Christ It Up Magazine

CHRIST IT UP

TM

Summer 2015

Church B. Journi Walk Wit Me

CHRIST IT UP Content

On The Cover

In Every Issue

...The Rest

8| Simple and Easy Ways Author Staci Bose gives tips on walking this Christian walk.

*Vessel's Note *Prayer for Salvation *Couples In Christ *Coffee with Sister Doris *Bookworm *Words of the Lord

17| What You Know About?

CIU catches up with a woman who has a ministry (Pursue Me Teenz) geared toward the Youth.

10| Cover Story Church B. speaks with us about his “Journi” from doing music in the world to finally releasing his debut album.

13| Trusting God Do you find it hard to trust God while in the mist of a storm?

Cover Photo & Photo Above Courtesy GJ Coleman

2|CIU Summer 2015

Note

Hair & Makeup-Devan Rue

Hallelujah!!

This has been a very trying time for me and my family. Even though I’ve been here before (struggling financially and other things) I can’t help to feel like, “How did I get here?” I know life happens to all of us but it seems as if mine is so unstable. It seems as if everything is uncertain.

The terrific part to this “tragic” story is that I know God is here and I will make it through this storm as I did the previous ones. It’s just a little water.

To God be the Glory!

Mz. CIU

Give your life to Christ

Vessel’s If you have read past issues of this magazine or if this is your first time, I am glad to introduce, The Sinner’s Prayer.

Romans 10:9-11 (NIV) 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

To give your life to Christ, recite this aloud: Dear God, I come to you today as a sinner asking for forgivness. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are Lord. I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day with all power in your hand. And today I accept you as my Lord and Savior.

In Jesus name, Amen!

1323 Superior Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 412~478-8892 christitup@yahoo.com www.christitupmagazine.com 3|CIU Summer Issue

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Couples in Christ Meet Don

and

Darnica gORDON

Don and Darnica met in High School in computer class. Just to be clear, that was not Don’s assigned class. He was there keeping his cousin company (ahem). After two days in the class he asked Darnica for her pager number. Yes, pager!! They began talking and became a couple. Darnica was 15 and Don was 17. They were not saved and shortly after became teen parents. In 2008 God intervened in their lives and they both began their walk with Christ. As they began to grow in Christ so did Don’s Music Ministry. Then he and Darnica got engaged.

Soon they were married with their two children as witnesses. They had another baby which was an awesome experience because it was in wedlock.

They have now been married for 6 years and have 3 beautiful children. Church B.’s music is an inspiration to many and Darnica is enjoying running this magazine.

To learn more about Church B. read his interview on page 10.

Want to share your “Couples In Christ” story? Send your submissions to christitup@yahoo.com 6|CIU Summer Issue

7|CIU Spring Issue 2015

WAYS EASY SIMPLE

Simple and Easy Ways to Walk This Christian Walk, Successfully

BY STACI BOSE When the spirit if the Lord is moving, do you embrace it or do you ignore it? I ask this question because I have sat in church many of Sunday mornings and the Spirit is moving and people are sitting in their seats looking around or talking. How are you able to not enter in when worship is taking place?

Then people wonder why they cannot sustain during the week. Well they never entered into His gates. Being saved is more than just saying the sinner’s prayer. This walk is not easy and if you think that you can do whatever you want and never have communion with God, you will not make it. You have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. You have to have fellowship with other like-minded saints, which is why we attend church. You must be involved.

Think of it this way. When you were in the world, you fellowshipped with like-minded people; in the club, in the bar, at your job, etc. Now that you are saved, you must do the same thing; at church, at Bible study, in whatever auxiliary you are a part of. We were not meant to walk this walk alone.

And support the church where you are fed. How thoughtless of you to attend other churches events but not support the events at your own church. That would be like going to your neighbor’s house and cutting their grass but your own yard is a mess. It just shouldn’t happen. Support where you are fed.

Acts 2:42- They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

WAYS EASY SIMPLE

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Church B. Man of Valor On a Journi of Faith

Walk With Him

Photo courtesy GJ Coleman

Church B., also known as Don Gordon, has been going hard for the Kingdom since 2008. Followers of his ministry have been patiently waiting the release of his debut album and it’s finally here! His album entitled, “Journi”, was released June 12th and has been getting a lot of buzz since its release. His debut single, “Faith” has over 40,000 views on YouTube and continues to grow. In the mist of creating the album and releasing the single, he was wrongfully fired from his job and denied unemployment. He was the breadwinner for his family. And even through that he knows God has him right where he is supposed to be. Let’s take a walk on his Journi.

Christ It Up: Journi is finally out, how does it feel to have release was there. That was the first time I got a whiff of myself. your debut album?

CIU: I’ve heard you say that music is an Art. Can you explain Church B: It’s a relief! All the planning that you’ve done to finally that in more depth? have it out.... It’s good!

CB: Music is an art to me. It’s so diluted now though. People just want to be on and I ran from that when I left the world only to CIU: How did you come up with the title “Journi”? found it here in CHH (Christian Hip Hop). It’s an art because I CB: That’s exactly what this was, coming from the world to was trained to do it. I was OK with learning the craft and being gospel. In the world I did secular music, thinking that was a good at it, and to watch it right now with “Journi” is crazy. To me way out; thinking I was supposed to be a super star. Thinking our music is art with words. You are literally using your words someone was going to come sign me. But that wasn’t the case. to paint a picture for someone. You take them where you want them to go. God is our creator, music is an art.

My first album was of me glorifying God. CIU: What is your favorite song on the album?

CIU: What would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

CB: Journis-the three-part series and “Pray For Me”, which CB: Alice Smith; I listen to instrumentals all day. I don’t listen to a lot of rap. Alina Perez...Lianne Le Havas. features the big homie Stay Humble.

CIU: How do you feel about the success of your debut single CIU: Are you nervous before you minister?

“Faith”? It has over 40,000 views on YouTube?

CB: Always, especially right before they call you up. It always feel CB: Mind blowing-not worthy of it but also watching it.... I like I’m going to lose my lunch. That’s only until I get on stage was going through an old text that I had wrote to myself and and the beat is playin’ and I black out. it was talking about learning how to except building your own buzz and not having a following. This was about a year or two CIU: How do you handle mistakes when ministering? years ago so to see that [YouTube views] really showed me that CB: I used to be really bad at it for awhile, I would be like, “Wait, everything takes time. stop, start the song over I messed up”. But now I just let it ride. I live until I catch my place or just wait for the hook. I learned that CIU: What age were you when you first started rapping?

I just have to have a good time when I’m up there. You’re bound to make mistakes in life. You could trick just walking down the CB: 17 street.

CIU: Wow 17! Who are some of the people that influenced you CIU: What is some advice you would give to a beginner who just to do music? start rapping/ministering?

CB: My cousin Hud, better known as J.R. Miah, The Holy Messenger. He could see the gift at 17, before I did. I’m a very CB: A lot the prayer. A lot of prayer! Be sure to read the Word quiet person-I didn’t even know I had a gift. I knew I loved of God, read quotes, pay attention to everything around you. music, but he seen it and he recognized it and helped bring it If you’re truly an artist and not just a turn up kid you’ll look fourth, him and my old head G aka Glorious. I would always at everything around you. Whatever you say will be used in hear them say, “One day he’s going to be crazy with it [rapping].” something. Always be sure to keep your ears open and don’t rush it, let the music play. The beat will tell you what she wants you to So yeah. say to her. And watch the words just come. Don’t allow when you CIU: When did you know that you were good? Like OK I got get a few followers, for that to go to your head because it’s very easy. Also,the closer that you get to your goal you will realize that skills? less of your friends will be around; less of an entourage. It will get CB: It was in the world, after I learned how to do music my cousin real quiet. It’s a little crazier but go for it! encouraged me to keep writing. Once I stopped writing with pen and paper and it started to flow from the heart I knew something

CIU: What is a motto, advice or scripture that you go by?

CB: That’s difficult, there’s tons of words and things in my head. But my favorite scripture is, Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time”, meaning don’t rush anything. Everything has its own season, it’ll be beautiful when it’s supposed to be, it’ll be great when it’s supposed to be. Start right where you’re at and enjoy the scenery on your way there; on your way to your goal. See there is value in the traveling, not once you cross the line or get to the goal. We already know the goal so there is value in the scenery around you be close acquainted with patience and grind.

CIU: Thanks for taking time out to share with Christ It Up, is there anything else you want to say or share before we go?

Photo Courtesy Grapefight Photography

CB: Pray for me!

You can follow Church B on: Facebook-Church B. Intagram-church_b Twitter-_churchb Website: www.churchb.com

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Trusting God While in the Storm By: Shalonda Johnson

The hardest thing to do is to trust God while in the storm. When it’s dark and it doesn’t look like the problem or situation is going anywhere, all God wants you to do is trust Him. “WHATTTTT, God are You crazy?

Don’t You see how dark it looks? Don’t You see how crazy my situation is? And You want me to trust You?” Yes, He just wants you to trust Him; trust that He already has it worked out and that in His timing, everything will not only work out but it’s going to benefit you so that you can use that testimony to help someone else! Micah 7:7 NIV says “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” God hears everything you say, every tear you cry and every word that can’t come out of your mouth, but is in your heart. HE HEARS YOU, He sees YOU and believe me He has a plan for you!!!

My desk at work is filled with so many post-its of scriptures. But there is one that sticks out so clearly; Jeremiah 17:7 NIV “But I will bless the person who puts his trust in me”. How awesome is that! God will bless whoever just puts their trust in Him and not just saying I trust you God, but allowing your actions to show it as well.

This probably has been the toughest season when it came to trusting God; trusting Him to make ways out of no ways, to open doors where it seemed impossible to be opened. I learned it really wasn’t about those doors being opened or ways being created, but just learning to truly lean on God in those trying times. To say I trust you God even though I can’t see You, when I can’t see my way through the darkness, when the test and trails are hitting me right and left Lord, I trust you. God already knew the problem was coming. He already knew a plan needed to be created to fix that problem. But all He wants is your trust and your belief that He will work it all out for you.

This walk is not easy. It wasn’t supposed to be easy, but believe me it’s worth it. It’s worth trusting Him in those dark times. Trust Him even when everything is going great. God has a plan for your entire life; not just for certain moments, not when He feels like it, but for the rest of your life. God has everything mapped out. He loves you and there is nothing you can do about that!

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Book Worm Ieesha Jakia Cheatham Author /Founder/ Ceo/ Business Mogul/ Visionary/ Youth Leader New Book A Church Girl’s Testimony

When Jakia had scoliosis surgery, she was forced to deal with her past. Although dealing with her father and her past life was something she never wanted to talk about, God took her into an isolation period that forced her into dealing with everything that made her who she was today. God took her on the ride of her life, and she made a few stops and dealt with the forgiveness of others as well as herself.

A Church Girl’s Testimony will help you realize that there is purpose in the midst of the pain. This book will encourage you to deal with your past and walk into your future. The road to healing may be long, but you are never alone. It’s time to put God first and exercise your faith in him.

Founder of Global Ministry Church Girl’s Ministry www.churchgirlsministr.org

Jakia Cheatam’s book, “A Church Girl’s testimony can be found at **tatepublishing.com

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Coffee with Sister Doris

Dear Sister Doris,

So my husband is supposed to be the head of my household, correct? Right! See I have no problem with this; it’s my family who doesn’t get it. No one’s saved or even married for that matter, and they want to say that my husband runs me, like he’s just doggin’ me out. That’s not the case. Anyway, how do I get them to understand the way God intended for a marriage to operate?

Signed, He runs this...yes he do!!

He runs this, Darling, I am so glad that you stopped by so that we can chat.

Before we get started, do you need more sugar in your tea? The tea is ok? Great! So, let’s dig right in. First, I want to address this:

For the men: 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, “and they want to say that my husband runs me, like he’s just husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He doggin’ me out.” who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as I am wondering two things about this statement. First is he Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 dogging you out? Second, in the back of your mind, do you “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be find offense with your husband running your household? The united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32 This reason I ask is why would you think that your husband running is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the you is equated with dogging you? Let me tell you, Sister Doris’ church. husband runs the house. He is in charge. If someone said, “Sister Doris your husband runs you,” my response would be a A recap: quick grin, followed by a “yes, he does,” and a snap. I am proud 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves that my husband loves me so much, protects me, cares for me, himself, and the wife must respect her husband. and wants what is best for my house. Now if he were being a jerk and only asking me to do things that would benefit him, I Explaining to the family how your relationship in your may have a defensive response. But I still would have to respect marriage reflects your relationship in Christ may give you an him while going to God in prayer for wisdom on how to handle opportunity to explain salvation, to explain the importance of the situation. family, and to explain why God’s plan is so important. Your James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who marriage means more to the people around you than you or gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given they realize. to you.

I hope that our chat helped.

You have to let people know that you are proud that they see your life lining up with the Word of God. It sounds like you Until next time, Sister Doris will be praying for you. are the only healthy marriage they are seeing. They need to learn and you may be able to save future generations with your obedience to God’s Word. So let’s review what the Word says: Ephesians 5:22-33 NIV For the women: 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Have a question for Sister Doris? Send your submissions to christitup@yahoo.com

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What You Know About....

Pursue Me Teenz As told to Darnica Gordon

My name is Patrice (Ms.Trice on social media) I am the co founder of Pursue Me & Founder of Pursue Me Teenz! Pursue Me Teenz was a vision that our Pursue Me founder Shantae Richardson had. After connecting with Ms. Richardson & working beside her I took on the responsibility of starting Pursue Me Teenz.

Our Mission: To encourage teenagers to pursue after Christ & not Boaz. We are here to Inspire teenagers to go after their dreams, to Empower them to make wise & healthy decisions & to Educate them on the importance of living a pure lifestyle.

When I first started Pursue Me Teenz I was nervous & excited. I knew God placed a message in my heart but I didn't know how to execute it.

Being a teenager isnt easy especially if you are trying to be a Christian.

You are tempted by the cute boy/girl in class. You are talked about & called "unpopular" & you sometimes even lose friends. But you realize deep down that you are called to be different, you understand that God is in control so you keep pushing. I want young girls & boys to understand that being saved & remaining pure is a HUGE accomplishment & that God is honored by their commitment. Its more than just an Instagram/Twitter account its a movement! When we begin to realize that God isn't impressed by numbers we begin to focus on the impact.

Numbers don't phase me, likes don't distract me because I know my assignment. I am honored to serve these young people, I am grateful for the opportunity to share pieces of my heart with them. It feels good knowing that I am making an impact. That's what Pursue Me Teenz is all about, making an impact & bringing glory & honor to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!!

Want to share your “What You Know About� story? Send your submissions to christitup@yahoo.com 17|CIU SummerIssue

“FAITH”

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Words of the Lord

Wisdom By: Darnica Gordon

You ever hear someone say, “I’ve been around the block a time or two.”? I have, I use to hear it all the time when I was younger, and someone was trying to keep me from making a mistake with my decision making. But I never really paid any attention to it before, but the other day I was sitting in my room and was thinking of my mother when that saying came to my mind. She has been around the block a few times. She has been through a lot in her life. But if you think about it, if you’ve walked around in your neighborhood you know where the store is, who lives where, were the bus stop is at, etc. But when you just move to a neighborhood you don’t know where anything is. So when someone says they’ve ben around the block that simply means they know a thing or two about what’s going on. The bible says that we’re to heed to our elders who have wisdom. (NLT Job 12:12 Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.)

It’s important that we listen to the knowledge they have to past down. Listening can keep us from situations that can cause us a lifetime of pain. Be sure to remain humble and always be open to learn new things. You never want to reach a point where you “believe” you know everything. God is the only one who knows everything. It’s possible for you to know a lot, but not everything.

Let’s continue to learn and share so that people may be saved.

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