Exodus Magazine Summer 2008 Issue

Contents

FEATURES

05 DA MESSAGE

REALIZING YOUR NATURAL GIFTS Tony A. Gaskins Tony Gaskins shares the importance of discovering your gifts, and using them to glorify God.

010 STORY-2-TELL

COLUMNS

AGAINST ALL ODDS Tawana Williams shares her testimony about the hardships of being born with no arms.

06 ON DA GRIND

The Pro Show [Pro] MELE MEL: The Poetic Prophet Juno Beats Da Christ Regime

013 DID HE SAY THAT? Pastor J of WBTC Radio

022 HOT OR NOT?

PASTOR J: ALBUM REVIEWS Canton Jones: Kingdom Business Trip Lee: 20/20 Nue Breed: Farwell 2 Da Flesh Chill: God’s Favorite

012 FASHION & FAITH

018 COVER STORY

ORDINARY DREAMERS: G1C

Group 1 Crew [Manwell, Pablo & Blanca] share their thoughts about making a positive change in the lives of young people, by encouraging them to follow their dreams.

BOYZ II MEN: THERES NO AGE LIMIT See what’s hot off the streets of ATL. Designer Anthonly Lawrence shows off his southern flare with his Classic T-Shirt collection.

026 YOUNG & SUCCESSFUL AARON HARRIS: AUTHOR

Harris shares how becoming a young author impacts the lives of other young men.

023 THE CHRISTIAN PAGE TURNER 13 Years of Misunderstanding Narrow is the Path Something on the Inside Suddenly Single

Magazine EDITOR-IN-CHEIF Rochelle Moyd CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rochelle Moyd FASHION/BEAUTY EDITOR Tehillah Moyd FREELANCE WRITERS Tavares Carney, Jennifer Prince Pastor J, Kantis Simmons SENIOR REPORTER Cynthia Sosa, Breanne Loving PROOFREADER Toni Loving STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Savoir-Faire Productions LAYOUT GRAPHIC DESIGNER Savoir-Faire Productions

CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeremy Cowart WRITERS Nicole Jiles, Theo Tucker, Tony Gaskins Victoria Poller WARDROBE STYLIST T. Sylinea, Robin Geary & Josh Villatoro MODELS Nicholas Bass, Mark Gumm, Mike Gumm, Melvin Potter III, Mikel Potter, Malcolm Potter, Tyeshema King

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JEREMY COWART

Published by Exodus Media Group 1108 SW Tennessee Ave. Lawton, OK 73501 Copyright 2008 Exodus Media Group Reproduction without written permission of Exodus Media Group is prohibited

Boyz II Men

PG. 16

Photo by: Rochelle Moyd

Anthony Lawrence Collection: Classic Collection Tee$15.00 Atlanta, GA Model: Nicholas Bass

DA MESSAGE REALIZE YOUR NATURAL GIFTS AND USE THEM FOR GOD! WRITTEN BY TONY A. GASKINS

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life!

What is your God given gift? Are you good with your hands? Do you draw really well or have an eye for a great design? Are you a natural born writer? Can you sing? Canyou write rhymes with ease?

Sit back and think about what it is that you do naturally without even thinking about it. It comes so natural you don’t even realize that you’re doing it. Maybe you sit in class and draw portraits of your family and friends. Maybe you make graphic designs on the computer for your friends MySpace page. So many times we ignore the gifts that God has given us and we desire to do the things of the world. You may have a gift that can make you hundreds of thousands of dollars but instead you wish to do something that everyone else in the world is trying to do and in reality you’re not that good at it.

Every one of God’s children has a gift that he has given you to succeed. The hardest part is figuring out what it is and tapping into it. All my life I have been able to write and paint pictures with words. I started writing when I was in the fourth grade, but it came so easy I just ignored it. My mother would always say “baby you need to write, you should be a writer and get paid for that gift”. I ignored it for so long. I had dreams of going to the NBA or the NFL. I gave all of my time to playing sports and forgot about my gift that would be with me for a lifetime. It was fun playing football and gaining a college scholarship but what did I have to turn to when I got injured and lost that scholarship. I eventually realized that writing is what God gave me to reach the world. I wasn’t big enough to play in the NFL or tall enough to play in the NBA, but I sure was smart enough to write a compelling essay or a deep poem. That is what I turned to when all else failed and look at me now. You are reading my gift to you.

We often times focus on what is popular in the worldly scene. For example, right now all we see is the riches of the rappers like Jay Z and 50 Cent. We see the huge houses of the producers like Dr. Dre and Eminem or Swiss Beatz. So now all of a sudden the whole world wants to rap or make beats. It seems like everyone I know raps or makes beats. Why? Because that is what they see making the most money.

They may have once wanted to play a sport just like I did, but it didn’t work out. Now they have dreams of fame and glitz and glam, but who is to say if they will ever make it. No one can say if that isn’t their God given gift.

I see so many young men that can draw anything under the sun, but instead of using it to get paid they would rather make beats or rap. So here is what happens. They start rapping at such a late age that they never master the craft. They try so hard but keep falling in second place to the guys that have been doing it since they were 4 or 5 years old. All of a sudden one day they find themselves over the hump and still chasing a dream that wasn’t meant for them or a dream that they really didn’t want. They just wanted it because others were successful at it. In life you have to do what is meant for you. I’ve tried to rap and I can’t do it so I leave it to Lil Wayne and T.I. I could probably make a 04 EXODUS MAGAZINE JUL 2008

beat but I have no interest in that so I would never be good at it. So I do what God blessed me to be able to do and that’s writing. Through my gift that God gave me I can reach the world and so can you if you use yours.

If you can draw then do it for your church murals or the city basketball courts. If you are good at graphic designs on the computer then make flyers and banners for your church so your gift can be seen and for the glory of God. Focus on your talent and practice it everyday.

Sometimes we forget about this gift because it comes so natural that it almost seems to easy.

That is why we look to do something else because it provides a challenge and we all like to be challenged. That is where the lesson lies; God gives us a gift that we don’t have to struggle with. He gives us a gift that can make us money and provide a lifestyle without burden or sorrow and it doesn’t have to be hard to do it. Who said that every dollar earned has to be sweated over?

I’m not sweating as I’m writing this book, and because I’m using my God given gift he will see to it that it reaches the world. He can do the same thing with your gift. What God has given you no man can take away and no man can hinder you from receiving the blessings that are meant for you.

So as you sit back and look around wondering what you can do to be rich or famous, think about what you are already doing. There lays your innate ability to reach the world in your own unique way. Focus on your gifts and use them for God. What I mean by that is take what you do and do it in a positive way to reach and better the lives of those around you. What God has given you is pure so make sure you keep it that way. I once met a young brother who could sing so good it brought tears to my eyes. I saw that young brother try out for a worldly singing group. He got cut. He could sing “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” better than anyone I’ve ever heard but he couldn’t sing a Boys II Men song with the worst of them. Why was that I asked myself. It was because his gift was from God and meant to uplift God. To use it any other way wouldn’t serve its natural purpose. I reached out to that young man and told him “brother inside of R&B you are a little fish in a big pond because you are trying to do what every other person in the world is trying to do, but if you use that gift for God he will exalt you on high”. I meant what I said and I knew what I was talking about. To be able to sing that good and be a young handsome man he could have took over the gospel seen by storm. Then on the other hand to try and to it for a worldly cause he would fall right in line behind Tyreese, Lloyd, Pretty Ricky, Usher, R. Kelly and the list goes on and on. Who can you think of that is young and handsome in gospel and can sing a church song so good it makes you cry? I can’t think of anyone. There lies my point. It’s the things that we try to do for the wrong reasons that land us empty handed and starting back at square one.

Focus on your gift and use it for the Lord! Anything you do in God’s name will bring success, and remember success isn’t determined in numbers. Success is walking in your calling and doing what it is that you were put here to do.

WRITTEN BY THEO TUCKER Snowman. Doughboy. Pusha. Man, they make the terms for drug dealer sound cool, almost innocent even! But regardless of how innocent these terms seem they’re all street lingo for selling cocaine, heroin, weed, pills, and any other drugs on the streets.

Young people, you are at that experimental age, where your hormones and your desperation for acceptance push and pull you in various directions. It’s a constant tug-o-war as you experience new and different things.

Here’s some harsh reality, for both parents and teens.

Regardless of where you live, your race, color, or even economic status, your young adults WILL encounter drugs in some shape, form, or fashion. You know why?

Because they’re EVERYWHERE; school, television, music, movies, billboards, maybe even in your house if you’re using! I’m not saying that your child will do drugs. I’m saying that they will have an encounter with drugs. They may be asked to try some and say NO! They may see one of their friends doing drugs, or talking about it. In some way, your child has an experience.

Think about it, there’s not a single media outlet that doesn’t advertise and support drug usage.

Sure, you may say NO to drugs; lots of young people do, but there are so many who don’t. Some of you reading this book right now, you’re thinking about doing it, or you’ve done it.

You could be doing it right now! But that’s going to change.

But let’s look at the other side for a moment. Why would young people WANT to say no? Let’s be real, they (the media) make it sound so cool to do. Rappers, for instance, talk more about drugs now than they do about women. How crazy is that? Jay-Z, one of music’s most prolific artists, says on his new album, American Gangster, “Wringley Brother’s, I’m Barnum Bailey with the pies. No matter how you slice it, I’m your (expletives) guy!” That’s a lyric that glorifies his activities as a drug dealer. And young people, you love this guy! I know you do, because in my ignorance, I loved it!!! It’s simple; society glorifies drugs and drug dealers.

Some of you have peers that are involved with drugs, or it may be you. Let me tell you something, this lifestyle has a dead end, with emphasis on the word DEAD. Despite what you see on TV and in movies, and contrary to what you hear on the radio, this lifestyle leads to an early death. Drugs are poison, and no matter how good you THINK they make you feel, it’s nothing more than one of Satan’s tricks that he uses to trick young people.

Yes, I said the devil. See, the bottom line is this young people: the devil, Satan, wants you DEAD!!! He doesn’t want you to fulfill your purpose, because if you do, you will become powerful and

favored by God to the point where he won’t be able to touch you.

So, he tries to kill you before you reach your potential. Do you realize the power that young people have? Look at David, a boy when he killed Goliath. Look at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, teenagers when they stood up to Nebuchadnezzar. Look at Jesus himself, teaching the scribes and priests at the age of twelve! You have power, and you don’t have to wait until you turn 21! You are the church of today, not tomorrow! Walk in your purpose. I’m going to show you how later on in this book.

Let’s get back to our issue. Some of you think, “Well, I just smoke a lil’, so I’m straight.” No you’re not! You’re actually in more danger than the others! Deception is the devil’s primary weapon. The only thing worse than doing something wrong is thinking that it’s okay.

Learn how to see things for what they are, not what you want them to be. This will help you make better decisions, as you get older and wiser.

Now I believe that someone reading this chapter feels guilty, and wants to get away from this deadly lifestyle. The good news is, you don’t have to stay the way you are. That’s right, even you, can change!

That what this is all about, change. So, if that’s you, you can start the process of change right now, by praying this simple prayer: Lord, I come before your throne of grace, humbled in your presence. I acknowledge that I’ve sinned by poisoning my body with drugs, and I’m asking you to forgive me. You said in your Word that if I confess my sins, You would be faithful and just to forgive me, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I repent for the wrong I’ve done, and I ask you now to cleanse my body and my spirit. Give me the discipline and the strength to stay away from drugs. Show me how to live a life that is pleasing to You. I submit myself to your authority, and I declare that from now on, my only addiction is to knowing you more and more each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

That’s the beginning of your recovery. If you’re struggling with drugs, tell your parents, invite them to pray that prayer with you, find a local rehabilitation program, and discuss with your parents a strategy for you, which will keep you from falling back into that trap.

Snowman.

Doughboy.

Pusha. Man, they make the terms for drug dealer sound cool, almost innocent even! But regardless of how innocent these terms seem they’re all street lingo for selling cocaine, heroin, weed, pills, and any other drugs on the streets.

Scriptures to Study Psalms 91:16 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The following material is an original work, and is not to be distributed, copied, or removed from the author’s possession without his permission. This work is protected under copyright laws, and any infringement on these laws is subject to federal prosecution. © Copyright 2008 All rights reserved.

JUL 2008 EXODUS MAGAZINE 05

ON DA GRIND The Pro Show WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MELEMELPOETICPROPHET

www.MYNAMEISPRO.COM

Most movies and shows with superheroes have a hero or heroine that has certain powers given to them by some supernatural means. They utilize this power for many different reasons. Pro says that he was “handed 5:1 odds – You’re young, African American, born without a Silver Spoon in sight, living in a single parent household, and surrounded by hopelessness.” However God granted Pro the 1 odd that has given him the ability to maintain perseverance to pursue his music career. Pro was born in Pontiac, Michigan as the son of a Jazz musician.” In the 1st grade Pro and his mother “relocated to Columbia TN leaving his determined father to pursue his Jazz career on his own.”

God granted Pro with the power to persevere through the hard times to provide hip-hop lovers with true hits to enjoy. He has also gained experience and “has built a silent résumé and industry buzz by working with Dr. Bobby Jones, Mad Mike of Pimp my Ride, the movie “The Hit”, the Ride Culture DVD, and his album THE PRO SHOW.”

We know you’re a producer as well as a musical artist. Which do you prefer?

I get that question a lot, actually. The answer changes depending on the season.

What season are you in now?

Sometimes I love being a producer. It’s great. It’s excellent. But at the same time I like being an artist just for the simple fact that you get to tell your story a lot easier. When you’re a producer, you get to tell your story through a track. But when you’re an artist, it’s a lot easier to do that. I like putting together stories, so I guess I love both of them pretty much the same.

As a producer, what’s the most distinctive about your beats?

That’s a good question. I never really thought about that. I’d like to say the drums. I like to use different types of drums. I also use a different scale. A lot of artist use the western scale, but I like to use the eastern scale like the Indian and the Middle East type. I like to use those types of percussion. I think that’s one of the biggest things about my production.

So can you explain the eastern and the western scale?

The western scale is more like the music you hear in America, and the eastern scale is what you hear in Asia and the Middle East. That’s something I’ve dealt with in trying to get more familiar with those scales because they’re great. They’re incredible.

Do you think that’s what sets you apart from other producers?

Yeah, not a lot of people do that, especially in this department because a lot of people are coming out with the southern music, or they’re real sample-heavy. I used to do samples, and I’ve done southern music before, but I think what makes me stick out are those beats. I try to come with something that’s not necessarily east coast or we s t coast, but more like an eastern-hybrid of all those beats.

Who have you produced so far?

Right now I’m doing a track for Curtis Blow. I’ve produced f o r Andale’, O l d Head, Kingston,

So what was your favorite musical project that you worked on so far?

My favorite musical project has to be the first Kingston record. That’s the one that Doc [Doc Watson] and I really linked up with. I had never met Kingston before and Doc was like, “Yo, if you have some beats, man, send me some, and I’ll send it to him”. And the kinda artist Kingston is means he’d listen to them, and the next day he had whole songs written to them. So it just was magic. That’s pretty much the biggest project that meant the most to me.

As an artist what’s your number one goal?

My number one goal has to be to bring unity to the Christian hip hop genre. I noticed, especially with Christian hip hop, a lot of us don’t work together. You got kats on one side don’t work with other kats. So that’s one of my main goals--to bring unity to the genre. I also want my music to be more relevant, not necessarily to the streets but to the average person as well as to the streets. A lot of times, Christian rappers go a little too deep for the listeners. It’s like Paul who said that he had to be all things to all people. The Bible also says that you can’t teach spiritual things to carnal people. So I believe that if we make music more relevant to them, they’ll get it eventually.

Who’s your inspiration? Who do you look up to?

Well of course, I look up to Jesus. Musically, I look up to Mr. Solo from the Gospel Gangsters; He’s one of my top-five favorite rappers. I listen to secular producers like Dr. Dre and Timbaland. I love them and their production. I don’t really listen to a whole lot of kats. I really listen to myself. I listen to old Jay Z and old DMX, but I don’t listen to new music because it kinda fell off. I’m just waiting for someone to come out with something real. I guess I’m gonna have to do it.

So tell us about some projects you’re working on right now.

What can we expect from you?

In the summer, we’ve got a mixtape coming out called Jackin For Hits.

And pretty much what it is are hits that are already out. And I’m taking the verses out and leaving the hook but I’m doing it from my perspective. The concept is working pretty well. Willie Will already said he’s gonna hop on that joint. Brother Tone and me, we finna hop on that joint. We’ve got Andale’ on there, and Old Head’s on there. It’s gonna be a strong mixtape.

When can we expect to hear this?

I’m actually looking at dropping that joint at the beginning of June, or maybe late May. I’m actually trying to finish up the recording completely by this week. We also have my album which is called Blackout that’s coming out in September. I’m working on a new movement called Real Hop. And it’s not hip hop, but it’s something that will reel us back to music. You know a lot of kats--Christian, secular, or whatever--talk about stuff that’s unrealistic, like how big our rims are, how many cars we got. You even hear Christian rappers going over the top. And it’s cool because there’s nothing wrong with telling people what you got. But when that’s the main subject of the music, or when you use that as a gimmick, it’s hard for me to respect you. So the movement Real Hop is people coming real with their lyrics. You’ve got God at the forefront of it, so I consider that a Real Hop record.

So where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years I’m hoping to have a label, and break into the mainstream. Maybe to have a Gold or Platinum record is my goal. I think as far as quality goes, Christian hip-hop is totally better than secular hip-hop at this moment. I mean, who’s our competition-Soulja Boy, Dem Franchise Boys. That’s not a lot of competition (laughs). Especially when you look at the lyrical ability of kats like Da Truth, Willie Will, and Platinum Souls. I mean you look at those guys, and it’s like, wow! Compared to “Superman Dat H__”. There’s not a lot of competition. So I think it can be done.

Tell us about your background. I was reading your bio, and you said at age fifteen, your mom bought you your first 8-track.

What happened (it was real funny) was that there was this kat I was working with when I was at church. My mom noticed that I was following him around. I tried to get in the studio everywhere. I mean I tried to go to whoever’s studio I could get in. Kats will try to take advantage of you when they know you’re hungry. She said to me, “You’re fifteen years old and you’ve got a couple choices. For Christmas, I can get you a whole bunch of stupid stuff, or I can go ahead and get you an 8-track recorder right now.” Of course, you know what I wanted. I mean my mixes sucked (laughs). I’d go back and listen to it, and I was like, “I can’t believe I let people listen to this mess.” The Christmas before that one, she had gotten me a keyboard because she was tired of me trying to get beats from other people. I don’t know what happened (it had to be God) because when I told her that I wanted to do Christian rap, she was like, “This is the devil’s music”. I did a concert one day. and on that day, my friend’s wife got saved, plus her sister got baptized and saved. After that, my mom started to sow into my life. She was like, “Oh! God can use him”.

Well tell us a little bit about growing up in Michigan.

Actually I’m from Pontiac, I lived there until I was about 6 or 7. Then my mom moved out to Tennessee. So I lived a small part of my life in Michigan. I went to school down here (Tennessee). But on every break, I went to Michigan. My mom told me that she was sitting on the porch one day looking at me as we lived next to a crack house.

We had bars on our house. The Southside of Michigan is the most dangerous part of Michigan with every crazy thing happening out there. But she said God came to her while she was on the porch (she was pregnant with my sister). And said, “You see that boy right there? I’ve got big plans for him, but you’re going to be accountable

06 EXODUS MAGAZINE JUL 2008

ongwriter/artist, Melvin Jones, better known by all as Mele Mel: The Poetic Prophet, knows that from the beginning Christ was behind him pushing him to become the man that he is destined to be. Looking back Mele Mel probably did not know that he would end up being an innovative, soulful, Christian hip-hop lyricist.

While growing up in “Morgan Projects in Pittsburgh, PA” Mele Mel succumbed to the lifestyle that many hip hop artists glorify. The life style of “drinking, smoking, and drug dealing” quickly became his identity. However, after seeing an 18 year old client, the youngerbrother of one of his classmates, he rapidly realized that there is nothing magnificent about bringing destruction to the lives of others. In one day he decided to leave that life and start a new life “to bring glory to God.” In that one affirmative decision Mele Mel completely stopped drinking although he admits to being an alcoholic at an extremely low point in his life. Despite thinking Christian hip hop was lame; Mele Mel soon learned that he could not “outrun the calling on his life”. Which is to share with others the liberation he feels. Mele Mel is down to earth and aspiring for greatness by God. He remains steadfast in trying to “represent Christ in a Christ-less world” with a fervor that is felt in every lyric and experienced in every beat. Inside this Soulja is a spirit that only God can fill.

for him. I’m not going to require an answer from you now, but when your life is over, I’m going to ask you why you didn’t (answer)”. After that, she tried to get me out of Pontiac, because she knew that if she didn’t, I was going to be like most of the people in the surroundings: a drug dealer. My father is a struggling drug addict right now. He’s trying to get off of cocaine. My grandmother on my father’s side was a heroin addict, and my stepfather is a recovering drug addict. So I was surrounded by drugs my whole life, We came down here (Tennessee) and every since then, my mother has tried to keep me as far away from the ‘hood as possible. Of course it was hard because I went back every summer. But she kept putting that Word in me. It’s so incredible how true the Word is. I did backslide, but I came back to Christ. That’s pretty much it. The same story with knuckle-heads like me.

What kind of advice would you give to young men and women who are growing up in surroundings like you came from?

Don’t settle! Don’t worry about being cool because most of the cool kids are either dead, in prison, or doing nothing with they’re lives.

Don’t worry about being cool because after you’re eighteen, you probably won’t even see those kats again. Statistically, if you look at the background I came from and a lot of the issues my family had, I’m supposed a drug addict, a drug dealer, or I’m supposed to be in prison.

But glory to God! I was blessed to have a mother that meant what she said for Christ, raising me the way she knew how to. If God came down and told you something like that, you would probably be the same way. I was blessed to have that but only to a certain degree. I want more than the ‘hood, or more than being in debt, I want to be more than the average guy. I wanna be successful. Glory to God. I graduated from Middle Tennessee State with a bachelor’s degree in recording industry management. It’s not impossible. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

What was the hardest point in your musical career, and how did you get through it?

There are so many trials and tribulations, but I think one of the most difficult testing times was when I went full-time into doing music. I was actually working at Dell Computers, and I quit because I was fed up with the job because it was not what I was supposed to be doing.

When you’re not on the path that God wants you to be on, you’re frustrated. I was making good money and still doing music on the side, but I was still frustrated. So I quit! No playing! Just “BOW”. I had about a grand saved up, and I don’t even know how I had it saved. I was just blowing money like someone that never had it before. So I quit and that was one of the hardest times of trying figure out what you’re going to do next, or where your next meal is coming from. At that time, my faith was decent in God, but not strong. God was saying, “Go to the studio.” I’d get some money from somewhere, and the bills would get paid. So I think adjusting to the full-time ministry was probably the hardest time.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind you?

I want people to say when I pass on is that I was one of the most real guys that ever existed and that I shot it to you straight from the hip, without sugar coating it. I want people to say that he loved God, and that he was one of the most giving people that you would ever meet.

That’s the legacy I want to leave. If I don’t sell a million copies or if I’m not the biggest artist, that’s cool. As long as I can pay my bills, I’m good. People can say, “Yo this dude is so real I wanna live my life like him”. I wanna be so transparent that people can get help for their lives.

Then I can say that I’ve done my job.

What are three words that describe your personality?

Creative, real, and mischievous (laughs) because I like playing jokes on my friends--making fun of them, and just having fun.

So if you were on a road trip and you could only take one CD with you, whose would you take?

I would take Fred Hammond’s Page’s Of Life. That’s my dude! I love Fred Hammond. You know he’s from Michigan.

If you could walk in someone else shoes for a day, past or present, whose shoes would those be and why?

This is probably going to sound weird, but I would walk in Tupac’s shoes because there are so many unanswered questions about his lifestyle and character. He said so much good stuff, but he said so much evil stuff. And I would like to see what perplexed him to be that torn.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us that you would like for our readers to know about you?

One thing is that I love God, and I love Jesus Christ more than anything in the world. I mean if it wasn’t for Him, there’s no telling where I’d be. I try to understand how someone can not know Jesus Christ. I just want ya’ll to know that’s who I ride with, regardless of what’s going down. In my music, people may see me as a cocky guy. I mean, yeah, I am, but I’m not cocky. I’m just confident in my abilities.

Who wants to follow a leader that isn’t confident, with his head tucked between his legs, or who’s talking out the side of his neck? But at the end of the day, my main focus is to change somebody’s life. I don’t care about the money. I don’t care about the cars or clothes.

Anybody that’s worked for me can tell you that I’m not about the money. I give dudes the hook up all the time. Don’t listen to my music and try to dissect it to find something evil in it. Listen to my music for what it is.

Photo Courtesy of Mele Mel: Poetic Prophet

How did you come up with the name Pro? I started doing Christian rap when I was really young, and I actually backslid. So when I came back to Christ, I went by the name “Prodigal” because it was kinda symbolic of the struggles I went through. But in the middle of that, there are a lot of artists, and I’m sure you’re familiar with Christian rappers. There are a lot of “Prodigals” in the underground. I started using “Pro” because I didn’t want to be confused with them. It also stands for “Professional” because everything I do, I try to do in excellence just like the scriptures say we’re supposed to do. My name has a double meaning, but “prodigal” is the main thing about it.

and Platinum Souls. There are so many different kats who I’ve been doing things with. I’m working on some stuff to send some joints off to Willie Will. He and I connected really hard. That’s pretty much it.

Who is MELE MEL ‘The Poetic Prophet’, and what does he represent?

First and foremost MELE MEL ‘The Poetic Prophet’ is a Christian, and I don’t use that term lightly. I’m extremely passionate about serving and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m more Godly than churchy. I’m a humble dude, and I'm very approachable-extremely passionate about Christ.

What was the inspiration behind your name?

Well, it’s really simplistic. My real name is Melvin, so naturally people call me “Mele Mel”. I love it because it’s not like a stage name. It’s my name. As far as 'The Poetic Prophet' is concerned, I was advised that I may not be able to legally use “Mele Mel” because of another artist who carries the same name. Ironically I had made mention to being a ‘Poetic Prophet’ in a song during my secular days. In the Bible days, people had names with destiny attached to them. I am speaking for God [Prophet] to advance the Kingdom here on earth through a musical gift [Poetic].

What do you think sets you apart from other artists?

Well, I’m assuming you’re speaking in regard to others who minister by way of hip-hop. I would say that most artists have sound doctrine but aren’t very efficient on the musical side of things, or vice-versa. I believe that God really blessed me with both ingredients that are essential. My passion, my authenticity, and my humility are the things most-loved by others, and I’m quoting people other than myself when I say that. (Laughs). I write my music line by line meaning that I try to say something powerful in every line. I only speak on issues that I have experience in. So I think that’s what separates me from a lot of people.

What other artists do you look up to, or who inspires you?

When God put it on my heart to minister through music, I didn’t even know that there was such a thing as Christian hip-hop.

Initially I rejected my calling for a couple of years because I felt that Holy hip-hop was the corniest thing on the planet. But the first person that I heard and I liked was Canton Jones on "The Password." He blew my mind because I didn’t know that you could talk about God and make it sound good. And it was beautiful! So I think that he was my biggest inspiration. But other artists who have inspired me are Lecrae, Flame, and Trip Lee. I think I'm most-inspired when I hear gifted, secular artists with great influences, using their gifts for wrong. It makes me feel like I’ve got to go 10 times harder.

I want to talk a little bit about your background. I know that you didn’t grow up in the church, so what was it like growing up in the environment that you were raised in?

It was pretty bad. I was raised in a single-parent home along with my older sister. My mom did her best to take care of us, but unfortunately I was very rebellious and a little bit too much to handle. She always provided for us, and I always had food and a roof over my head. But I got involved with illegal drug activities and gangs around age 13. So I never really gave myself a chance to be a kid. When my dad saw my destructive nature, he took me in and put me in a very sheltered environment where I had very little freedom. And that was rough for me because it was such a drastic change. I attended a school comprised mostly of Caucasians, and I had a hard time fitting-in. I ran away to my mother’s home and began my self-destructive ways again. I started selling more powerful drugs, got arrested again, and soon managed to become a full-blown alcoholic.

tried to stop drinking and, no matter what, I couldn’t stop. So between the guilt and that bottle, I just got to the point where I needed drastic change immediately. I knew I couldn’t do it myself, so I went to the One who I thought could help me. So I dropped to my knees and was like, “God, I can’t do this on my own. I need your help.” It was at that point where I not only said those words, but I meant them. I surrendered to Him, not just with my words, but with my life. So I ended up flushing my dope down the toilet and emptying out my bottles. I started going to church with no real expectations, but because I felt that it was the right thing to do.

Well to my surprise, I fell in love with church. It was as though every sermon was written just for me. I felt at home. I was free and for the first time, I believed that God was proud of me. So on 6-29-03 I took that walk down the aisle for altar call, and I’ve been on the devil’s hit list every since.

How do you think that all of your hard times have contributed to the person you are now?

Those hard times are what drive me today. One of my most prized possessions is my passion for Christ, and I only have it because of how close I came to death. It humbles me to think back to the man I was. It’s an honor just to be used by God. I mean, literally, I drove drunk everyday for about 3 years, and, yet, I never died. I sold drugs for virtually my whole life but never really did any jail time. I had a gun aimed at me at point-blank range yet not a scratch was left on me. And it’s like saying, “How?” (Laughs). It’s crazy because I know who I was, and if I was to ever take God out of the equation, I would be truly worthless. But now I have so much fire in my heart for Him. He truly brought me through the fire without the smell of smoke!

What advice would you give a person who is faced with similar situations that you had growing up?

You’re a royal priesthood. You’re living a life that’s beneath you.

It’s never an excuse to do wrong just because everyone else is doing it. You were called to be different--to standout and let His light shine through you. There is a better life waiting for you--a life with so much meaning. Your life is not your own. Your body’s not even your own.

Everything you have, including your gifts, belongs to God. It may seem like everyone wants you to fail, but the Bible says that "God delights in your prosperity." When your time is up, you will come before God and will have to account for everything you’ve ever done.

Earlier, you mentioned that you believed that Christian rap was “corny”. Do you still think that it’s “corny”?

Not at all. Well, I don’t think that Christian rap is “corny”, but I think some people are doing it for the wrong reasons. I don’t believe Christian rap should be anything people do as a hobby because there are people’s souls at stake. If you’re not called and anointed to do it, then it can be a very dangerous thing. I think Christian hip-hop is like any other form of music in that it can be corny or it can be great, depending on the author. But I believe that Christian hip-hop is the greatest thing known to man (laughs). I mean, what subject matter has more substance than Jesus? I think it’s the greatest thing on earth. There’s nothing better than someone teaching me something that affects Eternity and sound great too…Oh, my goodness! (Laughs) I’ve got to go. I’m about to write some music right now (laughs).

vowed to myself to never write something that doesn’t have the potential to change someone’s life for the better.

Are there any other artists or producers that you would like to collab with?

I would love to work with Lecrae, Lisa McClendon, and Flame.

What is your favorite T.V. Show?

King of Queens (Laughs) Greatest show on earth.

What is your favorite food?

Lean turkey--gotta be at least 97% fat-free though. I like green and orange Gatorade. That’s the personal trainer in me (laughs).

Who is your favorite actor or actress?

My favorite actor for a long time was Kevin Spacey, but I recently fell in love with artistic talents of Edward Norton.

If you could walk in someone from the bible’s shoes (besides Jesus) whose shoes would you walk in and why?

My favorite account in the Bible is that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. I don’t know if I would want to walk in their shoes…

(Laughs) but I so admire their story. You know what I mean?

(Laughs). Their faith was so amazing! These weren’t old wise men. These were young men who were obedient to a degree unseen today. But like I said-- I don’t know if I would want to wear there shoes…. (Laughs). But they impress me the most.

If you were going on a road trip and you could only bring one CD, what CD would you bring?

Oh Man! That’s a hard question (laughs)… I would probably first try to negotiate these rules with the person who made them so I could bring my IPod [laughs]. But for the sake of the question, I would have to say The Password by Canton Jones.

If your life had a theme song, what would that song be and why?

I would have to say Soulja. I have been fighting my whole life.

What pastors are most influential to you?

Definitely my pastor Rev. Curtis and Joel Osteen When you leave this earth, what type of a legacy would you want to leave?

That I loved and served God well and that I made this world a better place then when I found it.

Well, this concludes our interview. Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know about?

It’s an honor to be doing what I’m doing (Holy Hip Hop). And if you do anything for God, it should be done with excellence. We need more unity in the Body of Christ. I tell people this: “You’re but a toenail in the Body of Christ” and you can’t do this alone. We need each other. We’re already out-numbered, so we can’t afford to quarrel amongst ourselves. We have to have the courage to be different. Man up, and carry your cross.

Love, Love, Love!

You’re working on an album right now called “My Testimony: From the Block to the Pew”. Can you tell us a little bit more about that project?

It’s titled “My Testimony” because it’s just that: my story. It’s about a man’s journey from being a slave to the streets, to finding his way to the church and becoming a fruitful man of God. I speak on the fallacies of the street code of ethics, to the awesome nature of God, and everything in-between. My main goals are to illustrate to the world that God can still use you no matter what or where you come from. Also to encourage those who are already walking with Christ to keep fighting the good fight of faith. I have a saying: “You’re never too bruised to be used”. It’s going to be a very passionate album. I am working with producers ranging from my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, all the way to the United Kingdom. So it’s going to be very diverse.

My heart leans towards wanting to speak to the streets more than anything.

So you don’t have an expected release date yet?

I’ve been taking my time with the album because I want it to be great and fruitful. I’ve got so many people breathing down my neck about release dates, but I’m not going to rush it. I always say, “When you rush fine wine, you get grape juice.”

So I’m just gonna take my time and let God have His way with it. I like to let my heart pour out, and I

At what point in your life did you decide to give your life to the Lord? And what was the inspiration behind that decision?

I had been convicted for awhile about my lifestyle. I sold drugs pretty much my whole life, and where I’m from, that’s the typical occupation for people like me. I never felt bad about it until I started selling to a teenager who was the brother to one of my classmates. And I’m not talking about weed either! I think I was 20 yrs old and the kid was only 18. Interview By: Rochelle Moyd For the first time I felt guilty about what I was doing. I mean, I sold drugs to family members before, and I didn’t think anything of it.

Another factor for my change was alcoholism. For a few months I

THE POETIC PROPHET JUL 2008 EXODUS MAGAZINE 07

ON DA GRIND

JUNO BEATS

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/JUNO321

Greek word that means “young”. I was 13 at the time, I would say Mark Daniel’s song, I Got Next. He was one of the first people that I produced who is so that pretty much described me. actually going somewhere. Don’t get me wrong.

There are other artists [that I produced] who are When did you fall in love with producing music?

I started out trying to be a rapper after my sister doing their thing, but not as quickly as Mark Daniel. sent me a KJ-52 CD. I started writing my own lyrics Although I had a lot of fun producing J-Hines song, and stuff, but it was hard for me to find beats, and I Emergency (remix), that song got a lot of good didn’t want to use secular beats. I didn’t have a job, responses. so I couldn’t buy beats from people. That’s when I became interested in producing. I really became You’re 17 years old. What keeps you grounded when there are so many distractions and temptainterested in the man behind the music. tions around?

What other producers/songwriters/artists do you The only way that I can stay grounded is if I stay active. It’s easy to kind of forget about God and go see as your primary inspirations?

There’s a guy named John R. who was one of the first with the “world’s” way. There’s a guy named Donald guys to take me in and teach me stuff. He was a Miller who writes a series of books on Christian rapper and a producer. He was my biggest inspira- spirituality, but he puts a fun twist to them to make them easy and fun to read. I know a lot of people my tion. age don’t like to read the Bible because they feel What do you think sets you apart from other that it’s boring. But I try to always find alternatives that will keep me focused. Having good relationproducers in your genre?

When I first started out, I found it hard to find good ships with other Christians also helps.

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Well, I was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana- beats that were affordable. And even now Christian on a farm actually, which is not something you hear producers are charging a lot for beats. Most of the Are there any other artists that you would like to everyday (laughs). I was raised in a Christian home, Christian artists [who are starting out] don’t get work with that you have not had the opportunity to paid for what they’re doing. And if they are being work with? and I have two loving, Christian parents. paid, it’s not very much. So it’s hard for them to pay I would like to do some stuff with Cross Movement. for studio time and beats. So I try to help them out How did you come up with the name Juno?

I was reading about the Greek Goddess- by giving them good beats that are affordable. What can we expect next from you in 2008?

Juno, and her name d e r i v e d Most of the time, I try to give an artist at least 2 or 3 I hope to expand and start working with artists in from a beats to start off with because I try to keep the focus different genres. Right now I’ve only been doing hip-hop and I would like to branch out and maybe on God and not the money. do R&B. Wherever God decides to take me, I’ll go.

So what sets you apart beats-wise?

I try to make beats that fit the artist’s personality as What is your #1 goal as a producer? opposed to just sticking to down south beats or To make good beats at an affordable price in order to spread the gospel. east/west coast beats.

Close your eyes and imagine your favorite song.

What do you hear? For most of us two things can make a song into a hard hitter or easily forgettable.

The first thing that we normally hear is the beat.

Juno Beats helps to create unforgettable music for Christ. His beats are an assortment of sounds but all are made to create “music for the kingdom.” Juno was born and raised in Bozeman , Montana in a loving Christian home. He “always had a strong belief in God” which can be heard in every song he creates as he “lifts up Christ’s name through his music.” His beats have laced the tracks of Mark Daniel’s song, I Got Next, J-hine’s Emergency Remix, and Zerubbabel’s The Remastered Project expected to release in November 2008. He has several elevating beats available for “music for the kingdom.”

Young, Christian hip-hop lovers will be closing their eyes and hearing his impressive beats for years to come.

What is your favorite musical project?

If you were an animal what type of animal would you be and why?

I would probably be an eagle because an eagle is well-respected.

What is your favorite movie?

Napoleon Dynamite and Dumb & Dumber If your life had a theme song, what would that song be and why?

Carmen Michelle’s song Thank You. People in the industry look at me as “the white boy from Montana” who produces hip-hop -- yeah right!”

You’re on a road trip and you could only bring one CD, what CD would you bring?

Lecrae’s album After the Music Stops.

What do you do other than produce music?

I play hockey.

Well this is the end of our interview thanks for taking the time out to speak to us.

ON DA GRIND INTERVIEW BY: CYNTHIA SOSA

When Anthony Almeida a.k.a. Promise, Joey Almeida a.k.a. Innocence, and Gerson Perez a.k.a. Question came together they decided to create a musical sound that would remind listeners of their love of hip-hop embellished with a little R&B. As a group they formed Da Christ Regime and set on the mission of "reaching the unreached." In their song Saved featuring Jazmine, they say the "world is not dead...they are just sleeping." This new take on the world allows a realistic, positive influence to come in and wake up the sleepy heads in the world. They keep their lyrics understandable, but tackle some really hard-hitting issues in the world. They want to help others "walk with a new definition," and allow God to take the old them and trash it."

Although based out of Hazelton, PA, this group sets out to reach people worldwide and "show others that it's not all about this world or us." Despite some that put them down Da Christ Regime maintains true to their mission to "take youth off the streets like God helped" the people of Israel, and that "we never point the Glory or the finger to ourselves because the fame goes directly to Christ."

Who is Da Christ Regime, and what do you guys stand for?

Promise: We are Da Christ Regime which consists of 3 people: Promise, Innocence, and Question. We stand for Christ; obviously. He is the center focus of our group. We call ourselves “Da Christ Regime” because we believe that we are soldiers of God. The word “regime” means military. So I believe we are basically in warfare.

So how did you all meet?

Promise: Innocence is my brother, and we met Question about three-and-half years ago, maybe four.

He is actually the newest member of our group. He got saved about three years ago at our church in Hazleton, PA. So what made you decide to form a group?

Promise: The calling of God, actually. Innocence and I have been rapping for about five years now.

Question’s been rapping for a while too, but before he got saved, he did secular music. And we just decided we should come together because we believe that this is what God wanted us to do. This is our ministry--to reach those who are lost.

For our next question, I would like to ask each of you to give the significance behind the individual names that you have?

Innocence: Basically how I got my name was when we were trying to think of names for each other. We came up with the name “Innocence”. And people always ask me, “Why do they call you Innocence? Are you perfect?” But I tell them, “My name is “Innocence” not “Innocent”. At the end of time, we are all going to be judged, and the person who is defending me is Jesus. At the end of that court case, He is going to say that I have been saved found innocent. Because He died on the cross and washed me with His blood, that makes me innocent. Even though I know that I am not perfect, I know that nobody is perfect. But I strive for perfection, you know. And I still pray and do what I gotta do. So that is why I call myself “Innocence”.

Promise: I was trying to figure out a name for myself, and nothing was really coming up. I was coming up with some corny names in the beginning (laughs), and I just said “You know what God? I need for you to give me a name”. So I decided to flip through the Bible…I know this sounds kinda ridiculous, but I flipped through the Bible and the first thing that popped out was the word “promise”. So I said, “OK”.

And I flipped to another page and looked, and the word “promise” was there again. So that word just spoke to me. So I said, “You know what? I’m going to name myself ‘Promise’ ” Obviously that is what I got from looking in the Bible. And I believe that it stands for the promise of my salvation.

Question: When I came into the group, I had no name. We were in the middle of practicing, and I was like, “I have no name”. But we had another member in the group in the past that was like, “Well what about ‘Question’?” They talked amongst themselves in the corner and came back and told me, “You can be called ‘Question’ because people are going to ask you why your name is ‘Question’. And you can ask them the question, ‘Do you have Christ in your life’?”

I love the way you guys came up with these names. And I know that it was God-inspired. How beautiful. What other artists do you see as your

28 EXODUS MAGAZINE JUL 2008

primary inspirations? Who do you look up to?

Question: In the beginning, I used to listen to a lot of Cross Movement, Da Truth, Lecrae. Other than that, I like a lot of underground artists--artists that not too many people have heard of.

What do you think sets your group apart from the other groups in your particular genre? What makes you guys different?

Question: A lot of people say the same thing about us, and I’ve heard it more than one time. And I’m not saying this to boast or anything, but a lot of people have told me that they’ve heard some other rap groups who rap just to rap. And when they hear us rap, they say they can feel the anointing. That is something that we really strive for because the emotion makes the difference. Another thing is, and I don’t know if you have ever heard this word, but our “swagger” [style] is different. I say it’s different because we are “really real”. It is not a front. The anointing makes the difference.

What would you say has been the biggest challenge for you guys as a group? And have you been able to overcome it?

Innocence: The biggest challenge that we had was having members, doing this hard work, striving for God, and living for God every day of our lives. We had people come into the group, but we had people who left God and the group. We had another person come in then left God and then left our group. So that’s the challenge that we had to struggle with. But the three who you’re talking to now—Promise.

Question, and I-- are real! We pray, and we do what we gotta do. It’s not just a rap group. We have a bond with each other. I know that Promise is my brother, but I also say that Question is my brother because we are always together.

How long have you guys been together as a group?

Innocence: We’ve been together for around three years.

Promise, as the leader of the group, what is your number one goal for the group?

Promise: I think we basically said it before: it is whatever God’s Will is. Which would be to tell you the truth. There was one point in time that I could not rap for anything. And I give God all the glory in that because I know that I’m not doing this for myself.

Therefore, when I gave it all to God, I just believed in Him. And I could care less about the fame. But I believe that our main goal is to see people get saved, and delivered. When we rap, we don’t just rap with no purpose, there is preaching behind the instrumentals. We just want to spread the gospel.

That’s our goal-- to spread the gospel to as many people as we can.

Innocence, what advice would you give to a young person who is headed down the wrong path?

Innocence: Basically, this walk--I’m not gonna lie--is hard. We go through things. As baby Christians, we start out on fire for God. We start off saying, “We’re gonna do this, and we’re gonna do that.” But we get ahead of ourselves because that’s when God tests us.

So the message for young people going down the wrong road is that God is just trying to test you, and Satan can’t do anything unless God gives approval.

God will never allow something that you can’t handle. So while you’re going through tough times right now, just hold strong, pray, fast, read the bible, do what you gotta do to learn more about God. And the more you know about God, the more you can overcome. One reason why people slip and fall is because they don’t have a lot of knowledge. You have to surround yourself with people who are gonna lead you down the right path. You have Christians who go to church and say they are Christians. But soon as they go to school, they start hanging out with people of the world who just bring you down. You gotta always surround yourself with people who are Christians who will give you the right advice.

So, what are some of the projects you guys are working on, and what can we expect next from you?

Question: Right now, we are working on a mixtape.

It’s called “Church to da Street, Volume II.” We already have volume I out.

What kind of message are you hoping to send, and why should people go out to buy that particular mixtape?

Question: It’s just different because nowadays with

gospel rap a lot of people are always, always, always saying, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus”. A lot of times, that turns people off. We have a song called Dollar, Dollar Bills.

It’s basically a song about drugs. A lot of people are dying from drugs. We don’t necessarily mention God in that song, but we’re telling people what drugs do to people. You know what I mean?

So I have some fact finder questions for you guys.

Promise I’d like to start with you. Give me three words that describe your personality?

Promise: Humble, straight forward, and servant.

Question: Random. Funny. But I’m not as funny as Innocence (laughs) I have a good one for Innocence. If you could be one of the disciples in the Bible, who would you be and why?

Innocence: I would be...hmmm… I don’t know who I’d be. I’d probably be Judas. (Laughs) Is that your final answer (laughs)?

Innocence: No, I’m playing (laughs) I’m gonna have to go with Peter because Peter was the one that was always next to Jesus, and he was always listening. He was the one who was always asking all the questions.

So, I’m gonna have to go with that.

Okay. And Question, of course I’m not leaving you out. If you could walk in someone else’s shoes for a day, past or present, whose shoes would they be and why?

Question: I wouldn’t walk in Paul’s shoes because he wrote too many books, and I hate to write (laughs). I would say David because he killed Goliath. And I would like to be a giant killer (laughs). He was a beast.

I just have one final question for each of you. What do you like to do in your down time? What do you do when you just want to relax? What do you guys like to do?

Promise: Well let me start with what I don’t like to do.

To tell you the truth, I’m in college and I’m in the library, literally, eight hours a day. It’s sad (laughs), and it’s depressing (laughs). I’m not gonna lie.

What year are you in college?

Promise: I’m actually five credits away from being a junior. I say, “Glory to God,” for that because I never thought I would be in college. (Laughs) What is your major?

Promise: All of our majors, actually, is Urban Missions Ministry. We’re trying to get our bachelors degrees in that. But in my down time, I consider myself athletic.

So I love football. I played all through high school and back when I was younger. I love basketball, baseball.

It doesn’t matter. If it’s a sport, I love doing it. I even like ping pong (laughs).

What about you Question? What do you like to do in your down time?

Question: That was a good question. I like to draw. I do a lot of shirt-designing. And I also like to sleep (laughs).

Now, what year are you in college.

Question: I’m like a couple of credits away from being a sophomore.

Okay, Innocence, what do you like to do in your down time, and what year are you in college, as well?

Innocence: I like to run. I’m pretty much a runner. I ran track in high school. Basically, like my brother, I like to play basketball, football, baseball, soccer, or anything. It really doesn’t matter to me. About college, I’ll be starting next year.

Can you guys tell us what your ages are?

Promise: I’m 23 years old, Question: I’m 19 Innocence: I’m 19

da christ Regime WWW.MYSPACE/COM/DACHRISTREGIME

09 EXODUS MAGAZINE JUL 2008

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Written By: Jennifer Prince

TAWANA WILLIAMS STORY

Her miraculous story begins in the 1960s when a drug called Thalidomide was prescribed to her mother to “prevent morning sickness”. Unbeknownst to many at the time this drug caused side effects to unborn children. As the physician pronounced to her mother the birth of a beautiful baby girl she was challenged to find her baby daughter did not have any arms. Despite the initial concern “she couldn’t help but love” her baby. She worked hard and began constantly thinking of the well being of Tawana’s future. Aside from the lack of physical arms she was born with tenacity and a fire- filled spirit that was passed down from her grandmother to her mother and on down to her. This vigor allotted Tawana a major opportunity that would eventually allow her to be independent.

One night before hanging out with friends an outfit is laid out on the bed; everything is ready to go. Most people feel that with the right pants, shirt, and don’t forget must-have shoes the night is going to be filled with unforgettable fun. After holding the shirt up in the mirror and admiring how fly you look you decide that a quick iron won’t hurt. As the iron puffs out the imperfections a faint smell of burnt fabric fills your nostrils. In one quick moment, your night seems ruined because the shirt that goes so perfectly with the pants and the shoes is trashed. Your friends pull up at what seems like the worst moment… you hear a beep. Panic sets in and your confidence is diminished for the night, as you have to make due with what you have. What if the outfit was not just for one night? What if it is a life-long, daily affliction that made everyday dreadful?

For Tawana Williams the outfit is much more than a simple Friday night spectacle, it has been a lifelong journey of feeling panic and worry. In a society that wants to extreme makeover every flaw it becomes a constant struggle for many to reach the perfection that they think will bring comfort and inclusion. However, she has a magic mirror that she discovered and now shares with the world that teaches about acceptance and God’s unconditional love for all.

top of the constant struggle with drugs. For a period of about 10 years, while an addict, Tawana did not care about “her family, friends, or herself.”

The bottom became more evident when her husband was sent to Saudi Arabia in 1991. He left her money that quickly depleted. Tawana knew at that point that she must face her husband. What led to the usage of drugs was the constant feeling that everything was wrong.

For so many years Tawana focused so much on what she didn’t have. She remembers her Grandma Rogers confiding in her when she was a young girl that she “must not have needed arms because God didn’t give them to her.” This simple statement triggered a change in Tawana’s spirit and she felt that she “fell so many Her mother knew that special training was times doing negative things; she should try needed in order to insure that Tawana was something positive for a change.” given an equal chance in life. She did not allow being poor or black in the sixties to stand in the She cried out to God asking him to “kill me in my way of the potential she saw in her feisty little sleep, or deliver me from crack.” At the time she girl. She wrote to John F Kennedy the President did not “know who God was…or that there was at that time, requesting assistance to provide a God for that matter.” She just knew that to her daughter with the training she needed. Two make it out of that depressing cycle she needed weeks later she received a letter back instruct- a “power greater than self.” Even with a glimmer ing her to send Tawana to “Duke Cerebral Palsy of faith God answered her despair and “the taste Hospital” and that she “would be taken care of.” for the drug was gone, the thrill was gone.” The Four years quickly passed by and she was sent next phase in her spring clean of a lifetime was away to another school for the disabled “called to rid her life of the “negative, toxic people.” She The Sharpe Health School.” This type of place was reaffirmed through this cleansing that was not proper for an independent spirit like “there was greatness in her” and it did not Tawana’s. People tend to have a false image of include her “being a crack head.” So the search people with disabilities, or challenges, as began for the perfect outfit, the adornment Tawana calls it, but in reality “people with given to her by God. challenges just have to strive harder.” Sometimes it is “the people who have everything that Tawana started speaking greatness into her takes things for granted.” psyche. She decided, “I drive and don’t have to be driven.” Besides, the worst that could With this newly found sentiment of indepen- happen is that “she fails her way to success.” dence she felt like she could take on public Despite the odds being stacked against her of school. The years that followed would prove to only being 4’5” tall, being black, being female, be trying. Other students ridiculed her for her and not having arms she has “the power to do armless physique. However, God knows that anything but fail.” some of the world’s best designers make their masterpieces on armless mannequins. God saw Tawana lived through insecurity and uncerthat Tawana was a perfect mannequin to help tainty and found that the garment God created others adorn their spirits and move past their specifically for her has brought peace and insecurities to become the masterpieces they understanding to her life like nothing else are meant to be. could. Her passion is truly to help others and for the past 12 years remains dedicated to sharing Unfortunately, before she became this living the truth about “drugs, overcoming adversity, form that shares with others the beauty of self-esteem, acceptance, faith, and peer being comfortable and content in your own pressure.” Even if the “perfect outfit” has imperskin, Tawana went through a phase where she fections we should constantly be reminded that tried to impress others “by any means neces- that God sees past the imperfections to the sary.” While on the fall to rock bottom Tawana masterpiece we all add to his eternal collection. remembers being addicted to crack. She also As Tawana puts it, “if God created you… then tells in book, Unarmed and Dangerous, that she you’re good.” survived “the trauma of gang rape, abortion, and the miraculous birth of her daughter” on

STORY-2-TELL

What can someone take from you if you have nothing monetary to give? Lukysha Neal can attest that there are many other things that someone can steal from you, things that are worth much more than money. For her, it was her self-esteem, self-respect, and self-worth. For others it might be your dignity, honesty, or trust, but despite the monetary insignificance these things are the core to our personal relationships with self and God. Once these core values are taken from a person’s foundation it is easy to become like a tree planted in desert sand. A person becomes dry, deadened on the inside, and bears no fruit for growth. Lukysha shares with all her glass of water that restores life and vibrancy to all.

Somewhere in the world at this very moment a young girl sits in a corner and cries. She cries harder than she’s ever cried in her life. She cries as if she just experienced her first heart break or like a close family member died. Tears flow down her cheeks for a whole day in spurts drizzling like the rainy days of April. This

my life filled with both physical and mental abuse. Between the ages of twelve through sixteen I was raped several times at the hands of my step-cousins and my uncle. What made this an even more difficult situation is that my uncle was the pastor of the church we attended. Sunday would come and go and most efforts were spent breaking me down emotionally. They took my pride in breaking me down and told me “I was nothing but a two dollar whore.” They continually told me that “I should always be grateful someone wanted me and I was never good enough.” They took from me all my emotions, my self-esteem, and my self-respect by not believing in me.

Despite the depression and yearning in my soul, I still turned to God wanting so much for God to help me. I remember dreaming and wishing for a change to happen in my life. I remember thinking as a child and wanting to love everyone unconditionally, but my eyes witnessed more than any person should see in a lifetime. I can recall seeing my mother being stabbed at a

NO MORE SILENCE!

LUKYSHA NEAL’S STORY AS TOLD BY JENNIFER PRINCE

gradual downpour makes her fanaticize about escaping the world that surrounds her. This storm is not caused by the death of a loved one; it is rooted by the death of her spirit.

Years ago, I was this young girl sitting in the house with my coat on and just staring at the ceiling. This was my way of escaping.

The ceiling could not bind me to the life I was given because I would go to any place, in my mind, which had no boundaries…no hurt. The people around me constantly attempted to spiritually murder me. After years of “mental and spiritual abuse” I fought with feelings of depression and suicide “as a child I tried so many times to kill myself.”

Growing up I remember moving around most of the time. My childhood home can be claimed by several locations from Memphis, Tn to Iowa and from Illinois to Arkansas. I had no refuge and no home to call my own. Under the care of my mother, I experienced extreme poverty and lack not to mention utter instability as we moved from place to place. At times there was no food to eat, and sometimes, I remember, we went without lights or a vehicle for transportation. Even when the winter winds were blowing strong we walked everywhere.

On top of the monetary poverty, I experienced, first hand, even deeper deficiency in the self value by watching my mother. I saw many thieves steal from my mother. They stole her self-esteem, self-respect, and self-worth as they traveled in and out of her bedroom. Despite the monetary insignificance these things are the core to our personal relationships with self and God. By age 5 or 6, I was trying to deal with being raped. Despite the hurt I felt inside there was a secret longing I felt to be wanted and loved.

After all the moving around my siblings and I were removed from my mother’s care. I was about eleven years old. This was the beginning of deeper torment for me as I entered a time in

night club when I was just eleven. At this point I couldn’t see past being hurt, but all I knew was I wanted to be loved.

So many things happened prior to me feeling the love that I desired so intensely. In the end, though, I know that God loves me. God wanted me; he had his hands on me and knew my purpose and my destiny. I finally figured out that the enemy’s job is to make us feel that we are not worth enough of God’s love. However, the good news is that Jesus came into my life and replenished my heart with my childhood fantasy to be loved unconditionally.

When I finally made it out of that reality I faced yet another hurdle in my life with my health. I remember I started to have muscle weakness and started losing my hair. Little things like walking and moving my hand were bothersome and I was constantly in pain. I had no idea what was wrong with me but after ample pain and many tests being run on me I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) which is a disorder that causes pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

From this point in my life, I know that I will bear much fruit by telling my story to others. I know what it is like to have everything taken away when you have nothing to give. I tell my children “not to sell themselves short” and that “you can be anything you want to be.” This is my prayer for the young girl or boy that is sitting, crying or staring at the wall dreaming of their great escape.

JUL 2008 EXODUS MAGAZINE 11

ALC Classic yellow boys tee $10-Anthony Lawrence Collection; plaid boys shorts $30-Macy’s Model: Malcom Potter

ALC Classic: Red/Green boys tee $10-Anthony Lawrence Collection; plaid boys shorts $30-Macy’s Models: Melvin Potter, Mikel Potter

ALC Slogan: Yellow tee $20-Anthony Lawrence Collection; Model:Mark Gumm

ALC Slogan: Red tee $20-Anthony Lawrence Collection; plaid men’s shorts $30-Macy’s Models:Mike Gumm, Tyeshema King

Disclaimer: This column does not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Exodus Magazine and is not designed to personally attack any person, race, denomination, gender, or nationality. The views expressed are based on biblical principles and filtered through common sense.

In this installment of Did He Say That, we are going to continue the theme from last time of Who are you representin’? We are going to take the focus off the outward appearance and move it toward the more important issue of our direct actions.

The overall theme of the Bible and the mandate to followers of Christ is to operate in the sphere of Love. And while many people claim to be Christians, unfortunately only a small percentage actually exhibit love on a regular basis. Did He Say That?

Christ makes it clear in Matthew 22:39 that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor. This is not just talking about the person who lives next door to you, but even those who may be considered your enemies. This is brought out in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) and further displayed in other texts in the New Testament (Matt 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35; Romans 12:20).

It is my firm belief that the primary reason that many people today (particularly those between the ages of 15 and 34) are not interested in Christianity may be because of the actions of those who claim to be Christians. Rockin’ a necklace with a cross on it, going to church every weekend, and saying grace before your meal don’t make you a Christian. Growing up in the church, having your name on the church roll, and saying your prayers at night don’t make you a Christian. Did He Say That?

ALC Slogan: Green tee $20-Anthony Lawrence Collection; plaid men’s shorts $30-Macy’s Model:Nicholas Bass

Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (NASB). But what is love? The media has helped to distort the meaning of

love, but there is clear guidance in 1 Corinthians 13. In this chapter of the Bible, beginning at verse 4 and continuing through verse 8, we are given a description of what love is and how love behaves.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails (NASB) I call this passage the “Love Mirror”, and it gives us a practical measuring rod to know whether we are living the life of Love. It covers the very essence of our lives and can be a serious reality check of just how “Christian” we really are. I don’t claim to live up to these standards and I have not met anyone who claims that the actually do; however, Paul states that we must “press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12).

I don’t want to leave anyone with the impression that a Christian living on this earth must be absolutely perfect. That belief is inconsistent with what the Bible teaches; however, the New Testament writers clearly agree that the Christian must strive for perfection on a daily basis, and this begins by living the Love life.

I can’t tell you how to apply it to your life, but if you are willing to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, He will show you what changes you need to make. My only appeal to you is that if you are claiming to be a Christian, you need to represent Jesus well. Don’t allow your foolishness to be a stumbling block for someone who hasn’t come to know Jesus as his personal Savior.

That’s My 2 LincolnsTM JUL 2008 EXODUS MAGAZINE 17

If the old cliché “Birds of a feather…flock together” is true than Group 1 Crew shows the positive effects that can take place after being surrounded by constructive, like-minded people. Their theme, “One dream, One chance, One Crew,” exemplifies their similar goals for their spiritual lives. The beginning of this collaboration is far from common, but together Manwell, Pablo and Blanca have put their diverse styles and experience together to shine the love of Christ through the power of song.

Their musical sound is a captivating compilation of many different eclectic styles. Their musical influences include, but are not limited to, Michael Buble, Beethoven, Stevie Wonder, and flamenco music. While listening to their addictive songs that combine a unique hybrid of hip-hop, rock, funk, and soul listeners receive a deeper message at the base of every song. In No Plan B Group 1 Crew testifies their purpose in the music business. While many people were giving them “logical” advice that they should have some sort of back up plan just in case the “music thing” doesn’t work out they kept striving toward their purpose because they saw the divinity that God placed directly in their lives. They believe that “there’s only a perfect will that God has for your life.”

Their unifying spirit speaks of hope and encouragement and moves past some of the popular trends in current hip hop of glamorizing violence and the degradation of women. Group 1 Crew’s sound can only grow as there is a large dose of love in their music. Their sound and stories will continue to evolve with the listeners because the songs are created with meaning for anyone out there.

Can you tell us a little bit about who Group 1 Crew is?

Pablo: Group 1 Crew is a trio. We’re composed of three people who do hip-hop and R&B. Our hometown is Orlando-- that’s where we met. I guess you can say we’re just three individuals who have been chasing this dream of music, and we use the music as an instrument to spread the gospel. That’s who we are in a nutshell.

How did you come up with the name, Group 1 Crew?

Pablo: It started about 5 or 6 years ago as a Bible study group, and there used to be 13 of us. And throughout the years, people went off and pursued different things, like doing graphic design, photography, and so on. Then the group eventually dwindled down to just us three. Each individual artist in the group was kind of like their own solo artist. We all did our own solo thing, but when it came to the group, we united and would perform at different churches and events. So the name, Group 1 Crew, came out of a group of individuals. It’s kind of an oxymoron (laughs). It’s like how can you have a group, but only have “1”? You know? So basically it’s just a group of individuals--Group 1 Crew. We all unite for that one purpose--that one calling--that one thing we all love to do--which is making music that proclaims the gospel.

PHOTOGRAPHER: JEREMY COWART GROOMING: ROBIN GEARY & JOSH VILLATORO INTERVIEW BY: BREANNE LOVING & ROCHELLE MOYD

How long have you all known each other, and how did you guys meet?

Pablo: We’ve known each other for about five years now. How we met was when I was at a recording studio in Orlando. We had mutual friends, and Manwell was actually working on his solo project that needed some production. He also needed a studio to do the recording. So someone gave him my information. We met up, and he started recording with me. We needed a vocal singer, and Blanca was my brother’s best friend. She happened to walk in while we were recording. I knew that she sang because we used to go to the same school where she had sung in school plays. So when she walked in on the recording session, I asked her if she wanted to jump on one of the tracks that we had. She did, and

since then, we haven’t been able to get rid of each other (laughs).

When did you all realize you wanted to do music together?

Pablo: Originally it started off as something that we had a heart for. We all just loved music. It wasn’t until the label hit us up that we said, “Yeah, this could be our career--our 9-to-5-type thing.” When that happened, Blanca, and I were living in Chicago, and Manwell was in Orlando. At first it was just a ministry-slash-hobby-type thing. It wasn’t until the label hit us up that we took it seriously. That was about two or three years ago.

What other artists are your primary inspirations?

Pablo: I listen to a lot of Stevie Wonder and The Commodores, I listen to a lot of classical music-Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart. As far as hip-hop goes, I listen to a lot of The Roots, Mos Def, Common, Talib Kwali. It’s really just a mesh of a lot of things. That’s why when we work on our music, we’re able to pull from a lot of different influences. We create such a rare sound that is unique. You’ve got the funk. You’ve got hip-hop mixed-in with a little bit of rock here and there. And then you’ve got the vocals. Those are our influences.

Blanca: (I’d have to say that) some of my inspirations are Joann Rosario, Martha Munizzi, Natasha Beddingfield, Lauren Hill, and Brandy. I find all of their voices to be unique. I look up to people like Joann Rosario and Martha Munizzi because not only can they sing, but they are also powerful women of God! Do you think that this is what sets you apart from other artists in your genre?

Pablo: Yeah, I do believe that it plays a big role. Not only that, it’s also the fact that we’re Latin, and we have that in our roots as well.

Those Latin roots of the Salsa and the S p a n i s h music are there. So I think it’s a mix between our influences and our roots that set us apart. I also think that God gave us the creativity to create something unique, without sounding like anybody else.

And that, at the end of the day, is what has set us apart.

What other artists a n d / o r producers would you like to collab with Blanca: I think it would be so awesome if we did a callab with Toby Mac,

Israel Houghton, or Kirk Franklin! Tell me that that wouldn't be amazing! It’s possible too. So let’s see what God works out in these next few years!

You guys have an album out, No Plan B. What is your favorite song on that album?

Pablo: On this latest album, my favorite song is probably “I Have a Dream”, for the simple fact that it really narrows down what we’re all about. We are really big dreamers, and that’s something we’re really passionate about--being able to sow dreams and visions into people’s lives. The song tells our testimony. Growing up and watching my parents, I saw them as really hard workers. My dad always worked with his hands, and my mom always encouraged me to look past being just a “blue collar worker”.

Blanca tells her story, and then Manwell tells his story. It’s really an intimate and transparent song. But at the end of the day, it boils down to the sole purpose of us following our dreams while encouraging other people to pursue their dreams along with us.

What would you say is the significance of this album, and what type of message are you trying to send?

Pablo: The overall message of the album is our desire to take people somewhere that society might tell them that they can’t go because they are too short, too tall, too skinny, cause they’re a too over-weight, or because they’re a minority. We feel that they get alot from television, magazines, and from o t h e r mediums. They don’t

often hear people telling them, “You can go after this, or you can fulfill your dreams and go after the things that you want.” So I believe that that’s the overall message of our album. It also talks about salvation and finding forgiveness in the Father. But the assignment for that album is just to be able to stir up dreams in peoples’ lives. We’ve traveled all across the world and we just get flooded with e-mails from people telling us that we helped them go after their dreams.

And the ages range from 11-yrs- old to 40-yrold people. That’s not only our assignment for the album, it’s also our assignment in ministry itself.

Out of all of the places you’ve performed, what are your favorite and least favorite venues?

Pablo: My favorite venue would have to be Guatemala. For one reason, it’s my native country. That’s where my roots are. And I also think it’s just beautiful there. I went there for the first time about six months ago, and we had four hours of downtime when we were able to see the capitol of Guatemala. It’s called the “City of Spring” because of the spring weather all year round. It was just beautiful. We got to see the ruins, the volcano, and the culture. It was just an amazing experience for me. So that would have to be one of my favorite spots. My least favorite spot… I’m trying to think because I can’t narrow it down to exactly where we were. But it’s usually those cities

where we have to drive to miles of nothing but trees… (Laughs) Does that scare you? (Laughs) Pablo: Yeah, exactly! (Laughs) because you don’t know where you are, what’s about to happen, and you don’t know who these people are. It’s just like you’re surrounded by all these trees in the middle of nowhere in the country. But I don’t know exactly where we were.

Blanca: Out of all the places we've performed, I’d have to say that my favorite is Creation West. The backdrop of the stage was just breath-taking. My least favorite would have to be a club we did on the Superchic[k] tour. The show was awesome, but the venue was so sketchy. The dressing rooms smelled funky and it was really scary.

What has been your biggest challenge as a group, and how have you overcome that challenge?

Pablo: I think it’s probably been learning each other because you have three individuals that you’re with 24-7, added to the fact that we travel and we’re always together. Not only that, but we’ve been doing this for a very long time, and we’ve gotten to learn what pushes each others buttons--what this person likes, or what this person doesn’t like.

It’s become a relationship, and those are things that have taken years to achieve. And I still think that as time keeps going, we’re still going to be learning each other. But even that challenge hasn’t really been that hard because all three of us are very understanding individuals who are also respectful of each other.

What projects are you all working on now, and what can we expect next from you?

Pablo: We just finished our next album about a month ago. We should be releasing that album in July. We don’t know yet, but we’re aiming for July. Aside from that, we are going to work on getting our clothing line out, plus we’ve been doing a lot of shows and traveling.

You grew up as a PK (pastor’s kid). What was that like for you?

Pablo: It was a lot of pressure (laughs) because you’re always being viewed as the “good kid”; so people always expected better from me. There was always that pressure from people, but at the end of the day, I’m very, very thankful for it because of who I am now as a result of my mother and father and the things they instilled in me as a kid.

What pastors do you look up to?

Pablo: Dr. Myles Munroe, Bill Winston, Tony Miller, and of course, my pastor Otoniel Font.

These are all people who have blessed my

life tremendously, along with my father and my family.

Blanca, you were not raised in a Christian family. What was it like growing up in your household?

Blanca: The hardest part about not growing up in a Christian home was dealing with my father being gone. So, growing up, it was just my mom, my brother, and me. We learned to really stick together. My mom was such a strong woman that it was unbelievable. She would make sure we had everything we ever needed, but you could tell that she suffered a lot. I had to deal with abuse from my stepfather that led to a lot of insecurities and pain. I didn't have a God to turn to. Thankfully, I got saved at age 17, and I am trying to be an example to my family with the way I live.

At what point in your life did you decide you wanted give your life to the Lord, and what was the inspiration that help make that decision?

Blanca: The inspiration behind why I wanted to get saved was the change in my father. He had come back into my life and was a completely changed man from when I was younger. He had brought me to church with him a few times, and I could tell that the God he served was real. Finally I gave in to God’s pull on my heart when I was age 17.

Manwell, what was life like growing up, for you?

Manwell: Life growing up for me was rough.

My father was in the military so I always had what I needed to a degree, but I was never a good kid. My father used to be a drunk, and my mom hated him for that. She would take everything out on me, so I developed a dislike for authority which lead me to be kicked out of 2 different schools for verbal assault and physical assault on a teacher and principal.

After that I just stopped caring. I got into stealing and robbing people until I got saved in my junior year of high school.

What advice would you give to a young person who is going down the wrong path in life?

Blanca: Right now, I have a cousin that I’m really close to who doesn't serve God. She thinks that being a Christian is boring and that it’s not for her. Recently she has been going through some hardships because she and her boyfriend broke up, and she feels alone.

The advice I’ve been giving her has been for her to find security in God and not let a guy determine whether she's good enough. It's in those moments that you feel alone when you call on God and ask him for help to get through it. I'm confident that the God I serve is big enough to come through for you.

Manwell: Stop, think, and be honest with yourself about whether the person you're being is really the person you are. I used to hang around some hard kats who, at the blink

of an eye, would just knock you out for no reason at all. They used to fight cops and shoot people for no reason. I realized thatI was a kat who could carry the gun but could never pull the trigger. I could hit someone with a bat but go home and feel really sad about it.

It just wasn't me. If you can realize who you really are, you can accept that the hard road wasn't made for you, turn, and walk away.

If you could walk in someone else’s shoes for a day (past or present), whose shoes would you walk in and why?

Pablo: That’s a good one (laughs)…. Um, let me think…. I would have loved to have been one of the hip-hop artists from the 80s or somebody like Run DMC, Berry Gordy, or someone else from Motown. I would have loved to have been a part of the beginning of the type of music that I do now. I would have loved to have seen the beginning of hip-hop and R&B come about. I can’t narrow it down to one person, but it would have to be somebody from that time period.

Manwell: Jay-Z because I want to learn how to be that successful in the realm of music and media.

Give me 3 words that describe your music?

Pablo: Funk, refreshing, and soulful Blanca: Refreshing, Funky, Truth Manwell: Fresh, funky, and us When was the last time you cried and why?

Blanca: The last time I cried was last night. I was watching a high school rendition of Miss Saigon, the musical.

I'm a sucker for romance and drama!

The play was amazing and brought me to tears.

Manwell: About 5 minutes ago,.I had to make a tough decision concerning my relationship. It killed me ‘cause I hate hurting people.

Finish this statement. “5 years from now I…” Pablo: I will be finishing up our contract with the record label (laughs). I will, most likely, be married, and possibly have my first child. I do see myself taking more of a speaking and teaching role, rather than being just a musician.

I believe that being a musician is a stepping-stone for something larger that God has planned for me because I love speaking, teaching, and breaking down the Word. There are a lot of things I see myself doing 5 yrs from now.

Blanca: I want to be married! (laughs) I’m still working on finding

a boyfriend first. (Laughs) Manwell: I will have learned how to love successfully.

Tell me the first thought that comes to your head when I say this name…Group 1 Crew.

Pablo:Love When you leave this earth, what type of legacy do you want to leave behind?

Pablo: A tangible one that is not just a memory, but something that you think about, see, and touch. I want to leave a legacy that will change a generation and impact the land.

I want to leave behind everything that God did through me on this earth.

Blanca: I hope the legacy I leave behind is one of integrity, love, and passion that exhibits that I served God with all my heart and grabbed hold of every chance I had to bless somebody’s life.

Manwell: True success--success defined as being an amazing husband, father, friend, and community leader. Excellence will always b e attached to my

name, and grace will be the only way to describe my life.

What is your ultimate dream vacation?

Pablo: It would have to be Madrid, Spain. I’ve always been fascinated by catles, so I would love to go to Madrid and see the castles, and maybe one day live in a castle myself (laughs).

Blanca: Since I was little, I have always dreamed of going to Australia!

Manwell: Touring throughout Europe and visiting all the places I grew up in.

You’re on a road trip and you can only bring one CD, what CD would you bring?

Pablo: And I could only bring one CD? Oh my goodness (laughs). Man this is a hard one (laughs). It would have to be Musiq Soulchild’s Just Listen.

Blanca: Right now it would have to be Israel Houghton and New Breed’s A Deeper Level.

That’s been on heavy rotation in my CD player.

Manwell: One of my hotee mixes...it’s a mix of all my favorite stuff If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?

Pablo: Okay, this might seem random and off the wall to you guys, but it’s a song by Tupac called Dear Mama. I listen to that song, and it just moves me because I put my parents through so much when I was younger.

Manwell: I’m in Repair by John Mayer....it’s just me to a tee. I’m always feeling as if I’m done with being repaired...then the Lord is like, “Nope, you’ve still got some learning to do”.

Platinum Souls introduced us to your music. Would you like to give them a shout-out?

Pablo: Oh, yeah! That’s family right there! We met when we were in California, and they just embraced us. Not only that, but they are one of the best Christian hip-hop artists that are out right now. And Ty can spit! She has a nice swagger to her. Big ups to Platinum Souls!

Blanca: Yes! We love them. They have been such amazing supporters of our music!

Manwell: Always...we love you guys, man!

Keep doing you ‘cause I love ya'll!

This is the end of the interview. Is there anything else that you would like for our readers to know?

Pablo: Yeah, check us out on our m y s p a c e www.myspace.com/groupone and on our regular website: www.group1cew.com. And feel free to hit us up.

Manwell: Keep dreaming. When the sun has set on your perfect day; dream harder...the Lord is with you.

DA CHRISTIAN PAGE TURNER

By Pastor J

Benjamin Farr, aka Nue Breed, is the new kid on the block who is not new to Holy Hip Hop. Farewell 2 Da Flesh is the first solo project for this former member of C.O.R.P. 1, then known as NoShame. With his first project, Nue Breed makes sure that he follows that directive in one of his songs, Stand Out. The album is an eclectic mix of high-quality sounds. From tracks that have a heavy Midwest flavor (180, Bounce Like Dis, and No Turnin Back) to smoothed-out Hip Hop Praise & Worship (Feelin The Way I Do and Without U), to songs with a rock-feel (Fight Muzik and They Don’t Know You), there is something on this project for everyone.

Canton Jones is back again with his fourth solo project, Kingdom Business. Once again he showcases his versatility as, both, producer and artist. This Arrow Records artist and youth minister from World Changers International Church in College Park, GA, continues his mission of bringing the heat while unashamedly reppin’ Christ.

CaJo follows his usual format of mainly upbeat trunk bangers like Living Clean, The Professional, and 24’s on the project, with a few mellowed out cuts like Kool, Nobody Cared, and My Day. There is a powerful, intense praise & worship collab with Tye Tribett that adds a rock feel to the album.

This is definitely a CD you can play with your unsaved friends in the car to plant the seed of the Gospel. The album addresses biblical themes, such as loving your enemy (Hater Day), the love of Christ (Nobody Cared), and seeking the Kingdom of Heaven (Kingdom Business). Canton has a knack for packaging the Gospel message in a way that appeals to the unsaved while edifying those of us in the church. Significant to note in this project that has been evident in past albums is the “bling” lifestyle that is portrayed in the cut 24’s. While God wants His children to live life abundantly, we should not fall victim to the fads of the world.

The theme of the album is just as the title implies: handling Kingdom Business. Cajo is clearly targeting the unsaved and those who work with the unsaved with the goal of adding to God’s Kingdom. Canton Jones’ fans will not be disappointed, and new listeners will be pleasantly surprised.

Rating: 4 Cans Top 5 Tracks 1.

My Day 2.

Living Clean (My Life) 3.

Hater Day 4.

What You Want 5.

My Walk

Nue Breed does an excellent job of motivating the listener to evaluate his relationship with Christ. The content of the project cannot be mistaken for secular Hip Hop, but you can bump this in your ride with your unsaved friends, without fear of getting clowned for it being weak. Having seen this young man in concert, the same energy you get from his live performance is the same feel you get when you listen to this recording. The production is top-quality, and the guest vocalists compliment nicely the hard-hitting lyrics.

The theme of the album is expressed in the title. Nue Breed’s main concern is to see souls saved. The final track wraps-up everything by questioning whether the listener has a real relationship with Christ. He graphically details the reality of true Christianity. This exemplifies a heart for ministry in this street-smart altar call.

Top 5 Tracks 1.

180 2.

Bounce Like Dis (feat Ms. PeKuliar) 3.

SHOWHIMWUTCHDOINWIDIT 4.

Stand Out (feat Deanna Dixon) 5.

Fight Muzik

Chris “Chill” Oliver brings a different kind of flavor with God’s Favorite. This project is a Hip Hop spoken-word collection of street reality delivered from the perspective of a young man struggling to maintain his Christian walk. The first thing that strikes you is the intensity of the poems and the complexity of the stories being told. Chill deals with some serious topics that many of those in the Hip Hop culture are dealing with, like breast cancer (The Cure), AIDS (The Dream), domestic violence (Lifetime) to dealing with the death of a loved-one (R.I.P.). Chill delivers a transparent look into the mind of this generation.

Trip Lee avoids the sophomore slump with 20/20. Trip exhibits spiritual and lyrical growth with this second Reach Records release. This 20-year-old Dallas native continues the 116 Clique tradition of spiritually-rich rhymes over top-quality beats. 20/20 is a good balance of trunkthumpers and thought-provoking lyrical Bible study. Along with an all-star cast of guest artists, Trip deals with topics, such as the divinity of the Holy Spirit (Behold The Spirit), the supremacy of Christ (Who Is Like Him), and the tests and trials of Christians (Cling To You feat Shai Linne).

While 20/20 is a solid Holy Hip Hop project, it is better suited for those who already have an interest in spiritual things, rather than for those who have had no introduction to Christ. The themes covered will edify the saints and provide ammunition to refute common heresies.

This is an excellent album to use to introduce the genre of Christians who are against the use of Hip Hop in the Church. Most of the tracks on 20/20 are more biblically sound than many sermons people hear on Sunday morning.

The overall theme of 20/20 is to help people get a clearer picture of God and the Christian walk.

The stand-out track on the project, Relief (a signature JR track) is a reminder of the love that God has demonstrated toward humanity through the sacrifice of Christ. This album is a must-have for the Christian Hip Hopper.

Top 5 Tracks 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Relief Behold The Spirit Who Is He? (feat Lecrae & Cam) Cling To You (feat Shai Linne) Inexhaustible

Rating: 4.5 Cans

Rating: 4 Cans

God’s Favorite is a mix of Hip Hop tracks, with a few soul cuts blended in. The styles vary from hardcore to mellow, and although this project is clearly Christian, it probably should carry a warning label about explicit content. But so should the Bible. Chill does not shy away from talking about the realities of life, and this is one of the attractions of the album. My one complaint about this project is the production quality in relation to volume levels. On a couple of the tracks, the music overpowers the lyrics and distracts from the message.

The theme of God’s Favorite is about the struggle of the Christian walk. Just like the Bible, Chill does not hide the reality that the Christian journey is not easy, but it is worth it. As much as it reveals the struggle, it also points to the Source of strength who help us endure the hard times. God’s Favorite calls the listener to reflection and redirection while pointing us to the right Way to go.

Top 5 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

God’s Favorite More The Dream My Word Lifetime

BOOK REVIEWS BY TAVARES S. CARNEY Narrow Is The Path is the second installment of the Cross Realities series by author Rickey Teems, II. Teems invites us back into the lives of the Cross Family.

Reuben and Tamar continue to face challenges that test their faith to the extreme. Unsure of how they will survive, Reuben struggles with his emotions on how to deal with a serious family tragedy involving the couples' daughter, Aurielle, while Tamar is still tormented by pain from her past, a brother with a death wish and a deceitful sister. In spite of all occurring around them, the two continue to press toward their goals.

13 Years of Misunderstanding is the debut novel from Ronald K. Cook. The author's life experiences from childhood to where is he today has been a roller coaster ride for the once troubled teen hailing from the projects of Dallas, Texas.

You name it, he's been there and probably has done it, especially if it dealt with any aspect of the street life.

Written with a 'keep-it-real' flair, and in a language that can be easily understood by the average 'thug' of today's age, this "G" shares his life story. Ronald Cook delves into the pain of his past, evaluating where he was, is and strives to be. Leaving nothing to ponder, he candidly tells readers how he made it to where he is today. You will need to read this book to learn what, by Mr. Cook's definition, it is to be 'truly buried a G.'

This novel is able to stand alone for readers who have not yet read Cross Realities, the first book in the series.

Readers learn more about what is happening at New Risings, the church most of the Cross family members attend.

Teems brings back Dr. Taylor, the doctor who treated Datiel, Tamar's What I liked about Mr. Cook's writing style is that he comes across as gang banging brother, and introduces Mr. Delano. This entire cast of talking to today's youth and not at them. I recommend this book as a characters and the storyline make you thirst for the wrap-up of the series. reading selection for residents of boy's homes, youth detention centers, parole offices, prison libraries, as well as any organization This is a riveting read, as it is true to life and delves into the issue of whose mission is to improve the quality of life for inner-city children, balancing faith amidst some of life's most unfortunate circumstances. teens and young adults.

Amazon Rating: 3

Amazon Rating: 4

Celia Alexander has it all: a rewarding career, a loving husband with a six-figure income, and two wonderful children. Lacking nothing, she and her husband, Khalil, are solid Christians.

From the mini-mansion to the luxury vehicle, the Alexanders appear to have the perfect life.

Celia's perfect world comes crashing down, when upon returning home earlier than expected from a business trip, she discovers the man she has spent the past fifteen years loving doing the unthinkable. In a matter of minutes, everything she believes in and thought to be important is challenged.

Something on the Inside is labeled as Christian fiction, yet, it is the horrific reality of thousands. Ms. Williams boldly pulls the immoral band-aid off wounds that have been concealed for far too long and forces us to deal with the issue of sexual abuse in the family. As Christians, no longer can we stick our heads in the sand. The saying "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger" is no longer an excuse for silence.

After the humiliating experience of being left at the altar, Vashti Hunter's life begins spiraling out of control. She finds herself doing the very things she is certain are morally wrong.

On the surface, some of the situations Vashti finds herself in are just plain ridiculous. Blindly, Vashti compromises her livelihood, reputation and worth, with undeserving men in an attempt to fill the voids in her life. Taking a deeper look, however, Suddenly Single is a very realistic portrait of a woman controlled by insecurity and low-self esteem.

Shana Burton has done an outstanding job of demonstrating the necessity of putting God first and looking to Him to find our identity and self-worth.

Amazon Rating: 4

Amazon Rating: 4

Rating: 3.5 Cans

Inspire, Motivate & Encourage

www.echelonprweb.com

www.myspace.com/christianpageturner

I Don’t Know Jack!

Do You? Scripture or No Scripture WRITTEN BY VICTORIA POLLER

How better to “know who you are in Christ”, than to know Him by His Word? You know, the Word does say, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2Tim.2: 15 (or is it I Thomas 9:11?)

I don’t know all of the scriptures in the Bible by heart, but here is how I determine if what is being said to me from across the pulpit, in words of a song, or someone trying to ‘be all that’, are truly from the Bible: I research through a “Concordance”. I have a couple of Concordance books, and I also use www.biblegateway.com. If I can’t find the quote there, then I go to quotes from other resources like www.quotationspage.com. If it’s not there, then your Grandma, or mine, may have created that particular saying themselves.

Some quotes can also be found to have a scriptural inference from the Bible. Take for example:“It is better to give than to receive” (not scripture), but the Bible says“Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” Luke 6:38.

Instructions: Below are some “quotes”. Your challenge is to research your Bible (blow the dust off – that was suppose to be humorous to some and hopefully not an insult to any). Write out your answers, and see if you know which ones are scriptures (give chapter & verse) and which ones are just good thoughts.

Answers will be on page _____, but don’t look before you give your answers (it’s an open book test and no one fails). The “these”,“thous” and “thys” have been taken out.

There may have been some of you who had made that New Year’s Resolution to read your Bible more! Have you done it yet? It’s never too late to search your heart & the Word of God. Can you answer 10, peradventure 5? Or what about maybe 2?

1 “You have not because you ask not”.

2 “A loving heart is the truest wisdom”.

3 “No man is an island”.

4 “A wise man learns by the mistakes of others; a fool by his own”.

5 “He looked beyond my faults & saw my needs.”

6 “God will not withhold any good thing.”

7 “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.”

8 “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.”

9 “There, but for the grace of God, go I.” 10 “Judge not, that you be not judged.”

11 “Study to show thyself approved to God.” 12 “What the devil meant for evil, God will turn it around for good.”

13 “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

14 “The Lord works in mysterious ways.”

15 “To thine own self be true.”

16 “What hath God wrought?”

17 “Who am I that you are mindful of me?”

18 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”

19 “Ignorance is not innocence, but sin.”

20 “Honesty is the best policy.”

21 “The Lord helps those who help themselves.”

22 “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

23 “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

24 “Jesus wept.”

25 “Men are born to succeed, not fail”.

26 “Money is the root of all evil.”

ANSWER KEY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

“You have not because you ask not” James 4:2 “A loving heart is the truest wisdom” Not scripture - Charles Dickens “No man is an island” Not scripture - John Donne “A wise man learns by the mistakes of others; a fool by his own” Not scripture – A Latin Proverb “He looked beyond my faults & saw my needs” Not scripture – Song words “God will not withhold any good thing” almost Ps.84: 11 “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime” Not scripture – Confucius “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men” Prov.18: 16 “There but for the grace of God go I” Not scripture – John Bradford “Judge not, that you be not judged” Mat. 7:1 “Study to show thyself approved to God” 2Tim.2: 15 “What the devil meant for evil, God will turn it around for good” Gen 50:20 “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” Job 1:21 “The Lord works in mysterious ways” Not scripture (something the old saints said) “To thine own self – be true” Not scripture – William Shakespeare “What hath God wrought?” Num. 23:23 “Who am I that you are mindful of me?” Ps.8: 4, Heb.2: 6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” Isah. 9:6 “Ignorance is not innocence, but sin. Not Scripture - Robert Browning “Honesty is the best policy”. Not Scripture – Mark Twain “The Lord helps those who help themselves”. (close) Ps.37: 39-40 NIV “The road to hell is paved with good intensions”. Not Scripture - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it”. (Ps. 118:24) “Jesus wept”. (John 11:35) “Men are born to succeed, not fail”. Not Scripture - Henry David Thoreau “For the love of money is the root of all evil:” I Tim. 6:10

THROW SOME D'S ON THAT...

Discovering the life you were destined to live

ABOUT AUTHOR Kantis Simmons is a America’s #1 Academic Success Coach. As a College Speaker, Youth Motivator and Student Success author, he desires for all students to play their 'A' Game in and outside the classroom. Acclaimed for receiving three degrees without paying a single penny, his unique story of success should be heard by every student and parent.

To bring him to your next school, college, youth or church event contact him at http://www.KantisSimmons.com. Subscribe to his published e-newsletter, “The GamePlan” and get FREE insider secrets to academic success, college success and life success at www.PlayingYourAgame.com.

After long hours, many tests, sob stories, joyous days, and years of education, I often wonder what most high school and college graduates are saying to themselves after crossing the stage. I often wonder what’s playing on their internal ipod. I assume most of them have questions rolling around in their minds about their futures.

That’s exactly what I was thinking about some years ago.

Similar to the biblical story of Paul on the road to Damascus, I believe that each young person asks the same two questions that Paul asked God during his life-changing journey. “Who are you Lord?” and “Lord, what would you have me to do?”

In this year of are still asking the quesmore like: for my

2008, millions of people those questions. Today tions probably sound “What is the purpose life?

“Why was I created?” “What am I destined to be and do?”

“What have I been put on this earth to do?”

In a past issue of Exodus Magazine, we addressed in Get Off Your Butt, and Work Your A.S.S. TM, the 7 key questions to ask yourself so you can start living the life you were destined to live.

ABOUT THE WRITER Ms. “V” is Jacksonville, FL’s newest Christian Author (www.victoriapoller.com ) “Move over Dear Abby and all other ‘helpsters’. Ms. “V” is here to aid and assist you in matters that face each of us today. She’s open and not judgmental. Getting the Word out without getting ‘preachy”.

In that article, we stated that everyone and everything in life was created with purpose.

The purpose of a chair is to hold people as they sit. The purpose of light is to illuminate a room so all can see and move around easily. And the purpose of man is what I like to call their “A.S.S.I.G.N.M.E.N.T.” Yes, you have

24 EXODUS MAGAZINE JUL 2008 PHOTO PROVIDED BY KANTIS SIMMONS

an “A.S.S.I.G.N.M.E.N.T.” You were created with purpose.

Let’s examine the spelling of this word: A.S.S.I.G.N.M.E.N.T. In that word, you will find that your assignment was M.E.N.T. (meant) specifically for you.

There are things in your personality, makeup, and character that act as a road S.I.G.N. to help you identify your assignment. But if you are I.G.N (“ig-nunt”), translated ignorant, of your life’s assignment, then you will live your life like the first three letters of assignment, an A.S.S. or a donkey - “Donkey Living”.

The only way to stop the cycle of “Donkey Living” is to locate your A.S.S.I.G.N.M.E.N.T.--your purpose. The reason why so many people are living like “A.S.S.es,” is that they are living with no purpose, no “A.S.S.I.G.N.M.E.N.T.” The first major thing you have to evaluate about yourself and your future is your DESIRE. What do you deeply desire out of life? What do you desire in life? What are you tremendously passionate about in your heart?

I have discovered that when I’ve gone through life with no sense of desire, I was offered any and everything, yet was still unfulfilled. And, when you live without a focused desire you simply get whatever comes your way, which can be a mediocre career, a mediocre relationship, unwanted jobs, and undesired bank account. But what would happen if you ran after your desire like a desperate man runs after a woman that he is in love with?

In the book Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill said, “Desire is the starting point of all achievement.” I like to translate it this way: “Desire is your motor (or motive) for your ‘A.S.S.I.G.N.M.E.N.T.’, without it, your life will go nowhere.”

So I ask you, what you desire out of life? As you think of your answers, I want you to take action. Identify and list 50 things you desire in life. However, large or small, write these 50 things down. In the next issue, we’ll continue to investigate the signs in your life to help discover your “ASSIGNMENT”.

YOUNG &

SUCCESSFUL THE AMBITIOUS WRITER: AARON HARRIS INTERVIEW BY ROCHELLE MOYD

Aaron Harris is a young Christian author who is on the grind to push Christ to young men all across the nation. His number one goal as an author is to become a good role model for young men to look up to, and spread the love of Christ through his novels. With his first novel, The City of Rosetown: Sacrifices already out in bookstores, and a second one underway, Aaron is showing no signs of slowing down. He has been given the blessing of creativity, and has proven that he has what it takes to fulfill his dream of becoming a prominent figure in the Christian writing community.

Who is Aaron Harris and what does he represent?

I am a servant of the Lord. I believe that my purpose in life is to reach young men in a way that is entertaining. And when I say “entertaining”, I mean entertainment in a way that the secular world can’t do it.

You’re 23 years old, you have already published your first book and you’re working on your second one. What inspired you to become a young author?

Honestly, I never really considered myself an author. I consider myself a creator whose main skill is writing. But this [writing] was something I knew that I wanted to do.

You have a short novel out now called The City of Rosetown: Sacrifices. What was the writing process like, and how did you come up with your storyline?

I am a huge comic book fan (laughs), and I love superheroes- well not so much superheroes, but their super powers. The whole idea for the novel is that there’s this whole universe of people living together. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with comic books, but in the comic books all of the superheroes talk to each other. For example, Batman will get a chance meet Superman. And even though these superheroes have their own storylines, they end up coming together somehow. And I used that concept for my book. I narrowed the location down to the city of Rosetown because I felt that everybody would be able to relate better to a city, as opposed to the whole world. But most importantly, I wanted my book to be Christ-centered. All of the super powers are just a side-order. The main idea is that there’s this kid out there who is dealing with different issues, such as anger, selfishness, and so on.

Despite the situation, Christ found a way to reach him through his grandfather praying for him. And so it is with life. There’s always going to be a way that Christ is going to reach you. There’s always that one person, whether it be a family member or a friend, who is out there praying for you.

Honestly, I don’t believe in writer’s block, and this is just my opinion. Believe it or not, I enjoyed every moment I spent putting this book together. I received a lot of help during the process because I was still in college when I was writing it, and I was given a template to follow. It took me about a yearand-a-half to finish it. But I would say that I ran into a couple of challenges while trying to figure out how I was going to publish it. But I believed that it was God’s will for me to publish this novel, and I put my trust in Him to supply me with the tools I needed to get it done.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

If you’re going to write for the Lord, you need to stay in the Word every day. I know that as Christian we’re supposed to be doing that anyway (laughs). But it’s even more important if you’re a Christian writer to stay in the Word because you can’t be a Christian writer and not read or understand what the Word says. So in other words, you need to be reading your Bible as if it were your favorite book. Also you need to examine your motives. You’re either in it for Christ or in it for yourself. And if you’re in it for yourself, you need to go back to what I just said and read Ephesians 1. You should always stay rooted in what God wants you to accomplish in life.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I am believing and trusting in God that I will be a well-known author.

And I believe that I will be financially ready to publish books. I see myself being a prominent figure in the Christian-writing community.

The only reason I say that is not so that I would become famous, but so that people would see how God is using me to reach young men. I plan to have 3 books completed. I also plan to be married because I’m engaged right now.

Well this is the end of the interview, is there anything else you would like the readers to know, or do you have any shout-outs?

I would like to thank my mom and let her know that I adore her, and that she is the reason why I made it to this point. I also want to thank my grandmother for always praying for me. And I would like to give a shout-out to my beautiful fiancé Brittaney Wilson and tell her that the Lord gave her to me for a reason because before I met her I didn’t really take things in life seriously. When I met her, that all changed. I suddenly wanted to do something with my life, not just for myself, but for her as well. I would like for all the readers to check out my website and leave me some comments, and buy a copy of my book. www.aarondavidharris.blogspot.com

Prayer of Salvation

INVITING NON-BELIEVERS INTO OUR WORLD Prayer courtesy of DayStar.com

The greatest attribute of God is that He is a God of love.

He loved us so much that He sent Jesus Christ, His only Son, so that we might have new everlasting life (John 3:16). By His death and resurrection, Jesus paid for our salvation. He was raised from the dead by the Father and given life and authority over the powers of darkness.

God now imparts that life and authority t o

all who come receiving His provision for their sin.

God’s Word says that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.

You can pray the following prayer right now to ask God to come into your heart so you can receive the new birth. Old things pass away and all things become new in Christ.

MAKE THIS CONFESSION Dear Lord Jesus, I know that according to your Word in John 3:3, I must be born again to see the kingdom of God. “Father I know I am a sinner. I believe Christ died for me. I believe that you shed your blood, died on the cross for me and rose again from the dead. I repent and turn from my sins. I need you Jesus.

I no longer want to be in control of my life. Please come into my heart, forgive me of my sins and be my personal Lord & Savior from this day forward.

Please give me the strength by your precious Holy Spirit to live for you.

Please forgive me of my sins...I want to turn from my sins.

Jesus, thank you for the gift of salvation... I promise to obey you with the help your Holy Spirit and to follow you all the days of my life.

In Jesus Name…. Amen”

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!

How long did it take you to write your book, and were there any frustrating moments that made you feel like you just wanted to give up?

26 EXODUS MAGAZINE JUL 2008

JUL 2008 EXODUS MAGAZINE 27

Issues of my Heart Nicole L. Jiles

Looking for love in all the wrong places Having no future in fornication Seeking approval in men's faces Living so below His expectations So stuck in sin you become complacent Yielding to lust & its temptations The church in need of a revelation Yet I stand in the need of confirmation Lord knows I don't need relations Battle between spirit & flesh a never ending confrontation So many trials & tribulations, abused Mother on drugs and sexual molestation Knowing to do right yet do what's wrong Caught between two places " Am I just being strung along"? " God I'm hurting !" "Choir please sing another song."

Crying to myself "Why is this deliverance thing taking so long?"

I've lived my life in different phases So many things to look at as you turn the pages Neglect, abuse, & molestation My mother being beat from her husband's frustrations Wait isn't he a deacon in church, that doesn't show patience Is that the way a wife is to be treated or appreciated That isn't the design & purpose of God's creation Seeing this growing up caused serious complications Being touched I had no adorations So my issues kept growing with no alleviations Low self-esteem and go t no affirmation No respect for those in dictation My lack of guidance caused my deviation But Jesus brought me back t o realization And gave me me Romans 8:1 "THERE IS therefore now no condemnation...

John 14:6"for Jesus is the way,the truth, and the life Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord (No matter what your past was like) Walk as children of light 2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith not by sight Don't let your setbacks stop your running for Christ

Magazine

VISIT US ON THE WEB:

www.exodusmag.com www.myspace.com/exodusmag