Christian Community Magazine

September 2010 www.ChristianCommunityMag.com

Christian Community Magazine Hi Readers….It’s been a beautiful summer, and we’re excited to bring you more great information….let’s get started!

In this issue, we feature an exclusive interview with Dominique Becton, writer and director of the smash hit play, I Need Thee. Becton shares with us her upbringing, her inspiration and what we can expect next.

Folks, we are witnessing the beginnings of something rd FANTASTIC. Don’t miss the play October 23 .

Making an Impact features a story about an “upscale” soup kitchen and what happens when people decide to work together to service others. Read on and get inspired!

Relationship Corner shows us why relationships are important to us, important to God..and how to navigate the waters toward success.

We have some great information and events YOU want to know about.

Remember to pass this magazine along to your family and friends and submit your information. We want to let people know about great things happening with Christians, ministries, Christian events and Christian artists. Until next time…be blessed and let the joy of the Lord be YOUR strength! Gina Smith

Vol. 10, Issue 11 Gina and Rube Smith Publisher Marketing & Sales Chris Smith Enjoli Hall Amber Smith Richard Hall Shawnda Smith Demel Varick Christian Community Magazine Smith Publishing & Media Group 385 S. Lemon Ave. #E236 Walnut, CA 91789 P - (888) 841-7779 F –(909) 393-7447 www.ChristianCommunityMag.com ccemag@yahoo.com

Christian Community Magazine Subscriptions - $20 per year for 12 issues

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Contents Publisher’s Message…………..…Pg. 3 Cover Story……………………………Pg. 6 In The News……….....................Pg. 9 Making an Impact……………..….Pg. 10 Relationship Corner………….…..Pg. 13 What We’re Reading ……….…..Pg. 16 What We’re Listening To …. …Pg. 18 Calendar of Events…………….….Pg. 21

Exclusive Interview with‌‌ Writer/Director Dominique Lawson Becton The stage play "I Need Thee", written by Dominique Lawson Becton, is a modern day version on the biblical book of Job. Masterfully played by Pastor Michael J. T. Fisher, main character Aaron loses his home, job, money, a child and eventually his wife in a series of tragic events. Throughout Aaron's ordeal he remains faithful to God. The entire play takes place in the living room of his mother Lynne's home where we are introduced to a cast of colorful yet relatable friends and family members.

CCM:

Hey Domi, thanks so much for the time.

DB: Thank you, I appreciate it.

CCM: Tell us about your upbringing? in a creative atmosphere?

Did you grow up

DB: I grew up in the church, my stepfather is a minister. All I knew was church and making sure God was the center of my life at a very young age. I did grow up in a creative atmosphere thanks to my mom. As soon as my mom realized that my brother and sisters and I could read she got us library cards. We'd go to the library every week. And she would make sure we read all kinds of books. She'd make us do art projects and encourage us to do some creative writing when school was out for the summer.

CCM: When did you begin writing plays?

DB: I begin writing plays two years ago.

CCM: What inspired you to write I Need Thee?

DB: The recession...lol, and the fact that I love the story of Job. I wanted to show the audience that no matter how hard things get in your life we should never turn away from God, and I wanted to show the audience a God fearing man.

In some movies and plays we always see women whose faith in God is stronger than a man's faith in God. So I really wanted to show the audience what a strong man of God looks like.

(Dominique Becton…Continued)

CCM: In your play, you created authentic AfricanAmerican scenarios exploring serious themes with a certain depth. Where does that unique gift come from?

“I really wanted to show the audience what a strong man of God looks like”

DB: God... seriously. Before I would write a new scene or get writers block, I would pray and thoughts and scenes would just come to me.

CCM: As a beginner, what was the journey from concept to opening night like for you?

DB: I was nervous from the beginning of writing I NEED THEE to opening night.

There were times when I would question God about me writing this play. I felt I didn't have enough experience all around to put on a production like I NEED THEE. I just kept saying to myself I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

CCM:

Tell us about the cast?

DB: Well I have a cast of 10, four of the actors are new. We have a new wife (Lisa), sister (Tiffany), friend (Kevin) and boyfriend (Que). Everyone gets along fine and they're excited about the show.

CCM:

You’re married to Judge Becton.

What has his role been?

DB: Judge is the Executive Producer. He helps get obtain financing and oversees the production.

CCM: How have you been able to navigate marriage and family with writing and directing this tremendous play?

DB: One of the things that helps is my husband and I work together. We make sure we spend time together with our son. Just being able to work along side of my husband and having supportive family members makes it easy for me to focus on my gift and still be a good wife and mother.

CCM: What message do you want people to get from I Need Thee?

DB: The message that I want people to get from I NEED THEE is no matter what you go through, never give up on God. Bad times do not last forever.

CCM:

What are you working on now?

DB: I'm working on ideas for another play. I also plan on writing a sitcom. My goal is to have a tv show in 2-3years. But I'm taking my time with everything and making sure that I keep God first in everything I do.

CCM: What advice would you give aspiring writers and directors?

DB: I know we hear this all the time, but never give up. A door is bound to open. Be open to constructive criticism. Not everyone will like your ideas, so don't get bent out of shape when you don't get the response you were hoping for. Just go back to the drawing board. Do your research, if it’s going to other playwright's shows or doing research over the internet. Make sure you surround yourself with positive people and keep God first in all you do CCM: What is the coolest thing about being you?

DB: Being humble, that's what I strive for. I just want to be a good person...

For more information on Dominique Lawson Becton and the stage play, I NEED THEE, visit www.dominiquebecton.com.

Ticikets available at www.INEEDTHE.TIX.COM

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Federal Judge Denies Motion to Stay Calif. Marriage Ruling A federal judge has denied a motion to stay the judgment he made last week on California’s Proposition 8, effectively allowing gay marriages to resume in the state starting next Wednesday.

In an 11-page ruling, Judge Vaughn Walker said proponents of the stay did not show a likelihood of success on appeal nor the possibility of any irreparable harm absent a stay.

“The first two factors are the ‘most critical,’” Walker wrote in his ruling. “That alone suffices for the court to conclude that a stay is inappropriate here.”

In considering the latter two of four factors, Walker concluded that a stay “would force California to continue to violate plaintiffs’ constitutional rights and would demonstrably harm plaintiffs and other gays and lesbians in California.”

He also said the evidence presented at trial and the anti-Prop. 8 positions of California's governor and attorney general show that an injunction against enforcement of Proposition 8 is in the public’s interest.

“None of the factors the court weighs in considering a motion to stay favors granting a stay,” he concluded.

That said, Walker ordered the temporary stay he issued to be lifted at 5 p.m. on Aug. 18, at which time Prop. 8 would be nullified unless ordered otherwise by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Alliance Defense Fund, which has been defending California’s Prop. 8, announced immediately after Walker’s ruling that it would appeal to the 9th Circuit to stay the trial court’s decision until the case is concluded.

“This case has just begun, and ADF and the rest of the legal team are confident that the right of Americans to protect marriage in their state constitutions will ultimately be upheld,” remarked ADF Litigation Staff Counsel Jim Campbell.

“If the trial court’s decision is eventually reversed, refusing to stay the decision will senselessly create legal uncertainty surrounding any same-sex unions entered while the appeal is pending,” he added.

Prop. 8, which California voters passed in 2008, effectively defined marriage in the state’s constitution as the union of one man and one woman.

Last week, however, Walker determined that people of the same sex do have the right to marry and that the decision of the majority to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman violates that right.

Notably, Prop. 8 was passed by 52 percent of California voters.

Soup (Kitchen) For the Soul Linen tablecloths? Flowers? A string quartet? Why not! What could be the most upscale soup kitchen in the nation serves the hungry and homeless — in style.

Fresh flowers, linen tablecloths, a string quartet playing Bach and a hot, freshly-prepared dinner served on china by an attentive waitstaff is usually associated with an upscale restaurant, but this is actually the experience guests receive every Sunday night at a unique soup kitchen in Nyack, N.Y. Katie Berry, a social worker, and Gary Hecht, a carpenter, were socializing at a cocktail party five years ago lamenting that Nyack's only soup kitchen had been shuttered. Berry wondered if it wasn't possible to fill the void with volunteers, but then, how to pay for it? Perhaps, she suggested, the volunteers could do it all — the planning, purchasing, cooking and cleaning, reducing the cost to practically nothing. And, no matter what, the two decided, the diners would be treated like welcomed guests deserving of all the finery any restaurant patron would expect.

The soup kitchen idea is stunningly simple and easily replicated: Get six teams of ten volunteers to plan, shop for, pay for, prepare, serve and clean up the meals served to the working poor, hungry and homeless in a space donated by a church. And the result is that for nearly five years, guests have been treated like well-heeled diners at a posh eatery at space offered, in this case, by the Living Christ Church in Nyack.

When Berry and Hecht began to publicize the venture in the local newspaper, they were hoping to enlist the help of 60 people, and instead 160 people responded. On a rotating basis each week, ten volunteers organize a menu, shopping list, and kitchen team to serve about 25 guests at the soup kitchen — and Sunday Supper became a reality.

Mostly, these guests are among the working poor, some are struggling families, many have medical conditions and a few are homeless. "One man I know has a chronic, serious ailment that has kicked

him out of the workforce. He comes and eats meals and has begun to make friends there. For another woman who is competent, bright, educated, but has a mental illness and cannot stay in the workplace, this is a place for her," says Berry.

"The really remarkable thing about the soup kitchen is that the model is so simple. We've discovered that people love to volunteer for organizations like this and churches are willing to have responsible groups use their facilities. It's a win-win for everyone. The community has been incredibly supportive with families participating by serving together or students from the local middle, high school or colleges getting community service hours. Local musicians donate their talents to provide live music and local businesses donate goods like fresh flowers or bread on a weekly basis," she adds.

We believe that by working together we can embody a great truth: Serving one another is a value we can all embrace.

The concept proved to be so successful that a second soup kitchen called Soup Angels was launched on Wednesdays at a different church with a new roster of 130 volunteers. "People who are hungry on Sunday are probably hungry on Wednesday, right?" says Berry. Soup Angels serves about 35 guests each week.

"Our mission is to serve a weekly Sunday supper to anyone who arrives hungry and/or lonely. All who come will be treated as our guests and every one will have a meal prepared and served to them," says Gary Hecht. "We believe that by working together we can embody a great truth: Serving one another is a value we can all embrace.The two hope that other communities will be similarly inspired.

"Our format is different and doable. Any community can have a similar success," says Berry. "In its short life, these soup kitchens have been well respected and beloved by those who benefit from it — either by serving or being served." For more information, visit www.soupangels.com.

The Purpose for Relationships Creflo and Taffi Dollar Did you know that God formed mankind for the purpose of establishing relationships? Genesis 2:18 says that in the beginning, He created Adam, and decided it was not good for him to be alone. The interesting thing about it is that God said alone, not lonely. Because He didn’t want Adam to be alone He created Eve, and said she was help that was “meet” for him, meaning she was someone suitable (or proper) for him.

Why did Adam need help? He needed help to develop out of self-centeredness. With Eve in his life, God knew Adam would always be challenged to consider someone other than himself. God established the institution of marriage between Adam and Eve for the purpose of eliminating their “aloneness.” We need the proper companion for reasons far greater than just satisfying a lonely heart. With Eve by his side, Adam was forced to fight his selfish desires. By loving someone else unconditionally, he would become a better man.

Please understand that this does not only apply to married people. Single people also need to establish covenant relationships that help them grow out of selfishness. Everyone needs someone in their life to help them develop. Relationships are designed to help us mature in unconditional love which is also called agapé love. God created us in His image; however, we can never totally be like Him with a selfcentered mind-set. God is love therefore His foundation for everything is love, not selfishness.

Although it is good for us to love ourselves, it is not good to disregard everyone else in the process. That is selfishness. Instead, healthy selflove serves as the foundation for the love we distribute to others. God never intended for us to live alone, and unattached to other people. He wants us to enter relationships so we can be challenged by others in a way that forces us to look at ourselves in a different light.

We need to check our motives daily to be sure that everything we do is based on love, and not selfishness.

Other people help us see our selfishness and other character flaws. And when we have to deal with conflict in our relationships, we must not run away from it, especially in marriage. If we do, we will not grow to reach our fullest potential as human beings. God’s will is for us to learn to develop above conflict.

So what do we do when we face challenges in relationships? Just as we would use weights to develop our muscles, we use pressure or conflict to develop in unconditional love for one another. Therefore, conflict should be seen as simply another opportunity to grow.

When things are not working, we should first check the root issues of our hearts. It’s as simple as that.

We need to check our motives daily to be sure that everything we do is based on love, and not selfishness. We should ask ourselves, why do I do what I do? Am I involved in manipulating people?

What’s my motivation?” If we answer these questions honestly, we will discover areas where we need to make adjustments. If you don’t know the purpose of a thing, you will abuse it.

God designed covenant relationships so we can learn how to give each other the advantage, and not take advantage. I encourage you to examine your relationships today, and decide to develop above the temptation to live a self-centered life. For more information on Drs. Creflo and Taffi Dollar and World Changers Ministries, visit www.creflodollarministries.org.

Beckah Shae’s “LIFE” album unifies the modern day sound with spiritual vocal relevancy leaving the listener engaged with every note. The album uplifts and creates an atmosphere of abundance to the very life we live while breathing the essence of love throughout each track. Sure to capture your memory with driving beats and fresh melodies, Beckah Shae demands and declares Love In Full Effect!

Love In Full Effect My desire is to see this music, save people, literally. People are dying every day, from sickness, disease, and malnourishment. They are dying from sin, hate and unforgiveness. They are dying from suicide, and abortion. They are dying to know they are loved and valued. They are dying to fight and to surrender to choose a truth that will satisfy and fufill their hope for a future. I want these songs to shout to the world the Full Effect of Gods Love in my Life! May His word breathe through me to bring the lost home, raise the dry bones, give hope to the hopeless, fill the empty to overflow, feed the hungry and stir up change! It is time to Celebrate and Declare LIFE! There is a better way!

Yeshua Ha’ Mashiach is His name!!

“I have come to give you LIFE and LIFE more abundantly.” John 10:10 Visit www.BeckahShae.com

Why Smart People Make Dumb Choices

By Deborah Smith Pegues Harvest House Publishers

This book highlights real-life dumb choices of ordinary people and biblical characters, explores 10 emotions (e.g., pride, lust, guilt, etc.) that drive such choices, and reveals seven secrets for making great decisions. The principles, stories, prayers found in this book will give you the tools and confidence to make smart choices in your personal and professional life.

Know Your Bible: All 66 Books Explained and Applied By: George Knight

Know Your Bible is a concise, easy-to-understand guide to God's Word-giving you a helpful and memorable overview of all 66 books. For each Know Your Bible provides data on the author and time frame, a ten-word synopsis, a longer (50-100 word) summary, thoughts on what makes the book unique or unusual, a listing of key verses, and a "So, What?" section of practical application. It's a fantastic resource for individuals and ministries! Quotations are in NIV, ASV, and KJV.

The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People & Teams That Win Consistently

By Tony Dungy “Your only job is to help your players be better.” That single idea had a huge impact on Tony Dungy when he heard it from one of his earliest mentors, and it led him to develop the successful leadership style so admired by players and coaches throughout the NFL. Now, a storied career and a Super Bowl victory later, Tony Dungy is sharing his unique leadership philosophy with you. In The Mentor Leader, Tony reveals what propelled him to the top of his profession and shows how you can apply the same approach to virtually any area of your life. In the process, you’ll learn the seven keys of mentoring leadership—and why they’re so effective; why mentor leadership brings out the best in people; how a mentor leader recovers from mistakes and handles team discipline; and the secret to getting people to follow you and do their best for you without intimidation tactics. As a son, a football player, and a winning coach, Tony has always learned from others on his path to success. Now you can learn to succeed for your team, family, or organization while living out your values—by becoming a mentor leader.

When Your Aging Parent Needs Care: Practical Help for this Season of Life

By Candy Arrington In nearly a quarter of households in the US, someone is caring for an aging parent.

Yet few of us are trained caregivers, and our attempts often seem inadequate. Authors Candy Arrington and Kim Atchley know from personal experience what it’s like to provide care. With compassion and guidance, they partner with readers to walk them through the challenges of caregiving by providing the support and direction necessary to be spiritually, physically, and emotionally prepared for what they face day by day.

Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives

By Joselyn Green Through this book, the Christian military wife will better understand how to biblically respond to the specific challenges she faces. With contributions from more than a dozen Christian wives from each branch of the armed services, Faith Deployed uses passages of Scripture, real-life illustrations, and insights from noted Christian scholars. Every devotional seeks to answer the question: How does the Bible relate to what I am experiencing in the military community? Each devotion closes with application questions and a brief prayer. Appendixes point readers to recommended reading as well as to ministries to military families.

Edge of Apocalypse

By Tim LaHaye & Craig Parshall In Tim LaHaye---creator and co-author of the world-renowned Left Behind series---and Craig Parshall's Edge of Apocalypse, Joshua Jordan's new weapons defense system will secure America against an array of new enemies, including a nuclear strike on New York City by North Korea. But global forces are mounting and corrupt government leaders will go to any extreme to prevent an impending economic catastrophe. As world events begin setting the stage for the 'end of days' foretold in Revelation, Jordan must weigh the personal price he must pay to save the nation he loves.

The Power of a Praying Life: Finding the Freedom, Wholeness, and True Success God Has for You

By Stormie Omartian Stormie Omartian has led millions to praya "parents, wives, husbands, women, teens, and kids. Each of her best-selling books have opened up the mystery of prayer and helped readers approach God with confidence and experience His power. With transparency and biblical depth, Stormie now shares what it means to connect with God in a deep and meaningful way through every circumstance that presents itself.

23 Questions About Hell (with DVD)

By Bill Wiese 23 Questions About Hell contains to-the-point answers to the questions that Bill Wiese has most been asked about hell since his best-selling 23 Minutes in Hell first released. Each answer is based on the Word of God, and the combined answers provide a fresh understanding about some of life s Whys as they relate to hell and eternity. This book will clear up misconceptions and presuppositions about God s character, and about who goes to heaven, and who doesn t. It clearly demonstrates that we are held accountable for our decisions in life.

The book includes a DVD -- with Bill's amazing story and the lessons he's learned from his visit to HELL.

WOW Gospel 2010 2010 two CD collection. Filled with songs that lived at the top of the charts at Gospel radio, this set is chock full of hits, including songs from Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, and the incomparable Whitney Houston! Each WOW Gospel installment has achieved great success, garnering Gold and Platinum certification along with a faithful fanbase.

Love Revolution

By Natalie Grant 'Love Revolution' is Natalie's 6th studio album and was produced by award winning producer and husband, Bernie Herms. The songs on 'Love Revolution' were written by the likes of Natalie Grant, Jason Ingram, Jordin Sparks, Matthew West, Matt Bronleewe, Reuben Morgan, Stu G, Dan Muckala and others.

Born Again

By The Newsboys This GRAMMY®-nominated and Dove Award-winning band has achieved what few artists have in their lifetime. They have sold over 6.5 million units, garnered five Gold albums and 20 #1 hits, and are renown for their heart-pumping live shows. Now, newsboys are more eager than ever to release their 15th studio project, Born Again, on June 8th. Fronted by the ever-energetic Michael Tait (of the multi-platinum trio dcTalk), the band is embarking on a momentous year with a brand new set of innovative tunes. With songs penned by newsboys, The Write Brothers, and Steve Taylor, including a new track by Mark Stuart (Audio Adrenaline), Born Again will truly live out its title due to such songs as “Boys Light Up,” “One Shot,” Born Again, "On Your Knees," and their first single "I'll Be,” going to AC radio 2/12. Born Again was produced by The Write Brothers and Mark Heimermann (dcTalk, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith).

For Always: The Best Of CeCe Winans CeCe Winans is a premier Gospel Artist with 8 Grammys, 22 Dove Awards and numerous other awards under her belt. After 8 platinum and gold selling projects, finally comes the first culmination of her most popular songs, a winner for all of CeCe's loyal fans. For Always: The Best of CeCe Winans represents the timeless vocals and passion of one of the greatest gospel female vocalists of our time. CeCe continues to fill up Churches and concerts halls peforming these audience favorites, now available on 1 CD for the first time.

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Women of Faith th

September 10 and 11 Honda Center

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Women of Faith, ‘Imagine’ with Lisa Harper, Luci Swindoll, Michelle Aguilar, Natalie Grant, Mary Mary & more. Fri 10am-3pm, 7pm-10pm & Sat 9am-4pm, Honda Center, 2695 East Katella Ave., Anaheim • womenoffaith.com

Real Men Conference 10 th

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September 24 and 25 Cottonwood Church - Katella Campus, 4505 Katella Blvd., Los Alamitos, 90720

Week of Peace 17 September 201026 September 2010 London and other UK cities Join thousands of people for this annual week of high profile events, initiatives and community activities to promote peace and a community spirit wherever you are.

The event is part of the international Day of Peace.

I Need Thee – Stage Play October 23, 2010 The Warner Grand Theater 434 W. 6th Street San Pedro, CA 90731 Tickets: www.ineedthee.tix.com