Impact Youth Conf. 2011: Let's Burn
Making an Impact Find out how to make an impact in your community and the world.
Plus...
An Interview with Side By Side President,
Mr. Joe Murchison
Devin Gray, Impact 2011
A t e
S
e r i F
Magazine Producer Devin Gray
Editor April Cheek
DEPUTY EDITOR Ashley Marie Harris
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Devin Gray
Consultants
How to make an Impact
Jackie Moore Chinetha Gaither
stephanie holloman (page 4)
Pastors of NLCC
Relationship and Religion
Archie & Audrey Harris
ajiri erorha (page 8)
A Lasting Commitment: Impact 2011 Review
Greetings Readers, WORDS OF LIFE MAGAZINE is published quarterly by New Life Publications P.O. Box 3114 Laurel, Maryland Archie and Audrey Harris, Pastors
For more information about our ministry, visit us at
www.nlccministry.org
T
his past summer has been nothing less than spectacular here at New Life. Our God has surely showered down His blessings, favor and revelation to us. Like expecting children on a birthday, we have our hands and hearts open wide ready to receive. For the remainder of the year we are anticipating manifestations of miracles, signs and wonders. I, and the leadership of the church, will be teaching on establishing the vision, and developing methods in which we all can use our gifts to establish the Kingdom of God.
We are extremely excited about what God is doing in the midst of New Life. We are positioned and ready for the move. Our prayer here is that you would, as the reader, draw closer to God and develop an obsession for God: His Word and His Spirit. We pray that the fire of the Holy Spirit begin to set a fire in your souls that is literally uncontainable, and that you will spread the flame of Jesus Christ to all that you come in contact with.
Fall Music Review devin gray (page 18)
Interview w/ Joe Murchison
april cheek (page 20)
Please enjoy our publication this season, and we pray that we connect with you soon.
A.L. Harris Archie Harris, Pastor
Words of Life /2 / Fall 2011
ashley harris (page 10)
Worship Leader and YYAM Director, Ashely Harris, leading worship during Sunday Morning Worship. Fall 2011 /3 / Words of Life
impact How To Make an
...to strike forcefully and to make direct impact...
Apostolic: Jesus deliberately equipped and sent forth the twelve apostles with authority. Sending forth – the command to go
“Say what you mean, mean what you say,” a modern paraphrase of Matthew 5:37, stresses the importance of unifying intent and spoken communication. Yet there are present examples where intent and the spoken word do not line up. The result of such disharmony is a modern state of affairs that grows dangerously close to self-destruction. Perhaps, in some part, a lack of understanding causes the misalignment, which can be easily remedied. Though, in great part, misalignment of intent and word occur through willful acts. Then, it takes deliberately action to unify word and intent. Case in point, the concept of impact is trendy in churches of late. Although frequent claims of desire to make an impact abound, evidence of such are scarce. Proverbs 4:7 promotes getting an understanding in every situation. It could be that with better understanding of “impact” believers could gain momentum in fulfilling purpose and the Great Commission.
By: Stephanie Holloman
The Essence of Impact
The word impact appeared in the English language during the 1500s. It comes from a combination of two Latin words, the first being impingere which means not fastening or not driving in (to leave exposed). The second word is impactus which means not in agreement or not peaceful. The Webster’s definition of the word is to, “strike forcefully and to have a direct effect.” A clear understanding of the concept demonstrates that impact is not a subtle undertaking. Further support for this enhanced definition can be found in Matthew 10. Jesus, in choosing and commissioning the twelve disciples exemplifies the essence of impact.
Location – specific field of work
Responsibility – burden to reliably carry out the work Goal oriented – work is directed toward a particular end Extend – work brings opportunity for change to others
Place – where work is to be done
Enlighten – work brings understanding to the unlearned
Perception - how best to get work done
Expose – work highlights areas of lack and willful ignorance
Perspective – assurance of work’s success
Part of larger plan – product of all work being done
Portion – work to be done in the field
Unit – work given to the individual
Magnitude – amount of work needed
Unity – individuals carrying out work to achieve same goal
Mix – skills needed to get the work done Mass – effect of work done Parameters – extent of work Audience – when does the work begin and end Attitude – the work is about the recipients Aptitude – work in areas of capability and commission
Universal – unified work with far reaching results It is widely agreed upon that the church has lost its power. With greater understanding of the meanings of popular words and concepts there lies possibility for reclaiming church prominence in world affairs. The church would be poised to make and follow through on “impact.”
Authority – empowered to take charge of a work Delegated – the work is assigned to a worker Equipped – the work is able to be done Supported – the Holy Spirit gets the work done through the worker
Purpose: intention; object or end to be attained Meaning – intentional work toward an aim Reason – motive for doing the work Rationale – base of belief behind the work
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Although I grew up in a Christian home, I had not truly had a personal experience with God until I started to listen to His voice. It was during my twelfth grade year that I drew closer to God as he led me through all types of challenges. He worked the wonder of unfailing me in my Research Practicum class after I had already failed. He healed my ankle right before Regionals for track and prom. He even worked the miracle of finding me the perfect prom dress--FOR FREE! Instead of placing my faith in the things of man, I turned to God for help. I had just ended a disastrous relationship with a guy I had no business being with. One day, I was telling one of my friends from school all of the fine details of what I would like in my next relationship, more specifically, a God-fearing man. As the conversation progressed, the topic shifted from our relationships with guys to our relationships with God.
Relationship and Religion
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Wr i t t e n B y : A j i r i E r o r a h a
wo men are on a plane. The flight attendant goes to one man and gives him a parachute to put on. She tells him that the parachute is there to help him enjoy his flight. After a while, the other passengers start to taunt him for wearing a parachute the purpose of it has not yet been revealed. Eventually, the man got fed up, snatched the parachute from his back and threw it on the ground. The other man is given a parachute by the flight attendant and is told that he should put on the parachute because the plane will crash shortly and it will save his life. The man gladly puts on the parachute despite the uncomfortable contours
Words of Life /8 / Fall 2011
of the apparatus against his back, and despite the fact that he is being teased by other passengers. Imagine the parachute being Jesus Christ and the flight being mortal life. Too often, people get the idea that that being a Christian automatically entitles you to a life of comfort and happiness. They are simply in the whole ordeal because they think it will improve their lives. When they are ridiculed for what seems to be nonsense to others, they immediately give up on Christianity because they did not get the comfort and happiness they were promised. The other man on the flight was told that the para-
chute, Jesus Christ, would save him when the plane crashed. It is because he recognized the approaching danger that he accepted the parachute to later be saved. Even though he was uncomfortable, he pushed through the hardship. In contrast, the first man wore the parachute only for his personal gain, and upon finding that he had no present need for it, rejected his parachute. To put this parable in the context of my personal life, I would like to share this testimony: Throughout my senior year, God revealed himself to me in distinct ways.
As we delved further into the conversation, I realized my friend was content with her relationship with God and wanted nothing to do with religion. She felt that there was no need for her to go to church or read her Bible simply because she had a relationship with God. It was clear her insatiable desire for the presence of God was completely absent. Her understanding of a closely bonded relationship with God was drastically flawed: she had no understanding that she could not have a relationship with God without first having a relationship with Jesus Christ. At the time, I had no idea how to even address such a statement. After numerous arguments, I had no idea how to begin. When our conversations coincidentally drifted towards religion, she was instantly turned off. Her relationship with God was more of an acquaintance, like the relationship between you and the kid next to you in class that has all the fancy school supplies that you want.
As Bill Wiese illustrates in his video entitled 23 Minutes in Hell, not having a close relationship with your God and expecting to get into heaven is like going to the gates of Oprah’s giant mansion and saying, “Excuse me, I am coming to live with you.” As true followers of Christ, our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is what makes us Christian. Religion is defined as, “a personalized set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs and practices,” such as a checklist of things we believe make us a better people. Our religion is not a set of beliefs and strict guidelines that hinder us from having fun, nor is it a checklist forcing us to obey a set of rules in order to achieve perfection. God’s intention of pure religion as seen in James 1:27 is caring for the widows and orphans (who were helpless at the time) and remaining unspotted (pure) before the world. Religion is seeking God and establishing a personal relationship with him.
illustrated in Matthew 7:13-14, as narrow: great opposition and confined. Jesus warns his followers that the Christian life is not an easy path but because we love God, we are to keep His commandments. In Luke 13:22-27, Jesus addresses Christians that claim to be about his work while living as if they were not given a law to obey. As you despise it when your friend does something contrary to your desire, Jesus despises when people disobey his commandments. If we were to simply obey God and put our faith in Him to govern every aspect of our lives, we would lose ourselves in Him, and He, in turn, would step in and guide our lives. It is our close and intimate relationship with God, through Christ, not mere Christian morality that will land us next to our Savior (Proverbs 3:6). Therefore, let us yearn for stronger relationships with God, not the entanglement of religious practice.
Although religion is not all bad, we should strive for a relationship. A relationship is described as a romantic or passionate attachment. According to Paul Washer in his YouTube video entitled Dating, Courtship and Marriage, the modern day view of Christianity is misinterpreted as doing all of the righteous things you hate while avoiding all of the wicked things you love. When you have a relationship with God, you naturally cling to what is good and hate that which is evil simply because the desire is in your heart. In our intimate relationship with God, we should take pleasure in abiding by the laws He has given us to live by because of our love for Him (Romans 12:9). When we sincerely submit to God, he will govern every aspect of our lives. As Christians, we are to have deep, intimate relationships with God. As we draw closer to God, He, in turn, draws near to us. Missionary Paul Washer describes the Christian life,
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photography by: Jordan Matthews for Nameless Photography Words of Life /10 / Fall 2011
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YouTube, and excessive texting
private to know that I don’t have
important toYYAM’s director and
of the debut of the
and web-surfing tempted many of
to be ashamed of Him in public.
leaders to create an understanding
conference to the closing
the students to hightail it in the
The other youth leaders and I
of balance among the members of
opposite direction.
really wanted the students to grasp
the youth group. Thus, IMPACT
The Kings Dominion trip, along
disorders, and sexuality affect a
this concept, so we had the youth
2011 featured a trip to Kings
with the four nights of prayer,
person’s identity. Each student was
do this particular exercise every
Dominion.
served their purpose, respectively:
instructed to pick up a sticky note
to foster an atmosphere where
from the table without looking
relationships between the students,
at it. The notes had a plethora
peers, and youth leaders could be
of elements that affect identity
cultivated. As a rule, everyone had
written on them. After choosing
to let go of their inhibitions and
a note, both students and youth
be themselves. Thus, by Saturday
leaders formed a large circle and
afternoon at the IMPACT Chat
took turns communicating how
sessions everyone was a lot more
they thought identity related to the
comfortable talking about real life
topic they had picked.
remarks given on the last day, IMPACT Youth and Young Adult Conference 2011, held July 11-17 at New Life Christian Center in Laurel, Md., was more than the dynamic beginning of an annual forum for younger churchgoers to worship. The week-long IMPACT conference, themed “Let’s Burn,” also provided the opportunity for youth and young adults to establish a lasting commitment to cultivating their relationship with God through prayer, fasting, worship and fellowship. Something New Many youth began the week quite nervous and apprehensive because they had never prayed or worshiped four days in a row— Sunday’s had been their only time for any religious activity. Moreover, as a means to present an added challenge, the conference leaders encouraged the youth to go on a seven-day fast. Although the fast did not require the students to sacrifice any food, the thought of giving up Facebook, Twitter,
Words of Life /12 / Fall 2011
Yet, for four nights, at 6 p.m. sharp, the most dedicated of the students enthusiastically walked
night.”
“Something as simple as good,
through the church doors anxious
Each night the prayer exercises
clean fun helped our youth group
to engage in the teaching and
required the students to open their
understand that there are activities
prayer exercises that took place
hearts to God a little more. When
they can participate in and still
each night. One of the prayer
asked what she thought about
feel good about themselves, and
exercises challenged students to
this aspect of the conference, Erin
their relationship with God, in the
take personal time with God to
Weeks, 17, said, “it was my own
morning, so to speak,” said Harris.
thank Him for as many things as
special time as a youth to connect
“Besides this, it was an opportunity
they could think of. Each student
with God in my own way…I am
for the youth to get to know each
stood and faced the wall in the
more aware of the blessings that
other and for the leaders to get to
sanctuary, surrounded by soft
I receive from God. It’s easier for
know the students’ personalities. It
worship music and darkness—and,
me to enter in to my own little
was a great time,” Harris added.
with a little coaching—talked to
sanctuary with Him and to thank
God out loud. Ashley Harris, 23,
Him for everything…we take for
one of the youth directors of New
granted as human beings.”
Life’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry (YYAM), said, “This
simply to have—you got it—fun.
guys and girls in one large group
rom the announcement
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
issues. The theme for the day was identity. The session started off with both
discussing, via an exercise, how factors such as bullying, eating
Mostly everyone was transparent and related their topic to personal experience. After the exercise was
So, 32 students, youth leaders, and chaperones took the drive down to Doswell, Va. Friday morning
A Balancing Act
exercise was important because so
Often times in present-day society,
many youth and young adults are
the portrayal of Christianity
afraid to break free and worship
represents it as a list of can-dos
God in church. But, I found out
and can’t-dos, in comparison to
that when I have private time with
society’s do-what-makes-you-
God—just me and Him—I don’t
happy attitude. The two cultures
care what people think when I
are hugely different and, for
talk to Him openly. I’ve grown
Christian-raised youth, can be
comfortable enough with Him in
the source of indecision. It was
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complete, everyone realized that many of their struggles, opinions, and life experiences were quite similar. Amber Foy, 24, a visitor from New Creation Christian Church, Baltimore, Md., said, “It was good to see we are all people. It may seem like someone has it better than us, but in actuality we’re all the same. Everyone experiences problems and goes through trials. And, on the flip side, we have more in common with others than we think.” Following the group exercise, the students were broken up into two smaller groups—one group of males, one group of females. The young ladies discussed relationships and how they affect a person’s identity, while the males discussed the importance of portraying a God-centered identity in a God-less culture. Devin Gray, 26, a facilitator of the male discussion said, “The male chat was awesome! It was a time for us to discuss, candidly, the issues regarding young men. We were able to get on their levels…Very passionate discussions.”
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IMPACT(ful) Worship The discussions were over and the evening prayers had been said. The IMPACT t-shirts were sold out and the trip to Kings Dominion was just a memory. So, on Sunday morning, clad in white t-shirts with the first ever IMPACT logo on the front, young people, their friends,
and Kandice Travers, 14. Worship was free flowing; and, before it ended, the youth were running to the altar, laying every inhibition and fear of perception down to sing out to God, “set a fire down in my soul, that I can’t contain, that I can’t control. I want more of you God! I want more of you God!”
parents, and members of various
“It was a life-changing moment
churches filled the sanctuary
for all of YYAM, I think. I have
promptly, adding excitement to
never seen our youth this way,
the already charged atmosphere.
so impassioned about coming to
It was time for the finale: IMPACT
know God,” said Harris.
Worship.
Following the Worship Team,
Praise and Worship was lead by
there was a drama and dance
New Life’s worship team plus first-
presentation given by Restored
time members Ariana Julian, 13,
Dance Ministry to Forever
Jones’ “He Wants It All.” The
The immediate response to the
to preach to spirits that once
presentation was the bridge
sermon, as evidenced by the rapid
mirrored my own. To see the youth
into the sermon, “An Awakened
filling of the altar, made it clear
actually reacting and responding to
Generation,” given by Devin Gray.
that the youth needed to hear what
the Word of God was amazing.”
Gray spoke from Ezekiel 37 which tells the metaphorical story of the valley of dry bones. The basic idea of the sermon was that, if individuals allow themselves to be lured into the valley of dry bones—the world—it is a choice as well as a ploy from the enemy. However, he was careful to make
Gray had to say. There were youth, as New Life’s Co-Pastor, Audrey Harris, put it, “speaking in tongues
Lasting Commitment, Unforgettable Experience
as the Spirit of the Lord gave them
“I enjoyed it,” said Nykia Jackson,
utterance.” Arms were lifted high
13, of IMPACT 2011. “I learned to
in reckless abandon, shouts of
talk to God and it made me closer
surrender echoed throughout the
to God. The fast was hard at first,
sanctuary, and tears streamed
but then it became easy,” said
freely.
Jackson. Many of the youth echoed the sentiments of Jackson in that
it abundantly clear that God is
Gray said this of his debut
able to breathe life into the dry
speaking opportunity, “It was
bones. That is, God is able to make
amazingly humbling. I never
a person’s life brand new if they
thought I would be able to do
accept His son, Jesus, and follow
that but God is a God of change.
Both Julian and Travers have
His commandments.
He changed me and allowed me
decided to become permanent
they never thought they could grow so close to God in such a short span of time.
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members of the church’s worship
While many of the students
to allow Jesus to impact their
team because of the experience
made a decision for Christ on
lives daily as they, in turn, impact
they had at IMPACT. The
IMPACT Worship Sunday, it is
the lives of others by sharing
commitment the students made
comprehensible that some may
Christ’s story and His love.
during IMPACT is still evident
not have come in to relationship
“Ultimately, we as youth leaders
months later, as they continue
with Him during IMPACT.
want to organize a conference
to worship with passion, attend
To this, Gray stated, “Even
that will be an unforgettable
Bible Study regularly, and ask
those who did not respond
experience, impactful enough
questions about God and His
immediately, I believe that the
to spur our youth into changing
Word unashamedly.
Word was creating a rumbling in
their communities with Christian
their spirits that will eventually
culture. It’s all about leaving
change them forever.”
a lasting impression wherever
Alexis Harris, 18, a first-year college student, said, “I hear His [God’s] voice more clearly. I have
The goal of future IMPACT
a clearer understanding Him.”
conferences is to challenge youth
we go. With this in mind, we’re already planning for next year,” says Harris.
Click Here To View a Brief Excerpt Sunday’s Message
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The Ambassador is Back! That’s right; the pastor, and teacher of the gospel, The Ambassador is back. ‘Stop The Funeral’, his latest release is proof that The Ambassador has not lost his faith by any means, and if anything he is stronger than ever. With a myriad of guest appearances (Canton Jones, Mali Music, Jessica Reedy, Michelle Bonilla and others) The Ambassador displays nothing less than musical and theological genius. Clearly not faded by the past, The Ambassador is committed to a brighter and more productive future. He collabs with Jessica Reedy on the record ‘Crumbs’ and Mali Music on the smooth track ‘Trust in You’. Great album for all gospel hip hop lovers. Let’s support the comeback.
o h x d e n e p l a e i a r h A f rs o w Look out World, another awesome worship leader is on the rise, and he is coming strong! Alex Holt and Free Worship is a praise and worship group from the Chesapeake, VA area. Their new album ‘Sing Loud’ hit stores at the end of August and went as high as #33 on the iTunes charts for Christian/ Gospel albums as an independent artist using word of mouth. Their hit single ‘More Than A Conqueror› is simply amazing. Other great songs are Yeah, Yeah, Yeah (ft. Travis Greene) and song soon to be heard all over the world ‘High and Lifted Up’. Great Music and equally great ministry.
m ia an l l il il w m c m William McMillan is truly taking the region by storm. McMillan went from sought after musician to a minister who is clearly unashamed of his faith. As a musician McMillan has played on a number of projects, which notably include Jonathan Nelson’s latest project ‘Better Days’. McMillan has also written for recording artist Ernest Pugh. This summer, Will released his first mix tape which is featured on Reverbnation. Since then opportunities have opened up for him to minister all over. The mixtape features hits such as Will of God featuring The Late Bishop G. E. Patterson, and a hit remake of No Mountain with sister Julia McMillan. Great things are coming from him. Make sure to keep him in rotation.
click on the star near the artists name to find our more information. Fall 2011 /19 / Words of Life
Laurel...is such a diverse place
J
oe Murchison is the President of Side by Side and has been an integral part of the organization since its inception in 2007. Murchison believes that the best approach is to become an ally to the Prince George’s school system. During our talk, I was able to learn about Murcheson’s take on a plethora of issues affecting today’s schools as well as his educational and professional background.
A n I n te rv ie w
with
Dr. Joe Murchison
President of Side By Side Interviewed By: April Cheek
WOL: How will Side by Side partner with New Life Christian Center (NLCC)? JM: We are very excited that Stephanie Holloman has become our Associate Director. She will help expand our programs, so we are very excited to have someone with her experience and depth of faith. She is a wonderful addition. NLCC is going to become a tutoring center for us on Tuesday evenings. This is our second year of one-on-one tutoring. We are delighted with the location and also with the volunteers from NLCC that have expressed interest in being tutors. We are very much dependent on volunteers, so we are hoping there will be other places where NLCC members will fit in. WOL: How did you meet Pastor Harris? JM: I was editor of the Laurel Leader for 17 years and as I covered the community, I got to know Pastor Harris. At one point I became very intrigued with his church. I thought that would be a very interesting article, so I came
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and talked with Pastor Harris and attended a service. It was an article that I really enjoyed and I also enjoyed getting to know him. WOL: You mention that people may be daunted by the size of the Prince George’s school system and therefore hesitant to take action. What action have you taken that you feel is most important? JM: There are different ways to affect the school system. One way is by advocacy, i.e., going to school board meetings and pushing for changes that you think would make the schools better. There is a lot of room and need for that, particularly with the budget constraints that schools face. We have not been that kind of advocacy group. Our identity has been as a friend, ally, and help mate of the school system. We come alongside them as our name suggests. We offer programs that the school system, principals, teachers, and parents want and that will make their schools better. We strive to better equip the parents to help their kids do well in school. We have been well received up to the level of Superintendent Hite. He likes community groups that are interested. Right now we are building our partnership with the school system. WOL: How was Side by Side Born? JM: Side by Side was born out of seeds planted back in 2004. The Laurel Clergy Association started a program in 2004 that matched schools with churches. There was the idea that one church and one school could partner and the church would provide volunteers and other aid. That didn’t take off, but it established the idea that churches really could provide support for schools. When I left the Laurel Leader in 2007, I kept thinking this is what God called me to do – to spend the next part of my life working for the schools and the families that go to the schools. So I started to
meet people from other churches who were interested (many of them former educators) like Stephanie Holloman and they came on board and we spent a year talking about what we could do. We started the Family Academy in 2009. We have expanded into tutoring and a homework club. WOL: How long have you been President of Side by Side? JM: Since it was started in 2009. We became incorporated in 2007 – but it took a few years to really develop a program. WOL: How long have you lived in Laurel? Are you from the area? JM: I grew up in North Carolina. I came to Laurel, MD in 1985 as a reporter for the Laurel Leader. We moved to Laurel in 1990, so we have been here 21 years. WOL: What have you seen change in the Laurel community over the years, both good and bad? JM: Laurel, when I came, had a small town feeling and there was much less development. Laurel has grown tremendously. It’s amazing to realize there are about 90,000 people within the four zip codes. There are lots of new housing developments, Route 1 has been upgraded and the demographic has changed as well. Something that I really treasure about Laurel is that it is such a diverse place in some ways more than many communities. WOL: If there was one change or improvement that you could make instantly in the Prince George’s County school system, what would be? JM: I would love to see kids leaving elementary school be good readers and
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be good in math. Of course, everyone wants that. There is something wrong with schools that advance kids who can’t read or write and have a very limited ability to work with numbers. I’m not smart enough to know all of the answers – but I know that schools can do better and not so many students need to slip through the cracks. We are about trying to work with the schools, the community, the parents so their kids have a bright future through being well educated.
WOL: Who do you admire in the field of journalism? JM: I was tremendously influenced by my original editor, Mr. Eisenhard. He was very passionate about covering the community, he was a wonderful writer. He was very scrupulous about getting both sides and being accurate. He was a wonderful mentor. Throughout my journalism career, I kept hearing his words ring in my ear, “Be sure this is right. Be sure you have both sides.”
WOL: Why do you have hope for change?
WOL: What, as a child, did you think you would be when you grew up?
JM: At the Laurel Leader I saw various efforts to improve the community. Some had to do with schools, some with beautifying the community, some with economic development. My sense is that we always can make things better. We may not make sweeping changes in the world – but we can always make things better. That gives me hope. I think that we could really make a difference in our schools. We could really help schools serve the children better and help the families to work well with the schools.
JM: My father was a lawyer, so I thought I would be a lawyer. Or that’s what I told everybody. I didn’t end up feeling particularly attracted to the law field. I love kids, so I thought I would be a teacher. I was a teacher for 3 years. I went to graduate school and got a Masters in English. I left education and went into journalism. It is ironic that I am now focusing on education. One of the things I loved about the newspaper work was teaching young reports about the profession. I have tremendous admiration for good teachers. The thing I enjoyed the most about the journalism profession
was meeting people and getting to ask them about their stories. Everybody has a story and a lot of them are very interesting. Also, you have a chance to promote the good that you see in the community as well as shine a light on the bad. Throughout my journalism career, I wanted to emphasize the good and not the bad. That is why I began working on an issue that I think needs more community involvement. WOL: What advice would you give a young person currently enrolled in Prince George’s county schools? JM: I think at any age the friends young people make are a tremendous influence on them. If you get in a crowd of people who are looking to do well in school and go to college and have significant futures, then you will do well no matter what school you attend. If you get in a crowd of people who are not looking at the future but just thinking of how they can get through the day – you’re probably not going to do well.
“We may not make sweeping changes in the world – but we can always make things better. That gives me hope.”
Dear Reader... The publishing staff of Words of Life Magazine and Pastors Archie and Audrey Harris would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this magazine. Here at New Life Christian Center we are all about Kingdom Expansion. Doing whatever is needed to meet the natur al needs of the people while sowing seeds of hope and love into all that we come in contact with. This publication is nothing different. If you are seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ, the process is quite simple. It takes faith and confession. If you are willing to take the stand to live for Jesus Christ, repeat this pr ayer: Dear God, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge that I have sinned and I am truly sorry for my sins and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that You sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins and that you rose Him up with power from the gr ave. I confess with my heart and I believe. At this moment I accept you into my heart as my personal savior and accordingto your word...I Am Saved! Thank You Lord for dying for me and for giving me eternal life.
Welcome
to the Family! We hope to hear from you. If you have accepted Jesus or rededicated your life to Christ. We would love to hear from you. Please email us your stories and testimonies of hope. God Bless and we love you!
Sincerely,
Words of Life Staff
Joe Murchison
President, Side By Side www.sidebysidelaurel.org
Words of Life /22 / Fall 2011
The Final Word...
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Fall 2011 /23 / Words of Life
Photography: Jordan Matthews for Nameless Photography Writers: Ajiri Eroraha April Cheek Ashley Marie Harris Devin Gray Stephanie Holloman Editors: April Cheek Ashley Harris Thank You To: Mr. Joe Murchison Grayscale Marketing and Design
New Life Christian Center P.O. Box 3114 Laurel, Maryland admin@nlccministry.org wordsoflifemagazine@nlccministry.org www.nlccministry.org
Words of Life /24 / Fall 2011