TCP Anniversary 2016 issue

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I consider it a pleasure to use the Anniversary of TCP Magazine to honor others, our Women of Triumph. Last year’s honorees sealed the deal that we were on the right road.

Making a difference in the lives of others is key for our platform. It’s like the woman who touched the hem of His garment. What a difference just one touch made. If we all concentrate daily on making a positive difference in just one person’s life, we would have a better world.

Editorial

I experienced a year of pushing forward with ideas I left behind. In June we instituted the Female Pastors Fellowship….a place where female senior pastors can come and fellowship with like minds, take a breather and leave their titles at the door. On April 7 the FPF will present Women Writing in Wisdom at Brier Creek Country Club where authors in the group will share their published works. This is an open meeting for all women in ministry. Thanks to Ambassador Sharon Edmond who thought I needed a break at the last meeting and gifted me with an all-expense paid trip to Cancun.

On April 1-3 we will be at the Triangle Town Center Mall with a booth on the lower level. April 23-25 we will be at the State Fairgrounds at the Southern Women’s Show. Stop by our booth at either of these events.

On May 14, Ted and I will be celebrating our 60th Birthday with a Gospel Expo & All White Affair. If you are celebrating this milestone too in 2016, feel free to join in with the 60 Is the New 40 Club. Check the back cover for details.

Our Hometown Hero Tour will continue this year with a finale in Raleigh during Labor Day Weekend. Our Heroes will get an opportunity to come to the Capital City and enjoy a weekend of festivities at the African American Cultural Festival. If you have a deserving citizen in your city who is making a measurable difference in the community that you would like to nominate, please let us know.

Peggy Tatum, Publisher

Contents

Contributing Writers Bishop Carswell Leonard Lillian Thompson Minister Gale Jones Women of Triumph Ambassadors Peggy Tatum, Publisher TCP Magazine 181-104 Wind Chime Court Raleigh, NC 27615 tcpmagazine@gmail.com www.tcpmagazineusa.com 919 796-4724 Denver Wright, WIZPRO Imagineering Rick Crank Photography John Riddick, 421 Studios Joe Yancey, Ozion Media Katie Gailes, Accountability Partner Terry Spicer, Epiphany Public Relations

P 5 Editorial P 9 Episcopal Church Gets New Bishop P 10-24 Women of Triumph P 25 A Tribute to Asia Bobbitt P 26 Churches and Gentrification P 25 Put the Church Back in the Community

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When Strength Begets Strength (4 Generations of Strong Godly Women) A great leader not only produces great followers but also more great leaders. In regards to Bishop Eloise Sessoms those words couldn’t be truer. Bishop Eloise Sessoms born April 24, 1929 is the 7th child of 10 children. She gave her life to God at the tender age of 8 years old. Her faithful dedication to God assisted in the dedication of both her Mother and Father’s lives to Christ.

At the age of 14, God appointed her to preach the Gospel. Soon after, she married Bishop John L. Hart Sr., the founder of St. John Apostolic Holiness Church where she continues to pastor. To this union 8 children were born. He died suddenly of liver cancer while she was carrying their 8th child.

God had to give her the strength as shortly after she was voted Pastor of St. John.

She later married Garland Sessoms, who served as a deacon within the United Holiness Churches of America. To this union 4 more children were born. However, on one Sunday while at church singing, “I’ve Got a Feeling Everything Will Be Alright,” he died of a heart attack leaving Bishop Sessoms a widow for the second time and a single mother of 12.

At one point she fell to her knees in tears questioning God. She asked, “Why didn’t He take her, why did she have to endure so much pain?” She recalled God clearly stating, “If I took you, would he be able to take care of the children? I will provide for you!” She decided from that moment on to not question God for his will was far greater than hers. She stepped out on faith and God has truly kept his promises. She continued to do the work for God running weekly revivals while working in the factory full time and it paid off. She was recognized with a honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree (1992), Masters of Theology degree (2000), and in 2004 she was appointed as the first and only female Bishop within the Apostolic Holiness Churches of America Inc. (the organization she’s been in since marrying Bishop Hart).

Veronica Morgan, the 3rd child of Bishop Sessoms was her mother’s traveling partner. She began singing at the age of 5 years old and could be often seen accompanying her mother via song as Bishop Sessoms was called to do various eulogies. Her mother taught her the importance of living holy according to the Word of God. At the age of 8 years old she would often be seen preaching around the house to their guests.

The message would be about Paul and Silas in jail. Finally, Veronica answered the call of ministry at the age of 19 years old. Veronica is a woman of great strength. She experienced a difficult and abusive marriage forcing her to raise her two children as a single parent. She has maintained her purity unto God never defiling her garment. In 2007, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer to which God allowed her to have the victory. She used this testimony to produce a cd of songs telling her story www.singerveronicamorgan.com.

She still serves under the leadership of her mother where she works faithfully in the church. She often relied on the prayers, teachings and words of encouragement of her mother throughout various moments of her life to help her through. There is a powerful anointing that is upon her mouth, a gift of raw powerful untainted singing. She is a “Singing Evangelist”.

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When Strength Begets Strength (4 Generations of Strong Godly Women) (concluded)

Vanessia Morgan (daughter of Veronica Morgan) is the first of the 3rd generation to go into ministry. There was a unique calling upon her life. At the age of 8 years old, her mother saw her going into the neighborhood telling other kids that they needed to be saved. However, Vanessia would experience various acts of sexual abuse from the time she was 9 years old even until her freshman year in college. She became a teenage mother at the age of 14 and although her grandmother who is also her Pastor and mother were deeply hurt, they decided to allow the love of God to shine through. They didn’t kick her out of the house nor the church but decided to continue to love her. Due to this strong act of love and her love of God, she’s now an inspiration and motivator to many. Her mom often calls her the modern day version of her grandmother, Bishop Eloise Sessoms. She has a special heart for people and divine calling upon her life to help reach the lost in a unique way with www.chuchismyclub.com and www.removethezipper.org.

Alycia Morgan (daughter of Vanessia Morgan) is a 13 year old on fire for God. She’s following in her nana’s footsteps singing praises unto God. She began singing at the tender age of 3 years old and like her nana has a highly anointed voice. Alycia has battled bullying since being in the 3rd grade but is now an advocate for others as a peer mentor within her middle school. She has learned from her mother, nana, and great-grandmother that praise and prayer are powerful weapons. The 4th generation, you can see that she too is chosen and is often called the “Little Evangelist.”

Bishop Eloise Sessoms currently still resides in Wilson, NC and is still the Pastor of St. John Apostolic Holiness Church where she just celebrated 72 years of preaching and 52 years of Pastoring. She was recently recognized as a Tall One Outreach Ministry Champion and TCP Magazine/WIDU’s Hometown Hero of Wilson, NC. She’s birthed out several preachers, pastors, psalmist, musicians, and those devoted to the gospel. She is an inspiration and encourager to many. She’s seen many come and many go, but she’s kept her focus on the ordained steps of God. Her personal testimony: My face is set my goal is heaven. My way is narrow. My way is rough. My companions few, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed! I won’t give up…shut up…. let up. I’m stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I must go until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He stops me. And when Jesus comes for his own, He will have no problems recognizing me for; My BANNER SHALL BE CLEAR!!!”

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When Strength Begets Strength (4 Generations of Strong Godly Women)

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Michael Curry, The First Black Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

By Minister Gale Jones

It should come as no surprise that the Episcopal Church has a Black Presiding Bishop. A study of their website and history shows a church that is inclusive, truly inclusive as indicated by their ministries and mission statements.

Their ministries speak to all kinds of people including people of color, LGBT, and people with disabilities. Their Mission Statement, called The Five Marks of Mission established in 1984 and considered radical at the time, include words like respond to human need by loving service, to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

The Episcopal Church ordained its first black leader, a priest in 1804, Absalom Jones. The first woman was ordained in 1976. The first woman Bishop was ordained in 1989. It is also noteworthy that the church founded Harvard, Yale, and William and Mary for the express purposes of education of the church.

Who is Michael Curry and what is his history with the Episcopal Church? It started with his mother, according to the Associated Press. She was the one who attended; however, when his father saw during the communion process, that blacks and whites were drinking from the same cup in a time when America was still segregated, he was sold.

According to the Huffington Post, Curry, 62, has been Bishop of North Carolina since 2000, leading a diocese of 48,000 church members, 112 congregations and a network of ministries. A Chicago native who has two daughters with his wife, Sharon, Curry grew up in Buffalo, New York, and graduated from Hobart College and Yale Divinity School. He was ordained as a priest in North Carolina, leading parishes there and in Ohio. He then served for 12 years at St. James Church in Baltimore, Maryland, which was established in 1824 as the third black Episcopal congregation in the U.S. Curry is known for his emphasis on evangelism, public service and social justice. Author of “Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus,” he states he prays “for a church passionately committed to making disciples.”

So what is next for the Episcopal Church? Curry acknowledges in an article from the Associated Press that these are challenging times, racial tensions are higher than ever and religious affiliation continue to decline.

He states, “Communication, specifically listening and sharing and relationships where God is in the mix is the way to go.”

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Apos tle (Dr.) Hatt ie Beat rice Jones The world predicted that Apostle Stancil’s life had obstacles she would never overcome.

She would become a societal statistic as an African American girl, growing up in rural Chatham County, NC, reared by a widowed mother with a 9th grade education, whose father, James Henry Jones, died of a heart attack when she was six years old: welfare recipient, children born out of wedlock, high school dropout and worse.

Then there were the words spoken over Apostle Stancil at a young age. Teachers spoke negatively about her not succeeding in the world. One said she would never be able to write effectively.

Another ‘prophesied’ that she would never be able to be successful at public speaking.

The odds seemed stacked against Apostle Stancil… but God… had a purpose, a plan, and people surrounding this young girl. Their love and wisdom developed a strength in her that enabled her to overcome every obstacle. Her mother, Mrs. Thelma Jones, trained her to believe that she could do anything she set her mind to do. The nurturing from her father’s entrepreneurial spirit instilled in her vision for what could be. The Holy Spirit surrounded her with friends and family who shaped her spiritual growth. A neighbor, Miss Lula, prophesied anointing over her, forming a solid foundation in God from the time she was 7 years old. During the summers, little Hattie visited her aunt and uncle in New York, the Binghams, who led her to Christ and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Against all odds, Apostle has lived a life of victory and achievement. Recognizing her musical talent, her mother enrolled Hattie in piano lessons, spending the last of her money to buy a piano for her gifted daughter. Hattie ministered at various denominational churches singing with Miss Lula and her cousins. By age 13 she was playing at local churches including her home church, now Barbee’s Chapel Harvest Word Church and Ministries.

Dr. Stancil has a warrior’s spirit and loving heart, seeking God constantly in prayer. Following high school, she spent 6 years in the Army. The discipline and obedience to authority she learned served her well as her walk with God deepened. She put herself through several schools, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse at T. C. Williams School of Nursing in Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Stancil graduated with a Doctorate in Religion from New Life Community Church School of Ministry in Fuquay-Varina, NC in 2006. For seven years, she served as a faculty member at NLCC. Her home Bible studies blossomed into churches as she became pastor of New Life Community Church of Zebulon. Many souls were saved through her street evangelism. The Holy Spirit led her to plant several NC churches: Harvest Word Healing and Deliverance Ministries in Micro, Chapel Hill, Zebulon and Fuquay-Varina. She is a highly sought after speaker.

In 2006, the Holy Spirit inspired her to launch the Safe Haven Interdenominational Bible Training Institute. The curriculum they wrote equips those with fivefold ministry gifts and lay persons to fulfill God’s Word in their lives. In 2015, she published “A Voice from All of Us,” a poetry book.

In 2014 and 2015, her original play, “From Then Until Now” was performed at numerous churches.

Her husband of 27 years, Pastor Larry Stancil, and their two, anointed children, Zachary and Laurie, stand with her and serve beside her in every phase of ministry. Against all odds, the Lord has fashioned a life of continuous victory for Apostle (Dr.) Hattie B. Stancil.

Arleat hea Johnson

I was born to a young couple who had no idea of the life changes a young marriage and new baby would bring them. They had started with so much ambition only for it to come to a screeching halt.

My father worked two jobs and was very abusive to my mother. We often found safety and refuge with my maternal grandparents. My mother finally gained the courage to leave her abusive marriage only to find she was not defined and alone in a world with limited job skills and a child to raise. My mother often left me to be cared for by my grandparents while she searched for her place in this world. I would not physically live with my mother at times and often missed the bonding between a mother and daughter.

My grandparents molded me into the woman I am today. My Grandfather taught me work ethic, never wait for anyone to give you anything. My Grandmother taught me how to be a regal woman and a faithful wife and doting mother. Even with all of that, I still missed my own mother and father and wondered if something was wrong with me, why wasn’t I good enough to live with them. I often waited for my father to come to spend time with me, looking out of the window for hours but he never came.

As I grew up, I learned to persevere. Not having my parents would not define me but made me a stronger more determined woman. Once I moved back with my mother, we found ourselves homeless at times moving several times to avoid evictions. We relied on friends and loved ones to assist with money and food. We would go without electricity and water and would have to go to friends’ homes if we couldn’t scrape up enough funds to pay the bills. My mother would struggle with her inner demons and by this time, I was becoming an adult. As I went through all of that, I graduated high school early and began my career in Real Estate. I’d like to think because I was smart, but I now realize, I was running. Running from becoming my parents. I wanted to break the cycle. I became a wife and a mother. My son is now a grown man and I look back on my experiences and I thank God for the inner strength he has given and continues to give to me to raise a man in this world.

My story is no different from millions of other women, but I learned to not let anything hold me back from achieving my goals. I often tell my story to remind me but most importantly to heal me. I learned life doesn’t care that your parents are struggling or fighting inner demons. Life hits and it hits hard. You must always be ready and my motto “Stay Prayed Up”.

Ashley Thomas

Ashley Thomas is Founder and Executive Director of Bridge II Sports, Paralympic Sports Club, a program designed to promote and create sports opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Ashley was born with spina bifida and lives her life as a person with a disability, developing strategies for managing life successfully. She is married to James (28 year), mother of three, Xan, Jo and John. Ashley is a member of the National Para Kayak Team through USA Canoe and Kayak.

“What I am most happy to be known by is a person who cares about those with disabilities. I believe that we all have purpose, and can contribute if we are enabled to do so,” says Ashley. She has a genuine love for her family most of all, people, and being outdoors sharing life with others.

Disability has not stopped her from being an active participant in life, but has caused her to focus and build new strategies for success. She believes that sports and physical activity are the keys to living successfully and healthfully when one has the gift of a disability. The challenge builds character and endurance that makes you a formidable competitor. When individuals and communities open doors to sports for people with disabilities, they are giving the gift of access. These are the beliefs that have been established to build Bridge II Sports.

Under Ashley’s leadership, Bridge II Sports has accomplished the following: Awarded “Paralympic Sports Club for 2012”; Member of Disabled Sports USA; US Paralympic Sport Club; Host of Valor Games SE 2013, 2014; Funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC Foundation; Sponsor of August Madness, provides 12 different adapted sports programs in the Triangle; Collaborative programs in Fayetteville and the Triad; 2014 Recipient of the Triangle Business Journal’s Leader in Diversity Award; Raleigh Mayors Committee Award for Excellence in Recreation; National Team Member of USACK, ranking 4th in the World, 2011, 2012, 2015 Legislative Accomplishments: Passing of SB524 allowing funding for additional adapted sport to be implemented in NC. NCDPI Funded the initiative.

Presented as a speaker: National Parks and Recreation Conference 2014 US Paralympic National Conference Presenter 2012, 2013 Developing Successful Community Programs Community Collaboration Building Diverse Programs Paralympic Sport Club of the Year 2012 Disabled Sports USA – National Presenter Member of National Panel to set policy for the DEO Mandate Developing Community Partners for successful programs Developed the model for safe practices for youth with disabilities Darkness to Light Training Positive Coaching Training Certification in Adapted Sports Background Check Mandatory with defined roles Duke Re-thinking Pain Management Committee member: 2009-2012 Chaired Committee for 1.5 years Presented at Duke’s Community Conference for medical change 2010, 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics Presenter (upon request by Duke Myelo Clinic 2012) Effect of Adapted Sports on Youth with Spina Bifida Presenter at UNC Spinal Cord Injury Conference Presenter at Blaze Sports America Conference – GiGe Regular Presenter at NC State – Parks and Recreation Class; UNC’s Sports and Recreation/ Therapeutic Recreation; Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physician Therapy, Pre Med. Presenting an interactive adapted sports experience showing the need.

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Dawn Smit h

“Am I going to die?” These words cut through her emotions like a knife and sent painful tremors down her spine. As she looked at her young, strong son lying almost still on the hospital bed, she had to stifle cries that were trying to escape.

“No, you aren’t going to die,” she said with resolve in her voice.

“Well, let me look into your eyes. If I look into your eyes, I will believe you,” he whispered.

She could feel the heaviness of the moment try to hold her down but it was to no avail. She would not allow it to have a victory. Today was not a day for holding back. She stood and leaned over her son. She pressed her nose to his nose; eye to eye. “No, Perrin. You are not going to die,” she said while holding back what seemed like an avalanche of tears.

She felt him gasp as he released a gentle breath that brushed her face. This was the same breath that she felt the moment he was born. Even now, at 24, he was still her baby. Nothing could change that. Not even this moment. Never in a million years could she have imagined herself and her son in this position, and yet it happened.

They arrived in Raleigh filled with hope for a new beginning after being relocated from Cincinnati, OH by her job. This was to be a time of joy, rebuilding, and for finally living their dreams.

Perrin was the kind of young man that others admired. His passion was basketball.

He not only played the game but he was also a mentor and coach. She loved going to his games and watching him coach his team. Even other coaches commented on his work with young men. He was her joy.

She had settled into her job and Perrin was making strides in his world of helping other young men become leaders. There were days when her faith was tested because she fought health challenges. Being away from family was hard but Perrin was with her so life was good.

Then this freak accident changed everything. She begged the doctors to save him. How could this happen to a son who “played by all the rules?” She stayed by his side as he fought to live.

When doctors could do nothing more for him, she pressed her cheek to his cheek and told him to rest just before he breathed his last breath. At the time, she wanted to make sense of it all, and yet nothing about this made sense.

She visited the YMCA for answers. How did it happen? Why did it happen? Instead of discovering something hidden or sinister, she discovered something wonderful; she was not the only one who loved Perrin. She heard story after story of how he had touched others with his passion and kindness. Perhaps this was a part of the lesson. Perhaps that precious breath not only touched her face but it also filled others with hope and inspiration.

Now, two years later, she is determined to share that breath. Although she struggles with Graves Disease and OCD, she is developing programs that will honor her son and help other mothers who have experienced loss.

“My son’s life was not defined by his death. I know that his journey continues. I carry him in my heart and he visits me in my dreams. He sends whispers of his presence and I am grateful to know that we were in each others’ lives.”

This is Dawn’s story. Now, she wants to help other mothers to “stop and breathe” again. She knows it’s what Perrin would want.

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Douah Coulibaly

Growing up in a Muslim society, life was tough. I felt alone at home, school, and in society as a whole. I couldn’t find a sense of belonging even when I was around my peers. I moved from one school to another, worked hard to please my mother, prayed to Allah as much as I could, but it never seemed to be enough for either of them.

My mother’s words were, “You are cursed”.

In 2009, all this changed when my teacher told me, “Jesus loves you”. I did not understand what it meant – how could a Christian God know and love me? – until the time when my mother left for Mali in January 2011. War escalated in Libya, which was where we lived, and my mother could not come back into the country. I had to drop out of school so I could provide for my little sisters. Cries, gun shots, and bombs were now our daily life. In addition to the struggles that I was already going through, my father was forcing me into an arranged marriage with a man as old as my mother. I began to think that I was really cursed and I wanted to commit suicide. I was wondering: why me? Where was Allah? I cried out to God to show me the way or to take my life. I could not take it anymore. After sleepless nights, hunger and tears, God answered.

He sent my teacher to remind me what I had forgotten: “Jesus loves you”. I hadn’t seen him for seven months. He told me God had sent him to pray for me and reassure me. I began wondering if that was the answer to my prayers.

This was the point when I questioned my faith in Allah. I wanted to know about “Jesus”. I started reading the Bible since my mother wasn’t there to stop me.

God used this book and my teacher to answer all my questions about Him that no Muslim could answer. I was scared because if the Bible was true then the Quran must be a lie. The more I read the Bible, the more I believed in Jesus and in the true God. For the first time, I prayed in the name of Jesus.

Although the situation in Libya was still the same, everything started to change for me. I was overwhelmed with peace. No one could understand, and I couldn’t explain what I felt to anyone either. One day, as I was praying, someone knocked at the door. I was scared to open without knowing who was knocking, so I asked who it was. No one answered, but there was an envelope with money under the door. I was scared and thought someone made a mistake; I opened the door, but there was no one. Who gives away money during war? I could not possibly believe God could do that. I prayed again and asked God to do it again if it was Him, and He did! I gave my life to Jesus.

In October 2011, my mother returned from Mali. My mother could no longer afford to pay for my education. I began losing hope, but suddenly an opportunity came and I received a full scholarship to go and study in the United World College in Maastricht. I got baptized in Maastricht and began fellowshipping with believers. Up to today, God is still doing miracles in my life, and I’m studying in the US on another scholarship. He brought hope where there was no hope.

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Dr. Phyllis H. Forte

Dr. Phyllis H. Forte has been the devoted wife of Elder Leotha Forte for 27 years. Over the last few years, Elder Forte has dealt with diabetes, having his thyroid removed and other issues that just come with life. Dr. Forte has been a pillar of strength for him as he has been for her. She is the proud mother of two sons, Minister Jason Webb and Pastor Joshua Webb, and 14 grandchildren. For over 15 years, Dr. Forte has also pastored the people of God with great care and wisdom at various churches. She is currently the Pastor of Snow Hill Church of Christ in Wade, NC. Dr. Forte was one of the few African American female firefighters for the City of Raleigh in the eighties. One day, she attempted to catch a fire hose that was falling but it was wet and, because of the water weight, it kept unraveling. She felt her back pop. Hence began her battle with the City of Raleigh. They fought her tooth and nail, attempting to prevent her from collecting Worker’s Compensation.

She eventually successfully sued the City and retired in 1988 as a Firefighter and EMT. Dr. Forte, unfortunately, has since suffered from severe chronic back pain for over (20) years and has had (9) various back surgeries. On two occasions, she woke up on the operating table, screaming, as they cut into her flesh. For one of the surgeries, metal rods were installed in her back. Doctors now say that the installed hardware is too heavy. It is causing damage but no surgeon is willing to correct it. She has two herniated discs in her neck that cause pain in the neck as well as tingling in her left arm; there is no cushion between the discs so it is bone rubbing against bone. She also has two herniated discs in her lower back. There is scar tissue from the previous back surgeries that have hardened and they have caused nerve damage which causes a debilitating pain. Her mobility is limited, she is not supposed to lift over (5) pounds and she is in constant pain but she presses forward daily as a Pastor, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a mentor and friend.

During her third surgery, Dr. Forte, contracted a Staph infection. She was in quarantine for three weeks. A central line was inserted in her heart for six weeks to provide antibiotics after she got home. She still had to be treated for a year afterwards. One can never get rid of a Staph infection. The effects can resurface at any time.

Dr. Forte also has diverticulitis and had to have (8) inches of her intestines removed as a result. At one point, her white blood cells were eating her red blood cells, which was another complication. She recently had (2) surgical procedures that are supposed to help her ease but not cure some of the pain she is experiencing.

Even with all the pending issues that Dr. Forte endures, she still remains a woman that is steadfast and immovable in her faith. She finds time to mentor male and female Pastors within the community. She creates and delivers baskets to people just to show they are appreciated. She visits the sick and takes meals to others when they are under the weather, even as she is battling in her own body. Dr. Forte is, indeed, a Woman of Triumph.

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Past or Elizabet h Green

My name is Elizabeth Green. I am the mother of seven biological children, mother of one grandson that I raised from birth and one great grandson at the age of three weeks old that I am now raising. I have one sister, Louise Smith.

I was reared up in a God fearing home where my mother taught us who God was and what he should mean to us.

I preached my initial Sermon in 1975, and in November 1987 I became the Assistant Pastor of Galilee United Church of Christ by the Eastern North Carolina Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ. I also served as Vice President of the New Bern District Fellowship Union. During my Missionary Nursing Home Ministry, I was called to become Pastor of Pilgrim Rest United Church of Christ in Havelock, NC, where I served until 2002. After leaving, God called me to develop a Ministry to help our community. In 2003 I started The New Outreach Deliverance Ministry to help make a difference to the people in our ever expanding community by providing food and clothing to whoever is in need. The ministry started locally and expanded from Pamlico to Craven, Jones, and Lenoir Counties. There were many times I did not know where the funds were coming from, but by a leap of faith, I rented my first building to operate the ministry. It was truly by faith, because of no government funds but by people of God that helped me through monetary donations and my continual walk by faith. God began to open doors and place people in my life who were a blessing and even some who were a hindrance, but God still favored me. Throughout the years, the ministry was becoming bigger and bigger. It has been going strong for the past 12 years even with the adversities of being out of town due to back surgery and rehab in Raleigh. God still favored me by sending committed volunteers. I am still battling another back issue, but I will continue to give God the glory for my life.

When I think about my story and how the enemy tried to triumph over me, I know God favored me. When life seemed so meaningless and empty, God favored me. When I think about all I have been through, and still came out on the winning side, God favored me. When people in my life abused my love and took the strength of it and tried to misuse me, God favored me. I thank God for his love and strength, that I am still here and that I am still blessed and I’m on my way to my destiny.

As I continue to walk this narrow path, I ask God to give me the gift of mercy, forgiveness, and love. God help me to be more like you as you endlessly shine your light upon me. Help me from doing wrong, that I may continue to be pleasing in your sight. I want to be your example of how to live right, talk right, and walk right. Thank you God for guiding me down the right path, for you have favored me. I shall proceed.

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Evangelist Lillian Melvin

When you fall asleep, there is no guarantee that you will wake up in the same place, condition or even at all. Such was the case for Evangelist Lillian Melvin.

While traveling in the back seat of a car on March 2, 2012, unbeknown to her was an out of control van coming from the opposite direction whose driver had fallen asleep. The van crossed the median and hit the vehicle in which she was riding and somehow miraculously landed on top of them. The rest of the story was hearsay because Lillian was in a coma for a month with multiple injuries. She suffered from a broken hand, leg, hip, back, both jaws shattered and a stroke on the left side.

The accident occurred on busy Interstate 95 in Florence, South Carolina. The police did not expect Lillian to live and were surprised at the outcome.

Due to the extent of injuries, Lillian remained at the hospital in Florence where she was in an induced coma for a month. It was as if she had dropped off the planet with no connections with her friends. The family concentrated on her recuperating. Even though her mother was on dialysis; she took the trek from Roseboro, NC each weekend to check on her youngest daughter.

Skyy was Lillian’s baby girl who was 7 at the time. She stayed with her aunt in Winston-Salem during this time of uncertainty. Skyy was brave and maintained her connection with her mom by painting her toenails while she was in coma. Auntie nurtured her, put her in school and became the caregiver for Lillian when she was released from the hospital and loved her back to life.

The once vibrant musician/psalmist who once commanded stages on a national level with the likes of Shirley Caesar, Ricky Dillard, Cheryl Brady and Kurt Carr had her life put on hold. Prior to the accident she was planning a live recording. Now she is at someone else’s mercy. Her independence turned into dependence. Unable to sing out loud the songs she once ministered to others, she now internalized and ministered to herself. It would be a long time before she could tickle the ivories, lead praise and worship, or preach the gospel.

Her life was at a standstill.

She never lost faith in the God she trusted and served. She knew that he would bring her back greater than before. The improvement from therapy is evidence that she is coming back. The ability to sing again, even though not at the level as before, is evidence. Some of the old Lillian has died that needed to be buried but a new child of God is being resurrected. Evangelist Lillian Melvin has patiently waited during her time of recovery and is looking forward to the restoration. She would like to locate the driver who fell asleep and was able to walk away from the accident. She just wants to let her know that there is no ill-will and wants to relieve her of any guilt. Evangelist Melvin is looking forward to moving back to Raleigh this summer and reuniting with Abundant Life Church of God in Christ under the leadership of her longtime shepherds Bishop Stenneth Powell and Lady Beverly Powell.

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Felishia McPherson

At 45 years old, Felishia McPherson looks back over her life analyzing the tragedies and triumphs. A glance in the mirror is a reflection of a face scarred by third degree burns with eyes staring back wondering, “How Did I Get Here?” Felishia’s story is intense and now she is sharing her story publicly for the first time; however, this is just a glimpse.

Her earliest journey began as an only child with a mom, dad and stepfather. One day her mom came home with a baby and her life changed forever. At 11 years old, she was no longer the center of attention plus she had to help take care of the baby. Then another baby came the next year and Felishia really felt like she was being pushed aside. Even though this may seem small to you, it was a trigger that pushed Felishia to act out which was accompanied by negative circumstances.

Growing up she experienced unwelcome advances from relatives who were supposed to protect her. She found solace in school where she excelled. Determined to be the first in the family to attend college, Felishia secured financial aid and was accepted at Fayetteville State University where she had the opportunity to meet Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni and Alex Hailey. By the time she was twenty years old she had survived incest, rape, physical, mental, and verbal abuse, domestic violence, an ectopic pregnancy, two trips to Europe, no longer ate pork and on her way to graduate school. Indiana University of Pennsylvania was far from the cotton fields of Sampson County. During a Holiday visit, she met and fell in love with a young man who she knew was not good for her and her future. She got married but soon found out about his lies and deception.

The suggestion of an annulment ensued a fight. Felishia had a knife in her hand trying to get out of the house. Her mother-in-law’s boyfriend grabbed her from behind and in an attempt to break loose, the knife stabbed him in the jugular killing him. “How did I get here?” The self-defense plea went out the window when her husband testified against her for a lesser plea after subsequently being jailed for a drive by shooting. Felishia was charged with second degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. After 12 years and 9 months she was released in 2006. Felishia states, “The sisters I had left barely in high school were now wives, mothers and adult women I had to get to know.”

“School was still a source of security and strength for me even when all else eluded me.

What I received behind those prison walls literally saved my life and gave me my first glimpse of who I am. In less than 8 years after my release from the Department of Corrections, I graduated with a master’s in Counseling and am a NC Licensed Professional Counselor.”

In June 2014 while staying overnight at her sister’s house in Godwin, she was awakened by a loud noise and bright lights outside. She remembers opening the back door seeing her new car on fire. Her last memory was getting the water hose, and calling her mom and pastor. Six months later she woke up from a medically induced coma at the UNC Burn Center with second and third degree burns over 70% of her body, fighting for her life. The medicine taken to prevent infection killed her kidneys and she was placed on dialysis. For nine months the Burn Center was her home until she was discharged on March 31, 2015 struggling to walk independently.

Felishia McPherson will be releasing a book in the near future, “Not My Last Chapter”. For the complete story, stay tuned to TCP Magazine for details.

Peggy Tatum

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Minister Carol Gash

“I shall live and I shall not die! And I shall declare the works of the Lord!” I declared and decreed, stretching and straining, on a cold hard gurney as they wheeled me toward an imminent journey, toward The Valley of the Shadow of Death. The words would prove prophetic, and yet paradoxical! How could Houston, the prospective home of my bright future be transformed into a dungeon of despair? I’d loved to call it home and leave it, only for the Rapture or until death do us part. And, death did do us part, but not through the lenses I’d fathom to see. But God had a hope-filled future, a Faithful Vision, for me.

In 2010, it seemed I “lost” the very fabric of my being. In January I stepped into my brand new strand-- accepting a 10 1/2-year marriage completely dead, never to be resurrected—confirmed by an open eye vision of thick lead crystal broken and busted, shards of glass that could never be glued back together.

I was looking over the horizon, to a new future, so bright I needed sunglasses to see my way. That’s what I told my daughter anyway. But looking through a dark glass, fake crystal ball, I could not see, either rise or fall, what was ahead for me. So, the night before the day my bright future went away, was a sunny day.

I left the courthouse, and raced hurriedly to DPS (the Texas DMV) with my teenage daughter and goddaughter in tow. DPS snapped a brand new picture on my Texas driver’s license, adorning my brand new hairstyle, with my brand new lipstick, with my brand new address, with what I thought would be my brand new beginning. But, if you know like I do, when God gets ready, He can turn your mountain high into a valley low. So went 2010, MY DREAM for ME turned into a unfortunate series of nightmares.

Beginning on the same night of the first day of my bright future, I started with a mysterious abdominal bleed that erupted from an ovarian cyst that metamorphosed to softball size, that exploded in my body. It thrust me toward a blood transfusion and emergency surgery where afterwards my Asian surgeon had to bow to the God I serve.

Bowing as we thanked him, to the God that saved my life!

Next, if not enough, in my six-week convalescence, inside my frail body was found the dreadful “C”. I wasn’t worried. I sensed the diagnosis would be malignant. Yet I proclaimed if that be the case, I didn’t know how, but God would get the glory for His story---for the life He was living through me. Only ten days before my double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and subsequent full on medically-induced breakdown, my dearest uncle died. Just when I thought the billows had ceased and the breakers had stopped their dashing, a crushing wave would leave me nearly to drown.

My son now dead, mercilessly gunned down getting off the L.A. metro! That was October. Much like January, December brought the year to a close, my dad’s mother slipped into Eternity. Eighteen years before I’d buried her son, my dad having died from self-inflicted wounds. In spite of it all, I’m still here! – I am His workmanship “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)…To live and not die, to declare the works of the Lord! I am delivered by, dedicated to and dependent on the Power of God’s Faithful Vision!

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Reverend Zina McCord I am coming out with my hands raised up!

Reverend Zina McCord currently resides in Newnan, Georgia. She has been married to Ronald McCord for thirty-one years and they have two beautiful daughters, Sebrina and Bernita. She has also been blessed with two very intelligent grandchildren, Joshua and Jenaya. God saw fit to give her a son that she never had in her son-in-law, Greylin. She is very thankful for the wonderful support of her mother, Elizabeth Porter who has been with her every step of the way.

In November of 1995, after doing a self-breast exam, Zina found a lump. Panic and upset, she called her sister. The following days her sister took her for a mammogram that she had scheduled and paid for because at the time Zina did not have insurance.

She was informed that she did have breast cancer. Concerned for her family, she prepared for Christmas while preparing for surgery.

During chemotherapy she got an infection in her port and had to be rushed to the hospital. The doctors told her family they were not sure if she was going to make it through the surgery. Praise God she made it with her hands raised up and was able to leave the hospital in a couple of weeks.

In May of 2005, the family went on vacation to Myrtle Beach. Her children and niece and nephew joined them. She talked to her sister all the time. She was her best friend forever. Late that evening after everyone had gone to bed, she had her usual chat with her sister. Then came the knock at the door. Her sister had passed. Compared to her bout with Cancer, this was the day that changed her life completely. After her personal breakdown, she realized it was not about her. She needed to tell her niece and nephew and as an honor to her sister, assume the responsibility to parent them.

On February 14, 2006, God birthed New Life Ministry into her life and through this ministry appointed her to adjoin men and women of Christ to come together, empower one another, and uplift the name of Jesus. God has blessed her with an outstanding support team, her family. She loves to study and preach God’s Word and is continuing her education in theology at Point University in Peachtree City, Georgia. She is on the ministerial staff at Emmanuel Life and Worship Center, under the leadership of Bishop Billy B. Avery and First Lady Janice Avery.

In 2012, after a routine mammogram, she discovered the cancer had returned, this time on the opposite side and it was stage three. She had surgery and a mastectomy. Recovering was challenging including daily drugs and 25 rounds of radiation. As she lay in bed recovering, she asked God why so many people suffer from Cancer. God responded by saying “You give it life; You keep it on life support.” We must support the victims, build awareness, but not give it life.

Over the years, she has experienced many things, but would not trade these experiences for anything. To date, God has taken her Ministry to greater heights and now she stands in expectation to see where He is going to take it next. Being a second time survivor/conqueror of breast cancer, God has called Minister McCord to speak out against cancer in which she has birthed the “CANCER IS CANCELLED” campaign. I AM COMING OUT WITH MY HANDS RAISED UP! 22

Monica Mack Covingt on

Giving honor to God who is my all and all and without Him I am a waste of breath.

Monica Mack Covington, mother of three beautiful children, Mark, Me’Lia and MaShad Covington all three in 2nd and 1st year college. Married to my love, my friend and my everything Mark C. Covington, Sr. To my pastor, teacher and little big brother Bishop Sir Walter Lee Mack, Jr. and God’s people everywhere. It is indeed an honor and privilege that I dare not take for granted to be chosen to be featured with 13 phenomenal Women of Triumph! God has been mighty mighty mighty good to me.

Allow me to tell you a little bit about ole Mo’ as that is what my friends call me.

The daughter of a fireball preacher, the late Dr. Sir WaIter Lee Mack, Sr., mother Frances J. Mack a 3 times Cancer Survivor and 3rd child of five, I have seen God move in so many ways throughout my life. The song writer Dorinda Clark-Cole wrote these words “When I look back over my life and I see all the things the Lord’s brought me through; been through trials, sickness, and suffering; I thank the Lord, He’s blessed me still; I could have lost the faith and I could have fell from His grace; Now I can say, that I’m still here; And it’s by the grace of God.” This is my testimony.

Being the daughter of a preacher and now the sister of a Bishop, I have been able to meet people from all walks of life. To witness souls being saved, bodies being healed, the broken being mended; again, it is truly an honor and a privilege. My mom a cancer survivor; my sister Cynthia Mack, an aneurysm survivor and Me... Oh you just don’t know my story.

God has bought me back from the dead. Oh yes, He did. Not so long ago I was bed ridden for several months, didn’t know if I was coming or going.

But the God I know and serve kept me. Every time the devil tries to attack my body, God raises me up stronger and with more fight for Him than before. I have learned to trust, lean and hold to God’s unchanging hand.

Serving in the eyes of thousands like anything has its challenges and it has its rewards. Serving in ministry you have to be covered in constant prayer and live and know the word. Oftentimes, people thrust themselves into ministry without the calling and the covering of God. That is a no no. Only what you do for Christ and with Christ will last.

My greatest accomplishment in life is serving Him in all that I do. I believe whatever my hands find to do, I do it with all my might. When my door opens or my phone rings, I readily position myself to be ready to serve, give my best and be a blessing. Tomorrow isn’t promised to us and it is vitally important that we make sure that our living is not in vain. My words of encouragement can be found in Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV and it reads “ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Thank you to TCP for thinking of me and may God continue to bless and keep you as you are a blessing to many around the globe.

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Apostle Ella Crutchfield

We are all protective of our babies. As they grow through their teenage years and into adulthood, mothers are always holding a tight grip on their daughters knowing they have already traveled that road. Ella took pride in her beautiful 26-year-old daughter and adored those two grandkids. When she received a call that summers eve that Gloria and her kids needed to stay with her to escape the wrath of the abusive son-in-law, little did she know that her grandchildren were moving to their permanent home.

Gloria returned home to get some clothes and her estranged husband wanted to stop by to pick up some of his clothes, but he wanted her to be alone. Gloria was smart enough to call the police so they could serve a restraining order when he got there.

She asked her stepfather and brother to go in the back room so it would appear that she was alone. A smart but fatal decision went awry when her husband shot the police and Gloria as she tried to escape. One more domestic abuse victim silenced so young and a 25 year police veteran killed in the line of duty. Another community torn apart. Another undeserving mother in the headline news.

The husband (who shall remain nameless) was sentenced to two life terms in prison. Thirteen years later he came back into the courtroom facing the families with the perception that he couldn’t receive a life sentence because he was mentally incompetent. Imagine someone that you have fed, sat at your table, laughed with and shared holidays returning to the courtroom with an incompetence defense and stating he was framed for killing your daughter-his wife. Instead of leaving the courtroom with the death penalty, he now serves two consecutive life sentences.

These are memories that will live with Ella Crutchfield forever. Even though she was a single mom, becoming the caregiver for her grandchildren was not an option. The children who were 3 and 8 at the time are now 22 and 27. Ella’s son who was 15 at the time and was also shot at is now 34 and grateful to be alive.

Nowadays, you can find Apostle Ella Crutchfield, behind the pulpit at Greater Church of Love, Inc. in Lucama, North Carolina. She states that, “God has healed our hearts.” Apostle Crutchfield has established a shelter for battered women called, There Is Hope. With her warm smile and open heart, she wants to be a conduit for men and women to be able to trust her like she trusts God and know that There is Hope is a safe place where they can escape abusive relationships and form a closer relationship with God. Satoya (a registered nurse) and Quanisha Brown (a graduating nurse) grew up without their mother but they know all the details of her death. Apostle Crutchfield pointed them in the direction of love and forgiveness. If you are in the Lucama, Rocky Mount, Sharpsburg, Wilson area and would like to support this Shelter for Women, call 252 218-0319.

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Tribute t o Asia Sade Bobbitt

On December 4, 2015, I received a call that would forever change my life. The call was about my 18 year old daughter Asia, who had just graduated in June from Word of Christ HS and was a first year college student at Bennett College in North Carolina. My daughter, who seemed to have her whole life ahead of her had committed suicide. As I struggled to make sense of what I was hearing, my world began to come crashing to an end. How and why was all I could think!!

My daughter seemed to be so full of life. She was a freshman in college, an activist for the community with Justice Served/Bringing Back The Village and volunteered at Torchlight Academy during the summers and very active in the church. It seemed like she was making her way in this thing called life.

We had just celebrated Thanksgiving and her brother’s birthday days prior and everything seemed fine, I just didn’t understand how or why this happened.

Although she didn’t leave a suicide note, she did confide in her boyfriend about feeling depressed and sad. She even told him that she wanted to take her own life, I now know that was her cry for help.

During the days leading up to her services and even after, I heard story after story about how good a friend Asia was and how she was always available to lend a helping hand. I am hurt, lost, confused and utterly devastated when I sit and think of what could’ve been done different. But I will continue to celebrate her 18 years of life and rejoice that although I wish it was longer, God gave me the honor to have her 18 years.

While learning to cope and deal with the loss of my daughter, with the help of family, friends and the community, I guess I can say that I am finding my inner strength and hope to help and raise awareness to others dealing with depression.

Since Asia’s passing, Torchlight Academy has begun to offer counseling to the students if needed or upon request. On April 4, 2016 I will be holding a walk in her honor ($5 registration fee). The walk will be from Carolina Biblical Gardens to Rock Quarry Road in Raleigh. We will be using the funds raised to set up a college fund in Asia’s name and fund suicide awareness & prevention. Counselors will also be available that day if anyone needs assistance. To register for the walk please contact Ednitta Williams-Wright at (919) 946-3051 or through email at Asiasfoundation@gmail.com. We will have a Facebook page set up soon.

I hope this helps someone, be it a parent that may need to know that it’s ok to ask your child questions about their feelings even if they “seem happy” or maybe even a child that may feel like no one may understand what they are feeling.

In honor of my beautiful daughter Asia from your mom, Missy Wright.

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Churches and Gentrification, Raleigh, NC Understanding Changing Demographics

On a recent TV show ‘ARROW’ the lead character, Oliver Queen, runs for mayor to fight aggressive criminal elements threatening to take over the city. As a mayoral candidate, Queen decides to choose a warehousing district (dominated by criminals) and located in central city, to ‘gentrify’ by using economic development thereby eliminating illegal occupants.

Gentrification could be a good scenario in that case, but what happens when it occurs in old fragile communities near a growing downtown area set to attract citywide growth three quarters our present size? The attractiveness of downtown Raleigh is expanding to nearby communities. There are public documents that guide changes and forecasts on what happens to land use all over the city. One document named the ‘Comprehensive Plan’ was created by staff professionals and presented to Raleigh citizens for input on what kind of city they would like to see in 2030?

Another document of importance is the ‘Future Land Use Map’ that graphically shows what types of developments will happen and where all over Raleigh, like major shopping centers. While there are many other maps of consequence, it is the laws or Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) that gives direction to developers on ‘how’ to approach developing in established ‘zoned’ locations throughout the city. Finally, there is citizen participation. While feedback to the Oprah show, for example, may have had a major impact in forming a great talk show, this ideal outcome is not so common when a development comes to your neighborhood.

When ‘gentrification’ begins in old neighborhoods near downtown Raleigh, there are overall city guidelines and then there are market forces. In many cases the affected community is fragile (aging populations, youth from community moving away, no heir, or many heirs, or rental property of outside landlords, or abandoned) could lead to ownership with the objective of building less traditional looking or more upscale (larger) housing for a demographic that wants to live close to downtown. When the affected neighborhood is not engaged in the development process (meetings), the buyer would have the best advantage to be heard and approved. Those in the city systems, like the Planning Commission, who receive these cases, and do not hear from the community or their representatives, they have to conclude that there are no opposing points of view and therefore move to support for City Council approval.

Fragile communities (with slowly changing demographic population) around long time churches where members travel from afar to continue supporting have buildings not sitting on adequate surrounding land, could be challenged with new neighbor complaints of a noise justified through a noise ordinance. These churches are obliged to address these notices. Hymnals’ sung and organs played that once represented evening choir practice, revivals, and Sunday Services are considered undesirable noise? Even if Churches were expanding they are limited by amount of land to ensure no violation of the noise ordinances!

Within fragile communities, and without a solid base of surrounding homeowners who love and support the church, and whose families grew up from youth, the church as the last stable component of the black community could disappear. While some churches remain in tact that meet the land requirements, the surrounding gentrified community makes them almost an island. The traditional role of established churches as a safe haven, safety net, social environment, learning center, meeting place with almost automatic memberships has completely changed. What impact will gentrification have on sustainable community, our culture, support centers and ultimately a beacon of hope, the church?

Writer is Lillian Thompson CEO Work Place Move Planning

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“Put the Church Back in Community”!

In an acrostic of the word Community, the letter “C” would best be represented by the word Church. State Street Community Church, a ministry of the Church of God of Prophecy, located on the corner of State and Bragg Streets in Southeast Raleigh is determined to “Put the Church back in Community”! This determination is underscored in the church’s motto: “Transforming our Community One Life at a Time.”

The church has been a fixture in the community for the past 62 years.

The church was built “from foundation to steeple” by the church members - and they occupied the building debt free! The church grew rapidly and was once considered to be the largest Pentecostal church in Raleigh. In recent years, like many churches, the church has struggled to maintain its vibrancy and relevance in the vortex of rapidly changing community dynamics. Not surprisingly, the church had been experiencing decline for most of the last decade.

Much of that has changed with the new leadership of the church along with a fresh and aggressive vision. The church focuses on the core values of Worship, Outreach, Relationship Building, and Discipleship. Everything the church does supports one of these core values.

Bishop Carswell Leonard who hails from the Virgin Islands has been serving as the Senior Pastor of State Street Community Church for the past two and one half years. He served on active duty in the United States Army for 22 years. Before assuming the pastorate, he worked in Nuclear Medicine at Duke University Hospital and Wake Medical Center. Bishop Leonard holds an MBA degree, an M.Div. degree, and he is presently pursuing a PhD in Historical Theology.

Bishop Leonard has reignited the church’s community focus and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. The church has been experiencing consistent growth in attendance and membership. “SSCC” as the church is affectionately called is becoming a household name – not only in Southeast Raleigh, but throughout the city of Raleigh. The church is most closely identified not solely by its presence in the community, but by its service in the community.

Along with major renovations, the church has established an Outreach Center (called the GO! Center) that serves the community through food distribution as well as a weekly program for children in the community. The Outreach Center ministers to several nursing homes throughout the city and supports churches in Nigeria, Cameroon, Haiti and responds to other global needs as needed. The Outreach Center also hosts a “Community Breakfast” every fifth Sunday. There are plans to develop a summer youth program and other educational initiatives in the very near future.

Bishop Leonard has made the church’s resources available to the community. The church has partnered with several governmental and non-profit agencies for programs that are vital to the community. The church also emphasizes the important link between health and spirituality and thus partners with several groups that focuses on health and fitness. The church will offer a Summer Youth Sports Program this year to provide additional sports opportunities for youth in the community.

Bishop Leonard envisions SSCC being the “hub” of the community- a place that will meet the spiritual and social needs of the community. After all, there can be no Church without Community!

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