GOD WORKS JULY 2010
MAGAZINE
Nick Vujicic Life Without Limbs
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Pg. 40
Nick Vujicic
in this issue 5 - Making Progress in Haiti 11 - Bipolar Disorder Help 13 - God’s Timetable 18 - Nichelle L. Early
44 Q & A With BET SUNDAY BEST 3 CONTESTANTS
24 - How Do I Worship God? 27 - What Does God Think of Rich People? 32 - Gifts: Faith and Healing
42 Watercolor by Pamela
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R EFLECTIONS A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
Live Your Life On Purpose. I have shared that message (pg. 21) several times and today the message is still relevant. As I think about how God has used me to be a blessing to others, I can’t help but to be thankful for the gifts and visions He has given me.
The internet is a powerful resource which I have been able to use to reach people all over the world. The writings I have posted on different websites are read daily.
“I hope you will find
encouragement and inspiration through the following pages.”
It’s an awesome feeling to know God is using me to minister to people through the issues and matters that are placed on my heart.
Through this publication, God Works, I hope to be able to continue to share the great things God is doing in my life, as well as the lives of others. I will also feature the positive things many people are doing to help others. I hope you will find encouragement and inspiration through the following pages.
Although “Live Your Life on Purpose” was written some time ago, my heart is still in the right place. I still want to live my life on purpose. Through GOD WORKS I can make that happen.
Enjoy our first issue!
Be inspired and watch us grow!
Ayana Elon
Neil Justin
Phillip A. Ross
Olivia Stith
Louis Jeffries
Johnny Kicklighter
Danielle Walker
Maurice Farmer, Jr.
RM Photography
Michelle Cameron
Rhonda Jones
Gregory Turner
Ratish Naroor
Stan Popovich
Joy Obihara
Michael A. Verdicchio
Keith Deltano
Contributing Writers
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Photographer Credits
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Making Progress in Haiti
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ince a devastating earthquake shook Haiti in January, things have been slowly improving in the capital. Volunteers are helping to clear the streets of debris and temporary housing is being made available.
Global Outreach, a multifaceted ministry, is focusing on locations in Haiti that house tent cities and the missionaries are building permanent housing in some of the villages. They have already completed over ten houses.
The houses have been described as 20-by-20 concrete blocks with metal roofs on them. Inside each home are concrete floors, a small shower, a lavatory, and a place to cook. David Heady, a Global Outreach Missionary, noted there will be opportunities for short-term mission work for years to come. The ministry especially needs volunteers for construction and medical teams.
HAITI EARTHQUAKE RELIEF • Music For Relief is offering a compila-on of unreleased music, available for free download on www.MusicForRelief.org. • Na-onal Nurses United needs to raise money to send professionals volunteer nurses to Hai-. For more info, visit www.na-onalnursesunited.org • Kids In Distressed Situa-ons (K.I.D.S.) is
Visit Global Outreach online at www.gohaitimission.webs.com for additional information on the ministry and to find out ways you can help.
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in need of cash and product gi9s to deliver clothes, diapers, and water. Visit their website at kidsdona-ons.org.
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Confessions From A Biblical Counselor
By: Johnny Kicklighter
M
y views of counseling when I became a Chris-an back in the late 1960's was the same as everyone else, i.e., if you need help, you get out the yellow pages of the telephone book, look up a counselor and make an appointment. Li@le or no regard was given to the type of counseling or the counselor's creden-als. It wasn't un-l the early 1970's when I was introduced to Jay Adams that I begin to see that there was a great dis-nc-on between counseling and honest to goodness biblical counseling. In 1986 I enrolled in Liberty University's School of Lifelong Learning to complete my degree program via a genuine Chris-an school. I remember how excited I was when I opened my first set of materials and tapes and sat down to take Psychology 101. Soon therea9er I remember my heart sank as the instructor began to teach Freud, Skinner, & Rogers under the guise, "All truth is God's truth." I felt betrayed as all Liberty could offer me was bap-zed humanism. Liberty University was opera-ng from a faulty presupposi-on, i.e., all truth is God's truth. They failed to understand "truth" that doesn't pass examina-on by scripture isn't truth. Liberty doomed themselves when their leaders a@empted to accommodate the secular world's theories thereby producing a "theis-c psychology." The success or failure of biblical counseling begins with its presupposi-ons. Cornelius Van Til defined presupposi-onalism as "an insistence on an ul-mate category of thought or a conceptual framework which one must assume in order to make a sensible interpreta-on of reality." In other words, it accepts on faith that God exists and the Bible is true, and understands the implica-ons of adhering to it. What are some of the key presupposi-ons in biblical counseling? To start, counseling issues are theological issues because our life is lived before God. That is the an-thesis of psychology's main presupposi-on of there is no God. If there is one single difference that makes the two models stand out it's the fact that one acknowledges God and the other does not. Also, the heart drives behavior and all counseling issues are heart issues. This establishes that all behavior is righteous or unrighteous, not healthy or unhealthy; and certainly not the psychological heresy "feelings are neither good nor bad, they just exist." Furthermore, one's view on the nature of man is cri-cal in understanding behavior and offering biblical solu-ons. If man is depraved and his behavior is the result of sin, the biblical counselor can offer solu-ons, hope, and a cure. If there is no sin, reduc-onism becomes the presupposi-on and all behavior is reduced to chemical imbalances, diseases or other ambiguous impulses.
Photography by Joe Houghton
Biblical counseling teaches man's heart is at the center of his feelings and behavior. Jeremiah 17:9-10, "The heart is deceiNul above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." The heart affects the body because of the union between the heart and the body. This is referred to as duplexity, a union of material and immaterial; hence the origin of psychosoma-c illnesses. The body may also affect the heart by imposing restric-ons on the heart (Ma@hew 26:41). Sin, of course, has affected us all with some degree of abnormality. Fundamental to understand man's behavior is the construct of habit. Habit is simply a pa@ern of behavior acquired through frequent repe--on. God has blessed us all with the capability for habit. Habits can be both learned and unlearned behavior. Consequently, sinful habit pa@erns are easily developed because man is a habitual sinner. Breaking sinful habits can only be accomplished by using the put-off/put -on dynamic. The counselee must replace sinful habits with Godly behavior. Some sinful habits can become a consuming lifestyle for people. Some of the following sinful habit pa@erns are common in counselees:
“Biblical counseling teaches man's heart is at the center of his feelings and behavior.”
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1.Grief: Grief can some-mes immobilize a counselee to where they are unable to func-on normally. I Samuel 15:35-
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Confessions From A Biblical Counselor
16:1 gives a good example of a godly man being overcome with grief: "And Samuel came no more to see Saul un-l the day of his death: nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul: and the Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel. And the Lord said unto Samuel, how long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go... ." Teaching the counselee to not live by feelings is important to someone suffering from prolong grief. A simple put-on of go and do is o9en required.
pends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is wri@en: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord." Jay Adams in "A Theology of Chris-an Counseling" said man's greatest need is forgiveness, and he could not think of a more important subject for counselors to understand. Indeed, he spent nearly 50 pages discussing the subject; far more than any other topic. Cul-va-ng a forgiving aQtude in counselees is vitally important in freeing them from guilt and bi@erness.
“Teaching counselees the concept of heart forgiveness helps the offended party turn the matter over to God according to Romans 12:19.”
2.Depression: People who frequently experience trials in life will encounter depression. "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed," II Corinthians 4:8-9. It's important to dis-nguish between presenta-on, performance, and precondi-oning problems when dealing with depression. You need to pay close a@en-on to what the person has been doing instead of how they are feeling. Everyone will occasionally feel "down," so it's impera-ve for the counselor not to be led astray. 3.ADD/ADHD: A@en-on Deficit Hyperac-vity Disorder is a widely diagnosed illness that has no basis in science. It's simply a subjec-ve diagnosis using empirical observa-ons of bad behavior. Obedience is the core issue regarding ADD/ADHD and it's important to label the counselee's behavior using biblical terminology. Making a list of sinful prac-ces, replacing them with godly ones coupled with accountability is helpful with this kind of person. 4.Fear: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a repe--ve thought pa@ern that has its roots in fear. Fear is an emo-on given to us by God for us to experience in an-cipa-on of some specific pain or danger. Godly fear keeps us safe from danger. However, becoming afraid or feeling anxious about a situa-on where there is no danger is sin. Ungodly fear may take many forms in a counselee's life and is always self-oriented and suspicious. Replacing fear with love, having the counselee focus on doing the loving thing, plus breaking the vic-m mentality, helps the person overcome the prac-ce of irra-onal fear. Using the biblical doctrine and prac-ce of forgiveness is instrumental to effec-ve counseling in many cases. Frequently counselees harbor deep-seated bi@erness and refuse to follow the scriptural process to obtain or grant forgiveness. Romans 12:18-19, "If it is possible, as far as it de-
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Adams speaks of the heart forgiveness Paul has in II Timothy 4:16, "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge." Jesus spoke of it in Mark 11:15, "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Stephen demonstrated it in Acts 7:60, "And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." This was an excellent example of the words of Jesus in Luke 6:28, "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Teaching counselees the concept of heart forgiveness helps the offended party turn the ma@er over to God according to Romans 12:19. This is especially important when reconcilia-on between the offended par-es is not possible. It's important for the biblical counselor to understand that truth and godliness are hand-in-hand and it's not possible to divorce the two. Consequently, biblical counselors must become theologians if their goal is to have counselees please God.
Johnny Kicklighter is a counselor at Gateway Biblical Counseling & Training Center, a ministry of Edgemont Bible Church, www.ebiblechurch.net.
Want to share your testimony? Email us at info@godworksmagazine.com
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THE HOLDING PATTERN BY MICHELLE CAMERON I am in a "holding pa@ern". You may have heard that term used when planes are forced to circle an airport if they cannot yet land. But my holding pa@ern is a li@le different. Mine isn't really restric-ve as it is for airplanes. Mine is a protec-ve holding pa@ern. Because God loves all of us (which is why He sacrificed His
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only Son to redeem us), He is not willing that we perish but that we live fulfilled, sanc-fied and fruiNul lives, then live eternally with Him in heaven. So, back to my holding pa@ern: Because God loves me, He is helping me, and He is direc-ng and guiding me so I do not make any more detrimental mistakes. He leads me to His Word when I feel doubNul or when I am feeling drained. Even when I feel on top of the world, the Word s-ll pulls, s-ll calls me..... As I wait for His -ming on several areas of my life, I'm learning to stop asking the famous ques-on "Why not now?" First, I usually do not get an answer anyway. Next, it tests my faith in Him. Do I believe Him, or not? Do I fully control my situa-on? Not by a stretch of the imagina-on. Does He? Yes, if I allow Him. So, my holding pa@ern is summarized thus: "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, KJV)
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Life Moves On
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
By Michelle Cameron
As life moves on for me - at a rate of 1000 mph - I feel the need to stop and say a few things: 1. God's Word is never-failing, infallible and con-nuously suppor-ng to all of us who believe.
Nonprofit organiza-ons making a difference:
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Easter Seals Inc - www.easterseals.com
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American Cancer Society, Inc. - www.cancer.org
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - www.stjude.org
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Reeve Founda(on - www.christopherreeve.org
3. He will do whatever it takes to prepare us for our des-nies. This means pushing us to do what we SWORE we'd never do, or He will make us feel a pull or restlessness that says, "You need to do this" or "You need to be here".
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Opera(on Smile - www.opera-onsmile.org
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AIDS Research Alliance - www.aidsresearch.org
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Alzheimer's Associa(on - www.alz.org
4. He takes away our appe-tes for certain things, yet increases our appe-tes for other things. So, for example, if we loved soap operas at one -me, we may find ourselves losing interest in them and instead we want to listen to some Fred Hammond music.
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Africare - www.africare.org
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SADD - www.sadd.org
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Covenant House—www.covenanthouse.org
2. He never lies to us. His inten-ons are always pure towards us; He is interested in the most in-mate details of our lives.
5. He pushes us to pray and drink from His ever-living fountain, The Word of God. This means that during those interrupted sleep -mes, the "down" -mes, the financially challenging -mes and even when all is well - we'll feel a s-rring, a pull, towards "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and/or the infallible Word. 6. He allows us -me to see ourselves - the REAL us. We will soul-search o9en and repent of even imagined sins because we just want to be closer to Him. 7. He removes obstacles between us and Him. If they are people, places or things - get ready to tell them, "Bye-bye!" If you do not voluntarily walk away, they will be removed. He does not allow any crutches on this narrow, uphill, bumpy walk called the Chris-an pathway. 8. And He confirms His call on us through His other servants. Over the past year I've wri@en several blogs and commented on other wri-ngs (on Myspace), and the responses I've received are very consistent with what He has confirmed inside of me. When I hear dissonance, I ques-on its source, since I know what God has told me in the middle of the night and shown me in dreams, and then confirmed to me in His Word. I thank God that no ma@er what lies ahead, He walks with me and I will live to see His promises fulfilled in my life. AMEN!
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Bipolar Disorder Help Learn how to get help for your Bipolar Disorder with the help of God. BY STAN POPOVICH
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t is not easy to deal with your bipolar disorder and your fears. The first step anyone should do is to talk to a professional. GeQng help from a counselor or other professional is very important and can provide you with much help and insights in dealing with your current problem. In the mean-me, here are some techniques a person can use to help manage their fears and bipolar disorder. A good way to manage your fear is to learn how to manage your nega-ve thoughts by thinking of something posi-ve. For instance, you have a fear that you will not be able to get through the rest of the week. Instead of focusing on this nega-ve thought try to remind yourself that you got “The key is to through other -mes in which you dealt with your fears. This is no different. Remind talk to God about yourself that you can do it your problems again.
and ask him for
Take it one step at a -me. You never know when a new some assistance.” opportunity may come that will help us to solve your problems. The answer you may be looking for may be around the next corner. Be posi-ve and always be aware of what each day can bring us. Some-mes, a certain task may make us nervous. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you are nervous giving a speech in front of a group of people. Before this event takes place, imagine that you are giving the speech in front of some people. Using your imagina-on can help you prepare for a future event. Try to learn as much as you can in managing your bipolar disorder and fears. Read books and consult with a counselor as men-oned above. Learn from your mistakes when managing your anxiety. If something doesn't work the first -me around then try again. Never give up in dealing with your fears. Use the help of God to manage your Bipolar Disorder. Go to church and say a few prayers. Asking for God for help is not that difficult. The key is to talk to God about your problems and ask him for some assistance. If you have trouble doing this then talk to a priest or minister.
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Avoiding your problem will do nothing in the long run. Managing your bipolar disorder and your fears will take some hard work. Be pa-ence, persistent and stay commi@ed in trying to solve your problem.
Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Chris-anity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effec-ve in managing persistent fears and anxie-es. For addi-onal informa-on go to: www.managingfear.com.
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GOD’S TIMETABLE BY MICHAEL A. VERDICCHIO
the Bible, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." So, maybe we ought not to be so presumptuous to think we have God all figured out.
First, let's admit that we really are impa-ent. We have become a product of our modern conveniences. We microwave "instant" foods that are ready to eat in mere seconds.
Let's take this posi-on. In the situa-ons that we are faced with in our own lives, there is nothing too hard or too big for God. If we don't take that posi-on, then it is pointless to con-nue this discussion. God is indeed unlimited in His ability and resources.
It irritates us if our two hour flight, that takes us hundreds of miles in less than two hours, is delayed by ten minutes. We expect our fully cooked "fast food" to be ready by the -me we get to the pick up window.
Let's also take the posi-on that God does not lie. The Bible says that His ears are open unto our prayers. So we know that every -me we pray and ask Him for His help, He indeed hears us.
These and many more examples that you can probably think of, show clearly that we have lost a lot of pa-ence. And so many -mes when it comes to asking God for something, if it doesn't happen very quickly we get frustrated.
A man who lived in the 1800's by the name of George Mueller, set out to show people that God answers prayers. He had already seen this in his own life, but wanted to give people something tangible that they could see so that they too could tap into answered prayer.
So, when you pray and pe--on God for something, how long are you supposed to wait? Is He going to answer? Could I please take a quick peek at His -metable on this one?
His plan was to establish orphanages for the many homeless children in Great Britain. He believed that God would provide everything he needed without having to ask anyone for contribu-ons. He did just that for 64 years.
Too o9en people just think that God either doesn't hear their requests, or that He just doesn't want to answer them. Some o9en wonder if maybe they haven't been good enough for Him to respond in kind. No one knows God's -metable. In fact, honestly, there is a lot we don't know about God. He says in
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During that -me he built The Orphanage Campus at Ashley Down, where it is reported that he cared for and educated over 18,000 children. He educated over 100,000 more in other schools at the Orphanage's expense and distributed hundreds of thousands of Bibles and countless tracts, in addi-on to suppor-ng hundreds of missionaries.
Be Patient
I've heard an expression many -mes over the years: God is never late. On the other hand, perhaps, a good expression for us would be: we are never pa-ent. So how can we figure out God's -metable?
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He never ever asked for one penny from anyone. His children never missed a meal, and he never had a debt. Perhaps regarding God's -metable, a quote by Mr. Mueller would be helpful. "I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise. And the answers are always coming. Tens of thousands of -mes have my prayers been answered. When once I am persuaded that a thing is right, I go on praying for it. The great point is never to give up -ll the answer comes. The great fault of the children of God is, they do not con-nue in prayer; they do not persevere. If they desire anything for God's glory, they should pray un-l they get it." When it comes to God's -metable, let's not get impa-ent. Let's stay persistent in prayer. As Jesus said, we ought not to faint in prayer. And, let's keep looking and expec-ng an answer, no ma@er how God chooses to get the job done.
Michael A. Verdicchio is a husband, father, minister, author, and broadcaster. He has also been the voice on numerous projects and produc-ons including Mike's Pep Talks! Visit him online at conďŹ denceandjoy.com.
A Servant or a Son?
By Neil Justin
There is a fundamental dierence that lies between a servant and a son or a daughter. In royalty, it is the descendants of the king who inherit the kingdom rather than the servants. This is not to say that children do not serve their fathers and mothers. However, the inheritance is generally reserved for those who are within the family. While servants do get wages for their labor, an inheritance far outweighs wages. In the church, there are many of us who are involved in ministry. It is a wonderful thing to not just be a part of the kingdom of God, but to also be ac-vely involved in some capacity. As cool as it may be to have such a privilege of the call of God on our lives, there's a reason why the scripture says "many are called but few are chosen." The reason is because while many fall into the category of servants in the church and in the kingdom, few fall into the category of sons and daughters. I'm not talking about being a child of God. That's a given for everyone who is saved. What I'm talking about is being a true son or daughter in the ministry. This has li@le to do with posi-on or status and everything to do with the heart. How is your heart toward your leaders in the ministry? Are you willing to cover them in prayer? Do you endeavor to li9 their burdens and be an anoin-ng to them? Is it your desire to honor and love them not just in word, but in your giving? Can you be close enough to them to see the aws and their humanity and have the heart to cover their nakedness rather than expose and cri-cize (sadly, it's been said that Chris-anity is the only army where we kill our wounded!)? Are you able to take the chas-sement of your spiritual father and mother and learn from them? We look at many of the ministers today with such heavy anoin-ng on their lives -- whether it be in music, preaching, pastoring, praying, or something else -- with such wonder. Many of us are so amazed to see what God can do through these individuals, and we believe that God has placed us in ministries and under various people to show us what He has in store for us. We want to do everything that God has for us to do, and we try to posi-on ourselves to receive that anoin-ng over our lives to launch out and walk in our calling. Some of us, truth be told, simply desire the anoin-ng we see other people have. Here's the interes-ng thing: the anoin-ng is transferred, not "manufactured". In order to inherit the anoin-ng, you can't just be a servant working for wages with no heart connec-on to the one you're submi@ed to. You must go beyond servanthood and enter the level of sonship. So what are you today? A servant? Or a son? Selah www.NeilJustin.com
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WOMEN IN MINISTRY Evangelist Amy Holmes is truly a woman after the heart of God. She has witnessed pain and suffering first hand, yet has learned to submit and praise God through all her trials and tribulations. She knows that what she has gone through is only to help someone else get through and that our test and trials only come to make us strong. She stands on the scripture found in Revelation 12:11 that says; “they overcome him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony�.
FOUNDER: Latter House Ministries, Int'l WEBSITE: www.livefreeinside.org
Nancy Douglas speaks, teaches, and writes through the Olive Leaf Ministries where her testimony of discovering God in the midst of great pain and tragedy touches the hearts of all who hear her speak. She and her husband, Jimmy have been married for 24 years. They have two children and currently reside in Kansas City, Missouri.
FOUNDER: Olive Leaf Ministries WEBSITE: www.oliveleafministries.com
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Focused on her core mission to nurture, enlighten, and embrace women in ministry from all denominations and cultures, whose purpose is to advance the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Evangelist Nichelle L. Early GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
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Evangelist Nichelle L. Early is a young ministry gi9 tailor made by the po@er for this last hour. With the Master’s hand and power manifest upon her life, Nichelle has become a well-groomed servant ministering the good -dings of Jesus Christ while encouraging the saints of the Most High and sinners alike, to be loosed from places of desola-on and barrenness and released to “break forth” into the supernatural promises and blessings of God. As the founder of BreakForth Ministries and Consul-ng, Inc., the parent organiza-on of Break Forth Rivers of Living Water Ministries andwww.PreachingWoman.com, the Lord has allowed Nichelle to serve faithfully in evangelis-c ministry for over 18 years. During this tenure, God has allowed her to harvest hundreds of souls into the Kingdom of God. With an undeniable prophe-c anoin-ng, God has bestowed upon Nichelle the ability to minister a -mely, relevant, and seasoned word to many. As a result, the influence of her ministry has broken through denomina-onal and cultural barriers, thus affording her the privilege of impac-ng thousands of people across varied and dis-nct plaNorms. With the launch of PreachingWoman.com, she has expanded the plaNorm of her personal ministry, connec-ng with a global audience, and spreading the libera-ng message of love, hope, healing, and restora-on through Christ Jesus. Nichelle is on a mission to educate, equip, and encourage Chris-ans, especially women, who share her passion to advance the Kingdom of God. She’s on the cuQng edge of both business and
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ministry, and shows no signs of stopping. A notable expert in the areas of: Public Rela-ons, Training and Development, Program Management, Human Resources and Recruitment, Nichelle is a respected authority in her field. She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Public Rela-ons. Nichelle also holds a Master Trainer, PMP, ITIL, and other numerous cer-fica-ons.
er they reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area where he is a re-red NFL football player. Together they coadministrate Break Forth Ministries and Consul-ng, Inc. with the chief focus of knowing that ministry is about people and seeing them “Break Forth” into kingdom purpose by achieving and receiving all that God has for purposed for them in this present world and eternity. If together they could only share one Word it would be, “Break Forth, it’s -me for the world to know you!” GWM
Nichelle knows that God has given her a great source of wisdom in her life companion, Bro. Michael Early. Togeth-
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You Can't Fit a Square Pegged Man Into the Circle of Your Life BY OLIVIA D. STITH
Let it be known what I’m ready to say is for both men and women. I’m just focusing on things from a woman’s perspec-ve, so brothers keep your cool and bear with a sister. I want to talk to you for a moment on a bad habit many of us have and need to break out of, it’s trying to maintain a rela-onship with people who simply do not fit into our circle of life, I call them “square pegs”. I will be the first to admit that I have tried over and over to keep a man in my life or a posi-on in my life that he could not fit, like that square in a circle. We have to realize that by a@emp-ng to put someone for example into a rela-onship that is not meant to be will only lead to frustra-on. Imagine trying to force a square into circle with all your energy. Regardless how you try and force it, it won't work. That's reality. However in our own lives, we fail to see things through the reality that the Spirit shows us and try to make things work on our efforts. How many -mes do we a@empt to try and make a person enjoy the things we do, see the dreams we have, accept the lifestyle we in and they don't? Count the number of -mes you have just given up on what you believe, things you are striving for only to appease someone else. Now don't get me wrong, there is a difference between sacrificing some things in order to compromise in a rela-onship than it is to compromise and lose your iden-ty. Every person you meet simply will not fit. This does not mean they are bad people, it just means in your circle of life they have no place. Yet in order to not be lonely, or to sa-sfy some other need, we se@le. We se@le for that person in hopes things will fall together even when we see they don't. Now you both constantly argue and bicker, you giving in, He is not, or He is giving in and you are not. Its not just one thing; its many things. From the outside looking in most close friends may tell you to just move on, but you don't. Ask yourself why are you trying to make a rela-onship that's not fiQng to con-nue to go on? Examine your mo-ves. Are you truly being fair to that person or either yourself? Yes it takes work for a rela-onship to grow, but you never should have to force things to develop. You can't force someone to see things your way, or feel what you feel. That's a
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personal choice they have to make. You can't get angry because a person chooses to take the northern route and you want to go south. When you keep backtracking to follow them and become unhappy and then they turn around to follow you and become unhappy and then you repeat the cycle. Are you all really geQng anywhere? How many days, months, years are you going to keep trying to fit a square into your circle? When are you going to take the responsibility and realize that everyone is not for you?
“We fail to see things through the reality that the Spirit shows us and try to make things work on our efforts.” Its -me to evaluate the special people in your life. You see a square reaches a point and then it turns into another direc-on. It goes for a while reaches a corner and then turns another way. Do you want your life to con-nue this way? Are they making your circle con-nue to go around and around? Is their love never ending? Can you find the beginning and end of a circle? That's how the real love that fits in your life will be on going. There is no beginning or end, for God himself divinely put it together. Even in that special one's death you may have a love for them. The cycle con-nues and con-nues, just like your circle of life. Now wasn't that fiQng!!! Blessings, Livi S-th
Chris-an Rela-onship Minister/Author "If God Is My Lover...Why Is My Bed So Cold" "Lord is Boaz Lost?...Or Am I Just in the Wrong Field?" www.trimannaproduc-ons.com
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LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE BY AYANA ELON
When I was a li@le girl, I wanted to save the world. I was going to be "Superwoman" for all na-ons. I had planned to find a cure for AIDS, provide food for malnourished people in Africa, and give the homeless a place to live. Yeah, I was going to do all that and a lot more. I said I was going to show the world that I was SHE who would make everything all right. I couldn't wait un-l I was grown so that I could make all of my dreams come true...to change the world. Did you have the same dreams or dreams of something similar? The truth is, as I got older, my dreams got clouded by rela-onships, children, and everyday issues. I s-ll wanted to make some things happen, but I put a lot of the things I wanted to do on hold. In 2006, God gave me a clear vision for my ministry. At that -me, I was s-ll in a sin rela-onship and was not about to give up my place of comfort just to go into ministry. Being with my ex was a familiar place to me and while I knew OF GOD, I really didn't have a rela-onship with HIM. Some-mes, people are afraid of the unknown. I know I was. I believed that there is a GOD, but my faith was out of whack! My faith was like a half-empty cup that is supposed to be full. My faith wasn't strong enough to believe in God to take care of me so that I could make my dreams a reality. I was just exis-ng. I did have some drive to start puQng things in mo-on for my ministry, but just not enough faith. I had a lot of doubts though. I was scared. I didn't want to sacrifice anything in order to try to make something good happen only to end up failing in the end. I was also scared that I would let God down. I thought for sure that I was going
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to
completely
mess
some
things
up.
I always believed in my dreams. While I do realize that I may not be the one to find a cure for AIDS, I can raise money to give to the organiza-ons who are commi@ed to finding one. I can take food dona-ons to help provide the hungry with something to eat. I can also help build houses for the homeless. Anything is possible...always has been and always will be. What are your dreams? How much belief do you have in them? How much belief do you have in God to cover you while you pursue them? Manifesta-on requires sacrifice. What do you have to sacrifice in order to make your dreams a reality? Some people have a tremendous amount of faith in God and so much belief in what they want to do in life that they never give up. If they try the first -me and things don't go as planned, they con-nue to get up and try again. I want to be that person...driven and commi@ed. I had to end a rela-onship in order to focus on my ministry. That was a very difficult decision for me to make, but everyone has a purpose. I want to live my life like I know it. I had to get to REALLY know GOD. Now, my faith is stronger. I stepped out on faith and He is covering me. If you want to pursue your dreams and you're filled with doubt, I encourage you to grow mentally and spiritually before deciding to go a9er your heart's desire. When you are ready to be commi@ed to living your life on purpose, go in with persistence and be willing to take risks. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. If the odds look like they are against you, find new strategies...revise your plans, but don't let your dreams remain untouched.
You've wasted enough -me.
You can make things happen.
Set out to live your life on purpose.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AYANA AND READ MORE OF HER WRITINGS, VISIT HER ONLINE AT WWW.AYANAELON.COM.
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Women Hating Women BY DANIELLE WALKER Why does our gender have such a complicated -me being suppor-ve, confident, and mature when dealing with our female counterparts? I am referring to a self-revela-on I experienced a long -me ago. Women can be unnecessarily intolerable and demeaning to each other for no reason other than a subconscious personal vicinity viola-on. I am s-ll occasionally guilty of an intruding thought of enviousness or an irrelevant conversa-on about entertaining business not my own, perfec-on I will not claim. The key is for you to remain cognizant of how quickly you can fall vic-m to this unconstruc-ve behavior and make the conscious effort to manage it. Am I saying it is wrong to discuss entertaining things with your friends and family? No, of course not! However, everything has its -me and place. I can come home and have a hilarious conversa-on with my husband about a ridiculous dress I saw someone in…or perhaps some crazy rumor I heard in the break room on lunch that day. However, would it remain appropriate for me to have that same hilarious conversa-on about that ridiculous dress… while the person wearing it was s-ll in passing? Is it wise for me to discuss that wild rumor with another co-worker (who then of course immediately returns the favor to his or her coworker(s) of choice)? I suppose you can say “That’s how I heard it!” right…Through the grapevine. Hmmm, so does contribu-ng to the sustenance of a problem, not make you part of that problem as well? You throw trash out onto a well-li@ered highway, you are s-ll li@ering. You con-nue to pass and discuss gossip (no ma@er how hot it was on the airwaves before reaching you), you are s-ll gossiping. It is that simple. “Look at her…she knows she is wrong for that ouNit!”… ”She is so stuck up, why does she think she is all that?”… ”I heard she has slept with half the office and has the rest on a wai-ng list”…”I bet her hair is fake…her clothes are cheap…I heard this, I heard that….she did this, she did that…” I could go on and on…because that is what we do as women. We go on and on. Let me ask you this, Have you ever worn some-
thing that did not compliment your structure well? Have you ever made an honest mistake or a poor decision that backfired on you nega-vely? Have you ever fallen for the sweet words of a charmer only to find out you were just another notch in his belt? Have you ever had a lie told on you that erupted to uncontrollable wide spread knowledge? Have you ever been/slept/flirted with someone that you KNEW you had no business doing any of the above with, and NO one found out? This self-analysis should be done before passing any type of judgment on another (especially one that can cause a 3rd party to have an inaccurate preconcep-on about a person they don’t even know) In addi-on to the fact that we are all imperfect creatures, you also lack the important knowledge of a person’s history. So you encounter an overweight woman switching by with her head held high spor-ng an ouNit a tad bit on the snug side, you immediately cackle with your closest hens about how ridiculous she looks. I’ll bet you didn’t know that she used to be, only a short while ago, 150 pounds heavier than she is now. That pep in her step was placed there by a drama-c reduc-on in weight, a healthier lifestyle, and a posi-ve escala-on of confidence. My point is that you never know WHAT a person has been through or how your words and ac-ons can affect their lives. What you think is a bad wig, may be the only thing that woman can afford a9er paying medical bills for chemo treatments. What you think is a horrible ouNit may be all a person was able to scrounge together a9er losing everything they had in a family tragedy. Use your words to upli9 others, not to tear them down. Use your ac-ons to promote unity and love, not nega-vity and division. Reciprocate the same respect you demand from others… Ladies, it’s -me to make a posi-ve change in the way we support each other. Do not let jealousy, hate, poor selfconfidence, and shallow mindsets dictate your character. You are a Queen...you words and ac-ons should radiate dignity, poise, confidence, and maturity. Remember; if we cannot say anything nice… we shouldn't say anything at all! WWW.PENMYWORLD.COM
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THE LORD GUARDS HIS PEOPLE BY MAURICE FARMER, JR.
I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and earth. He will not be defeated. He who guards you never sleeps. He who guards Israel never rests or sleeps. The Lord guards you. The Lord is the shade that protects you from the sun. The sun cannot hurt you during the day, and the moon cannot
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hurt you at night. The Lord will protect you from all dangers; He will guard your life. The Lord will guard you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalms 121:1-8 The Lord will take care of us, but we must obey His Teachings, Laws, and Commands. We must be focused on His ways and not our won ways. You can't expect God to take care you when you joining yourself into voluntary sin. You must know deep down in your heart where your blessings, favor, mercy, knowledge, wisdom, money, love come from. God provides all us with wisdom, but we must con-nue to want more wisdom. The way to get wisdom is to ask for it. Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall ďŹ nd and knock and the door will be opened. God is basically telling us that we must depend on Him. When you are opera-ng in God's will, He takes care of you, and you needs are always met. I encourage you to allow God to be your source and allow God to guide your footsteps. Amen.
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How Do I Worship God? E
ach week people of faith enter churches and houses of God to worship and learn more about Him through the scriptures and messages presented by their pastors or spiritual teachers. During most services, believers will sing songs, clap their hands, and praise God as a form of worshipping and exal-ng Him. These services allows believers to come together in fellowship and worship God corporately. But is this all there is to worshipping God? Is worshipping God limited to a church service or singing, clapping, or dancing before the Lord? Jesus said in John 4:24, that God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth, for these are the types of worshipers that God seeks. But what does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth? Worshipping God in truth means that we follow God according to what is Biblically and spiritually sound or correct instead of tradi-on. Religious tradi-ons are long-established or inherited customs and rules we learn in church that have very li@le to do with developing a close rela-onship with God. Tradi-ons are usually based on specific do's and don'ts that supposedly make us look holy on the outside but do nothing to change the condi-on of our heart or renew the mind. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, God doesn't look at our outer appearance. He looks at who we are. He looks at our mo-va-on. He looks at our heart.
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in
In Mark 7: 1-10, Jesus scolded the religious leaders for their tradi-ons when they ques-oned Jesus about his disciplines washing their hands on the Sabbath day. "So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradi-on of the elders instead of ea-ng their food with 'unclean' hands?"
spirit and in truth.”
- John 4:24
He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is wri@en: " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the tradi-ons of men." And he said to them: "You have a fine way of seQng aside the commands of God in order to observe your own tradi-ons!" Secondly, God wants us to worship him in spirit. I think we some-mes forget that God is a spiritual-being. He's not of flesh
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and bone like men. He is omnipresence meaning God is everywhere at the same -me. Unfortunately, all too o9en we're taught we serve and love God by performing a lot of religious ac-vi-es. I remember over and over hearing that the more involved I was in church, the more faithful or serious I was about my Chris-an walk. But it was Jesus who mildly scolded Martha for insis-ng that Mary help her with all the dinner prepara-ons. Jesus expressed, Martha, I want you to know that Mary has chosen that which was best, to sit and abide with me. (Luke 10:41 paraphrased) Worshipping God in spirit means to abide with God in unity and oneness. It means spending -me with God, just as Jesus did on a daily basis. It was Jesus' desire that we become one with God, just as "I and my Father are one," said Christ. Becoming one with God means communing with Him and as we do, our spirits intertwine and we become one spirit, leQng God's light shine through us. Worshipping God in spirit and truth means elimina-ng those beliefs, tradi-ons, customs, rules and any other spiritual barriers that may be interfering with you knowing God on an in-mate level or knowing God in spirit and truth.
Rhonda Jones is the author of 22 Chris-an medita-on and affirma-on CDs, visit The Chris-an Meditator to find medita-ons and affirma-ons CDs on weight loss, healing, healthy living, peace, joy, and more. www.thechris-anmeditator.com
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THE POWER OF A PRAYING PARENT BY JOY OBIHARA
The Power of a Praying Parent engages in faith as the starting point and the basis by which other graces of the spirit dwells.
In the Bible, Proverbs (1:8) it says: "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching".
A praying parent is there to advice their children on the discipline of the word of God because there is vital necessity for children to have this guidance while growing to maturity.
The Power of Prayers on parents have been demonstrated and given in various verses in the Bible, and as we grow in faith and conviction, it becomes clearer to us, as parents to mentor our children as part of our faith, as is our joyful purpose in life.
A praying parent is a role model in mentoring their children into understanding and living by faith and the word of God. It instils the morals and duties they must exert as contributory members of society. So, "Faith is the foundation on which these morals in prayer are built". However, much depends on the starting point of absolute faith in Praying Power, and as a parent when you pray effectively, you are sowing the seed of faith which your children will emulate in their morals as growing members of society.
“A praying parent is a role model in mentoring their children into understanding and living by faith and the word of God.� Doubt and fear should be entirely banished from your consciousness, because they work against you in prayers. It causes restlessness, anxiety and tension that creates negative energy in prayers. When doubt and fear creep in, hold to the truth that God loves you and that you are seeking Gods blessing by your reaching out in prayers.
So, you include them in your prayers, seeking their fruitful and healthy growth in the Lord.
The Bible tells you to Ask, seek and knock and that it shall be given you, according to your faith.
In doing this, they learn to grow in the grace of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of prayers in their daily lives.
So, as a praying parent, take your mind and eyes off the body during prayers, (ie our eyes should be taken off self, and be removed from our own weaknesses) thereby allowing you to rest implicitly upon God's strength and his Almighty Spirit of love that knows no boundaries. While you do this, your children too will see the strength in you and their growth in faith and prayers will be increased on a daily basis.
Now, when you pray, do it with your children and have absolute conviction and faith, understanding that God is there for your family always. A praying parent will develop much Praying Power, as their practice of effective prayers increase.
www.prayingpower.org/SEO.html
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WHAT DOES GOD THINK OF RICH PEOPLE? BY MICHAEL A. VERDICCHIO
W
hat does God think of rich people? You and I know what many people say about rich people. You've probably heard phrases like "filthy rich," "s-nking rich," or "greedy rich people," a@ributed to those who are wealthy.
very rich. Job was the greatest man in the East. He lost everything and God restored double back to him! If he had so much wealth, and then lost everything, isn't it interes-ng that God gave him back double of what he lost. God did that for Job.
For some, it seems that there is an underlying belief that being rich is wrong, and yet, most people wouldn't mind it at all if an extra zero or two, or three, were added to the end of their bank account balance.
In the Bible, Abraham is called the friend of God and the father of all them that believe. Abraham was very rich in ca@le, silver and gold. How about David or Solomon? The list goes on and on.
Some people assume that those who are rich got their wealth dishonestly, or never had to work for it. Some see the rich as snobs who look down upon the rest of the world. It is rare to find someone who is actually glad that someone else has tremendous wealth! Many people think that rich people don't deserve to be rich, in other words, it's wrong to be rich. It's just not fair for people to have all that money! There are some religious people who actually think that being rich is not right in the sight of God. But what does the Bible say? O9en misquoted, the Bible does not say that money is the root of all evil; rather, it says that the love of money is the root of all evil. That means that you could have a dollar and love it, or, you could have a million dollars and not love a dime of it. When you take a minute to stop and think, there are a number of great people men-oned in the Bible who were
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“There are some religious people who actually think that being rich is not right in the sight of God.” When Jesus died, it was Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, who took care of the burial. He had a wonderful heart for God. He had the means to do what he did. It may seem quite easy to argue that those men-oned above were special people with special reasons for having riches, or that they were a rare excep-on. There are some who believe that those who are wealthy are just "meant to be" wealthy. But If that is true, why are there so many promises of prosperity in the Bible? Nothing in the Scriptures even remotely hints that God chooses who is going to be wealthy and who is going to be poor, and the rest are just supposed to exist
somewhere in the middle. If that were really true, then so many promises of help, blessings and prosperity wouldn't be so prevalent. A number of years ago, "The Prayer of Jabez" was very popular. All the items that were associated with it were basically derived from one verse in the Bible: I Chronicles 4:10. If you read that verse, you'll find that Jabez simply asked God to bless him, to enlarge his coast, to be with him, and to keep him from evil. God granted Jabez what he requested! God didn't say what most people would have said: "Hey there, Jabez, you're geQng greedy. Why don't you just be sa-sfied with what you have?" No. God gave him what he requested. Over the past ten years or so, a number of preachers have been labeled "prosperity preachers." Some of those have preached an honest message of God's abundance, while others have polluted the message with something short of a circus act.
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Biblically, prosperity simply means that you are successful at what you are endeavoring to do. Only you can define prosperity for yourself. It may involve a lot of money and it may not. But God plainly states in the Bible that He wishes above all things that we prosper and be in health. Wealth can be obtained honestly or dishonesty - ethically or unethically. But far too many people too quickly judge those who are wealthy and successful. I personally know a number of Chris-ans who are millionaires, and they are very loving and giving people. I think it is a shame that a lot of wonderful, successful Chris-ans, are being unfairly judged and condemned by their brothers and sisters in Christ, because of the blessings they have received from God. They work hard, apply effec-ve principles, expect God's blessings, and receive from Him abundantly. So, what does God think of rich people? Is God displeased with the wealthy? Does He want everyone to be poor? No. God desires, above all things, for all His children to prosper and to be in health. Prosperity is a blessing from God that is available to all.
Michael A. Verdicchio is a husband, father, minister, author, and broadcaster. He has also been the voice on numerous projects and produc-ons including Mike's Pep Talks! Visit him online at www.confidenceandjoy.com.
Your Ad Could Be Here Contact Us Today For Rates and Custom Packages sales@godworksmagazine.com
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Has Youth Ministry Gone Astray? According to Barna Research group, 63% of Christian teens don't believe Jesus is the Son of the one true God, 58% believe all faiths teach equally valid truths and 27% of Christian seventeen year olds have had intercourse. Uplifting, no? I think a lot of this has to do with the way we've done youth ministry for the past twenty years: too much pizza. Pepsi and dodge ball, not enough Biblical based instruction/reasoning.
“It is not the entertainment I'm against; it is the complete emphasis on entertainment that has crept into youth ministry that has me alarmed.�
I've worked in youth ministry since 1990 and have noticed a trend away form instruction and towards entertainment and a drop in behavioral standards as well as a pathological fear of "the parents". In short, some of the youth pastors I work with have "lost their nerve." They are afraid to teach Biblical apologetics because the "kids will be bored" afraid to promote sexual abstinence because "it's an awkward subject" and afraid to uphold high standards of behavior because, "parents might get upset if I discipline their kid."
From my vantage point as a touring Christian comedian and speaker it appears some Youth pastors and speakers have moved form ministry to entertainment. Entertainment is safe: pizza, skiing games - the kids love them and the parents are happy because the kids are happy and the Senior Pastor's happy because the parents are happy and nobodies calling him complaining about the youth ministry. Now, as a Christian comedian, it may seem odd that I'm coming out against entertainment in ministry. It is not the entertainment
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I'm against; it is the complete emphasis on entertainment that has crept into youth ministry that has me alarmed. I use comedy as a left jab to set my audience up for "the truth". My shows address sexual abstinence, apologetics, racism/bullying and a whole host of tough topics. The comedy is the vehicle, not an end in itself. Entertainment in youth ministry is appropriate when used as a tool - it should not be an end in itself. The contemporary Christian band used to open for the speaker who delivered a Biblical based message, now it opens for - another band.
“We have produced a generation quite unable to defend their faith or even articulate what that faith means.” Nowhere is the avoidance of intellectual heavy lifting more apparent then in the areas of apologetics and sex. We have produced a generation quite unable to defend their faith or even articulate what that faith means. They are, however, quite comfortable wearing their Christian t-shirts and know all the lyrics to the most recent Third Day hit. Given the current attacks on Christianity, the avoidance of teaching apologetics is inexplicable...unless the current attacks on Christianity ARE the reason some youth pastors are avoiding apologetics. In other words, are some youth pastors not taking a stand because it is harder now to take a stand then it was in the 80s and early 90s? Or stated differently, popular youth culture is intolerant of conservative Christianity, so have we stopped promoting conservative Christian principals in order to better appeal to the youth the popular culture is sending us? Is the lack of Biblical
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instruction in many youth programs just a reflection of the culture? Is the popular culture affecting the way Christian youth speakers and pastors deal with sex? I had two discussions while out on the road (Yes, I still get hired despite my radical, "confront the culture/ teach something" stance) that answered this for me. Just before I hit the stage one of the sponsors approached me and said, "Tone it down a little on the "sex thing" a lot of these kids have been sexually active and several have children." In other words he didn't want to offend the sexually active teens in the audience and apparently, he didn't want to take the flack for taking a Biblical stance. Two weeks later, just before hitting the stage I got a very different comment from the host church youth pastor, "Hit them hard, a lot of my kids are sexually active, I'll take a few phone calls, but it's worth it." One Christian youth leader had conformed to the culture, one had not, one had lost his nerve, one had not...where do you fall?
Keith Deltano is a Christian Comedian and youth speaker that uses comedy to promote sexual abstinence, Christian apologetics, drug/debt free living, and a lack of conformity to typical American "Group Think". He is one of the most effective Christian Youth Speakers touring today. Visit him online at defyconformity.com.
TEEN SEX FACTS •
While teens might learn about the mechanics of sex from their parents and/or the classroom, they o0en learn sexual behavior from the media.
•
Teens list television as one of their primary sources for informa(on about sex.
•
The average teenager watches 3 hours of television per day which comes to 20,000 hours by the (me they graduate from high school; more (me than spent in the classroom.
•
Four out of ten 15-17 year olds say they have learned a fair amount from TV about sexually transmi8ed diseases.
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70% of parents of teens say they have had a conversa(on about a sexual issue with their child because of something one of them saw on a TV show.
•
Three out of four prime(me shows include some kind of sexual content.
•
40% of teens say they get ideas from TV about how to talk with their partners about sexual issues.
For more facts and informa(on, visit The Henry J. Kaiser Family Founda(on at www.kff.org.
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Gifts: Faith and Healing
P
aul said that God works in His church, His people, through a variety of means. And that in spite of the variety of ways that God makes Himself manifest there is always a unity that binds the different manifestations of His work together. He now enumerates several of the more common gifts as examples of how this unity in diversity works. His list is not complete, but it is significant. There are other gifts that God gives to His people. In fact, all of what we call talents and abilities are gifts of God. While we donʹt want to limit Godʹs gifts to these few that Paul mentions here, neither do we want to discount the importance of those listed.
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1 Corinthians 12:8 distinguishes two important gifts: the ability to speak words of wisdom and words of knowledge. It is important to notice the difference between wisdom and knowledge. They are related, yet distinct. Wisdom is the Greek word sophia. However, Paul does not have the Gnostic goddess Sophia in mind. Paul is not teaching Gnosticism, though that is what Gnostics think he is doing. Rather, Paul uses the word in its generic meaning. According to Webster the word (wisdom) means the right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and the choice of the best means to accomplish those ends.
“Wisdo m and knowle dg e a r e gifts of t h e S pi rit that are manifes t in the wor ds (logo s) of His p eople.” Knowledge, on the other hand, is more akin to science and the gathering of information and facts in order to understand how things work. As Paul uses these two words here, knowledge has to do with understanding how the world works, and wisdom has to do with using that knowledge in the service of God,
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according
to
Scripture.
How do we know that Paul is talking about the use of wisdom and knowledge in relation to God and not in a more generic sense? Because he said that they are ʺgiven through the Spiritʺ (1 Corinthians 12:8). The Spirit is the vehicle of their delivery to the hearts and minds of Christians. Wisdom and knowledge are gifts of the Spirit that are manifest in the words (logos) of His people.
“There is unity and corroboration between everything that comes from God. There is unity in the Scriptures, unity of doctrine (teaching), unity of purpose.” Of course the word logos means more than mere words. It also means the structure and energy that shapes and gives meaning to words. John wrote, ʺIn the beginning was the Word (logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was madeʺ (John 1:1-3). Logos is the root of the English word logic. From all this we see that the gifts of wisdom and knowledge make sense of the world and of Godʹs Word -- Scripture. We know that the correct understanding of Scripture requires personal regeneration because it requires the presence and power of
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the Holy Spirit to directly lead and guide the spirit of each Christian. And the same thing is true with regard to knowledge of the world. Regeneration is necessary in order to understand the world correctly, from Godʹs perspective, from a biblical perspective -- the only true perspective. And again, the only true perspective always comes ʺaccording to the same Spiritʺ (1 Corinthians 12:8). There is unity and corroboration between everything that comes from God. There is unity in the Scriptures, unity of doctrine (teaching), unity of purpose. But this unity is not a ʺcookie-cu;erʺ type of unity. Rather, there is a great diversity of gifts, many different manifestations of the Spirit, a diversity of thoughts and ideas, different ways of doing things. But the diversity, the differences, are always trumped by the unity of the Godhead. And our best understanding of that unity is shaped by our understanding of the Trinity -- one, yet three; three, yet one; all pulling in the same direction, all working toward or with the same purpose. In 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul lists other gifts that are subsumed under the unity of the Spirit: faith, healing (note the comma -- not faith healing), miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues and interpretation of tongues. Letʹs consider each one in turn. Faith First is faith (pistis). The Greek word is defined as persuasion, credence and/or moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), and especially reliance upon Christ for salvation. We
might be;er understand this gift as faithfulness, being loyal and steadfast. But it is not generic loyalty, it is loyalty to Jesus Christ. Nor is it generic steadfastness, it is steadfastness to Godʹs truth in Scripture. Faith is related to our perseverance in Christ and Godʹs preservation of His people. Being faithful is not simply a ma;er of believing and trusting in Christ, but believing rightly, correctly -- that is to say, not believing falsely. It is both a commitment to being truthful and loyalty to Godʹs truth. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, ʺFor by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of Godʺ (Ephesians 2:8). This gift is by grace and through faith, as are all Godʹs gifts. And that means that all of the other gifts stand on or issue from the gift of faith or faithfulness to Jesus Christ as a foundation and/or source. Healing Second on Paulʹs list is healing. The Greek literally means cure. There are two Greek words that are translated as healing in the New Testament. The most common is therapeuo, the root of the English word therapy and literally means to wait upon. We can think of it as a kind of nursing. The other word (iama) is used only here and in Acts 4:22, ʺFor the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty
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years old.ʺ It refers to the healing of the lame beggar in Acts 3.2 This healing provides a fascinating story of a social outcast who was reintegrated into the community as a result of his healing by Peter. Note several things about this healing: 1) Peter did it, 2) upon being healed the beggar, ʺstood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising Godʺ (Acts 3:8), 3) his presence in the Temple amazed and upset the congregation, 4) Peter used the disturbance as an opportunity to preach, and 5) ʺas they (Peter and John) were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested themʺ (Acts 4:1-3). Clearly, the healing indicated by this particular word had an effect or an impact on more than the man who was healed. It affected the whole community. It revealed the bankruptcy of the Old Testament Temple culture, revealed Jesus Christ as the source of the miracle that healed the lame beggar, and resulted in the beggarʹs reintegration into society -- the new culture of the New Testament church. All of this is to say that the gift of healing that Paul identifies here has a holistic character that includes much more than the physical restoration of one personʹs health. The healing Paul had in mind was a cultural healing or restoration.
Phillip A. Ross is the author of many Christian books, which can be found at h;p://www.Pilgrim-Platform.org . In 2008 he published a exposition First Corinthians that demonstrates the Apostle Paulʹs opposition to worldly Christianity. Ross recounts how Paul turned the world upside down in his book, Arsy Varsy -- Reclaiming the Gospel in First Corinthians.
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God's Word and a Healthy Diet GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
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Godʹs Word. The bible is full of scriptures that teach us that God wants us to eat a healthy diet. The most important in my opinion is Genesis 1:29 where God says ʺLook! I have given you the seed-bearing plants throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.ʺ This means to me that as God created the earth and the air, water, plants and animals; he created the best for us. He told us that we should eat fruit, vegetables and that which grows from the ground as our food. Throughout time we have rejected God and his plan for our lives and we as people have decided our way is be;er than his way. So we choose to eat what we want.
not intend us to be in bondage, but to be healthy. Christianity, Judism, and Islamic religions, among others, have all denounced eating pork as a religious tenant. Some religious leaders even take it to the point of teaching people will lose their relationship with God for doing so. This is not Godʹs intention. He wanted us to be healthy. He even named a long list of foods not to eat, yet many only focus on pork. In reality if we wanted to follow Godʹs Word as a law we should follow Genesis 1:29 and all be vegetarians.
Levitical Diet. Then God called man in relationship with himself through Abraham and his descendants. As the people were disobedient, they went into captivity and God called Moses to be his instrument of freedom for his chosen people. In that role God spoke directly to Moses (often face to face) and gave Moses laws. These laws were to protect man from himself. The law was not to be taken as a new religion but to guide man in doing the best for himself. For no one can be saved by the law. The law was only to keep order. Unfortunately, religious leaders have taken the law and began to serve it. In the Levitical Laws on what to eat and what not to eat, most only people have focused on pork. Yes pork is not good for us. Our bodies are not meant to eat pork. Yet, God did
The Daniel Diet. Even Daniel followed a vegetarian diet and proved that we would be stronger and healthier by eating fresh fruit and vegetables instead of the finest meats. But to bring it to modern times we need to understand what the New Testament teaches on eating a healthy diet. Peter, Paul, and Jesus all taught that it is not what you ate the made you unclean. This meant our salvation is not based on our diet. In the New Testament we are taught that we can eat whatever we want. But that does not make whatever we eat healthy. Jesus said he did not come to change
any part of the law and that he was not contradicting anything that God had given us in the Old Testament. You see God did not change, nor did his word. Man is like grass and flowers that pass away at the end of their season, but the Word of God is eternal and its truth never changes.
Healthy Diet. “This means to me that as God created the earth and the air, water, plants and animals; he created the best for us.”
As a christian who studies the word I have realized that God made us to be vegetarians. The more obedient we are in following his word the healthier we will be. Follow Godʹs Word. Eat a healthy Diet. Be obedient to God and he will bless you with health and long life. Try him at his word and see for yourself. Be Blessed. Be a Blessing.
Louis Jeffries. As a healthy diet, fitness and weight loss professional coach, Louis publishes encouraging tips and advice to enhance our lives. Louis is commi#ed to share how people can lose weight, get fit and stay healthy. For additional free tips and advice go to Lose Weight . Visit Louis at his blog to learn more about Healthy Weight Loss Program and Advocare Herbal Nutritional Products to help you Lose Weight.
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10 Great Church websites 1
Many churches have recognized the importance of having a web presence. While some church web layouts are a little outdated, there are those that really stand out and are great enough to be on our list. Here are some of our favorites:
www.islandecc.hk
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2
www.kcrevolu-on.org
www.genera-onchurch.org
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www.kingsďŹ eldchurch.org
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www.rccjax.com
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www.[cedmond.org
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www.watermark.org
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www.memorialbap-stpa.org
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www.saintgregorys.org
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www.trinitybirmingham.com
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Nick Vujicic Photo Credit: Ra-sh Naroor (ra-shnaroor.com)
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Nick Vujicic
double Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning from Griffith University in Logan, Australia.
Nick, a renowned limbless speaker, was born in 1982 in Brisbane, Australia as the first child of a Serbian family. Without any medical explanation or warning, he came into the world with neither arms nor legs; the result of a rare Tetra-amelia disorder .
Today, aged 27, this Australian preacher is one of the most successful motivational speakers traveling the world, encouraging people by sharing his testimony.
Throughout his childhood, Nick dealt with the typical challenge of school and adolescence; along with depression and loneliness. Although he was not mentally impaired, he was prohibited by Victoria state law from attending a mainstream school because of his physical disability. Eventually the laws were changed and Nick became one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a mainstream school. He did not let his disability become a crutch. Instead, he learned how to do many things on his own including write, use a computer, comb his hair, brush his teeth, throw tennis balls, answer the phone, shave, play drum pedals, and get a glass of water. After school, he continued his education and obtained a
Nick wholeheartedly believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we each encounter in our lives, and that our attitude towards those struggles, along with our faith and trust in the Lord can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face.
Contact: International Headquarters: Life Without Limbs PO Box 2430 Agoura Hills, CA 91376 PHONE: 818-706-3300 Fax: 818-706-3363 Web: www.LifeWithoutLimbs.org
“Since his first speaking engagement back when he was 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story with millions of people, speaking to a range of different groups such as students, teachers, youth, businessmen and women, entrepreneurs, and church congregations of all sizes.” - Lifewithoutlimbs.org
Photo Credit: Ra-sh Naroor (ra-shnaroor.com)
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Watercolor by Pamela GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
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Pamela's Story “Your art speaks of healing,” said New York artist Makoto Fujimura. A few years ago in his book signing line, I showed him my homemade portfolio. He flipped through my Xeroxed reproductions. Years before, my parents had enrolled me in art lessons. At 11, my first painting sold. From then on, my fingernails often wore oil paint. Later my artwork joined Pepperdine University's permanent collection. Soon I began teaching art lessons. Then while I raised our four lively children—my volunteer models—my brushes lay dormant. In 2009, after picking up my brushes again, my artwork was selected for the National Juried Art Exhibition in Hilton Head, the gallery of the Valley Green Inn in Philadelphia, and the David DeJonge Studio and Gallery in Grand Rapids. In 2010, Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego and Children's Hospital of Denver, and Mott Children's Hospital of Ann Arbor added my artwork to their collections. By identifying my calling as “healing,” Fujimura empowered my creativity. And I discovered that each stroke within my paintings carries the potential to awaken the human heart. The subtle trail of the brush possesses the power to heal.
View more of Pamela’s work online: www.watercolorbypamela.com
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&
QA
Franklin Davis & Durward Davis Shed Some
GWM What or who influenced you to try out for Sunday's Best? FRANKLIN A lady at my church told me that God told her to tell me to go on the show and my response was, "No He didn't." I was rejected on American Idol and I didn't want to go through that again. Later, I went back to apologize to the lady for being so blunt. Again, I didn't want to go through what happened on American Idol and I didn't want my family to be hurt. I didn't want to deal with church folk, because most of the people don't know what I represent. I was what was needed for the show, because God used me for those that judged me. GWM
What were your first thoughts when you found out you had made it through at your audition?
FRANKLIN My life is about to change and I knew that it would. I knew I would be on the next level, because it's what I wrote. I cried. I was really emotional and I thought to myself, everything is coming together for me. Again, I was really happy for my family, because they were right there by my side the entire time.
“I didn't want to deal with church folk, because most of the people don't know what I represent.�
GWM How did your family react when they heard the news?
FRANKLIN They were very happy. I didn't tell very many people, because of not making it on American Idol. My family knew it would happen, because of their faith. GWM Before Sunday's Best, were you already performing publicly?
FRANKLIN Yes. I have a band called Franklin IV And The Unknown Artist. We performed in various places. I am a musician with a degree, so I was focused
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Franklin Davis on making this happen. Sunday's Best made me focus in on what I wanted to do.
GWM During the show, what was one of the hardest things you had to go through as a contestant?
FRANKLIN
The Judgment. (laughs) You're standing in front of people like Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin! Talking about pressure! All I wanted to do was to do my best and allow God to do the rest. If I could do it again, I would have been more of an extrovert. I was afraid and I didn't want to blow my chance, so I played it safe. I didn't want to lose my style, but I also wanted to not lose myself and get voted off.
GWM The contestants on the show seemed like a fun group. What is one of your most memorable "behind the scenes" moments?
FRANKLIN Let me think. Let me let you in on a secret. We (contestants) spoke on the phone all the time laughing and having a really good time. There were 19 of us on the first day. We sized one another up and in walked Mr. Goldwire. I asked, whose grandfather is he? When we found out that he was one of the contestants, we were all shocked and happy at the same time.
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Light On Their BET Sunday Best Experiences.
GWM
How has being on Sunday's Best changed
your life?
FRANKLIN It feels really weird, because people want to take pictures and want my autograph. I'm like why? Do you know how goofy I am? Hey Mr. Mohawk Guy from Sunday's Best is what some people call me. Some said I made them want to go to church and what I like most is the fact that I can welcome people to Christ. Just having and knowing that people are comfortable in church is what it's all about. I went to grad school in Minnesota and 5% were African Americans. I learned the cultural differences and it was amazing how we all worship God, but in different ways. We are all made by God, but in our own way.
Durward Davis
GWM If given the chance, would you do it all over again?
FRANKLIN
I definitely would and I would be more aggressive. I held back for the show, because I didn't want to do anything to ruin my chances. If I did it again, I would dye my hair blond. GWM
Franklin was interviewed by: Gregory Turner, CC, CL President and CEO The A.S.E. Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 16542 Tallahassee, Florida 32317-6542 (850) 728-1522
GWM What or who influenced you to try out for Sunday Best?
DURWARD To be honest with you no one actually influenced me to try out this season. I was watching the inspirational programming one Sunday morning and I felt like it was something that I was supposed to do and somehow I knew destiny was connected to doing it.
GWM
What were your first thoughts when you found out you had made it through at your audition?
DURWARD
Is this a joke…where is Ashton Kutcher…this has got to be a prank! I was in a state of paralysis and it didn’t become a reality until I stood on the stage for the first time.
GWM How did your family react when they heard the news?
DURWARD Initially I only shared the news with my mother and maybe one or two of my brothers in part because I was waiting on the final call. After I got the final I was calling to share with family members but I discovered that my folks can’t keep no secrets… they already knew but what was so great about it
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was…they were so supportive.
“I enjoyed my experience and I would encourage any and everyone to try out.”
TWEETS FOR GOD Kirkfranklin
GWM Before Sunday Best, were you already performing publicly? DURWARD Yes, I’ve been ministering in workshops, conferences, musicals and worship services around the country. GWM During the show, what was one of the hardest things you had to go through as a contestant?
DURWARD One of the hardest things for me was performing “I believe in you and Me”. It was challenging not because I didn’t think that I could do it. It was challenging because it was such a legendary song performed by the legendary Whitney Houston. Furthermore, the song was performed by Kim Burrell in honor of Whitney. I had no other choice but to nail this song as it could have been a determining factor in my career as an artist.
“If God is not fixing the problems u c right now, maybe its because He's busy fixing the ones u can't c. He's ALWAYS working on your behalf.”
Foxy_HotSawce “No ma@er where you are....or how loud it is around you....when God speaks...you'll hear him... ”
zip_Pthirtyone “SEASONS COME AND GO AND SO DO PEOPLE...BUT MY GOD WILL ALWAYS AND FOREVER BE HERE ”
GWM The contestants on the show seemed like a fun group. What is one of your most memorable “behind the scene” moments?
DURWARD One of my most memorable moments includes both the other contestants and one of the production assistants “Chris Sibley” when things would intense Chris would kind of keep everyone going and he wrote this little song that just kept everybody in stitches.
Emi4real “God is preparing the way for Victory. Believe He's there figh-ng your ba@le ”
GWM How has being on Sunday Best changed your life?
DURWARD Sunday Best changed my life in this manner. It has given me a platform that I would not otherwise have had. Fortunately for me I don’t have to have the same struggles of breaking into the industry as other budding artist.
Karlie_2009 “is true to herself and true to God and knows everything else will simply fall into place <3 ”
GWM If given the chance, would you do it all over again?
DURWARD If given the chance I would certainly do it all over again and I would compete the same way with the exception of being sick. I enjoyed my experience and I would encourage any and everyone to try out…you never know what God will do with your act of faith. GWM
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GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED GET INVOLVED Read the stories of volunteers and the ways they have helped others. Be inspired. Get Involved. You Can Help.
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Taryn Adam
A fast food restaurant on a sunny a9ernoon in Sacramento is an unlikely spot for cultural exchange, yet for Taryn Adams and her Bhutanese visitors, it was a moment of real connec-on. Her passengers, Ganga and Bhima, had recently arrived in the United States from a refugee camp in Nepal. On this a9ernoon, Taryn was taking the siblings to the mall to fill out job applica-ons. Flummoxed by the figure in a Jack in the Box sign, the two turned Taryn for answers. It took some -me, but eventually Taryn was able to help her two visitors understand that the strange character was a jack. In a box. The kind that jumps out of a box. It was a toy. The secret, as Taryn recalls, was all in the wrists. "I used my hands to demonstrate," she says, and she made mo-ons to illustrate what a jack in the box is. Ganga was the first to get it. Laughing, he nodded his head and said, "Oh, I know what that is!" Recalling that day, Taryn marvels at the
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language of non-verbal communica-on and how much can be shared with just a few gestures. Taryn met Ganga and Bhima through a program of the Interna-onal Rescue Commi@ee, or IRC. On the ground in 42 countries, IRC provides support and relief to people and countries affected by violence. Among other roles, IRC volunteers work closely with staff members to tutor refugees in basic English skills, help refugees write resumes and prepare for job interviews, and contact poten-al employers on behalf of refugees. The organiza-on uses VolunteerMatch as part of its recruitment strategy for local chapters in San Diego, Tucson, Sea@le, Boise, and elsewhere. Ganga and Bhima were just two of more than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees who have been in camps in Nepal for more than decade flee-ng ethnic persecu-on in their home. Beginning in 2008, many, like Ganga and Bhima, have been rese@led to the U.S. Taryn came across the lis-ng for Interna-onal Rescue Commi@ee a9er being laid off from her job as an assistant manager for a department store. Growing up, she frequently accompanied her parents on their various volunteer ou-ngs, so she was already familiar with some of the benefits of service. Now she needed something to keep her mind fresh. "My parents just believe in giving back," she says. "And I'm not the type of person to sit at home just emailing out resumes." A9er seeing the lis-ng for IRC volunteers at VolunteerMatch.org, Taryn immediately signed up for an orienta-on. There, she learned about the impact the organiza-on was having within both the local and global community
and she was convinced she'd made the right choice. She was matched up with the two siblings, both of whom needed help finding jobs in the Sacramento area. "In the beginning, we would go to local employers and fill out applica-ons," recalls Taryn. But with a recession on, a9er some -me, and with no luck, she had to get crea-ve. They expanded the search online and eventually the effort paid off: Ganga and Bhima both found a full--me jobs. The search also helped Taryn get strategic about her own hunt for employment. Through her search, she was able to find a job at another department store in the area which she'll start soon. Sadly, with the new change to her schedule, Taryn doesn't think she'll be able to spend as much -me volunteering. "I need to focus on my career," she says. "But I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend so much -me with Ganga and Bhima." Recalling the jack in the box experience, she knows the memories will s-ck around for both herself and her guests. "These siblings have made a difference in their own lives," she says. "With a li@le help from a volunteer." GWM
Interna(onal Rescue Commi8ee 122 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10168 USA Phone: (212) 551-3000 Donate: 877-REFUGEE www.theirc.org
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Nancy Peyton
could do from home -- what we call virtual volunteering. A9er searching, she found a role solici-ng in-kind dona-ons to fill gi9 bags for Cheerful Givers. She started volunteering in March of this year. "I love seeing results, having a purpose and a focus, and knowing that I'm helping others," Peyton said. "Also, because I'm a 'virtual’ volunteer, I can do my work at midnight or stay in my pajamas all day if I want to!"
Remember when you turned eight? Try to recall it. Surely you were filled with excitement about the family, friends, cake and most importantly birthday presents that awaited you! Now imagine receiving nothing -- not because you’ve been bad or you don’t deserve to celebrate, but simply because your family can’t afford it. Today, in a society that has so much to give, thousands of children who live in poverty don’t receive any gi9s at all on their birthdays. This is where Cheerful Givers steps in. By providing toy-filled gi9 bags to food shelves and shelters, the organiza-on is working to ensure that every child receives a gi9 and that every birthday is special.
Since 1994, Cheerful Givers has distributed over 286,000 birthday bags to children and families in need. It's a lot of work, but they get it done with the help of selfless volunteers like Nancy Peyton. Peyton came to VolunteerMatch looking for a flexible volunteer posi-on she
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According to Karen Kitchel, president of Cheerful Givers, the match was perfect. By using her evenings and free -me throughout the day, Peyton has made a huge impact for the organiza-on. "In the last six months, Nancy has volunteered 25 to 30 hours each week and has become our Lead Volunteer," said Kitchel. "Because of her targeted research, great communica-on skills and excellent follow-up, she has raised over $100,000 in in-kind dona-ons."
"Many of the donors send their dona-ons to Karen's house addressed to me, and I now get phone calls there too. One day a guy even showed up asking for me!" Peyton said. Cheerful Givers turned out to be a great fit for Peyton, but she wants others to know that it some-mes takes a li@le leg work to find an opportunity that suits you. "Look for something that sounds interes-ng and just try it," she urged. "If it doesn't work out, be honest and admit it rather than simply disappearing and not following through. Eventually you'll find the opportunity you’re looking for." Are you searching for a flexible opportunity that matches your talents and abili-es? Log on to VolunteerMatch.org today and find virtual opportuni-es in an area that interests you!
"VolunteerMatch has taught us that we don't need to limit our volunteer recrui-ng to people who live in our community," she added. "Virtual volunteers have responded and been able to address a wide variety of needs." Peyton says her parents always encouraged volunteering while growing up. But being a virtual volunteer is very different from her first volunteer job shelving library books in elementary school. Though Kitchel and Peyton have only met in-person once, the two have struck up a friendship and find it humorous that both the UPS driver and mail carrier who deliver to Cheerful Giver's headquarters (i.e., Kitchel's house) think Peyton has moved in.
Cheerful Givers 1287 Berry Ridge Road Eagan, MN 55123 www.cheerfulgivers.org Phone: (651) 226-8738
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TOP 10 GOSPEL ALBUMS Here I Am
1
Marvin Sapp
WOW GOSPEL 2010
2
Marvin Sapp
Forever Jones
3
Get Ready
Souled Out
4
Hezekiah Walker & LFC
Won't It Be Wonderful
5
James Hall Presents Voices Of Citadel
Love Unstoppable
6
Fred Hammond
Just Love
7
Brian Courtney Wilson
The Master Plan
8
Tamela Mann
Still
9
Be Be & Ce Ce Winans
More Passion
10
Juanita Bynum
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Revelation I do not smile because I am constantly happy. I am constantly happy because I smile. Or should I be discouraged by the lows and overtaken by my woes Without a doubt, in pursuing that route...In my soul, pure discontentment would I rile. I do not love because my heart is full, my heart is full because I love. Or should I allow the pessimism of man to control the generosity of my spirit Mirroring emotional suicide...too substandard to endure, too disastrous to speak of.... To smile in spite of pain exemplifies an distinctive, impenetrable inner peace. To love in place of hate magnifies Hope, that encouraging level of optimism we should all aspire to reach I live to hope ....committed to produce in this I shall never tire I produce to liberate ...consistent in my release eager to successfully Inspire. My Life is not rewarding because I have things, My Life is rewarding because I have dreams.
BY DANIELLE WALKER PenMyWorld.com
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Sunday Best Winner - Le’Andria Johnson
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Confessions of an Ex-Abortionist
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Female Circumcision : A Victim Speaks
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Homosexuality and the Church
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Homelessness : What Pastors Are Doing To Help In Their City
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