A Positive Perspective A Positive Perspective ❖
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
In This Issue
Queen Esther is Alive page 16 • Making a Positive Difference • York City’s Power Couple • More than Just Healthcare • Co-Pastors: Better Together • Gratitude in Grief • Giving Back One Haircut at a Time • Peace in the Midst of the Storm • Counseling Christ • Today’s Miracle And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
$3.00 ■ 2014 November-December Edition Page 1
~ Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
A Positive Perspective v
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
A Positive Perspective
A Positive Perspective Index
November/December 2014 Inaugural Issue
Circulation 2,500
Making a Positive Difference . ......................................pg 4
A Positive Perspective (ISSN 2374-9067) is published four times per year by The Life Center, 701 King St., York, PA 17401. Copyright © 2014 The Life Center. All rights reserved. For subscriber services in the U.S., phone 717-845-3440. Publisher The Life Center President: Rev. Anthony W. Sease
Meet The Writers ........................................................pg 5
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div.
York City’s Power Couple . ...........................................pg 6
Writers Geneva Sease Helen Shubert Michelle Baynes Owens Vernon Webb
THIS is Good News! ....................................................pg 3
More than Just Healthcare ..........................................pg 7 DEVOTIONAL: Enough is Enough .................................pg 8
Photographers Tyler & Brown Photographers, Inc.
CO-PASTORS “We are Better Together” .......................pg 9
Design/Layout Jamie Redcay, Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.
Gratitude in Grief . .....................................................pg 12 Giving Back One Haircut at a Time .............................pg 14 Peace in the Midst of the Storm .................................pg 15 Queen Esther is Alive!: How God Used One Woman to Save PA’s Capitol ........pg 16 Counseling Christ.......................................................pg 20 Today’s Miracle . .......................................................pg 22 DIABETES 101 .........................................................pg 24
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Notices: A Positive Perspective cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited articles and photographs. Subscriptions are sent automatically to contributing members of The Life Center. Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Life Center, 701 W. King St., York, PA 17401. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, KJV, NIV or MSG - www.biblegateway. com Copyright © 2008, HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Contributions A Positive Perspective gratefully accepts contributions to help meet publication costs. If you would like to help us bring the good news of the gospel of grace to others, send your contributions to The Life Center, 701 W. King St., York, PA 17401.
A Positive Perspective v
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
Rev. Anthony W. Sease
THIS is Good News! My heart’s desire is to see positive examples portrayed in print publications about our community. This desire comes from being tired of watching television broadcasts and newspaper articles portraying minorities and low-income residents only from a negative perspective. This magazine, A Positive Perspective, is one way to stand up and be heard. I, like Brandon Frame, creator of the website BlackManCan.com, believe positive representations of people who have rebounded from negative situations can encourage other people to live with a sense of hope in their heart. In addition, the positive outcomes in an individual’s life will certainly impact a community, a nation and even, the world. That is what The Black Success Foundation has done. Created a website that shares the proud accomplishments of Africans and African Americans around the globe. I invite you to read this publication and celebrate the positive things that exist in our communities. Read it and rejoice at the spirit of tenacity demonstrated by each person to pursue God and His strength in difficult situations. Then, share what you have read to encourage and expose your friends and family members to the positive aspect of everyday life in this part of Pennsylvania. And, in your spare time, drop us a line. Let us know what you think about what you have read. Or, share with us what are some of the topics or people you would like to know more about. Because I believe there is a truth in these words spoken by Ansel Adams, “No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.” Sincerely,
Rev. Anthony W. Sease yorklifecenter@gmail.com
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A Positive Perspective v
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
Making a Positive Difference Martin Luther King, Jr. had
Believers are encouraged to
a dream. So did Anthony W.
use the freedom we found in
Sease.
The only difference
Christ — freedom from drug
between these two men is one
addiction, healing from cancer,
man’s efforts impacted a nation;
strength to endure betrayal —
the other man’s work revitalized a small community.
But they
Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div., Editor-in-Chief
to help others find liberation from bondage.
(1 Corinthians
both made a strong, positive
the triumphs and testimonies
9:23-24)
impact.
of a few residents of South
meeting a person’s spiritual
As a community of believers,
Central PA. Notice the strong,
needs by leading them to Christ,
we understand that every person
positive impact they are making
but we are called to encourage
doesn’t begin with a perfect
in our community one day at a
and
upbringing or a past without
time. Be strengthened by their
psychologically,
any mistakes. That’s why this
persistence
physically and financially.
magazine brings hope to people
during difficult days.
Find
So, welcome to our publication.
from all walks of life, and levels
hope in their ability to examine
Enjoy the treasures you find
of income, about how they can
themselves as they pursue the
within these pages and send
overcome any situation and step
Divine Call in Christ Jesus for
us feedback. We would love to
into the positive purpose God
their lives.
hear from you. Simply email us
has placed on their life.
These
and
stories
endurance
reflects
the
In this, the inaugural issue of A
Bible’s encouragement to finish
Positive Perspective, we share
the race and to finish strong. Page 4
This means not just
support
each
other
emotionally,
at yorklifecenter@gmail.com. Blessings to you and your family. n
A Positive Perspective v
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
Meet the Writers
Geneva Sease
Helen Shubert
gsease07@yahoo.com
helenshubert@msn.com
Dr. Vernon Webb Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div. vtwebb121@gmail.com shewrites4life@gmail.com
HELP WANTED Writers Wanted – Stories Needed
Do you consider yourself a writer? Do you have a story or a testimony to share? The team for A Positive Perspective is interested in allowing writers to use their talent to tell the stories of some of South Central PA’s people. If you want to write or think you can write, contact Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div., Editor-in-Chief at yorklifecenter@gmail.com Are you ready to share your testimony? Or do you know of someone whose testimony is so profound, others need to know what God did for them? If so, we want to hear from you. Please email us or call The Life Center offices at 717-845-3440.
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South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
York City’s Power Couple Mr & Mrs Hawkins By Geneva Sease
Many people want to make a powerful impact in their community but many cannot find ways to successfully fulfill this task; however, Frank and Paulette Hawkins have done just that. They created a local, non-profit to serve the west end part of York City, sit on the board of a local school district and are very active in their church. The Salem Square Association is a non-profit organization that was created in order to serve as a catalyst on the west end of town. Its area of coverage is West College Avenue, Belvidere Avenue, West Market and Penn Streets. One of its goals is to seek out partnerships within the community in order to strengthen the community and
make it a safer place to live. Currently the Hawkins’ leadership has birthed an annual yard sale at Lincoln Charter School. Several programs have also been birthed such as afterschool clubs, summer clubs, and a reading program. For years, the SSA partnered with WellSpan Health and hosted a health festival. This partnership lead to the doors of Katallasso Health Center opening. (See separate article in this issue.) Some other partnerships that have been made are with the York City Police Department and the York County Outreach Alliance. National Night Out is sponsored by the SSA. There is also an annual prayer walk coordinated between SSA and St. Matthews Lutheran Church. Page 6
Mrs. Hawkins serves on the board of Keep York Beautiful, which partners with the city twice a year to assist with the beatification of the west end of town. Manna Food Pantry is also run by the Hawkins. This entity serves free food, monthly, to families in need. Aside from the many things that they do within our local community Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins are actively engaged in their local church, New Covenant Community Church. Mr. Hawkins is the director of the men’s transitional housing called True North Housing. These two powerful people are making it easier to transition our minds toward a positive perspective regarding inner city living. Join them in making a difference. n
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South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
More than Just Healthcare By Helen Shubert
Meeting a person’s healthcare
than 20 churches within the
needs is certainly an act of loving
community is what helped erect
kindness Christ would support.
this healthcare center.
Brian Kreeger’s desire to open a
from these churches provided help
healthcare center involves more
with construction, accounting and
than just meeting a person’s
consulting services.
medical needs though. “My goal is to develop solid relationships with people, through healthcare, so that at some point we might be able to speak into the rest of their lives.” As the Founder and Executive Director of Katallasso Family Health Center, Kreeger is beginning to see the fruit of his labor. Opened in January of 2013, the Center served almost 300 local
Believers
Katallasso’s mission is to emulate is supported by the names of some hospitals such as St. Josephs, St Vincent and The Holy Redeemer to name a few. Anyone who performs research on the United Methodist Church’s theologian John Wesley would discover the church’s history of providing medical care. It is in the spirit of this history that Katallasso FHC, provides health
the love of Jesus Christ by promoting wellness and providing quality healthcare for both the body and soul. In cooperation with the Church and others, Katallasso strives to reach beyond ministering to just the health of the body, but to touch souls too. If you or a family member are in need of health care and feel your insurance, or lack of insurance,
residents in its first year. Kreeger
care to low-income, under insured,
says our nation’s history has a
and uninsured residents, in a
medical attention, Katallasso is
legacy of churches helping to tend
Christian environment. The clinic,
waiting to serve you.
to the needs of the sick.
located adjacent to The Life Center,
located at 38 South Belvidere
is staffed by medical volunteers
Avenue
from the community.
and
“Before the Civil War, pastors were the doctors and the churches were the hospitals,” Kreeger said. This fact
In fact, the assistance of more Page 7
prohibits you from obtaining needed
in
their
York, phone
717-885-5637. n
They are
Pennsylvania number
is
A Positive Perspective ❖
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
DEVOTIONAL Enough is Enough! By Rev. Anthony W. Sease
Ever feel like you have had enough of a situation or dilemma? That’s the focus on this writing regarding Jabez’s prayer to God found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. He had enough. Jabez means pain. The name of the town he was born in meant the same thing, “pain.” One day, Jabez had enough of all that pain. In his mind, he was confined and restricted by the limitations of his name. All his life, Jabez believed his value was only connected to giving and receiving pain. But, in his heart, he knew there was more. So, after he had enough of the mental anguish, the people of his community limiting his worth to this name his mother gave him, he said, “I’ve had enough. There is a God who is bigger than me and all the people focused on my past. I will seek his face and ask God to bless me!” Jabez used his anger and frustration to seek a different solution -- salvation. He was tired of feeling sorry for himself, he was tired of being a victim and hiding from the world because his name reflected something that happened to his mother long before he was born. Like many people today, Jabez had spent his life trying to live down
we cry out to God, humbly, sincerely and desperately. We are tired of this situation and are desperate to get out!
a prior mistake. But on this particular day, Enough was Enough! How can we become more honorable than the pain we have caused? 1. By remembering that God can intervene and overcome any dysfunctions of our past. If we acknowledge the problem, we don’t have to remain stuck in it. Instead, we can go through the struggle to overcome past names that hindered us. If God be for us who can be against us? 2. Ask God to intervene. We call on God to intervene in the midst of the struggle. Like Jabez, we can ask God to bless me! Calling on God for strength is humbly recognizing that we can’t do it alone. So Page 8
3. Seek larger territory. In essence, when Jabez asked God to enlarge his territory, he was saying, “take me out of solitary confinement.” That confinement can be mentally confined to a negative selfimage. Maybe it is being physically confined to unrighteous people who display sinful behavior without remorse. The goal is to ask God to move us into a larger space. Jabez decided to take a different approach to a problem that had plagued him for his entire life. He asked God to intervene. He invited God into his situation so God could move Jabez and release Jabez from the situations that had troubled him his whole life. We can do the same. The first step is declaring to ourselves, “I have had enough!” No matter how long the situation has persisted, 10 years, 20 years or 30, inviting God to solve the problem is a humble request to be released. Jabez asked God to release him. Are you ready to do the same? Have you had enough? ■
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South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
Co-Pastors “We are Better Together” By Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div.
One Saturday afternoon in late June, 2014, The Rev. Anthony W. Sease sat in the pew of New Covenant Community Church absorbing the melodious sounds of a local choir. Whether he had heard them before could not be determined. But, what could be discerned is he was connected to the joy of the moment. This was demonstrated by his uplifted arm waving from side to side as other congregants in the church clapped and sang with the choir. Sease seemed lost in his praise. Oblivious to what others were doing around him, he eventually opened his eyes and scanned the room. After a slight nod of approval of what his eyes witnessed, he jumped out of the pew, ran around to the front of the church and hit the singer with his towel. This was a sign of his abundant approval of how good this man sang God’s praises. The concert was one of many events celebrating the two-year,
is that the idea for this merger was birthed back in the 1970’s. The Birth of a Visionary
coming together anniversary of Maranatha Church of God in Christ and Abundant Life Ministries. The two became one church in June of 2012 under the leadership of Sease and The Rev. Rachel J. Baxter. But what few people may know Page 9
As a young man who was repeatedly required to attend church by his maternal grandmother, Sease was familiar with two small churches coming together for special events to worship as one church. “We were part of a small church and there was a sister church. And one day I said to her, ‘Mom, why don’t we figure out how we can put these two churches together and have one good church?’” Her response is a reminder of the resistance any visionary must face. “She popped him in the mouth because it was…everything was so divided. I mean they were together but coming together wasn’t something that they could
A Positive Perspective v consider doing as one group. Would they come together and have special services? Absolutely. But being under one roof, uh uh, there were too many chiefs and not enough Indians.” Both Baxter and Sease believe the reason for the resistance of the merger is common and stems from launching into unchartered territory. “I think even though we may be a chief, we may not be chief of the entire picture or the entire project. We may be a lane chief and I think sometimes that’s where people get it mixed up. Probably one of the things that worked for Pastor Rachel and I were there were strengths about her that were weaknesses about me and there were strengths about me and weaknesses about her. And when we were able to agree on that, the power of agreement made a world of difference.” Baxter’s reflections are similar. “The idea that we came together as one was a miracle,” says Baxter, explaining further that it is normal for two white churches to merge. “The biggest hurdle was communicating that no one person was in charge.” “I think people always thought that when you have two heads you have a two-headed monster. So, we had to kill that first and show them the unity – we were not clashing.” She said although they each have different wings and roles, they had the same thoughts – which she said confirmed it was the Holy Spirit that brought them together.
South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
“We have lanes. My lane is the spiritual part and his lane is the outreach,” Baxter said. People were also surprised because he is a male and I am a female. They think that he would try to dominate over me. I’m a very strong AfricanAmerican woman. I have my own ideas and I am very independent but it just works unbelievably well. And even when we disagree on things, we disagree but we are never disagreeable. We can always find a workable solution.” Although Baxter is also a visionary, having founded and worked as the chief administrator of Christian Tabernacle Academy in North Pastor Anthony W. Sease Philadelphia, she has found coand his wife, Patricia pastoring a rewarding experience. She initially arrived in York after “There was a challenge initially. When we went places, people accepting a call to pastor her first wanted to say, ‘Who is the pastor?’ church at Maranatha, back in 2008. Neither one. So for a lot of other But, by 2010, she knew God was people that was the challenge calling the two churches to merge. This keen sense of clarity is also for them.” what brought the two churches together. Baxter said Sease approached her shortly after she began pastoring Maranatha. “I thought, ‘I don’t know these people and they don’t know me.’” But, as Baxter continued to pray and listen to God’s leading, she said in 2010 she knew God was calling the two churches to merge. There was a banner hanging at the back of Maranatha Church at the time that said, “We are Better Together.” As I continued to talk to the board of directors and the church congregation about the merger, I reminded them that the mission and vision of Maranatha Pastor Rachel J. Baxter Page 10
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South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
aligned with the direction God was moving us toward, she said. And although both congregations were hesitant at first, the merger took place and the rest is history. Experience Both pastors have worked in secular and church environments. In addition to founding Christian Tabernacle Academy, Baxter worked as a teacher from 19681984. Sease has owned a restaurant, worked as a salesman and held a variety of positions in the church. Baxter comes from a family full of preachers – father, uncles, brothers and even her husband. But, she said she always held positions that supported the leaders. Both were raised in the church and tried to sidestep or reduce its importance in their lives as young adults. Therefore, people seeking physical or spiritual assistance can find a wealth of experience from either Pastor Baxter or Pastor Sease.
New Covenant Community Church are released from jail can attend monthly support group meetings. For children, they can find meals any time of the year and assistance with their education after school. Their parents, if in need of food, can find free food giveaways several times a month at the church.
Covenant Community Church is on the cutting edge. With two pastors and one God, their impact has moved closer to the mission of addressing the entire needs of a person – mind, body and soul – as opposed to just a spiritual impact. This is a positive impact. However, Baxter says the positive Spiritual perspective is spiritually clear and, Morning worship is held weekly now, historical proof with the twoon Sunday mornings. Prayer and year anniversary. The positive Outreach Bible study occurs during the week It is with their compassionate to meet the spiritual needs of those perspective is “that we are moving hearts and experienced leadership that attend. However, the doors forward in the kingdom of God. that New Covenant Community of the church are open for anyone That we have heard His call and we Church has become a source of to speak with a pastor or church are acting on it. Sometimes fear keeps us from light on the upper west side of York leader about specific, situational moving forward or what other City, PA. The church’s non-profit, needs. people might say about what we The Life Center, offers support in believe God is telling us to do, four main areas: health, housing, What is the Positive which we went through…” she said. employment and education. Local Perspective? residents can receive free medical As churches continue to struggle “But our eyes are on God and what care at the Katallasso Health Center. maintaining membership, winning God spoke to us and confirmed Men seeking housing as they leave souls for Christ and addressing in our spirit. So people are jail can find shelter in True North. social issues frequently found beginning to see that must be what People needing support after they in inner-city communities, New God said.” n Page 11
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South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
Gratitude in Grief By Helen Shubert
In the second chapter of the book of Titus, Paul explains to Titus how to complete his role as a missionary. My son, Derrick Bullock, reminded me of a young man eager to fulfill his call as a Titus. When my only son, Derrick, fell victim of a homicide and died at the young age of 41, I again thought of Titus. Derrick made an unforgettable impression on earth.
gentle from birth. His birth was easy, uneventful on July 25, 1966. He was my bundle of joy. But there was a mighty power in that bundle. Titus was a leader. Derrick exhibited leadership
Titus 2:1-6
skills as a youth. His friend Mark, advised in his remarks at Derrick’s funeral that when they were in grade school, Mark wanted to cheat to hurry up and get his homework completed. He reflected on how Derrick convinced him not to cheat, to study the assignment and do the right thing so that in the end he would benefit from it. I recall Derrick teaching me, in his teenage years, about helping our own culture excel in business. Around the corner from where we lived was a strip of businesses. The first store you would come to was a corner grocery store owned by Vietnamese. Since their shelves were fully stocked and prices were pretty affordable, I would quickly pick up my needed items and return home. One day Derrick asked why I didn’t travel further down that block to shop at the business at the end
Derrick made an unforgettable impression on earth.
My son always encouraged those around him to be better, do better and always reach for higher heights. When he found out there were adults who couldn’t read, he made himself available and taught adults how to read at the literacy program of a Jewish Synagogue in the Philadelphia area. Derrick became a Journeyman Plumber and if someone needed plumbing assistance and they could not afford to call a major plumbing company, Derrick would perform the job and accept whatever they could pay. And, if they couldn’t pay, that was ok with him as well. He believed in helping his fellow man. …and the youth shall lead… Paul left Titus in Crete to supervise the churches there. Titus was a Gentile by birth. Derrick was always
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of that block which was owned by an African American. I simply stated that I had been in there and the shelves were almost empty and not only did he seldom carry what I needed, but his pricing was higher. Derrick looked at me and said, “You know, Mom, if more people would shop there, he would make more money to be able to fill up his shelves and also reduce his prices. But if you continue to shop at the other market, nothing will change for him.” From that day forward, I started passing by the Vietnamese store and started paying a little more to shop at the minority-owned business. Lo and behold, Derrick was right! Over time, his shelves started to fill up and his prices dropped. A Lasting Impression… Derrick was a member of the Pan African Studies Group at Temple University. His love for jazz caused him to study at Temple for eight years. His teacher, Harrison Ridley, Jr., said the questions that Derrick would ask him in that class caused him to go home and dust off some books to review and seek answers to those questions. Six months after Derrick’s funeral, Temple University’s Pan African Studies Group held a
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South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
memorial for Derrick, and Harrison Ridley, Jr. spoke about my son’s tenure in his classroom and how excited he was about being in that class. Harrison’s wife presented me with a handmade wall hanging that she created. She actually made two of them. One was hung in Temple University and one hangs above my home computer desk.
of John: 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” A Leader’s Legacy… We all go through dark The book of days in our lives. Each of us Titus sustained me chooses a method to handle throughout the process those trying times in our life. of planning Derrick’s I chose to lean on the Lord. final arrangements. I Folks have asked me if I remember checking my mature into productive young men blamed God for allowing my concordance because the word by providing them with job skills son to pass away on September 10, “leader” resonated with me during and personal skills. Their goal is 2007. I have never blamed God for that time. When I read about to better equip young men to face anything. I believe God cares for how Paul used Titus to straighten the difficult challenges of today that me and His embrace is what I thank out the church in Crete, I thought face all of our youth. Him for at all times….good or bad. about how Derrick did so much to Through all of the darkest days of I have repeatedly thanked Him straighten out so many. He was a my existence, during the time of my for the most beautiful 41 years of member of the Pan African Studies son’s passing, I found that my faith a relationship with the best son in Group located in Temple University in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the entire universe. I thank God for and was always assisting young is what sustained me. Although the memories that are not only in students to strive to reach their full Titus is a constant reminder to me my head but on my heart daily. He potential in life. of my son, there’s another scripture didn’t have to do it but He did! He He was also a member of the that holds me up. My father taught allowed me to give birth and to be Frator Heru Organization based it to me when I was a little girl and able to nurture and raise and love in North Philadelphia. It’s an I now know why the Lord helped my son, Derrick…and for that, I am organization that assists boys to me memorize it! It’s from the book forever grateful!! n Page 13
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Giving Back One Haircut at a Time By Geneva Sease
In York, PA, Kevin Patrick Winter is known as a philanthropist, role model, entrepreneur, community leader and father figure. “I feel as though I was placed in York for a reason,” says Winter, the father of four children and owner of World-A-Cuts Barber Institute. “I believe I can make a positive impact on young people in this city.” Entrepreneur Winter is the CEO of Winter Enterprises, Inc. which currently has 15 real estate units, a Jamaican Restaurant, located at 683 E. Market Street, and the only black barber school in York. For the past nine years, WorldA-Cuts Barber Institute (WCBI) has created an opportunity for young men and women who have a passion for making people look good. In 2013 WCBI, reported a 93 percent graduation rate, a 100 percent job placement rate, and a 100 percent licensure rate. This is demonstrates that students who start at WCBI, can graduate and find employment upon graduation. A Long way from Home Winters was born in Jamaica in 1971. By 1992, he was in York, a high school dropout and headed nowhere.
it was, I want to reach as many single moms as possible.”
At 17, Winter dropped out of high school and began hanging with the wrong group of people. “When I had my youngest son at age 21, my life changed because I now had someone to care for,” Winter said of his oldest child. “This child brought me joy and he loved me back.” At age 25, he went back to school and completed his high school diploma online within one year. Over time, he built his organization into what it is today. With his unparallel success he has demonstrated to young men that have not always been dealt the best hand in life that you can be successful despite your past. He also desires to assist single mothers as they raise their children alone. “Growing up with my mom as a single parent, seeing how hard
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A Father’s Loss turned Around Patrick Fabian Winter recently graduated from World-A-Cuts Barber Institute and hoped of having has own business like his father. But his life was cut short by gun violence. “When my son died that changed my outlook on life,” Winter said. However, he is not letting that stop him in his efforts to help young people. He created a non-profit organization called Dream Team 1K. This organization was created because Patrick always talked about being successful and he loved his friends. The main goal of Dream Team 1K is to bring awareness about gun violence, help mentors assist young people and build a positive foundation with youth. “One day out of the week I try to spend time with at least one of Patrick’s friends,” Winter said. The non-profit has accrued $10,000 and we are looking to do many other things in order to keep my son’s memory alive. The Dream Team also hosted numerous local, social events such as a white affair dance, a basketball tournament and a football camp. n
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South Central PA’s Christian Magazine
Peace in the Midst of the Storm By Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div.
A love for the outdoors is one reason why Geraldine Hibner gardens. It is also the reason that most days you can find her sitting on her front porch waving to passersby and chatting with neighboring residents. Her love for the outdoors even touched her ministry. While serving God as a pastor’s wife, Hibner often planned events for the migrant workers that populated the congregation. “I was always doing something,” she said. Imagine arriving at church one Sunday morning and watching green balloons floating up into the air. The balloons were a way for the children at church that day to remember. They were honoring and remembering the children of Atlanta who were slain by an unknown killer back in 1979-1981. This was just one of the events Hibner organized as pastor’s wife of The Bibleway Hibner Memorial Church of God in Christ in Carlisle, PA. The church was founded in 1965 by the late Elder Harry C. Hibner. His wife often reminded people she was not the co-pastor or first lady. “Mom is proud of being a pastor’s wife,” says her son, Jonathan. Ministry is what the Hibners were all about. Familiar faces on the famous stretch of Maple Street in York, PA, this couple were parents to seven sons. Mrs. Hibner worked and retired as a school teacher for York City School District, while her husband worked at Caterpillar when not pastoring in Carlisle. Their legacy in York is rich and longlasting too. But many don’t know Geraldine is a cancer and stroke survivor too. Dealing with these medical issues, both before and after
Long-time Maple Street resident Geraldine Hibner is seated with her sons’ Paul A. Hibner, Timothy A. Hibner, Jermaine Hibner, Timothy’s wife and Jonathan D. Hibner.— Family archive photos her husband’s death, gave her a testimony to share with others about the power of God and the power of community. One such illness was breast cancer. “My husband was out of town when I noticed a lump in my breast,” Hibner said. A procedure was done to see if it was cancerous and it was. Her doctor actually cried when he delivered the news. Hibner did undergo chemotherapy, but during that process, she experienced an encounter with the Lord. “I was singing in the choir and the Lord touched me. I knew He did. I didn’t say anything until I got home and told my husband.” And, he said, “Why didn’t you say anything?” She said, “I just wasn’t led to say
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anything. But the Lord touched me and ever since that day I believed I was healed.” Years later, after her husband passed away, Hibner suffered a stroke. She found recuperating from the illness difficult to bear. Her sons and local residents supported her recovery process, but she still remembers how difficult it was to regain the use of her body. Every day I had to learn things all over again like a kindergartener…. things I was used to teaching, Hibner said. “I worked hard.” Forced to get up and out of bed by 8 a.m., Hibner recalls being “out that bed all day.” She also remembers the nursing staff pushing her to do many tasks herself, such as making her bed. Often, their instructions bothered her. But when asked how God sustained her during those tough times in rehab, she reflects on the support of the community. “Rev. Boxley would come out and sit with me and encourage me – different people would come by but Boxley was one of the main ones,” Hibner said. “He was young and I was old.” One day she recalls being on a ladder for physical therapy. She started crying because she couldn’t do the exercises as instructed by the therapist. “I started crying.” “Boxley looked up at me on that ladder and he said, ‘you can do it.’ And I did it! I didn’t want to fail anyone,” she said. That memory and others is how Hibner knows and understands God’s love and power through people. “He (God) always takes care of us,” she said. “There’s nothing that we need. He’s going to take care of us.” n
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Queen Esther is Alive! How God used one woman to save PA’s Capitol
Esther, the biblical character of the book bearing her name, is alive. She is an AfricanAmerican petite woman by the name of Linda Thompson. The strategic placement of her leadership in the city of Harrisburg’s administration saved the residents of the entire state of Pennsylvania from financial hardship. Although the larger media streams published their perspective, God’s view is the only one that matters. Formerly the mayor of Harrisburg, this 4’11” woman was able to spearhead saving the city of Harrisburg from financial ruin in the midst of turmoil, resistance, betrayal and trouble all around. But, since God is her fortress, she stood and was not moved.
In time, she went to a historic black college in North Carolina, but subsequently transferred to Howard University in Washington, D.C. after attending a Communications Conference where Bill Cosby and Debbie Allen walked the halls of Howard. Thompson says, “I was blown away when I saw them. I said, ‘This is it.’” “Going to Howard was a culture shock. There were so many African American’s running businesses. It was just so enriching and the kind of knowledge I gained about . . . the government and corporate America to create public/private partnerships to help people get job training skills and to advocate inclusion in main stream America . . . that gave me assurance that I was A Family’s Legacy on the right path.” The youngest of eight But the experience opened children, Thompson comes doors and allowed Thompson Formerly the mayor of Harrisburg, from a heritage of people that to meet some of the most Linda Thompson has a “heart for people,” she powerful, influential, educated said. “The more I learned African American and white grandmother who was a poet and about my genealogy, the more “professionals that were I understood why I had this heart for ran a non-profit that helped homeless applying their theoretics to the lives of people. We’ve always been concerned people find shelter and food in ordinary people.” about people’s dual needs: social and Carlisle, PA. spiritual.” This family’s history also has The Power of Image ministers, including Thompson herself, Preparing to Lead After her freshman year of college, Harrisburg native Thompson Thompson did an internship in that have worked in the church to excelled in her studies during grade Harrisburg. Her boss was not what she advance God’s Kingdom. Traditionally, society views the school. So much so that her high expected. “I was expecting the image medical field as one of many helping school advisor strongly suggested she of a white man but instead I met this tall professions. But, the political arena attend a historical black college upon African-American man weighing about is also a chance for a person to help graduation. Before her dream could 185 lbs. with an Afro, Dashiki and silver others. Her family history includes materialize, however, she found herself bangles on his arms. He also wore a directors, CEOs, and a school pregnant and waiting for the birth of huge medallion of Malcolm X. It was superintendent. She also had a her only son. stunning because I expected him
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to be white.” you do win, you will get a key That man turned out to this building.” And I said, to be the Late Honorable “Oh my God. I’m gonna run David P. Richardson, Jr., for city council.” Chairman of Health & Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson waves to Welfare Committee for the the crowd after taking the oath of office during In Position state of Pennsylvania. “I ran and I won,” says her inauguration ceremony at the Forum in “I was as overwhelmingly Thompson. joyed as I was amazed” Harrisburg. Her son, Ray George, and her mother, Now, like Esther, Thompson said of meeting Mary Crawford, are also in the picture.Paul Thompson is now in a him because he was not Chaplin, The Patriot-News www.pennlive.com position of influence. She is the typical image of public able to assist in managing officials in Pennsylvania. the city’s affairs. Eight years to sustain Loveship, God directed her “He was a powerhouse and he wore to enter the political arena. later, a few people said to her she had his authority well.” “I had no interest in politics,” outgrown city council and it was time Upon graduation, Thompson Thompson said. to run for mayor. Her response, “I will stayed in D.C. at first and worked get my fire from God.” for the Department of Justice and in City Council She fasted and prayed to God about marketing for the Washington Bullets. it, ran for office and won. She defeated But, God didn’t care about her plans. When she returned to Harrisburg, she Instead, he sent her a message. Mayor Reed, who had been in office continued her career in marketing with “I got a phone call from my son’s for 28 years. Some wanted her to stay a radio station. It was here she started friend’s mother.” She said she had in city council because she held the to lead outside the box. been negligent in delivering a message team accountable. This is where the “social service to me from the Lord. She proceeds to But, Thompson used the wisdom desire came into play because I was tell me this dream she had and said, I of Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, to make the unusual marketing manager,” would know what to do once I heard her decision. She met with ministers she said. Often her manager would the details of the dream. and listened to her sister’s prayerful chastise her creativity. She sold air Dream: Friend is in the Harrisburg guidance as she waited to move time for the radio but would also city government building. Linda is on in God’s timing. Initially, unsure if “get funding for the community to the 3rd floor and people on bottom she should run for both mayor and underwrite social service programs” floor running around saying, “Linda, another term in city council, ultimately, from the corporations who bought air Linda – if you find Linda, Linda has Thompson asked God what to do. time. “God you have been guiding me the key.” And when she told me that For Thompson, it just seemed like dream, “I knew. I knew in the bottom through this whole process. You are a win-win situation for these major of my belly.” the one who came to me.” She was corporations to reap the financial As a result of this news, Thompson torn what to do, but the response from benefits of marketing and to then turn began to move forward. God was in the form of a song, “It is around and put money back into the Invited to meet with then former Well with My soul.” “It was beautiful. community to sustain parks, programs Mayor Stephen Reed, Thompson’s I never heard it like I heard that song and other community resources. After goal was to understand the relationship played in that dream.” leaving the radio station, she worked between the mayor’s office and city When she woke up, she signed the at the Urban League, which is now council. petition to become mayor. Reed, who was initially closed, and then opened her own resistant to putting Linda on his ticket, Her sister was the last one to buy into non-profit called, Loveship. met with her and at the conclusion of the idea, “but she’s the one God uses to As she prayed for the financial means the meeting said, “If you do run and intercede for me.” Her instruction was
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“to stay focused on Him” throughout the campaign – not to get distracted. And when the distractions showed up, Thompson stayed focused on God. The distractions showed up immediately. The first was when she went to the Democratic Party Committee Meeting where they announce who receives the democratic nomination. “I knew I wasn’t going to get the endorsement,” says Thompson because the Dauphin County Democratic Committee had given their lifetime support to Mayor Reed. She only had gone to support a colleague. In her speech, she said why she came and that she was leaving afterward to take her election to the street. Instead it was reported she stormed out of the meeting after she realized she did not get the party’s endorsement. “Never happened. Never happened.” When she heard it, she immediately heard God say “distractions.” And, she heard the song again, “It is Well with My Soul.” I said, “Ok, God.” Remaining focused on the campaign meant she collected 3,800 signatures to become mayor. “You only needed 100.” Her mayoral campaign collected more signatures than any other candidate in the history of Pennsylvania. This was never reported by any news media outlet. Thompson and her team of volunteers had collected more signatures than any other candidate in the history of Dauphin County and then U.S. Presidential Candidate Barak Obama. I prayed one night and said, “God, the election is in one week. You are going to have to show this man who you are. I said, “God, I can’t beat him
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by 5 or 6 votes. I have to beat him by a landslide God.” “I beat him by 1,000 votes. That was my prayer. That was my prayer.” Ministers came to her throughout her
Harrisburg was $340 million in debt. City Council wanted to file bankruptcy. Mayor Linda Thompson did not. Bankruptcy, in the long run, would have taken the pensions of thousands of city workers, raised taxes, damaged the credit of the City of Harrisburg and other municipalities in the state and, in the long run, would have made it difficult for the average everyday Joe (or Jose) to get a home mortgage. Thompson fought for the people who live in the city of Harrisburg and, eventually, the state of Pennsylvania. She used a legislation known as Act 47 which is the PA Distress Municipality Act. Act 47 allowed her to put the breaks on lawsuits because of unpaid bond bills. It bought city government time to create a plan with both financial and technical assistance from the state. Act 47 allowed them to get some expert assistance and not have to pay for it. Act 47 allows any municipality that is in financial distress to seek help. In the long run, the consequences of bankruptcy included massive layoffs and loss of pensions. It seemed like a quick fix but it would have come at a great burden. Thompson says city council wanted to avoid the tough road. “The tough road meant meetings, strategies . . . a smorgasbord of things to do.” But Thompson, who has a heart for people, was concerned about who, ultimately, would absorb that loss. In the long run, PA residents. Instead, she chose to take the time to rebuild and reform government and put restrictions on how the city would do business with the government in the future.
Don’t get comfortable. This is not where God is keeping you. This is a stepping stone. four years of service and one prophet told her, “Don’t get comfortable. This is not where God is keeping you. This is a stepping stone.” In Position: The State of the City Mayor Thompson’s service on city council gave her only a glimpse about the extent of the city’s financial woes. She says, “The kind of crippling crisis we were in called for outside expertise.” “When the mayor took over she got hold of an awful problem in the making for 30 years,” said General Bill Lynch,
When the mayor took over she got hold of an awful problem in the making for 30 years, said General Bill Lynch, the man appointed by the Governor to work as the Receiver alongside thenMayor Linda Thompson. “I think she took the right course of action but it took a toll on her politically.” In its simplest form, the city of
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The Battle Begins Mayor Linda Thompson worked with experts to create a plan avoiding
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filing bankruptcy and Harrisburg Harrisburg. “A story was written that General residents having to pay higher Lynch saved the city,” Thompson taxes and commuters being said. “They had one small mention taxed at all. But, on three in an editorial that Mayor Thompson separate occasions, Thompson deserves the credit.” But they all approved a plan and City Council knew, “I made Harrisburg better.” rejected it by vote. Lynch believes little credit was “This had never happened given to Thompson “because before,” said Lynch who recalls about 25 other municipalities Maj. Gen. William B. Lynch -- Veteran of the way she was portrayed in in the state using Act 47. This of the Vietnam war and the Iraq re- the media. And the truth is she prompted the Governor to building process -- succeeded David deserves a lot of credit.” He believes his greatest declare Harrisburg in a state of Unkovic as Harrisburg’s Receiver in contribution during these tough emergency. Another plan was developed and city council voted May 2012. After initial questions about times was his ability and “a license his qualifications and openness, Lynch to persuade. What I needed was it down again. Lynch said, “Now we had to go settled in, and cleared the way for his [Thompson’s] insight, intelligence through chapter 7 of Act 47 which team of financial experts and bond and her cooperation.” He believes allows for the appointment of a because Thompson offered a Receiver and Act 47 gives Receiver lawyers to get a deal done. Paul Chap- positive, viable solution, “the city certain powers (not super powers lin | pchaplin@pennlive.com came out of this with a reasonable which I learned the hard way).” chance of a good financial future.” Two phone calls from the When the dust settled, Harrisburg to raise the taxes on Harrisburg Governor’s Office, and “now I am the did not file bankruptcy to save itself citizens so their taxes were higher than new Receiver for the city of Harrisburg financially. Mayor Thompson’s greatest their neighboring municipalities. But and most would say unqualified,” Lynch feat was ensuring the residents of Thompson said, “I didn’t want to put said admitting he had no background Harrisburg did not have absorb the brunt the burden on the taxpayers.” in finance or municipal stuff. “I’m a of poor fiscal management created 30 The Governor got the city placed people person.” years prior. under distress and that called for a He said he didn’t know how to fix receiver now. “The Receiver called the problem, but “it was an advantage Future Political Pursuits me, we met and talked and we were cause he didn’t have to be right to the When her term was over, she decided committed to keeping the plan the point of someone being wrong.” to run again. same. “I liked the Mayor immediately and “I made some unpopular decisions but “That was my plan and the Receiver instinctively,” Lynch said. “We hit it I believe I had to make those unpopular worked from that one and made a off.” decisions in order to save the city. And few changes,” Thompson said. We “She is a tough lady and she was if it meant me losing my re-election for changed the name of the plan because untiring in her defense of the city’s mayor, I’m at peace with that. I don’t council didn’t want my name on it. We position and the people of the city,” regret it.” ended up calling it the Strong Plan. Lynch said. “I developed a healthy Now, Thompson is running for the Thankfully, the PA Court system respect for Mayor Thompson and I 4th U.S. Congressional seat against a ruled as king in the Book of Esther. wish her well.” Republican. They rejected all of city councils He said in their working relationship, Her campaign slogan “Putting People requests to file bankruptcy for the city he found her to be smart, tough and First!” focuses on her representing of Harrisburg. Three requests and all they even disagreed. “But it never got middle class residents and small three were denied. But the media never to the point where for me to be right business owners. reported how Thompson successfully she had to be wrong.” But, her faith is her strongest ally. fought for the City and won. City Council wanted to abolish the When asked what scripture sustained Just as Haman’s plot to destroy his parks and recreation department and her while Mayor of Harrisburg, she enemies was thwarted by the king in she was against that. They wanted to quickly responds, “No weapon formed the book of Esther, God used the PA outsource the job. They also wanted against me shall prosper.” n Court system to help the residents of
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Counseling Christ By Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div.
Ryan J. McGinnis is not arrogant. He is aware. He is aware that Christ dwells among us every day, everywhere. So, he enters Lancaster County Prison on a weekly basis to counsel Christ. It is this idea that Mother Teresa had that when you minister to the poor, you are ministering to Christ. There is a line in Matthew 25:36 where Jesus says, “I was in prison, you visited me.” McGinnis says he feels compelled by that line. Mother Teresa believed she was ministering to Jesus, so like her, he believes he is ministering to Christ. “I live right beside the prison, so it was like I gotta go.” He knows he can’t save anyone, but he believes he can make the burden of oppression lighter by listening to the concerns of those in bondage.
understood the mental anguish of the men inside the four walls. Each cell in Lancaster County Prison is 6x12 in size. Two inmates occupy each cell. They are completely locked down for 22 hours out of each day. These men are struggling with a lot of anxiety about their lives, McGinnis says. The anxiety increases while a man is in jail because “there is nothing they can do about it. It is sheer terror and helplessness. Typically, a lot of our conversation is about dealing with that stress and anxiety.” Once a family asks McGinnis to visit their loved one, he meets with the men and can see by their demeanor they are struggling. After a few visits, he sees an improvement in their faces. “They feel less confined.” “I had one inmate tell me, ‘Since our last conversation, I have felt freer than I have in the last 47 years.’ I said, ‘That’s ironic considering your geographical location.’” But McGinnis
says this statement confirms that he believes some men “have a sense of peace” after he visits with them. On McGinnis’ first visit into the prison, he was surprised by the behavior of the other members of the clergy. “Three other clergy spoke the entire time. I never heard the inmates talk and I was like, ‘Man you guys need to do a little bit of listening before you earn the right to speak into someone’s life.’” It was one of the lessons he learned while in seminary. One of his professors told him to never underestimate the power of your presence. “So many feel they have to go in with the answers. They talk at those grieving rather than simply knowing that by being there, they are making a difference. So, I speak to that anxiety while I’m in there.”
Drawn to Embrace the Call Suicide Prevention McGinnis’ background doesn’t White men have the largest rates reflect personal prison time, but of suicide while incarcerated. he believes in his call. The average annual suicide He recalls as a youth the rate for white jail inmates Christ Centered Counseling pastors in his Lancaster between 2000 and 2012 is 80 Located at 454 E. King St., this agency community mentoring him. “I suicides per 100,000 inmates. offers counseling to people seeking want to replicate that influence.” This is three times higher than emotional assistance. They helped him find the right any other race according path because without their to the U.S. Department of The owner, Ryan J. McGinnis, has gone into guidance, the criminal record Justice Bureau of Justice bars to reach people who are in bondage to he started as a youth would not Statistics. their past. He also visits Lancaster County have been expunged. About two months ago, Prison on a weekly basis, to meet with men A year after graduating from McGinnis started going into and help them cope with the anxiety of being high school, he attended the prison because the family incarcerated. Lancaster Bible College and members of two people who became their “poster boy,” recently committed suicide, Website: www.ryanjmcginnis.com he said. While a student, in Lancaster County Prison, Email: ryanjmcginnis@icloud.com he was pastoring a church, contacted him. He knew preaching weekly, chosen for the deceased men. Once Phone: (717) 286-6573 leadership positions and at the he entered the prison, he
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front of every line. But, he had his reservations. “I was living my dream and ambition, but as time went on, it became a little less certain what I was supposed to be doing. I had more maturing and growing to do.” Navigating the institution of the church was rather difficult for him, he admits because it means navigating the world of opinions and there are high stakes involved because church membership is declining nationwide. “Then there was the task of ministering to an entire flock without being easily discouraged. “Somewhere in seminary, I thought, maybe full-time pastoral ministry wasn’t exactly what I was supposed to do.” But when he transitioned to Biblical Theological Seminary four years later, he said the new school was not impressed with what he had done or who he was. He recalls his ego not being crushed, but placed in a coma. “It was awful. Every time I thought I could sit on the stool, someone would kick it back out from under me.” And, he admits, it was hard to embrace the idea that God was no longer calling him to pulpit ministry. “Having to let go of that dream and that ambition of being up front all the time and leading a congregation; it was really difficult to let that dream go.” But he liked the one-on-one contact of counseling “because I saw serious impact over the course of our meeting together.” When he graduated seminary in 2012, he decided to pursue something where he could see the most change and not have to deal with the more difficult aspect
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of ministry. He and his wife live on Anne Street in Lancaster, PA. Being exposed to contextual theology – other cultures from within our own world – somewhat prepared him and his wife for what they would witness and how they would advocate and influence everyday situations in their neighborhood. “We are all in some kind of bondage. We are all imprisoned in some way,” McGinnis said adding it is easy for him and his wife to see they get special treatment from police officers. They often advocate for their neighbors when they speak with the police “so the plight of our neighbors is very tangible.” However, his counseling agency seeks to deal with the internal bondage of people. Often what happens to a person is they experience external oppression and then they internalize it and begin to hate themselves. So if a police officer arrests someone unjustly, the person arrested believes the injustice is because of themselves, their skin color or economic status. “Some of the things they have experienced and trauma they have gone through doesn’t define them as people, or speak about the person
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you are.” He further explains “many of us were lied to while our identity was being shaped – being told we are worthless, have no value, stupid, you name it and that comes to shape our identity as we move into adulthood.” McGinnis strives to counsel people in ways that speak to those experiences and voices and say, “that was a lie or that wasn’t true. Whatever was communicated to you about your worth was not true.” It is where he understands how inadequate a person can feel at any given moment. He often has to “regularly speak to [my own] sense of inadequacy,” because sometimes he thinks he can’t help people who have been to jail. But, then he realizes “what I do in other counseling situations when someone reveals they were molested, abused or raped. They entrust me with serious trauma [and] that it is not necessarily my job to make it better. I can’t take responsibility for every person that I sit down and talk to like I have to fix them. That’s not why I’m there. My job is to be present, someone who is just there.” His desire is to “give people more freedom in their lives. We are talking about bondage earlier – not a choice, but a self-imposed bondage where fear of not measuring up, failure, rejection. Fear is just so debilitating and it robs us of life so I think that is probably why Jesus says coming to Him gives us an abundance of life, that there is freedom there. So I want to give people the ability to do the things they love and experience life by liberating all the fear and shame and whatever else has shackled them their entire lives.” n
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Today’s Miracle Marsha Banks is Living Proof Anyone Can Recover by Michelle Baynes Owens, M.Div. gradually learned skills Marsha Banks doesn’t to become patient, think she is better than or organize her life and worse than anyone else. the daily activities of Her personal trials and her entire family, which, triumphs are a testimony to in time, grew to include God’s power as lived out in all eight children. a community of believers “After I got them, and supporters. the work started,” she That makes her a miracle. proclaims. Grateful for In fact, she believes the team of support everyone is a miracle. and the challenge too, “The miracle in and she boldly remembers of itself is shown by the those days. “I always evidence of God’s grace. had a team and Lord If He rewards you with a knows I needed a wake up, then you live that team of people to 24 hours to the best of your support me.” ability. We are all miracles,” “When I brought my says the Executive Director children home, they of Harrisburg’s non-profit traumatized,” known as “Amiracle4sure.” Pictures reflecting Banks in prison and several were Banks said explaining But her path to personal years after release. that when children and professional freedom Upon release, she began working deal with parents who did not just magically occur. “I have been challenged. I have a 12-step program and stayed are incarcerated and addicted, not made all the right decisions in the focused on the things she needed suffer abuse, neglect and struggle past 17 years,” she said. However, to do to get better. This included to understand a dysfunctional God has put me in the right place therapy for herself, building life, the family unit is “a whole, during difficult and trying times to relationships with positive women emotional mess. How do you deal meet the people I need to hold me and embracing their wisdom to with that?” For Banks, the answer was found up. “The miracle is allowing people manage each day. “I was raised by my grandmother, in developing emotional support to hold you up during [tough] times so that need for wisdom is always skills for herself and her children so you don’t fall.” there,” says Banks. “One of the and learning time management things I was blessed with was being skills. She personally stayed in The Journey Began Banks had spent many years able to develop healthy relationships counseling for five years. But she harming herself with drugs and within the church. The church is didn’t stop there. She also sought alcohol prior to 1994. But a prison what builds our foundation. Women counseling for her children in the sentence of three years gave helping women helped teach me form of behavior support specialists her time to think. Originally from how to manage my time” and use (BSCs) and mobile support specialists (MSTs). Philadelphia, the mother of eight wisdom to guide my decisions. Determined to reunite her family Laughing, Banks says “I had children made a decision change and raise her own children, Banks enough BSCs and MSTs and was necessary. picked up her life, after jail, with counselors, social work agencies But making the decision is just only one child in her home. She coming in and out of my house” a start. Page 22
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at the time. Yet, she knew it was necessary and worth it. She wanted better for her children since Banks describes herself, on her website page, as “a psychological mess by the time she was 18.” The key to juggling the team of people divinely assigned to assist her was to manage her time well. Banks and her oldest “I didn’t do it perfectly, but through son, Timothy that persistence to continue to work hard at doing better, I was able to be successful.” make myself available to women who are in need.” The Journey Continues With office space on Front Street In the 17 years since Banks began in Harrisburg, Banks and her oldest her transformation, she has earned son, Timothy, work together to a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology promote change for ex-offenders and a Master’s Degree in Human and assist them in achieving stability Services which focused on the ex- in their lives. offender and assisting them in reentry. Her thesis of her Master’s More Will Be Revealed work was a paper titled, “Hold On: Banks continues to use the We’re Not Ready Yet.” It speaks to lessons and people support from the need for ex-offenders to have her early years to keep her life going. the support necessary to become When asked, “How do you handle ready to be productive members being overwhelmed with work as of society. a researcher for Penn State, an “We can no longer treat a person Executive Director, wife and mother” just because they use drugs or have she replied, “JESUS!” mental health issues – it is deeper That response draws us back to than that,” Banks advocates. You the beams of her strong foundation. can’t fix a former offender by giving “My spiritual relationship with God them a job or housing – it is deeper and then to allow other people to than that. “So until we realize that help me” is what helps me maintain we are serving the whole person, balance. “I’m not trying to conquer then we won’t accomplish what is the world by myself,” Banks says. necessary for people to succeed.” Yet self-preservation is key too. Her non-profit, Amiracle4sure, “I knew how to guard myself,” she is a testament to her life purpose. said. Admitting she was not always She considers herself a resource guarded and cried often because for women and families in need of she was overwhelmed. “But support and services to turn their God instilled in me some level of lives around. In her own struggle, resilience which is clearly evident of she found her specific purpose. “I my addiction and my walk through Page 23
life, so I just tapped into that. And again, just keeping boundaries.” Discovering boundaries, instilling them and practicing them is key. Although she admits sometimes she still struggles with boundaries because she wants to help, she realizes “it is an ongoing experience learning to maintain boundaries.” So remaining teachable, establishing and setting boundaries, listening to the wisdom of others and protecting her family legacy are other supports in her foundation. But she knows she is just one person in a sea of many. There are other families struggling and, even today’s youth. But Banks shares a message of hope with community and church leaders as it relates to youth. The Message is Clear It is a challenge to teach today’s youth about how they need assistance psychologically, she says, but she believes her life experiences help her speak to a broad audience, which includes youth. “My strongest link [to people] is my personal experience. We are impacted by real life experiences. Sometimes you can’t reach people who don’t have a clue [about life’s consequences]. It is unfortunate they have to experience life themselves in order to see the realities of what their needs [really] are.” So Banks works diligently to ensure that when someone is ready for assistance, her agency is there to help current and ex-offenders with financial assistance towards housing, transportation, clothing, and a listening ear. n
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Diabetes 101 by Dr. Vernon Webb
A DIABETIC MYTH: “I don’t know why I got diabetes, I never eat sweets.” Answer: Just about everything you eat is converted to sugar by your body. Also, when you overeat, you are adding extra calories which are stored as fat. Being overweight is a predisposing factor for developing diabetes.
TYPES OF DIABETES Type One: Diabetes develops when your pancreas makes little or no insulin. Type Two: Your pancreas makes some insulin but one or two other problems develop. Your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin needed to control sugar.
DIABETES DEFINED Diabetes refers to an excess amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. The medical term for diabetes is Diabetes Mellitus, a Latin term referring to the sweetness or honey that passes through to the urine. Malfunction of the pancreas is usually related to this condition. The pancreas plays an important part in the digestive process by producing enzymes essential for breaking down the food you eat and it regulates your body’s use of blood sugar. With a normally functioning pancreas, the sugar concentration in the blood changes within a set range in response to a variety of factors including meals, exercise, stress and infections. This is a balanced system of control, but sometimes the system fails, and the majority of sugar cannot enter into your cells. Therefore, a significant amount of sugar remains in the bloodstream. This excess sugar spills over into the urine and is easily measured by doing a laboratory glucose test. If you eat nothing overnight and have a morning glucose test, your glucose level should be within a range, equal to one teaspoon of sugar in a gallon of water. This is considered normal. If your results are consistently over that amount or higher, you may have a problem and should see your physician.
Your muscle and tissue cells become resistant to insulin. Although type 2 diabetes is mainly in adults, it is increasingly being diagnosed in children as childhood obesity has increased. SELF CARE If you have diabetes you can reduce the risk of developing complications of the disease by taking the following measures: • Have yearly physicals, eye exams, dental exams, and foot exams. • Monitor your blood pressure. • Manage stress and depression (caused by diabetes) and consult with your physician. • Engage in a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
Diabetes is a slow killer similar to cancer. It affects all systems. COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES An excessive amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood will jeopardize several major body systems.
Specifically the following:
Eyes: Loss of vision Kidneys: Malfunction Heart: Hardening of the arteries, resulting in heart attack or stroke Wounds: Frequent slow healing wounds and infections Nerves: Loss of limbs (amputations) due to nerve damage. Surgeon, Dr. R. Craig Martin, of Martin Foot and Ankle stated, “Statistics show that if you lose your leg, it is highly probable that you will lose the other leg or your life within 5 years.”
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