POWER 4 LIFE BROADCAST SCHEDULE WMAR TV 2
6:30am Sundays
state of maryland
THE WORD NETWORK
10:30pm Sundays
national
Streamingfaith.com
7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am Sundays & 7:30pm Tuesdays
international
Power Radio.com
12noon and 6pm Daily
international
SERVICE TIMES Worship Service
7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am Every Sunday
Teen Temple
11:15am Every 2nd & 4th Sunday
Sunday School
After 7:30am Service every Sunday at the Forum
Children’s Church
11:15am Every Sunday
Tuesday Bible Study
7:30pm
Men’s Bible Study
9am 1st Saturday
Women’s Bible Study
10:15am 1st Saturday
Marriage Bible Study
11:30am 1st Saturday
Discipleship Building Class
9am -10:15am 3rd Saturday
Leadership Development
10:15am -11:15am 3rd Saturday
Empowermenttemple.org
Every Service Live
ORDER OF WORSHIP Doxology Opening Hymn Litany Prayer Praise & Worship Pastoral Remarks & Visitor Recognition Offering Sermonic Selection Sermon Invitation Offering Announcements Benediction
Candance L. Greene Editor-in-Chief
speak black man
Jan Austin Education & Political Contributor
A Letter from the CEO & Publisher Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant
Echoes of Empowerment Magazine Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant Publisher & CEO
J.T. Watson Financial, Political & Environmental Contributor Min. Mario Scott Foreign Affairs Contributor Harbinger Communications Copyeditor Kerry DeBruce for KLAD Creative Art Director Time Printers Printing Company
Attention Postmaster: Echoes of Empowerment Magazine is an Empowerment Temple AME Church publication, which is a non-profit organization. To receive a copy of writer’s guidelines, contact Echoes of Empowerment at echoes@empowermenttemple. org. Send comments and letters to the Editor to Echoes of Empowerment Magazine, 1505 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, MD 21217, or via email at echoes@ empowermenttemple.org. Echoes of Empowerment Magazine is a quarterly publication.
© 2009 by Empowerment Temple AME Church. All rights reserved. All articles, except those identified as having their own authors, are property of Echoes of Empowerment Magazine and can not be reproduced without written permission.
Dear Empowerment Family, IT’S THAT TIME! Time for what? you might ask. It’s time for YOU to make HIS-STORY. My dear friend Tavis Smiley is fond of saying, “Black people always remember history, but we need to make history!” What greater time to make history than with America having its first African American president, the Supreme Court about to have its first Hispanic judge and Baltimore having its first African American woman serve as mayor. It’s an incredible time. This summer, I want to compel you to not retreat from your dreams and your passion. Work on your marriage, your family, your relationship with God and your community, and work on improving yourself and your church. It’s fabled in American History that George Washington told his troops, amidst the war with the British, “Retreat is not an option. If you turn around I will shoot you in the back.” Even after his threat, they all disserted him and he stood alone; however, British troops ceased fire and applauded him simply because he refused to flee and instead chose to fight for what he believed in. In no way am I threatening you with violence, but I am encouraging you to make up in your mind that this summer, no matter how hot your situation becomes, you will stand through it. This summer I’ll be preaching through the Bible and you don’t want to miss one Sunday or Bible Study. We’re doing what no other church has done—studying the Bible in 24 hours. The Order of Worship will be converted to working sessions, so I need you to come to church with a bible, a notebook and a pen because, by the end of the summer, you will graduate to another level in your relationship with God. We will culminate the summer with our 1st Annual Power Summit, taking place August 10-12th. Great instructors and teachers like Bishop George Bloomer, Pastor John Gunns, Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Pastor Mase, Dr. Medina Pullins, motivational speaker Les Brown, BET/CNN Correspondent Jeff Johnson, NeNe Leakers and Lisa Wu Hartwell from The Desperate Housewives of Atlanta, Omarosa Stallworth from The Apprentice and many more will be there to lead us in a great time of teaching, preaching and impartation. Empowerment…IT’S TIME! Expecting the Unexpected,
Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant SUMMER 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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Contributors Minister Christopher Brown is a committed husband, father and servant of Christ. He currently serves as the Minister of Outreach and Congregational Care at Empowerment Temple Church.
Barry Davis currently serves as Media Coordinator/Director at Empowerment Temple Church, and as the lead photographer for Echoes of Empowerment Magazine.
Franklin Fitzgerald is a graduate of Hampton University. He served eight years in the Marine Corps Reserve. After graduation, he worked in news as an associate editor, producer and television news photographer. He is the founder of Clear View Digital Media, LLC, and is happily married and living in Hampton, VA with his lovely wife and stepson.
Rachel Eliza Griffiths is a photographer, painter, and poet. A recipient of numerous fellowships, her work has been widely published in journals and newspapers including The New York Times. She lives in New York. Her work can be found at www.rachelelizagriffiths.com.
Jewell Powell’s new book, Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith offers hope and guidance to help transform broken relationships through the use of biblical wisdom. She resides in southern Maryland with her husband and two daughters. For more information, please visit www.marriage101.us.
Monte Sanders, President & CEO of Sanders Optimum Fitness, is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith and is currently certified as a Personal Trainer, Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Certified Children’s Group Trainer by the highlyaccredited American Council on Exercise (ACE).
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YOUR THOUGHTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I really enjoyed this issue of Echoes of Empowerment Magazine. The front cover is quite captivating and the graphics are excellent. Janelle, Brooklyn, NY
I find Echoes to be absolutely engaging from the cover to the last page. The comments from Black Enterprise were an extra plus! Tonya, Odenton, MD
I love the article “Maintaining Balance in An Unbalanced World”. It was nice to read such an affirming article. Dana, Towson, MD
I found the article on Black and Missing, Inc. to be very interesting. As a white person, I don’t always think about these things, yet when I read the article, it reminded me that I need to be more observant and more sensitive than I think I am. Cindy, Nashville, TN
Echoes wants to hear from YOU! Do you have something to say about Echoes of Empowerment Magazine? Write to our editor at echoes@empowermenttemple.org Are you interested in promoting your business in Echoes of Empowerment Magazine? Contact us at echoesads@ empowermenttemple.org Are you a writer who wants to contribute to Echoes of Empowerment Magazine? Send your request for Writer’s Guidelines to writeforechoes@empowermenttemple.org
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Cover Story
12 Saluting Our Dads for Father’s Day Features
15 Rating the 44th: President Obama’s Six-Month Checkup Your Marriage Before Jumping the Broom 20 Strengthening A Conversation with Marriage Coach Jewell R. Powell
Special Feature
08 Meet Empowerment Temple’s Faithful Cyber Members In Every Issue
02 Order of Worship/Broadcast Schedule/Service Times Black Man!: A Letter from CEO & Publisher, 03 Speak, Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant
07 Litany 24 ET Remix 26 The Buzz
litany Leader
I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Ghost power. The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ! I won’t look back…let up…slow down…back up…or be still!
people
My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals!
Leader
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity! I do not have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on the Lord, run with patience, lift by prayer and labor by Holy Ghost power.
people
My face is set. My goal is heaven. My road is narrow. My way is rough. My companions are few, my guide is reliable and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
Leader
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
people
I WON’T GIVE UP…SHUT UP…LET UP…until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, worked up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go ‘til He comes, give ‘til I drop, teach ‘til all know and work ‘til he stops me. And when Jesus comes, He will have no problems recognizing me because He’ll remember, I was the one He gave POWER! SUMMER 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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Empowering Cyberspace Through the Word
Candance L. Greene
On
any given Sunday morning, nearly 30,000 people log on to www.empowermenttemple. org to worship with us via the Internet. These streaming viewers are part of a growing population of worshippers who have abandoned their local churches for the comfort of praising God in their homes online. In fact, according to Richard Reising’s book Church Marketing 101, 8085 percent of people are now watching church on their computers. Empowerment Temple’s Cyber Members view our Sunday services, Tuesday Night and Online Bible Studies, as well as all of our special weekly services faithfully. And you will be surprised to learn they are logging in from Canada, England, France, India, South Africa and cities across the United States. Our viewers include doctors, lawyers, fellow clergy, and service men and women stationed around the globe—in other words, everyday people like us seeking to be empowered by the Word of God. Many of these viewers consider themselves cyber members who, according to SFC Linda Smith stationed in Ft. Douglas, Utah, “support the ministry with donations and prayer.” In April, Pastor Bryant had Nathaniel Wilson, our largest Internet contributor, flown from his home in Highpoint, NC to Baltimore so he and his family could worship at Empowerment Temple in person. “The experience,” says Wilson, “was predestined to happen.” Wilson started watching the broadcast after his sister kept insisting he watch this “young pastor in Baltimore” on YouTube. God confirmed Wilson’s calling through that sermon, and, from that moment, he began sowing into the ministry. His story is no different than the thousands of others who watch our web broadcasts. Echoes had an opportunity to make contact with some of our cyber members to share their stories with you.
SFC Linda Smith Ft. Douglas, Utah
Nathaniel Wilson and family with Pastor Bryant
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“This ministry has impacted my life, as well as my family’s life tremendously. My knowledge of the Word has improved. Pastor Bryant’s teachings have improve my knowledge of the Word for both myself and my son.”
Michael Lindsey
Evangelist Emmanual Paul
Ontario, Canada
Born in West Africa - Stationed in India
“I learned about Empowerment Temple and Dr. Bryant on Streamingfaith.com. I have not heard a message that has not ministered to me. The sermons are full of wisdom, and that tells me I’m not the only one God is preparing.”
Emma Smith-Herd Chesterfield, Michigan
“I first learned of Empowerment Temple and Dr. Bryant 18 months ago when I prayed for the Lord to give me a pastor to follow who preached a revelation Word for which my spirit did thirst. God led me to Empowerment Temple and I have been watching, and have encouraged my family and friends to watch, ever since!”
“I have been empowered by this great man of God and his ministry!”
Empowermenttemple.org Viewers Average 38,400 per month Empowerment Temple Facebook www.facebook.com/EmpowermentTemple www.jamalbryantonline.com/facebook 5,326* followers
Twitter www.twitter.com/jamalhbryant 3,800* followers
Ralph & Julie Bowman Trinity, Alabama
“We consider ourselves tithing members of Empowerment Temple Church. There is not a church we can find here in Alabama that is progressive and has a right now Word like Empowerment Temple. So, we prayed about it and God told us to join online. People here can see the change in me and I tell them it’s because my church is Empowerment Temple AME and my pastor is Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant all the way in Baltimore, Maryland!”
MySpace www.Myspace.com/pastorjamalbryant 31,998* followers *at presstime
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Selah (sé-lah) “To pause and reflect” on the Word of God
Being a Good Dad Min. Christopher Brown
The role of father has changed over the decades. Sadly, the victims of these changes are the children. The latest U.S. Census Bureau report states that 40% of all homes lack a father’s presence. These homes are either those in which mothers are raising children on their own or grandparents are making the monumental sacrifice to raise their grandchildren on a fixed income. However, we are so inundated with stories of fatherless homes and “deadbeat dads” that we rarely hear about the 60% of fathers who are involved in the day-to-day responsibilities of childrearing, as well as those who are very active in their child’s lives, while striving to be the best fathers they can be. Psalm 127:3 reminds us that sons are a heritage from the Lord; children are a reward from Him. A good father recognizes how blessed he is to have children. A godly father understands that it is God’s will for him to be the spiritual head, raising his children and instructing them to be in healthy relationships with others, as well as in right relationship with their Heavenly Father. Good fathers assume their responsibility by fulfilling various roles such as protector, provider and disciplinarian, and they dot it realizing that the role does not stop there. Godly fathers must also: Provide identity Scripture repeatedly introduces characters by telling us who their father was (e.g.Genesis 5 and Matthew 1:1-17). Many of the challenges our youth face on a daily basis come from the fact that they don’t know whose they are or where they’ve come from. To build children’s self worth, it is important for them to know their roots.This will enable them to understand that they are a part of something that is bigger than just them.A father, when he is present and actively involved gives the child someone with which to identify. Be a Teacher/Trainer The value of a father who passes on his knowledge and skills is priceless. When a father also teaches from his own life’s experiences—good, bad or indifferent—it greatly increases a child’s opportunity for success. Be a Mentor/Role Model One of the primary functions of a father is to be a role model and mentor who teaches his children by being a personal example of godly character. Children learn many character qualities as they observe them being lived out both in and through their father. Godly fathers know it doesn’t take much effort to father a child, but takes love and dedication to be a father. Let’s continue to allow God to help us be the best dads we can be for our children, for our families and for our own sake!
Min. Christopher Brown and son Cavon
African American men writing about Being Dads Want to read about parenting from other Good Dads? Check out these blogs: www.mochadad.com http://fatherdad.com www.bigpieceofchicken.com www.makesmewannaholler.com
Want to start your own Dad Blog? Log on to www.dad-blogs.com to get started
Great Fatherhood Resources The Fatherhood Initiative www.fatherhood.org The NFL’s All Pro Dad www.allprodad.com The Fatherhood Institute www.fatherhoodinstitute.org
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Dads breaking the mold Celebrating 21st Century Fathers
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Some are educators, activists and grassroots organizers. Others are blue-collar workers, entrepreneurs, soldiers and even preachers. Each of these men, with their varied histories, belongs to a sacred fraternity called “Fatherhood.� These 21st Century dads are not afraid to change diapers, host tea parties with their daughters, kiss boo-boos and make banana pancakes on Saturday mornings. Some are raising their kids alone, while others share a sizable chunk of parenting duties with their wives. All of them are working diligently to create their own unique form of parenting. Echoes takes time to celebrate these 21st Century fathers in our very own congregation. Dads, we salute you.
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Happy Father’s Day! 14
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Fathers on Fatherhood
Books for Dads on Father’s Day
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“Being a dad makes me feel like Muhammad Ali. The best is yet to come!” -Walter Zebulun
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“When I come home and see my kids there waiting for me…it’s just priceless.” -Steven Gomez
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“Being a father is hard. My two boys will model themselves as men, husbands and fathers after what they see me do. I must uphold high standards for them.” -Dana McDonald
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“Fatherhood is the greatest, most burdensome and exhilarating blessing because you are constantly concerned, excited and worried about your children’s health and destiny.” -Pastor Bryant
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“Being a father is the continuous search for the answer to my son’s question, ‘Why daddy?’. And I will proudly answer it every time.” -Ajene Atkins
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“After being married for 12 years, I’m raising my children on my own. Watching my seeds mature is exciting, rewarding and a lot of work!” -Tom Izzard
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“Fatherhood means exemplifying to my children the positive things a man should be.” -Charles Robinson
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“Being a father means that I am responsible for the welfare of my beautiful girls, that I must protect at all times.” -Evan Murray
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“Fatherhood is depositing into my daughter a spirit of excellence so she knows no dream is out of her grasp.” -Troy Tignor
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“The most joy God can give man is to make him a father.” -Michael Simmons
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“Being a dad means being faithful, available and teachable. This makes me a F.A.T. father!” -Min. Ronnie Nsubuga
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“Just like God does everything necessary to protect and provide for His children, I must also do to lead, love and uplift my child.” -Rev. Mark Wainwright
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“My girls are an example of God’s goodness. Every time I look at them, I am reminded how blessed I am.” -Michael Britton
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“Fatherhood means giving my sons all that my father gave me: all of the necessary tools to conquer any of the challenges life will give them.” -Derrick Greene
Daughters of Men: Portraits of African American Women and Their Fathers - Rachel Vassel “In Daughters of Men, author Rachel Vassel has complied dozens of stunning photographs and compelling personal essays about African- American women and their fathers. Daughters of Men is the first title to showcase the importance of the Black father’s impact on the accomplishments of his daughter. With a heartfelt foreword by best-selling author, professor and radio host Michael Eric Dyson, this book provides an intimate look at black fatherhood.” Pop: A Celebration of Black Fatherhood Photographer Carol Ross “In 51 visually stunning, emotionally compelling portraits, acclaimed photographer Carol Ross presents a hopeful, heartwarming, and caring view of black fatherhood in the United States. In an era that pays little positive attention to black fathers, Ross’s inspirational perspective on the relationships between black men and their children is vitally important—and long overdue.” 101 Things Every Boy/Young Man Of Color Should Know - LaMarr Darnell Shields “101 Things Every Boy/Young Man of Color Should Know is a page-turning resource needed to inspire every boy of color to do their best. This book is a collection of motivational messages from men who are concerned about the well-being of young males of color, and is the motivation behind the critically-acclaimed documentary Men II Boys.” Dreams of My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance - President Barack Obama “This memoir, eloquently penned our 44th President, chronicles President Obama’s journey after learning that his father—a figure he knows more as a myth than as a man—has been killed in a car accident. This sudden death inspires an emotional odyssey—first to a small town in Kansas, from which he retraces the migration of his mother’s family to Hawaii, and then to Kenya, where he meets the African side of his family, confronts the bitter truth of his father’s life, and at last reconciles his divided inheritance.” The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, And An Unlikely Road to Manhood -Ta-Nehisi Coates “The Beautiful Struggle follows Ta-Nehisi divergent path through this turbulent period growing up in tough neighborhoods in Baltimore, and his father, Baltimore icon and publisher Paul Coates, steadfast efforts—assisted by mothers, teachers, and a body of myths, histories, and rituals conjured from the past to meet the needs of a troubled present—to keep him and his siblings whole in a world that seemed bent on their destruction.”
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Pastor’s Pick How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In By Jim Collins I’ve chosen Jim Collins’ book How the Mighty Fall as my summer read. The author of the best-selling From Good to Great now tackles how companies can avoid, detect and reverse decline. This book is not only for business owners and corporate entities, it’s also for you as you travel on your walk with Christ. As Jim Collins states, “We are not imprisoned by our circumstances, our history, or even our staggering defeats along the way. As long as we never get entirely knocked out of the game, hope always remains.”
The Taking of Pelham 123 Starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta This summer, I’m headed to the movies. One film I can’t wait for you to see is The Taking of Pelham 123, starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. In this movie, Travolta leads a group of armed men who hijack a New York City subway train and hold the passengers hostage in return for a ransom. They turn an ordinary day’s work for dispatcher Walter Garbe, played by Washington, into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime. Get your popcorn and buckle in for a summer thrill!
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The Economy By J.T. Watson
B+
The first six months of the Obama Administration has produced both short and long-term impacts on the landscape of the U.S. economy. In the Short-term We have witnessed the Obama Administration begin its multifaceted recovery plan to boost the economy by lowering interest rates and providing tax cuts that will impact 95% of working families. This plan will also result in approximately $2,000 in returned revenues, extending unemployment benefits and continuing health care coverage for the unemployed. This recovery plan aims to provide banks with the capital, and confidence, to resume auto, home and student lending. In addition to these preliminary efforts, President Obama’s cabinet leaders have initiated line-by-line budget reviews that have produced approximately $100 million in savings that will go directly to the bottom line of the Administration’s short-term fiscal objectives. In the Long-term The Obama Administration has initiated a strategy, built upon a five-pillar foundation, that is aimed at preventing the poor judgment, bad decisions, and greed that resulted in our current economic crisis. Pillars of Economic Development 1. The development, implementation and enforcement of new rules and regulations for Wall Street that reward drive and innovation vs. excessive risk and greed. 2. New investments in education that are focused on producing a highly skilled work force that can effectively compete and excel in a 21st Century global economy. 3. New investments in technology and renewable energy that will create new jobs and industries that will allow the U.S. to take the position of world leader in these two areas. 4. New investments in healthcare that will cut cost for families, businesses, and government, with an added focus on trimming the major national budget drivers of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. 5. The execution of new savings in the federal budget that will decrease the national debt for future generations and restore financial discipline through the reduction of discretionary spending on domestic programs. In having accomplished the initial short and long-term strategy development, the Obama Administration is positioned to maximize the remainder of this term, and possibly the next, with a poignant focus on execution. Only time will decide the outcome.
Sources: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/14/The-House-Upon-a-Rock/, www.whitehouse.gov
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DOMESTIC POLICY By Jan T. Austin
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After being in office for six months, our 44th President receives an overall grade of A in the area of Domestic Policy. Since becoming the Commander-inChief, President Barack Obama is making remarkable efforts toward repairing the homeland’s housing market and infiltrating the country’s flawed financial system with over a $1 trillion dollars in special loans. He has gained wide support from the hip-hop generation to the Baby Boomers for the way by which he handles the budget deficit, tax policies, economy and health care proposals. He also gets elevated marks from the same groups for bringing his “new methodology to politics”. From day one, President Obama immediately rectified egregious ethical issues by signing a number of presidential memorandums and executive orders reversing decisions by President Bush that allowed former presidents to keep their records secret through executive privilege. What’s more, the impact of this measure annulled a long time practice by governmental agencies of denying requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act. President Obama issued three executive orders, which for the most part, supported organized labor, another measure strongly opposed by the Bush Administration. Early in his term, he mapped out a $3.6 billion dollar budget blueprint delineating large-scale plans to create comprehensive health insurance for those who could not otherwise afford it. He also launched a defense procurement plan in hopes of bringing an end to long-established wasteful government spending. This plan is expected to save taxpayers $40 billion annually. In the spring, President Obama overturned a ban on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research and signed an order to permit scientist to use public funds to conduct vital stem cell research to find possible cures for a range of serious diseases and conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, certain heart diseases, stroke, arthritis, certain birth defects, osteoporosis, spinal cord injury and burns. By late March, President Obama was ready to tackle the automobile industry. On March 30th, he forced General Motor’s CEO Rick Wagoner to resign. He also refused to give more bail out money to GM and Chrysler, forcing both companies to comprise responsible plans to help make their companies profitable.
In the Fall 2008 Issue of Echoes of Empowerment Magazine contributing writer J.T.Watson discussed the fact that the person elected in the 2008 Presidential race would be responsible for appointing the next set of Supreme Court Justices. In May, President Obama nominated Appeals Court Judge Sonia Sotomayer to replace Justice David Souter. Sotomayer is the first Latina nominated to the Supreme Court. Stay tuned to the Fall Issue of Echoes of Empowerment Magazine for more on Justice hopeful Sotomayer
In April, President Obama declared carbon dioxide a danger to human health and welfare thereby taking his first step towards regulating greenhouse gas emissions. During this same month, he promised to expand public service opportunities to the levels that they were in 1963, when President John F. Kennedy mandated the creation of a national service corps. President Obama called for the increase of the number of positions from 75,000 to 250,000 in the national community and service program area generating additional cadres of volunteers primarily focused on veterans, clean energy, education and health care. Sources: www.ft.com; Pew Center Research Poll; www.people-press.org; www.aarp.org
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The most important Foreign Policy issues President Obama must face: The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Because we have a limited number of available troops, how President Obama withdraws our forces from Iraq directly impacts our ability to defeat al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Stability of the Pakistani Government As President Obama sends more troops to Afghanistan to fight al-Qaeda, al-Qaeda is starting to move deeper into Pakistan. As our number one ally against alQaeda in Afghanistan,America needs the Pakistani government to remain strong and not collapse. Iran Iran is influential in Iraq, Lebanon and with the Palestinians.They also want to obtain nuclear weapons. Iran has to be part of any credible peace plan in that region. Mexican Drug Cartels With most of our attention focused on the Middle East, we have lost sight of the growing threat of the Mexican drug cartels.We need to support the Mexican government in their efforts to eradicate the cartels before more violence spills over our border.
As Americans, we have viewed the President through our own lens, but the election of our new Commander-in-Chief has global implication. Echoes tapped Min. Mario Scott, a native of Germany, to provide an international perspective of our President and his impact worldwide.
An International Perspective of President Obama Min. Mario Scott
The election of President Obama has spurred the world to regain their faith in the U.S. Argentinean President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, was quoted as saying, “the fact that a colored man is today a U.S. presidential candidate shows a truly surprising and admirable vitality among the American people.” The 44th President’s election has had a huge impact on France, a country that over the recent years in America lyhas been given the stigma of “not being very America-friendly” because the French people fiercely opposed the war in Iraq. According to the recent Gallup poll, 66% of Japanese people were in favor of Obama. In addition, there is a strong positive attitude towards change in Japan. In Turkey, surveys have shown that a significant portion of Turkish people did not particularly favor Obama or McCain for President; however, it could be said that similar to other parts of Europe, Obama is more popular among young Turkish people. President Barack Obama is an inspirational figure around the world, but perhaps nowhere more so than Kenya where this inspiration cuts across generational, socio-economic and tribal boundaries. The old adage goes “a rising tide raises all ships”. As Obama rises to the pinnacles of power, the audacious hope is that he will inspire a new generation of leaders to courageously confront the problems that have beset the nation and raise it to new heights.
Israeli/Palestinian Conflict This issue has spanned nine presidential administrations.While it’s doubtful President Obama will be able to bring peace to these two factions, he has made it a priority to make progress.
In my travels between the U.S and European countries, I often encounter many people who will lead our interaction with statements about their intrigue with the developments of the election. President Obama has inspired many areas of the world in a way that has not been seen in many years. All of this is lovely; still, it seems to me somewhat concerning that the intrigue has been based on a vague concept of “change” just as much as the overwhelmingly over-the-top anger toward President Bush and his policies, particularly in respect to the Iraq war. The support seems to be based on subjective perceptions, and the emotions they create, rather than on a deep grasp of complex issues. Issues that President Obama has started to see are hard to balance and sometimes conflict with each other. Outside of the difficulty of re-energizing our economy, many other global issues exist that don’t have simple solutions. Problems like international terrorism directed against Americans and others, and Iran’s push for nuclear capability, will require tough decisions that are likely to produce problematic, possibly messy outcomes. Our relationship with China, as well as, our policies regarding Europe will all be put to the test due to our differing ideologies. Let’s hope President Obama’s international popularity will survive the reality of his responsibilities as leader of the free world.
-D.Greene Want to learn more? Then tune in to The Power Radio Week in Review every Sunday from 6pm-8pm. www.powerradio.com.
Let us also remember what most of us learned in grade school: Popularity is not everything. It is neither proof nor disproof of character or ability. Like anything, it can be a tool for good or ill. Let’s support Mr. Obama and hope he has the inner strength to do what is right for our country, whether or not it happens to be popular.
Nuclear threat of North Korea With its recent testing of long-range missiles, Kim Jong-Il has proven that international sanctions are ineffective as a deterrent to North Korea’s aggressive behavior. President Obama will have to find an effective way to reign in Kim Jong-Il.
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FROM THE OFFICE OF FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA By Jan T. Austin Holding fast to President Obama’s vow to connect with the local community, First Lady Michelle Obama has become increasingly committed to meeting with and improving the lives of military families, engaging with the DC local area, and helping children learn to harvest and cook with organic fruits and vegetables. Since coming to the District, the First Lady has worked with community organizations, visited local schools and availed the White House for cultural and education initiatives. During her visit to Ft. Bragg, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Mrs. Obama listened intently to stories told to her by military families concerning the struggles they face while their loved ones are deployed to either Afghanastan or Iraq. These intimate conversations intensified the First Lady’s advocation for increases in military benefits and pay. She plans to continue to meet with military personnel and vowed to make her concerns for military families an issue she will endlessly work on as she serves as our nation’s First Lady. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the First Lady, and a host of female celebrities, visited local schools in the District of Columbia spreading a message to students of encouragement and empowerment.While Mrs. Obama spoke with students at Anacostia High School in Southeast Washington, her host of celebrity friends spoke to girls at schools in and around the DC area, as well as Maryland and Virginia. The appearance of the First Lady and this cadre of female icons is a continuation of the First Lady’s ongoing pledge to connect with and inspire the younger generation. Mrs. Obama also follows the footsteps of the 32nd First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, by planting a Victory Garden on White House grounds. With many communities in dire straits, First Lady Obama is providing the option to conserve money by growing theWhite House’s own fruits and vegetables. In March, she, along with twenty-three fifth graders from Bancroft Elementary School, planted a 1,100 square foot vegetable garden on the South Lawn of the White House. The new garden has at least fifty-five varieties of fruits and vegetables, and, to date has produced over fifty pounds of organic food that White House chef, Criseta Comerford has used in preparation for state dinners, official events, as well as to feed the first family. In addition, the First Lady also had two beehives erected on the White House lawn used for the production of honey and to help pollinate vegetation on the grounds. Though First Lady Obama is committed to the people, her first priority is to “the girls,” Malia and Sasha. Upon moving into the White House, Mrs. Obama’s primary goal was to get them settled. Six months into her husband’s first term find both girls thriving in school, playing sports, walking the dog, traveling with their parents and adjusting to their new lives as children of the first African American president. “We stay 100% in their world,” says Mrs. Obama.This is not more edvident than in their nightly ritual, the family dinner where they discuss the day’s events over a meal. First Lady Obama continues to be an ally for the President, as well as the American people. Upon entering her new residence, one of her many goals was to open the White House to the people of the country who had “never seen or experienced” it under any prior presidency. Her outreach endeavors, as well as her sincerity, are doing just that. Sources: www.abcnews.com; www.blackamericaweb.com; www.foxdc.com; www.inhabitat.com; http://michelleobamawatch.com; www.thedailygreen.com; www.usatoday.com; www.usnews.com; www.washingtonpost.com; www.time.com
SUMMER 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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The Re-making of a Marriage: A Conversation with Marriage Coach Jewell Powell Candance L. Greene
In 1996, Jewell Powell and her husband, Lewis, thought they were fully prepared for marriage. Because both of them came from a history of divorced parents and siblings, they decided to undergo six months of pre-marital counseling to help them avoid the disagreements that tear many other couples apart.After the wedding day, life took over—he spent most of his time working before his mother became ill and died from cancer.The couple also endured a painful season of infertility before they stopped communicating and moved into separate bedrooms. By 2001, they were on the verge of divorce when Powell saw an advertisement for a marriage conference that was coming to town.The couple went to the first session together, but fought the entire time. The next day, when Lewis told his wife he was not going to attend the second session, she kicked him out of the house. That night, Jewell prayed and asked God why marriage, among both Christians and non-Christians, was so hard. God replied,“Because you are hearers only, and not doers.” God also told Powell that she—Jewell the tither, Jewell the Christian, Jewell the lover of Christ—was the perpetuator of strife in their marriage, not Lewis who, at that time had turned his back on God after having lost his mother.
“I began to understand that I heard the voice of God all of the time, but that I would not receive the results of that Word as long as I remained disobedient.” -Jewell Powell The Transformation After being convicted, Jewell decided to listen and obey God.“I began to understand that I heard the voice of God all of the time, but that I would not receive the results of that Word as long as I remained disobedient.” However, the road to reconciliation was not without its struggles.“I didn’t understand why I had to be the one to do the right thing until God told me I had ears to hear him and, because of that, was the one he would hold accountable.” The Lord began to teach Jewell how to honor Him by honoring Lewis. “When I stopped doing things that were not pleasing to God, like cursing at my husband, being disrespectful and spiteful,” says Powell, “I became a new creature in Christ.” Soon, Lewis began to notice of the changes in his wife. Instead of cursing at him, judging him for not going to church and doing things to make him feel inadequate, she started speaking edifying words, encouraging him and showing him the full love of God that was in her heart. It was that transformation, through Jewell’s willingness to follow God’s instructions, that not only saved their marriage, but also led Lewis back to Christ. Enjoying the Fruit Since rededicating their lives to the Lord and to each other, the Powells founded the “Happily Ever After” Marriage Ministry, which was created to “equip couples to overcome marital difficulties.” Jewell also wrote Marriage 101: Building A Life Together By Faith, a marriage manual that teaches couples how to lay a spiritual foundation for their marriages. The Powells were also blessed to have two beautiful children. “Please understand,” says Powell,“that this did not come easy. Both of us had to work to get where we are today.” Through their willingness to be obedient to God’s word, to not “grow weary” when times were hard, and to love one another with the full love of God, Lewis and Jewell Powell are reaping the harvest of God’s love and blessings on their marriage. Visit www.marriage101.us for more marriage resources, to learn about the Powells’ “Honor the Promise” campaign, or to listen to Jewell Powell’s Internet blog talk radio program.
20 SUMMER 2009
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Marriage Not Just the Wedding
Preparing For and Jewell Powell
Wedding planning can be an all-consuming task for many couples. Choosing the right gown, booking the reception hall, selecting the perfect cake design, deciding on a honeymoon location—these decisions and tasks often fill both the days and nights of the soon-to-be-married couple. While it is exciting to spend time planning for a wedding, it is just as important to spend time planning for what will happen after the last crumbs of the cake have been eaten and the tropical honeymoon has passed.Your marriage will benefit if you prepare now for the married days to come. If we base our ideas of marriage on what we see in the movies and in Hollywood marriages, we may not get a clear picture of the day-to-day realities married couples face. Even the stereotypical “newlywed bliss” is not reality for many young couples. In fact, the first year of marriage can be tough, even for couples who believe they are hopelessly in love. When there is little preparation for marriage, there is a greater tendency for problems to creep into the marital relationship. Rather than waiting until after the wedding to deal with potential challenges, smart couples will have important discussions in advance so they are prepared to live together as one.
Empowerment Temple Marriage Ministry will be hosting two Summer events that are sure to put some fun into your marriage. Monday, June 22-Friday, July 31 Join the Marriage Ministry as they read The Love Dare, a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love.
Perhaps the most important aspects of preparing for marriage are praying together regularly and having open and honest discussions about marital “hot topics.” Amos 3:3 asks, “can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” Premarital counseling is a great opportunity where you can have important discussions that can help shape your marriage. It is much easier to work out the kinks before the wedding than after, and with counseling, it is more likely that you will walk down the aisle confidently instead of basing your union on assumptions and unrealistic expectations. When you give your relationship the attention it needs during the engagement, you can save yourselves from disappointment and frustration in the early years of marriage and beyond. Working out the kinks of moving from two single people to one unified couple is a significant challenge.There are some additional things you can do to prepare for your marriage. I would advise engaged couples to: Find the vision/purpose for your marriage. What do you believe God is calling both of you to do for Him? What would you like to do, collectively and individually, in the future? Select a mentor couple. Couples who have been married for any length of time can provide wise counsel when needed. Understand that all marriages have challenges and problems. Know that you are not alone in facing marriage issues. Always learn and grow. Marriage is a journey. It takes time to have a great marriage. Go to classes, marriage seminars and conferences, and/or read books and magazines that can help you have a great marriage.
Saturday, July 18 Married Couples Cookout Centennial Park in Howard County 12pm-6pm
Understand where you are financially before you get married. A soon-to-be-married couple, when they combine their finances, should not be in the RED. Try to decrease your debt before getting married…this includes not allowing wedding expenses to push you past your budget.
Contact Min. Eva Branch and Bro. Kevin Branch at marriageministry@empowermenttemple.org for more information.
The details of the wedding day may be fleeing, but a solid relationship, built on the foundation of open communication and prayer, can last a lifetime. © 2009 Jewell Powell’s book Marriage 101: Building a Life Together by Faith is published by Revell/Baker Publishing Group. For more information, visit www.marriage101.us
SUMMER 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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No Shortcuts to Greatness By Monte Sanders In today’s world, people want everything fast. It started with cars and airplanes. Next, came microwaves,ATMs and computer technology.Then it trickled down to wanting instant success with our finances, careers and even relationships. Now, we want instant health! What we must remember is THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS TO GREATNESS! True fitness is not only about your body. It’s about finding strength and balance in all aspects of our lives in order to establish a healthy lifestyle. My best tip is to train your Mind, Body, and Spirit. Mind Focusing your mind by meditating on the Word and how you should not only transform your body, but also how you can be a blessing to someone else. Body Understand that exercise alone is not enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition is just as important. Don’t think of it as a diet,
it’s about making smart choices for every meal. Eat fish and turkey instead of red meat and pork, fresh fruits and veggies instead of chips and dips. Drink water instead of sodas or juices. Spirit Spend time every day focused on each part of your well-being by focusing on prayer and the Word of God.This will help strengthen your relationship with the Father. Once you have made the commitment to train your Mind, Body and Spirit don’t be afraid. Physical exercise does not have to be strenuous! According to the American Heart Association, 60 minutes of brisk walking can increase your life expectancy by two hours! Walking, which is the most effective form of exercise, can be done efficiently and effectively by people of all ages and fitness levels! Remember, your health walk is not a sprint ... it’s a marathon! There will be ups and downs, peaks and valleys, good weeks and bad weeks.When you feel discouraged, never forget to remind yourself ...THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS TO GREATNESS. The Empowerment Temple family is invited to workout at the Total Body Bootcamp class every Saturday. This class is for ALL ages and levels, and begins at 8:45am. Class is held at the St.Timothy’s School located at 8400 Greenspring Avenue, Stevenson, MD. Cost is $20 (adults) and $10 (for youth 17 and under). Check out www.SandersOptimumFitness.com for more information.
Ministry Spotlight Lift Every Voice:
WORSHIP THROUGH DANCE
Welcoming Minister Steve Lawrence
In June, Empowerment Temple welcomed Min. Steve Lawrence as the new Minister of Fine Arts. Lawrence, who left The Potter’s House to serve at Empowerment Temple, is a Grammy-award winning producer, and is well respected in the music community as an exemplary musician, vocal coach and workshop clinician. He has worked with such dynamic contemporary Christian and gospel artist as Fred Hammond, Kelly Price, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Donnie McClurkin, the Clark Sisters and movie mogul Tyler Perry.
You notice the flags first. They wave to and fro triumphantly as if to say, Praise your name, Jesus! From there, your eye is drawn to the group of dancers flipping, turning, twisting, praising God with their arms, legs, feet and hands. That’s exactly the purpose of Empowerment Temple’s Dance Ministry. They serve as the “physical manifestation of praise and worship,” according to ministry leader Krystle Massey. She also undeniably believes praise and worship through dance is not just for dancers, but for everyone.
Empowerment Temple first met this 30year gospel great on Inauguration Sunday in January. Since then, his lively form of praise and worship has electrified the congregation, both at the church and via the Internet. He brings a unique flair to the music ministry, as evident on Resurrection Sunday when he brought a talented quartet to join our already accomplished musical staff, and when he made a group of women eager to serve the Lord sound like songbirds on Women’s Day. Min. Lawrence’s love for the Lord is apparent every time he touches the microphone, leads the choir or plays the piano. We are blessed to have him on board!
Massey, who has studied ballet, jazz and West African dance, opens the Dance Ministry to anyone who has completed New Members class, is a tither and is eager to serve God through the ministry. She does require a fourpart workshop that includes the history of dance and liturgical dance, biblical praise and worship, as well as a course on Levitical Order. New members are taught routines once the workshop is complete.
June is Black Music Month, and there’s no greater way to celebrate than by joining Empowerment Temple’s Music Ministry. As a member of the choir, you will have the opportunity to join the most anointed choir on the planet lead the entire in-house, and cyber congregation, in praising and worshipping God.Add your voice to the choir today. The Music Ministry meets at Empowerment Temple Church, 4217 Primrose Ave., on the following days: Every Wednesday 6pm-9pm Every Thursday 6pm-9pm Every 1st Saturday 2:30pm-4pm Every 2nd and 4th Saturday 12pm-3pm For more information contact musicministry@empowermenttemple.org.
The Dance Ministry meets at Empowerment Temple Church, 4217 Primrose Ave., on the following days: Every Wednesday 7pm-9pm Every Thursday 7pm-9pm Every 1st Saturday 2:30pm-4pm Every 2nd and 4th Saturday 9am-11:20am For more information, contact danceministry@empowermenttemple.org.
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ET REMIX
april
April was a special month for Empowerment Temple. We ministered to an overflow of parishioners on Resurrection Sunday, and rejoiced as over 100 people joined the church on our 9th Church Anniversary.
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1. Prophet Brian Carn during Good Friday’s D-Day Service.
2. Empowerment Temple congregation on Resurrection Sunday.
3. Guest quartet performs during service. 4. The congregation giving praise.
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5. Empowerment celebrates 9th Church Anniversary.
6. Pastor Leroy Dyett preaching a
mighty word on Church Anniversary.
7. Empowerment welcomes new souls to Christ. 8. Pastor Bryant with member Esther Steptoe
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during Senior’s Appreciation Breakfast.
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may
May was Women’s Month and Empowerment Temple celebrated with excellence.
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1. Chef Rodney Madison conducts cooking demo at Wellness event.
2. Masseuse Kyra Keel performs seated massage. 3. Heart & Soul Magazine publisher Edwin Avent and staff at the Expo.
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4. MOVE washes cars for Mother’s Day. 5. Bro. Al Watson welcomes the women during Ladies Night Out.
6. Ladies enjoying their evening curtesy of MOVE.
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7. Rev. Dr. Peggy Wall preaching to the 7:30 Women’s Day congregation.
8. Award-winning artist Kelly Price encourages membership through song.
9. Pastor Jasmine Sculark preaching a rousing word on Women’s Day.
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10. Empowerment Temple says farewell to Min. Jonathan Nelson.
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SUMMER 2009 | ECHOES of Empowerment
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The BUZZ All Summer 24: Scriptural Summer School 4217 Primrose Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 Sundays 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday Night Bible Study 7:30 p.m.
June 27 Empowerment Temple Outreach On the corner of Pennsylvania and McMechen across from Shake-N-Bake Skating Rink Baltimore, MD 21217 12 p.m.-3 p.m. 29-30 AME Eastern District Church School Convention 8a.m.-9p.m. Family Life Center
July 11 Ministry Pep Rally 11a.m.-1p.m. 4217 Primrose Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 12 Scholarship Sunday 4217 Primrose Ave. Baltimore, MD 21215 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services
in the
next issue... Echoes gives the Red Apple Award to our Educators!
She is one of few African American female mayors in the country. Echoes talks to Baltimore City’s Mayor Sheila Dixon on how she makes healthy living a priority.
Is it safe to buy that house yet? We answer that and your other Real Estate questions
Shining the light on Empowerment YOUTH!
August 2nd Annual Friends & Family Day Date and Time TBA 30 Youth Explosion
Look for the
Back-to-School issue in SEPTEMBER!
26 SUMMER 2009
| ECHOES of Empowerment