grace & glory july 2016

www.gracenglorymagazine.org 1

2 July 2016 | Grace&Glory www.gracenglorymagazine.org 3


™

pgs 8-13 This month Baltimore City will be hosting the 2016 Global United Fellowship‘The Gathering’ from July 12-15. Grace & Glory Magazine talks exclusively with

Bishop Neil C. Ellis the Presiding Bishop for the Global United Fellowship.

FeatureArticles

Special Feature

HealthyBody

JULY 2016

on the cover:Bishop Neil C. EllisGlobal United Fellowship

P. O. Box N-9705Nassau, Bahamas

954-703-4828, 242-392-9332info@globalunitedfellowship.orgwww.globalunitedfellowship.org

c o n t e n t s

54 MAN TALK Dr. Charles Barrett

On Privilege Freedom & Justice

32 SINGLE LIFE Tyneice Pack Are You Ready For Intimacy

18 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea Daddy’s Girls

42 NUTRITION & YOU Herline A. Knights, RD, LD Creating A Healthy Plate To Lose Weight

44 EDUCATION DIGEST Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr.

A Willing Participant


HealthyBody

c o n t e n t sIn Every IssueContributors ........................................... 6

From the Editor ...................................... 7

Scripture Page ..................................... 12

52 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS Ericka Johnson

Healthy Mind Entertainment24 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)

Perspective

Healthy Soul

36 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Donna Williams-Ross In Trust Ministries [email protected] nistries

Are You Up For The Challenge


PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EDITORIAL

GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne-Nalley www.JandCDesigns.com

WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com

PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11

Contributors Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn

Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD

Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD

Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA

Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA

Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District

Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr.Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador

Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA

Bishop Ralph L. DennisSr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD

Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive

Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences

Cassandra Vaughn/Media Executive

Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD

Pastor Timothy V. ManigaultHealing Voices Ministries

Dr. Kenneth O. RobinsonPastor, Dream Life Worship Center

Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr.Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD

Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD

Advisory Board

Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

Herline A. KnightsCarla J. DebnamDonna Williams-RossEricka JohnsonRev. Tim TootenBrandie ManigaultTiffany BetheaDr. Charles BarrettTyniece Pack

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from the editor

Editor-in-Chief

What did you pray for today? What and who is on your prayer list? What are you believing God for? No doubt you prayed for your family and loved ones today. Perhaps you may have prayed about your home, your finances and/or your health. I believe you would agree that prayer is single handedly the most powerful tool we possess. Prayer lays the foundation for sweet dreams at night, and prayer jump starts us at the dawn of a new day. Some of us even whisper a little prayer as we go about our daily activities. We know that prayer is one of the best ways to communicate with God and to spend time with God. In fact the bible tells us to, “Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17 We all know that prayer changes things. There is plenty of proof in the Word of God to validate prayer and the benefits of prayer. One of God’s promises is that He hears us when we pray. Isn’t it good to know that no matter what we are faced with, we can go boldly to the throne and make our petitions known to God and He will answer? The Word of God tells us that, “What things soever ye desire, when you pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24 Prayer is not only a tool but it is the most powerful weapon that we all possess. It can break strongholds, heal the sick, bind the brokenhearted and send the enemy fleeing away from you. There are times when it may seem that our prayers have not been answered fast enough. But we discover while we wait for an answer that answer is always right on time. “The fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 This year so much has happened around the world, this country

and the communities in which we live. Our world, our country, our cities are all in a state of emergency. There is so much devastation in the land; people have lost their homes and livelihoods from natural disasters like devastating fires, catastrophic tornadoes, hurricanes, mudslides, etc., you name it. There is the cry of mothers in the land who have lost children to senseless gun violence that is resonating in the atmosphere of our country. The subject of police shootings and brutality is a sore spot for many. There is so much heartache and pain it seems hopeless. In addition the media paints a grim picture of despair every day in our Black communities . . . Black on Black crime- murders, children hit by stray bullets, drive-by shootings, gangs and drug addiction. In our country and in the world we live in the constant threat of terrorism that has now become a permanent state of mind. There is no respect and a total disregard for human life. Marvin Gaye sings in the song ‘Inner City Blues’, “Make me wanna holler, throw up both my hands.” But I believe all is not lost. Because I believe prayer still works and prayer still changes things. There are millions of believers in this world, in our country and in our cities. God promises us in His Word, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 Are you praying right now? “Man ought always to pray.”Luke 18:1 Peace andBlessings . . .

Jackie Epps

Are You Praying?



Q&A

G&G: Bishop Ellis, welcome to Grace & Glory Magazine, I am delighted for the opportunity to talk with you. We are excited that ‘The Gathering’ of the Global United Fellowship will be in Baltimore City this July. For our readers would you explain to us what is the Global United Fellowship (GUF) and the mission of this organization?Bishop Ellis: We are an international body of spiritual leaders, fellowships and congregations united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational change as well as expanding the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, please share with us the vision behind ‘The Gathering’ that was birthed out of GUF and its purpose? What is the focus for this year’s gathering? Bishop Ellis: We as a fellowship have been mandated to Unite, Equip, Enhance, Resurrect and Build. The Gathering serves as an opportunity for the body to come together annually for the purpose of Fellowship, Corporate instructions, giving Focused direction, recharging and refueling for the next 12 months and of course for the edification of the Saints and the glorification of our God.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, what is your desire for those who

will attend ‘The Gathering’, and what do you hope people will walk away with after experiencing this year’s conference?Bishop Ellis: In these early days of the 21st century, something wonderful is happening in the Body of Christ; God is bringing His people together from across denominational barriers and from around the world for the specific purpose of Strengthening the Body and Advancing His Kingdom. What propels me night and day is the revelation that GUF is a Trans-generational move of God and not just another "movement". I have been very prayerful about this year's Gathering and I'm hopeful that this year's attendees will have a personal Encounter with God and leave with a strong desire to do all that they can to strengthen the Body and advance the Kingdom.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, what does it mean to you personally to be the Presiding Bishop of GUF? When did you realize that God had called you to an assignment of this magnitude?Bishop Ellis: The call to the Bishopric is a high one. It’s a call to service. Indeed, it's a call to administrative responsibilities. Raising a Global Organization from the ground up calls for lots of sacrifices and a whole lot of WORK. As I stated earlier, something wonderful is



Q&Ahappening in the Body of Christ; God is bringing His people together from across denominational barriers and from around the world for the specific purpose of Strengthening the Body and Advancing His Kingdom. I am humbled by the fact that, through the work of this Global United Fellowship, God has allowed me to be a small contributor to this exciting endeavor. I've known for sometime now that God had called me to this level of service eventhough I thought it would have been in another already established organization. In retrospect, I realize that He used it as my training ground.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, how do you manage the tremendous responsibilities you carry as Presiding Bishop of GUF along with being the Senior Pastor of Mount Tabor Church (Nassau, N.P., Bahamas)? Bishop Ellis: First of all, I give God thanks for trusting me with both GUF and Mount Tabor. I not only love both organizations but I also find fulfillment in providing leadership to both groups. But the real secret is in surrounding myself with Committed and gifted people; and fortunately I am blessed to have some in both.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, as the Presiding Bishop, what are your plans to continue to build upon the foundation and accomplishments of this organization as you continue to lead the GUF? What is in the future for the GUF? Bishop Ellis: What an exciting 12 months we've had since the 2015 annual Global United Fellowship Gathering in Jacksonville, Florida. The growth of our Fellowship has been incredible! More than 150 additional churches joined our family in the last 12 months, and to date GUF has a presence in 27 countries and on 4 continents. Over the next 12 months, we have to focus in on strengthening the Global Infrastructure

so that we can better serve our more than 700 member churches. The focus on the family remains a priority on my agenda; but the major emphasis must now be placed on giving the Church a Face Lift.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, I’m sure down through the years you’ve experienced many changes in ministry as a whole. What would you say is the most significant change that has impacted you and your ministry?Bishop Ellis: The inclusion of Women in ministry on ALL levels.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, with all that is going on in today’s society and the world at large, what do you think should be the focus of the body of Christ? What

should the church be saying and doing? Bishop Ellis: Getting back to the basics. Our level of influence around the world has dropped. We no longer operate with the level of Power that the church once operated with. Resurrecting the dying discipline of prayer is urgent. We've got to go back to doing Our Father's Business without allowing the Culture to define us, direct us or determine for us how we carry out our assignment.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, I like to end with my favorite question, in retrospect looking back over your 29+ years in ministry what would you say you know for sure?Bishop Ellis: While I've been in the Pastorate for 29 years, I’ve been in the ministry now for 35years. The one thing I know for sure is: Without God, I'm Nothing.

G&G: Bishop Ellis, thank you so much for sharing with us, we pray for your continued strength and God’s richest blessings upon you as you continue to carry out the work of the Lord.


Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Lady Patrice Ellis, children Johnathan & Renechea


Mandate: “We are a Fellowship Mandated to Unite, Equip, Enhance, Resurrect & Build.”1. To Unite The Body of Christ is too Dis-jointed. There are literally hundreds of church fragments consisting of Protestants, Pentecostals, Charismatics, Independents, and Non- Denominationals but somehow; although in so many cases we are saying and doing the same things to enhance God’s Kingdom on earth, we have for the most part either been unwilling or unable to come together for the advancement of the believers and the building of the Kingdom of God. Our desire is to, wherever possible, unite this segment of the Body. We believe that this Is An Appointed Time On God’s Agenda to bring Unity to the Body. While we accept that the task is too great for any one person or group to fulfill, we are convinced that the Global United Fellowship is mandated to do its part to cause unity to come to this group of believers from around the world.2. To Equip Over the years, it has become very clear, that there are many well intentioned people who are called and chosen to do ministry, but are not as equipped as they need to be to do what they are called to do. There are many people who are literally serving at ALL levels of ministry in our Churches….Denominations……..Conventions…..Fellowships, holding positions for which they have no training. Global United Fellowship accepts the view that it has been raised up to walk along side of these believers and help them to better equip themselves for the assignment to which they have been called. Indeed, we believe that one of our assignments is to aid in equipping this segment for the work of ministry and the perfecting of the Body of Christ. WE WANT TO HELP! While some churches and groups are making an effort and are doing all that they can do, there is an important and oftentimes understated need for a Greater Collective effort for the Body of Christ to Inspire, Equip and Prepare its members. We believe that we have found an approach that would assist our people in significant ways; by working in conjunction with Universities, Seminaries and Media Networks among others. Consequently, active dialogue continues with Universities and Seminaries to assist with training in at least thirty-six (36) different areas of ministry.3. To Enhance Marriages and Family Many of our Christian marriages and families are in trouble. Separations and Divorces are taking place among the members of The Body at an alarming rate; and members of the clergy are not being spared. We believe that there has to be an intentional focus placed on this area. G.U.F. is committed to doing all that it can to give focused attention to marriages, particularly those of Senior Pastors by endeavoring to provide help and support on a sustained basis. We

honestly believe that God has given us Strategies that would assist greatly in enhancing and protecting marriages among the Clergy and in the Body of Christ at large.4. To Resurrect the Dying Discipline of Prayer The Lord has truly burdened some of us with the issue of this Dying discipline of Prayer in the Body. If we are going to shake our nations and bring them back into order and a return to God’s Agenda; then The 21st Century Church must return to the discipline, duty and practice of prayer as a fervent focus. THERE IS NO FORCE UNDER HEAVEN THAT IS MORE POWERFUL THAN THE PRAYERS OF THE CORPORATE CHURCH. While prayer has always been Powerful; it has declined in its Popularity and now, for the most part, it stands as a dying discipline in the body. We believe that through our Annual Global Gathering, this dying discipline can be resurrected. The New Testament Church was born in prayer; empowered by prayer and sustained through prayer. The Body of Christ can no longer continue to deny the reality of the supernatural power of God and the need to operate in it.5. To Build Genuine Fellowship The Global United Fellowship seeks to be an “organism” where the Body of Christ may experience Real, Authentic and Lasting Relationships among the brethren. We will endeavor to be our brothers’ keeper and to do our part to forge genuine fellowship, offer assistance and support whenever possible. We will let No Name, Denominational Tie, Doctrinal Belief, Socio-Economical or Cultural Composition prevent us from experiencing the authentic fellowship of the saints. We firmly believe that there is more that unites us than that which divides us.

◆ ◆ ◆

MISSION GUF is a Christian Fellowship that embraces Churches, Ministries, Fellowships, and Pastors who acknowledge, accept and submit to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. GUF will not allow any Name, Denomination, Doctrine, Tradition, Socio-economic or Cultural composition, to separate or prevent us from experiencing the authentic fellowship of the Saints of the Living God. Our mission is to foster biblical Unity among Christian Believers as one Body in Christ. GUF will focus on empowering and the perfecting of the saints through Biblical Training, Mentoring, Discipling, Personal and Ministry Development. Furthermore, we will focus on the Cultivation of Spiritual gifts rather than on Doctrines and Theological Positions. GUF firmly believes that there is more that “Unites Us” than that which “divides us”.

◆ ◆ ◆



COMMITMENTGUF as a Christian Fellowship and organism commits to:• Embracing both the Eternal Transforming Power of Calvary and

the Supernatural Power of Pentecost.• Demonstrating the principles of Holiness, Miracles and Revelation

as exemplified specifically in the book of Acts and throughout the Scripture.

• The inclusion of All baptized Christian believers who subscribe to the Gifts and Graces as well as submit to the Power and the Leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of their private and public lives.

• Equipping and Empowering the Saints to do the Work of Ministry so as to experience Personal Victorious Living.

• Strengthening the Body of Christ, forging Christian relationships, promoting Unity, exemplifying Integrity while building the Kingdom of God.

• Providing Opportunities for ministry as well as preparing and releasing the gifted among the body in order to be a greater blessing and support to the entire body of Christ.

• Embracing the Word of God as our guide for character, integrity and accountability.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE We are an international body of spiritual leaders, fellowships and congregations united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational change as well as expanding the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world. GUF is dedicated to becoming a voice, speaking forth the mind and counsel of God. Our purpose is to promote the Agenda of God in the earth, while advancing Kingdom culture. Using our collective influence, wisdom and resources we will work to ensure that continuous generations of prophetic voices, change agents and policy makers rise up in the Kingdom of God to reclaim the seven mountains that shape culture and influence human behavior. The “seven mountains” we will collectively organize to influence, change, and take over the Kingdom and glory of God are as follows: Mountain of Business, Mountain of Government, Mountain of Media, Mountain of Arts & Entertainment, Mountain of Education, Mountain of Family, and Mountain of Religion.



scripture page

12 July 2016 | Grace&Glory

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor thearrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Psalm 91(NIV)

9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”


In every generation, in every nation, God raises up ordinary men to achieve extraordinary exploits. Men from humble beginnings that understand the value of hard work and never hesitate to express gratitude along the way; Neil Clarence Ellis is one such man. Born to parents with strong Christian values on the tiny island of Bimini, The Bahamas, Bishop Ellis is the seventh child of Mr. Clarence and the late Mrs. Elva Ellis. At the tender age of 11 years, his oratorical skills catapulted him into the national spotlight and won him a scholarship from former Prime Minister of The Bahamas the late Sir Lynden O. Pindling to attend one of the premier high schools in the capital city of Nassau. Upon graduation, he matriculated to the College of The Bahamas and served as President of the College of the Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS) and was the first inductee in the school’s Hall of Fame. Bishop Ellis is known for his astute business and leadership skills and has been in leadership from age 19. This former businessman/general manager heard and

accepted a higher calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ at a very early age. In February 1987 he and his wife organized Mount Tabor Union Baptist Church with 11 charter members. This marked the beginning of Bishop Ellis outstanding pastoral influence both

locally and internationally. Bishop Ellis has emerged as the pastor

of thousands at Mount Tabor Church and thousands more via his Internet Church, Mount Tabor Anytime. Each week his soul-stirring, life-changing, motivational, inspirational and

revelatory messages are viewed on

television, heard on radio stations and streamed on the internet.As a pastor

to pastors, He mentors a large number of pastors around The Bahamas and the United States and serves as a counselor and advisor to hundreds of pastors around the world. Bishop Ellis is passionate about the Word of God and its ability to transform lives and has travelled throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, North, South and Central America, Europe, Africa, Israel, Greece and Rome preaching the gospel. He has been recognized by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth of England for rendering distinguished services in Commonwealth nations. He has also shared his wisdom on spiritual matters in the 12 practical books he has authored that challenge, motivate and inspire readers. For twenty years he served faithfully in various offices in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International ranging from State Overseer to 2nd Presiding Bishop, an office that he held until his resignation in August, 2013. In November, 2013 Bishop Ellis humbly answered the call to his global assignment making his influence visible globally with the launch of The Global United Fellowship, an international body of spiritual leaders, fellowships and congregations united to strategically plan, implement and execute transformative and generational change, as well as expand the Kingdom of God to all the nations of the world. It is for this reason he says, “I was born.” He is the recipient of two honorary Doctorate of Divinity degrees from St. Thomas Christian College, Virginia Theological Seminary and College as well as an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Sojourner Douglas College. He earned his PhD in Covenant Leadership from New Covenant University. He is also the recipient of the 2010 Trumpet Award for Spiritual Enlightenment and is the youngest living inductee in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame located in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2010 his song, “Don’t Do It Without Me” was nominated for a prestigious Dove Award in the gospel music industry. Bishop Ellis is married to the former Patrice Michelle Johnson and they along with their two children, Johnathan and Ranechea, reside in Nassau, Bahamas.

bio



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woman’s perspective

Tiffany BetheaShe-EO Life Mentor

www.Tiffanybethea.com

Daddy'sGirls

I am a daddy’s girl! I am an adult daddy’s girl; always have been, always will be. Just like the image of the little girl who runs to the door at the sound of her father returning home after work, I still greet my father in the same manner now. It is said that the first relationships we have, being those with our immediate family, helps us navigate relation-ships for the rest of our lives. Particularly as girls, our relationships or lack thereof, with daddy at home really sets the stage for our relation-ships going forward. My heart often breaks though for all of the lovely women who have grown up without strong daddy relationships and don’t necessarily relate to being a “daddy’s girl”. But I’m here to encourage you that you can still belong to the club. For all of the ladies who have grown up and not necessarily received what was needed from an earthly father, there is a heavenly father who loves you and is prepared to give you everything your earthly father was unable to. There are so many things that girls get from daddy that are necessary to take into adulthood as a whole, self-assured woman. We learn healthy male love from daddy. His attention lets us know what it is to be valued for who we are and not our bodies, our looks or just superficiality. We learn what protection looks like. In dad’s loving arms we feel safe and develop a healthy level of trust. We strengthen our esteem through dad’s affirmation. Something about daddy telling us that we are beautiful and special makes us feel just so and teaches us how to be revered and respected by men. Whether we realize it or not, we are being shaped for our future relationships with men and making unconscious decisions about how we deserve to be treated. So what happens when daddy isn’t there? Where do we learn these things without him? And when the little girl grows into a woman, how is she able to be whole? I have good news for you. You have a daddy, a heavenly daddy that is all sufficient! Isn’t that encouraging? It’s exciting to know that you too can be a daddy’s girl. All of the love, protection, security, wisdom, and guidance that your earthly daddy may not have provided can still be yours. I have found in my life that where I have had voids and empty places, the “I Am” God that we serve steps in to be whatever I need Him to be at that time. And guess what? Even with a remarkable daddy, I still struggled

with self-esteem as a young person; it was a bloodline struggle. I had to find out for myself that I was truly fearfully and wonderfully made and that in my emptiest, loneliest moments, God showed me just how much He loved me and cared for me. There have been many times in worship where I have felt the daddy love just engulf me wherever I am. That same love is available to you my sister. We are all DADDY’S GIRLS! We have the best daddy in our heav-enly Father. He protects us like no other. His word tells us that weapons may form but they certainly won’t prosper. All we have to do is trust in Him and keep our minds stayed on Him. He provides for us. Have you gotten to know Him as Jehovah-Jireh? I certainly have! And as an entrepreneur I am fully confident in Him in this area. I have never gone without and He consistently provides. He loves us. This goes without saying. “He commended His love towards us in that while we were yet in our sins, Christ died for us.” What kind of love is that? It is the most amazing, sacrificial love. It also lets us know how very special we are to our daddy. I encourage you in your most vulnerable of moments to steal away to your quiet place and climb into your heavenly daddy’s lap. He has told us in His word that we can come boldly to His throne to obtain His grace and mercy. It is available to us. If you’ve never been able to say it, I encour-age you to begin to confess that you too are a daddy’s girl. Remind yourself that you have a heavenly daddy that is touched with your human affections and who is able to cover you and be all that you need and more. Allow Him to hug the girl inside that misses and longs for her daddy and He will begin to minister to her and pour into her everything she needs to be whole. For those to whom this applies, welcome to the DADDY’S GIRL club!



Carla J. Debnam, MS, LCPCFounder,

Renaissance ChristianCounseling Center

to your good health

"Tragedies are common place, all kinds of diseases, people are slipping away. The economy's down, people can't get enough pay, as for me All I can say is, thank you Lord for all you've done for me." This is the opening line to one of my favorite gospel songs. It is a song of survival and praise. It continues to chronicle the plight of humanity: poverty, loneliness, hunger and other trials of life. The hope in this song is that God has done great things even in the midst of loss and pain. How can we keep hopeful when there are so many reminders of the brokenness in our world? What can Christians do to make a difference in the negative environments in our communities?

With the one year anniversary of the death of Freddie Gray and the killing of the Charleston nine behind us and the recent mass shooting in Orlando along with the multiple reports of violence in cities across the land, we must begin to step up our impact and efforts to transform lives one person at a time.

In order to begin the process of changing lives we must first change our mindsets. We must be open to following the leading of the Holy Spirit as it relates to how we can make a difference. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) Changing our perspective in our relationships with one another can help us to make better choices in dealing with the challenges we face on a daily basis. Ignoring the cries of those hurting around us has created an environment of unbearable pain and suffering. We have the power through our love to show them what God's plan is for their lives. Modeling God's love can help the lost and lonely feel accepted one person at a time. Not only can we share God's love but we can go a step further and be our brother and sister's keeper. We have to show our love by our actions. Some people's situations can be changed if we give them the assistance they need. Each person has their cross to carry and we must help them by loving them as we love ourselves. James 2:15-16, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” It is time to act on our words. Words alone cannot make up for the struggles people have to face but showing love by following through on the words of Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned is surely a start.

Looking at others the way God looks at them can help change how we value them. They are special in His eyes and should be in ours. The actions of others should not deter us from honoring persons for their potential and not for the circumstances they find themselves in. “But you are not

like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession." 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)

We must start to be the eyes and ears of the lost and seek justice. We must not let our biases keep us from being God in the flesh. We must change our

hearts from a heart of stone to a heart that cares. Our perspective has to change not just for our sakes but for the world we have been called to transform.



In just a few days, the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors and their churches will gather for three days of fellowship, studying, sharing, and “Boot Camp”. Our organization believes that “iron sharpens iron”. Therefore, we put forth effort and energy into helping each pastor and congregation become stronger in its work, confident in its mission, and equipped for its service. Our churches are identified by their commitment to being cutting edge and being like the men of Issachar, those, “Who understood the times and knew what Israel needed.” We are called to serve this present age, and our task is to equip our people to do just that. Those familiar with the military have heard the term Boot Camp. This initial instruction is intentionally designed to push recruits to their physical and mental limits. Pastors and churches across the country consistently find themselves involved with Basic Training, as ministry trends and attitudes call for the development of relevant and practical skills that are necessary to facilitate 21st century ministry. Our churches must be “Battle Ready”. The Apostle Paul urged believers to embrace “Strict Training” as they sought to run the Christian race. The Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors understands this aspect of the journey and invites pastors, associate ministers, ministry leaders, congregations, officers, church staffs, choirs, musicians, and the community to Boot Camp – Becoming Battle Ready. As Paul shared, all runners in a race run, but we must run in a way that gets the prize and realizes The Lord’s vision for the church and His people. This powerful conference will offer individual and corporate opportunities for introspective and community growth and development. Conference sessions include Reconnecting Spiritually from Empty, Establishing Effective Spiritual Habits, Practicing the Presence of God, Financing Vision, Spirituality and Changing Sexual Mores, Music and Ministry, and The Church and Social Witness. Preachers and teachers include myself, Bishop Claude R. Alexander, Rev. Marquis D. Johns, Pastor Guy Robinson, Dr. Robert Young, Dr. Lisa Weah, Dr. Reginald Thomas, Dr. Ronald Williams and author Alicia Britt Chole. National Recording Artist Bishop William Murphy will also teach and minister musically throughout the conference. Join the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors at Boot Camp – Becoming Battle Ready - July 19th - 21st at the New Psalmist Baptist Church. There are many issues facing the church, and many people

are in need of the powerful witness of the church. This is the time when we come together to hear the call and gain insight into how it can be accomplished. I believe that the conference offers us an opportunity to become far more than we could ever be by ourselves. I believe this is a good reason to seek membership in our fellowship. Leadership skills are encouraged and endorsed, and the training available for church congregations is essential. This year’s conference opens with a Golf Tournament at Turf Valley that supports the scholarship fund. Then on Tuesday night, we will have our kick-off session with the Presiding Bishop preaching. The conference will meet at New Psalmist Baptist Church, and Wednesday and Thursday we will focus on issues that are pertinent to church life and experience. We are calling it Boot Camp because we want to ensure the basics of ministering in this age and environment are covered. We will address the spiritual life of the church, impactful worship, financing ministry, security, and our witness in the world. Our aim is to start a conversation that will continue long after the conference, when each church assembles and looks at how it can better carry out the mission and mandate of Christ. We want a distinctive flavor to be present in all of our KACP churches and pastors. You can register to be a part of this experience at www.kingdomassociation.org. Make sure to tell your friends and ministry partners to join us for this powerful event! I look forward to seeing you and having you in the mix as we seek to grow in the mission and calling of Christ.

♦ ♦ ♦

The Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors (KACP) is a Fellowship of pastors who are committed to the call the Lord has placed upon their lives. We are committed to the call to preach, to lead, to care, to build, and to better the body of Christ. It is our desire to lead the people of faith through the most excellent, most impacting, and most effective pastoral ministry possible. KACP is a fellowship that endeavors to encourage, assist, edify, and celebrate one another in kingdom work. To this end, we have all entered into a special covenant for the cause of becoming and being the pastors that God has called us to be. We are pastors in covenant for the purpose of kingdom building, kingdom work, and our own kingdom witness; thus, the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors.

KACP



Tyniece Pack

single life

A lot of people say they are ready for intimacy but they don’t fully un-derstand what it means. When you hear people talk about intimacy most people usually think it is associated with sexual intimacy. Dictionary.com defines intimacy as, “a close, familiar, and usually affection or loving relationship with a person”. Being intimate involves the mixing of our life with someone else’s life. It is a mingling of souls and a sharing of hearts. Intimacy is something we all long for because it's how God made us. Here is a little phrase that will help to remind us of intimacy's true meaning. It means “in-to-me-see”, it's a blending of our heart with another's, so we can “see into” who they really are, and they can “see into” us. People say they are ready to be in a serious relationship or married but they don’t have an intimate relationship with God. How can you have a causal rela-tionship with the creator but expect to have an intimate relationship with the creation? Gaining an intimate relationship with God assists us in shar-ing intimacy with others. It is impossible to be intimate with someone that you don’t spend time with. Intimacy develops as a result of close contact with someone over a period of time. Trust is built, confidence grows, and hearts change and we become closer to one another. Here are a few of the keys that will help you become intimate with God:

Desire God - “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” Psalm 42:1-2 (NLTSE)

Pursue God – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

Know God – “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” Ephesians 1:17 (ESV)

Love God – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NLT)

Trust God – “It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people.” Psalm 118:8 (NLT)

Enjoy God - “You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.” 1 Peter 1:8 (NLTSE)

Many of the keys that we need to have an intimate relationship with God are the same keys needed to have an intimate relationship with someone else. The word of God tells us in Matthew 6:33, that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added to you. Once we seek God and have an intimate relationship with him other areas of our life will start to fall into place. If you are out of sync with God, how can you expect to live an abundant life? In John 10:10, God tells us that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but He came that we might enjoy life and live in abundance. If we desire to be married and live the abundant life that God has for us we have to work toward an intimate relationship with Him first. Ask yourself are you will-ing to be in a relationship with someone who does not desire you, pursue you, know you, love you , trust you or enjoy spending time with you? The answer should be no. Once you have established intimacy with the Cre-ator you now have practice on how to have an intimate relationship with the creation. One of the blessings of intimacy with God is you already know He loves you, He won’t break your heart, and He won’t play any games. Intimacy with God isn't gender specific it is universal because we all need it. When we learn to love and trust a God that we can not see it really helps us to love people that we do see. I encourage you to spend time in God’s word to get to know who He is. As we start to under-stand who God is it will also help us to under-stand why God created us. The word of God will help us to trust the still small voice that we hear within us. Do you desire intimacy with a person more than you want intimacy with God? “A man who is intimate with God is not intimi-dated by man.”-Leonard Ravenhill

Are You Ready for Intimacy?



Are You Ready for Intimacy?


word of encouragement

DonnaWilliams-Ross

In Trust [email protected]

What do you do when life hits you far out of left field? You were minding your business, life seemed to be going well and then out of left field, the phone rings and your life is forever changed. If it is 2:00 a.m. you are awaken out of your sleep with the ringing of the phone at that time of the morning and you get the frightened feeling that something is terribly wrong with your youngest child off in college, your parents in the assisted home facility, or worst yet your spouse in Korea. It takes thirty seconds for you to realize that it is your phone ringing and you have to answer it but in those thirty seconds your thoughts are all over the place. You answer the phone and this strange female voice says to you, “Are you the wife of Lieutenant William Cooley?” You are reluctant to say “yes” because you fear that you cannot handle the words that this stranger on the other end of the phone may say to you. It seems like eternity before you respond and say, “Yes, I am Misty Cooley, the wife of Lt. Cooley.” “I need to speak with you”, she says, and now you are totally upset because it is 2:00 a.m. in the morning and unless your spouse is dead or dying, you don’t understand why this woman would call at this unearthly time in the morning. Your husband has been faithful for the fifteen years that you have been married, so you know that this is not a woman that your husband is having an affair with. You are trying to think if he has even looked at another woman for the three years that you dated, before he even proposed. But what if it is? You suddenly are jerked back in reality and you ask the woman, is my husband sick or dying? Her response is “no” – and then you are really ready to get nasty in your next response to this woman. “No, he is not dead, but his love for you is.” You begin to laugh at her because William had spoken to you about six hours ago telling you how much he loves you. She laughs back and hangs up the phone. Now you can’t sleep because you are wonder-ing how this woman got your phone number. You begin to mentally search for clues as to anything that would make you believe that William’s love for you is dead.

Morning comes slowly, too slowly for you and you call this strange woman back only to be greeted by a barrage of evidence that William is indeed con-nected to this woman. You want to know everything, you want to meet this woman, and you want to see if she is beautiful – more beautiful than he told you that you were – about twelve hours ago. That is just one of the challenges some women face on a daily basis – a spouse who seemed to be very faithful and then suddenly you get a call in the night say-ing and proving that your spouse was not as faithful as you assumed. You speak to your husband the follow-ing day and he denies that he even knows this woman. He declares that it has to be a hoax – that one of his buddies wanted to get back at him for loosing at poker. You want to believe him, but somewhere in the back of your mind you remem-ber that his father was unfaithful to his mother and that begins another barrage of mental questions that you go through? Why did you not see it coming? Why did you not believe that he was just like his father? No, no, he can’t be doing this to you, but the evidence is there and this woman Sheryl continues to call, telling you that William’s love for you is dead. You demand that William gets leave and come home to sort this out. You can-not deal with this challenge again; you watched your mother deal with an un-faithful spouse. You listened as William recited to you why it took him so long to propose to you – he wanted to be sure that unfaithful or divorce would never

be an option for their marriage. He said he would never be unfaithful. You said that you would never be unfaithful either. You also said that it would never happen to you – but it seems like it did – from all the evidence gathered. You run to find a safe haven and the only safe haven can be found in your faith in God. You ask God for an answer – but even God seems silent to you and your feelings. William cannot get leave for some-thing as trivial as a wife “suspecting or believing her spouse is cheating.” There is a war to be won and a wife’s feelings or suspicion does not measure up to the lives that are on the line in this war. So you will have to either trust that William is telling the truth or trust that God will give you the faith to wait until he can come home to sort out this challenge. Are you up for the challenge? Are you up for any challenges that you may today? A child with drug problems, a persistent old flame, Alzheimer of a parent, a terminal illness, or worst yet the death of the only child that God has blessed you with. You are because you are built of God. I encourage you today to trust in the Only Solid Rock – Jesus. I encourage you today to stand and having done all to stand continue to stand. I encourage you today to listen for no other voice but that of the Savior. Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, prepare me to be up for any challenge you bring me to, because at the end of the challenge, You and You Only will get all the glory, amen.



About Jeff I was born in Leaksville, North Carolina. I decided to write these books to enlighten, motivate and educate the masses. When I was 9 years old, I knew I was poor. I knew because when I went to school, the other kids would laugh at me for bringing lunch in a brown paper bag. I mean if 98% of the kids were paying for their lunch then that meant I stood out like a sore thumb. At that moment I knew I didn’t want to be poor.

I went home and built a little store with some of my grandfather’s old wood boards. The kids in the neighborhood laughed and when I wasn’t looking they tore my store down. The bottom line is I hate poverty and a poverty

mentality. Alcoholism had enprisoned my mind for many years. I hope the readers of my books will feel my heart and rise up from the ashes. I am a graduate of GW of Danville, VA and served seven years in the US ARMY. Currently, I am a Master Barber and a self-employed Stock Broker. I have been married 27 years to Cynthia Hairston of Harrisburg,

Mississippi. I love working with teenagers and encouraging other people to be all they can be.

I served 7 years in the US Army as a Sergeant and traveled to Germany twice. I played semi-pro football overseas and won two gold medals in boxing.

I decided to do something about my situation and you can too. Don’t go out on the bottom . . . I will see you at the top. JESUS is the best thing that

ever happened to me!!

Read an excerpt and Order online at:www.wealthyjeff.com or call 443-528-4955

Email Jeff at [email protected]


I am Andrea Freeman,the founder of Changing Lives And SincerelySupporting You, Inc. I am extremely passionate about the well-being of people. I am very interested in using my years of experience in business, training and mentoring to help others enhance the quality of their lives by EDUCATING, EQUIPPING and EMPOWERING them with life-changing strategies that will help them live through

positive affective experiences that lead to self-growth, happiness and life satisfaction. I am available for:

Member of theNAPW


nutrition & you

Creating a Healthy Plate to Lose Weight

Eating a balanced diet is the key to long lasting health. A balanced diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy, and healthy fats

should be the primary focus when trying to lose weight. Portion control, balance, and small consistent changes will lead to successful weight loss. Below you will find the My Plate Guidelines, including what foods

are in each food group, how much food is recommended, and an example of what a day looks like when using the plate method. To get a more detailed and personalized plan, please contact your local Registered Dietitian.

Herline A. Knights,RDN, LD

Fruits/Vegetables Grains Protein Dairy OilsAny fresh, canned, frozen, or dried fruit, including 100% fruit juice.Any fresh, frozen, canned or dried vegetable, including 100% vegetable juice

Foods made from wheat, cornmeal, barley, oats, rice, and other grains.Examples include bread, cereal, pasta, and crackers

Meat, Poultry, Beans and peas, Eggs, Soy and soy products, Nuts/seeds, Seafood

All foods that are made with milk: YogurtMilk

Canola and olive oilMayonnaiseLight salad dressings

My Plate GuidelinesThis will depend on age, sex, and level of physical activity

Fruits: Daily Goal: 1-2 servings, Serving Size: 1 cup fresh or ½ cup dried. Examples: 1 small banana, 8 oz. 100% fruit juice, 1 cup berriesVegetables: Daily Goal: 2-3 servings, Serving Size: 1 cup raw/cooked, 2 cups of leafy greens Examples: 1 cup carrots, 2 cups spinachGrains: Daily Goal: 6-8 servings, Serving Size: Varies but usually ½ cup (cooked) is considered a serving or 1 slice Examples: 1 slice bread, ½ cup rice/pasta, ½ cup oatmealProtein: Daily Goal: 5-6 servings Serving Size: 1 oz. cooked meat, 1 egg, ¼ cup beans, peas, and tofu, ½ oz. nuts, or 1 Tbsp. peanutbutter Examples: 1 oz. meat, fish or poultry, 1 egg, 1 Tbsp. peanut butterDairy: Daily Goal: 3 servings, Serving Size: Roughly 1 cup or 1-2 oz. Examples: 1 cup milk, 1 cup yogurt, 1.5 oz. hard cheeseOils: Daily Goal: 1-2 servings, Serving Size: Roughly 1 Tbsp. Examples: 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp. dressing, 1 Tbsp. oil

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables

• Make half your grains whole grains

• Vary your protein

• Move to low-fat and fat-free dairy

• Choose healthy fats/oils

My Plate Guidelines


Fruits/Vegetables Grains Protein Dairy OilsAny fresh, canned, frozen, or dried fruit, including 100% fruit juice.Any fresh, frozen, canned or dried vegetable, including 100% vegetable juice

Foods made from wheat, cornmeal, barley, oats, rice, and other grains.Examples include bread, cereal, pasta, and crackers

Meat, Poultry, Beans and peas, Eggs, Soy and soy products, Nuts/seeds, Seafood

All foods that are made with milk: YogurtMilk

Canola and olive oilMayonnaiseLight salad dressings


education digest

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

It was just weeks away from my high school graduation. I remember sitting at my desk in the very last row to the right hand side of the building in my humanities class. Most of the students in our class had the same mindset. Our minds were focused on graduation and the plans we’d made once we crossed the stage to pick up our diplomas. I don’t remember the lesson for the day, but I’ll never forget the rich baritone voice I heard coming from across the room from the opened door. It was a familiar voice, one I’d listened to for years over our hometown radio station WNER. As I matched the voice with the face of the man standing in the doorway, I knew without a doubt, it was Mr. Bill Savitz. I’d lost count of the times I’d listened to his daily newscast as a boy and how I admired his rich delivery.

Most of the students in my class were well aware of my desire and dream to become a radio announcer. In fact, every now and then, I would practice my budding broadcasting skills at the most inappropriate times. My teacher would listen in and politely get my attention to remind me that I’d gotten off track. I remember Mr. Savitz asking Mrs. Johnson, our humanities instructor, if there were four students who’d be interested in recording a public service announcement to encourage 18year olds in our county to register and vote. He only needed four students, an equal amount of boys and girls. Mr. Savitz had barely finished speaking when three of my classmates, two females and one male, raised their hands. As you might imagine, I took a quick count and realized I could become the fourth person to take part. Even though I had not reached the legal voting age, my 18th birthday was only a few months away, I raised my hand.

On that day, in the back of class, I became a willing participant. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that act of bravery would help to launch a 41-year radio and television career. A few days would pass before I would connect with my three classmates at the radio studio. We each recorded the same script. “If you are 18 years old or older, the NAACP would like you to register and vote in June.” I read aloud and clear using my best broadcast imitation voice. The other students wasted no time leaving the building. However, I was in no rush to leave the place where the local news programs originated. Mr. Savitz was kind enough to make time for me that afternoon. He showed me around the studio and explained how each piece of equipment worked. All I could think of the entire visit was what it would be like to step behind a real microphone and speak to the listening radio audience.

A few days later, the public service announcement was broadcast over the airwaves. I’ll never forget that moment, the day I became a willing participant. I believe there are once in a lifetime opportunities waiting for you as well. They are opportunities that go beyond just being in the right place at the right time. As you connect this summer with the youth in your home, church, school or community, try and convince them to become willing participants.

Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an Emmy-Award winning television reporter with WBAL-TV (NBC) in Baltimore, Maryland. He’s also the pastor and founder of Harvest Christian Ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland



Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.


Bishop Hezekiah WalkerWill be releasing his highly anticipated 15th project to date on his new label eOne, titled Azusa: The Next Generation 2- Better. This project was produced by his longtime friend and original "brat pack" brother Donald Lawrence. The first single "Better" is currently #1 on Gospel Billboard Charts. The full project will be officially released on July 22. On July 23, Bishop Walker will be celebrating 30 years in Gospel Music and will be doing so by reuniting his first work, Love Fellowship Crusade Choir for a live recording celebration at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn. This is one of those events you wanna be in the house for especially if you love that good ole choir music we have loved since his first album. Grab you a ticket and head to NY to be in the house for this milestone experience. In addition, good news DMV, the Bishop will be bringing his Holy Convocation to Baltimore, August 17-20 at the Hilton Inner Harbor Hotel.

Shirley CaesarAt the age of 77, Pastor Shirley Caesar is looking better than ever and showing no signs of slowing down. With a new project and an amazing refreshing new look to go with it, her single "It's Alright, It's OK" featuring R&B/Soul artist Anthony Hamilton is doing great on gospel charts, and the entire album "Fill This House" has hit the #1 spot! Congrats Aunt Shirley!

Gospel IndustryNews


By Ericka J.

Jan CrouchCo-Founder of TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network) died last month at the age of 78. She founded it with her husband Paul Crouch who preceded her in death. TBN has been in existence for more than 40 years. Mrs. Crouch experienced a massive stroke and passed away on May 31. Let’s keep the family of Jan Crouch in prayer.

Deon KippingSeems to me like everything Deon Kipping touches turn to gold, whether he’s written something for someone else, or a song he's penned for himself. His music is timeless, and his voice and delivery makes his ministry authentic and very impactful. He released his third project titled, "Something to Talk About" on RCA Inspiration on June 17. This project gives a taste of pop, contemporary, and good ole gospel. I had an opportunity to hear his single "By Myself " and before I knew it I was in tears. The lyrics "By myself, it won’t work, Lord I need, need your help!" It modulates you to a place of worship with every musical height. Make sure you do yourself a favor, and check out his music video for "By Myself " on VEVO or YouTube, as well as grab the project! Buy it, download it! You will thank me later, it will bless you. I'm so excited about his next!

Tamela MannCongrats to Tamela Mann on landing a distribution with Red Distribution for her label TillyMann Music!

MotownThere’s a new compilation released out of the Motown Camp, titled 1Mic, 1 Take, it’s a 10 song project featuring five of the artists on the label. Smokie Norful, Tasha Cobbs, Brian Courtney Wilson, Lexi, Myron Butler, and new kid on the block Royce Lovett. It will feature both the hits you may already know by these artists, but will also fea-ture new music. It's currently available in stores, and all digital media outlets.

gospel industry news



Happy Independence, be safe and celebrate your Independence remember, "He who the son sets free is free indeed." Continue to pray for the families and loved ones of the 49 people killed as well as the injured in the Orlando, Florida massacre; in addition last month marked the one year anniversary of the 9 people killed in Charleston, SC at the Emmanuel AME Church. Pray for our city and the state of our nation. Tune in weekly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 5:30 pm for my segment "In With Miss Ericka J" on Heaven 600, Heaven600.com, iHeart Radio and 102.7HD2 where I keep you "In Tune, In The Mix, and In The Know" with Miss Ericka J. See ya next month!Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/misserickaj, Facebook www.facebook.com/erickajohnson


JO JOJosiah Martin aka Jo Jo has one of the most incredible voices I have encountered. You don't have to take my word for it. If you don't know him by name, you definitely know his vocals and face seen singing with some of music's greats. The son of Bishop Paul Morton, PJ Morton, has started a label titled Morton Records signed JOJO, and has released his debut single "Run On". Jo Jo and PJ Morton have been a musical Bat Man and Robin for about 10 years now. Jo Jo has sang with Mary Mary, Dave Hollister, Tyrese, Fred Hammond, Tweet, and Maroon 5. Having the opportunity to know him and experiencing him dominating in background vocals, I knew it would only be a matter of time before he spread his solo wings and I'm super excited for him!

Top 5Gospel Songs

“Wanna Be Happy” - Kirk Franklin“Put A Praise On It” - Tasha Cobbs feat Kierra Sheard“123 Victory” - Kirk Franklin“Made A Way” - Travis Greene“You're Bigger” - Jekalyn Carr

Top 5Gospel Albums

Fill This House - Shirley CaesarMake It - Charles Butler & TrinityLosing My Religion - Kirk FranklinWOW 2016 One Place LIVE- Tasha Cobbs

Kefia RollersonPhilly born Sunday's Best Season 6 First Runner up, Kefia Rollerson has been on quite a journey since 2013, singing here, there and everywhere, Well she is more than ready to show her gift in her own way as a solo artist, releasing her debut single "Everything Will Get Better" on July 1st. I absolutely love her voice and I love this single. Go grab it at all digital media outlets! Looking forward to great things coming from Kefia!

Congrats to My Homies Isaac Caree and Zacardi Cortez on joining the Bad Boy Reunion Tour with Sean "P Diddy" Combs. I'm actually not surprised at all that Diddy sought out these two amazing gospel vocalists to sing background for the tour. Diddy reaches out to the gospel community quite often for added inspiration to his music. While they are gospel artists on an R&B/Hip Hop tour they carry the gospel with them. Shawn Daniels said it best and both retweeted and echoed this statement, "Everything we do, bring the power of the holy ghost." I LOVE IT!

gospel industry news


Charles Barrett

man talk

Dr. Charles Barrett is a school psychologist with Loudoun County Public Schools. He also

serves as Ministry Leader for Worship Ministries at Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston, VA.

Despite her imperfections and shortcomings, I am grateful for the free-doms that have been afforded to me as an American living in America. But as the nation celebrates Independence Day, individuals must never forget their responsibilities as liberated people. Let’s look closer…

POINT 1: SAY SOMETHING— FREEDOM IS BIGGER THAN YOU Psalm 107:2 says, “Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.” Bob Sorge, in his book Exploring Worship: A Practical Guide to Praise and Worship, discusses a concept known as the Horizontal Function of Praise. Essen-tially, while praise is a vertical interaction between man and God, there are [horizontal] benefits for those in our company. Psalm 34, verses 1-2 illustrates the principle with these words: I will thank the LORD at all times. My mouth will always praise him. My soul will boast about the LORD. Those who are oppressed will hear it and rejoice. Vocal and visible praise are tremendously uplifting to those who are discouraged and despondent. In fact, it was the praise of spiritually free men, Paul and Silas, despite being physically and unfairly shackled, that not only led to their chains being loosed but also the prisoners around them being set free (Acts 16:25-27)! Brothers, like Paul and Silas, are we vehicles for others’ freedom? Or, are we guilty of benefiting from the life-changing power of God but hoarding it for ourselves? As we reflect upon our personal freedoms, may we also recognize that there are broth-ers who are waiting for us to say something so that they, too, can be free!

POINT 2: BE SOMETHING—FREEDOM HAS PURPOSE Freedom is more than an opportunity to live comfortably. And while some conveniently view justice as a secondary theme of The Gospel, its entire message is justice. Christ, the central figure of Christianity, was a champion for all people, especially the least of these, by regularly chal-lenging the status quo and upsetting the religious order of the day. It was Christ who was neither afraid nor ashamed to be in the company of those who were considered misfits and excluded from full and meaningful participation with humanity based on artificial rules made by men. For this reason, Christian brothers must become the champions for those who either do not have a voice of their own or who are unsure or powerless to effectively speak for themselves. Hear the words of Martin Niemöller, a 20th century pastor and outspoken critic of Adolf Hitler, “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” This eloquent

statement is a poignant reminder of what free people must become: change agents. Rather than remaining silent because we are not being discriminated against, or looking to others to fight for justice, free people know that they are the ones who are best positioned to shift cultural para-digms. Even in our own recent history as African Americans, the Civil Rights Movement was supported by free people—White people—who were willing to sacrifice the comforts associated with their privileged position for the advancement of marginalized groups.Brothers, are we the champions for the least of these? Although we have food to eat, are we the voice for those who are hungry? While we have enough to drink, are we the advocates for those who are thirsty? Because we enjoy the company of family and friends, are we extend-ing invitations to those who are alone and lonely? While we have been exonerated, are we forgetting about those who have been wrongfully convicted by an unjust system? Simply stated, freedom is the fulfillment of the timeless words of Mahatma Gandhi, “[we] must be the change [we] wish to see in the world.

POINT 3: DO SOMETHING—FREEDOM HAS RESPONSIBILITY Luke 12: 48 contains these words: When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Freedom demands the uncomfortable work of being an instrument of love and grace. In the wake of the Orlando Massacre, for those of us who are not the targets of such venomous hatred, what are we doing with our freedom? Are we using our unearned privilege to genuinely and unconditionally love—ev-eryone (John 13:35; I John 4:20-21)? Have our theological perspectives been challenged and better informed so that we truly take on the mind and character of Christ? If the United States Department of Homeland Security requires indi-viduals to act on behalf of their fellow man by presenting the following challenge—if you see something, say something—how much more is expected of us as Christian men? Without a doubt, our churches, com-munities, families, and schools would be for-ever changed if we, as free men, embodied the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”


grace & glory july 2016

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