TRENDSETTERS: BREAD OF STONE + KELLY MINTER + SEABIRDS + NEW WORLD SON
CROSSROAD crossroadmag.com
FAITH + LIFESTYLE + CULTURE
CARLOS + WHITTAKER
The Soul of a Ragamuffin What We “Like”
From Eighteen to Eternity
SWITCHFOOT A CALM IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM
BARLOW GIRL THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
TIME TO BE THE CHURCH
WHAT IS SUCCESS THE DANGERS OF SEX BEFORE AND OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE FEB/MAR 2011
FAITH + LIFESTYLE + CULTURE
CROSSROAD MAGAZINE // FEBRUARY + MARCH 2011 Carlos Whittaker // The Soul of A Ragamuffin PUBLISHER / CREATIVE EDITOR / FOUNDER Victor Flavius / / victorflavius@crossroadmag.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER / PARTNER Steven Johnson / / stevenjohnson@crossroadmag.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Joshua Flavius Janet Morris Grimes Pastor Gilford T. Monrose Speech Greg Baker Gary Maddison Dana Chaffin Kimberly Burge Racine Tucker-Hamilton Tobias CREATIVE MARKETING + ADVERTISING The Brand LLC - thebrandllc@gmail.com + Brand Director // Askia Fountain PUBLIC RELATIONS ASA Public Relations - ascott@asa-pr.com + CEO & President // Andrew Scott For any Editorial Request, Comments or Article Submissions: info@crossroadmag.com MISSION STATEMENT Crossroad magazine is a place for those motivated by faith to transpose their lives from a secular-focused world to a Christ centered life. Crossroad Magazine covers music, healthy living, reviews, books that impact our spiritual and positive growth and lives, articles that inspire change and music interviews. We provide the vehicle and outlet to positively influence each individual. Our vision is to inspire hope to those that feel confused and misguided about their purpose and to build a platform that will plant a seed or help transform individuals one by one. Welcome to the Crossroad. Crossroad magazine is published Bi-monthly and is distributed free online. To contact Crossroad magazine, e-mail us at crossroadmag@gmail.com. We appreciate your feed back. Crossroad magazine, all rights reserved. reproduction without permission, by any method whatsoever, is prohibited.
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CROSSROAD MAGAZINE CONTENTS FEBRUARY + MARCH • www.crossroadmag.com
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22
24
28
32
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44
50
HOW TO BURY A BAD PAST BY GREG BAKER THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS BY GREG BAKER MUSIC REVIEWS BY JOSHUA FLAVIUS FROM EIGHTEEN TO ETERNITY BOB LENZ AND LIFETIME PROMOTIONS BY JANET MORRIS GRIMES WHAT IS SUCCESS BY SPEECH THE DANGERS OF SEX BEFORE AND OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE BY GREG BAKER MOVIE REVIEWS BY DANA CHAFFIN
36 CARLOS WHITTAKER THE SOUL OF A RAGAMUFFIN
SWITCHFOOT// A CALM IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM BY TOBIAS
ON THE COVER 10 TIME TO BE THE CHURCH/ PASTOR GILFORD MONROSE 16 THE GREAT CONTROVERSY // BARLOW GIRL 58 THE AMBASSADORS // FEATURES NEW MUSIC
8 // FAITH
How To
T S A P D A B BURY A by Greg Baker
It is that did things wrong. made mistakes or u yo e are hands at W . th t ets no gr is re d st th a bad pa out guilt an wi ab rt lem pa st, ob ng pr t ati str tes ea fru in t The gr slipped to the pa the mos ce the moment has and undo it. That is on ck t ba Bu . go gs t n’ on ca wr u . ht yo rig lem it. That is the prob to fix mistakes and on people. We want d undo or even redo an ck will ba go t n’ ca . We n take. This article what’s done is done of action that we ca rt so e m so on t en pend g your past go is de So the key to lettin n. ESENT assist with that actio - JUST YOUR PR of ST PA UR YO t TO ar U ACCORDING the struggle that goes on in the he ” Or, DEAL WITH YO GOD DOESN’T and a Pastor of a Church. So I know e, “Can God love someone like me? . n ilt m I’m both a Christia ink about their bad past. People ask tements that speak of regret and gu sta th r ey ila th sim en y so man people wh determine His at I’ve done!” and s at your present to n people turn their ok “You don’t know wh lo He st. pa ur ing to yo th. Whe al with you accord will reveal this tru at can’t But God doesn’t de e. Even a casual study of the Bible . It has nothing to do with a past th lif ed rd ur wa yo re in e n ar now! ht, they interactio rt doing things rig you are doing right lives around and sta . It has everything to do with what ne be changed or undo y ur focus. Every da DAY that will become yo Y en ER th y, EV da R is th VE O w, right no START that all you have is When you realize day is a fresh beginning, a new start. ual that I go y y. I have a little rit e this. da d ba a is a new day. Ever be to s ha y something lik ean that today is is the ring that prayer I sa past, that doesn’t m If you have a bad ng. I read my Bible and pray, but du rday, and tomorrow isn’t here yet. Th ni ste or ye m ” ything about through every rthy of the gift it is. w day. I can’t do an e “Lord, today is a ne me the strength to make it a day wo new day. Make it th ve bread.” Hey, it’s a only day I have. Gi ily da r ou y da is e us th up. we are to ask, “Giv y when you wake The Bible says that life. If it isn’t, there will be a new da greatest day of your have with would be the one wen detriment. But if it LF t SE os m UR e th YO th E wi IV e eir ow FORG struggl way too much to th lationship that we If I had to pick a re themselves. Some love themselves l gift of a new day. fu te ourselves. Some ha urself, you will never see the wonder man times, the d past. In ancient Rod tie the condemned you can’t forgive yo ba at th m fro lf se your woul the me way to separate d execution. They You need to find so a rather disgusting form of torture an feet with someone already dead. As ur to yo d et ll pe fe ki lo d ll ve an wi de s, s st nd to ha Roman your pa th to mouth, hands way. Being tied to torso to torso, mou y, it killed the living in a truly foul ca , it’s corpse began to de for your past. Look . present and future ve a funeral service mchair in the living Ha g. in do er id ns e ar to co a and put him in th that you may want Here is something loved one dies. We don’t stuff grandp a oss what we do when This helps us have closure. bad past. Make a cr . room! We bury him ind yourself of your just do it yourself, m re at th gs in th it d, or t in ur pastor, or a frien lf a shoebox and pu Do this: get yourse ething like, ‘John’s Bad Past’. Get yo your past and bury it. r m and burn into it so y field and have a funeral service fo pt ies that overshadow but go to some em lf is to have memor ur bad past, you’ll se ur yo g in iv rg fo rt of d of yo you to d a bit silly. But pa e you are reminde It sounds corny an ll do this, you’ll find that every tim you closure on your past and enable u’ ve yo gi ll If . It’ es it. on r d fo had the ba funeral service you also remember the move on. d forgive yourself an e the future; live in th your past; plan for m . fro n RK ar O Le W . on ES e IT DO d mov forgive yourself an Find some way to present.
“When you realize that all you have is right now, this day, then that will become your focus.”
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10 // FAITH
Time To Be the
CHURCH by Pastor Gilford T. Monrose
Today, humans have acquired more knowledge than any other time in history. Science and medicine are going places never before imagined. We have bigger jets and cruise liners, faster computers, and helpful drugs for certain diseases are being discovered everyday. Daniel envisioned a time when knowledge would increase (See Daniel 12:4). We have much evidence today of our successes in these and many other areas. We have improved on just about every area of life.
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E
very year Forbes magazine publishes a list of the richest people in the world. This list continues to grow longer and longer. More people can afford vacations, purchase houses, and buy brand new cars. Some car dealership will have cars for sale that can be purchased with zero percent down. Life, overall, seems comfortable for most Americans. When life is good, most people tend to forget about church…well until something happens that turns their lives upside down. Personal or national tragedy (and especially since 9/11) seems to cause a major shift in people’s assessment of church. It is a time when people flock to churches in droves. There is just something about churches that society finds in times of tragedy and hardship. This always fascinates me because the media and general public embrace church or (the idea of church) during a time of crisis, but in times of peace and prosperity, the church seems to become irrelevant again. Regardless of this double standard, the church keeps people grounded, flushing out the burden of life by providing a bedrock of faith and answers to humanity’s deepest needs. The role of the modern church in the life of the 21st-century believer is critical because it fills a void only the church can. If a car needs fixing, it is brought to the mechanic shop. If someone is sick, the health center or hospital is the best place to seek medical attention. Church is where people should go if they are in need of a “spiritual fix.” The church is really a hospital for sinners and not an exclusive club for saints. So why would someone want to attend church? Regardless of what is said about churches, people expect that their life problems can be addressed in some fashion or form. With all the weight and pressures of their world weighing down on their minds, people expect the church to provide Bible-based answers that no other institution can provide.
What is the Church?
Over the past 10 years, megachurches have been sprouting up across America and the world. (A megachurch is a large church with 2,000 or more worshippers at a weekly service.) Most of these megachurches are lead by visionaries and business-minded and charismatic leaders. Just about all of these megachurches broadcast their services over major TV networks, Internet and satellite radio. Many non-Christians and Christians view these programs and sometimes develop certain perceptions about church - whether good or bad. If someone would visit most of the churches in America, they would come to realize that the 100-voice choir and 10 piece Praise and Worship band does not exist. Looking even closer at your TV set, you will notice pews filled with top of the line multimedia equipment. Is this what people want from a church? What do people want from churches? Unfortunately, there are those who view church this way. Church is more than just entertainment, having large numbers of people attending services or hearing messages of empowerment from the pulpit that makes one feel good. Church is the lifeline of any society. Church is a unique place that should instill change in people’s lives. So what do people need from church?
Meeting the Needs
People need to have their spiritual, emotional and physical needs met. We are living in a crazy world today. II Timothy 3:1 helps me put this in perspective, “but know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” I’ll take the liberty to say that perilous times are here. More and more children are growing up in broken homes, unemployment is on the rise and Christians are sinking deeper into debt like never before. Many churchgoers are struggling to make ends meet in their everyday lives, and we feel the pinch of reality just like everyone else. Believers are not exempt from trials of the world. We are living in perilous and drastic times. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Targeted small groups should be implemented in churches to be available to meet the needs in each believer’s life. Irrespective of church size, each church can provide effective small group ministries and outreach services, even smaller churches can have and should have specialized small groups. This momentum can then spread out beyond the walls of the church and be incorporated into the community where the church serves. To the best of its ability, the church can provide services, counseling and advice to those in need.
Time To Be the
One
Stop Super Centers
CHURCH
Wal-Mart, the largest retail store in America, has built Super Centers across the rural parts of the country. At these Super Centers, one can purchase anything from cooking oil to car oil and from pet food to fresh produce. The convenience of having everything located under one roof is a multi-billion dollar secret. This is the true meaning of a convenience store. The Super Center customers are truly in love with this concept of everything under one roof. I think the church is a type of Super Center. Whatever the situation, there is a Bible-based solution and counsel for each and every problem. I am not advocating that each individual church would have the expertise and know-how to deal with every situation. However, every church should have access to resources needful to guide an individual in the proper direction along with God’s Word. At times it is hard for single mothers to control their teenage children without the help of father figures. If these single mothers are churchgoers and there are no programs, seminars and sermons to help them in this area, then the church is not meeting their needs. The church should always strive to meet the needs of men and women as it brings the good news of the salvation message of Jesus Christ. The church truly is about people. One of the greatest lessons of meeting the people’s need was demonstrated when the Messiah fed the 4,000 (Mark 8:1-9). Jesus showed by His deeds the church’s purpose and function. He gave us the blueprint for successfully meeting the needs of the hearers. Before Jesus gave His sermon, He fed the “churchcomers.” They came to hear the Messiah, and after feeding them with physical food, He then gave them spiritual food for the soul. Both their physical and spiritual needs were met. This is the classical Jesus.
Public Service
Churches are a public service to the surrounding communities. They provide just about everything. In the summer of 2005, our church covered a 15-block radius around the church by going door-to-door introducing ourselves as the “community church.” It was amazing and at the same time shocking to see how many people knew about our church and how many didn’t know of our church existence—even though we have been in the neighbor for the past 35 years! We had an older woman who visited our church recently and said that for 25 years she has lived in the community and walked pass our church and never once took notice of our edifice. One would believe that we have a small building, but our church is a huge 4-story brick building that takes up 2 lots and is by far the tallest building on our block. Can you see the egg on my face? I’m thinking to myself that maybe this lady just needs a new pair of glasses. However, the key to this issue still remains…churches must be transparent within their communities. Upon learning the close proximity of our church and the services we offer, some people are always delighted to use our assistance, whether it is in the form our food pantry or community seminars on health, finance, or emergency preparation. Making a difference in people’s everyday lives will benefit the believer as well as the community. When the church is rooted deeply in its community, and its membership is operating as public servants, the church will impact the lives of the people and the believers will fulfill the Messiah’s mission on earth. Reading from the book of Isaiah in the Torah, He read our mission statement, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). The basic function of the church is to be involved in every facet of the life of the believer. Holding true to this mission, Christ looked at the needs of the people, provided it, and then begun to preach out the good deeds. The church today must live up to its true billing – meeting the needs of the people. Both the alcoholic and the poor should be able to receive assistance.
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“The church is really a hospital for sinners and not an exclusive club for saints”
Believing
in the Believers
Over the past few years, I’ve been thinking seriously about the future of our church. We are living in a critical time never before experienced in the history of humankind, and the church must respond to human’s deepest needs. One question keeps coming to mind: “Who will be the next generation of leaders in our church throughout the future?” We need to bring the church to a new level. Our current leaders will be deceased or too old to lead a new century of believers. We are in desperate need of new and sound leadership to continue the Master’s work. I have asked my friends within the age group of 26-35 if they ever imagine themselves taking a full time position within the church in the future and I am yet to get a positive “yes.” My next question is, “why not?” In my final analysis, the church must to away with all and any excuses and continue to prepare young men and women to lead the church throughout the millennium. It is never too late for the right foundation to be laid for sound leadership. Paul sets the right tone in the book of Titus 2:3-7 on this issue. All leaders of the church must recruit more young men and women to serve in diverse capacities in the ministry. The responsibility of guiding the next wave of leaders weighs heavily on those in leadership positions now believing in the believers. In return, the challenge to prepare a Christian for leadership will take proper training and a willingness to accept a role in church in order to face the many challenges ahead. We must start to look deep within ourselves and arise to serve the needs of all people in the name of Christ. The time is closer until the coming of Jesus Christ and the church has much work to do. Now is the right time to become the church Christ expects it to be.
Gilford Monrose serves as the Pastor at the Mt. Zion Church of God (7th Day) and Conference Director of Catch The Vision Youth Conference. He is married to his soul-mate Dianne and lives with their daughter Gianne and son Joshua Caleb in Brooklyn, NY. Email gmonrose@yahoo.com.
16 // FAITH
y rs e v o r t n o C t a e r The G BARLOWGIRL
Interview with Lauren
Barlow
CROSSROADMAG.COM
The Band (Love) er 14, It’s been 6 years (Octob irl? wG rlo Ba to
vent records. How 2003) since signing to Fer
pen
at’s the best thing to hap
has the journey been? Wh
vent! It since we signed with Fer already been six years has world it e the iev vel bel tra to to d ity har un e had the opport redible journey; it’s hav inc We an . h ers suc sist n my bee h has This experience wit n completely amazing. share this life-changing e to connect with. It’s bee has been a blessing to abl n bee e hav we om ividuals wh uld be able to travel and meet countless ind never imaged that we wo We . ng’ thi st ‘be one k hard to pic mories. that has happened, it’s with so many great me n an awesome journey As far as the best thing bee t jus It’s ! ple peo ny et so ma so many places and me e to find inspiration? and where do you continu be uld wo it ugh tho you everything Has the last 6 years been rney has completely amed possible. This jou dre or t ugh tho r eve re than we lives. He has taken our rs have been so much mo rk God is doing in our wo the h oug thr on ati Honestly the last six yea d inspir ons. We continue to fin at we do. exceeded our expectati us to continue doing wh e pir ins to ers oth of s rie sto t the and s nes broken that you follow on Podcas a special speaker or pastor re the Is r? tou on ile wh rd stay grounded in God wo How do you find time to ily. or Youtube? e every morning as a fam ening to a teaching tap list a. of rni d lifo roa Ca , the ing on dd Re ued Bethel Church in m that we have contin fro ion are dit o tra wh ily it ton ke fam llot a ma e We hav cted, but we nson & Kris Va . It’s so easy to get distra ening to a lot of Bill Joh day list h n eac bee e e tim hav yer we pra tely La individual adamant about having Also each of us girls are nd quiet time with God. spe and th fai our in ted roo y sta to ty a top priori What your favorite story
in the Bible and why?
can relate to his story… g God. In many ways I stin tru t and bt dou of h his story denied Jesus, still the firs orites has been Peter wit n. He was the one who sio pas are h o wit wh ed se fill tho o One of my personal fav of als s was in the live in what he said, but he nt of how God can work Often Peter was brash story is an encourageme s er’ Pet . Him low fol to to jump out of the boat connection willing to follow Him. g that makes BarlowGirl later, what is the one thin s um alb 5 s” fall ain urt right before the “C Most artists get the gitters our music and with the audience? the aspect of realness in g with our audience is tin a lot of times nec nk con thi in I l . nta rks me wo t has been instru se times that God tha tho ng in thi is it e one t aus tha ething we bec , nk som bts thi I and dou The reality is it is est about our struggles can be uncomfortable. it e aus bec les lives. We want to be hon ugg str th avoid talking about fai topics. in Christian music we from tacking the tough ay aw shy to nt wa ’t don we so h en good oug thr go all great controversy betwe and War, talks about the ove –L ase rele t ren cur r tiful Ending” off of you Your current single “Beau write a song like this? at led you to this point to wh re end of and evil- could you sha n for ministry but at the have lived a life of passio o d God wh tol th fai we ry the ust of s ind der sic we started in the mu instances with great lea en ny Wh ma is. so ht d n Go see o e los Wh hav We t sight of r that we would e sig ending because they los l Ending” is about the fea tifu eau “B it. of out their lives have a tragic us take try come before Him to that if ever we let minis keep us from that. uld wo d Go t tha yer pra our and many ve ser we o of Wh ith, Toby Mac etc.) and icthfoot, Michael W. Sm (Sw rted as t sta t ligh e firs sam you the en in d mission from wh ered a Pop/Christian ban affected your purpose and has this k BarlowGirl is now consid thin you Do m for Christianity. would argue too mainstrea wGirl has never out? called us to share. Barlo has d Go at wh of ge ion with each album down the messa nt to seek God’s direct poi er want to do is water a nev ke we ma t we tha ng and thi se e On on purpo sic mainstream friendly strived to make our mu and every song we write.
“One thing that we never want to do is water down the message of what God has called us to share�.
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The Cause (War)
People tend to look at missionaries as someone going off to Africa or South America to dig wells and teach English, but right here in America theirs a big void and I believe we are the ones that are in need of serious mission work, Is this something BarlowGirl see as part of the call to ministry? Everyone serving God is a missionary. We are all called to share His Word with the world around us. Those right here in America have just as much need for the truth as anywhere else in the world. We may not be digging wells or teaching another language but that’s because the needs here are just different than they are in other places. God calls us to reach people where they are and share His message with where He has placed us. Do you find it difficult to blend the music industry with ministry? It is always difficult to blend business and ministry, but we have to remember that at the end of the day have to answer to God. This reminds us to keep our focus on Him and make choices that will glorify Him. The band has gained a following with their message from Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.” What has the responses been like in this movement?
“It’s so easy to get distracted, but we make it a top priority to stay rooted in our faith and spend quiet time with God”.
We have felt the call to challenge this generation to question the world’s way of doing things. It has been an encouraging thing for us to meet people who also share the same convictions and a call to question the world’s ways. BarlowGirl represent a positive stand for purity, something most young women have a hard time seeing with artist or pop culture in general. What started this and how can someone get involved? Even before we were involved in music we began questioning society’s attitude towards dating. Growing up in our house the age we were allowed to date was sixteen, but even before that age God called us to seek Him and pray about how He wanted us to handle dating. In that time, we found that God was calling us to not date recreationally as society does or be so quick to give our hearts away. We wanted to spend these years pursuing God and knowing Him more intimately without the distractions of dating. I became aware of Mercy Ministries a few months ago when I visited your website and wanted to get involved. Tell about your involvement with Mercy Ministries and what this cause mean to you? We met the founder of Mercy Ministries several years ago at a Christmas party. We had heard the story of Mercy Ministries previously and wanted to learn more about their mission. The Mercy Ministries house opens its door for free to young ladies who have had to deal with a variety of issues ranging from abuse, eating disorders, and cutting and may lack a support system to deal with those things. We desired to be part of this ministry and support them however possible.
You teamed up with Superchick and VOTA for a national tour; what is it about both bands that made BarlowGirl decide to join forces in spreading the word of salvation and have you heard any feedback from your audience about the tour? We have been friends with the members of Superchick for about ten years now. We have always wanted to do a tour with them, but the timing just wasn’t right to work out the details. It’s been so great to finally be on tour with our good friends! And we just love the sound and mission of VOTA. We have had a great response and feedback from those coming out to the tour. It’s been awesome to have the opportunity hear stories of how the music has connected with and encouraged so many! What is your message to this generation about Jesus Christ and what he means to you? We want to encourage this generation to embrace that our Lord is trustworthy. So often we are afraid to put our faith in Him because of the fear of the unknown--where He may send us or what He may call us to do. God will give us the passion to do what He is calling us to do. We never imagined that we girls would be in a band, but God gave us the passion to do so and called us to this. We have to take a chance when we follow him, but He will give us the passion and fill our meaning on this earth.
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22 // FAITH
The Pursuit of
HAPPINESS by Greg Baker
CROSSROADMAG.COM
I
f someone were to ask me what I thought the single most important factor was to gain happiness, I would have to say that it was purpose or vision.
Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
“When Having a spiritual walk with God brings protection and peace, but without reason or purpose it’ll grow old and stagnate.”
You can have a lot of money, be popular, have decent relationships, possess power, have friends, even have a walk with God and find yourself unhappy. The reason for that, is that none of these things have full value until you have purpose behind them. Having a spiritual walk with God brings protection and peace, but without reason or purpose it’ll grow old and stagnate. You could marry the kindest, gentlest man in the whole world, but if your marriage has no purpose and reason, then it will grow old, and you may find yourself thinking the grass is greener on the other side of the hill. Where there is no vision, there is no reason. Rich people who accumulate money for no other reason than to have it, lose purpose and will find that the money cannot make them happy. There is nothing wrong with money, but money without purpose is vain. What good does it do? We’ve all heard that you can’t buy happiness. More than that. People whose sole purpose in life is self-gratification learn, eventually, that that isn’t really a purpose at all. Self-gratification is a black hole that makes no progress, nor does it satisfy. It provides a temporary high that often lets you down further than you came up. Therefore, self-gratification can’t be a purpose. You will find greater happiness in your marriage when you find purpose for it. The bed is a type of self-gratification, and therefore can’t be a true purpose. Nothing wrong with it, but if you married just to frolic in the bedroom, you’ll find your relationship rather shallow. Your marriage needs to be filled with vision and purpose, and if you both share it, you’ll be able to solve your marital problems, and achieve the happiness you were hoping for on your wedding day. For most people, survival is their only purpose in life. I don’t mean to infer that their life is necessarily in danger, but rather that they go through the day with a single goal...to get it over with. They live for that single moment or two of self-gratification at the end of the day, and then dread the morning and the return to the daily grind. No purpose. No vision. No happiness. Get a purpose in life. Find a vision that literally yanks you out of bed in the morning, anxious to get started. Your vision and purpose must reach outside of your self. If you are the focus of it, as I said, you can’t find fulfillment there. That type of purpose is a betrayal of the important things in life-just ask Benedict Arnold or Judas Iscariot. If you really think about it, it is not the achieving that brings the most happiness in your life. It is the pursuit itself. If the ultimate happiness is in actually winning a ball game, then why play another? Because it wasn’t winning that really brought you happiness, it was the pursuit of the win. This implies purpose to your life. Something to continually strive for. Mankind wasn’t made to retire. Without a goal or purpose we don’t have happiness. Most of the world is a cesspool of self-focus. We don’t really live, we just exist. You see, it is the pursuit of happiness that brings the greatest amount of happiness in life. A purpose provides the pursuit. The pursuit brings happiness because we strive for something greater than ourselves. Find purpose to your life, and you’ll find happiness.
24 // FAITH
ME IN MOTION
MUSICREVIEWS
And yet just another band/group, or is it? With there simple, but clever style of music opens up rocking differently. It makes you think who are these guys? Meet Me In Motion - a band fairly new to the Christian music, which moved up in the ranks quickly and comprised of three skilled players out of Columbus, Ohio. The rock trio released their self-titled debut EP last year, which lacked a sense of zeal, but the band is still at its growing stages, and has room for going the long haul. Seth Mosley, lead vocalist and guitar player, is the one who started the band. Along side Seth, is Brian Dexter, who is the drummer from Kansas and Smooth with a pair of sticks. Then the bass line is fashionably held together by Tim Wilson, bangaling with rhythm.
www.meinmotion.com www.centricitymusic.com
Me in Motion is dedicated to promoting the idea that we, especially as Christians, need to get up and actually do something - hence their name. “Don’t just sit around and wait for change,” Brian instructs. He believes that it’s good to attend church and youth group, “But don’t stop there. Do something with your life and make a change for good.” With songs like “Losers”, action packed “Leaving Here Someday”, “You Never Fail Me” and the closer, “You Move Me”. For those who haven’t yet ordered the album, a few of the new songs can be heard online at www.myspace.com/meinmotion. Among those included is “Tears,” their first radio single. It’s a very catchy track that is both simple yet profound. Pick this album up, it’s a sleeper.
Reviewed by Joshua Flavius
CROSSROADMAG.COM
Marvin Sapp ……Excellent vocals, memorable experience, and last but not lease, sweet sensation. Yes I can say all theses great things about his music, when you sit and listen, you can relate to everything he is says. Words like …”I’ve had my days of ups and down, times when there was no one around, God came and spoke these Words to me, praise will confuse the enemy.” This happens to be my favorite song, Praise him in Advance. Sapp declared himself “a preacher who just happens to sing,”. For the song Thirsty, Sapp teamed up with producers Aaron Lindsey, Myron Butler, his choir Levi, and New Breed. The CD was recorded live, before a capacity crowd. Marvin Sapp ex singer from the legendary gospel group Commissioned, recorded with the group until its dissolution in 1995, and then began his own solo career with a self-titled album the following year. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI (base of his JOY Ministries outreach), Sapp debuted with Commissioned in the early ‘90s. Multiple Stellar Award-winner, Grammy-nominee, and perennial gospel music favorite, Marvin Sapp, has succeeded in establishing himself as one of the most recognizable voices in gospel music. When it comes to Marvin Sapp, he needs no long review. My opinion: go get his albums. Every time you pop the CD in or put the I pod on, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Reviewed by Joshua Flavius
www.marvinsapp.com
MUSICREVIEWS
MARVIN SAPP
28 // LIFESTYLE
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from
N E E T H G I E ITY To ETERN
e promotions im t fe li d n a z n le bob rris Grimes by Janet Mo
g from his t; different in everythin l speaker. He is differen na eaks to tio sp tiva he mo l gh ou ica Th typ ur measuring success. of ob Lenz is far from yo ys wa his to e ati nc himself as a “N onally s; his appeara approach to his motive has jokingly referred to he r, yea ch ea ts ren d their pa over 350,000 teens an .” ker ea Sp n Unknow Center, and Public ector of a Counseling Dir st, Ho en. dio Ra r, tho Father to his five childr eral titles: such as Au and to wife, Carol, and sb ge He proudly wears sev Hu ssa of t me a tha h n wit tha ms nt embly progra more importa Speaker. But none are ich headline school ass wh g, kin d. ea we Sp e allo Lif lly d tions an y are typica Bob started Life Promo e hour block of time the ence long after the on fer dif a ke ma to d ne desig s as vering such tough issue y states of America, co uses fift foc all in ge s ssa ion me tat ng sen rlyi made his pre t. But his one unde les ful the to Since 1982, Bob has an life for live s e, fear and learning to He can truly change live bullying, cutting, suicid ristianity Jesus Christ and how ke a decision about Ch squarely on the love of o out of three teens ma tw t nd of tha ble g ble izin tta gn ge co for Re un eternity. subject with an the es uc rod int is nz ion Le , tat entire presen before the age of 18 t touch the heart. His tha s rie get sto n d ca an t u en yo , nm gh get kids to lau humor, entertai belief that “if you can ed ial ter laim ma roc f-p -up sel low fol his based on mething.” With re importantly, learn so ns, Lenz them to listen, and mo connect with their tee ts ren pa lp he to up set ms gra ildi has left the bu ng. and additional pro pression long after he im g tin las a for s aim repeatedly mer schedule as motions has a full sum Pro e Lif s, me gra pro l as MADD, SADD and Besides the schoo ng organizations such eri rtn pa l era many sev h wit well, working sometimes reaching as outdoor youth festivals, at Lifest, g for tin r so sen on pre sp d er an DARE tions is the premi mo Pro e Lif e. tim e and an on ing for kids, camp as 15,000 people at medy, food, activities co es tur is an fea est t Lif tha l s. ge tiva different sta a five day fes music performed on six at gre of e oir ert rep g unendin sconsin. rly July in OshKosh, Wi annual event held in ea book: with the title of his latest t can be summarized en tem sta on ssi mi s ks Bob Lenz’ re Up. He see Think They Don’t Measu Grace for Those Who illed with the hurting souls and is thr pe wherever ho till ins to y opportunit there is a void.
B
“ two out
of three teens make a decision about Christianity before the age of 18.” And it is working.
student that enters be measured be each For Lenz, success can pared to sit pre n, s and no expressio a room with folded arm their will. But st ain ag bly g school assem t same group through another borin tha by ds himself surrounded their faces when it is over, Bob fin on iles sm fives and hugs; the h hig him ing giv ns of tee one on his own face. almost as broad as the of Jesus Christ is a and instilling the hope Making a connection cess. great definition of suc
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32 // LIFESTYLE
What Is Success? by Speech
I’m an entertainer and entrepreneur. For the last 16 years, I’ve averaged well over a million bucks per year. I travel the world with my group Arrested Development. I’ve won two Grammys, two MTV Awards, NAACP awards, Soul Train Awards, and I’ve received nominations from the American Music Awards and many others. Every year I travel to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. I’ve stayed in very fine hotels, been driven in countless limousines, eaten some of the best foods and seen some of the world’s most wonderful sites. I’ve sold out tours from the United States to Europe. I’ve personally had hangout moments with some important folks: Nelson Mandela, Barack and Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton, Al Gore, and shoot, even Big Bird from Sesame Street.
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God
“ is all for your advancement, ambition and dreams as long as they are used for His glory.”
I’m also a husband. I’ve been happily married to one fine woman for more than 14 years. My wife fills me with a type of joy that only God can bless a dude with. I’m a father of two spiritual and energetic children. And, my most successful endeavor: I’m a devout follower of the King of all creation, the Lord Jesus Christ! I minister for a vibrant part of His Kingdom called the Greater Atlanta Church of Christ (the GACC for short). All of the duties I offer the church are 100% free of charge and always have been. Many have called me successful. I made my first million when I was 23 years old. I’m presently in my 40s and because of the grace of God, I’m still making my living doing what I enjoy most. I could end my story right here, but why do that? You bought a whole book. Might as well squeeze it for what it’s worth. This is how this book began. On a beautiful Tuesday morning, one of my partners in the gospel Les Johnson and I were talking in a local restaurant called Cracker Barrel. I love Cracker Barrel! And on a very important side note, their buttermilk pancakes with butter and hot syrup are among the best things on the entire planet Earth, but I digress already. Anywhoo, during our conversation, he said, “Speech you should write a book.” My initial thought was: Oh no! Not the 10,005 person giving me a half-baked idea of what to do with my “C list” celebrity status. But given his age (Les is in his 70s) and my respect for his wisdom, I engaged my mind and listened closely. I asked, “What kind of book, Les?” Through what I believe was the Holy Spirit, he replied, “A book called What is Success?” At that very moment and another bite of delicious food, the seed was planted for my first ever book, which I hope will help
you as much as it has myself and the many that now have a copy. When I became a Christian on Dec. 8, 1996, I didn’t know how to transform my worldly appetite for riches, fame and power into a desire for godly success. For this same reason, many converts to Christ eventually lose their drive for success, because they no longer see it as appropriate to seek riches, fame and power. In their former lives, those goals served as their main motivation. Right now many sit in pews with heads bowed praising the very God who created in them dreams and talents that they have buried and no longer value. If that at all describes you, let’s redefine and recapture your drive for God-inspired success. God is all for your advancement, ambition and dreams as long as they are used for His glory. Did you know and believe that? God does want us to prosper and have an unimaginably blessed future, even here on Earth. (Jeremiah 29:11) Many people are confused on this issue, because the popular prosperity gospel has high-jacked the concept of righteous success and based its teachings on concepts that are not biblical. I needed to write this book, because I’ve needed to read this book. I know that many people want to follow the Lord, but have had problems understanding how to effectively deny yourself for Christ and yet follow the desires of your heart in various areas while striving for godly success. Where’s the balance between going after your dreams and fulfilling your responsibility as an ambassador for Christ? What do you do with that urge that we all have to be glorified while knowing we must give all glory to God? How do we deal with wanting recognition and status yet dying to self in order to produce many seeds? John. 12:24 No matter who you are and what background you’re from, I hope you enjoy.
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36 // LIFESTYLE
The SOUL of a
RAGAMUFFIN What We “Like” About Carlos Whittaker by Janet Morris Grimes
y the tragic ys, though not necessaril ews travels fast these da d, it is the evening news. Instea m fro ng mi ea scr es lin head stroll happen across on a brief good news; the kind you ods. rho alks of internet neighbo through the virtual sidew er it is a mething you enjoy, wheth so s ros ac le mb stu u yo ike” or Now, when with a quick click of a “L , ng so or e bit d un so e, video, blog articl quickly moving on warded to your friends, for n the is it n, tto bu re” “Sha ng an internet sensation. to their friends and creati Carlos in a taker. It is difficult to pin hit W s rlo Ca th wi se ca usic Artist. Such is the nal Speaker. Christian M tio va oti M r. sto Pa . ory particular categ Husband. Father. r. Songwriter. Tattoo-ee. ge og Bl er. ad Le ip rsh st proudly, Wo rhaps the title he wears mo pe d An r. the Fa e tiv op Recent Ad Ragamuffin. quite a bit er finds himself “liked” tak hit W s rlo Ca e, titl his Regardless of one is more surprised he least expects it. And no en wh lly ua us e, lat of as f. by this than Carlos himsel t started him on Soul, is the outreach tha n ffi mu ga Ra g, blo s er’ ring place Whittak oul.com began as a gathe ns ffi mu ga Ra th. pa d nes this unexpecte , leaving their comfort zo uls so c nti the au ir the are for Christians to sh as “a poorly rlos defines a ragamuffin Ca d. hin be ses ten pre se and fal .” clothed, often dirty child mits. “An perfectly,” Whittaker ad e lif my s ibe scr de t tha “It’s a term of adoption.” orphan in desperate need r day, the blog has of about 7000 visitors pe ity un mm co a th wi w No g his first digital own soundtrack, releasin his ord rec to s rlo Ca d lle prope ed Ragamuffin Soul. EP last month, also entitl his ministry place in his life and with The transformation taking ighting the work ve God can be when spotl demonstrates how creati ow, L.A. Ink, ment for the television sh seg e tur fea a In le. op pe of Saul’s of his tattoo depicting the story arm l ful a g ttin ge s wa ough to as Carlos the pain of the needles en e hid to le ab s wa he ul, conversion to Pa rriage nearly lost, and of second chances, a ma y on tim tes n ow his are sh life. the power of God in his
N
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38 // LIFESTYLE
“My life goal is to inspire a movement of authenticity among all generations of Christians that morphs the face of the evangelical church into a place of being real with yourself, others, and God,”
the tattoo
His fondness for knocking down Christian stereotypes was on full display in his appearance on The Learning Channel’s popular reality show “L.A. Ink,” during which Whittaker commissioned a tattoo of Saul’s conversion for his entire right arm
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Ironically, also thanks to the internet, Whittaker may be currently most famous for his role as the “horrible father,” his own demise in a Youtube video that is sweeping the nation. It shows Carlos driving the family van, with his two daughters and adopted son, Losiah, in the back seat. The kids were hamming it up for the camera, singing and dancing along with Beyonce’s song, All the Single Ladies.” When Carlos informed Losiah that he could not be a single lady, his son then burst into tears, causing his sisters to stare down their Dad in disgust and Carlos to admit to the camera that he is a “horrible father.” But even this self-made video that lasts less than a minute brings questions from viewers who want to know more about the family, the Superdad who can laugh at himself when he mistakenly causes the tears of his children, the international adoption of Losiah, the ministry, the album, and eventually, about God. To promote the new album, Carlos was recently shooting a video of the song “Second Chances.” He was outside, cold and miserable, but this particular scene had him sitting alone on a set of steps while strumming his guitar. He noticed a homeless person, a ragamuffin at best, sauntering slowly into the area. Without an invitation, this man joined Whittaker on the stoop, and was soon singing along in his native Jamaican accent about a God of second chances. As if scripted perfectly for the video, Carlos was amazed at what seemed to be a bother or inconvenience turned into a beautiful time of worship. Sometimes, he just has to shake his head and marvel at the surprises along his journey. If one existed, he would surely click the “Like” button on a daily basis.
40 // LIFESTYLE
IT IS THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE OF STDS. Statistics prove that having multiple partners increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. Some are curable and some aren’t. And if you choose to have sex before or outside of marriage then the odds are you’ll have multiple partners. This is a danger that I’ll not linger on for it is one of the most known and written about. Even a casual goggle search will reveal article after article on this subject.
The Dangers of
SEX Before and Outside of
Marriage by Greg Baker
S
imply because something has become more acceptable to society as a whole doesn’t make it either right or without consequences. There are very real dangers that are associated with sex before and outside of marriage. I think there are many reasons why God is only for sex in marriage. Here, we will look at a few of the dangers that result of straying outside God’s plan.
IT MAKES HAVING A LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP MORE DIFFICULT Sex before or outside of marriage begins to gnaw away at your emotional ties to long term relationships. You find yourself divorcing your emotions from the actual act of sex. This cheapens your emotions and short-circuits your ability to form lasting and meaningful relationships. Sex is a highly emotional experience-at least it ought to be. If it is not, then I can bet you’ve had multiple partners already. Molesting a child does emotional damage to that child for the rest of his or her life. This merely demonstrates the emotional impact of sex on our mental state. Even for a teenager or young adult, having sex outside of the committed relationship of marriage damages us emotionally and makes having a future lasting and committed relationship more difficult and for some impossible. If you have any desire at all for a lifelong relationship where two people have given each other fully and completely to each other, consider what I am saying. Sex before marriage or outside of it damages your chances. If sex is the foundation of a relationship, the relationship itself has very little to support it. The foundation of a marriage ought to be the commitment they both people have towards each other. The sexual act becomes a wonderful expression of that commitment, it says, “You and only you.” But sex outside of marriage says something completely different. It certainly harms your ability to stay within a lasting and meaningful relationship. Over the years that I’ve been counseling marriages, the ones that seem to have the fewest problems and the ones that seem to be strongest are those that saved themselves for each other. They let sex become a statement of their commitment and dedication, not a selfish fulfillment of a bodily function. But the marriages where either of the two have had sex before or outside of it have commitment issues. They can’t have sex with each other and have it mean the same thing as those who saved themselves. I have to help them find another means to express that commitment.
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42 // LIFESTYLE
IT MAKES SEX, AS AN EXPRESSION OF LOVE, EMPTY The standard argument for having sex outside of marriage or even before it is this: If two people love each other, then what is so wrong with having sex? If the only means to say, “I love you,” is to have sex, then we are in trouble. Sex ought to be the final expression of your love when you have thrown yourself completely and absolutely into a lifelong relationship. Anything less than complete commitment makes the expression of sex mundane and often even vain. Someone who only seeks to have sex without the emotional impact of it only wants the physical ride, but not the expression of love that is meant to go with it. I’ve witnessed so many people struggle and struggle to find any meaningful relationship. Love has been cheapened to them and often becomes empty. Sex, as a final act of commitment, is a powerful statement of love, one that my wife and I cherish deeply. I am so glad that I was able to give her this gift, and that she was able to give this to me. Sex, for us, deepens our commitment and rekindles our excitement. But done outside of the marriage, this no longer becomes true.
IT ROBS YOU OF SELF WORTH Sex ought to be the period or exclamation mark on your love and commitment to another person. Take away the commitment and replace it with a cheap love, you rob yourself of one of the most precious gifts you can give. It also damages your own self worth. You’ll begin to think either less of yourself, or others will think less of you. A woman who is loose is seen as a cheap thrill for a man. A man who goes from woman to woman is usually seen as a bad risk by a woman seeking to have a real and meaningful relationship. More than that, people who never get to know you emotionally, spiritually, or mentally and still have sex with you never do get to know you beyond that. Once the physical is introduced, it often becomes the body of the relationship instead of putting the exclamation point on it. People rarely explore a relationship beyond the physical. You have fun with no depth. You have excitement with no meaning. This always erodes your own self image in either your own eyes or the eyes of others. There comes a point when age and experience allows you to realize that sex is not the relationship. But if that is all you have, your mind and heart begins to drift and you begin to question your own self worth. Is it just your body that the other craves? What happens when you get sick, or old, or wrinkled? Will you be loved when you can’t perform like you do now? Can the relationship survive outside of the sexual act? No teenage boy will emerge from a nursing home and say to his friends, “I saw a lot of sexy old women today!” Yet, every one of his future sex partners will eventually look like that and so will he. There is more to you, more to your relationships than sex. Sex in marriage is the period or exclamation mark on a relationship that has significantly more depth and understanding to it than the physical. Ironically, it actually makes the sexual act much more enjoyable and meaningful done this way.
IT WILL HAUNT YOU IN FUTURE RELATIONSHIPS This I can practically guarantee. I don’t have the time to recount the number of marriages that struggle because of some indiscretion before or outside of the marriage. If you had to deal with the problems I have, you’d feel the same way I do about this entire issue. Regret, depression, anxiety, abortion, nightmares, suspicion, trust issues, child support, adultery, anger, bitterness, rape, health issues, troubled children, rebellious teenagers using the past against the parent, teenage pregnancies, divorce, cancer, Aids, pornography, addictions, birth defects, and many, many more are all issues that I can often trace back to sex before or outside of marriage. I’ve dealt with all of the above things and more in counseling broken marriages. Almost always, I can trace the root of the issue to sex before or outside of the marriage. I can’t honestly think of a marriage that hasn’t been haunted by sexual misconduct before the marriage. And there are many examples of this. A woman who was sexually molested or abused as a child will find it difficult to trust men in general and her husband in particular. That’s not her fault, but it is something she will live with. A man that has had sex with many different women struggles to convince his wife that he loves her and only her and he constantly deals with his memories and even dreams. His protestations of love are often viewed as cheap and insufficient. I could go on and on and on about the problems that are created because of sex before or outside of marriage. Lifelong relationships always suffer as a result.
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“IT ROBS YOU OF
SELF WORTH”
The Dangers of Sex before or outside of marriage -
THEN, OF COURSE, IT IS DANGEROUS TO PLACE YOURSELF IN OPPOSITION TO GOD Naturally, God discourages and condemns sex before and outside of marriage. I read once where someone argued that God never discouraged such a thing, but even a casual reading of the Scriptures will dissuade you from that notion. Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 1 Corinthians 7:1-2 - Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman (sexually). Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Sex, in God’s eyes, is more than a physical act. It is a spiritual experience meant to illustrate to us the joy of being in the presence of the Lord. Interestingly enough, fornication is often depicted as idolatry. Deuteronomy 31:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers; and this people will rise up, and go a whoring after the gods of the strangers of the land, whither they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. 2 Chronicles 21:11 Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto. God sees sex as a demonstration of a commitment to one person. Anything else is seen as fornication, whoring, adultery, and other sexual perversions. By keeping our sexual activities limited to one person in the bonds of marriage, we reinforce our own Christian bond and union with Jesus Christ. Marriage itself is compared scripturally to salvation in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:21-33). Marriage is a microcosm, a means by which we understand God better, of the relationship we have between Jesus Christ. Marriage is a wonderful picture of the security we have in Jesus Christ for salvation. Sex is a wonderful, spiritual, picture of the joy we have in Christ. It is holy, right, and honorable in marriage. The dangers are real. They do exist. And they do cause more problems than you’d ever really believe. Again, if you could sit in my seat and listen to the broken, struggling, and desperate lives that result from this, you’d see why I hold these opinions.
44 // CULTURE
Letters To God
by Dana Chaffin
Letters to God, an inspiring faith based film, opened in theaters April 9, 2010. The story is extremely touching, inspired by a true story, and the hope beyond the movie is unstoppable. The message is about hope and trusting God, no matter the circumstances. The production is high-quality with an outstanding cast and crew. It is produced by David Nixon (Facing the Giants, Fireproof) and written by Patrick Doughtie, the actual Tyler’s father.
The Story
MOVIEREVIEWS
Letters to God is the heartwarming story of a young boy’s battle with cancer and how he touches the lives of those around him. Tyler Doherty (Tanner Maguire) is an 8 year old boy diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. He writes letters to God asking Him to help those around him deal with his cancer. He explains that his letters are like texting your best friend. Tyler sees the stress his mom, Maddie (Robyn Lively) is under trying to run the family after his father passes away. He unselfishly asks God to help his mom laugh again. He is concerned about what his family and friends will do after he is gone. Not once does he complain or question why he has cancer. The postman Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey Johnson), going through his own battles with alcohol abuse and a bitter divorce, receives the letters. He is confused with what to do with the letters at first, but finds himself on a mission for God.
Beyond the movie
Letters to God is more than just a movie; it is a movement of hope. The official website, www. letterstogodthemovie.com, offers a multitude of information and encouragement. There you can watch the movie’s trailer, find theaters showing the film, preorder the soundtrack, find resources about cancer, and write your own letter to God. Letters to God is a powerful film of how one boy moves those around him to look to God for answers. It is very well done with an experienced cast and crew. Although the film tackles the issue of a young boy with cancer, the message is of hope. God can use any situation to bring people into a relationship with Him, even a young boy’s letter. See the movie, visit the website, and join the movement of hope!
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Lord Save Us From
Your Followers by Dana Chaffin
Lord Save Us From Your Followers was released on DVD April 20, 2010. This is a humorous and insightful documentary about how America views Christians. It answers the question, “Why is the gospel of love dividing America?” The film does not add to the fight between “Us” vs. “Them”, but has a conversation with those who believe and oppose the Christian faith. It is very entertaining and is meant to wake the Church up to see how others view our tactics.
“No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument.”
Lord Save Us From Your Followers is a thought provoking documentary that demonstrates how Americans view Christianity. It does not add fuel to the fire, but shows both sides and how their tactics are being viewed from the other side. It is very surprising that statistics show that 9 out 10 Americans claim to be Christian. So what’s all this “Cultural Wars” fighting about? The writer/director, Dan Merchant, explains that a lot of the groups, in this so-called fight, cannot think outside their own beliefs. Most are not willing to have a conversation with anyone from the other side, so we just shake our fists and scream our beliefs expecting to be heard. I can not see any evidence that this is working. People are talking about Christians from Politicians to athletes and preachers to students, but are they speaking of them positively? This film uses interviews on the streets, with people opposing Christianity, with celebrities, and even an unusual confessional booth to show how each side sees the other. It makes viewers stop and really think about how Christianity is being portrayed and is this how Jesus would approach it? But some believe today there are so many issues – homosexuality, abortions, various other religions – how can we get our values across? Through the interviews you will see that we are not doing it very well! I think Dan Merchant says it best “I found that most people that have a problem with Christians don’t have a problem with Jesus!” Lord Save Us From Your Followers is a must see for both Christians and non-Christians. It does not condemn either side, but in fact shows how we can improve our relationships. Isn’t that what Christianity is all about? It proves that actions speak louder than words and that whoever screams the loudest does not win! How did Jesus’ message of compassion, love, mercy, and empathy turn into fighting? This film clarifies that as Christians we must act like Him! Please visit www.lordsaveusthemovie.com to find out more information.
MOVIEREVIEWS
-Phillip Yancey, author, Rumors of Another World
46 // CULTURE
To Save A Life by Dana Chaffin
On January 22, 2010 To Save a Life opened in theaters nationwide. This exciting Christian based film confronts many teen issues. New Song Pictures gives viewers a touching story that will certainly change the way they see people. The story is inspiring and the way it deals with the issues the characters face is remarkable.
MOVIEREVIEWS
To Save a Life is the story of a teenage boy, Jake (Randy Wayne), who must make the choice to do what is popular or what is right. In the past he made the choice to be popular and it cost him a friend, literally. Now he will not let that happen again. Jake must also decide what he believes as far as God. A youth pastor, Chris (Joshua Weigel), comes into Jake’s path and he has a very unique, but effective way of dealing with the teens. Jake’s faith is tested by many difficulties, but the final outcome is inspirational. To Save a Life discusses difficult topics such as suicide, cutting, divorce, teen pregnancy, dating, partying, drinking/drugs, depression, abortion, adultery and more. Although it is very tastefully handled, parents and leaders should know. This is a very moving film that will help adults to understand what our teens are facing and teens to see what their actions towards others could be saying. To Save a Life is a powerful movie. It is a great film for any teen, parent, youth group, etc. I do want to warn there are some topics that might be too mature for younger kids; however most teens are aware of these issues. Please check out the official website www.tosavealifemovie.com to find a theater near you and for resources. Today many teens are faced with issues and situations similar to those discussed in the movie and this film may be just what is needed, to save a life.
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The King & Dr. Nick
What Really Happened to Elvis and Me by George Nichopoulos, M.D. with Rose Clayton Phillips
by Janet Morris Grimes
FIVE STARS HHHHH
This book highlights the story behind the death of Elvis Presley, some twenty plus years ago. Though many books came before it, none offer the viewpoint from the Doctor himself who was faced with the task of keeping one of his best friends, also the biggest megastar at that time, healthy enough to meet the demands of his adoring public. One might ask why it has taken so long to write such a book, and the answer is simple. It has taken over twenty years for Dr. George Nichopoulos to fight the legal battles, medical investigations and media attacks that followed the death of Elvis. Though he was not present at Graceland in Memphis on August 16, 1977, he answered an emergency call for help from Joe Esposito, Elvis’s Road Manager, that simply said, “Something’s happened to Elvis.” Dr. Nick, as he was affectionately known, responded to the scene in time to crawl in the back of the ambulance and ride with Elvis to the hospital, performing CPR the entire time. With another team of doctors that met them in a trauma room at Baptist Hospital, Dr. Nick was the one who would pronounce him dead after their fervent attempts to revive him failed. Dr. Nick signed the Death Certificate. Dr. Nick broke the news to his friends in the nearby waiting room, who knew the truth as soon as they saw the tears rolling down his own face. It was Dr. Nick who then rode back on the ambulance to Graceland so he could tell Vernon Presley, Elvis’s father, who waited there for the news with his nine-year-old daughter, Lisa Marie.
Filling in the ten years they spent together, this story highlights the impossible demands of performing two shows a day that Elvis was required to do for many of his tours. To be so young, Elvis had many health issues, some brought on genetically and others caused by his extreme lifestyle. Dr. Nick and Elvis found a good balance of treatment while he was home at Graceland, but much was out of his control when Elvis was on the road. Still, even years after his death, Dr. Nick was shocked to discover that when the media needed someone to blame for his death, the search would stop with him. After facing criminal charges, the eventual loss of his medical license, and numerous inquiries that prevented him from treating patients adequately over the past twenty years, Dr. Nick still searches for answers in his own quest to understand what happened to Elvis. He may never be able to set the record straight for the public, but feels that he owes it to his friend, even after all of this time. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
BOOKREVIEW
This story is as much about the inner workings of the circle that surrounded Elvis as it is about the Doctor who attempted to keep him healthy enough to meet the demands of his adoring public. The media did not care about the role Dr. Nick played in Elvis’s life until after his death. And as news spread of the loss of Elvis, Dr. Nick was as hurt as much by the way they tarnished the image of his friend, Elvis, as he was about his own image.
50 // CULTURE
A CALM IN THE MIDST OF A HURRICANE by Tobias
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W
istential question ex an h it w d ce fa e e ar breath. Will you a ke ta e w ay d y er ev rise above u yo ill W ? n ai p e th rise above ll prey to the fa u yo ill w r O y? h the apat you? Reckon the in h it w ts en em el r darke u to move.” yo e ar d I . d ea d an m old
The Forecast It’s been a long road traveled since your last studio project “Oh! Gravity” 2006. What have you been up too? Three years is a long time away from music, was this something the band wanted to do? Yes, this is the longest time we’ve ever had between records. We wanted to take a break from the band, to reassess who we where and who we wanted to be. So we all did a lot of thinking, trying to determine why we do what we do. I put out 26 tunes solo and a side project. We wanted to make sure that before we pressed record we came to a collective opinion about what’s worth singing about. Let’s take it back for a minute. When you first started out on Re:think/Sparrow and Columbia records people considered SF a “Christian Band”, but your music appealed to everyone allowing you to achieve 2.6 million in sales on your first release. Is it still a major challenge to be a band that’s faith-based but not necessarily a “Christian” band? How would you explain SF genre? ee cummings said, “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.” We’ve been trying to be nobody but ourselves since day one. It’s a challenge and we are certainly misunderstood from time to time, but I’m more concerned with who we are underneath the label. Real life, transcendent truth, the mystery of beauty, love, or art these are not easy to label. We’ve always been very honest about the spiritual nature of our music. As a believer, I’m honored to be affiliated with the name of Christ but we all know true faith can never be for sale. Christ’s redemptive work ever be distilled into a three minute pop song or a musical genre with his name on it. Everywhere I go I see beautiful, torn, amazing, hurting, people. Clubs, churches, AA meetings, airplanes, democrats, republicans... We’re all looking for hope. Looking for meaning. As a band, we don’t play the religion game, my faith isn’t a club or a frat house. It’s much bigger than that! This is life or death. Everyone’s invited, everyone’s welcome. We play music for thinking people. If you’ve got ears to hear, we’ve got songs. How has Switchfoot grown between the days of “The Beautiful Letdown” and now to your current project “ Hello Hurricane”? We’ve been through a lot over the years. We’ve been through the fire. We’ve seen many horrible and wonderful places in the world and within ourselves: higher highs and lower lows. These heights and depths are needed to make a record like hello hurricane. Are your families involved in your careers like some famous families (Jackson’s, The Estefens etc.) Do they go on the road with you? I love my bro and really enjoy being in a band with him. There are arguments and disagreements but that’s par for the course when two people are passionate about different forms of the same idea. Growing up, the ‘rents were supportive but they always let the band be our thing.
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“Hope is looking at the world with the lens of possibilities.”
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The Highwinds Jon, as the band’s front man most of the vocals fall on you, what kind of challenges do you face with creativity and making sure everyone gets a say? I wanted this record to be everyone’s record. After I finished the solo project I was so excited about being in a band of brothers who cared about these songs as much as I did. We’ve always thrown everything on the table and let the best idea win. It doesn’t matter whose idea it was. This is everyone’s record. I feel that we were more united than ever on this one. The song “Dare you to move,” on The Beautiful Let Down release had a powerful message that inspired kids to take action in life, share with us what inspired you to write this song. Dare was written to inspire change in my own world. The world is not as I want it. I am not who I long to be. The tension between who I am and who I want to be is always present in this life, this tension is uncomfortable and inspires change. We are faced with an existential question every day we take a breath. Will you rise above the pain? Will you rise above the apathy? Or will you fall prey to the darker elements within you? Reckon the old man dead. I dare you to move. On the song “Mess of me” what was the atmosphere like creating this song? This song was a long journey starting with a riff. We went from one genre to another, one lyric to another. Lyrically, the song grew from a thought akin to this one “every man dies, not every man truly lives.” Walt Whitman. I want to spend the rest of my life alive. I want to run from the quick fix, the short cuts that end up taking longer- the life that is not life. The imposter life that is death. “He not busy being born is busy dying.” Bob Dylan said that. “There ain’t no cure that they could sell. Abundant life has no substitute.” I said that. What message does Swtichfoot strive to bring across; every band has a story to tell, what’s your story? Hope is liquid, not solid of settled. Hope is living and changing, comforting and confronting. Hope is looking at the world with the lens of possibilities. If you have it in your back pocket, if it’s already been achieved you can no longer call it hope. We sing songs of hope- songs of change. Life is short, live it well. For a lot of musicians it’s all about the work and doesn’t matter if it’s a live performance or studio gig - Switchfoot has the best of all worlds from movie soundtracks and score, live performances to studio recordings you guys get to do it all. What is the experience like working on a soundtrack? Then finding out the song(s) make the actual movie score? It takes a lot more people to create a movie than it does to create a CD. To be honest, I usually enjoy less cooks in the kitchen! However, it is very gratifying, when someone wants to use your art, ( a song) for their art, (a movie or a TV show).
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The Eye Of The Storm The message in a song or overall music is very important these days. It seems like the youth today doesn’t have any good role models or direction. What’s the message Switchfoot would like to leave with the youth of this generation? Life is short, live it well has been our mantra for a while. Speak about your’e involvement with the various Causes (DATA, the One Campaign, Habitat for humanity, The Keep a Breast foundation, Invisible Children and to Write Love on Here Arms? In Switchfoot, we’re continually looking for ways to point the spotlight on the people that we look up to: folks that are making this world a better place. Habitat, TWLOHA, the Kuyasa Kids, The Dalit Freedom Network, Stand up for Kids, etc… these are all organizations that inspire me, they inform me and challenge my apathy. Coming from a bands perspective, the spotlight is absurd. The western fascination with screen and stage is unbalanced and irrational. Who are you when no one’s watching? Who are you when the lights go down? This is much more important than what happens on stage. We’re starting a website to highlight our heroes. TheWorldYouWant is a place to put the spotlight on these unheralded visionaries and get involved in what they’re doing. It’s a user run site where all of us can dream up the change we want to see and take action. On a more personal note, what are some of the band’s “must haves” on the road when it comes to food and comfort? I like active cultures and homemade granola. My wife’s granola and a bowl of yogurt is one of the better ways you could start the day. I also like solitaire on my ipod. What are some changes you would like to see our young people “generation text” make for the future and where should they invest those changes or get more involved? I would love for the next face of humanity to have a larger lens. In the digital age, we are bombarded with information. There are so many stories instantly available to us these days... it’s easy to be overwhelmed, to loose sight of the horizon. We need a larger lens, one that keeps the eternal perspective- the grand story of creation and redemption that is still being written, daily, moment by moment.
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BREAD FOR THE WORLD Hope to a world affected by hunger by Kimberly Burge and Racine Tucker-Hamilton Catherine Phiri keeps her Bible on top of the books stacked on the lone shelf in the hut. The Bible’s cover is disintegrating at the edges, as are many of the other books’ tissue-thin pages. There is no way to protect them from the rain that seeps through the hut’s thatched grass roof. The roof should have been replaced many months ago. It is beginning to crumble like the books. But there is no one in the family able to carry out the job, and no money to hire someone else to do it. Catherine, 13, shares this bedroom with her two aunts and her younger sister, Bernadette, who is nine. Plastic bags draped over hooks in the walls hold their clothes. Pushed against one wall is a single twin bed. The girls are getting bigger now, and that bed is growing more crowded. Often times one of them sleeps on a tarp on the hut’s dirt floor, and rashes will frequently appear on her arms and legs the next day as a result. Perched on the edge of the bed, Catherine carefully opens the Bible to read her favorite verses out loud for a visitor. Her voice sounds strong, declarative and full of faith. The words flow easily from her even though English is her second language. The passage she reads comes from Psalm 27.
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Such faith might seem contradictory to the realities of Catherine’s life. For the past four years, she has lived in Kampansoma, a village about 30 miles outside Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Catherine, Bernadette, and their two brothers, 15-year-old Lucas and 12-year-old John, came to live with their grandmother after both of their parents died as a result of AIDS. Theirs is a generation of orphans. More than 700,000 children in Zambia have been orphaned because of AIDS. In many ways, Catherine’s life tells the story of development in her country, both the progress that has been made and the challenges that still persist. Bread for the World calls for more and better development assistance to countries like Zambia. Because these places are so far away from our own families and communities in the United States, it’s easy to lose sight of who is actually helped by that assistance. In Catherine’s case, it’s a girl whose dreams tend toward the practical rather than the fantastic. When she grows up, she wants to be an accountant. The simple act of putting pen to paper can change a life and help put food in the mouth of a hungry child—a child like Catherine. According to the World Bank more than one billion people around the globe go hungry. Each year, 3 million children under the age of five die because they are undernourished. In the United States, 11.7 million children live in households where people have to skip meals or eat less to make ends meet. Each year, Bread for the World—a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad—invites churches and groups across the country to take up an “Offering of Letters” to Congress on an issue important to hungry people. The initiative is helping millions of children and poor families receive the food and nutrition they need. The way it works: members of a church congregation write letters to Congress in support of hunger-fighting legislation during their service and place the letters in the collection plate, prayerfully offering them to God before sending them to Congress. For many, it is their first time communicating with their Congressional representatives. In this age of instant messaging and email, a handwritten, personalized letter has a greater impact in congressional offices than electronic communication. This outpouring of concern sends a powerful message to our political leaders and helps us move closer to our goal of ending hunger, which continues to be a growing problem in America. One in every eight Americans lives in poverty, according to a recent count conducted by the Census Bureau. But these statistics reflect conditions only through 2007, well before the current recession. To reduce poverty and hunger—and eventually eliminate them—the United States must be prepared to act more boldly than it has for several decades. Government programs alone cannot lift people out of poverty—either in the United States or around the globe—if they are not prepared to do some hard work themselves. But there are millions of people who continue to struggle despite their own efforts to do what’s right by their families and communities. Because of circumstances beyond their control, they cannot pull themselves out of poverty without some help. By joining hundreds of congregations around the country in writing to members of Congress—a nationwide Offering of Letters is allowing Christians to help hungry and poor children and families, one pen stoke at a time. To learn how you can be involved in Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters, visit www.bread.org. Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. By changing policies, programs and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities in which we live.
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the
TRENDSETTERS
{a person, company, etc. that creates, espouses, or popularizes a trend or trends}.
Ye are the salt of the earth Matthew 5:13
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bread of stone With the release of their sophomore project, Letting Go, Bread of Stone has fine tuned their message and honed in on their God-given talents. Ben, who writes the majority of their music, explains that the overall theme of the album is one of surrender. The title track, Letting Go, talks about his journey into a deeper relationship with Jesus as he realized the only way to have a true friendship with Christ is to humble himself. The album is colored with additional tracks full of captivating melodies and genuine lyrics that speak the truth of life. When asked about the significance of the name “Bread of Stone�, they state we are all merely stones that God turns into bread to feed the hungry and that without Him, no one can accomplish good in this downfallen world. With the grace of God flowing through their ministry, they have had the opportunity to see numerous people come to know the Lord. With an outlook forecasted for certain success, they are determined to glorify Him in everything they do, for this is the true heart of Bread of Stone.
www.breadofstone.com
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kelly minter “The opportunity to write a Bible study on the book of Ruth while also writing and making a record on the same story merged my passion for the ancient texts of Scripture and my deep love for music in ways I could have never imagined.” Never has the mingling of Kelly’s passion for music and love of Scripture been more evident than in her latest two releases: “Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy” the Bible study and “Loss, Love & Legacy” the full-length record. The sixweek study explores the depths of the book of Ruth in the context of community including recipes, printed songs from the record, and a website (www.livingroomseries.com) as part of the unique Living Room Series. It is also the much-anticipated follow-up to “No Other Gods.” Her greatest desire is to love Christ above all things and to be connected to culture in a way that brings redemption.
www.kellyminter.com
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group 1 crew A self-professed entertainer, a pop diva, and a bona fide producer: that’s the makeup of breakout urban sensation Group 1 Crew, three everyday Latinos who rose above their circumstances and the middle-of the-road to become one of the most exciting aggregates in faith-based music. We’re still ordinary people, but we’re doing extraordinary things,” Manwell says. “That’s an oxymoron, but it’s made so that the dreamer mentality can be on typical people’s minds. Nobody’s born a rock star. Nobody’s born famous. It’s just normal people who’ve done amazing things and are now esteemed for those amazing things. We feel that’s everyone. Everyone has that possibility.” But for all of its diversity and through-the-roof production values, Ordinary Dreamers is only a stepping stone for the threesome. From passion to passion, from glory to glory, Group 1 Crew hopes to continue to march onward and upward, seeking not earthly recognition but an even deeper understanding of what matters most.
www.group1crew.com
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new world son Living in a media saturated world where sensationalism is the norm, most of us respond to hype with great cynicism. When Newworldson burst on to the scene in 2007, they might as well have ridden into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The rhetoric surrounding the band at their coming out party in Nashville for Gospel Music Week bordered on messianic. This was the group with a fresh new sound that was going to revitalize the business. Determined to live up to their reputation as the must-see-live band of the day, the four members of Newworldson come together with all the force of an orchestra. The infectiously kinetic rhythm section of Mark Rogers (drums) and Rich Moore (bass/vocals) crossbreeds contemporary grooves with old-school timbres like Moore’s upright playing and Rogers’ weathered Slingerland bass drum circa 1930’s. The message is delivered by the tandem vocals of frontman/keyboardist Joel Parisien and singer/guitarist Josh Toal, mixing Spirit-filled lyrics with an atmosphere of sheer exuberance.
www.newworldson.com
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rapture ruckus Fronted by MC Rapture (Brad Dring), Rapture Ruckus craft an arresting, original fuse of Rock laden Hip Hop, with heavy guitars and slick pop sensibilities. Honing a tight stage show over the past eight years, the band dazzles with big production and a live show that is most at home under the flashing lights of festivals and stadiums. Rapture Ruckus debuted in 2002 at New Zealand’s Parachute Festival (one of the largest music festivals in the Southern Hemisphere) breaking the event’s record for highest-selling new act. Owning the stage like veterans, their slamming show propelled Parachute Music to instantly sign the act, and they have since become a key headliner of the 25,000-strong festival. Rapture Ruckus has continued touring, supporting bands throughout North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Already releasing three albums since their 2002 debut, and winning the 2007 New Zealand Music Award for Best Gospel Album, Rapture Ruckus is thrilled to bring their music to the United States via BEC Recordings. MC Rapture spits out gritty, honest lyrics, covering his redemption story from a broken home and substance abuse problems to an uncompromising confidence in Christ. The songs are instantly infectious (their sophomore album garnering the band five #1 singles), and Rapture Ruckus rile the crowd until everyone is chanting along, or at least waving their arms with the Hip Hop salute
www.raptureruckus.com
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seabirds Started by brothers Aaron and Ryan Morgan in ‘04, Seabird generated a simmering street buzz with their EPs Spread Your Broken Wings and Try and Let Me Go On. Signing with Credential Recordings, the band made its national debut with ‘Til We See the Shore and its lead single “Rescue,” which spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on TVU’s “Most Wanted,” appeared on mtvU’s “The Freshmen” and became the soundtrack for the lead promos of ABC’s 12-time Emmy-nominated “Pushing Daisies.” Seabird songs also appeared in other hit series like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Numb3rs.” Out on the road, Seabird toured with Switchfoot, Love Drug, NeedToBreathe and more. The band also performed at major music events like South by Southwest, MOBFest 09, Forecastle Festival and even headlined the opening night of the MidPoint Music Festival. Seabird’s 2008 debut ‘Til We See the Shore turned the piano pop rockers into a national name with the hit single “Rescue,” prominent TV placements and several major coast-to-coast tours. Fans got to hear the band on a PureVolume Session and Paste Magazine sampler, and Amazon.com made the album a “Deal of the Day.” It was such a banner year that they even earned their hometown’s highest music honor, “Artist of the Year,” at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. Most bands would either take a break or keep working the same album, but not Seabird. Just over a year after releasing their breakthrough debut, the piano-pounding rockers march on with their sophomore album Rocks Into Rivers. Rocks Into Rivers builds on everything that made the band’s debut a success without shying away from bold artistic moves that push the music to grand new heights. Morgan says it’s about “never quitting on a song” and treating your fans like they’re your closest friends.
www.credentialrecordings.com
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