How To Be Used By God - Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr.
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Interview With Pastor and Evangelist Shahid Raza
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Letting Our Light Shine - Sharon Weeks-Alleyne
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Ships - Apostle Patsy Anderson-Benjamin
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March Sophia Sparkle Youth Group Update Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon
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It’s In The Word!!! Racism - Allison A.
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Volunteers - Rolanda Pyle
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Dealing with ways to get through these challenging times Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon
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God Already Knew - Donna Royalty Ross
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Allison A. Apostle Patsy Anderson-Benjamin Rolanda Pyle Donna Royalty Ross Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. Sharon Weeks-Alleyne
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From the Desk of the Editor-in-Chief
Donna Royalty Ross
Happy Resurrection Day to all our readers. We are already in April. Wow! Time is moving fast, whether we want it to or not. The old folks would say “time and tide wait for no one”. That is so true. Just imagine, the first month of the second quarter of the year. We are living through the residue of Covid, next new virus, the war between Russia, and Ukraine, politics, politicians, mass shootings, and everything else in between. My question is where is the Body of Christ and are we really prepared for the days ahead. God’s Word will come to pass, and we are seeing it manifested right before our very eyes. I dare say that life comes at us fast, but as the Body of Christ we have to be faster and on top of not just some — but all of life’s challenges and affairs. In order to be ready in season and out of season, we have to spend more time in the Word and with the Word. As I wrote in my article “God Already Knew” (below), the Body of Christ has to stay on the cutting edge. We have to be like Esther in Esther 4:16 -- “Go, gather all the Jews that are present in Susa, and observe a fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids also will fast in the same way. Then I will go in to [see] the king [without being summoned], which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” Notice Esther said, “gather the Jews and observe a fast”. I believe the Body of Christ should collaborate and not be in competition as to whose church is going to host the fast, but to collaborate as to how to get the fast. We must remember that where there is unity God commands the blessing (Psalm 133:1,3) As we prepare to once again celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior lets us purpose in our hearts to fast, prayer and most of all walk in love.
Donna Royalty Ross
Walking in God’s Scandalous Grace
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From the Pastor’s Desk:
HOW TO BE USED BY GOD
Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. SENIOR PASTOR OF BETHESDA CHURCH OF GOD, SUMTER, SC
I am afraid that many Christians today do not address this thought as much as others have in previous generations. Isaiah answered the call after hearing the voice of God by saying “Here I am Lord, send me”. Throughout the Bible, people were given choices to be used by God or not. Just think about Mary, the mother of Jesus, when the angel declared God’s plan for her. A virgin to give birth to the Savior of the world. She responded in pure obedience saying, “Be it unto me as you have said”. Also let’s review the disciples as they were approached by Jesus who simply said, “Follow Me”, they had an immediate choice to make to follow Him or not. They seized the opportunity and chose to follow the Messiah and they received power to heal the sick, cast out devils, and become fishers of men. As you can see through these examples, the common denominator was when they came into agreement with God to be used for the greater good. They all said yes either by word or by action. My wife and daughter are what I would classify as professional shoppers. They can find that special gift that fits the personality perfectly of the person who is receiving the gift. No matter what or who they always seem to get it right every time. What makes them professionals is the fact that not only do they find that perfect gift, but they always find it on sale! And it’s nothing cheap either, they have this great knack to find very high dollar items but at a low dollar cost. They set out to never compromise on quality and they don’t settle for less. When my daughter 4
was preparing for her wedding day, we did a tremendous amount of shopping for all types of items for the ceremony and reception. I always like to joke that my wife and daughter have caviar taste and a sardine budget. So, the hunt was on, we purchased items from many different stores and at times I felt left out of the loop because I had no idea what they had cooked up and I would get a little frustrated and begin to complain. Time after time their response to me was “Just be quiet and load the car up”. To save myself from experiencing more anxiety I used my wisdom and did just that! I simply remained quiet and loaded up the car. I was amazed at all the quality items they purchased, the vases, plates, lights, vessels, etc. They chose very special items for a very special day! Think about that experience in comparison to when our Heavenly Father calls out to you, He speaks to your spirit and wants to use you! That is the best, most special, most amazing gift we could ever receive. Just ponder over that for a moment, GOD ALMIGHTY wants to use you! God sees great potential in you! If you say yes, then He will equip you and make your efforts successful. Many of the people of the Bible that God used were unpolished, novices, or unprepared but God wanted them. All they had to do was give God a yes and everything else fell into place. So, I challenge you, right now to say as Isaiah did “Here I am Lord, send me”! Remember, little is much when God is in it. Ready, Set, Grow!
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Interview with
Pastor and Evangelist
Shahid Raza
Pastor Raza, It is my pleasure to interview you. I have heard nothing but good things that you are doing over there in Pakistan. I am so excited to be interviewing you because I would love to let our readers know what ministering in Pakistan looks and sound like. T4RM: In all of our interviews, God wants us to always strive to transform lives. Therefore, please tell us how you are transforming lives in Pakistan and perhaps globally? SR: We have been transforming lives here in my area of Pakistan by diligently spreading the Good News of Jesus. It is our desire to reach as many people and present them with the love and faithfulness of having a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. T4RM: I know that you are actively involved with The Prophetic Roundabout, and I think I met you briefly when I last attended a Prophetic Roundabout meeting. Please tell our readers how being a part of this Facebook group has impacted your life? SR: I have had many troubles in my life, and I would send prayer requests to people on Facebook, it was during this time that I met the leader of this group. He invited me to the group meeting. I started attending the meeting alone and then my wife joined me and the group. All the people in this group gave their full support to us by helping us spiritually and financially. This meeting brought us closer to God and changed our lives significantly. God extended His blessed hand to our home and today we are teaching people the word of God because of this group. We are teaching them to “Repent and believe, for the kingdom of heaven is near”. T4RM: I can see that you have a heart for these kids. What did you see as a child growing up that led you to even desire to do what you do? SR: Due to modern facilities we are busy with many things. It seemed we had no time for God at all however 6
I had an opportunity to meet some people who were younger than me. I talked to them about the Bible and I was shocked that they did not know anything about the teachings of the Bible. God put this plan in my mind and in my heart to have Bible study for the children. I truly believe that a child’s brain is like a computer hard disk, whatever you put in it will be saved. What they learn in their childhood will be remembered by them for the rest of their lives as this has been my personal experience. T4RM: I know that you and your wife have started a church in your home. Tell us why you started it and where you see yourself and your congregation going? SR: God gave us a plan to bring people together and preach to them about the word of God. Because of this, we are seeing a lot of change in their lives. People have begun to trust God. God has taken away their worries and blessed them, God has also healed many people. If people continue to walk in the way of God then all these people will inherit the kingdom of God. T4RM: Tell our readers a little bit about how you get people to attend church since you are right now in your home doing ministry? SR: We have set aside one day a week for worship and prayer, in which people participate with their entire family. My wife has been worshiping the Lord since childhood so I told her, “let’s get the church started together”! During service, I teach the people about the word of God, and after that, we pray together. We pray for all things and give thanks to Lord, and we also pray for healing. T4RM: I noticed that one of your ministries is called Kingdom Kidz. Tell our readers how God prompted you to start this ministry and how it is doing? SR: As I have said before, God put the plan in my mind to teach children about the word of God. I believe these children will grow up to be good pastors, disciples, and fathers and strive to live with good character, “And Jesus Said Let the Children come to me, the kingdom of heaven belongs to them”. That’s why I named it Kingdom Kidz. T4RM: Is Kingdom Kidz just for children in Pakistan or do you see God taking it to other parts of your country and even globally? SR: For now, yes but God willing we will start this group in different cities and towns of Pakistan, and we hope to take this group to the international level as well. Of course, it will all be according to God’s Plan. T4RM: I know for me, one of the biggest testimonies in my life is when God saved me from a life leading to hell. Is there a specific testimony that you would like to share with our readers? SR: There were a lot of troubles in my life and because of that I was also a victim of many evils, I was far away from God and I wanted to be close to God but these evils stopped me. When 7
my family and I accepted God, God changed our life circumstances. I had no job and God gave me a job, then God gave us a helper who guided us to have a better relationship with Him. There were some women in our area who had been married for many years but they had no children. They asked us to pray for them and we prayed day and night. God heard our prayers and answered us. God has blessed these women with children! Glory to be God! God still works in the lives of His people today. T4RM: Here in the USA, most of our churches meet Wednesdays for Bible Study and Sundays mornings. Are your services just on Sunday or do you have services on other days of the week? SR: Church services here are also on Sunday, however we have a prayer service on Saturday evening every week. Men’s meetings are on Friday and Sunday for Sunday school. T4RM: Even though you are right now having services in your home, I am sure that one of your desires is to eventually have your own church building outside of your home. Has God given you a specific area in which He wants you to establish a building? SR: We are currently having church service in our home, however, God does not want us to limit His Word to just our neighborhood. God wants us to go and preach in areas where people need to be brought closer to God. We know where God’s will is, He will build his house. T4RM: Are you in an area with other churches who are partnering with you or are you in an isolated area? SR: I am currently in an area where I am working alone. We need partners for this purpose so that we can take this work further and take it to others areas. We are also looking for sponsors or other ministries that would partner with us to get the Gospel out in all of Pakistan. T4RM: I know that for me, my ministry is global because I am constantly interacting with people in various countries because of my presence on Facebook. Would you consider your ministry to be global? SR: I agree with you because if people appreciate you and like the work you are doing for God with people and children through Facebook it means your ministry is international. T4RM: When I experience people who would walk the extra mile to help others, I immediately get the impression that they saw their parents were involved in church thereby giving them the heart to serve God’s people. Was that the case with you and your wife? SR: Yes, by the grace of God we have blessed parents who raised both of us in Christianity and we learned so much from our parents.
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T4RM: Is your wife pastoring alongside you or does she operate in another ministry gift in your ministry? SR: My wife helps tremendously, she works with me and we do all the services together. T4RM: Do you have any siblings and are any of them involved in the ministering of God’s Word? SR: Yes, my elder brother has been a Pastor for 15 years now. He has guided me a lot since childhood in the word of God. T4RM: It was certainly my pleasure to interview you and to let our readers know some of what is happening in Pakistan and its borders. Personally, I wish you, your wife, and your congregation all of God’s richest blessings. Dear Readers: God has given Pastor Shahid and His wife many plans and they are in need of your support. If you would like to help this ministry in Pakistan, please feel free to connect with Pastor Shahid Raza via Facebook or through his email address @ shahidbashir501@gmail.com
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Letting Our Light Shine Cont’d… Sharon Weeks-Alleyne As we continue with the topic of “Letting Our Light Shine” let’s review what we learned in the previous article highlighting John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14. The light of God is a symbol of holiness, goodness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and revelation. We were able to gain some insight on holiness and goodness and now we will continue with Knowledge. If we are going to let our lights shine, knowledge of God’s word is essential. Having proper knowledge of God’s word will guarantee that we know how to answer every man from the Word of God, as well as provide the armor so we are equipped and steadfast at any given moment. As we are told in Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet that bring good tidings” and to be able to partake in that beauty we certainly need knowledge. Secular knowledge is also imperative because you should have the ability to articulate what you need to say whether the conversation is about the Word of God or current affairs, you must be well-rounded with an ability to communicate on different levels. You won’t be effective by just spouting quotes like “My kingdom is heavenly, I don’t deal with earthly things”! No, you need to know where in the Word to point them concerning the earthly things. Always remember, real people experience real life! Jesus knew and understood the current affairs of the times he lived in and was able to point it out as he ministered, Paul did the same as he encouraged believers during the time he lived. We need not be so heavenly minded that we’re no earthly good. We must strive to be the light, that leads to THE LIGHT. We should not be the laughingstock of the world by not having adequate knowledge on the various topics we speak about. We must also exhibit great authority when we do this as well while being as wise as serpents and as humble as doves as we are reminded by Christ. It is a good idea to strategize so we will know what moves to make and all of this is encompassed in knowing. Also, it’s best to keep it simple to what you do know or even just give your testimony, which is also considered knowledge. Who knows your story better than you? 11
That’s what the woman at the well did and she won a whole village for Christ! Another key aspect of letting our lights shine is Wisdom. The Bible says wisdom is the preeminent or the fundamental thing which is the root of central importance. Wisdom is the basis of underlying support of an idea and wisdom also contains the aspect of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. We can see how wisdom ties into knowledge, and with all our getting we need to attain understanding also. You mustn’t be so blinded by your wisdom and knowledge that you fail to understand and see another person’s perspective to give them the best response possible. Grace is also something we can’t forget about when it comes to letting our light shine. We need to learn to exhibit grace to one another daily. Jesus gave us the parable of the one that was forgiven much but went out to throw his servant in prison who owed him little. Can we all agree that this guy did not utilize grace even when that is what he received? We must be mindful of his end and make certain that we are freely giving grace to others as God freely gives grace to us, so we won’t be a castaway. Today patience is a characteristic that has proven to be sparse in many people, we live in a microwave society and too many of us lose our cool far too easily. It is the age of delete and block and we cut people out as quickly as 1,2,3 however we desire for God to be patient, long-suffering, and kind to us. My prayer is that we would all search our hearts and lives to get our houses in order, clear out the clutter so our lights can shine and shine brightly. Another vital beam in letting our light shine is Hope. This is so important that The Word says three things will remain after the end has come and before He appears: FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. Today, ask yourself are you losing hope? Are you in a double-minded place? With all that we see unfolding is your hope and faith in WHO you believe in being tested? Call on HIM for help before you allow that darkness in and infect others with it. Make sure what you’re saying to others is from THE GOD OF LIGHT. Giveth the world the light of hope, not the false hope that will make them disillusioned but GOD’S HOPE! God’s hope is not hype, God’s hope is the truth from His Word, so lead them to THE WORD, not your word. Finally, is God’s Revelations, which should be constructed of what God has revealed from HIS WORD, not anything you conjured up which is more hype than hope. The hype has a way of taking you down a rabbit hole which will take you and the listeners to a dark place when nothing you were anticipating happens. Let your revelations be true revelations from His Word as you study The Word and spend time hearing from HIM. When our light shines, we withhold the ability to open the eyes of others so they will see our good, truthful, and honest work which should always point right back to bringing God glory.
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SHIPS by Apostle Patsy Anderson-Benjamin Ships: A vessel larger than a boat for transporting people or goods by sea. Relationships: The way two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, the state of being connected. The state of being connected by blood or marriage. How two or more people or groups regard and behave toward each other Biblical: The Bible provides guidance on the interaction between men and women, mankind and our Savior, and relationships between believers. Knowing these truths helps us make better decisions and navigate in a righteous manner. We are all on ships of life, it is how we navigate the waters, that makes the difference in the journey. We set sail on many ships hoping to make it to the shore safely. In life, we sometimes make it to shore barely hanging on to what is sometimes being shipwrecked. In our relationships it does not always go as well as we would expect them to go, maybe we are not stirring our ship safely to shore because we do not know how to navigate through the waters. Sometimes the sea is rough other times it is smooth sailing we just need to know the cargo we are allowing to board our ship. Friendship: Those to whom one is close. Scripture stresses that friendship is often but not always a positive thing: where good friends can be invaluable in the life of faith, bad friends can be obstacles to the faith of believers, or even lead them astray totally. Human beings are created to be in a relationship with God. 2nd Corinthians 6:18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Proverbs 17:6 “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 27:10 “Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls, down one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” 13
It is very important as you establish relationships through friendship and family that you stand and show humility, integrity, honesty, and most of all love because you are the beginning force of the relationship especially if you are a kingdom builder. You are the push, the glue that will hold things together when the ship begins to toss and take in water, you will be the one that will speak to the concern, the situation, the storm and declare peace be still, it is you that will call things to order, yes you man and woman of God you are the example of relationships. Continue to hold steady the course, don’t jump ship, toss nothing or no one overboard because there are ships waiting on you. Relationships are an expression of your faith. Matthew 12:50 says “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Believers are to be in relationship with one another in the church. Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:14 “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Believers are to maintain good relationships. Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you live at peace with everyone.” Believers are to restore broken relationships. Proverbs 17:9 “Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” We will hurt others, and others will hurt us. But if you can forgive a fault, love can be restored. However, dwelling on wrongs and refusing to let them go causes angry division and painful separation. You may have been hurt in your relationships or you may have been the one to hurt others. There are six types of basic relationships: Romantic Relationship: This relationship is maybe the most complex, yet the most rewarding. This relationship causes an emotional time in your life it is very intense, and you may feel vulnerable and safe at the same time. Family Relationship: This is very special because your family is constant and forever, we are kind of stuck with them forever and there is nothing we can do, to change this, families are joined together by blood and circumstances, trials and tribulations. Family offers stability and unconditional love. Friendships: can be very close they can be at times close enough to be considered as family. Friends are people we can lean on to take some of our cares away and we can confide in them, vent, and tell precious secrets to. Kind of like a deal-breaker. Professional Relationships: is a business level of friendship, at times it can become very close as you work together over time the relationship brings support and productivity to the relationship and in time can become very important to, everyone. Casual Relationships: they are the relationships you have with joggers, the retail workers, your neighbors someone you meet and greet throughout the course of your day or week. This is the most important one: YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SELF: You are the person you spend most of your time with and there will be some things about yourself that you like and some things about yourself that you also dislike, you need to make a conscious decision as to who you are and be comfortable with that decision and have confidence in that person. You can have all the friends and possessions in the world, but you will be the only one to invest in your relationship striv14
ing daily to be happy and to have a productive life. Scripture never says to love yourself, because it is normal to love yourself. Scripture does warn us about self-love, our focus should not be on ourselves. We must trade self-centered love for agape love. Loving yourself too much shows selfishness and arrogance which God hates. As Kingdom builders, we must always show love no matter what it looks like or feels like. Psalm 139:14 “I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.” As Kingdom builders we should always show love, we should be remembered on a daily basis as the one person that turned a frown upside down (smile) give a hug not knowing that it may help someone get through the day because they were not feeling love, a kind word that will let someone know that you care, a free meal or any act of kindness that would bless someone on a daily basis. We should be relationship builders we are the shipyard of exchange of attitude to gratitude. You are welcome aboard our ships because our anchor holds and grips a solid rock. We hold steady the course making sure no one wants to jump ship, no matter what you board with, we are equipped as kingdom builders to handle the load. As you come aboard you will experience what the Bible says in 1st Peter 4:8 “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” We will show every act of kindness because of Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted forgiving one another just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” We are the anchor that holds and grips a solid rock, our anchor links to the bough, we are linked together through Christ Jesus, we have a righteous relationship with one another because the link between our love and Christ’s love is faith and the Spirit. As kingdom builders, the most loving thing we can do for others is to love God more than we love them. For if we love God most, we will love others best. As demonstrated in John 4:19 we are only able to give freely to others what we have received freely from him. As we sail through life’s relationship paths it will not be always easy, because of brokenness, grief, pain, suffering disappointments, unhappiness, hate, anger, sickness it all can be a challenge to find loving relationships, as we pass through many troubled waters allow our mindsets to be the in mind of Christ daily. All it takes is just one act of kindness to someone else to establish great relationships. Our lives are defined by relationships. They are defined by relationships we do not have and the ones we do have, they are defined by the good ones, the bad ones, the close ones, the distant ones, the hard ones, the casual ones, the lifelong ones, the special ones and very unique ones and the necessary ones I am sure there are others on the list but I am just trying to stay on the ship. “It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror, of another loving, caring human being.” John Joseph Powell (on relationships) “Loose lips sink ships” Flip Wilson “Blessings and favor “Apostle Patsy Benjamin
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MARCH SOPHIA SPARKLE YOUTH GROUP UPDATE. Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon Helping Our Children Transition Back To School Successfully Helping our children transition back to the classroom entirely amidst the’ remove- mask mandate is crucial in this hour. Even though many were praying for the day when they didn’t have to wear masks, most aren’t taking any chances and are having second thoughts. Many parents are still urging their kids to keep their facemask on at school. Here at Sophia Sparkle Youth Group Friendly Space, we will continue to provide our children and staff with the safest environment possible. Our focus is recovering learning loss and building back better than before as children trickle back into the classroom. Rest assured we will also keep an eye on any evidence as it emerges. Every member of Sophia Sparkle Youth Group will be prepared for any future emergencies. It is important that precautions are taken both inside and outside the classroom to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and we refuse to let our guards down. Understanding the virus, how it can spread, and how we are best able to protect ourselves are important steps in establishing classroom procedures and protocols.
Sophia Sparkle Youth Group is now in preparation mode for our Annual Exhibition which will be held in the month of June, the date, location, and time are to be announced. It is our group’s 25th Anniversary and the month of its Founder and President’s birthday as well. It is our goal to give ample opportunity for all students to showcase their talent & all that they have researched or developed during the pandemic but in a safe environment. We will organize the perfect Annual Exhibit for Sophia Sparkle Youth Group, the difference this time is that we will also be celebrating with thanksgiving unto GOD for giving us an end to a period of isolation, lockdown, social distancing, and all the restrictions that forced us to 16
adapt to so many changes. With all of this in mind we will most certainly remain wise, as well as walk circumspectly while redeeming the times following those two challenging years when our children were forced to deal with Covid-19. Our children have had to adapt their practices to the intense and solitary nature of producing so many arts and crafts which they will be showcasing during the exhibit. The Organizing Staff will send out Invitations very soon for this amazing day which everyone is looking forward to, we are certain you will leave the exhibit with great memories to last a lifetime because of the gifts and talents of the children in Sophia Sparkle. We predict everyone will be amazed of the astounding work that will be showcased. As an extra treat our Gospel dancers are preparing to entertain you that day as you view the great handiwork of our future generations. Certificates of Appreciation will be handed out to all of our generous donors and to many others who have contributed to the success of this wonderful organization. Our teachers who have so willingly volunteered over the years will be acknowledged on that day as well.
Our children will continuously be informed to protect their own well-being and those around them. Classes will fully re-open here at our Friendly Space, we repeat, in a safe environment. Health and safety are our number one priority here at the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group Friendly Space. We will depend on our teachers a great deal to ensure that our children will be able to continue their education putting safety and health first, while we make up for knowledge and skills that may have been lost -- please make sure you all continue to stay safe!
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IT’S IN THE WORD!!! RACISM Allison A.
R
acism is a subject we as a church love to dance around, some feel we shouldn’t talk about it and when we do it’s said we’re radical. This is a deep-seated sore in The Church, which instead of us going in and scooping it out from the root, we cover it with a bandage, and every so often we see the puss seeping through. THE WORD was used to fan the flames of racism and we need to stop hiding behind the smoke and use THE WORD to put those flames out. We were so brainwashed that some can’t to this day see one another as equal and others can’t see themselves as equal because of how we were indoctrinated, so there are things we need to unlearn and unlearn very fast. Firstly, we learn that the only beings’ humans are a little lower than, are the angels and you know what?!! They serve us, they do our bidding, so if you feel you’re above anyone as Jesus himself said, go serve them, but don’t feel you’re Lord over them. We see in Numbers 12, God did not give racism a pass at all, He adamantly dealt with it and in no light manner, nipping it in the bud. We then see Jesus giving the parable of The Good Samaritan (not for it to be used against those who racism is meted out to, by saying The Good Samaritan forgave and went on with his life) but to let them know what being a good neighbor is. A good neighbor looks beyond race and sees everyone as human and offers a helping hand when it’s needed. We also see Jesus sending his disciples away so he could have a conversation with The Samaritan woman who was a part of the group that was always being racially profiled. Sadly, the disciples couldn’t witness such salvation, which brought the gift of salvation to an entire village of racially profiled people. Many times, we only take the salvation message on our side of town, where we’re comfortable. Unfortunately, our go ye into all the world is our clan, but Jesus who should be our example didn’t do that. We also see how special the Ethiopian Eunuch was to God, he was hungry to know more about God and because of that desire God teleported his manservant Philip to share The Word with him and salvation came to his Nation. God didn’t need slavery to share His Word, they already knew God. We need to unlearn those lies from the pit of hell and delve into God’s Word and not be fed lies from the enemy. We need to get racism out of our spiritual and natural DNA because if we can’t love our brothers and sisters who we see, we can’t love God who we haven’t seen. IT’S IN THE WORD!! LOOK NO FURTHER and line up with GOD’S WORD.
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April is Volunteers Month.
Let us be grateful for volunteers in every aspect of our lives
Volunteers!
Rolanda Pyle
There are so many qualities to being a volunteer. The main one is having a generous heart to want to share your talents, skills, gifts, and your time. To give of oneself to help others is what makes volunteers shine! Volunteers work in corporate, non-profit, community, or even international places. With employees, in medicine, education, emergency rescue, health or individual cases. Volunteers build houses, help the sick in hospitals, repair disaster areas, mentor little sisters and brothers. They deliver meals to seniors, work as foster grandparents, help children in schools, and are community health advocates to others. The list is too broad to name them all. But volunteers answer a much-needed call. To help when and where there are needs and give unselfishly in word and their deeds. Volunteers are professionals, retired seniors, students, the young and old, who often come with experience along with their hearts of gold. It doesn’t matter who or where nor does it matter how. The important thing is that volunteers are doing what’s needed now. So, we celebrate all of you who volunteer, and we take the time to say thank you to all of you who care! Thank you, Volunteers, we thank you once, we thank you twice, and know you are appreciated for the rest of your life! © – Rolanda Pyle - All Rights Reserved. www.rorosrainbowcommunications.com 19
DEALING WITH WAYS TO GET THROUGH THESE CHALLENGING TIMES. Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon
After getting battered by the pandemic, with the spike in food prices, the global economy is poised to be sent on yet another unpredictable course by the war with Russia and Ukraine. Rest assured that your life will never be the same again. The invasion of Russia to Ukraine can and will have a ripple effect outside the Borders of the conflict. There could be collateral damage from sanctions on Russia. Nations will feel the Economic brunt of the conflict with Russia and Ukraine. It’s approximately a month since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, and the economic impact is beginning to be felt across the World. For our vulnerable population, please protect us GOD. Uncertainty is all around us, never more so than yesterday. Whether it concerns the Global pandemic, the war with Russia and Ukraine, the Economy, finances, your health, or relationships what lies ahead in life remains uncertain. We all want to feel safe and to have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Fear and uncertainty can leave one feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of your life. Furthermore, it can drain you emotionally. Many of our children from Sophia Sparkle Youth Group have been messaging me to say how worried they are, some are up at night thinking about everything that they are faced with, and wondering when it will all end, they are glued to the news. We as parents must talk and pray with them, and even make sure that they are not spending an excessive amount of time spectating negative news. See that they turn off their phones at night and pray. The key is to reassure them that they are safe. Fear and uncertainty can leave one feeling stressed and anxious.
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The Covid-19 pandemic has created both a public health crisis and a global economic crisis, it has disrupted lives, and created a global economic slowdown. It has caught so many unprepared, and a lot of people are coping with financial stress. Whatever your circumstances, we here at Sophia Sparkle Youth Group are consistently providing techniques you can utilize to get through these challenging times. We are seeking to change the trajectory of your thoughts and actions and redirecting you to the kitchen garden. Even a small kitchen garden in your backyard can show us the way to a sustainable solution. The lives of people will be deeply impacted, and our focus will be mainly on survival, as the importance of healthy eating habits and nutritious food intake has never been or seemed so important. Since our aim here at Sophia Sparkle was to come up with a sustainable solution, one of the unique ways that we can try to cushion the crisis that is upon us was by promoting the creation of a kitchen garden. Gardening offers a psychological lifeline in times of crisis. Whether or not you are coping with a crisis, gardening is one of the healthiest hobbies you can develop. Anyone with a container or a small piece of ground can grow something that you can eat. Learning how to be more self-sufficient and providing for your family has never been more important than this time. Plant in containers if there is not much yard space, containers planting is not a new concept. A lot is at stake for the global economy as conflict looms in Ukraine. Every country that depends on the Region’s rich supply of energy, and other needed items could feel the pain of food shortage and inflation affecting nearly everything. We must brace ourselves. All that is happening is also a reminder too to turn to the ONE who is all POWERFUL. HE WILL SHOW US THE WAY...
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God Already Knew Donna Royalty Ross God sent Jesus over 2000 years ago to die for sins He didn’t commit. Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Have you stopped internalizing the love God has for us by sending Jesus to die on a cross for us? All that, while He knew some of us would deny Him and His very existence. Some of us have lied, cursed, and even walked away from Him, yet God in His foreknowledge sent Jesus to die in our place. Because God already knew before the (foundation of the earth just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love — Ephesians 1:4, AMP] God already knew and let us know in His Word in Genesis 3:15 — “And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman, and between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, and you shall [only] bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15, AMP] Let’s take a moment to fast forward to April 15 — 17, 2022 as we experience Good Friday and Resurrection Day. While we will be celebrating Resurrection Day let us remember that God sent Jesus to the cross to give us the opportunity to spend eternity with Him. In conclusion, know for a fact that regardless of any trials, situations, or circumstances you are presently dealing with God already knew about it. There is absolutely nothing that you are dealing with God does not have foreknowledge of and is able to turn it around for your best and His glory.
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