Vision of Glory December 2015

Visions of Glory

www.newbindy.org

Volume 1 / Number 30 / October 2015

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CONTents 6.

Fall Fellowship

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Trunk or Treat

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Volunteer Appreciation

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Marriage Retreat Community Outreach

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Job Fair

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Pink Sunday

Thanksgiving By: Pastor Alexia Ellis and Harvey Brooks

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hank you everyone especially Women of Purpose (WOP), Sons with Authority and Truth (SWAT), Ambassadors of the Kingdom (AOK), Jeremiah Ministry, Girl Scouts, Guiding Light, and the Visions of Glory ministry for making the Thanksgiving Turkey and Food giveaway at the Meadowlark Apartments on Saturday, November 21st a success. SeventyFive people received Turkeys and bags of food items for their families.

Thanks to WOP, women received hygiene bags and four people won a full basket of food. Everyone who came through the doors heard the gospel of Christ and received prayer. There were even a few people who rededicated their lives back to Christ. Praise God from whom all blessings flow‌

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12. shout-out

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Dr. James A. Jackson, Sr. Pastor Greetings family! I am so excited to be writing you once again. This has been an amazing year at New B. God has once again showered us with His favor. He has really helped us live up to being the church, “Where the Lord is worshipped, and His people are changed.”

2015 was our year of Kingdom Expansion. At the beginning of the year we vowed to expand in all areas. We expanded spiritually with our Thunder on Thursday services and our Morning Manna services. We also expanded our outreach by hosting the Circle City Classic Ecumenical Service for the very first time. What a time we had with that service. God showed up and showed out.

I am pleased to report that we also literally expanded our facility. Earlier this year we broke ground and construction is underway for our new parking lot and youth center. We truly expanded in 2015.

Now comes the new year and 2016 will be our Year of Kingdom Growth! We will strive to grow as a church family. That means with members, growing in our relationship with the Lord as well as our building. We will strive to grow in every area possible to be the best God will have us to be.

Family, I need your help. It is critical that you get on board with this plan. I need you to commit to growing in your ar-

eas. Grow in your attendance.

Grow in your participation. Grow in your giving. Vow to grow in 2016. I will do everything in my power to help facilitate this growth. I will be preaching and teaching ways for all of us to grow in the Lord. I need your help. If you commit to coming alongside this effort, I cannot even imagine what God can do with us. Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, nor has it even entered into the hearts of man what God has in store for us. Let’s go get it and grow in 2016. May God Bless you and keep you!

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From the First Lady

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Building Up Your Neighbor

here is a saying that goes, “sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you.”

Growing up I heard that saying many times. In fact it seemed to provide comfort when my grandmother would tell that to me as a child whenever I would spat with other children. However, as I have matured, I realize that it is not necessarily true. Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can break your spirit!

Some of the greatest hurt I’ve experienced in life has come as the result of some harsh or unkind words spoken by someone. The tongue can be the most violent and powerful weapon known to man.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue.

All of us know someone, or if we are honest with ourselves can admit that we have been negatively affected by the words someone has spoken to us. We were not pretty enough, not smart enough, not good enough, whatever it was something someone has said has been hurtful to us and has gotten in our spirit enough to hinder us in some type of way. I am saddened that this even takes place within the body of Christ. Many times, church people can be cruel,

condemning and hurtful with their words As Christians we must be careful of the words we speak to one another. Think before you speak. Are the words you are about to say to someone building them up, or tearing them down? The bible tells us in Ephesians, “You must not let unwholesome words come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to the ones who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

We must always strive to build and help one another rather than tear each other apart.

Now there are times when we must correct, rebuke or check our brother and sisters. However, it must be done in love!

This is the key. Without love, they cannot even receive the correction, just hurt.

Family, I encourage you to commit to speaking in love this year. Think before you speak.

Seek God’s guidance on every word you speak. Let’s continue to build our family up at every opportunity. This is the New B way and I hope we continue to grow in this area. As always, I love you guys and continue to pray for each and every one of my church family.

First Lady Tara Jackson

Lady Tara Jackson

Visions of Glory

V.O.G. Section Writers Contributors

Harvey Brooks Angela Daniels Francine Dash Mark Davis Alexia Ellis Louise Harris Dr. Mary Howard-Hamilton Annette Hollins Serita Kent Tawanna Lewis Charmaine Little Fulljahan Morin Nichole Smith Rasheeda Spicer KetaMarie Travis Troy Tyson Andrea Wilson Kendra Young

Psalmist Casey J. on

Thunder on Thursday

Photography

Stephanie Bowens Harvey Brooks Brenda Ellis Michael Mays Cedric Merritt Elwood Reams Andrea Smith Harold Watters Carl Williams Natalie Woods

Graphic Designer Tuane Hearn

From The Editor But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:30-31).”

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reetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Happy Holidays to everyone! This is the time of the year when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I love this time of the year as we also share our love and appreciation for our family and friends!

With the help and favor of God, New Beginnings blessed so many people during events and activities this quarter. Events such as the New Beginnings 6th Annual Job Fair where close to 20 employers allowed job seekers to interview on-site and hired applicants the same day. Also during this quarter, New Beginnings participated in the city-wide wing and a prayer event with more than 100 participants receiving prayer and chicken wings on the streets of Indianapolis. The annual Volunteer Appreciation event was also held

to show appreciation to the many members who continually volunteer their time and talents to help advance God’s Kingdom. Read this edition as we highlight more events that blessed so many people during this quarter.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, New Beginnings donated turkeys and food to those in need while also donating thousands of dollars to invest in the 2016 college tours for our college bound students. Our youth are our future!

We hope this edition is a blessing to you and wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season in celebration of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas and Blessings…

Alma J. Phillips Burrus Managing Editor

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By: Dr. Mary Howard-Hamilton

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he aroma of hamburgers on the grill, a sprinkling of fall foliage, and a cool crisp morning was the perfect backdrop to the orange, red, and grey tent tops that adorned the New Beginnings Fellowship West parking lot.

As members, friends, and families communed together, the Inaugural Fall Fellowship was an amazing morning of games, giveaways, and contests.

Pastor Jackson began the morning service at New B West with his inspirational word from Genesis 12:10-20 “Dealing with Tough Decisions”. He said that we have all made decisions that have been good and some that were poorly thought out. Those poor decisions somehow looked right but they were not done God’s way. Being obedient to God means that we should trust His plans and that there will be challenges along the way or a severe famine, however that dry season is for our growth and development. God will spare you and bless poor decision making.

After the word was shared with an enthusiastic congregation, Pastor Maurice Mumford blessed the food and as we proceeded outdoors, each person received a Scavenger Hunt Get Acquainted Card. This activity allowed everyone an opportunity to meet and greet each other in a relaxed and friendly manner by asking questions such as “did you play a high school sport?” or “are you a twin?”

The children laughed and played energetically on the bounce houses and learned how to toss the bean bags for the corn hole game. Everyone received a “goodie bag” filled with great gifts from area vendors and the highlight

of the event was the Celebrity Bake Off with the entrants preparing decadent desserts made from scratch. These creative culinary crafters were: Debra Maier, Nichole Smith, Donniece Owens, Crystal Bolden, Jackie Henderson, Sherry Boyd, Nova Govan, and Trent LaLand. After serious and careful deliberation among the three judges, it was determined that the winner of the Bake Off for “Best Presentation and Taste” was Trent LaLand’s cheesecake.

Overall, the two hours of food, friends, family and fun on the west side was “an opportunity to connect and fellowship as deemed by God’s desire to bring this community together” according to Pastor Maurice Mumford. He went on to say that these types of activities allows the friends and members of the church to build lasting relationships organically outside the “walls” of the traditional sanctuary.

Lady Tara felt similarly when she said that it was exciting to be able to connect, share, and fellowship with the New Beginnings West members. Pastor Jackson was all smiles as he mingled and spent quality time with everyone who attended the festival, “this is a blessing and honour to be outside touching, teaching and talking in fellowship together just as it says in 1st Chronicles displaying what church is all about.”

This event makes everybody feel like somebody, says Yolanda Gray. A first time visitor, Shaneka Murry said that Pastor Jackson’s helpful word before the outdoor fellowship and interaction made this spiritual experience worthwhile and she will be back again.

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By: Serita Kent

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perfect fall night set the atmosphere of laughter and excitement for this year’s Trunk or Treat event. Little princes, princesses, cowboys and superheroes made their way through New B’s own land flowing of candy, while the DJ provided the sound track. Outside New B was transformed into a little, candy village as characters pillaged from one decorative scene to another in search of their favorite treats. Bounce houses at each end of the lot were filled with bouncing and laughter.

Once inside, the young and young at heart alike enjoyed face painting as a few others could partake in the relaxation and warmth from the chill outside.

A few special guest appearances by the Minion and the Amazing Spiderman were available for photoops and made the night even more exciting.

This evening of fun would not have been complete without something to satisfy those taste buds.

The smell of the grills going was simply nostalgic.

There was also a nice spread to compliment freshly grilled hot dogs and even a bit of hot chocolate to warm the chills.

This was a night of family fun indeed. Kudos to all of those that participated in making this year’s Harvest Fest and Trunk or Treat a successful and fun filled evening indeed!

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By: Troy Tyson

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he lingering summer weather was perfect on Wednesday evening, September 23rd, and it provided the ideal backdrop for what would be a wonderfully anointed service. New Beginnings Fellowship Church was honored with the role of hosting the 2015 Circle City Classic Ecumenical Service. The event, formally titled the “Circle City Classic Prayer and Praise Worship Service,” continues a long tradition of kicking off the Classic weekend with a religious service.

Our own Pastor Jackson, along with Pastor Jeffrey Johnson of Eastern Star Church, co-chaired the event.

The two pastors welcomed numerous dignitaries from within the city and across the nation, representing the religious, political, and business spheres. Indiana Black Expo President and CEO Tanya Bell gave brief remarks, paying honor to the organizers and participants of this year’s Circle City Classic.

The night was opened by the Circle City Youth Drum Corps, which brought the crowd to its feet with an incredible percussion performance. Next, the Circle City Youth Choir performed a number of inspiring songs.

These two groups, composed of young people from all over the city, performed in excellence and gave everyone in the audience reason to be proud.

Next, the standing-room-only crowd welcomed two-time Grammy nominees James Fortune and FIYA to the stage. This dynamic group was highly anticipated, and they did not disappoint. They performed numerous songs which moved the entire audience,

including “All for Me,” “I Need Your Glory,” “Holy Is Our God,” and “Live Through It.” Finally, the ensemble closed with “I Believe,” which roused the audience and put them in the mind to hear from the Lord.

Then it was time for the Word, delivered by Dr. Phillip Pointer, Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Pointer , or “Pastor P” as he’s known by his members, entitled his sermon “Winning the Battle with Bitterness.” Drawing from Ruth, Chapter 1, Dr. Pointer explained that the knee-jerk reaction that many Christians have to troubling circumstances is inappropriate. “One of the easiest things to do,” he said, “is to see the difficult things of life in the wrong way.” He went on to explain that many times, the obstacles that are placed before us are part of God’s plan to bring about greater things in our lives. “Too often we end up blaming God for things we should be blessing God for” he stated, in a sermon that was both thought-provoking and instructive, challenging the audience to move beyond short-term bitterness and praise God in all circumstances.

Under the leadership of Pastors Jackson and Johnson, Wednesday night’s service offered exceptional ministry from our young people, moving musical performances, an anointed sermon, and by any measure the night was a complete success. Many thanks go to the administrative staff, ministers, group leaders, musicians, and young people who came together and worked extremely hard to make the CCC Ecumenical service possible.

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By: Francine Dash

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he 6th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Day was held at Woodland Bowling Alley on 96th and Keystone. This event was an opportunity to thank all of the ministry volunteers of the New Beginnings community for their work throughout the year.

Almost fifty different ministries were represented according to staff member Timothy Jackson, who was one of the organizers of this event.

Alicia Sweatt, Facilitator of the Ministry of Touch, which includes the work of the greeters and ushers, is responsible for ensuring members are greeted with kindness as soon as they enter into the New Beginnings building and maintain order within the sanctuary itself. Mrs. Sweatt had this to say about the volunteer appreciation event: “It’s important to have times like this because while it’s important that we show love when we are in the sanctuary or when we are in the church building, we need to make sure we are connecting with and showing love to other ministries.”

As the night continued, more ministry members and their families arrived. The children were given the option to play laser tag, while the adults bowled.

All of those in attendance appeared to be having a good time and some were even looking forward to showing off their bowling skills. “I got game,” said Elder Linda Nunley, a charter member of New Beginnings and a volunteer in the Restoration Ministry. “I can bowl and I can throw it down like that, in Jesus name.” For Elder Nunley, events like this ties into the mission of the church. “We are a fellowship church; and that does not always mean at the church. Sometimes people get churched out and events like this, in a family setting, are fun and energize you.” Monessa Taylor, of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministry, interprets for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Ms. Taylor said “It’s important to me to be here tonight to socialize and fellowship with other Christians. It just builds me up.”

Nyia Guinn, a member of several ministries, expressed the need

for this type of event to encourage fellowship with both locations of the New B community – the east and west locations.

“Fellowship is harder when you have two locations and different services. So we get to bring everybody together and just have fun together.”

By all accounts, the goal of the evening was fellowship among the numerous ministries and to show volunteers within the various ministries of New Beginnings that their efforts matter and are appreciated.

“This is a large church with a lot of ministries. At the end of the day, New Beginnings would not be the church it is without our volunteers,” said Pastor Jackson.

If you are interested in learning more about the various ministries at New Beginnings, please visit the website at newbindy.org and select “Ministries”.

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By: Mark Davis

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ephesians 4:12 This verse was the basis of the commitment ceremony that was the culmination of the 2015 New Beginnings Fellowship Church Marriage Retreat. The commitment ceremony came during the semi-formal gala on Saturday evening. Preceding the ceremony was an elegant dinner and live music from The Rubber Band. Following the ceremony, couples danced the night away.

The Hyatt Lodge on the campus of the McDonald’s Corporate Headquarters in Oakbrook, Illinois was the setting for a weekend designed to help couples renew their commitment and rekindle the sparks in their marriages.

Friday Night the retreat got off to a rousing start with a wonderful dinner and keynote speaker Min. Chris Hull of Eastern Star Church.

Min. Hull encouraged couples to, “Remember the covenant you made before God. But the only reason you are with your spouse shouldn’t be just because you are scared to go to hell. Don’t endure your relationship, enjoy it.” The enjoyment of the night continued with The Newlywed Game hosted

by Min. Cedric Merritt. “Seasoned” couples were pitted against couples who were newer to marriage.

We would love to give you more details of the Newlywed Game questions and answers, but we have to treat that portion of the Retreat like Vegas, what happens there stays there.

Saturday was very busy as the day began with breakfast then a general session, “Can You Hear Me Now,” facilitated by Pastor Eric Wiggins of New Horizons Church.

Communication was the focus of this session. Pastor Wiggins touched on things that men and women are reluctant to tell their

spouse and how to approach difficult subjects. He said that God has designed us to be able to handle anything that is in our spouse’s heart. You have to deal with your spouse with knowledge and understanding. The next phase required the men and women to attend separate breakout sessions facilitated by Min. Hull and Min. Merritt for the men and Lady Camille Wiggins for the women. Afterwards, a panel discussion took place consisting of panelists, Pastor Wiggins and Lady Camille Wiggins, Pastor James and Lady Tara Jackson, Pastor Bobby and Lady Valerie Baker, as well as Min. Hull and Min. Merritt. Panelists offered their insight into many tough questions and situations that couples have to deal with. Lunch was followed by free time for the couples and then the wonderful gala.

Couples left on Sunday morning feeling reinvigorated and excited about their marriages.

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Casey J.

Pastor E. Dewey Smith

“I’m in it for Good!”

By: KetaMarie Travis

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hat was that rumble in the air, you ask? Our last Thunder on Thursday for 2015.

This service was truly amazing. Guest Psalmist Casey J blessed us with sweet melodic melodies like, “Fill Me Up” and “I’m Yours.” Her song choices set the tone for our hearts and minds to be receptive to the anointed message of Pastor E. Dewey Smith. Let’s just say, these two children of the most high sent our final Thunder on Thursday out with a bang!

Pastor Smith’s message, “I’m in it for Good” was a remarkable word from

Acts 1:12-14. He spoke from the perspective of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

This fresh interpretation of the upper room prayer meeting was encouraging in that we saw Mary’s patience and resolve which led to her receiving power from on high. He said, “I had an imaginary conversation with Mary and I asked her what was it that gave you the perseverance to hang in there with your purpose? To hang in there with your assignment? When most of us would’ve thrown our hands up in the classic gesture of despair. She said, “I realized I needed patience.” She had to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise with the very people who were not there as her first born hung on a cross and died; with His brothers who did not support His ministry while He was living. She had a purpose that was deeper than giving birth to Jesus.

Mary needed patience for her new dimension.

Near the end of his sermon, Pastor Smith did something that left the congregation in spiritual connection with each other and the Holy Spirit.

He asked us to turn to the person next to us, grab both their hands, tell them what we needed and then pray for each other. This was an “Am I my brother’s keeper” moment! As my eyes and ears wondered around the room, I witnessed people praying for deliverance, healing and victory for one another. It brought Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) to mind, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We

were on one accord in prayer and supplication just as Mary and the others were in the upper room. People shouted in expectation of the Holy Spirit.

Here are a few quotes Pastor Smith shared, that I pray leave you patiently resolved to fulfill your purpose: “How can Jesus admit His own frustrations in ministry and some of you act like you never had any frustrations or any challenges?” It’s ok to admit frustration, but as Jesus said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not My will, but your’s be done.” – Luke 22:42 (NIV) “Every now and then when someone asks you how you’re doing, tell the truth, I’m not doing well, pray for me.”

Matthew 26:38 (NKJV), “Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with me.”

“What happens when what God says doesn’t look like what you’re going through?” Luke 1:28 (NIV), “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Yet, Mary had to endure the death of her son in a very public way.

“Get an overdose of the Holy Ghost.”John 14:26 says, “But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

The Spirit of God moved profoundly in The Place Where the Lord is Worshipped and His People are Changed.

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City-Wide Wing and a Prayer “And He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15 NLT) Sometimes this is easier said than done especially when it comes to getting out of your comfort zone, witnessing, and evangelizing to a perfect stranger without knowing how they’ll respond or if they’ll receive what you have to say or just brush you off completely.

But I’m happy to confess, the Ambassadors of Kingdom (AOK) Ministry City-Wide Outreach Wing & A Prayer event that New B hosted in September is proof that anyone can follow Mark 16:15 if we all unite together for His common cause, which is bringing others into the body of

Christ and showing His love. People from multiple churches around the city came and joined us.

More than 100 people came to see what the crowd was about and got prayer for anything you can imagine. These prayers ranged from healing to believing God to restore their family and even dealing with homelessness. One person even received Christ for the first time. All who attended agreed that it was amazing to be able to interact with people from all walks of life who had one thing in common— the need for God that they could no

longer ignore.

We were also reminded at the end of the event that it does not end there. While we all got back into our air conditioned cars and headed to our comfortable homes, the people we prayed for might have gotten relief, but they still need our unending prayers. We were asked and agreed to keep their faces in our mind and hearts as we continue to show the love of Christ to all that we encounBy: Charmaine Little ter.

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By: Francine Dash For many job seekers, the New Beginnings Business Ministry’ Annual Job Fair, was and continues to be a welcomed event. Job seeker, Yvette Johnson, had this to say, “You go to a lot of job fairs and they’re not really hiring. They just tell you to go to their website and fill out a profile. But you come here and they tell you what jobs they need to fill, how many people they need, how much they pay, and you know right away what’s available to you.”

The New Beginning’s Business Ministry hosted its 6th Annual Job Fair on Saturday, October 17 from 10 am-1 pm at its east side location.

Asked why this job fair came about, Heather Jackson-Tunstall, Business Ministry Facilitator responded: “As a church, we saw a need to help keep our economy going. So, the goal becomes helping people find jobs.

That’s why we make everything free.

The businesses don’t have to pay to participate. The job seekers don’t have to pay. We have a free job readiness workshop; and we encourage the hiring of ex-offenders.”

Camille Hicks, Branch Manager of LGS Staffing has participated over the last two years. “We get a lot of exposure from being here. We are looking to fill jobs in Mooresville; we do provide transportation and your background does not matter.”

Third year participant, Jay Kinder of Xerox, who had his son with him shared, “We are about outreach to everyone. We go to a lot of church job fairs and schools teaching people how to prepare to get a job and teaching interviewing skills. We’re hiring, but we are also teaching people how to be hired.”

Taiwan based bubble tea house franchise, Chatime, was looking to hire an entire staff for its new Indianapolis location, opening this Thanksgiving in Castleton. “We are looking for full and part time people who are energetic and friendly.” This is the 1000-store franchise’s first time attending. “We are just happy to be a part of this job fair and are looking forward to hiring as many great people as we can.”

Kathy Walden was looking to hire fifteen people for her organization.

“The Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) is not only seeking to hire maintenance technicians, service coordinators, leasing agents and a housing specialist, we are also trying to get the word out that we can assist with housing.” IHA also provides emergency housing for Hoosiers and are always trying to get the word about what’s available, says Walden.

“Next to finding a job, finding a place to live is crucial.”

Other participants included, Finish Line, FedEx, H&R Block, Toys R’ Us, just to name a few. Donald Fuqua of The Durham Co. and Associate Minister of South Calvary Missionary Baptist Church sums it up this way, “I may work for a secular business, but I am a believer in Christ, and I believe we have to help each other, not just in our own church, but in the whole community. That’s why I’m here.”

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By: Louise Harris

It is Sunday, a very special Sunday where the congregation paid tribute to the journey of Breast Cancer. The Pastor instructed the members to wear pink on this Sunday to show support for this initiative and they did. There were blush, fuchsia, taffy, champagne and all other hues of pink represented in the sanctuary. The men wearing their pink ties, the women wearing their beautiful pink hats and the children in pink accessories. What a sight to see!

The question is, what did this display of pink mean to the ones who had been afflicted by the horrible disease, breast cancer? I can tell you personally, because I am a breast cancer survivor, that it was a beautiful display of support, hope and love.

My journey began in March 2009. I was 59 years old and in perfect health. I went for my scheduled yearly mammogram without a concern in the world.

The mammogram was taken and I was seated in the waiting area.

Usually, the technician returns within seconds with a “you are clear to go, see you next year”, but this time seconds turned to minutes and no technician. I played on my phone for what seemed eternity and then finally the technician entered the waiting area.

Ms Harris, the doctor wants more pictures taken, she stated. From that moment my life changed

forever. The long and short of the story, I was diagnosed, had surgery, survived 27 rounds of radiation and today I can report that I am five plus years cancer free. Cancer is a journey that I could not have traveled without God in my life. I surrendered all to the Almighty and he provided everything I needed to make the journey.

The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation provided many of the essentials as vehicles that made my journey less traumatic.

The Foundation provided information and services from the diagnosis to the cure. It is an amazing organization that began with a promise sister to sister. Susan Goodman Komen heard those grievous words ‘breast cancer’ in 1977 at the age of 33. She began a life-changing journey to beat the disease. Her family remained by her side, but they had very little knowledge about cancer and

its treatment. They were frustrated by their inability to really help Susan. Her younger sister, Nancy, promised Susan that she would do everything she could to end Breast Cancer. Although Susan lost her battle with the disease in 1980 at age 36, Nancy kept her promise and founded the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in 1982. Yes, it all started with a promise and the slogan for the Susan G Komen for the Cure Non-Profit organization. And through the promise, many like me have found hope and help to make the journey.

On Pink Sunday, my brothers and sisters in Christ displayed a spectacular display of support, hope and love and I am grateful.

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By: Dr. Mary Howard-Hamilton Participating in a church-wide fast was a new phenomenon for me when I joined New B four years ago and it is still challenging each time we engage in this serious and soul searching process. However, our pastor has taught us that challenges make us stronger as well as open our eyes to our own impediments to personal as well as spiritual growth. I am thankful for the corporate fast because I have “touched” my Bible every day for a significant amount of time which has increased my spiritual awareness. I read scriptures on fasting such as: Matthew 4:1-2 – Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights.

(The Message Version) Matthew 6:16-18 –When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small –time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you go into training inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God does not require attention getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing: he’ll reward you well. (The Message Version).

Esther 4:16 –Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I’ll go to the king, even though it’s forbidden. If I die, I die. (The Message Version) Joel 1:14 –Declare a holy fast, call a special meeting, get the leaders together, Round up everyone in the country, Get them into God’s Sanctuary for serious prayer to God. Reading the Bible helped me become grounded and purposeful before I began the lengthier 40 day journey with

the church. I was able to place some background or context to the reason why significant individuals in the Bible fasted and prayed. Overall, there was a need to refocus and center one’s attention on God and “sweep our souls clean of all lifestyle spiritualties” (The Message, 2002, p. 882) so we can become focused and centered on what His plans are for us.

Fasting of course means yielding to consuming the toxic foods and beverages that can anesthetize our minds as well as inhibit our bodies from thinking clearly, being focused on our Biblical assignments, and becoming spiritually fit so that we can concentrate on becoming renewed and replenished. Eliminating sugar, caffeine, and alcohol (the stimulant trifecta) forced me to find other ways to begin my daily routine or recharge when I hit a mid-day slump. Rather than brewing a pot of coffee first thing in the morning, I went on a one mile “prayer stroll” with my dog thanking God for waking me up and The New B prayers were spoken.

Through the process of fasting I understand how blessed my life has been and this contentment has allowed me to be compassionate and gracious towards others. The Bible encourages us to love one another and this is the greatest lesson and oftentimes the most difficult endeavor to do on a daily basis. By loving ourselves through the process of fasting and giving up those things that can harm us, we have created a space to open our hearts and minds to others. My final tips for engaging in a successful fast are: (1) find a friend who will participate as well (2) prepare the family for the fast by choosing recipes that are unique and fun (3) start a Bible reading routine now (4) think about how you could substitute a bad habit for a different routine. If you prepare now, the fast could be life changing and purposeful for you and your family.