GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
Pg. 18
Martha Munizzi
in this issue 8 - How Much Do You Value Your Family? 14 - Pruning, Does It Hurt Much?
44
15 - Passive Suicide
Anthony O’Neal
22 - Why Is A Christian Being Rich An Issue? 36 - Arnita L. Fields 32 Ayanna Clark
35 Michelle Cameron
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R EFLECTIONS A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
It has been a year since I published the first issue of God Works Magazine. Initially, I wasn’t quite sure if I could do this. However, this is my vision and I believe God will continue to guide me in the things I need to do in order to keep moving forward.
After the last issue, I was faced with so many challenges and to some, it looked like I had given up on this project. It only looked that way. I knew, if no one else did, I was going to continue on this path.
“I knew, if no one else did, I was going to continue on this path. ”
There are so many people continuing on the paths to their destinies and living out their dreams. They have a heart for God and He is glorified through the works they do and the projects they put their hands on.
Prophetess Ayanna Clark (pg. 32) founded a youth organization. Olivia Stith (pg. 34) is a motivational speaker. Michelle Cameron (pg. 35) has stepped out on faith and became a published author. Anthony O’Neal (pg. 44) is a mentor to youth. All these people are doing many great works and are Followers of Christ.
I thank God for the works He has placed inside me and others. Just knowing Who He is and What He is to me makes me want to praise Him. Martha Munizzi encourages us (believers) to “Make It Loud”. God is turning some things up in many lives. Your praise and worship should be evidence of that.
Continue to allow God to use you. Through you, allow others to see God Works.
Ayana Elon Contributing Writers
Photographer Credits
Marie Grossett
Corey Ann
Angie Lewis
Dave Wolanski
Bill Hunt
Amie Fedora
Marijo Phelps
Zack McCarthy
Terri Schroeder
PFC Jory C. Randall
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Mery
Connect With Us GodWorksMagazine.com
WE BELIEVE IN LIFE Pro-Life News Headlines ·
Many Babies Are Being Aborted Due to Disabilities
Britain - Nearly 18,000 babies were aborted between 2002 and 2010 due to medical abnormalities. Of that number, 1, 189 were aborted after 24 weeks. Despite it being against the law to have an abortion after 24 weeks, unless the baby is at risk for “serious” disability, several thousands of babies with treatable conditions have been aborted under that law.
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Pro-Life Advocate Joe Mortimer Dies
Joseph E. Mortimer, Jr. began his involvement as a Pro-Life supporter in 1987. He had done a tremendous amount of work—speaking out against abortion and utilizing many media outlets to spread his message.
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His first billboard message “Abortion Stops A Beating Heart” was displayed on I-95 in Philadelphia.
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NEWS & HEADLINES
PHOTO CREDITS: KOKA SEXTON
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short and it is still good to have own space we decided to spend at least three hours with each other and the rest of the time is ours before bed time. I decided to get up much earlier to do business and so my evenings would be freed. In the weekends we all would spend much more time with each other and pray together. Now I can see that our family unit is getting much closer.
How Much Do You Value Your Family? PHOTO CREDIT: COREY ANN
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ur family should play a very important part in our lives and the family unit is of God. But as the saying goes familiarly breeds contempt, when we get familiar with something or someone often time we can neglect the person or thing that we are familiar with. Our family could be one of those people we start to neglect. We could neglect them for our careers or start going out with friends more. Or we can say negative things to them thinking our words won't hurt them 'oh it's only my spouse or my children they'll get over it.' Wrong! Negative words have just as much of an effect on your family. It can cause hurt, pain, confusion, and cause your loved ones to distance themselves from you. We must remember that our ministry starts from the home. We have to build up our families and spend time with them, say positive things to them. When was the last time you told your spouse how much they mean to you and how they are the best person in the world, nothing can compare to them? Or told you children that you love them and despite what they're going through especially
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in their teen years you will always be there for them? When was the last time you all sat around the dining table conversing or have a family meeting? Most importantly when was the last time you prayed together?
“We must remember that our ministry starts from the home.� I admit my family was falling into a trap of growing apart. I was too busy doing business my husband was in another room watching television and the children were on their face book. One evening it just struck me that I don't even talk to my husband as much he must be feeling neglected. Also with the children we don't even know how they're doing at school or what they're going through, everyone was busy in their own little world. I had to put a stop to this I called a family meeting and I expressed my concerns surprisingly my husband agreed with me. From now on we all decided that since the evenings is
So how do you value your family? Do you value them a lot or a little? Remember next to God the family unit is very important so don't neglect the people who care about you or you'll find your family being so apart that it would be harder to bring the unit back together. United we stand divided we fall! Thank you for reading this article may God bless you.
----Marie Grossett aka Vanessa Grossett is a published Author of the book 'Don't Look Back', Published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises. She is also the Director of Keeping It Real Magazine the magazine. www.womenscommunity.co.uk www.vgrossett.wordpress.com
Thank you for reading God Works Magazine!
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PHOTO CREDIT: MERY
Empty Nest or Empty Nets Thump...thump...thump The beat of my infant grandson's heart resonated against my chest with life, with hope, and ...at least on my side, with heartache. It was our last bit of time together (for now) and he lay on my chest, fast asleep and unaware of the busy activity of sorting, shipping and packing going on around him. His big brother, Cyrus, my best little buddy, had a heavy heart all day; being old enough to know that the time to say goodbye was at hand. They were staying with us the last couple of weeks before the big move and Cy slept with us. Typically, he had one hand on my head, playing with my hair
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and one foot on his Papa while he slept. There were many nights that I found myself on the very edge of a king size bed somehow wrapped up in a three year old boy. I'd move him back to the center but it wasn't long before we were once again a giant four legged burrito on my side of the bed. And the days weren't any different...he was my shadow. Always keeping me in sight. Always making sure he knew where I was and what I was doing. One day, when I was insisting he take a nap that he was not in favor of, he said, "I don't wike Grandma's house." Knowing how much he really does love being here, I didn't take it personally. I said. "You know that's not true, silly and you still have to take a nap."
was going to be alright and so was I'll whisper, "Why, God? Why?" I. I sensed he was as worried about me as he was about himself. There are no answers and yet I know there are many answers, all I held onto my daughter as we both of which He will make right and cried our tears and I had flashes of make known in His time. In the her as a little girl, crying for me meantime, He has spoken this "Yes, Cy?" when I left for a weekend church promise to me. retreat. She is a wife and a mother "Know when I said 'I don't wike twice over now but she' s still my "Your Nest may be empty, but your Grandma's house?'" His big green little girl and I wanted to haul her Nets are not cast. Your nets are on eyes shone red with tears he was back in the house, sit her down and the other side of the boat." trying hard not to shed. (Now, here say, "Stay!" is where I will remind you that this Only God knows what that means; is a 3 year old talking) But, leave she must because, even for now, for time and for eternity. with all the crying, my heart says But, for this moment, I can do I said, "I know, honey I know you that this is God's will. This is the nothing but trust Him and trust didn't mean it." path for her little family. They must that He who made the nets and the walk in it. nest can also fill them. He wrapped his arms around me The goodbyes and said, "I wuv were said and ---There was no choice but to make you Grandma." the truck him get in his car seat and do the Tracy Nunes lives in Hawaii with pulled away best I could to reassure him that Richard, her husband of 25 years. She When he pulled he was going to be alright and so We came back has 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. away he gesWriting ministry came after homewas I. tured widely into the house schooling her girls and a career in real with his hands and sobbed estate management. Read her blog and said, "I'll go deep, deep gut- at: http:// to Montana and when I'm all done tural cries that felt as if they would tracynunes.blogspot.com and find out there I'm gonna come back here last forever. When the crying had why she is a self-described "Mess for Jesus." and wive wif you." subsided we looked around at a home that was now completely void How much can a Grandma's heart of our kids and grandkids and wonswell with love and break at the dered at the emptiness of it. Wonsame time? dered at how two people who love being parents and grandparents got Soon it was time to leave and he here when we know so many who tried hard not to cry, but as reality don't actually relish the job, yet are really hit him he cried hard and he surrounded by their family. cried out for me Mourning had to happen and it still "GRANDMA! I want G-R-A-N-D-M goes on. I'll see a grandparent at -A!" play with their grandchild, I'll see a mother having coffee with a young There was no choice but to make woman that looks just like her and him get in his car seat and do the it pecks at the wound. best I could to reassure him that he GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
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FAMILY
A couple of weeks later moving day came and I was doing everything I could to not cry in front of him. As I was giving him his last "sit down" bath in Grandma's tub he said, "Grandma?"
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVE WOLANSKI
How To Know If You Have Met The Right Christian Person For Marriage
an unhappy marriage. We need to start off our relationships on something tangible and true! God and His principles are something we can hang onto when times are tough in our marriage, but feelings of lust and desire diminish with time and will not be around to help us when we are having marriage difficulties. Why are we so superficial in our relationships? Why are we jumping into marriage with such fairytale images of happiness ever after? I think it is because we have not been taught how to find suitable marriage spouses from our parents and because we aren't waiting on God. We seriously need to pray about our friendships with the opposite sex and never take our focus off of the reason we are able to even love another properly in the first place. If Christ had not sacrificed his life for ours how would we have learned what real love and forgiveness is all about?
Jesus Christ living in us gives us the fruits to discern the difference between someone who is only using us and thinks they want to spend the rest of their life with us, and the person who we should actually marry. Look for the fruits in Marrying someone with lots of money others. Fruits do not come from outside and stuff will not guarantee marriage appearances, nobility, status, money, happiness, but marrying someone bepower, etc. But fruits of the Spirit come cause you both live comparable lifestyles from within a person. These are what we During the "getting to know one another" in Jesus Christ does! Marrying someone need to look for in a potential marriage stage of the relationship do they care because they are good-looking does not spouse. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, more about what they can receive from guarantee happiness ever after, but mar- peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodyou than getting to know you? Do they rying people who are committed to stay- ness, faith, meekness, temperance, care more about what you have, how you ing married, no matter what, does! against such there is no law. (Galatians look, or what you do for a living than the 5:22-23) person within? These things are all very The bottom line is we need to marry peosuperficial and do not matter for having a ple who share our same beliefs in Jesus Angie Lewis loving and stable marriage. Christ. Just because two people "say" www.heavenministries.com they are Christians does not mean they
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tatistics now show that 60 percent of marriages fail. Why do you think that is? It is because we are not marrying suitable people. If a person exploits you and disrespects you during the courtship / dating period, what makes you think anything is going to change after marrying them?
guarantee marital success. But getting to know someone's character and seeing they have moral convictions about marriage purity does!
are compatible people. One person's faith and beliefs may be VERY different than another person's faith and beliefs. Know If your relationship starts out as a sexual who you are marrying! relationship but never develops into anything else and you marry them, what will The root of the problem for failing marthe relationship be based on? Lust and riages is that they do not start off right to desire are not emotions that we should begin with. Without a firm foundation to base our marriage on. Having sex with support the marriage on, it cannot sursomeone before getting married does not vive, hence divorce, or at the very least, Building A Firm Marriage Foundation Before Getting Married
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Sex and Purity in the Beginning
Joseph was one man who showed he could overcome temptation and obey the commandments. Joseph was a servant of God who resisted strong seduction from his boss's, Potipher's, wife. In Egypt, PHOTO CREDIT: AMIE FEDORA the feminine dress was frequently transparent fabric. No easy temptation. Although he refused her advances, her false accusations cost him fourteen years in prison.
by BILL HUNT
"No one is greater in this house than I am.
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exual sin is much like a venomous spider catching a fly. The spider builds an attractive web in an opportune place. The unwary fly comes along and almost by accident is caught up. The spider attacks and solidly wraps the fly tying him in an inescapable casing. At his leisure, the spider will eat the fly. Safe strategy for the fly, of course, would be to veer away from the web in the first place. "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh," said Adam. "For this reason a man shall leave father and mother and be one with his wife." said God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve experienced bliss with no sin. They walked naked together and enjoyed union with God until the day they rebelled, disobeyed, and sinned. God designed man and woman to unite in a wonderful bond as husband and wife. God designed them to reflect his love, to live in physical love with each other, and to create children to continue the human race. "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy." "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy'" (Lev 19:1-2 NIV) the Lord said to Moses. On Mount Horeb, God gave Moses the Ten
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"My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house (Gen 39: 9-12 NIV). Joseph proved a man could stand and be free before his God and not be forced to become a slave to sin to another's seduction. For this he paid a heavy price of fourteen years in prison. But God rewarded Joseph for his faithfulness. God gave him a spiritual gift of dreams through which Pharaoh assigned Joseph to become Prime Minister of Egypt. Joseph, as a result, saved the country from famine and his own relations from starvation. ----Bill Hunt dedicated his marriage to discovering God's 100 million miracles in life. As a Christian Writer, administrator, and career educator, he writes true miracle stories and Christian teachings on FaithWriters and CornerR e t r e a t . b l o g s p o t . c o m .
DATING
Commandments. The commands included sexual protection, "You shall not commit adultery" and "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife" (Exodus 20 NIV). God gave the commandments for the well being of mankind.
Pruning, Does It Hurt Much?
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or many years we lived in grape country. Ask any grape farmer, there wouldn’t be a very good harvest without the pruning of the vines. Pruning made the new crop more full, lush and with better fruit. Cutting back the older vines made way for newer and more healthy growth. When we try to apply this growth to our Christian walk it gets, well, more personal. “But Lord, why are you cutting off that part of me? Hey, this is going to hurt! No, no, not THAT branch, please?” Never mind that he is the master gardener, if you will, and knows exactly what within us needs to go, needs to be pruned, cut off. “But that sounds so drastic, so final and permanent…” Yep, it is and he knows just how much and when and which parts need to go for maximum growth in your life. How did I get to be acquainted with all of this? Well, I think I am now taking a graduate course in “PRUNING”, actually a better title would be allowing pruning. Here come those nippers now and they are headed right for me, yikes! What has He pruned in you lately? Probably the same things He has pruned in me. My mouth which has a tendency to spout off before my brain is engaged.
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Jesus. (NIV) My fear when I begin "what-ifing" because I have basically stated that God can't or God isn't or somehow that His arms are too short when I know better but my what-ifing indicates otherwise, doesn't it? Dying to the fear of man has been pruned right down to the nub but sometimes it seems to rear it's ugly head again. The above are a few of my examples. What are some of yours? Rest. Let your focus be Me. My peace I speak to you, daughter. Out of that stillness flows abundant life. Be still and know that I am God. Remember the season you are in? The pruning/productive season? Draw near to Me. Dwell in My Word. Selah. Notice that the pruning season is not a season of loss but a productive season. Oh, how long it took to begin to see that you have to be pruned to grow the best, healthiest, sweetest fruit in your life and walk with Jesus. I am finally beginning to know this in my heart. John 15:2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (NKJV) Acts 10:36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (NIV) Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (NIV) John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth…(NIV) Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (NIV) Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to dwell in your Word, the Bible. And help me to dwell in You who are the living Word and to grow daily because of it and You! Please help me to hold still during the pruning process and allow You to do Your very best work in me. Thank You, my Savior. AMEN.
----Marijo Phelps Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. Wanting to spread the good news. http:// myincrediblelord.blogspot.com/
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"Because we didn't get clear margins." He explains exactly what that means; and with compassion, he adds, "I know how you feel about a mastectomy, but without it, the cancer will continue to spread and you will die. It's only a question of time."
arm water rains over my body. My hands are lathered with body wash, and I rub them over my wet breasts in slow, circular motions. I focus on the twelve o'clock position on my left breast. The nickel-sized lump I noticed six months ago is now the size of a quarter. Denial hasn't dissolved it. Within a week, a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy confirm the dreaded diagnosis--I have breast cancer.
"I need to think about this. I'll get back to you." The room is spinning, and I feel faint. "Don't wait too long," he warns, somberly.
Apprehensively, I listen as the surgeon explains the findings. "There are two definite cancers, possibly three." His finger points to the pertinent areas on the x -ray. "The cancer has already spread and the affected area is too large, you're not a candidate for a lumpectomy." He flips the light off on the x-ray and turns to face me. "We'll have to do a mastectomy."
Ever since the cancer diagnosis, I've searched my heart and soul. I'm not afraid to die. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord--all my pain and suffering will be over. I'll be whole. Yes, I determine, it's better to die than live without my breast. I'll allow the cancer to take my life; I'll commit passive suicide.
"No way!" I retort. I've already looked on the Internet and seen photos of the hideous disfigurement from mastectomy. My breasts are symbolic of my womanhood, the very essence of my femininity. "I can't lose my breast!" To me, death is preferable to a life without them.
In the days that follow, an inner voice nudges my soul, 'Do not lose heart; outwardly you are wasting away, inwardly you are being renewed day by day. Your inner being will be strengthened with power though his Spirit.'
"There's always reconstruction," he suggests. "I can make it look very natural. Give yourself six months to recover after the surgery; then, we can begin the process of reconstruction."
I look down at the remains of my breast. So much tissue has already been removed that it's half the normal size. Is my breast so important that I'll give my life for it? Will I lose my life for vanity? Is this corruptible body the most important part of me?
"No! Absolutely not! I'll consent to a lumpectomy, but you'll never remove my breast." I'm adamant about it, and the surgeon gives up with a sigh. Within days, the surgeon reluctantly performs the lumpectomy; he calls a week later with more biopsy results. "I have good news and bad news," he tells me. "The good news is the lymph nodes are clear, I don't think the cancer has spread. The bad news, we didn't get it all. I'm sorry but you still have breast cancer."
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'No,' something inside me screams. 'I want to see my other daughter marry; I want to see my grandchildren; I want to grow old with my husband. And I want to live the life God has planned for me.' I realize God has allowed this trial to happen to me for a purpose, and He has a work to do through me. Continued on page 45...
HEALTH
Passive Suicide
"But how do you know? How can you be so sure?" I'm devastated. I'm in denial mode again.
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MARTHA MUNIZZI GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
COVER STORY
“Come on. Put your hands together” - Martha Munizzi urges the large crowd as she ministers, Excellent, a single from her latest cd, Make It Loud. Immediately the background singers and those in the crowd become animated as the music plays. Munizzi moves from side to side on stage. There is no way anyone can listen to this song without wanting to dance, clap their hands, and celebrate Jesus.
Gungor, Jonathon Stockstill, Lori Morrison, Daniel Eric Groves and even Munizzi’s daughter, Danielle, Munizzi sees God’s hand all throughout the record.
The energy in the place is powerful and the horn section is dynamic. Everyone is on their feet, many are pumping The self-produced release highlights Munizzi’s creative their fists and smiles can be seen all over as the anointed freedom. “I am so excited about this CD,” shares Marartist sings “How excellent is Your name”. tha. “I don’t think I have been more in love with a project God has given me than I am with this one. It has a special place in my heart, partly because my daughter is on it and partly because it features some awesome Wor“Excellent”, based on Psalm 8:1, is not your average praise and worship track. It is the song praise teams all ship Leaders from right here in Orlando.” over the world can sing to give God radical praise. Make It Loud, recorded live at City of Life Church in Kissimmee, FL is an energetic praise and worship project. It is a culmination of EPIC Worship (Experience A Passionate Intimate Connection with God), a global movement of worship that Martha started in her hometown of Orlando. With songwriting by Munizzi,
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“God brought together the right people at the right time for this project,” says Munizzi. Martha sees this project as a platform to expose many other up-and-coming worship leaders as well as new songs for the body of Christ.
The title track “Make It Loud” encourages believers to do just that. The rock -edged praise anthem is electric and fans of all ages will definitely love it for years to come. Other memorable tracks include “My God Is A Big God”, “No One Higher” and “Set Me Free”. Munizzi was very involved in her latest release, producing and co-writing all but one song. Sharing the stage with other like-minded worshippers, it is evident that Martha shines and is her best in a live setting. “Make It Loud” isn’t just a record, but it's a declaration for Christians to stand up and be bold and vocal about their faith. “I see many artists in mainstream music making very strong, declarative statements,” says Martha. “This generation is not just suggesting a viewpoint, but they are forcefully speaking their opinions as truth. We as Believers have The Truth, so it’s imperative to declare the Truth that we know.” Martha Munizzi stepped on the gospel music scene in 2002 releasing her first praise and worship album, Say The Name. In 2004, Billboard Magazine named her as one of the top five Gospel Artists.
Since, she has released chart-topping albums including “No Limits Live”
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which debuted in 2006 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts at #1 and remained at the top for 6 weeks. Munizzi has ministered with several well-known Christian ministers including: CeCe Winans, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Bishop T. D. Jakes, and Creflo Dollar. She also had a film appearance in “The Gospel”, performing the song “Glorious”.
Robison. In 2008, she released “Change The World”, which debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums Chart, and earned her her first GMA Dove Award for “Contemporary Gospel Album Of The Year.” In addition, Munizzi has earned GRAMMY and SOUL TRAIN AWARD nominations and Stellar Award wins. GWM
Munizzi has appeared on Trinity For more information on Martha Broadcasting Network’s Praise Munizzi, log on to The Lord, on BET’s Celebration of www.MarthaMunizzi.com. Gospel, on the Daystar Television, and on Life Today with James
short handed and over powered brothers. What an example to us! I don't hear back from most Troops because I focus on the ones who are out on missions, on remote OP's, etc. They get very little time and limited use of phone and internet. That time is to call their families, as it should be. Every now and then though, I get a letter or email that makes it all worth while. I have some of my package recipients as Facebook friends PHOTO CREDIT: PFC JORY C. RANDALL now. Some find me have a son and son in law in the Army and my youngest through their friends who I sent to and they will tell me of somehopes to join the Marines next year. I have been sending one who gets no mail, or has lost a friend or many friends, and stuff to Troops for about 3 or 4 years now. It once I have a name and address, I start praying for started when I was going to send my son a package God to meet the need and He always does. in Korea where he is stationed and he asked that his package be sent to some guys on the front lines of NEEDED Afghanistan. I sent 2 boxes of baby wipes (#1 need for Troops) and toiletries and 1 box of snacks/food Any coupons for soap, body wash, razors, deodorand I just kept sending. I started looking in the ant, tampons, pads, canned and package foods, news for units that were losing a lot of men and snack foods...almost anything! I save the coupons needed a morale boost, and also units that were on up until I find a great sale and then I use them to get remote locations and had no showers or PX the price lower or sometimes free. I use the items (military store). It began a ministry. for male and female Troops - mostly males since
Coupons For Troops
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I pray for every unit I read about, I send boxes as much as I can and always enclose reading material about the Lord, Bibles, Christian Magazines, Tracs, God supplies and whatever I have handy . I send material to Chaplains - They often have nothing to hand out to Troops. I get names and addresses of units from Troops I have sent packages to, my kids, anysoldier.com, etc. I was privileged to send some stuff to the surviving Troops from COP Keating. They lost not only 8 of their friends but all their gear and personal items...and you have never heard so much joy over some little Debbie cakes.
Those are some of the bravest young men - the men from COP Keating. The injured refused to be evacuated. They ran to the helicopter, gave blood to the severely injured/dying, and ran back in to keep fighting. They didn't want to leave their already
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they are usually on the front lines but there are some women there too. I ask them if they have any women in their unit before I send out the package so no one is left out. Tampons are even used to plug wounds on injured soldiers believe it or not! Coupons are usually found in Sunday's paper. There are coupon inserts from RED PLUM, SmartSource and P&G. Different areas have different coupons.
I try to send out 2 packages a month but more around the holidays. It's $12.50 a box to ship so as you can see it gets expensive to buy the stuff and then ship it out too.
If you have any coupons you would like to send, mail them to: Dana Sunshine, c/o Troops, P.O. Box 6852, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
PHOTO CREDIT: ZACK MCCARTHY
Why is a Christian being rich an issue?
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ecently I was browsing through the net looking for articles on what people thought about Christians being wealthy. What surprised me weren’t the articles it was more to do with the fact that a Christian being wealthy was such an issue. Why is this such an topical debate? If the unbeliever can be wealthy then why can’t the believer? In fact the Christian should be wealthy because we would be able to put more in financially into the work of God and help those who genuinely need it. I know wealthy Christians who love giving and they make no apology for their riches. The scriptures that typically get misinterpreted concerning money is 1 Timothy 6:10 ‘The love of money is the root of all evil,’ the key content is the love of money. This verse doesn’t state that money itself is evil or that you cannot have money. You just shouldn’t love money more than God, your money actually belongs to God and he has entrusted you with it. The other scripture that often gets misinterpreted is Mark 10:25 ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” The fact here with this scripture wasn’t about his wealth it was about what he was willing to give up for the Lord, I believe the Lord was testing his heart attitude on how much he really wanted to follow him. Verse 27 then goes on to say ‘Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” So this man could have actually gone back and followed Jesus who knows. We must remember there were people in the Bible who were wealthy and that loved the Lord with all their hearts. From Joseph to Abraham, from Abraham to Job, from Job to David, from David to Solomon and so forth. Also they were wealthy Christians in the New Testament and instructions were given to them on how they should behave. 1 Timothy
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6:17-19 ‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.’ A Christian being rich is not a bad thing in fact I pray that you reading this article will be financially prosperous so you will be able to give more to the work of God and to people in need. Also you have that financial freedom to enjoy life more and to give an inheritance to your family. Let’s change our mind attitude a Christian being rich should not be issue let’s just thank God that we have people in the body that can be a blessing to others financially. Let’s pray one of them will be you. - Thank you for reading this article and God bless you. Marie Grossett aka Vanessa Grossett is a published Author of the book 'Don't Look Back', Published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises. She is also the Director of Keeping It Real Magazine the magazine. http://www.womenscommunity.co.uk http://vgrossett.wordpress.com
Christians need to stop trippin' over money as it relates to giving in the church. We buy what we want to buy in the world and then give God leftovers, expecting His best. What's wrong with that pictu re?
PHOTO CREDIT: FRITS AHLEFELDT - LAURVIG
M
oney is not the root of all evil. It is the love of money. Prosperity does not ruin people; the bible says prosperity ruins a fool. So why is it that whenever a minister mentions money in the church the atmosphere changes for the worse? It is because inherent in us all is the belief that our money is ours! Lord you can have my life, but my money is a different story. You know I have bills.
sion in giving has no place in the church. There should be no schemes or gimmicks to try to get people to give. Just teach the people the Word of God as it relates to giving and let the Holy Spirit do His work. There will be times when special offerings are required to do the work of ministry. You must be convinced that your leader has heard from the Lord regarding that matter.
On the flip Consider this. Whatevside, your local “God loves cheerful givers, er and whoever you fellowship love, that's where your so if you can't be cheerful must develop a money is spent. As a track record keep your money.� wise man (my pastor) that demonsays ["Us do, what us strates proper want to do!"] Check your calendar stewardship of the resources to which and your checkbook, therein lies your it has been entrusted. There must be allegiance. How much time and how people in place who are anointed, much money are you investing in the filled with the spirit, obedient to the things of God? I'm not talking about word of God, and skilled in business being silly and giving everything transactions. There is nothing worse away so that your household suffers. than a "holier than thou" saint with For the bible also says he who does no business savvy making God and not take care of his own is worse than the Body of Christ look bad through a n i n f i d e l . ill advised dealings. Tithing is a given. There is no gray area there. Even Jesus said it is what we "ought to to". Offerings are what we give (as directed by God) in addition to tithes. I do believe that coer-
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God loves cheerful givers, so if you can't be cheerful keep your money. The heart of a true worshipper is one who is a willing, prompt to do it, cheerful giver whose heart is in his
----Fredrick F. Nicholson is a worship leader at New Life Interfaith Ministries which has two campuses, in Bessemer and Birmingham Alabama. You can read his blog @http:// fredrickfnicholson.wordpress.com
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FINANCES
giving. The utility companies don't take "Hallelujah" and "Thank you Jesus" payments. They only take the medium of exchange in the earth realm (dollars). Additionally, (just in case you didn't know) there are no angelic visitations in the finance room at your church to pick up your offering. That money is deposited in an earth ly b ank and spent .
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE Nonprofit organiza ons making a difference:
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Pink Pearls - www.hopeagainstbc.org
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Rent Assistance - www.rentassistance.us
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Food Pantries - www.foodpantries.org
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Cards4Kids - www.cards4kids.org
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Wings Of Love, Inc. - www.wingsoflovene.org
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JakeBreak4Kids, Inc. - www.JakeBreak4Kids.com
Caring Hands Ministries
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Rimland Services- www.rimland.org
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Valley United Way - www.valleyunitedway.org
Caring Hands Ministries serves homeless and at risk children, frail senior citizens and other people in need in Southern Appalachia because God cares. 2010 is our 15th year of showing His care this way.
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Youth Awareness, Inc. - www.youthawareness.com
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Amigos de los Rios - www.amigosdelosrios.org
Caring Hands Ministries has been sharing the love of Jesus in practical ways with people in need and those who serve them in the NE GA Mountains - the southern tip of Appalachia- since 1995. This help includes things like food, rent to prevent homelessness or to help reestablish a home, help with utilities, information, referrals, advocacy, listening, and more listening.
You can find out more about Caring Hands at www.caringhandsministries.com/ and get a sense of where we came from and how we started at www.ilovejesus.com/missions/acaring-place/.
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WOMEN IN MINISTRY Kasey Van Norman
is the president & founder
of Kasey Van Norman Ministries in College Station, Texas. Her ministry passion is two-fold: to reach those who are far from God, and to ignite a spiritual flame in those who know Him. Kasey’s teaching style radiates a unique and refreshing authenticity as she speaks to a generation of people tired of hypocrisy and hungry for transparent leaders.
FOUNDER: Kasey Van Norman Ministries WEBSITE: www.kaseyvannorman.com
Rachele Posey
deeply desires for women to hear
the call of their Savior and respond with hearts open wide. She longs to see all women live the free and abundant life in Christ. As a former prodigal, she shares her heart in hopes that women will trust His unfailing love and His sovereignty. She, her husband and their two children serve the Lord at First Baptist Church in Saginaw, Texas.
FOUNDER: Woven Ministries WEBSITE: www.woven-ministries.org
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AYANNA CLARK
P
rophetess Ayanna Clark's zest and zeal for the Lord is apparent in everything she does and to everyone who has been graced with her presence. Like many who have come to know the Lord, Ayanna had to first become victim to the ways of the world, before realizing that her life and more importantly, her soul, were worth much more than the value she had put on them. Fighting through various early adulthood struggles and a life of misery and destructive behavior, only proved to Ayanna, that she couldn't just duck and dodge through this life and expect to be victorious in the end. She made the life altering decision to hang up her gloves and reach out to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Needless to say, it was the best decision she had ever made. Now with a life dedicated to the Lord, she is transforming into the woman she never thought she could be. Ayanna has been sharing her life experiences and dedicating her time and wisdom to assist others in initiating and cultivating a true relationship with Christ. She loves seeing the transformation in others and thrives on the positive energy that she receives from her selfless efforts to guide and enlighten those around her. Even a special group of teenagers are benefitting from her life lessons and her deep connection to the Lord. In January of 2010, Prophetess Clark founded an organization aptly named, IGNITION: The Youth Movement. Their slogan is..."Where the youth are ignited and excited about serving Christ and have a new outlook on life."
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Surely you can ask any one of the youths who attend and they'll attest to the fact, they're doing exactly that. Ayanna believes in presenting the Word of God in ways that are easy to understand, by using real life situations that are relatable to our youth and speaking in raw and honest terms so that those who attend, see the world for what it truly is. Her passion for the ways of the Creator, earn her respect and trust amongst the youth or as she calls them ‘her babies’ and many have proven to have changed their lives for the better. One goal of IGNITION: The Youth Movement is to teach other young, that a life in Christ doesn't mean that one is destined to a boring existence. In fact, this "upwardly mobile" group is hard at work producing their first internet reality show. Another wonderful and uplifting program on the horizon is the Transformation Station. Still in its developmental stage, Transformation Station will be an interactive mentorship program offering personalized attention in the areas of counseling, prayer, Bible studies, and much more to its participants. If that weren't enough, Prophetess Ayanna is a Radioblog talk show co-host, on the weekly, "It Is Well Show." She is also the founder of ChosenButterfly Publishing, where books that metamorphize lives, take flight and spread the Lord's light for all to see. Ayanna is diligent about sharing the word of God in any way that she can, so she is taking full advantage of social sites like Facebook and Twitter, to keep the words flowing and the blessings coming. Her words of encouragement and Godly wisdom are something that those around her look forward to each and every day. It starts at home with her daughter, Shakiya and branches out to many others who consider her to be their spiritual mother. It is an endearing title that Ayanna feels blessed and honored to have. Her tireless dedication to the Lord and those who want to follow Him, is what life is all about for Prophetess Ayanna. "I know what it feels like to be depressed, empty, bound to many sins, and doing things that I thought would make me happy. But in reality, they were only destroying my life. Now I know what it feels like to be free, full of joy, content, and living a life of purpose. I know the joy of nourishing a deep intimate walk with the Lord, that I never thought was possible. I want others to feel and experience the mind blowing power of knowing, serving and living for the Lord." - Ayanna Clark
To learn more about Ayanna Clark, visit her sites online: www.chosenbu erflies.org www.facebook.com/ayanna.clark
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OLIVIA D. STITH
relationships as well as made changes in their behaviors and mindsets. So I feel the purpose has been fulfilled. Right now I am writing a book for a broader audience and it’s a more advice book than the first two, its called, “Tell Prince Charming to Keep That Slipper: Standing on Your Own Two Feet”. This book focuses on the various types of men we encounter, the good, the bad and the ugly...using fairy tale men and bringing it to a modern day perspective. For example, The Peter Pan Man, is one who never grows up and hangs with lost boys. It’s definitely going to raise eyebrows and of course its humorous. I feel we have to laugh at ourselves at times and learn from life lessons. GW Where can your books be purchased?
GW You are CEO of Trimanna Publishing and have written a relationship book titled "If God Is My Lover, Why Is My Bed So Cold?". What influenced you to write it? OLIVIA I was compiled to write the book when I was having those “Lord why am I having a time finding or (him finding me) the right man moments. I felt that I had things in order. I was doing the ministry, preaching and doing what “I felt” qualified me to be married...and what happened is God answered me by directing me to write this book. In writing the book, I was helping myself, by getting direction and focus on what's truly important in being ready for that soul mate. A lot of things are “common sense” but when we step back and look at our lives we realize many of the issues in the book we struggle with. Things like seriously releasing past pain garbage, balancing bringing a mate in a family that has kids, even being spiritually balanced, so in writing the book not only did God help me see things in a different light, but it helped other women and men as well.
The only book I have available now is, “Lord is Boaz Lost” and its available on Amazon Kindle as well as my website: http://oliviastithministries.com/ GW What publications are you currently working on? OLIVIA Right now I’m working on the "Tell Prince Charming”...book as well as doing a novel, “While He Prayed, They Preyed” that deals with a wealthy dysfunctional family, full of sibling rivalry, adultery, murder and all that good drama. GW You also are a motivational speaker. We found a couple of your videos on Youtube under the username ElderStith. If someone wants to book you for their next event, how would they contact you? OLIVIA I can be contacted at trimannaceo@gmail.com . Just let me know all the information available on the event and within 72 hours someone will respond.
GW What has been the feedback from your read- A MESSAGE FROM OLIVIA ers? I encourage everyone to seek God’s face for the purpose in their life and allow him to guide your ways, not OLIVIA I truly have been blessed by the feedback others, not even yourself. Trust him to lead and direct on the books, after writing “If God Is My Lover…” and stay encouraged. I thank all who support me and I which dealt with the preparation phase of finding your pray God continues to use me to encourage the massmate, I wrote, “Lord Is Boaz Lost…or Am I Just in the es. Wrong Field?” that deals with the transition and actual courtship with your soul mate and its been a blessing from what I have read. Many women have said it changed their outlook on their lives, they have applied the wisdom gained in the books to better their own
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GW Your upcoming book "It's My Life and I Live Here" chronicles specific personal experiences and the lessons you learned through these situations. Give us an example of an experience you talk about in your book. MICHELLE In my book I discuss my experiences I faced before, during and after my marriage. In all the events I shared, I learned that God will not turn His back on us, even when we step outside of His perfect will for us. He has been merciful and patient with me. GW How have the things you have experienced help increase your faith in what God can do? MICHELLE The experiences I shared (and those I chose not to share) allowed me to see God's hand at work in everyday situations. It's one thing to hear that God is a Provider versus receiving a check in the mail which is enough to pay an overdue bill and to put food on the table. GW What inspired you to write your first book? MICHELLE One reason why I wrote my first book is that many of my online readers have asked: "When are you publishing a book?" Another reason is that I have always wanted to be a published author, but I assumed it was out of reach. It is actually happening right now and I am so excited! In the book I also mention another important reason; I will let you read it to see what that is!
Michelle Cameron come. I took a break from blogging to focus on publishing the book, yet I miss it. I cannot wait to resume! GW Can we expect to see additional printed works by you in the future? Yes, I will keep publishing! I learned so many lessons that I want to share with others!
GW What obstacles have you faced in writing "It's My Life and I Live Here" and the publishing A MESSAGE FROM MICHELLE of it? My main focus right now is writing and publishing, but I am also honing my public speaking skills. I desire to MICHELLE One main obstacle I faced in writing be a motivational speaker, author and soloist - the commy book was getting started. Someone challenged me plete package. I love people, so I want to do whatever I to write 10 pages every week or I would owe them can to encourage them. I pray that many doors will be money. That is how I finished my first draft. Now the opened for me to share what I believe that God has difficult part is having an editor, who does not know inspired me to say. my story, go through the content and push me to make tough choices and changes. The feeling I had when I Pre-orders for "It's My Life and I Live Here" will turned it over to the editor reminded me of when I begin at the end of July. dropped off my son at daycare for the first time. Log on to www.michellegcameron.com to place GW You began writing in your teens. Do you be- your order. lieve you will continue to write for many years to come? MICHELLE Yes, believe I will write in the years to GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
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sons is because people do not go into marriage actually having a vision to focus on? ARNITA Yes, most definitely. The word of God tells us in Proverbs 29:18, where there is no vision the people perish. Having a vision for your marriage is like having a play book with all of the plays that you and your spouse would need to go forth and conquer your life assignments together as a team. No vision equals to having no game plan. And having no game plan equals to facing loss after loss after loss. GW You and your husband have been married for 14 years. We know our readers would like to know your secrets on how the two of you continue to make your marriage work. What is one secret you would like to share?
ARNITA L. FIELDS GW You have been a very busy writer and have several published and upcoming works. When did you realize you have a gift to write? ARNITA My spiritual eyes were opened to the fact that I had a gift to write in the spring of 2000 when I began to write poetry, short stories and skits.
GW What influenced you to began writing "Covenant Wife: Embracing God's Vision For Your Marriage"?
ARNITA We make it a point to have a weekly date night even it all we do is watch an action movie or a Criminal Minds marathon and eating junk food. Even though we love to go out from time to time we tend to enjoy home date night more than anything. A MESSAGE FROM ARNITA I would like to leave married couples with this word of encouragement. Let nothing or no one walk into your space and cause you both to lose focus. But if this does happen, step back from the field (Life) so you can talk and pray and if necessary go back over your play book (Vision). Once you have an understanding and are on one accord, then get back into the game. Remember, that your marriage is a shared covenant with God at the center, with Him in your midst you will always be Champions.
ARNITA The inspiration came to me as I typed the last few words of Covenant Sisterhood, Embracing Heaven’s Divine Connections. Covenant Wife is a practical book which will help women to embrace Visit Arnita online at http://arnitalfields.blogspot.com. God’s vision for their marriage. Father God desires that we openly embrace His vision for our marriages because it’s time to run with the vision and not from it.
GW The divorce rate, even among Believers, is disturbingly high. Do you believe one of the reaGOD WORKS MAGAZINE
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Mold The Clay My God, today, I thank you for, Your presence in my life, and For all the times you’ve kept me safe, when Satan sought to harm me-My God you are my keeper, and You Keep me everyday-You never leave me, when I fall down-You never turn away-My God, today, I thank you--because, Your presence in my life, has rested on Each part of me-And breathed my soul--to life My God, You are--my Keeper, I’m safe within Your love-You’ve wrapped me in your wisdom And tied me with--your word My God, today, I Thank You! My Keeper--prune my ways! Your love is weighing on me-And that weight--will mold, the clay!
- Minister Sherry Clements
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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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B
rett Dennen's passion for social change began at an early age. Growing up, his parents encouraged wider world perspectives, and he spent much of his time growing organic vegetables and listening to Paul Simon's "Graceland."
nia, hiking, camping and growing that community." organics. He credits his parents as early influences on his love of the Has volunteering changed any of environment, as well as his pasBrett's beliefs? sion for social change. "Volunteering has strengthened At camp one summer, Brett my belief that it really is better to learned to write, sing and play mugive than to receive." he says. "I sic. A few years later, as a camp am fortunate enough to find myself counselor, he learned the power of on a larger stage with more people mentoring and uniting people. to talk to. I'm also offered a lot of It all clicked. A couple of years afopportunities — I've recently doter college, when he found himself nated a song to Hard Rock Interunemployed, Brett took out his national to put on a compilation pocketful of songs, and hit the album that will raise money to aid road. those facing hunger in the world. Being part of a global awarenessBut not just any road. And with raising campaign feels really not just any message. Through a good." partnership with CLIF BAR GreenNotes, Brett has put envi"After all," Brett concludes, "music ronmentally-friendly touring pracis the magic of change." tices into place.
"Any independent artist knows that touring can be a costly and wasteful experience," he says. "GreenNotes is helping artists like myself live up to the messages that are behind our music." From fueling the tour bus with bioFinding his place as a popular diesel, to recycling on board the touring musician, Brett now uses bus and backstage, from requesthis nightly platform to bridge socially conscious music, people and ing organic food backstage at all the shows, to minimizing the idling work. His Love Speaks initiative of the bus when not in use, Brett gives community nonprofits a stage at his shows, his partnership has made this world "just a little more comfortable to both live and with CLIFÂŽ BAR GreenNotes means his touring practices play in." are eco-friendly, and songs like And speaking of playing, Brett "Hope for the Hopeless" all speak found himself on the road for much to his commitment to service. of his time. It's important he uses his success As it became more difficult to put energy into working with any one to inspire others because, Brett nonprofit organization, Brett says: "I'd rather inspire people to founded Love Speaks to share his make change, than to eat corn stage with local organizations dochips." ing good work. The band gives time to local nonprofits, who take It's no surprise this six-foot redthe stage to empower local activhead is equal parts activist and ism. singer, educator and songwriter. The roots of his social activism "When we leave town, at least we came early. know we've made some introducBrett grew up in Northern Califor- tions that will helpfully benefit
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GWM
Founded by Brett Dennen, Love Speaks is an initiative that empowers fans to make change. At his shows, the musician invites nonprofits to tell their stories. In addition to providing a place for information and merchandise, the nonprofits get an opportunity to literally "take the stage." Whether they speak, read a poem, or perform, organizations can inform and engage fans. After the show, an online community offers fans a way to blog, share photographs and video footage, as well as discuss what's going on in their community.
www.volunteermatch.com
GET INVOLVED
Brett Dennen
GET INVOLVED
Sara Hooker By Rebecca Hunt
"For the first time, I started to seriously think about volunteering and using my time to give back," she says. Sara didn't stop there. During her gap year, when she had time off between high school and college, Sara used her background growing up in Africa to spend four months working with an Irish NGO, Value Added In Africa, which promotes business links with African countries and encourages ethical trade. Again, volunteering became the door to a new range of experiences and options.
Growing up in Swaziland, Sara Hooker was aware from a young age that some of our communities are facing extraordinary challenges. Swaziland has been decimated by HIV/AIDS at a rate that would shock most of people in developed countries. Since the first cases were reported in 1986, the virus has spread at an alarming rate, and today one in four adults there are living with HIV. With so many adults dying, nearly four in 10 Swazilands are under age 14. Life expectancy now tops a mere 32 years, and the nation has the highest infection rate in the world. The disease is a serious threat not only to the country's economic growth, but to its social stability too. And so with the specter of collapse in the background of daily life, Sara grew up in a society where opportunities to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS were everywhere. During high school, Sara volunteered to teach English to children orphaned by HIV and AIDS. It was her first act of direct service to others. It not only gave her the chance to use her own education and experience as a platform to help others, she was quickly overturning her own ignorance about HIV infection.
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Today Sara is pursuing a degree at Carleton College, in Northfield, Minn.,and the health crisis of her childhood home is thousands of miles away. But according to Sara, she's still using her experiences from Swaziland. For starters, her decision to study economics is no accident – she's determined to understand how trade can help developing countries reduce their reliance on aid. By following this career path she can help the continent of her childhood. Moving to a new place can be hard, but Sara has embraced the challenge of making friends and being accepted – by using her background as a volunteer with lots of local projects and organizations. Once again, seeing the community as a volunteer, she says, is helping to introduce her to the local community, explore the area, become familiar with life in the U.S. in a very tangible way. "Having traveled and lived in different cultures throughout my life I find the most honest approach to understanding a place is to contribute in some way to its community," she says. The good news, Sara says, is that volunteering in the U.S. has more than surpassed her expectations. "[It's] been easy to find amazing and cool events to help out at!" She said, noting that VolunteerMatch has been especially helpful in her searches. "Volunteering in the U.S. is different because the organizations I have met
here are probably the most generous with their volunteers." Whether it's helping out at the children's Scavenger Hunt at The Bakken Museum, a center dedicated to exploring the nature of electricity, an event greeter at the Independent Filmmakers Project which supports the production of independent films, or block captain at the weekly Uptown Market Fair in Minneapolis, Sara has a busy summer ahead! But that's not to say it has always been easy. She admits that at first she found many of the new volunteer projects intimidating. She was especially conscious of being the youngest volunteer – and she found herself outside of her comfort zone more than once. But the rewards have been worth it. "It has definitely built my confidence and communication skills," she said. What advice would she give new volunteers or those just starting out? Pick projects carefully, she says. Be sure to maintain a constant communication with your supervisor to make sure you are contributing to the level they expect. Finally, have clear objectives to guide what you want as a volunteer and review these objectives. Otherwise you may end up working on projects that don't interest you. Take time to find out about the organization's mission statement and how you fit in. Volunteering has now become so much more for Sara that just a social and political need; it's become a key part of her lifestyle: "Someone described it to me as a service component of life. I'm looking forward to meeting the next set of new people!" Sara's VolunteerMatch Organizations The Bakken Museum 3537 Zenith Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55416
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Anthony O’Neal
A
nthony O’Neal, a Columbia, SC born, 27 year old, is the founder and President of Young People Succeeding, Inc. (YPS) After, finding himself entangled in almost $15,000 worth of bad debt at the tender age of 18, Anthony knew that his steps were ordered and he is determine to fulfill his purpose. Although he was very active in school, his community and his church, O’Neal was stubborn growing up. He was expelled from school twice: once in middle school and once as a freshman in high school. In 2002, O’Neal began to change his ways and focus on getting rid of his debt. It was then that he decided to create an organization to prevent debt from occurring to other youth. O’Neal also noticed the lack of positive outlets for youth and young people. He got tired of going out to the club and having to watch his back. He was no longer content with seeing youth and young people disrespect themselves with the way they dressed and lived. His frustration fueled into a passion to start an organization that would not only help with debt prevention but also enrich young people. In 2003, O’Neal’s passion inspired him to create YPS. The organization started with seminars, concerts and events in California, which remain ongoing today. YPS teaches young people that to be successful in today’s world, you better have a plan. Then you must take action on your plan. YPS now reaches over 2000 youth and young adults every month with enrichment programs and events across the United States of America and Mr. ONeal currently serves as the Director/Youth Pastor of S.W.A.G.G. Youth Ministries for Simon Temple AME Zion Church in Fayetteville, NC where Rev. Brian R. Thompson is the GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
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Pastor. O’Neal’s efforts have gained him great recognition across the nation. The Mayor of Oceanside, CA recognized O’Neal for outstanding service in the city of Oceanside. He has been featured in several magazines including Hope Today Magazine, Gospel Spectrum, NtoU Magazine, and most recently Epitome Magazine among others. He has appeared on BET, TBN and several news channels. O’Neal has also served as host to TV show 904 & Praise and is currently the host of a new urban gospel radio show, One Generation Radio Show (www.kingdomlands.net)
In addition, O’Neal has also organized several youth conferences, concerts and events that has had over 3000 youth in attendance and has shared the stage with people such as Bishop Eddie Long, Dr. Creflo Dollar, Pastor Fredrick Price Jr, Kiki Sheard, Coco Brother, Da Truth, Canton Jones, Edward Long (Son of Bishop Eddie Long), Demetrius, Pettidee, Harlem Globetrotters, Lil Mo, LisaMcClendon, Leon Timbo, Gritts, Tye Tribbett, Boyz II Men, Fonzworth Bentley, Mase, Kirk Franklin, Nick Cannon, Kelly Price and more. O’Neal continues to build YPS. He hopes to see more young people buying homes at the age of 20, being financially fit and well rounded individuals. He believes it is time for young people to be individuals of purpose and live complete lives, not just one- dimensional lives.
www.AnthonyOneal.com
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A week later the mastectomy is performed; the surgeon has done a thorough job this time; I'm filleted down to my ribcage with only a thin layer of skin covering the bones. There's a concave hollow instead of a breast mound, but this time the margins are clear. As far as we can tell, the cancer has been removed. My body is given two weeks to recover from the mastectomy then the chemotherapy begins. Ten days after the first chemo treatment my hair begins falling out in clumps. I cut it as short as possible but I still find clumps everywhere. It looks horrible. I finally give up and have the rest shaved off. A month later I'm mutilated, bald, nauseous, and too weak to stand; in this moment of weakness, doubts creep in. Will my husband be able to look at me with desire again? Will I ever feel like a woman again? I feel so ugly and repulsive. My husband lies beside me; he wipes away my silent tears, and kisses my bald head. "You'll always be beautiful to me, inside and out." he assures me. I fall asleep in his arms.
TWEETS FOR GOD GodlyGentleman “Ladies Understand your worth without always having to hear a man validate it for you. Find your worth in God. ”
RachelDiPaolo “You engage God’s power in your life through belief in Him .”
TiaDeShay “The opportunity presented could be the answer to ur prayers but becus it's not how u wanted God 2 answer u, u rejected it.”
ayeLSK Six years has passed since my mastectomy. God has used this experience to strengthen my faith, and He has used me to help others. At His good and perfect timing, He will call me home. Until then, I will fight the good fight. And, in case you're wondering: no, I didn't have reconstructive surgery. It took some time, but I came to realize that my outer shell is not important; it's the person I am within that counts. For some women reconstruction is the best option, but due to other medical conditions, for me it was not a viable option. But I'm okay with that.
“I may not be a morning person, but I'm always happy when God allows me to see a new one
ItsMarcusBurton “The relationship you have with God is by far the most important relationship you can ever have .”
- Terri Schroeder
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GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011
GOD WORKS MAGAZINE
JULY/AUG 2011