Make It So Report May 2011 Issue by Allen Green

Make It So Report

May 2011 Vol. 4

Editor: A. Green May 2011 Issue Contributors Irene Council (Sincere Vessel) Minister Donald E. Graham, Jr. Denise Statham Rev. Dr. Esther L. Seales Pearl M. Jenkins Serena Blanco Join the e-mailing list to receive this e-magazine monthly: Go to www.makeitsomanagement.com (Join mailing list) Welcome to the “Make It So” Report. The e-magazine is a monthly publication which features, social commentary, upcoming events, articles, photographs, poems, stories, etc. Submissions for consideration to be inserted in magazine must be received before the 25th of the month. All submissions are subject to review and approval by the editor. Submissions must be sent in a MS word format, times roman 12 point font. All photographs must be in a jpeg format and sent in a separate file. Do not insert in the Word document. Send all submissions to make.it.so.report@gmail.com

ON THE COVER Elder Montez O. Jones The Praiser,” “Shoutin‘John,” and “Preacher [Page 6]

We want to hear from you! Send us your letter and comments: Make.it.so.report@gmail.com

Vivian Cullars Allen Cofield Brecter Morton, Photographer Cover Design: L. Mears

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Keep A Praise The Psalmist Chorale of Philadelphia Five Years Singing the Praises of God On Saturday, April 2, 2011 the Psalmist Chorale under the direction of Minister Kevin Wilkins celebrated five years of ministering in music. The 30 plus member group was adorned in beautiful black robes. The celebration took place at the Rising Sun Baptist Church in South Philadelphia.

Caravans as always were in rare form lifting up the praises to God as only they can. Minister Dwayne McDonald from Gospel Highway Eleven guided the service as the Worship Leader. It was a great night filled with anointed singing from some of the areas greatest choirs. Congratulations to the Minister Kevin Wilkins and Psalmist Chorale from the “Make It So” Report.

Good Read

There were a number of special guest choirs that made an appearance in honor of the Psalmist Chorale. Professor Harold Thompson and the Main Line Interdenominational Choir blessed the audience of friends and followers with a few classical renditions of well-known hymns of the church. The Mainline singers are indeed a polished, professional group of vocalist. Following the Main Line Choir Philadelphia’s own Victory Chorale Ensemble let the listeners know that they were “not uneasy.”

Author Anonymous Someone has written these beautiful words. Try to understand the deep meaning of it. They are like the Ten Commandments to follow in life all the time. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout. So a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small?

Victory led by Pastor Lenora Young is a wellestablished group that is legendary in the gospel world. Last but not least bringing up the rear all the way from Atlantic City, New Jersey were Bishop Charles Lyles and the John Howard Caravans. Bishop Charles Lyles laid down some awesome vocals and anointed organ playing. The

Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on. Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

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impact on, the world is ingrained in us just as much as much as our other needs.

All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don't worry, they can't last long either.

Our thirst for knowledge can lead to wisdom, understanding and virtuous decision making or it can lead to delusions and destructive choices if channeled in the wrong direction. The main point, however, is that we have a choice. God gives us free-will and all of the faculties we need to make decisions based on wisely obtaining and assimilating knowledge. God even gives us the opportunity to come to Him for advice through prayer and study of His word in Scripture. God further provides us with pastors and teachers to help us in discerning our way along this journey.

Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold! Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end! When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities. A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!" When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today's PEACE.

God Meets Our Mental Needs By Denise Statham

www.makeitsomanagement.com Our focus today will be on how God meets our quest for knowledge. God created us to have a wide range of emotions that help us to experience life to the fullest. He also gave us mental capabilities to reign in our base instincts and to manage our emotions through our evolving thought processes. Our need to explore our environment as well as to learn about our relationship to, and

For price quotes call: 267.979.0691 also visit us at our website www.makeitsomanagement.com

May 2011 Issue Make It So Report Volume 4

them. While most of us experience traumatic hurt, pain, and disappointment at some point in our lives, I do recognize that not all of us handle them the same way. In fact, I believe a lot of people find it difficult to move forward with their lives because the results they are looking for are based solely upon what happens to them. In other words, they have made up in their minds that they will only ‘feel better’ once things ‘get better’. This is the very thought process that the enemy uses to keep the saints of God bound in depression and low selfesteem. For example, people who walk in unforgiveness will often harbor resentment toward the offending party as a way of holding them hostage. Unfortunately, this behavior often backfires and they end up incarcerated within the prison walls of their own bitterness. It is not until they embrace God’s forgiveness for their own life that they realize how much easier it is for them to forgive others.

Sincere’s Corner Sincere Vessel (The Comedienne) Down girl…DOWN! Ladies, I know the summer is coming and you would like to have been in a relationship by now! But maybe…just maybe, it’s not your time. (Trust me, I’m with you…but TARRY a little longer…lol!) In Genesis 2:21-23….it reminds us that Adam was put to sleep to bring forth a WOMAN (from his rib) to walk along side of him and tend to the things of this earth. So you ARE somebody’s RIB, somebody’s WOMAN. Don’t doubt it. What we don’t appreciate is the time that God allows us to have to ourselves. We are so use to worrying about “Who we are meant to “Be With”, instead of who we are meant to “BE”. Enjoy your “YOU TIME”….because it is there, that God shows you who you are, what your purpose is and most importantly, what you are willing to put up with and what you are not!!!! I love that! So enjoy your “YOU TIME”….and let God deal with “the Man”…like He always have! God Bless…Sincere Vessel (The Comedienne)

It is imperative for us to realize that the only way we will ever get better is if we begin to change how we feel about what has happened to us. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to ‘Let Go and Let God’. Jesus asked the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda, "Will thou be made whole?" (John 5:6). Everybody wants to be healed from what ails them but not everybody wants to take the next step, which is to be made whole. Are you willing to make a conscious decision not to allow anyone to live ‘rent-free’ in your head ever again? I urge you once more my friend to ‘Let Go and Let God’…for in doing so, you will release the other person and end up freeing yourself in the process!

LET GO AND LET GOD! Minister Donald Graham Jr Why do we hold on to bitterness and resentment? Why do we nurture our own pain by constantly rehearsing the same story about what happened to us time and again to anyone that will listen? The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13; “Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” It is hard for some people to ever walk in victory because they are constantly influenced by what has happened to them or what someone has done to

Dates for Victory Chorale Ensemble Saturday, May 7th, 2011 – 6:00 pm Rome Emmanuel Baptist Church 1100 West Lehigh Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19133 Sunday, May 15th, 2011 – 3:30 pm Davis Temple Baptist Church 2261 North Franklin Street (Franklin & Dauphin Streets) Philadelphia, PA 19133 3

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they want to say… When they get drunk they get bold enough to bless somebody out.. and then when they are sober they pretend that they did not know what they were saying… they blame their behavior on the bottle.

“FASTING TO BE FILLED WITH THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST” Rev. Dr. Esther L. Seales, Pastor Tyree AME Fasting and Prayer are two of the weapons that God has given us to get victory over our circumstances. In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let us make humankind in our image. In John 4:24, John says, “God is Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Romans 8:16 says, “Spirit bears witness to Spirit that we are the children of God. When we fast and pray we move the fleshly physical body out of the way, and we get our minds off of the petty stuff because we come into the fullness of Christ.

Well, we as Christians need to Fast and Pray and get filled with the Spirit… so full until we are running over with the Word and the Power of God. Just get so full of the Spirit until it does not even matter whether folk like you are not… all that matters to you when you are full of the Holy Spirit is that you love everybody. You will be just like the man that was born blind… Jesus healed his eyes… he could now see, and the Pharisee were questioning him as to who it was that healed him. He said, “His name is Jesus, made clay and anointed my eyes and now I see and that is all that matters to me.”

Jesus Christ Fasted and prayed for 40 day and 40 nights. And during these 40 days, He fought against Satan, and when he ended the 40 day fast the Word tells us that Jesus was hungry. Therefore the Devil tried to take advantage of His weakness and he tried to tempt Jesus into sinning three times.

When you fast and pray, you come into the fullness of Christ, and a whole lot of stuff that you used to be concerned about will not phase you anymore… because when you fast and pray the Holy Ghost takes over and He gives you, peace, love, joy, direction for your life. He shows you what to do to get through your circumstances. After fasting and praying Jesus Christ had the Word and the Word is power… therefore Jesus Christ used the Word to fight the Devil. Therefore we need to know God’s Word so that we too can fight against the Devil.

If Jesus Christ had to fast and pray to get ready to do His earthly ministry, this should tell us as human beings that we must fast and pray for power and authority to fight against all of the challenges, and problems of this life. When Jesus Christ came out of the wilderness after fasting and praying for 40 days, He had power to preach and teach with authority in Nazareth his hometown and in Galilee, the region what his hometown was. He had the holy boldness to get up and read in the synagogue. After he read the scripture and rebuked them through the Word about not having faith in the power of God to provide food during the famine or the heal all the lepers of Israel, the Jews were insulted and tried to throw Jesus over a cliff and kill him but through his miraculous power He escaped and just passed right through them.

Celebrate the Upcoming 5th Annual Pastoral Anniversary Events Rev. Andre’ & Evangelist Pam Seals Pre-Anniversary Services Sunday, May 15, 2011 - 4 PM Rev. Dr. Steven Avinger, Sr. Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 10:30 AM Rev. Leroy Jones Greater St. Matthew Baptist Church Philadelphia, PA. All Services held at: Discipleship of Christ Community Fellowship Church 3011 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, DE 19703 302.792.0114

We often hear people say that some folks have to get drunk before they have the courage to say what 4

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Pearlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poetry Writer Pearl M. Jenkins If we'd lift the Savior up, there would be no room for jealousy, If we'd lift Him high He said: I'll draw all men unto Me. If we'd lift the Savior up, He will over flow our cup. If we'd lift the Savior up, there would be no room for strife, for we'd be looking forward to everlasting life. If we'd lift the Savior up, in sin we'd never more roam, for we'd be looking forward to making heaven our home. If we'd lift the Savior up, we'd have love for one another, we'd live in peace and harmony with our sisters and brothers, and love, honor and respect our father and our mother.

"Don't Ever Rush To Fall In Love, Unless You Can Stand the Hurt" Love can be beautiful thoughtful and kind, but on the other hand, love can also be blind. Love can be serious false or fake, leaving you in misery, with love's heartache. Love can be honest, oh so true, then again the one you love, can make a fool out of you. Love can be precious mature and wise, letting you not believe what you've heard, but have witness with your own eyes, love can lead to jealousy that will have you in pain, fist fighting for love, what will you gain? To the girl in that certain skirt, or to that fellow in that certain shirt, don't ever rush to fall in love, unless you can stand the hurt.

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Elder Montez O. Jones He has been called “the Praiser,” “Shoutin‘John,” and “Preacher” but more than anything else, Montez O. Jones is a fired up brother for Christ and one of the most devoted singing preachers in Christendom. Elder Montez O. Jones is the founder & Pastor of Judah Ministries Church of God in Christ, Inc. of Coatesville, PA. Judah Ministries was founded November 15, 2002. He also co-planted The New Community Christian Church, of Coatesville, PA. Pastor Jones is the husband of Lady Danielle R. Jones and the proud father of two sons, Zane & Anthony. He is the eldest of four children to Shepherd Mother Felicia C. Jones & the late Montez E. Carter. He delivered his initial sermon in August of 1998 at the First Calvary C.O.G.I.C. in Coatesville, PA. While attending First Calvary Pastor Jones served in many capacities, he initiated the 6AM Prayer Service, which consisted of members of various local churches. He served as the Director of the Outreach Ministry serving such agencies as Chester County AIDS Support Services, 400 Oak Senior Center, Open Arms Transformation Center and the Convoy of Hope. He also served in numerous auxiliaries, although his greatest passion was serving at the Chester County Prison every month. Elder Jones not only serves in his local church, but he serves in the Coatesville District and the office of Bishop Benjamin J. Ravenel as an Adjutant Brother of the Commonwealth of PA Jurisdiction of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. He recorded his first song "Holy and Righteous" with the late Sister Kitty Parham and the Jurisdictional Mass Choir. Currently, he serves the office of the Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake as an Adjutant Brother in the International Church of God In Christ, Inc. Pastor Jones served as a Chaplin for the City of Coatesville's Police Department & Weed and Seed Steering Committee Member. Pastor has been appointed as the Spiritual Advisor of the CYWA Samara House & the Virtuous Sisters & Anointed Brothers for Christ Ministry. He launched his highly successful radio broadcasting ministry as the Co- Host of “The People’s Heartline” on local radio station, 1420 AM WCOJ. Countless souls were saved and uplifted by his energetic preaching, praying, and music. As a gospel music recording artist, by the time Pastor Jones was 25 years old he had contributed to over 20 successful recordings. Two of them earned Stellar Awards and one of them a Grammy Nomination. To God be the glory! His dedication to spreading the gospel thru song has allowed him to minister on several international platforms from Gospel in Paradise in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, the 2000 Republican National Convention, The Bobby Jones Gospel Show, Rev. James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America, Gospel Today’s Gospel Music Heritage Awards, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and countless others. Elder Jones has been a part of the award winning "Wilmington Chester Mass Choir" for over 17 years. It is because of his charismatic praise and unwillingness to compromise his Pentecostal upbringing that Pastor Jones has been called upon by the legendary “Patti Labelle” in a studio session to lay hands and pray. 6

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Although, Pastor Jones is vigilant at fulfilling his pastoral duties within his local church and community, he enthusiastically found time to record yet another gospel music recording, entitled “He’ll Make A Way” that is set to be released in the fall of 2011. Elder Jones has been the recipient of many honors, awards, and recognitions for his civic and ecumenical services. Elder Jones is a graduate of Overbrook High School, Philadelphia, PA. He was ordained as an Evangelist while attending the Jamison School of Ministry; he attended the Community Impact Institute in 1999. Elder Jones received the Certificate of Ministry of Care offered through the University of Pennsylvania, while completing the ordination process of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. Elder Jones was ordained and installed in November of 2002. Pastor Jones favorite scripture is Psalm 43: 5 "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

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Deliverance Evangelistic Church. The National Convention is scheduled to commence in Atlanta, Georgia the first week of August.

Living Life in the Key of C Writer Allen Cofield Brecter Morton Photo’s “Living my life in the key of C”, these profound words were the title of the message delivered by Bishop Audury F. Bronson on Thursday evening April 14, 2011 at the Annual Board meeting service of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (NCGCC). This prolific message as only Bishop Bronson could deliver was right in line with the musical service hosted by the Gospel Music Preservation Alliance (GMPA) Philadelphia chapter of the NCGCC. The service took place at the First Corinthian Baptist Church of Philadelphia, PA. First Corinthian was filled to capacity with board delegates from across the country that had come to Philadelphia for a three day annual planning board meeting. The service was opened with various instrumental music selections played by three of Philadelphia’s finest musicians, Bro James Cauley on the Hammond organ, Dr. Thomasina James and Dr. Grayce Zimmitt on piano. Linda Timmons of Radio Station WNAP Gospel Highway Eleven acted as worship leader for the evening. A mass choir comprised of various churches and denominations from the Philadelphia area under the direction of Evangelist David Winslow provided spirituals, hymns and traditional music. On Friday, the final day of the Board meeting a luncheon was held at the Crowne Plaza hotel. The delegates were treated to the anointed music of national gospel recording artist Ernest Pugh and the word was delivered by Pastor Spaulding from

Presttonia Davis Brown Minister D. Roberts

The Change The eagle has the longest life-span among birds. It can live up to 70 years. But to reach this age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In its 40’s, its’ long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-aged and heavy wings, due to their thick feathers, become stuck to its chest and make it difficult to fly. Then, the eagle is left with only two options: die

May 2011 Issue Make It So Report Volume 4

or go through a painful process of change which lasts 150 days. The process requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until it plucks it out. After plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow back and then it will pluck out its talons. When its new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking its old-aged feathers. And after five months, the eagle takes its famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years. Why is change needed? Many times, in order to survive we have to start a change process. We sometimes need to get rid of old memories, habits and other past traditions. Only freed from past burdens, can we take advantage of the present.

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but, by how we react to what happens. Not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It's a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. Change to make a change! Be the change to bring about the change! "If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Serena Blanco Gospel Music Preservation Alliance Membership I would like to take the time to thank you for your support and contributions in making the Board Meeting and Board Meeting Service an overwhelming success. We have received so many wonderful words of support and prayers for HIS continued mercy on us. Just know that prayer works. We asked God for HIS favor and HE did just that. Everything was wonderful, the music was extraordinary. Every musician and every song brought something different that ultimately pleased GOD. Thank you to our great Music Director, Evangelist Winslow. When I came into the church I could feel HIS presence. Words do not seem adequate to express how happy I am for all of us. To our Youth, you were awesome in every way. Continue to work hard and persevere. God knows your heart and its true intent. As I said on Thursday, there is no place like Philadelphia, PA. We also extend our gratitude to the caterer for the evening. I knew the food was good when I saw people literally carrying plates out the door. We also thank our wonderful Bishop Bronson and Pastor Thomas for their prayers and support. To Cheryl Wesson, you are a true gift from God. We asked for HIS continued favor in your life. As we begin to prepare for Atlanta, let us remember to pray daily for HIS mercy in our lives. We are truly one in the spirit. Love, Peace & Joy

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Women’s Day 2011 Tyree AME Church Writer Vivian Cullars April 10th a beautiful day at the corner of 38th & Hamilton Streets, under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Esther L. Seales, 150 worshipers assembled to share in the spiritual worship service and celebration for Women’s Day. Sis Annie McKethan, chairperson and Sis Marian Lutley, co-chairperson did an outstanding job of organizing this service. The women of Tyree attired in white and lime green along with the pulpit, program participants, choir and ushers lifted their voices in worship and praise let by the Women’s day choir under the direction of our minister of music Mr. Allen Green and guest director Sis Bernadette Beverly. The Lord spoke to our hearts, mind and soul through His word in song. Worship through music by NuCreature Mass Choir and the Women’s Day Choir lifted out spirit and enhanced the worship experience. Liturgical praise by Jasmonae Washington expressed adoration and praise to God. The Women’s Day theme, “Sincere Prayer Changes Things” resonated throughout the service. The music was an integral part of worship and God was gloried through song and dance. It was evident to all that the Holy Spirit joined us in this service and kept our spirits high. The speaker was the Rev. Nora Calhoun of the Victory Community Outreach Ministry of Edgewater Park, New Jersey. She was introduced by her sister cochairperson, Sis. Marian Lutley. She brought the word from Matthew 8 verses 1 through 9 and Matthew 24, verses 5 through 8 proclaiming that through prayer, giving everything over to God, reading His word and having faith will change things in our lives. During the invitation to Christian discipleship, Rev. Dr. Seales prayed for and anointed all who came to the altar for prayer and a special blessing. The service was followed by a delicious dinner served by the culinary chairperson, Sis Lillie Mansaray. We give thanks to almighty God for this wonderful, spirit filled day.

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Saturday Evening, May 21, 2011 @ 6:00 P.M. Anointed Guest Soloist & Artists WORD ALIVE WORSHIP CENTER 801 West Luzerne Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19140 Pastor: Bishop A. Lois Barksdale Contacts: Email: rladsonensemble@aol.com Or write: P.O. Box 83, Darby, PA. 19023

May 2011 Issue Make It So Report Volume 4

Book of the Month Does Love Cover, THAT? The Healing Process of the Fruit of the Spirit was birthed out of a vacation bible school adult class that was taught at LaMott AME Church under the leadership of Pastor Keith Hayward. The concept of blending how we love with how we cultivate our fruit has been a life changing component to our spiritual journey. The premise for this book is to draw the believer into a love relationship with God, their neighbor, and themselves. Love is that which connects us to God. Love is the reason that we were created and love is how we should live, move, and have our being. The Bible makes it clear that the believer is known by their love. Love is what we do and our fruit is how we do what we do. This book shares the four stages that our fruit goes through as we encounter non-loving experiences in our lives. The Four Stages Are: Good Fruit, Bruised Fruit, Sour Fruit, and Unripe Fruit. Allow the Spirit of God to heal you as you internalize the principles that you will find in this book.

Rev. Dr. Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shellarien Anthony serves as a Pediatric and Adult Chaplain for Delaware Hospice. She is an adjunct professor at Harcum College and an Instructor and 4th year advisor at City Wide Interdenominational Christian Training Institute. She holds an Associate of Art in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor of Science in Urban Ministry Leadership, Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology in Theology, and a Doctorate of Theology in Biblical Theology. She is a woman after Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart. She currently serves at Mt. Tabor AME Church under Pastor Martha. A. Lang, her mentor and mother in ministry.