Dedication
Prophet Robert Charles Blakes Sr.
Robert and Lois Blakes
Founders Lydia Marie Kevin King Editor in Chief Lydia Marie Managing Editor Kevin King Graphic Design / Magazine Layout Kevin King, Tru. Media Group Magazine Cover Design and Graphics Baham Multimedia Assoc. Editors BullzEye Entertainment A List Agency Production Coodinator Haley Drinkall Cat Glover Copy Editor Rebecca Lane
Contributing Writers Stacy Brown Hayley Drinkall JC Gardner Lydia Marie Film Lydia Marie, Films 4 Life Production Photographer/Videography Kevin King David Booker Brandon Jefferson Dlo Slaughter Chris Holden Jordan Booker Keynon Starks
www.Truentmagazine.com
New Home MINISTRIES THEN AND NOW
A Bit of History
N
ew Home Missionary Baptist Church was first established in 1918, in New Orleans, Louisiana on the corner of Howard Avenue and South Robertson Streets, with a small group of followers lead by the Senior Deacon of the church. Rev. G. W. White was elected as the first Pastor of the church. He served for several years and was succeeded by Rev. R. H. Royal, who was elected Pastor in 1924 and served for only a short period of time. In 1925 Rev. Marshall Lewis Sr. was elected Pastor. It was during his leadership, in 1927 that the church officially became New Home Missionary Baptist Church.During his tenure the congregation grew to over 200 members. With the need to expand, the church moved from its original site to a larger location at 3140 Jackson Avenue. There, Rev. Lewis continued to serve as Pastor until his death in 1946. In 1947 Rev. Murphy Smith was elected Pastor and served until 1952. During the term of Rev. Smith, the construction of a new church building at the Jackson Avenue location took place.
First Home of New Home Home Ministries After the death of Rev. Smith in 1952, Rev. Freddie H. Dunn was elected Pastor in 1953. He was a dynamic and influential leader throughout the New Orleans area. During his leadership the membership continued to grow, and the construction of another building became necessary to accommodate the increase in membership. In July of 1962, a new church building on Jackson Avenue was dedicated. In October 1964 Pastor Freddie Dunn submitted his resignation as Pastor of New Home to take on the assignment of Pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church. Upon his leaving, many of the members followed him, leaving behind only a committed few. Under the direction of the Louisiana Freedmen Association, the search for a new Pastor of New Home began. During the quest for a Pastor, Rev. Willie Hausey, President of the Freedmen Association officiated over the operations of the church and provided the guidance and direction needed during that time.
Prayer chapel
Present Home of New Home Ministries on Robert C. Blakes Sr. Drive
R.C. Blakes, Jr. is the husband of Lisa Blakes and father of four beautiful kids. He is the eldest son of Bishop Blakes, Sr. and he and his brother work together to oversee the New Home Family of Churches, a ministry encompassing multiple locations throughout the county. R.C. has a Masters of Theology from Christian Bible College of Louisiana and is a nationally sought after teacher of the word of God. His teaching style is life application and is based on exposing the principles in the word of God. People gain a workable knowledge of the bible as he expounds on the scripture. His ministry is characterized as Positive-Practical and Prophetic.
Photo by: Baham MultiMedia
WHO IS
SAMUEL BLAKES? S
amuel is the youngest son of Robert Sr. and Lois Blakes.
He is a graduate of Saint Augustine High School of New Orleans, Louisiana and furthered his education at Southern University of New Orleans where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Theology from Christian Bible College of Louisiana. Known simply as “Pastor Sam” by his congregation the youngest member of the duo is also a phenomenal singer who has extensively traveled to various parts of the United States and abroad singing and evangelizing the Word of God to a lost and dying world. He is truly a man of vision, purpose and destiny and is filled with a substantial amount of wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. He can always be found in the wisdom of his father and in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He is determined to fill God’s people with the necessary principles for Spiritual Warfare by teaching the believer how to study and effectively apply the principles of God’s Word to their lives.
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=570159982 @SRBLAKES officialsamblakes
Jay Foreman
Award Winning Author’s Leap of Faith
J
ay Foreman’s life today is vastly different than it was six years ago. It was then that he decided to take a leap of faith, leave his ten-year career in finance, and try to become an author. Having a daughter and son in elementary school at the time, Foreman decided to make his first book a children’s book, titled Raccoons’ Christmas. He wrote, self-published, and recalls making every mistake possible along the way. Despite these hurdles, he was successful in his first endeavor, which led to being picked up by a publisher and writing seven more children’s books, two young adult novels, and two books for adults. After winning an award for his writing and having two best-selling titles, Foreman started receiving requests to speak at various events. He reluctantly began accepting these invitations and soon discovered that he had a passion for public speaking a well as a skill set that he wanted to continue to develop. Since then, he has spoken to audiences, large and small. He has been a keynote speaker at special events and a breakout speaker at different conferences. Foreman has delivered sermons to church congregations as well as competitive-edge speeches to business leaders. He is now a member of the National Speakers Association’s Virginia and Washington D.C. chapters, as well as the Christian Speaker Network. When asked about his speaking style, Foreman says he considers himself a combination of storyteller and humorist. “Much of what I talk about pertains to real-life, comical situations that I have found myself in that happen
to be applicable to the topic on which I’m speaking. I feel that audiences listen to the points I’m making, but wrapping them into entertaining stories is how the information will be retained.” After finding success in writing and speaking, Foreman was asked to start conducting writing workshops in the school system. “I thought to myself, sure! Why not start teaching writing workshops? How hard could this be? Let’s just say that after my first day, I had a whole new respect for teachers!” Foreman’s workshops grew, as did the demand for them. He expanded into creative writing workshops, school-wide assemblies, standardized testing preparation workshops, and many more. His students range from elementary school to middle school to high school, and he even conducts workshops for teachers. Foreman says that the one common thread woven throughout his writing, speaking, and teaching is this: To try and put something positive out into a world that can seem overwhelmingly negative at times. To help accomplish this goal, Foreman uses what he calls the 4 Es: Engage, Entertain, Educate, and Encourage. “I try to wrap an element of all four of these into everything I do,” says Foreman, “and I think that makes all the difference in the world.” If you would like more information about Jay Foreman, visit his website at jaywforeman.com. If you would like to contact him for a speaking engagement, please send an email to Corretta@TheAListInc.com.
Written by: Corretta Doctor, The A List Agency
Films 4 Life Productions, Director, Lydia Marie interviewing Samuel Blakes
Following the homegoing of Robert C. Blakes Sr. the family retired his chair in his loving memory.
Assignment Reporter: Hayley Drinkall Additional commentary by Lydia Marie Tru. Magazine, United Kingdom
A
sk Bishop Robert C. Blakes Jr. or Bishop Samuel R. Blakes what one of the best pieces of advice given to them during this lifetime is and they would probably quote their own father Robert Blakes Sr., with a statement like; “Winners never quit and quitters never win”. This is the philosophy they each have lived by since they were young and watching their father build from the ground up what is today known worldwide as, New Home Ministries. First established in 1918 in New Orleans, Louisiana NHM has come quite a long way from its modest beginnings in New Orleans east. What soon became the second location of the flourishing ministry is now known as R. C. Blakes Sr. Prayer Chapel. This powerful and life changing sanctuary became a prominent home of worship and withstood total devastation after Hurricane Katrina. The Blakes brothers rebuilt the chapel one brick at a time and it continues to go forward as a true testament to the strength and determination of divine spiritual leadership. After the death of their father, fondly referred to by everyone as “the Prophet” the brothers continued to expound on the word by sharing; love, hope and straight talk to an ever growing congregation of over hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life. By preaching with their own unique story telling fused with a
cutting edge delivery etched in a common sense approach these brothers are known to at times make a controversial statement or two. But-it works, and that’s exactly why they are loved and respected throughout the world.! So much so that a unique ‘Gathering’ attended by church officials representing most every part of the country was held in celebration of their appointment this year to Bishop.
Photo by Kevin King
Robert Blakes (aka R.C.) a Minister for 31 years is also a regular teacher on World Harvest International Television. Having appeared on CNN and other television shows and specials multiple times throughout the year he travels weekly to keep up with his demanding
Son’s Of A Legacy
THE BLAKES BROTHER’S schedule. The Blakes also host a weekly national broadcast on ‘Word’ T.V. Network.
And, as is that weren’t enough, Robert’s brother Samuel is not only a beloved ‘real preacher’, but he’s also a phenomenal singer. This year he has embarked a tour of the country which has included multiple guest appearance performances with legends such Shirley Caesar. Samuel will quickly tell you that his ‘main gig’ is, and will always be to serve as the Sr. Pastor of New Home Family Worship Center, in New Orleans, Louisiana. And though his new CD “ I Survived” is soaring up the Gospel Music charts as we write both staff at Tru, along with tens of thousands of his adoring fans with tell you unapologetically that “I Survived” is a smash, and a must have for any music lovers collection! Perhaps the most fitting quote that sums up the hard work, dedication and appeal of these two special brothers comes from their loving mother, Lois Blakes who proudly says of her two sons;;“I feel that the Lord is giving me what I had in their Father, all over again” ! Look for the pending release of a documentary that gives you a never before seen look into the lives of two brothers who have set their sight on changing the world. From all we’ve seen and heard of these two, they are well on their way.
During filming of a documentary focused on telling the historic account of the Blakes family ministry the brothers remember their father with fondness and quiet reverence.
Tru. Magazine / Tru. Media Group producers dig into the backstory of the emotional journey theBlakes brothers have been on since the passing of their father.
Photo By Brandon Jefferson
WORSHIP
PRAISE
NEW HOME
New Orleans, Louisiana
FIRST LADY
A
LOIS BLAKES
native of New Orleans,LA. Mrs. Lois Blakes works diligently at Executive Sr. Pastor of New Home Ministries alongside her sons, as they all carry out the vision God has assigned to them. In addition, she is the founder and director of the “Free Spirit Women of Victory”, a ministry designed to meet the needs of the TOTAL WOMAN: Spirit, Soul, and Body. God has called her to help women realize who they are and to promote awareness of their specific purposes and functions in the Body of Christ. She is committed to the ministry of preparing women to face their challenges, as she teaches them to live victoriously in spite of their obstacles. Mrs. Blakes also serves as CEO and General Manager of KKNO Unmistakably Christian Radio, where she presently hosts the “Woman’s Corner”. “Woman’s Corner” is a program which offers biblical answers, spiritual guidance and comfort for women from all walks of life. Mrs. Blakes continues to host and participate in many special programs which enlighten and enhance her community. She is a product of New Orleans Public Schools and holds degrees from both Southern and Xavier Universities of New Orleans, and is also a graduate of Christian Bible College of Louisiana.
HARD WORK
Photo by: Tru. Media Group
DECDICATION Photo By Baham Multimedia
Photo by Tru. Media Group
TONY TEEMS
Executive Chef - Owner CEO-A Teems-Team Enterprise LLC.
BEEF SHORT RIBS RECIPE .... TO DIE FOR
Ingredients 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 2 tbsp. stemmed and chopped fresh thyme 4 to 5 pounds English-cut beef short ribs, cut crosswise into 2-1/2-inch-long pieces 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 medium garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 1/2 medium yellow onion, small dice 2 cups Merlot wine 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons beef broth Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Instructions
1. Combine the salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and cumin in a small bowl. Evenly rub the spice mix on all sides of the ribs; set aside. 2. Heat the oil in a 6-quart stovetop pressure cooker over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add enough short ribs to cover the bottom of the cooker without crowding them. Sear, turning occasionally, until the ribs are browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a large plate and repeat with the remaining ribs. 3. Add the garlic and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the cola, soy sauce, and Worcestershire and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pressure cooker.
4. Return the ribs to the pressure cooker, turn to coat them in the sauce, and lock the lid in place. Increase the stovetop heat to high and bring the cooker to high pressure. Reduce the stovetop heat to medium and cook for 30 minutes, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a visible, steady stream of escaping steam. Meanwhile, set a strainer over a large bowl; set aside. 5. Remove the pressure cooker from the heat and allow the pressure to come down naturally for 15 minutes. 6. Carefully quick-release any pressure left in the cooker, then remove the lid (keep your face away from the escaping steam). 7. Transfer the ribs to a large plate and set aside. Pour the liquid through the strainer and return the contents of the strainer to the pressure cooker. Using a large spoon, skim off and discard the fat from the strained liquid and return the liquid to the pressure cooker (alternatively you can use a fat separator). 8. Return the pressure cooker to the stove over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Place the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, whisk to combine, and add half of the mixture to the pressure cooker. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is glossy and thickened, about 30 seconds (add more cornstarch mixture as necessary if you want a thicker sauce). Remove from the heat, add the reserved ribs, and turn to coat them in the sauce. Serve immediately These ribs are rubbed with a spice mixture is creole rub add, chopped fresh thyme and Merlot wine the allowed to marinate 24 hours-overnight. Then browned in the pressure cooker; then add 1 cup more of Merlot wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire are added to make a flavorful, balanced cooking liquid. Just 30 minutes later, once the ribs have become fork tender, the sauce is thickened to make a beefy, savory gravy. Serve the ribs and sauce over mashed potatoes with an escarole and mushroom salad on the side. What to buy: Look for the common English-cut beef short ribs, which are about 2 to 2 1/2 inches thick. Because of the thickness of short rib bones, have your butcher cut them crosswise into 2-1/2-inch-long pieces. Do not purchase Korean-style beef short ribs, which are about 1/4 inch thick with three rib bones attached. For Contact info and Media Info: www.chefslikeithot.com www.facebook.com/tony.teems chefslikeithottx@yahoo.com tonyteems@yahoo.com
New Author Breaking Ground with New Novel Series Written by Corretta Doctor The A List Agency
J
onathan “Jonny” Wimbush is a native of Long Island, New York and is an avid writer. For years, Jonny has been housing a plethora of imaginative characters, scenarios, and story lines. He has finally leaped into the world of publication and released his first book, ‘Geschenken: Resurrection’. In GESCHENKEN, the vision of Author Wimbush comes alive. The word Geschenken is a German word that translates into the American word ‘gifts’. The artwork on the front of the book represents the depth of possibility that readers will experience throughout the novel. This very image culminates the crux of the story. As an assistant schoolteacher, Author Jonny Wimbush would interact with students that tended to focus on a single superhero. One day, he thought it would be great if EVERYONE had a superpower and wondered what that would be like. His thoughts were insightful as a world of INCLUSION was formed for all children to see themselves as a superhero! What’s next......Jonny is finalizing the creative planning to begin work on the next installment of this book series. There are four books planned. Readers can anticipate the release of book two, “The Reckoning”, by Fall 2016. In book two, the dust settles from book one and the reader sees how the world of Geschenken works...all with a new storyline and new events that have to work themselves out. This promises to be a continuing work of art with vivid images and a flight of emotional josh as the story hurls the reader toward the continuing sequence to come in books three and four. Jonny has influenced children in his community to want to write books. The children, many who are pre-teen students in the school district that he works in, use writing to express themselves. Jonny finds an array of intuitiveness as he observes the lit-
Jonathan J. Wimbush, Author erary work of the students he works and interacts with. Music is a major part of Jonny’s life. At age ten he wrote music for his Family’s singing group. The music he wrote was performed at churches and schools all around Long Island. Songwriting evolved for Jonny as he matured from a young writer to a semi professional musician. He wrote songs for a music group that went on to be recorded and sold on a variety of platforms such as iTunes, CDBaby and through independent sales. Jonathan “Jonny” Wimbush is an exciting new Author with a personality that is magnetic. His caring spirit, his love for children, and the Arts of Music and Writing are a few things that will continue to propel him to greatness. Jonny is available for Writing Workshops, Book Signings, and speaking engagements worldwide. Launching JANUARY 2016, please visit and bookmark www. JonathanJWimbush.com. For Media, PR and Booking Inquiry, email Corretta@TheAListInc.com or Maurice@TheAListInc.com. Follow Jonny on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JonathanJWimbushAuthor.
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“2Real4You”, “Angry Tears” and… More! Earlina Gilford-Weaver
By Michelle Magee
I
nspiring Author/Screen & Playwright/Director/Motivational Speaker Earlina Gilford-Weaver is stepping out on faith to share her; testimony, gifts & talent, in addition to h of her exciting Ministry with the world! “I’m a survivor of a dysfunctional up-bringing of sexual, physical, verbal and mental abuse. After a long battle with cancer, strokes and lying three months in a coma, I found my true calling in helping others in running an outreach ministry helping women and youth. I tell ya, I had a lot on my plate. My mission and goal is to become an icon bringing inspiration to generations to come”. As the Founder of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministry and “2Real4U” Drama Productions, she’s working on
numerous projects all at once, such as books, stage plays and my exciting Christian Drama Series. Currently residing in Winston Salem, North Carolina and originally from Youngstown, Ohio Earlina started her ministry as a motivational speaker, back in 1997. “Broken, damaged and rejected then healed, I still kept the faith in knowing what God has chosen for me. I would stand on his promises no matter what, I have given up a lot of my life to dedicate full time on the vision the Lord has given me. Being a wife to my gospel singing husband Richard Weaver, and being the care giver of my 21 year old autistic granddaughter helps in my calling. All of this inspired my overwhelming testimony “Who Will Wipe My Tears Away”?? and “Angry Tears” the novel which was later made a stage play and movie. One of my proudest moments was
working side by side with film director David L. Walker from Walk Star Production out of Warren Ohio! The film sold out at the movie premier and left a lot of people free from holding in the abuse they endure. We all have God given gifts, talents that can be used to encourage others. It is never too late to pursue your dreams if God is in the driver’s seat. With an anointed cast of twenty that works and believe in the ministry, they are putting together a very positive Christian Sitcom. I acknowledge that creating theses productions together can be a real struggle, encountering such obstacles such as being taken advantage of and financial loss. I keep the faith knowing that God’s word would never come back void, what he started in me he will finish. The key is stand and don’t quit, It can be a difficult industry, and very rewarding, especially to the broken. At age 56 she decided to keep pushing forward through her books, stage plays and movies. Making a positive difference in someone’s life, so they too can live again, means everything, she says. Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministry deals with adult & teen suicide; homelessness, faith, hope, sexual, physical, mental abuse, loss of love ones, divorce, crime and many other important issues. Earlina reiterates “I want people to truly embrace the essence of my works as a message of healing, deliverance, breakthrough and a closer relationship with God”. Overview of The Upcoming Project “2Real4U” Christian Drama (short series)
This new Christian sitcom, displays real life people with real life issues and will follow the complicated dynamic secrets behind the veils of the day to day living in Christians & non-Christians households. This program will offer viewers a daily dosage of ideas, issues, analysis and information targeted to the troubled and the broken. “Healing, deliverance, forgiveness, unity, hope and love is the key we need today. Our team is seeking sponsors or donations to help with this blessed ministry given from the Lords table for more information about books, stage plays, movies and ministry visit the web-site www.shekinahglorydrama.com Books – “Angry Tears”, “2Real4UChristian3Story” Drama, “Trapped!” “Was it really God?” Stage Play & Movies DVD’s – “Angry Tears”, “Busted & Disgusted”, “Trapped!” *Look for this article and more on Earlina Gilford-Weaver coming up in the FALL/WINTER hardcopy issue of TRU. MAGAZINE