Gospel 4 u magazine April 2016 by Gospel 4 U Magazine

Gospel 4 U

™

In This Issue

Magazine

Gospel 4 U Magazine is an evangelism tool that is designed to reach the hearts of our readers who have no knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

On the Cover

Executive Publisher

Page 6

Volume 7 issue 2

Pastor Roma Benjamin

Gospel 4 U Publishing Joanna Birchett www.gospel4unetwork.com Info@gospel4unetwork.com

Journalists Joanna Birchett Jennifer Marlowe Corrie Lingenfelter Nephetina Serrano

Zenobia Dyson

Page 16 Nakiba Quarles

Page 20 SCAN ME

Left to Right : Zenobia Dyson, Pastor Roma Benjamin, Namibia Quarles Additional Feature: Eric Grantham Story

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

Eric’s Exclusive Story

Jenny’s Journal

Covenant Marriage Inc

Evangelist Jennifer Malowe

Deacon Richard and Evangelist Nephetina Serrano

Page 10

Page 14

Page 26

G O S P E L

M AG A Z I N E

E D I TO R ’ S D E S K

We are dedicated to uplift, empower and motivate you through the power of media technology Praise the Lord, and welcome to another issue of Gospel 4 U Magazine. We are very excited with all that the Lord is doing in the lives of his people. We at Gospel 4 U, are dedicated to serving you through the arts, our magazine is filled with true life testimonies, articles and other things that will make this walk with the Lord a little easier for you. We would like to encourage you to stay the course, the race is not given to the swift but for who can endure to the end. You are stronger than you think because the Lord is on your side. In this Issue we are focused on Living in your Purpose. God designed us with a Purpose, and until that is revealed to us we are not living life the fullest. Gospel 4 U would like to thank all our readers who keep us going. We definitely could not do this without your love, prayers, and support. We are blessed with some dynamic authors and journalists who take the time to encourage and motivate us with their articles every issue. Thank you, guys, for being a blessing. Well! Enjoy and be encouraged as you dissect every article in this issue. God Bless!

Dr. Joanna Birchett President and Founder

“DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION”

GOSPEL 4 U MAGAZINE

- PASTOR ROMA BENJAMIN

Living On Purpose By Pastor Roma Benjamin

Roma J. Benjamin is the Senior Pastor of New Wine Gateway Ministries International (formerly “Greater Faith Ministries”) in Harrisburg, PA. The ministry is designated to provide teaching, preaching, fellowshipping, counseling, and mentoring for members of the congregation as well as the entire body of Christ. Romans 8:28 says we “are called according to his [God’s] purpose.” Purpose is the reason for which something is done or created, or even exists. God has graced Pastor Benjamin with His purpose to live and strive in life. Called to preach at a young age was just the beginning. She spent many years as the Minister of Music in Mt. Vernon, NY, and in Tulsa, OK.

In May 2007, Pastor Benjamin received her Superintendent Certificate from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, PA. She is currently matriculating through her doctoral degree in Education Leadership at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where she will be confirmed in the summer of 2016.

Pastor Benjamin has been in public school education for 19 years. She taught grades 1-8 and served as a principal in elementary, alternative education, middle, and high school. Pastor Benjamin was sent to buildings that were academically failing and had to deal with major behavioral issues and teachers with low morals. The grace of God and the anointing on her life allowed her to bring much change, Pastor Benjamin’s boldness and total where buildings went from failure to success. commitment to the Word of God is an evidence of her “no-nonsense” approach to In 2008–2014, Pastor Benjamin was the very sensitive and difficult situations. She is highest paid principal in an urban school definitely an end-time “pastor” anointed by district. In 2013, she heard the voice of God the Holy Spirit to bring forth the message of saying, “Enough is enough, retire!” It was a freedom in Christ Jesus to those who are willing to hear what the Spirit of God is saying call for her to leave her job and deal with illiteracy in public schools as well as in in this last hour. churches. She did not have the age nor years She is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training to do so, but her obedience led to the opening Center in Tulsa, OK, where she studied evangelism. She has received her Bachelor of of New Sound Literacy & Technology Center, Science degree in Elementary Education and a with a mandate to eradicate illiteracy through M a s t e r o f A r t s i n P u b l i c S c h o o l literacy empowerment in schools, churches, Administration from Oral Roberts University day cares, etc. located in Tulsa, OK.

Literacy is learned and illiteracy is a generational demise. Illiteracy promotes ignorance, superstitions, and fear. It feeds into the roots of systematic poverty. Pastor Benjaminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose and God-given mandate is to fight against principalities that are sitting on top of the educational system and to bring education back to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original intent. Planting literacy centers, first throughout the Pennsylvania region and then worldwide, is a move of God to help communities, families, schools, and churches. Pastor Benjamin is currently writing her first book titled, Crossing the Finish Line-Only to Begin the Journey! She believes that the best way to live on purpose is to spend much time in prayer and fasting to get the mind of God in order to fulfill His will on earth. God has plans of success and not failure for His people (cf. Jer. 29:11). God has graced Pastor Benjamin to function in both the spiritual and academic environments. She has a mandate to influence one of the seven mountains of this world; education. She is pregnant with a purpose and destiny to be a game changer and apostolic voice in this region and among the nations. For more information, and speaking engagements please contact Pastor Benjamin at 717-545-4594.

COVER FEATURE

Eric Grantham

Eric's Heart: The Faith of an Eleven-Year Old Boy

Born under very challenging circumstances, (lung problems, speech delay, tic disorder, and autism spectrum disorder), Eric has overcome many challenges in his 11 years. Eric’s mother, Linda, was married to his uncle in April 2000. She learned that her sister-in-law was giving birth to a baby boy and she put him up for adoption. Linda, who could not have children due to a large fibroid and had to have a hysterectomy, adopted Eric. Eight years later, Linda and Eric’s uncle got divorced. Since then, Linda has been raising Eric as a single parent. Two years ago, Eric started complaining of chest pain and diagnosed a few weeks ago with congenital heart disease (partial anomalous pulmonary venous return). He will have bypass surgery on April 13, 2016. Eric is a child who is all for Jesus! He loves to worship and praise everything associates with Jesus. His true passion is church, gospel music, and art. He loves to go to gospel concerts. He has met a few gospel celebrities such as Kirk Franklin, Harvey Watkins, and The Canton Spirituals. It is fascinating to watch this eleven-year-old kid appreciate gospel artists. He is a huge fan of artists like Tamela Mann, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Deitrick Haddon, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Cesar, Sensational Nightingales, Hezekiah Walker, and many others.

Eric is an amazing child. The things most people take for granted, he acknowledges every day. He loves the sun. He says Jesus is in the sun. He loves flowers, animals, little kids, seniors, handicapped people, and homeless people. He is always thinking of others. He has the biggest and most beautiful heart in the world. He does not understand why some people in the world are not nice to Jesus. He says they are going to “bad heaven.” Due to Eric’s autism and heart disease, it has been very stressful having a surgery for this eleven-year-old future pastor. Eric says he know who is going to take care of him. “His name is Jesus,” as he declares. Because Linda needed to take Eric to his doctor’s appointments once or twice a week, she lost her job on February 12, 2016. It has been challenging, but she knows God is not going to leave them. Linda trusts God in this very difficult time in their lives. She is extremely grateful for the love and support the world is giving her and Eric. The times she feels forgotten, God remembers them. When you bless others you will be blessed. Eric is a very loving and funny kid. When Linda takes him to the barbershop to get his haircut, he asks, “Mommy do I look Hollywood?” She always replies, “Yes!” He once asked if he could get the name “Jesus” cut into his hair? Linda told him, “Yes!” His haircut has caught many people by surprise. Everyone loves his trending haircut for Jesus. Other kids are inquiring about getting the same haircut, Eric asked to create some other fashions for Jesus, so both Linda and Eric are trying to create the concept of his desire. He loves to draw and create his artwork of Jesus on the cross and the man on the mountain crying out to Jesus. He is very creative when he writes his prayers for his war room he has created. It’s beautiful to read. It will bring tears to your eyes to experience his war room from Eric’s perspective. The prayers for Jesus are so pure and loving. One of Eric’s dreams is to be a star on TV and meet Oprah, Ellen, Steve Harvey, Donnie Simpson, and President and Mrs. Obama. He really would like to go to Disney World and the Holy Land in Orlando, FL. His mother Linda is trying to get donations to help plan for his trip in the end of March 2016 to make his dreams a reality. There are many unanswered questions about Eric’s health and future, but Eric is on of God’s highly favored blessings and we know he will overcome yet another challenge. Please pray for Eric and his mother Linda. 1029 Media Group, LLC just released a documentary titled: Eric’s Faith - A Documentary of Family and Faith. It is one of the most powerful and moving films I have ever seen. It is an absolute must see! Your heart will be changed forever. You will fall in love with Eric’s heart. To see this documentary, go to YouTube and search for the title, or insert this link into your web browser address bar. http://youtu.be/TegkVk88Dwa

Eric and Mayor Muriel Bowser, of Washington, DC

ERIC’S ART

Eric’s Heart Faith without LIMITS! Eric has a dream, and he is determine to live, so when you read this story remember to say a word of prayer for this young man because he is walking by FAITH and not Sight.

Evangelist Jennifer Marlowe

Victory Over Disappointment By Evangelist Jennifer Marlowe “The beauty is that through disappointed you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”—Conan O'Brien

Everything is becoming so transparent. I am now seeing things more clearly. I am witnessing things for what they are. Clarity brings convictions and true originality. Yet, pain, anguish, and frustration also come with this sense of clarity. The experience of and exposure to disappointments do not actually feel beautiful. Instead, this transition of clarity causes you to lose control, speak negativity, and even think that your success only lies in the adoration of material and monetary pleasures. When we go through disappointments, we have a desire to feel grounded. It is then that we have to remember the Word of the Lord. Psalm 91:1–3 says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will “When we go through abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the disappointments, we have a desire to feel grounded. It is then that we LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I have to remember the Word of the trust.’ For he will deliver you Lord. Psalm 91:1–3 says, “He who from the snare of the fowler and dwells in the shelter of the Most from the deadly pestilence.” High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the

Isn’t it ironic that at a drop of a dime you can invest one hundred percent of your support to a person, but at the flip of that same dime, that person would do anything for self-gain? It is as if deadly pestilence.” that person thought nothing about your feelings. It is Evangelist Jennifer Marlowe disappointing to accept that a person of whom you thought highly, and whom you thought would be inspired to do the right things as a friend, would cause such an offense. I am witnessing this realty. This transparency hurts! Their actions were unexpected and surprising and because of that my perceptions of them have changed. However, the love I have for them have not changed. Love would not let me surrender the relationship. Instead of confessing negative thoughts, I took a step back, reflected on the matter, prayed, and trusted God to intervene. Psalm 34:17–18 declares, “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” The Lord is true to His Word. He showed me where the brokenness exists in my relationships. This sensation of transparency meant that I needed to be less passive and more alert to Satan’s inevitable attaches. Now I know that I have to be armed and dangerous with the Word of the Lord; but above all, to have a forgiving heart. When I choose victory over disappointment, I am sowing love to reap love!

PURPOSE DRIVEN

ZENOBIA DYSON If I had told you I was in a cave, would you believe me? If I told you I was in a pit of darkness, would you accept me? One does not know what is going on in a prison-conditioned mind; no one knows what happens in a cave. Something frightening happened in the cave! There were countless things not in favor of me. I suffered from depression, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, teen pregnancy, and years of child sexual abuse between the age of eight to ten. As a young girl hidden from the world in a cave, it was death-defying. I was hiding from my circumstances and withdrawing from people. I often felt like I was walking through the cemetery and falling into my own grave. The devil took away my happiness, locked away my self-confidence, beat the innocence out of me, and substituted my inner peace and made it my calamity. One foot outside of me was one foot inside my war! All of these things forced me to feel embarrassed, weak, shameful, betrayed, unloved, and unworthy. The mask I wore became paramount; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned to be a guru by concealing my emotional fragility from others. I did not want to appear weak but inside I was weak, provoked, and powerless. The cave became my safe-haven; it became my domain. But I knew I had to transition out of this housing structure; my mental imprisonment that became a severe illness. It was not healthy for me, so I had to un-decorate my cave. In 2014, I was living with depression for 22 years, but then one day God stood at the mouth of my cave and called me out! God was my first responder; He provided the answer!

The extraction from the cave was not an easy task because I was unsure of how to respond to the physical and mental hypothermic state. I was cold! I was in state of depression and it was a rising battle in me. Psalm 40:2–3 says, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn with praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” I became pregnant at the age of thirteen by a seventeen-year old. It was embarrassing and humiliating for me and my family. I felt like I was walking through a revolving door of mistreatment, reliving the night given to me by my father. My daughter’s father pledged a twenty-dollar gamble with his older brother on a certain plan of action. Sadly, I became pregnant and I lived my whole life with that weight of the wages of someone else’s plan. I was constantly fighting my own demons, fighting the denunciation of my family, the thoughts of committing suicide, fighting for my family’s approval, and fighting myself to find who I am in this world. But God had other plans! The devil tried to win over my voice. He tried to snatch my praise and deflect my worship to magnify my flaws! But God…Hallelujah! God gave me my purpose! I am a crusader for Christ! My journey began on July 22, 2013. Evolution started to take roots from inside of me. I became voice for the voiceless! I was spearheading for the women babes in Christ, and becoming driving force for children. My assignment by God was to inspire women by sending encouraging messages via text and e-mails to women inside and outside of my church. It was my duty and honor to serve. I felt compelled to uplift women so they would not fall into the snare of the enemy. I sought to share my feelings, struggles, hardships, and personal testimony. It was time to do a spiritual operation on people through my transparency. It was intervention for me and to others. My problems did not change but something changed inside of me. I’ve witnessed my mother undergoing abusive relationships and I saw myself under the steam. There were so many misguided directions in my life and it seemed to be a reiterated cycle. I feel like I’ve been picked on but picked out by God. Through His lens, He will bring things into focus. God is capturing my very essence, adding life into me. He is exposing my gift. Philippians 3:13 says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” God has given me the gift of writing poetry at the age of eight. Poetry became my outlet; my therapy. Poetry gave me a mental balance and I found my voice through written words. I wanted to offer healing and transformation of a person’s mind. I wanted to stretch their mind because our lives are antipoetic; it lacks excitement, humanness, and true meaning of life. Poetry has taught me that life can be different and is different. It is very diverse and is a form of spoken colors. I am free with poetry and I can breathe with poetry. I am no longer suffocating in my spirit. After months of sending women godly e-mails and text messages of motivation, the church chronicle became my platform. Not only was I writing a daily devotion, but also poetry to uplift men and women in our church. This was my ministry, outreach, and evangelism! God had given my husband, Corey Dyson, Sr., a vision for my writing. He has stated that he had to remove himself from being a witness, husband, and friend. He had to pull a chapter from his life and be ministered by my poetry. Corey began to heal from his wounds by the power of God within the spoken words of Zenobia poems.

Corey felt obligated, compelled, and spiritually moved to get the message out on a global level. The first step was to entertain the idea to a publishing company, which later reviewed Zenobia’s work and commented, “There are some people that like to write, and there are others that are authors—Zenobia is an author.” Corey believes that this purpose is only a path to lead Zenobia to a higher calling in God. While she is on this journey, she is inviting other to join her. My debut book Inside of Me: My Life, Your Inspiration is a book of poetry that offers spiritual guidance supported by Scripture and daily devotion. Inside of Me reveals different life experiences, personal challenges, and different traumatic events. It allows the reader to look through my eyes. This is not just a book; it’s an evangelistic tool to reach people through the art of poetry. Satan tried to put a cap on my gift but God blew the lid off. God wants people to look past the book, look at my trials, and look at the evidence of where He delivered me from. God seemed to have rewritten my story. In fact, it was all part of a perfect design. God had given me a blank page, a new beginning, a new chapter, and new hopes! Praise God! I am learning how to improvise and not quit! I have doubted, I have questioned, and I have hesitated on the calling of my life. I was afraid to accept the fact that God found something to use within me. Through all of my mess, I never thought I was good enough; let alone be an inspiration in a person’s life. This was very hard to accept and a challenging assignment. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 says, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” God has expanded my length of reach. I am an instrument for God to orchestrate the gift of poetry. God gave me a vision to use poetry as an outlet to cope with our inner and personal feelings. I believe God is using me to inject positivity back into our community. My son, Corey Dyson, Jr., gave me the name Spoken Colors Poetry Night. This name relates to people in this world who have encountered scarring from their past, been through some hurtful/traumatic things, been rejected, denied, and some have been damaged. Now, Spoken Colors Poetry Night gives people a voice to be used as an instrument, and be immersed to evangelize with euphony! We all come from different walks of life. Some of us have a colorless background, and some of us have a very colorful background. There are many different tints, shades, and tones in our life. But there is still quality in our life to share with others. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” The dots of my life were connected to amazing people! I was connected to Jennifer Foxworthy, Founder & CEO of Inspirationally Speaking and Talk Show Host of Living Unshackled on Purpose through MetroCast Channel 10 Gab with ALisa program, Host Alisa Casas. After meeting Jennifer and her family, I heard of Pastor Joanna Birchett who was looking for someone to manifest the vision God has given to her. Jennifer had already established a business relationship with Pastor Birchett through the Gospel 4 U Network.

Jennifer mentioned to Pastor Joanna that she knew a person who would fulfill the vision. God has used my gift of poetry to put on national television through the Gospel 4 U Network. This is how the journey began for Spoken Colors Poetic TV Ministry. Glory to God! Spoken Colors is a poetry culture! God has given me the ability to reach people abroad through poetry and to be an activist to help people push out their story. Through the ministry of Spoken Colors Poetic TV, I am able to help people with their perceptions, observations, hurt, pain, and experiences. I am living my life on purpose! God has become my doctor and I love my doctor. I desire to help Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people by showing them how to take preventative measures in their life. There were many barriers in my life, conditions had worsened, and I had stopped accessing medical care. God is my healer, and my redeemer! I am striving to stay mentally healthy. God gave me a different strategy for my primary care.

For speaking engagements for Zenobia Dyson Please contact her Manager Corey Dyson 240-547-7036 www.euphonious7.com

NAKIBA QUARLES For speaking engagements for Nakiba Quarles Please contact her Urmptg@gmail.com 20

Every Seed Counts By Nakiba Quarles

After spending 21 of the 28 years of my life in the foster care system, I am often asked the question, “How were you are able to overcome your past, after enduring many years of neglect, and going through physical, verbal, sexual, and mental abuse all while living in and out of the foster care system?” Never being adopted, I find myself humbled and even more blessed, because I am able to say that everything is possible with God, having obtained perseverance and resilience! When I am asked about my success since aging out of the foster care system, I am always reminded about how good my God is. I am humbled and blessed because I am able to empower, inspire, encourage, and educate peoples about the things I have learned and overcome along my journey in foster care as an alumnus of the system. In order to answer the question about overcoming abuse and neglect while in foster care, I would like to respond by sharing a few life lessons I have learned along my journey to succeed. The first amazing lesson I learned was that despite the many traumatic and fearful situations I found myself in as a child, I needed to keep my hope and faith in God, no matter what. As a result of having a mother who struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism to the extent where she would go missing for days before I saw her again, it’s safe to say that I didn’t have the comfort of attending church with her. Determined to go to church without my mother, my younger sister and I rode the yellow church bus that came into the inner city neighborhoods of York, PA, to gather children who wouldn’t be attending church on Sundays. Church

representatives would go from door to door collecting as many inner city youths as possible before taking us into the suburban neighborhood for church, where they taught us about Jesus. This may sound outlandish to some but this opportunity often served as a mini retreat for me, being in a positive environment two hours each Sunday. During these two hours my struggles no longer existed. I was safe, I had no reason to fear, and I was no longer hungry because they gave us a small meal of short bread cookies and red juice. This was the highlight of my week! I not only enjoyed my snack, but I also loved learning that Jesus loved me no matter what! I understood that I could hope in God despite the nightmares that tormented my dreams; being out cast and bullied in school because of the obvious visual remnants of my broken home life that exposed me. With all of that, I forced my frail broken mind and body to aspire that Jesus loved me, and for that, I had every reason to have faith in him. I can even remember waking up after nightmares singing the song, “Jesus loves me. This, I know, for the Bible tells me so.” This song served as my reassurance, because He loved me and I loved Him too. I could believe in secret that my life would get better. I had faith regardless of the numerous helpless situations in which I found myself. My faith in God kept me then, and it keeps me now, because Jesus loves me. The concept that a seven-year old girl developed this level of hope in a God she could not see may seem puzzling to many. “How could she even conceptualize the very idea of God, given her daily struggles?”

Well, in the words of my pastor, “I am glad will. I often hear people say, “God will never put you asked!” You need to understand that during this more on you than you can bear.” But the reality is time in my life, I had nothing to lose by believing in we do not know what we can bear until we are tried a God I could not see, feel, or touch. Nevertheless, by situations outside our control that emerge in our what I have found over the years is that this was the lives. I know this to be especially true for my life. best decision I could have ever made in my life. To Another example that comes to mind was my be honest, I do not know where I would be, if I had not put my faith and hope in God at a young age. college experience. It took 9 long years to finish my Most importantly, this was someone who I undergrad degree in psychology. I overcame understood would never hurt or leave me, no matter homelessness, sexual assault, mental abuse, what adversaries might come my way. This constant emotional abuse, and lack of financial support. But I made it. Even when I was told to thought process has served as my “ I would have to reach give up, and to settle for a bridge between death and life. deep down inside myself and minimum-wage job, because my life Believing in God often gave me a use my God-given did not coincide with the idea of feeling of freedom to dream pass determination to drive my what a candidate for higher my desperation, fear, and pain. exhausted will.” education is perceived to be, I did The second facet of my not quit. I was determined to finish - Nakiba Quarles success came when I began to what I started. Keep in mind the develop a desire to be more and devastating low statistics for foster to do more regardless of what my ex-foster parents, youth to complete successfully secondary education. case workers, and society said I could contribute to I entered into college knowing the odds of me my life, and the lives of others. One of my favorite finishing were very slim because of obstacles like gospel singers, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, wrote a lack of support and homelessness that devour older song containing the lyrics, “We fall down but we get youth like the Black Death. Statistics played over back up again.” This song has been the testimony of and over in my head. The reality of my unfortunate my life. One of the benefits of having a permanent situation yelled and screamed at me, but I continued family before aging out of foster care is that when pressing forward. I came to the conclusion that it you make a mistake, they are there to catch you and was no longer just about me finishing college, but it get you back on track. What did that mean for a was about being an example for other foster youth young girl without a permanent family? It meant who would inevitably face the same obstacles that I that when I made a mistake and fell, I hit the ground faced. While going through this very painful hard and ungracefully. I did not have the safety net process, I learned a very valuable lesson: our lives that so many of my peers were blessed to have. That are not our own. We are put on this earth to endure meant that if I was going to be successful, I would and grow so that we may be a testimony to others; have to reach deep down inside myself and use my that they may be encouraged and motivated to God-given determination to drive my exhausted overcome their adversities, so they too may be

The overall key to my success after leaving foster care is that every seed applied to my life counted! Whether it was a negative or positive experience, ultimately it all came together to structure the individual I have become today. For that, I am totally thankful to God who provided His grace and mercy to sustain me while I was going through the process. Furthermore, I need to acknowledge all those individuals who passed through my life, dropping seeds knowingly and unknowingly along the way. To those who provided seeds of nourishment for my spiritual and natural body, I am grateful. As for the individuals and situations that tried to cause me harm, I am still grateful! The heartache and painful memories taught me “how to be and how not to be,” in the words of my best friend. The truth is: because I endured and went through what I did, it has taught me to love and give past my own needs, wants, and desires. It has taught me to forgive so that I could heal in my heart, mind, and body. Most importantly, it equipped me to be able to produce what I was never given as a child. As a result, I am free to be loved, so that I can receive love and I can give love. I must say that the benefits of planting seeds are endless. The sower has the ability to affect someone’s life for generations to come. Therefore, I encourage you to plant your seeds. Maybe it is a smile of hope toward a displaced child in foster care, or a permanent commitment toward adoption for a waiting child. You never know how you will potentially impact that person’s life. Observe this sentiment: every seed counts!

MEDIA MONTHLY

Janel Smith

Gospel 4 U Media Pick Janel Smith

As Gospel 4 U Media department continues to surf the social media, this month we are featuring this powerful and anointed woman of God, Janel is a great inspiration to so many that follow her on the Facebook media and she uses it a a means of encouragement to them. Gospel 4 U would like to encourage Janel Smith to continue doing the work of the Lord because only what we do for Christ that will last. Janel is a woman walking in her purpose. This woman of God is determined that for God she lives and for him she will die. Check out her Facebook Page at: Janel Smith

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EORUM CLARITATEM VESTIG ATIONES

DECEMBER 11, 2013

The Power of 2 In Agreement

Nothing holds more weight than when you have someone standing in agreement with you on any given situation, especially agreement that might bring you closer to God. The Word of God says, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3 KLV) Couples, remember the devil is always trying to get you to be at odds with your spouse. The Bible tells us to be always on alert because our enemy, Satan, the adversary, the evil one is on the prowl like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 NIV). Contrary to what the devil would like you to believe, your spouse is not the enemy. The Enemy is the enemy. Remain sober minded and when you don’t agree on any subject or situation, it’s ok to disagree without being disagreeable. Table the discussion until that time when you have taken it to God in prayer for wisdom on how you should address it with your spouse. Therefore, you take it to God in prayer and let Him speak to your heart as to what you should say and how to readdress that particular issue. Agreement is the act of agreeing, to come into or being in harmony, or on one accord with someone regarding a matter. When God tells us what direction we should go, we have the option to agree or disagree with His instruction for us. Because of sin, we are constantly warring within and against each other about any given matter. We must seek common ground. In those tough times of working together when there seems to be no end to the matter, we must as husbands and wives agree to move past that and not give way for the devil to use it as a plot to separate us. Moreover, if a household is divided against itself, that household cannot stand (Mark 3:25 KJV). And if you criticize and attack each other, be careful that you don’t destroy each other (Galatians 5:15 GWT). You might be wondering what it is about number two? All throughout the Bible, you see where God used two: Two is the minimum number of people sent on an important assignment - Two angels were sent to Sodom (Genesis 19:1). - Two spies were sent to Jericho (Joshua 2:1).

- Jesus sent His disciples out two by two (Mark 6:7). Deacon Richard Serrano and Evangelist Nephetina Serrano

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EORUM CLARITATEM VESTIG ATIONES DECEMBER 11, 2013 In addition, two is the minimum number for witnesses. “Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three 27 witnesses shall a charge be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15 ESV). In conclusion, number two is symbolic of the following:

A difference or division.

The minimum number for an important assignment.

The minimum number of witnesses for a matter to be established.

The power of two in agreement can change things within your home, life, and that of your entire family or circle of influence. You are joining hand in hand in faith together. One can chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30). The Bible is clear on the roles and responsibilities for the husband and wife as it relates to your covenant relationship. We are better together. In agreement with your spouse, you’ll find strength; a threefold cord is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). Something as tiny as an ant can kill when they are in numbers. We gain confidence and courage together. If one falls, the other helps him up (Ecclesiastes 4:10). Covenant marriage is when you are journeying together with Christ toward oneness, making sure to take right decisions with wisdom, because the decisions you make today will shape your tomorrow and generations to come. To contact us: Deacon Richard & Evangelist Nephetina L. Serrano Covenant Marriages, Inc. “Together Forever, We Are One” 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19102 Office (215) 550-1747 covenantmarriagesinc@gmail.com  www.covenantmarriagesinc.org  www.facebook.com/covenantmarriagesinc We mentor and coach couples in crisis or in need of support during challenging times within their marriage. We offer support to couples who find themselves in the real game called “life.” We are reaching beyond the walls, restoring the family, one marriage at a time. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14 KJV). Join us: “WE ARE ONE” Empowerment Phone Conference Call for Couples Every 3rd Thursday of the Month 8PM–9PM Dial 712-775-7035 Code 696170# Playback 712-775-7039

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DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION TOUR #2 PHILADELPHIA

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION TOUR #2 Rev. Dr. Larry Birchett Jr & Dr. Joanna Birchett

To God be all the Glory for the Great things He is doing and has already done.

Defeat is Not an Option Tour is a vision given to Dr. Joanna from he Lord, this is a very powerful topic because no matter what obstacles you have to face, you don’t have to worry because you have already won, “Defeat is NOT an Option because God is our OPTION” The Lord moved in a mighty way at Church of The Living God and lives were transformed, the Bible declares that “Only what we do for Christ will last.” We are committed and sold out for the Kingdom of God, and as we are going forth and making disciples of all men we send notice to the principalities, “DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION.” Here are a few highlights from tour # 2 and if you are interested in having us come to your City or State, please call our office at 717-609-0077 or send us an email at info@gospel4unetwork.com This is a KINGDOM MOVEMENT! Matthew 11:12 ~ From the days of John the Baptist until NOW, The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, BUT they that are violent MUST take it back by force.

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION TOUR #2