................................................................................................Page13 Featured Volunteer ............................................................................................................Page17 Midlands Prayer Opportunities ............................................................................................................Page18 Honorary Host Committee ..........................................................................................................Page24 november 2011

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The leader of some spiritual movement has been predicting the End of the World for a specific date for some time now.

When it doesn’t happen he changes it. I cannot recall his name because I haven’t paid that much attention to it. But I am certain of my prediction above and I will not have to change it.

Now keep reading!

Don’t give up on me.

I just returned from Pelham, Alabama, on the southern edge of Birmingham. I was there to attend a funeral. Earl David Cash was the manager of one of our Precision Tune Auto Care Centers in Pelham.

He was an energetic young man of 39, and full of vigor and enthusiasm.

He had brought that shop up from a failing $4,000 a week in sales to $20,000 in a week, and all in less than a year. A couple of weeks ago he had walked outside to look under the hood of a customer’s Ford Explorer who had stopped at the rear of the shop. While standing in front of the vehicle, with it running but in Park, he reached over and made the engine rev up, to try to determine its problem. Suddenly the vehicle made a clunking sound and immediately moved forward Continued on page 19 4

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november 2011

The Esther Women of Influence Welcomes Tandra Goodwin Ingram as Director of the New Charleston, SC Chapter

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andra Goodwin Ingram has been named Director of the new CityLight Esther Women of Influence Chapter located in Charleston, SC. She brings a wealth of experience and connections in the Charleston area community. “With her life and professional experiences, Tandra has touched the lives of many families and individuals from all walks of life, but never before have they been touched by her the way she is touching them today. A touch that will stay with them forever.

training. Following seventeen years’ tenure with the City of Charleston, where she administered federal housing programs, she joined Fannie Mae in 2006 as Senior Deputy Director of the S.C. Community Business Center in Columbia.

Throughout her career, Tandra has established and managed strong relationships with housing developers throughout the Carolinas in order

On September 22nd, Tandra hosted a dinner at “the Lord’s House”, a vacation rental home managed by her located at 1310 Lark Lane, Charleston, SC 29410. The dinner was a celebration announcing her answer to the call God’s has on her life. She also took this opportunity to introduce the CityLight Esther leadership board to her Esther prayer group.

Eighteen wonderful women of God in different stages of their lives attended. The interaction between these Spirit filled women in transition was evidence that this connection was planted by God.

to identify and expand private and public sector business opportunities. Her involvement resulted in a significant increase in affordable home ownership and rental housing opportunities through partnerships with lenders, local governments, and other organizations.

Tandra is a native of Greenwood, SC and currently resides in Charleston, SC. She is a divorced mother of one daughter, Carly, who is currently a senior at the University of South Carolina. Tandra is a business owner with vast knowledge and expertise in the housing and community development industry. As a certified Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) licensed property manager in charge (PMIC) and entrepreneur, Tandra’s professional experience includes over twenty years of diverse and extensive industry

While working in both the public and private sectors, Tandra touched the full spectrum of housing for families and individuals from verylow to upper income households. Tandra’s most recent endeavor has garnered success as a business owner. Currently, as CEO/PMIC of TGI Management & Consulting (TGI), Tandra manages short and long term rentals including, luxury vacation rental homes, upscale corporate housing, Low Income Tax Credit Housing or seniors and residential single/multifamily housing. TGI Property Management & Consulting Continued on page 14

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Hurricane Katrina & The Storm of Gods Love Gladys Grimaud

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ev. Redfern II was telling lling a story about a group of children who h came to ComC passion Central* in Biloxi, MS, to attend the Kids Kamp that had been set up for the children of Katrina. His voice low and brow wrinkled, Redfern said, “They watched their grandmother float away. The night of Hurricane Katrina, they were huddled together in their living room to ride out the storm when the rain came and the floodwaters began to rise.

The house began to fill up with water and the children climbed on top of the furniture. They could see the fish swimming around in the living room.”

Redfern struggled to tell the rest of the story about the children. He continued, “Bobbling in the water, they realized they had to get to the attic. Even there, they were not safe. They kicked out a window so they could climb on top of the roof and clung to life in the best way that they could. It was then that they lost the grip on their grandmother’s hand and watched her float away. They never saw her again.”

Redfern’s voice had been soft and slow, but the pitch raised with enthusiasm as he blurted out, “But, do you know what? When those very same children came to Kids Kamp and told us the story of their grandmother, they asked us if they could sing a song.” Redfern’s eyes widened. “You’ll never guess what song they wanted to sing!” My curiosity was peaked as I began to think of how amazing it was that they could still sing a song. “What was it?” I asked.

Half laughing and half crying, Redfern sang out boisterously, “Jesus loves me this I know.

For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.” Redfern

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belted out an infectious laugh as if he had just opened And, d his hi favorite f i present at Christmas.

Ch i A d I guess he did, because Redfern loves Jesus and identified totally with the children’s song.

I came to know Redfern when he came to a City Light meeting at the invitation of a friend.

Although I did not know Redfern during his younger years, I have been told that he was quite a rebel during the Civil Rights Era. During that time, African-Americans were not served at the same lunch counters with other people. Redfern joined the ranks of the “sit-in demonstrators” and

even once held a bank hostage because they did not have any African-American employees. He didn’t go to jail for that. As he later told me, “I didn’t have a weapon of any kind. I just locked everybody inside and wouldn’t let them out.” It must have been effective. The bank hired theirfirst African-American employees right after that. The same delightful charismatic personality that charmed the NAACP during the days of Civil Rights and caused an icy shiver in the Continued on page 20

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CityLight

Columbia Prayer Breakfast C November, 3 • 2011

“Advancing the Common Good” Music .. ....................................................................................... Mike Gibbs Praise and Worship ....................................................................Nakia Adams Colors .......................................................... W. J. Keenan Raiders JROTC National Anthem ....................................................................Henry Flowers Invocation ............................................................................... Joe Grimaud Welcome .......................................................................... Gladys Grimaud Introduction of Host Committee ........................................ Luella Redfern Introduction of Speaker ............................................................. Redfern II Song .........................................................................................Nakia Adams Guest Speaker ........................................................................ Jimmy LaRose ~Prayer Time Leaders~

Pastor Sylvia Mickens • H. L. Allen • Quidette Gasque-Carter Rev. D. L. Grant • Pastor Gary Walton • Rev. Maurice Webber Remarks ..................................................................................... Redfern II Benediction ................................................................ Bishop Darrell Croft november 2011

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J…Advancing IMMY LAROSE… the Common Good Worldwide J

immy grew up in New York’s Hudpersonal choices have taken me down son River Valley in a Christian Home several different paths. Most of my deciwhere his parents made sure that sions were influenced by the principals of both he and his younger brother attended the Gospel and resulted in success. More church five times a week and received a importantly, my poor ones are where God private Christian school education. He is truly glorified himself transforming my fond of sharing that his greatest influence mistakes into something beautiful…into will always be his Mom and Dad. “The life something good. It was in those low moI’ve enjoyed was built on a foundation esments that my attraction to the Gospel tablished by Joe & Sharon LaRose over 45 always led me back to one of Christianyears ago. They made a decision, as a young ity’s greatest tenants… the ability to ‘recouple, to live a life rooted in a personal pent.’ I’m convinced that salvation from relationship with Jesus Christ. Their com‘self ’ was made possible because I grew up mitment to a life of faith ensured my future in a home that believed the Bible was the success and more than once saved my life.”

Word of God and that Jesus would always Joe and Sharon’s choice to become followbe the answer.” ers of Christ was accompanied by sacrifice of both friends and family since neither of It’s important to Jimmy that people who them came from a Christian home. “They learn of his Christian upbringing underwere the first generation within their stand that his Mom & Dad like every othfamily to break the cycle of destruction er set of parents had their own unique set through submission to Him. In retrospect, of faults, obstacles, and broken places. He’s when one considers fond of saying, “60% their background the “I WAS PRIVILEGED AT A of families suffer from household they crebrokenness and the reated was nothing short YOUNG AGE TO CONFRONT maining 40% are really of a miracle.” Needless THE DARKNESS OF POVERTY in trouble because they to say, Christianity was won’t admit it.” not a matter of con- RIGHT HERE AT HOME IN THE venience but rather a US. IT CHANGED ME AND TO “Despite my parent’s lifestyle that inserted “soft spots” it was their itself on a daily basis THIS DAY HELPS ME TO HOLD commitment to the into the life of young ‘ LOOSELY’ IN MY HAND THE Gospel that made evJimmy LaRose. erything possible for THINGS OF THIS WORLD.” Jimmy shares, “My their children. As I 8

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look back I’m awestruck by the fact that they never let their own personal struggles lead them to a place of ‘faithlessness.’ Even today I can call home to find out what new things they are learning about their Lord and Savior.’

Jimmy graduated from high school when he was sixteen years old and went on to receive two degrees in theology launching a life of ministry of around the world. At age eighteen he was installed as the senior pastor of Rankin’s Cove Baptist Church in middle Tennessee where he served the citizens of Appalachia who lived in “hollers” without electricity or running water.

“I was privileged at a young age to confront the darkness of poverty right here at home in the U.S. It changed me and to this day helps me to hold ‘loosely’ in my hand the things of this world.”

At age twenty Jimmy was invited by Joy Ranch home for Children in Virginia to go on the road to preach and raise funds for this 24hr childcare residential facility.

It was there that he discovered the profession of fundraising and soon formed his first company Development Systems International, Inc. which for the past twenty-four years has assisted concerned people around the world advance the common good.

Jimmy’s business philosophy is simple, “find a need and meet it… make a promise and keep it.” His approach to enterprise considers other people’s goals more important than his own and has led to startling success in every region of the world. In the past year alone his companies have been responsible for transforming leaders in the U.S., Asia, Europe, the U.K., Central America, and the Middle East. november 2011

His entrepreneurial commitment to advance the common good ultimately led to the formation of three divisions within the James P. LaRose Companies… Consulting, Education and Retail. His family of corporations include the National Development Institute (a 501c3 nonprofit organization), Development Systems International, PAX Global, NonprofitUniversity.tv, and eMedia Fundraising. He is the author of the internationally recognized fundraising teaching series MAJOR GIFTS RAMPUP and is the designer of FIRMware, a complete back-office for nonprofit consultants. Jimmy led the design team that established Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC), a credentialing process that supports nonprofit executives committed to sharing their management experience with their peers. He is the co-founder of ProPlatforms, Inc. an online social media community network that supports citizens of the world committed to changing lives.

Finally, he is the founder of DonorScope, a web-based research portal that identifies philanthropists, altruists, and leaders and

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JIMMY LAROSE

Continued From Page 9 their capacity to give to causes for which they personally care.

When asked if there is any particular secret he could reveal regarding his success in business he shares, “entrepreneurial achievement is rooted in a person’s unique ‘strengths’ and their ability to apply those ‘strengths’ to a task within a certain time frame. The problem is that ‘strengths’ are invariably accompanied by ‘weaknesses’… the types of weaknesses that have the potential to neutralize any success a person’s strengths might afford them. One of my secrets to success is to tenaciously mitigate

against my weaknesses on a daily basis. I do this by submitting myself to the authority of someone who is both smarter and possesses more life experience than me. You see, all great leaders… have a mentor.

Years ago, Bishop Redfern II made a commitment to speak into my life on a daily basis and 10

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to stand with me as my mentor. Red hosts at least six of my phone calls a day and I rarely travel for any extended period without him.

During these moments he draws on a well of wisdom gained through service to humanity for over sixty years which he uses to confront my defects of character while celebrating my strengths. He’s a master… He’s my best friend.

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find someone who can stand with even when for your own sake they have to stand against some part of your pathos that’s preventing you from becoming all that you can be. Everyone needs a mentor” As a result of his long collaboration with Bishop Redfern, Rev. James P. LaRose was recently named, special advisor to the administrative office of the Council of Bishops of the Ecumenical Church of Christ and also serves as the national director of CityLight’s Men on the Wall.

In a recent Radio interview Jimmy was asked what matters to him most in life. He replied, “My personal journey is best captured in a simple sentence from the Broadway production of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserable. It goes like this… ‘No Song Unsung…

No Wine Untasted.’ I lived ten lifetimes before the age of 40, traveled the globe, made and lost fortunes, and entertained absolutely everything this world has to offer. Now in my mid-forties when asked what matters most my answer is immediate, visceral and accompanied by great conviction. What matters to me most is… Dianne.”

Jimmy met the love of his life in Church.

Dianne’s career as an accomplished social worker prepared her for the high maintenance task of being married to Jimmy LaRose which she must draw on daily to november 2011

provide him both counsel and perspective.

For Jimmy, the greatest gift Dianne brings to their marriage is ‘Trust’. “Dianne provides me safety. She is the only constant in my life here on earth. I’ll sit down with Dianne and spout off to her the number of obstacles, circumstances, problems, difficulties, disasters, and grief I’m confronting and desperately require her to understand just how close I am to death’s door.” Her reply goes something like this, “So what you’re telling me is that you feel like you’re going to die?” “Yes”… I reply. With a twinkle in her eye she’ll dryly say, ‘sounds to me like you’re experiencing some minor discomfort and because you loathe pain so much you’ve gone into ‘Jimmy’s World’ of self-focus and pity. What do you say to that?

‘Absolutely Nothing’, he says with a smile.”

Earlier in the year Dianne and Jimmy were blessed with the high-call of raising their one-year old and two-year old grandchildren making these precious children a permanent part of their home. Jimmy shares, “Caring for and loving Braydon and Paisely has changed everything. I’ve never had children of my own and providing them a safe place to grow and flourish has allowed me to experience God’s love in ways I’ve november 2011

never dreamed possible. It’s been corrective for me personally. I can’t wait for them to wake up in the middle of the night just so I can be with them. It’s also made me fall in love all over again with Dianne. Her nurture and care as a full-time working mother overwhelms me. She’s my hero.”

Now with half his life behind him the question remains what’s next for Jimmy LaRose?

“One of my personal struggles over these many years has been to simply determine what’s true. Having committed my entire career to a single discipline has provided me with the experience and data to conclusively chart for leaders in the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors a path to transforming people’s lives in ways never thought possible. There’s going to be a dramatic shift in thought within all the sectors as to why we exist, what our purpose is, and how we must work together to affect change. I hope to spend the rest of my life inspiring others to join our Heavenly Father in His mission to love his creation as their ‘Great Need-Meeter.’

Can’t wait to see who will join me.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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M

y story begins in Baltimore Maryland, where I was born. I started out from the gate, running on the wrong side of the tracks. I was stealing, dealing drugs, involved in strong armed robberies, car theft’s, and many other things that need no mention. I was kicked out of every Baltimore city school for being accused of hitting a teacher. That is when I started sinking deeper and deeper into the miry clay. I was indeed headed for the pit of destruction (psalms 40:2).

Year after year I got worse, going in and out of Juvenile Detention centers and camps. I finally graduated from the school of hard knocks and began to attend adult prisons. In my years of criminal activity I’ve been to a least 12 different jails and some of them more then once. My breaking point was in the year 2000, the year my son was born, he wasn’t even 2 months old when my apartment was raided for drugs and weapons (what a role model right!). I was arrested, made bail, and was able to come home; however, now I was in deeper trouble because I was already on probation for a previous strong armed robbery. Thankfully, my strong armed robbery sentence was lowered to just robbery and I, of course, plead guilty. This landed me a ten year suspended sentence with 3 years probation. It was just a matter of time until the news of my violation came before the judge.

Unfortunately, no lessons had been learned. I was back on the streets and, as always, committing more crimes.

Then came my harvest, see God is not mocked and whatever a man sows that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7). One night a friend and I decided to jump on this man, beat him up, and take his money. This was no big deal at the

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time, it was normal for us to get in trouble with the law and still be able to come right home that same week or day. Then about two days later, I found out that my name was given to the police (regarding this crime) and a warrant was issued for my arrest. I ran for about two weeks, then was caught. I was facing three very serious combined charges and was in a dark, dark place in life. As crazy as it sounds, I got on my knees in my cell and repented for all my sins. I began to call on the name of the Lord! Even though I made all of those bad decisions and broke just about all of Gods laws and commandments, he still had mercy on me. My charges were consolidated and I was able to plea bargain for 5 years instead of 20 years, in which case I would still be incarcerated to this day.

Of course, I spent most of my time reading the word, praying and even fasting. I got close to God like never before. His understanding came to me, immediately I received Jesus into my heart, and my mind began to be renewed.

When I came home it was December 23rd, 2004. My transformation had begun. Let’s fast forward to 2006 (the cross over), when I started to feel a tug to do music for the Lord. I was always gifted with rapping but I was still doing so called “gangsta” music and was involved with the wrong kind of people. The Lord began to speak to my heart, telling me what he wanted and expected of me for his forgiveness, mercy, and a second chance through his son Jesus. This brought me to the place where I had to tell the people I was doing music with that I couldn’t work with them anymore. They were very upset at the thought of losing me as part of their record label. Following this conflict, I was assaulted in a club by a group of people that were affiliated with the label (it was a set up), I was

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stabbed four times and spent 5 days in the hospital. I came home on fire for Jesus because of the way he showed his mighty hand in saving my life that night. For me, there was no question that he was helping me.

Around this same time I started my first Christian rap album, “oeasy7seven”, I finished it in 2009. My first album, if you could call it that, was the beginning. This was also the year I met my lovely wife Shalice, God began putting the pieces of my puzzle together. We actually came together on the word of God. It was three days before my birthday and this was the word, Hosea 6:1-3 “come and let us return unto the lord for he hath torn and he will heal us; he hath smitten and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us and in the third day he will raise us up and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the lord his going forth is prepared as the morning and he shall come unto us as the rain as the latter and former rain unto the earth”. We came together on my birthday exactly like the word said, it was gods hand moving on my behalf, once again. I have two children from a previous relationship, a eleven year old son named Mario Jr. and a five year old daughter named Mariya. Shalice and I was married in June of 2010 and this scripture has been true to my heart, Proverbs 18:22 “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favour of the lord”. My family inspires

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november 2011

me a lot, they often sing my songs with me.

In October 2010, I began to work on a promotional mix album of the Christian sort, entitled “VISIONS ON MY MIND”. Being inspired by the Holy Spirit, I began to push this promotional album harder then I used to push drugs on the corner. God began to open up doors for me in a new land, Columbia SC. Three of the doors were opportunities to minister at CHRIST CENTRAL COLUMBIA, CITY LIGHT, and ALIVE MINISTRIES. In 2011, I began another project entitled “rap prophet teaching”, which I’m promoting just as diligently as my first two CD’s.

My vision has been written down and made plain, it is “to seek to save the lost and to use my experiences as fuel, use my gift as an instrument of praise that lifts up the name of Jesus, that he may draw all men unto himself ”. I am still a ways from perfection but I’m on my way! This is to encourage those who may be walking in my old shoes and have found themselves in a very dark place in life. If you still got breath in your body then it isn’t too late for Jesus to turn it around. God is not a respector of persons, what he’s done for me he can do for you. Stay tuned because he’s not done with me yet. Please feel free to check out my music at visionsonmymind.com (Let me leave you with this hook from one of my songs “I thought I was goin’ drown boat was going down quickly Jesus turned it around I’m completely three sixty”).

Esther Women of Influence James P. Larose Adrian Moldovan Trezcom IntegratedTechnologies Life Springs Dr. Dean M. Floyd MD. City Light Asia Rep. Leon Howard Morning Glory Prayer Group

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Esther Women Continued from page 5 518.."&:8$;8%#&<&=%>&?"44*8&@*AB8#0

learned from the “Royal Princess” organization by teaching high school girls the principles demonstrated by Queen Esther, as they transition to college and to womanhood.

is a SC licensed property management company based in Charleston, SC. The Company’s mission is to provide excellent and innovative housing solutions and services to positively impact communities throughout SC, nationally and globally. TGI was birthed in 2008, after Tandra was laid off from Fannie Mae, which created an opportunity to obtain additional training, reinvent herself as an entrepreneur.

After learning about CityLight and attending an Esther Women of Influence Retreat in 2010. God placed it in Tandra’s heart to start an Esther Women of Influence prayer group in Charleston. Tandra answered the call in September 2011, with 18 powerful women attending the first prayer group meeting at “The Lord’s House”. The group’s focus is prayer, teaching and ministry through service to others. Tandra has a deep relationship with the Lord and believes that prayer and ministry are vital to her existence and that service is a byproduct of prayer. She believes that it is one thing to pray, but to serve is “faith in action” (putting your hands to the plow), which is required by God. “Faith without works is dead ( James chapter 2).”

“We are honored to have Tandra join us”.

On October 20th she launched her monthly prayer group meetings. “She said this is new ground, a faith walk, for me and a major step toward the heart and will of God concerning my life and with many other women in the Charleston area”. “I am excited not only about what she will bring to our ministry, but also about the role she will play in the lives of many women in Charleston, SC. With this partnership it is our desire to see Charleston strengthen it’s long -standing reputation of the “Holy City”, with Esther women leading the way through the prayers of these godly women, said Luella Redfern, National Executive Director of the Esther Women of Tandra loves and adores the Lord and has comInfluence. Our first priority is to be a Catamitted her life, gifts and talents to serving Him. She is passionate about empowering young lalyst, building relationships in which lives are dies and women to reach their full potential changed. Our mission is to prepare women to in God. In 2003, during her daughter’s middle lead Godly lives, teaching biblical principles school years, the Lord inspired Tandra to start for the individual, her family and her nation.

“Royal Princess Youth Development CorporaEmpowering women and girls across the tion”, an organization created to develop young globe to weather the storms of life that come girls spiritually using bibour way, with a strong lical principles found in foundation upon which “Our mission is to prepare the book of Esther. While to stand. Understanding women to lead Godly lives, the organization has since that through prayer and been dissolved, Tandra’s teaching biblical principles for the study of God’s word, daughter has reignited the the strongest foundation the individual, her family torch and resumed activiis the love of God reties gained from lessons vealed in Jesus Christ”. and her nation.”

“The Lord’s House” and “The Heavenly Sanctuary” are two adjacent luxury vacation rental homes in the Charleston area, which are managed by TGI. The homes provide a peaceful and inspiring space for rest, relaxation and refreshing in a Christian environment. TGI also manages short-term corporate housing, creating inspiring spaces for corporate executives, military/ medical personnel and people who are in transition. On the consulting side of the business, TGI provides housing and community development consulting services to local governments, non-profit organizations and private companies.

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Tools and Tips to Improve Professional and Personal Success 1. REPLACE “I” WITH “YOU”.

One of the easiest ways to make your presentation better is to change your language to focus on the audience by replacing the word “I” with “you” as often as possible.

It will make your language clearer and your audience will be more engaged with your talk. It’s never, “I want to tell you,” but rather, “You will learn” or “You will hear.”

2. REPLACE EXPLANATIONS WITH STORIES.

Review your key points and replace any long explanations of a process or an idea with a story that illustrates your point. When my clients want to establish credibility, I coach them to tell client success stories instead of just listing their services. You can also alternate stories that make the same point to add variety to your presentation.

3. ADD CHARACTERS.

Chakisse Newton Cardinal Consulting

803.753.1311 | CardinalConsulting.net

D

o you have a presentation that you’d like to improve? Perhaps it’s a sales presentation, an internal presentation you give at work, or a talk about one of your hobbies. If you have a speech that you know could be better, but you’re not sure where to start, use these 10 techniques to add punch to your presentation:

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Does your presentation have any characters besides you? When you include other people, you break monotony and your audience relates to your presentation better. Make sure you use names to make your story more believable and memorable.

4. ADD CONVERSATIONS.

Create a conversation any time you recount something someone told you. You could say, “My mother always told me that it was important to work hard.” But it’s more effective to say, “My mother always said, ‘Chakisse, if you want to get ahead in life, you’ve got to work hard.’”

5. SAY LESS.

Nothing takes the place of good editing.

Continued on pg 16 CityLight.org

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10 WAYS TO ADD PUNCH TO YOUR PRESENTATION Always look for ways to convey your points in as little time as possible. You’ll have a greater impact by using more precise language. Unless you’ve spent a great deal of time honing your words, you can almost always cut your prepared remarks.

Do you have stories or examples that you can borrow them from another presentation? Use it again.. I often regale my friends with stories about how my children try to influence me. When appropriate, I incorporate those stories into business presentations. The audience laughs, they remember my points, and I’m using material that has been proven to work.

6. EDIT IN CHUNKS.

9. INVOLVE THE AUDIENCE.

Continued from page 15

When you tackle editing your presentation, don’t look at the presentation as a whole. Instead, focus on one element at a time. You may choose only to work on improving your opening, your speech structure or one of your stories. Working on just one part at a time will make the editing process less overwhelming and your speech will benefit from your focus.

7. CREATE PICTURES.

Review your presentation and see if you create any vivid images that your audience can keep with them. Then, try to add more. Images remain with your audience long after you’re done speaking.

In one of my signature speeches, I reference “the South Carolina state bird … the mosquito” and use a gesture for swatting a mosquito on my arm. Creating a picture took that line from getting a chuckle to receiving thunderous laughter when I present.

8. QUOTE YOURSELF. 16

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Look for ways to involve the audience.

You can ask rhetorical questions, do a group exercise, or provide a Q&A period.

However you do it, try to make your audience active participants in your presentation instead of just passive listeners.

10.VARY YOUR PACE.

Make sure that your pace of your presentation varies in volume, energy and speed.

I once heard a high-energy speaker who was bursting with enthusiasm. It was great for the first three minutes. Fifteen minutes later, I felt like I’d been bludgeoned by her message. You will have the biggest impact when you vary your pace from time to time.

Just because you give a presentation so often that you could do it in your sleep doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities to improve it. Try these techniques to look at your presentation with new eyes.

You’ll improve your talk, have more fun presenting and captivate your audience.

Both you and your audience will be glad you did. november 2011

Making a Difference Spotlight on Community Volunteers

Recipe Pick of the Month

Zucchini & Squash Pie

M

s. Glennie Wise is 63 years old and is the Kitchen Supervisor for Christ Central.

She has been volunteering for 4 years and loves every minute. When asked why she started volunteering she said, “When I retired from food service for the Department of Mental Health, I wanted to do something to serve God’s people. I love the homeless and wanted to serve them for His kingdom.” She expresses that the love of working for the homeless, seeing the smiles on their faces and the continuous gratitude, brings her joy and blessings each day. This is what keeps her volunteering year after year!

“I just love working for the homeless. To see the smiles on their face, and they ALWAYS say thank you. It brings me joy and blesses me each and every day.”

2 Frozen Pie Shells 2 Eggs 2 Cups of Mozzarella Cheese (or more if desiring extra cheesiness!)

2 Zucchini 2 Yellow Squash 1 Medium sweet onion Mustard 1 Tablespoon Basil Salt and Pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line frozen pie shells with mustard. Dice and saute zucchini, squash, and onion.

Combine with egg, basil, salt, pepper and cheese. Put mixture in prepared pie crusts.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and eggs are cooked.

“People don’t care how much you know “P until they know how much you care”

- John C. Maxwell

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GREATER COLUMBIA CALL TO PRAYER

9:30 – 11:30 am Columbia International University 7435 Monticello Road Columbia, SC 29230 Prayer Gatherings are held on the second Saturday of each month in the Alumni Center at CIU. Remaining 2011 GCCTP dates are: October 8, November 12, and December 10.

For information contact H. L. Allen at 803-513-2003 or at allenhl@windstream.net

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR T HE PERSECUTED CHURCH

November 13, 2011 – 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

Columbia World Outreach 523 Superior St. Columbia SC, 29205 The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide. Its primary focus is the work of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted communities of the Christian faith. www.persecutedchurch.org

CITYLIGHT PRAYER BREAKFAST

First Thursday Each Month 7:00 – 8:30am Brookland Banquet and Conference Center 1066 Sunset Blvd. (US 378) West Columbia, SC 29169 Breakfast and Prayer for Our City and Nation. www.citylight.org

WALK THE LABYRINTH AND PRAY

First Friday every month 10:00 am – 8:00pm Wesley Hall at Lexington United Methodist Church 309 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072.

A labyrinth is a sacred path and space used for prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has a single path to the center and back. It is walked in an attitude of prayer and meditation. Come and spend as much time as you desire and as God leads. www.lexumc.com | 803-359-6838

INTERCESSORY PRAYER CONFERENCE

November 11th & 12th Brookland Baptist Church 1066 Sunset Blvd. (US 378) West Columbia, SC 29169 Coordinator Evangelist Maryland Bashfield | 803-730-7669 18

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Continued from page 5 trapping the manager underneath. It ran over breaking his leg breaking his ankle in two places, brea creating eight ribs, bruising his lungs and crea drug concrete burns on the back of his head as it d him. Others quickly came out and lifted the car, and managed d the h manager, still ill conscious, i d to work himself out from under the vehicle. The receptionist, a former nurse, said Earl looked up at me and said, “Anita, am I going to make it?”

She said I replied, “Earl, you are hurt pretty bad.”

Earl was rushed to intensive care at the University of Alabama Medical Center, where they induced a coma, to assist in recovery, but the damage was too great. He developed pneumonia, and on October 20th Earl passed away.

But I listened to the preacher tell how Earl had come to him some time ago and said he wanted to make a change in his life. And he had done so.

As I talked and listened to his co-workers, as well as to the remembrances spoken in the eulogy, I knew it was real. Earl might have only been 39, but he was ready for Eternal Life.

Only a few weeks earlier, I received a text message that the son of a very dear church family had passed away. He was only 24, but he had allowed alcohol and other things of the world to impact his life. His older brother entered his bedroom, thinking he was going to wake him up, but he found him dead.

Recently I have been airing some radio advertisements for Chapin Furniture which include some of my war experiences over North Vietnam. Under those conditions, some of my friends were leaving this world almost daily. I

november 2011

knew that there was a pretty good chance that one day it might be me. I even related the experience of running off the end of the runway at about 250 miles per hour in an F-105, at which moment I only remember thinking, “This can’t be happening to me.” I knew that, in an instant, I was going to be dead. But I didn’t die.

The airplane lost a lot of its pieces, but it kept on going and got airborne off the end of the runway.

“Unheard of!”

While flying those combat missions, one had to realize that the World could End for you on any particular day. You were reminded of it as it happened to others. But the first two cases above point to the fact that you do not have to be flying combat for it to be near the End of your World.

Why do we worry about the prediction of the World coming to an End, when it can happen to any one of us on any particular day, no matter what our situation. In the first case above, Earl David Cash was ready, and even now, is gathered with the Saints for an eternity. In the second case, I can only hope and trust that something may have happened during the night that might have brought this young man to the point of accepting Christ as his Savior and having his sins forgiven.

But, I can say with certainty, and you know I am right, that tomorrow, November 4th, 2011, will be the End of the World for a large number of individuals on this Earth. Make sure you are ready and you will not have to worry on what day the End of the World comes. But, be certain! It is coming!

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Hurricane Katrina & The Storm of Gods Love

“That’s great, Redfern,” I said. “What did you do for them?” white community is now being used by God to Redfern’s eyes were twinkling even more bring hope to Katrina survivors in Biloxi. now as he responded, “The same thing.

Another story Redfern tells happened on We gave them rice and s u p p l i e s , a n d one of the days that he and the volunteers from h e l p e d c l e a n out the mud in the Bu dCompassion Central went to help clean up the d h i s t temple. And at the end of the day, churches. Many churches had been reduced to a they wanted to know about the God that we pile of rubble, but there were a few churches that served. They wanted to know what kind of were left standing with walls even though the God we worshipped that would allow us to floodwaters had help them after reached the roofthey had drawn line inside. Reda line and asked fern looked at me us not to cross with a twinkle in over.” his eye. I knew “You know that he had anwhat, Gladys?” other good “What, Redstory to relate. fern,” I answered “Gladys,” he eagerly. I had said, “it is awelearned to expect some to be a part the unexpected. of Compassion R e d f e r n Central here in couldn’t wait to Biloxi. This tent share the rest. city with vol- “ Yes, it’s awesome to see ordinary people doing “Because we minextraordinary things in ordinary ways.” unteers from all istered to them, across the nation they opened up - this “City of God” with people from every to other relief groups who came to Biloxi to help walk of life and every denomination - somesurvivors. Oh, it’s wonderful, Gladys. It’s wonthing so wonderful that even the heathen noderful.” tice what is happening.”

Redfern talked freely about what it meant “What do you mean, Redfern?” I asked. for him to be a part of the move of God that is “Oh, Gladys. You should have been here the day taking place at Compassion Central in Biloxi. that we went to the Vietnamese community. We He said, “It is wonderful to know that God found the priest at the Vietnamese Catholic church sent me here. It’s wonderful just to know that I and asked him if we could help him clean up his don’t have to have any kind of degree to be here. church. When the priests from the Buddhist temIt’s wonderful just to see ordinary people doing ple next door noticed that we had arrived in the yard extraordinary things in ordinary ways.” of the Catholic Church, they came outside and drew I was fascinated by Redfern’s comments and a line in the dirt and asked us not to cross over. They wasn’t quite sure what he meant about ‘ordinary said that they had to remain separate from us.” people doing extraordinary things in ordinary My facial expression gave away the sadness ways’, so I asked him what he meant.

I was feeling at the moment, but then, Redfern “Well,” he said. “One person shoveling mud began to laugh. out of a house or church is ordinary, but to see “That’s all right, Gladys. We had to respect 1000 people shoveling mud out of churches and their wishes, but listen to the ending.” houses – ah, that’s extraordinary.”

The rhythm in his voice picked up as he said, And just to make sure that I understood, he “We left rice and supplies in the yard of the said it again, “Yes, it’s awesome to see ordinary Catholic Church and cleaned out about a foot people doing extraordinary things in ordinary of mud from inside. When the Vietnamese ways.” And then he added some; a comment that Buddhists saw what we had done for the Vietonly Redfern would think of: “It’s also awesome namese Catholics, they sent a note to us asking to see T-bone steaks being served in the middle if we would help them too.” of disaster and to see little ole feisty grandmothers

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living in the shelters unafraid.” Redfern chuckled.

He said one of those feisty grandmothers at the shelter whispered in his ear. “I’m not afraid. Don’t tell the white folks, but I’ve got my pistol right here.” She opened her purse for him to see. She was living at the senior citizen shelter that had been set up in Greater St. John AME Church that was later “adopted”

by Bethel AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina. I guess she was keeping it a secret from them too.

Redfern continued. He started to talk about Richard, a homeless man who had been living at the Loaves and Fishes Homeless Shelter in Biloxi – just a few blocks from the oceanfront.

The night of the hurricane, Richard decided to ride out the storm at the shelter. He had done it before and it had turned out all right in the past. This shouldn’t be any different, or so he thought. To his horror, he found out that this would be different.

Within five minutes after the rains started coming, he was up to his waist in water inside the shelter. He tried to open the door to get out, but the door was frozen shut by the pressure of the water on the outside. He broke the window hoping to get out, but the water was coming in so fast that he could not get out through the window. It was only until the water was higher than the window that he could swim out. When he was able at last to get out of the shelter, the rain was driving down in torrents so that he could hardly see, the water current was so strong that he could hardly swim, and the wind was blowing so hard that he was almost blown away.

While Richard was trying to find something to cling to, he saw a man on a rooftop next to him blown away by the winds. Richard struggled to get on the roof. A five-gallon pail floated beside him and he snatched the pail to use as a flotation device until he could make his way to the rooftop. Finally, he was able to get on the roof, but had to lie down in order to keep from being blown off. Twice, the wind blew him off the roof, but he eventually was able to get to a third roof and hold on for hours until the water receded.

When the waters receded, everything inside the shelter had been washed away – stoves, pots and pans, furniture, everything. It was the

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same story with the church across the street. It was the same story within a six to eight block area, but Richard was still alive. He had survived Hurricane Katrina and would live to see another storm – the storm of God’s love that was coming his way.

It’s amazing whom God chooses to get His message of hope to the world. Just a day or two after Hurricane Katrina, I received a phone call from Rev. Jimmy Jones, Founder of Christ Central Ministries, a poverty mission ministry.

He called to let me know that he was going to Biloxi, Mississippi to set up feeding stations and a Kids Kamp for the survivors of Katrina.

I heard Jimmy’s voice, “Gladys, does my partner want to go to Biloxi with me?”

He was referring to me, of course. Christ Central Ministries and City Light had been partners in compassionate care to the community for years.

I said, “I’m sorry, Jimmy. I can’t go because Joe needs me at the furniture store, but what can I do to help you?” I think he already knew that I would have to help my husband in the furniture store, but he continued with confidence that I would help him in his mission to help the survivors of Katrina. He continued with his request, “If City Light can coordinate church volunteer teams to come down every week, that would be a big help.”

I found myself saying, “That’s an easy request, Jimmy. I’ll get on it right away.”

Joe and I were part of a group of people that founded City Light in 1996 to bring Dr. Tony Evans, an African-American preacher, to Columbia for a three-day crusade at WilliamsBrice Stadium, University of South Carolina’s football stadium. The purpose was to bring people of God together in unity to lift up Christ in the city for evangelism and discipleship.

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At a time when racial tension was high because of church burnings, Ku Klux Klan activity, and the Confederate flag flying over the State Capitol Building, a group of people got together and began to pray that God would heal our land as promised in II Chronicles 7: 14.

This was an historical event: for the first time in the South an African-American preached to 80,000 people with the racial ratio of the attendees 60% white and 40% black. Also, for the first time, many denominations worked side by side for this cause. God began the reconciliation process that has been on going to this day. City Light has continued to exist to act as a catalyst to bring the people of God together to empower the local churches for service to community. Christ

The storm of God’s love that has already hit Biloxi can hit all over the world – when God’s people come together as One to lift up Christ and show compassion to others.

Central Ministries began at this time too and has been a partner with City Light ever since.

I hung up the telephone and called Redfern and told him about my conversation with Jimmy. He agreed to lead the church volunteer teams every week. I called Rev. Craig Winesett, Compassionate Ministries Director in my church, First Church of the Nazarene, Columbia, South Carolina. With Craig’s gift of administration and organization, it was a blessing to hear Craig say he would help organize the church teams. I called my pastor, Rev. Geoffrey Kunselman, and asked for his support in this endeavor. Just like always, he showed his support for this move of God and encouraged us in it. Thus began the storm of God’s love that headed toward Biloxi, Mississippi.

Only a couple of days after Katrina hit the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, Compassion Central was set up in Yankie Stadium on Division Street. The devastation was unbelievable, but the love of God that showed up in the people of God was unbelievable too. The people of God began to respond in the same measure that Katrina had arrived.

In the first week, Compassion Central had: • established a visible community presence by setting up the Big Red and White Tent • cleared Lee Street Stadium of debris

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• removed debris, wrecked cars, and trees from the parking lot • surveyed the community and discovered immediate needs

• organized and hosted planning meeting for 80 local pastors and community leaders • set up a supply depot with food, water, clothing, diapers, cleaning liquids, toiletries, school supplies, tents, and cots

• volunteers cleared Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church, Main Street Baptist Church • established a supply depot at Vietnamese Martyrs Church

• began daily ‘Kids Kamp’ offering inflatable games, rides, sno-cones, popcorn, lunches, songs, crafts, and Bible lessons • hosted five services under the Big Red and White Tent for local churches

• visited families and children on the streets, handing out toys, food/drinks, and offering words of hope and encouragement • cleaned Light House Apostolic Church on Mission Street, removing sheet rock and debris • took doctors and nurses to make house calls • cleaned out Selenac Houses for elderly and shut-ins

More of God’s love would arrive the next week, including the supply of 135 brand new mattress sets, special requests from the residents of the community. The church volunteer teams continued to respond to City Light – teams from all denominations meeting on the parking lot of First Church of the Nazarene to head out to Biloxi. In the fourth week alone, over 1,000 people were helped through warehouse services providing cleaning and hygiene supplies, over 100 people were counseled for spiritual needs, and over 450 boxes of food were distributed.

Another surprise arrived from God in the form of Olivia Octopus, a hand puppet and creation of Auntie Karen. Olivia is a jazz-singing octopus who has overcome a great tragedy in her life and has been transformed by the caring of her fish friends who give her wonderful hugs.

Because she has been transformed by their love and care, she begins to give to others what she herself has received, love and compassion communicated through a hug.

Redfern introduced me to Karen Alexander,

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who is a jazz singer with her own band, over a year ago, but it was not until Katrina that I realized that Karen’s hand puppet, Olivia, could be used to comfort the children of Katrina. I called Karen.

“Karen, how about having lunch with me. I want to talk to you about Olivia.”

Karen was delighted to join me for lunch and the two of us talked about the possibilities of using Olivia the Octopus to help the children in Biloxi.

“Karen,” I said. “Olivia is wonderful. Let’s develop her message for the children based upon the transforming power of her hugs and connect that to the healing power of the human touch.

Olivia can be on a mission in Biloxi for Jesus.” I went on to explain that I had a daughter-in-law who was once an orphan in Korea. Her life had been saved because a Christian lady in Minnesota adopted her and hugged, cuddled, and loved her for two solid weeks until she began to improve. You see, she had been told that her newly adopted baby girl was going to die but prayer and the power of those hugs kept her alive.”

Karen liked the idea. She had already developed the Hugs From Carolina Campaign inspired by Hurricane Katrina and now we would add an “adoption kit.” We were able to convince the City of Columbia to adopt the City of Biloxi using Olivia the Octopus and the Hugs From Carolina Campaign.

Phase I was the adoption ceremony on October 14, 2005, which included Dr. Tony Evans preaching an encouraging message to the people of Biloxi and his promise that he would help with the church adoption process. The revival was in full swing as the people sang, shouted, and praised God for His goodness. It certainly did not feel like the people under the tent considered themselves “victims,” but rather, they acted more like “over comers.” City Light and Christ Central had been with them for 49 days, and their enthusiasm for God soared as they realized that we were there for the long haul.

Olivia the Octopus kicked off the Hugs From Carolina Campaign by “adopting” twenty children. They were so happy to take Olivia home as their “best friend,” and there was something magical about the small arms reaching up to receive their hugs. The parents were encouraged to hear that City Light is committed to finding churches in Columbia to adopt churches in Biloxi, and families to adopt families, businesses to adopt businesses, and everyone to adopt children and seniors through Olivia the Octopus

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Adoption Kits.

Phase II of the Hugs Campaign will come when the Governor of South Carolina gives a proclamation, like Mayor Bob Coble did for Columbia, that the State of South Carolina will adopt the State of Mississippi.

Phase III will happen when other states, cities, towns and counties start their own Hugs Campaign until all of the people in the affected hurricane areas are covered by the compassionate care from God’s people.

The last prayer of Jesus for His disciples before His crucifixion was that they should be one as He was one with the Father. Then, He said that His prayer was not only for them but for all those who will believe in Him. ( John 17: 20 – 23) He also said that others would know we are Christians by our love. The storm of God’s love that has already hit Biloxi can hit all over the world – when God’s people come together as One to lift up Christ and show compassion to others.

Recently, I asked Redfern how this experience had affected him. He thought for a few minutes and then responded, “It has made me appreciate my wife, children, and family a lot more. It has made me more keenly aware that everything I have is nothing and that I should not allow anything to separate me from the Lord Jesus Christ.” CityLight continued to partner with Christ Central Ministries at Compassion Central for another eight months.

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HONORARY HOST COMMITTEE

DIANNE LAROSE

GLADYS GRIMAUD

JOE GRIMAUD

ELIZABETH CAULK

Development Systems International

JOHN EVERETT is the Principal

-Marketing Assistant at Nelson

Gifts Officer and an Adjunct In-

-Community Relations Coordinator

worked for UBS Financial Servic-

-Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

at Carolina Children’s Home

-Marketing/Sales Assistant at EdVenture Children’s Museum -Intern at Talent Department

KEITH MARION is Senior Vice President for Development and Operations at Columbia International University (CIU) and serves as Chairman of Ben Lippen School Board of Directors. He received an AA degree in accounting from Surry Community College and his BA and MED degrees from CIU. Keith has served as Accounting Manager, Business Manager, Director of Stewardship, Director of Ben Lippen School, Director of Development and now as Senior Vice President for Development and Operations during his 30 years at CIU. In addition to the ministry position he presently holds, Keith is also an ordained Southern Baptist minister and has held pastoral and other church staff positions in South Carolina.

Keith has successfully implemented the Estate and Gift Design program for CIU and has taught estate seminars for other organizations, churches, and Evangelical Development Ministries.

He has been married to Debbie for 39 years and has three sons, one daughter, and three grandchildren.

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CHARLOTTE BERRY REV DR.D.L.GRANT,SR.

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structor at Benedict College. He es as a financial advisor and currently is the Vice President of Business at the Potter’s Christian Life Center. Finally, Mr. Everett has over twenty-five years of experience in finance, sales and management in Corporate America for Merck, Baxter Healthcare, and Biomet Orthopedics. He was also very successful as an Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Everett is a member of the 100 Black Men of Columbia and was the 2009 Mentor of the Year for the organization. He is involved in various mentoring programs to improve the plight of our AfricanAmerican youth in Columbia. He is also on the board of directors of various non-profit organizations.

Mr. Everett is a native of North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Health Care Administration with an emphasis in Finance. He holds a Master’s of Business degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Mr. Everett is married and has two children who are college graduates.

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JOHN CURTIS, PH.D., CNC is a senior nonprofit consultant, researcher, organizational development specialist, and business trainer.

His experience spans 35 years and involves providing a wide array of consulting services to nonprofits nationwide. He began working in the nonprofit sector in 1973 and has developed a proven track record in bringing sound organizational principles and leadership practices to hundreds of nonprofit boards, executive directors, management teams and frontline staff. He has lead 125+ strategic planning initiatives, conducted 75+ organizational inventories, has completed 18+ community assessments and provided hundreds of hours of nonprofit human relations training. John has a strong research background incorporating proven research methodology based on an academic foundation. As a result of his experience, his organizational research initiatives reveal practical and relevant information that organizations use to make data-driven decisions that result in measurable improvement in outcomes. He specializes in creating and implementing comprehensive organizational development interventions that achieve greater client satisfaction, enhanced employee commitment and increased organizational performance. In addition to being a member of the NDI faculty, he also teaches for the Rollins College Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center in Florida and the Duke Nonprofit Management Program in N. Carolina and Virginia.

TAMMY FOSSELL has extensive experience in the accounting industry spanning twenty-five years. She attended USC Coastal Carolina in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Her knowledge in the field and her tenacious personality makes her a great asset for the James P. LaRose Companies. Tammy is the Assistant Director of Operations at the James P. LaRose Companies. Tammy is married to Brian and has four grown children three of which are in college.

She loves to travel and is a prolific reader. If Tammy is not cruising, she is spending time with her family.

Tammy is a member of the West Columbia Pentecostal Holiness Church.

november 2011

ANTONY BELL is president/CEO of LeaderDevelopment Inc. (LDI), a company recognized as a thought leader in leadership development and organizational change. Its unique framework makes sense of the confusing complexity of leadership, helping leaders understand, exercise, and teach great leadership.

Its leadership development specialists have helped thousands of leaders in their quest for great leadership. He is the author of Great Leadership--What It Is and What It Takes in a Complex World and The Clock Tower (a story about the three key dimensions of leadership). Growing up in France and Great Britain, Antony’s professional and executive experience spans the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and South Africa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business and economics in the UK and his master’s degree in European Law and Business Institutions in France. He serves as adjunct faculty member at the Daniel School of Management at the University of South Carolina, and currently chairs the board of the National Institute for Learning Development. He is a frequent contributor to the business press, and is a sought-after voice on leadership issues.

OUIDETTE GASQUE-CARTER

served in the mental health industry for over twenty-five years.

Ouidette became a Certified Grants Specialist and Reviewer in February of 2000 and also holds the credential Certified Nonprofit Consultant (CNC). She currently serves the James P. LaRose Companies as Director of Operations. Ouidette received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Francis Marion College in Florence, SC. And currently holds a Master of Social Work from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Ouidette is the mother of two girls that are currently enrolled in college. She looks forward to continuing her service to those in need in her community. She attends Central Assembly of God and volunteers in Victorious Overcomers.

Ouidette enjoys sharing new experiences with the people she meets.

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FIRST

ECUMENICAL CHURCH

Sam’s

Home Repair & Custom Cabinetry

803.466.9155

SAM AND PAULA PERRY

2401 Main Street • Columbia, SC

CITYLIGHT

2401 Main Street P.O. Box 8642 Columbia, SC CityLight.org

CAN WE IMAGINE?

A dream for the city

C

an we imagine what will happen if we, as a community of churches, ministries, and business people in Greater Columbia & the Midlands, commit ourselves to togetherness and unity in order to see Christ’s Kingdom expanded in our communities?

honoring way in our communities to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, regardless of what it may cost us – true to our promises and just in our dealings; faithful in keeping commitments and exemplary in conduct; and committed to righteousness and justice.

What will happen if we, those bound together by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, decide to be one united, inclusive Body of all evangelical churches, ministries and business people rather than exclusive, individual groups?

Can we imagine what will happen if...?

Can we imagine what will happen if...?

…we commit to not using our unity and each other to further “our” churches, ministries and personal agendas, but rather to lifting up the name of Jesus Christ to the glory of God as we work together across church, ministry, denominational, and racial boundaries.

…we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in all we do, maintain Holy Spirit enabled relationships, and commit to pursue His will for our communities. …we seek to exalt Jesus Christ, yield to His supremacy as the Head of the Church, and strive in the power of the Holy Spirit to glorify God the Father as we walk in Christian love and unity for the advancement of His Kingdom. …we commit to pray regularly for biblical unity, revival, spiritual awakening and transformation in the churches of Greater Columbia & the Midlands, so the Triune God receives the glory! …we choose to walk together in a Christ

…we commit, in a spirit of humility, to communicating to each other what we hear the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church in our city and region.

Can we imagine if...? …in view of our mutual concern for the Church of Jesus Christ, we commit to watching over each other in brotherly/ sisterly love; remembering each other in prayer; giving aid and comfort in sickness and distress; and cultivating genuine Christian concern for each other in gentleness, slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, mindful of our Lord’s word to secure and maintain harmony without delay, for His name’s sake.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, what we can only imagine, we know to be both Your holy call to our spirits and Your holy will for our lives. Grant us grace to joyfully and obediently walk therein. november 2011

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“Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

Luke 9: 47-49

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A seed was planted in our hearts and has been growing ever since. We returned to the orphanage the next year sensing an even stronger pull. After our last visit to South Asia we moved from South Caron 2007 during our first trip to South lina to Florida where Frank took a Youth Asia we were given an opportunity to Pastor’s position. As we have continued minister at a children’s orphanage. Up to be involved in different ministries in until the moment we entered the orphanFlorida we have also continued praying for age, our experience had been one of seeand sending support to the orphanage, but ing mostly darkness & hopelessness in the our passion in recent months has become country. Almost immediately we sensed undeniably stronger. God has placed a the presence of the Holy Spirit within the love and a desire in our hearts that will not compound and knew this to be a special let up. We believe He wants more than place ordained by God. After spending an just our money. This passion is why we are incredible day with these kids and the Pasasking for your support in this mission. tor/Director whom they refer to as “dad,” We are in the process of answering a call we asked the missionary that God has placed who had taken us there; Almost immediately we on our lives and would “Where do they get their sensed the presence of like for you to partner support?” His response the Holy Spirit within with us on this journey. was that the orphanage is the compound and knew We have been invited totally supported through this to be a special place to come along side the donations and because of Pastor of this orphanordained by God. funding requirements age. We will be there had no government supto encourage the children by helping with port. It was then that he challenged us... their conversational English and letting

SOUTH ASIA

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them know there are others who are praying for them and wanting them to succeed in the plans God has for them ( Jer. 29:11).

We will also be helping with administrative work. One of our goals while at the orphanage (which has grown since the first time we were there from 76 children to 103…and still growing) is to obtain information for each child in order to get permanent support for them through a child sponsorship program.

Our date of departure will be the beginning of February 2012. In preparation we will be busy raising prayer support as well as financial support. Our current monthly goal is $2500.00 a month. We will begin immediately taking donations to offset the travel expenses (these will be between $4000.00 and $6000.00). As far as the length of service … we are unsure at this point. We feel called to go, but are not putting limits on the call. Our desire is to be available to serve our Heavenly Father in His timetable, in His place and for His Purpose.

In His Service, Frank and Anne

*Names have been changed to protect identity

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am a Jesus pusher!!! Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophecy! In the Old Testament, there are three hundred and thirty-two verbal predictive propheStephen Manley cies concerning Jewww.jesuspusher.org sus. A prophet actually proclaimed to a crowd of people each of these prophecies hundreds of years before they came to pass. Jesus fulfills every one of them down to the smallest detail. The possibility of one man fulfilling all of them is stated as “one out of eighty four with one hundred zeros after it.”

Matthew writes an entire book to the Jews.

He makes one consistent argument in behalf of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy.

He front loads the first four chapters with prophecy. Seven times in these four chapters he stops his narrative to remind us; this is a fulfillment of prophecy. He mentions prophecy only six times in the rest of his twenty-four chapters. It is a reminder of what he heavily emphasized at the beginning. The concluding paragraph of his prophecy emphasis comes near the close of chapter four (Matthew 4:12-17). He uses prophecy to authenticate the person of Jesus. As one views prophecy through the person of Jesus, the plan of God for my life becomes clear! God’s plan is Jesus. All prophecy points to Jesus, the fulfillment of the plan. The plan is now complete in Jesus. We are on a new level! We have shifted from expecting and waiting to embracing and experiencing. There is nothing more; it is all in Jesus. In Him I have all God wants for my life. I am a Jesus pusher!!!

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I’VE BEEN T HINKING ABOUT…

PROMISES

JED N. SNYDER, D. MIN. Founder/President Jesus Every Day Ministries, Inc. | www.jedministries.com Years ago when I was a younger pastor, I remember chatting with a godly guy who was a bit older than I. I don’t know how we got onto the subject but I will never forget his comment. He referred to his marriage vows (covenant, promise) and said, “For my wife and me, divorce is never an option. Since this is true, we always know that whatever the difficulties may be, divorce is off the table. We have to find other ways to work out the problems.” That was nearly breath taking, not because it is so astounding but because today, even among true Christians it seems to be rare. It should not be rare. How great a promise is that which is made before a Pastor, and family, and friends, and especially in the presence and name of Jesus Christ, God the Son! As we consider promises, I hope we will all think of those to which we have committed ourselves. We used to say, “A man’s handshake is his bond.” Unfortunately even among Christians, I am afraid, there is a need for a legally signed document which often needs to be enforced by a judge or some judicial review due to the lack of strength that undergirds many promises today. This should not be.

I hope you love the power of the following Bible verses as much as I do: The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have 30

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died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 Our homes, our communities, our governments, our businesses, our friendships would all be better, if our promises were more powerful. If we mean what we say, and say, what we mean, then it is more likely that we will be understood and being people of Christian character will seek with all our might, even to our own detriment, to fulfill our promises.

I, for one, am sick in my innermost being, of having leaders lie to me. Tell me the truth. Keep your word. If you love people, be honest. Keep your promises. It is better not to make a promise than after having made one to break it. Some of us are old enough to remember the infamous words, “Read my lips. No new taxes!” A great man said those words, and that great man was deeply humiliated and excoriated because he broke his promise. I know, I know, circumstances change, but a promise is a promise, is a promise.

God keeps his promises. Aren’t you glad?

Try to be godlike. Keep your promises.

Happy promise keeping. november 2011

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