CHRISTIAN LEADERS MARCH - APRIL 2022
12 13 Around The Region Black Catholics In US A Tiny Minority
15 WMI Street Ministry, Shines Light On Prostitution Zone
6 Publisher Pen 22 Top 3 Reasons Pastors Kids (PK) Struggle With Faith 24 Honoring Our Women Young Women Of Williamsburg Sharing Wisdom And Delivering The Gospel In Song. Vocalist Tasheka Saunders Mentor The Vocalist In Love. God Gave Me The Gift Of Worship Leader. Shaniqua Zastrow Single, Marriage and The Music. Blair Durham- Expanding Diversity And Entrepreneurship In HamptonRoads 41 The INSIDER: Are You A Prayer Worrier or Prayer Warrior Are you a worrier? I know some worriers very well. Usually, these tend to be very sensitive people who have an unusual insight into people’s lives and the situations they face. 42 Church Life: Dancing In Church Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre!--Psalm 149
17 The Restoration Of Historic Oak Grove Baptist Church Williamsburg, VA
The Williamsburg Bureau Stories compiled from a host of Williamsburg residents/writers and editors.
Attic Vol. 1 Issue 8 Mar / April 2022 Cover Image Alex Thomas Publisher Bernard S. Harrison, Jr. Editorial Phil Carson Editor James Anderson ODU Intern Contributors Ronald J. Atkinson, Charlie C Williams, Pastor Tonya Taylor, Dr.Davet'a J. Saunders, Jacquelyn Wray Saunders, Shawneka Selby, Priscilla McKinney, Katherine Clarke, Ruseena Johnson, Shelby Hunt Marketing Gerald Chan gerald@kingdomlifemagazine.com
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www.kingdomlifemagazine.com info@kingdomlifemagazine.com Published Bi-monthly by Kingdom Marketplace LLC All Rights Reserved. A MEDIA PLATFORM WITH A MESSAGE EVERYDAY LIVING
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WHY DO WE PRAY SMALL PRAYERS?
Matthew 6:5-13 states " And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray in the snyagogues." Publisher’s Personal Reflection: How's your prayer life? Do you feel like it is bold and alive or too tame? What changes do you need to make in your prayer life today? As you begin your consistent prayer life, setting goals that are realistic will help while seeking the will and favor of God. It would be good to imagine what life would be like minus some of the things we take for granted. Like electricity, can, nice clothes, food at home, the forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. The word of God teaches us that men ought always to pray, to pray without ceasing. Pray in secret that God may reward us openly. Pray that His Kingdom will come and that His will be done on earth as in Heaven. Second Chronicles chapter seven and verse fourteen, “If my people which are called by name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” As we begin this journey of reflecting on praying in the “Re-Birth Issue of Christian Leaders magazine”. We want to start praying fifteen minutes a day, it would be helpful to make two lists, one for the things we want to praise and thank God for. Then make a second list of people As you begin your consistent prayer life, setting goals that are realistic will help while seeking the will and favor of God.
The second thing about prayer that I have learned is the POWER OF THE PRAYER. HOW POWERFUL IS PRAYER? We should not underestimate the power of prayer. James declares, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. He prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain move and it shall be done.” Is your prayer too small? I have personally seen miracles brought forth from faith and prayer. The power of prayer should never be underestimated because it draws on the glory and might of the infinite power of the Creator. As we move into the second quarter of 2022 let’s remember that prayer is a two-way conversation. It is the most powerful tool that He has given to us to communicate with Him. You speak and God will listen, then He will speak, and you listen, thus the cycle is completed. Thank you for your time and God's blessing in this issue. I hope this blesses your heart! SHALOM
AROUND THE REGION
STUDY: BLACK CATHOLICS IN US ARE A TINY MINORITY INCREASINGLY DRAWING ON IMMIGRANTS
By Yonat Shimron Richmond, VA. (RNS) — The congregation at Holy Cross Catholic Church is an anomaly in one sense: a historically Black congregation led by the Rev. Pius Wekesa, one of just 250 or so Black priests in the United States.
Richmond, VA (RNS) — The congregation at Holy Cross Catholic Church is an anomaly in one sense: a historically Black congregation led by the Rev. Pius Wekesa, one of just 250 or so Black priests in the United States. Many Black Catholics, a minority within a minority, rarely see a Black priest celebrate Mass at their church. Founded by the Jesuit order in 1939, Holy Cross has about 400 families, 70% of whom are Black. But it never had a Black priest before Wekesa became pastor last July. Wekesa, and some in his congregation, are typical of Black Catholics in one way: They are immigrants. Black Catholics, at about 3 million total, comprise only 6% of U.S. Blacks, most of whom are Protestant. And they’re an even smaller share of U.S. Catholics — 4%, according to a new analysis of Black Catholics published Tuesday (March 15) by Pew Research. The study, which included 562 Black Catholics among 8,660 Black adults, found that most Black Catholics worship in predominantly white churches. Only about 25% of Black Catholics attend churches where the majority of congregants are also Black.
The c a t h o l i c c h u r c h h a s 7 9 8 p r e d o m i n a n t l y A f rican Ame r i c a n c o n g r e g a t i o n s a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y ,
homosexuality should be accepted in society.
acc o r d i n g t o t h e U . S . C o n f e r e n c e o f C a t h o l i c Bish o p s . M o s t o f t h o s e a r e o n t h e E a s t C o a s t and
LaRyssa Herrington, a graduate student in
in th e S o u t h . T h e s t u d y , o r i g i n a l l y f i e l d e d i n 2 019
theology at Norfolk State University, who
and 2 0 2 1 , f o u n d t h a t 6 8 % o f B l a c k C a t h o l i c s are
is active in several Black Catholic groups,
U.S . - b o r n . A g r o w i n g n u m b e r — a b o u t 1 2 % — are,
said racial discrimination may be a big
like W e k e s a , f r o m A f r i c a . T h e r e s t w e r e b o r n i n the
reason why nearly half of Black Catholics
Car i b b e a n ( 1 1 % ) o r i n o t h e r p a r t s o f t h e A m e r icas
leave as adults.
(5% ) .
“We see the issue of racism as a crucial conversation point that has to be
Wek e s a , 5 9 , w a s o r d a i n e d a p r i e s t i n h i s n a t i ve Ken y a a n d c a m e t o t h e D i o c e s e o f R a l e i g h i n 2005 to w o r k w i t h t h e gr o w i n g n u m b e r s o f S w a h i l i spe a k i n g C a t h o l i cs . The D i o c e s e o f R a l e i g h , w h i c h s p a n s t h e 5 4 eas t e r n m o s t c o u nt i e s o f t h e s t a t e , h a s 1 2 B l a ck prie s t s . The b i g g e r r e a s o n w h y B l a c k C a t h o l i c s a r e s u ch a sma l l p o p u l a t i o n i s t h a t t h e y a r e t h e l e a s t l i k e ly of all C a t h o l i c s t o r em a i n i n t h e f o l d . W h i l e C a t h olics gen e r a l l y a r e p r o n e t o r e l i g i o u s s w i t c h i n g , B l a ck Cath o l i c s h a v e t h e h i g h e s t r a t e s . O n l y 5 4 % o f U.S. Blac k C a t h o l i c s wh o w e r e r a i s e d i n t h e f a i t h rem a i n s o a s a d u l t s ( c o m p a r e d w i t h 6 1 % o f w hite Cat h o l i c s a n d 6 8 % o f H i s p a n i c C a t h o l i c s . S o me
addressed if we’re going to see a bettering of these numbers,” said Herrington. She mentioned the larger issues of racism in the U.S., as well as what she sees as systemic injustices in the Catholic Church, as part of the problem. The U.S. Catholic Church has five Black bishops and one Black cardinal — Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, who is the first African American to be elevated to the College of Cardinals. The flow of Blacks out of the church means that their number may be sustained (Pew did not have figures for growth or decline), but only because of immigration. or six months before Wekesa arrived in
Blac k C a t h o l i c s e x p l a i n t h i s n u m b e r b y p o i n t i ng out
Durham, there was no full-time priest
that t h e y t e n d t o b e m o r e l i b e r a l t h a n t h e i r m o stly
serving Holy Cross at all.
whi t e C a t h o l i c c o u n t e r p a r t s w h e n i t c o m e s t o imm i g r a t i o n a n d r a c e ( p o s s i b l y b e c a u s e t h e r e are
Now Wekesa has a goal: “I want to
mor e i m m i g r a n t s a m o n g B l a c k C a t h o l i c s t h a n
encourage vocations among young African
amo n g w h i t e C a t h o l i c s ) .
American men,” he said. “It will take time,
Mos t B l a c k C a t h o l i c s s a y t h a t o p p o s i n g r a c i s m is
Wekesa acknowledged it’s a difficult task.
imp o r t a n t t o h o w t h e y t h i n k a b o u t b e i n g C h r i s tian.
“My hope is that before I finish my term at
Abo u t t h r e e - q u a r t e r s o f B l a c k C a t h o l i c s ( 7 7 % ) say
Holy Cross I will get just one,” Wekesa
opp o s i t i o n t o r a c i s m i s e s s e n t i a l t o w h a t i t m e ans
said. “I’ll pass on the torch to this one and
to b e a C h r i s t i a n . B l a c k C a t h o l i c s a r e a l s o m o re
this one will try to plant the seeds. That is
libe r a l o n a b o r t i o n a n d h o m o s e x u a l i t y : 7 1 % s a id
my goal.”
but I’m trying to promote that.”
abo r t i o n s h o u l d b e l e g a l i n a l l o r m o s t c a s e s a nd 78% s a i d
This article originally appeared in Church Leaders .com
Valerie Carter Smith (second from left), executive director of WMU of Virginia, leads a brief orientation and prayer time as ministry volunteers prepare to minister to prostitutes in Richmond.
Photo by Pam Henderson/WMU
WMU Street Ministry Shines Light in Prostitution Zone By Rennis Henderson Photo by Mariela Naplatanova
to pray specifically for the RICHMOND, Va.(BP) -- A small women and men on the streets group of volunteers gathers and for the neighborhood in two nights a month in south general. Richmond, Va., to walk a mileOn a recent night, one of the long strip of the city and ministry volunteers noted that minister to prostitutes and a shooting had been reported others they cross paths with along the way. in the area earlier in the The volunteers meet in the evening. A few blocks later, parking lot of a nearby fastgroup members saw several food restaurant about 11 p.m. police cars and an ambulance for a brief time of orientation parked in front of one of the and prayer before heading out motels. Rather than deter the team, the situation sparked two by two along a street one of them to stop and pray dotted with aging motels, used for those involved, including car lots and the occasional praying for the motel manager pawnshop or tattoo parlor. by name. Some might say this isn't your Valerie Carter Smith, executive typical Woman's Missionary director of Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) ministry project. Union of Virginia, organized Usually spending 90 minutes the street ministry more than a or so strolling along the route, team members pause frequently www.kingdomlifemagazinecom | 14
A soft-spoken, white-haired grandmother of eight, Eggleston doesn't match the image of someone who would be walking the streets of Richmond's prostitution zone at midnight or 1 a.m. But she sees that as an advantage. "It's obvious that I have a few years behind me. I would just say age is sometimes a wonderful opportunity," she noted. "I'm obviously someone's grandmother and I'm able to approach people in that manner. Often there are people who think I'm too old to do certain things, but we have to use the advantages we have. God has given old age a real advantage, and I believe we have to use that." Offering hope and resources As the ministry volunteers strike up conversations with young women and young men they pass on the streets, "we just meet them where they are," Eggleston noted. She said they seek to convey a sense of personal dignity and self-worth to those struggling amid difficult circumstances and choices. "This is a very unscripted opportunity. Each person injects his or her own personality based on just how the Spirit leads us and the person we encounter," she said. "My intro is usually, 'Hi, how are you tonight? Are you safe? We're from the church and we'd just like to take a minute and speak with you. Is there something we can pray with you about?'" While the volunteers watch for signs of individuals being trafficked, "most of the young people we meet here are substance abusers," Eggleston said. "Most of them are here because of their drug addiction and they are prostituting to make the money. "Our goal is to be salt and light to a dark world," she said. "It's a very dangerous lifestyle. We go there and just casually meet people, we talk to them, we offer prayer. Our goal is to just offer them hope, offer resources." "So many of these young people really want out," Eggleston said, "They didn't want in to begin with. Many are searching for a way out. "We don't go and chastise anyone. We're not there to pass judgment or offer correction. We are there to just lift them in prayer and love them, take their hands, hug them, whatever opportunity comes to us." Serving in a dark, dangerous place
By Katherine Clarke Photo by Mariela Naplatanova
Recounting one painful memory of ministering in such a harsh setting, Eggleston described her final visit with a young man she had gotten to know. She said she pulled her car over, rolled down the window, and asked, "Are you OK tonight?" His response was, "Just pray for me." Two weeks later, Eggleston said, he was murdered. "It's a very dark place. It's very dangerous," she said. "But we love them, we love the folks we meet. They're looking for hope... I feel like our witness is through what they hear us pray. We're not going to lecture them, but when they hear us pray for them and lift them to the Lord, we hope that puts hope in their heart and that they feel the grace of God and the grace and love that we offer them." Pursuing 'divine appointments' As sirens wailed in the background, Smith paused to greet a young woman on the street, "Hey, Sweetie, how you doing?" she asked. "Be careful, OK?" As the woman continued on her way, Smith explained, "We pray for what we call divine appointments, asking, 'God, whom do you have us to share with?' They don't have to be those caught in prostitution. We talk to anyone that we pass. "The significance rests in the parables in the Gospels of the lost sheep, the lost son, and the lost coin," she noted. "Our purpose is to share Jesus with people who are caught. These girls make one bad decision or something happened to them that took them further than they wanted to go and getting back is a whole 'another story." Among their ministry tools, volunteers hand out gloves in the winter and bottles of water in the summer. They also distribute small brochures that pose the question: "Do you want out?" The discreet pamphlets provide hotline numbers for such resources as counseling, 12-step recovery programs, transitional housing, and an emergency shelter as well as Smith's personal contact information. "If they call my number, I follow them all the way. I don't let them go," Smith said. Noting that she updates volunteers and other WMU members about the needs and victories along the way, she added, "I've seen girls recover from drugs and prostitution because WMU ladies prayed for them."
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Sharing good news in the trenches, While such tangible results as professions of faith, rescuing underage girls from the streets or helping drug addicts get into treatment facilities have been limited over the years, Smith said, "God spoke and said, 'Your call is to be in the trenches, to be light in darkness, to be obedient to that.' This is my calling. I'm just here to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Eggleston agreed that motivation is not based on visible results. "It's a ministry where you have to be satisfied that you don't know if you made a difference," she said. "You have to be able to know that I may never see this person again, but I have two or three minutes, maybe, to love them, to put something in their heart encouraging. "I believe we are planting a seed. We see ourselves as often the first responders," she said. "We love them, we pray with them, we pray for them and pray that God puts another person in their path. "We're just part of a series of contacts because it's such a brief encounter. That's not comfortable for everybody," she said. "We're sort of results-oriented people so you have to be satisfied with that. You do your part and then God takes care of the rest." Trennis Henderson is the national correspondent for WMU (Woman's Missionary Union). A Baptist journalist for more than 35 years, Henderson is a former editor of the Western Recorder of the Kentucky..
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The historical Oak Grove Baptist Church, based in York County, Virginia, was established as a daughter church of The First Baptist Church of Williamsburg VA, one of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in the country. Its congregants were displaced multiple times, but Oak Grove remains churchcentered in the community. Its current pastor is Steven Keller.
Many of the early Oak Grove congregants lived in the Magruder neighborhood, a long walk from the center of Williamsburg where the First Baptist Church stood. They were known as “nightwalkers”, traveling distances on foot at all hours to reach their religious services from their homes in the rural areas in the Bruton District of York County. Though they were still members of First Baptist, they decided to construct their own building in the Magruder community, and by 1887, they had established a meeting place. In 1887 Mount Gilead Baptist Church issues a certificate recognizing Rev. Alexander Tabb as “a member in good standing” at their church and recommending him for preaching at sister churches. Rev. Tabb is recorded as the first pastor of Oak Grove, and he served from the church’s conception until 1917. When Oak Grove was displaced from the Magruder/Camp Peary land, the church soon acquired land close by on Waller Mill Road, in a neighborhood where some congregants already lived, called Cooktown. In 1900 and 1901, the trustees of this congregation purchased the property for the church building and cemetery and named it Oak Grove Baptist. In the early 1940s, a new church building was constructed on this property, and this is the building that stands today. The historic Black church has seen its fair share of problems throughout the years, mainly structural damage and high costs of repairs. The church was without a modern HVAC system. Colette's own involvement with the church and becoming burdened to do something about the buildings’ restoration pricked her heart and spirit - she's like a Nehemiah; a Jewish leader who supervised the rebuilding of Jerusalem in the mid-5th century bc after his release from captivity by the Persian king Artaxerxes I. Nehemiah and his followers do what seems to be the impossible because they are doing what God has called them to do. You don't have to rebuild a wall to do the will of God. ·Start with prayer, even if you do not know what you are starting. ·Align yourself with God ·Realize that God’s plans are bigger and better than you can ever imagine. ·God’s plans for each person are different. ·Remember that it is never too late. She had been promised many things, many times that went unfulfilled, and she had reached a point where she could not wait any longer. It was a Kairos moment in time!! Kairos is not just crisis but opportunity and favor. God assists us in discerning the Kairos —a moment of grace. She was called by God to do His will. Without any assurance from a man on how she would cover the costs of demolition and restoration of the church, The Holy Spirit spoke, to step out on faith. I asked her, “so like Peter you are going to step out on faith She stated yes but I am not going to look down”. Faith is simply taking the next step. She never looked down at the enormous construction task that lay before her, and God has delivered. Look for Jesus and keep looking to him. She announced on 12/4/2021 at a 757 Virginia Cities Movement Saturday weekly call that demolition would begin at the Oak Grove Baptist Church on 12/6/2021. The rams in the bush began to come. “ The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. “ James 5:16 This project miraculously assembled laborers from all backgrounds, churches, and careers. There was and is diversity and unity; male, female, black and white for one accord and purpose, Kingdom building and the restoration of God’s Bride, historic Oak Grove Baptist Church. The participants who volunteered their time, talents, and treasure were not pre-planned at all by man. www.kingdomlife.com - 19
·One of the powerful messages of Nehemiah is how much you can accomplish when you pray and align yourself with the will and plan of God. Here is the list of accomplishments as a result of prayers and alignment with God’s will and plan at the time of writing this article: The Miracle on Waller Mill Road. HVAC system that was put in at cost in 2021. The first estimate received from a HVAC contractor was $24,000. The second HVAC contractor contacted offered to provide the labor at pro-bono and a deep discount on the purchase of the required equipment. It fit perfectly with the church’s budget. In April 2021, natural gas lines were installed at the church and in the neighborhood-pro-bono. On the start of demolition, Monday 12/6/21, God sent an angel out of nowhere, in the form of a young man to the church. He performed all of the "up high" demolition work using only a 6-foot ladder. A crew of men and women of faith, whom I call God’s Squad, volunteered to perform all demolition work required for the church. God sent the exact quantity of laborers to complete the entire demolition in 7 days. Seven is the number for completion. (12/6/21-12/13/21) John Hopke of Hopke & Associates pro-bono architectural services. ·Johns Manville's pro-bono offer to provide fiberglass wall and ceiling insulation. Johns Manville is an American corporation based in Denver, Colorado.
that manufactures insulation, roofing materials, and engineered products. We measure success by the relationships, Peter Henderson of Henderson, Inc. probono services to provide project management with the sub-contractors for the labor required for the scope of work. Without me knowing it I became the project manager. It wasn’t until the project got well underway that I realized how this occurred. Unbeknown to me this delegation of the task was initiated at the Iron Bound Park prayer walk. God knew well in advance. God’s strategic alignment used the 40+ years he sharpened me in my career of sales, marketing, project, and account management in the construction industry. When the decision was made to move all the church’s furnishings into storage we secured the last available storage unit and U-Haul in town. ... and it's only just begun! Colette with her father, 90-year-old Cecil Collier with a picture of her mother Dolores Collier in his heart and arms. This is the Legacy of Faith from whence she came, discernment and wisdom. Taken during the Oak Grove Baptist Church interior restoration demolition. Colette’s mother and father were members of this historic church. Mr. Collier’s father helped to build part of the church constructed in 1943. He requested that his beloved daughter, bring him to the church to witness what has been done.
TOP 3 REASONS PASTORS' KIDS (PK) STRUGGLE WITH THE FAITH By: Ogaga Eruteya
It was almost midday when I ran into Chris on the premises of the faculty of Science. I was in between lectures and he had come to attend to a few sundry things. Chris was a well-known leader in my campus fellowship but we hadn’t really had a close chat. Soon we got talking and as the conversation progressed, I hinted that I was the son of a clergyman. Hearing that, he was taken aback. “If you are a pastor’s child, then you are different; virtually all the pastors’ children I know are not exemplary”, Chris remarked. Moments after that conversation, Chris’ comments wouldn’t leave me. In a flurry, I began to remember similar statements I had heard from a couple of other persons. I couldn’t deny their observations because I had seen clear cases myself.
Moments after that conversation, Chris’ comments wouldn’t leave me. In a flurry, I began to remember similar statements I had heard from a couple of other persons. I couldn’t deny their observations because I had seen clear cases myself.
Examples in the Bible Even in the bible, I could point to a few. Eli’s family is a ready case. Although a priest and a prophet, Eli had sons who were worthless men – men who did not know the Lord. They took advantage of the people, abused the women, desecrated the temple and treated God’s service with contempt. (1 Samuel 2) In the end, they met their waterloo. Their dynasty was destroyed, and the nation was plunged into darkness. As great as Samuel was, his boys disappointed. “His sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.” (1 Samuel 8:3) And the list goes on.
What a Study Revealed In 2012, David Kinnaman, author of You Lost Me, directed a research, under the aegis of Barna Group, on pastors’ kids against the background of the popular prodigal stereotype.
At the end he said, “The numbers show that pastors’ kids —at least as reported through the eyes of their parents—are about average when it comes to their struggles with Christianity and with the Church. This is perhaps to be expected, yet also disappointing. The children of pastors are not destined to become prodigals, but more than one out of 14 seem to have left their faith behind. And nearly two-fifths of these church-raised kids go through a period of significant doubt—we call this the spiritual journey of nomads, those who still call themselves Christians yet are no longer connected to a local church.” So, why is it that people who have been so intimate with God and have been instrumental in shaping the lives of other people’s children have theirs struggle with the faith or altogether go wayward? There are a myriad of factors that come into play. However, I have highlighted below what I consider the top 3 culprits. And these 3 are pitched in the parents’ tent.
#1. An Imbalanced Family-Ministry Orientation
After the great Benny Hinn reunited with his wife, having earlier undergone a divorce, he said, all along, he had believed that ministry came before family. That was partly why their relationship fell apart. However, he now holds that family comes before ministry. When we put too much emphasis on ministry over family, it may come to haunt us later. What usually results is that little or no time is created for family bonding and the children will struggle to have their dad or mum’s attention. And they could go on with many unanswered questions. Some could fault God, the faith or the ministry for taking their parents away from them and would consequently become averse to any or all of the three. Sometimes, that gap would just be sufficient enough for the enemy to creep in and cause damage. Understanding that your family needs you just as (if not more), than the ministry is key to maintaining a good balance that will save your family and ministry. Renowned bible teacher, Gbile Akanni was right when he said, “I was first a man before I became a man of God.”
#2. Not Getting to the Basics with the Kids
WOMAN'S HISTRY MONTH
HONOR OUR WOMEN
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Tasheka Saunders (IAMSOSHEKA)
Jaccarri Woodson SUBMITTED BY JACQUELYN WRAY SAUNDERS
Young Women of Williamsburg Sharing Wisdom and Delivering the Gospel through Song It was truly an honor to feature these three beautiful young Christian vocalists who are all in the age group that is talked about as being self-consumed and not using their talents for God. Yes, they are all our millennials; however, they are not self-consumed, and these young women are delivering the Gospel with tenacity and sincerity that compels others to draw nigh to Christ. In other words, they are not just talking about serving God, but are in the vineyard putting forth action-winning souls to Christ in song.
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Vocalist Tasheka Saunders (IAMSOSHEKA) Mentor the Vocalist in Love Tasheka Saunders is a native of Williamsburg Va. She married Shawn, and they have a son. She is known for her urban, jazzy gospel voice. She has been singing since she was three years of age. She grew ups singing in her local Church Bethel Restoration Center. She has sung in church choirs, on praise teams, and in girl groups.
Tasheka states 2020 was her year of “wake up.” She realized that her gift didn’t belong to her, and she no longer had the right to choose when or where she wanted to use it. She shares that she was a little apprehensive but decided to really give God her complete “yes.”
Since that
time, she has seen so many opportunities and doors open in her life and is really excited about what God is now doing in her life at this time. We started the interview by talking about Tasheka singing at such a young age. J
Jacquelyn: I remember you singing with Teenage Spiritual Awareness (TSA)) our teen choir that would visit Williamsburg and different cities and states. Melissa Woodson was over your choir and shared that her younger children had great voices and had you all to join in with the teen choir. You were only eight at that time, given a small lead part in a song and God moved mightily.
How was that experience as an eightyear-old singing with the teenagers and having a solo? Tasheka: At that age, I was just excited to be used. Melissa Woodson was one of my biggest singing inspirations. She was my first choir director and helped me a lot. I’m appreciative now that she allowed us to sing. Jacquelyn: How can you encourage parents with children who have a nice voice to help enhance their gift? Tasheka:. As a parent of a child who at first didn’t really want to sing, I would sing all the time around the house. Both my husband, and I are singers, so I felt that he had no other choice but to do something with music, so I set his atmosphere. As I listened to him sing, I found artist who had similar voice types like his and let him listen to them. Cultivate the atmosphere around your child with music. I saw it in the church, they may need to find it in listening to artist with similar voice type or taking music lessons or having a teacher. The more they see it and hear it, the more that they will do it. Jacquelyn: Wonderful advice. Do you encourage or help young children with their singing talent Tasheka: Yes, my sister has three girls. They are as young as six years old. Whenever they come over to my house, I let them listen to my music. Sometimes I create songs, give them their parts and just let them record and listen to themselves. Again, it’s important to set the atmosphere and start them listening and singing as soon as possible. If you see young talent help them learn how to enhance it. Jacquelyn: This question is for all the teenage singings out there. How did you deal with the criticism, rejection, or the envy of people? Did you rebel, retaliate, or just wanted to quit singing all together? Tasheka: In my teenaged years most of my opposition and criticism came from adults and some people my age who felt that they knew more than what I did or felt that they were better than I was. Church is a wonderful place. It’s a place where I’ve received the most but it’s also a place where I have been hurt and received some of most damaging criticism. I remember after singing
someone coming to me telling me everything that I did wrong with the solo, but they never told me how to correct what I was doing wrong which cause more damage than good. At age sixteen, I was ready to give up and quit singing, because I was being criticized so much and it had a very negative effect on me to the point that I didn’t want to sing anymore. However, even though I was feeling that I wasn’t good enough, I felt that I had to keep trying and give God my best at that time. Jacquelyn: I’m glad you recovered and are now a dynamic well soughtafter Christian vocalist because you didn’t give up or quit Tasheka: At the time it didn’t feel good, but now I’m grateful that I experience the hurt and criticism, because it really prepared me for the music industry. This industry can be very hurtful, vicious, and devastating. God has used my past hurt to prepare me for how not to be overwhelmed by the negativity that goes on in the music industry. Jacquelyn: How can a mentor share an area of improvement, so that the vocalist is not second guessing their talents and even wanting to give up and quit. Tasheka: This is from my professional background, and this works well in every atmosphere, always share the good first and then share areas that can use improvement. Make it a practice not to say whatever you feel that you can say because you know the person and considerate of their feelings. Also, if a singer isn’t functioning to the best of their ability, don’t just criticize, but also be nurturing and compassionate. During this sounds better and will be quickly received. Jacquelyn: Wow, that is excellent advice to our mentors. Before we close the interview, please share with our readers your music and what you’re doing now Tasheka: Again, 2020 had pretty much changed my music career. In December of 2020, I released “Wake Up.”
My producer and my mixing engineer were both Grammy nominated artist. I never expected to work with people of this caliber. In 2021 I released another song “How I Love Him, and in July “How I love You,” and I was blessed to have my eleven-year-old to film the videos for both and that was truly a “wow” moment for me. This year I’m planning a whole project. I am currently running my graphic design business and my clothing brand that empowers women to be bold, beautiful and to walk in their purpose.. I thank God for opening doors and putting me into the places where He wants me to be. I am walking by faith. I am steeping into this knowing that my life is in God’s hand and if I follow his plan everything is going to work out Jacquelyn: I love your confidence and faith in God. Tasheka: My motto for 2022 “I can, and I will.” I can’t allow the plans that God has for me to go unfinished or undone. I have no reason to fear. God told me that I am a multifunctional being, and whatever I want to do, He’s going to do it for me. He said that my time is over for just using one gift because He want me to operate in all the gifting's that He has given me and it’s working for me.
Jacquelyn: Tesheka, please give me a closing word for the young people who are gifted in music on ways they too can possibly be successful as vocalist in the music industry. Tesheka: Think big, your thinking is really what’s going to control the path of your life. Establish a relationship with God. God already has a plan for your life, so you don’t have to figure one out or conjure up one. Seeking God’s plan, understanding his plan and following up with His plan will make your life wonderful.
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I was very appreciative of this opportunity to share Tasheka’s story with our readers. She is an excellent mentor that knows what she wants and is not afraid to step out on faith, allowing Holy Spirit to lead and guide her towards getting it. As she stated so wonderfully, it’s so important for those who are mentors to remember God has gifted you to mentor, do it in love. I’m thanking God in advance for the success of her next vocal project, business, and all of the Christian vocalists that will be a prodigy of Tasheka’s mentorship Again, you can reach to “IAMSOSHEKA,” on Instagram, YouTube, and Tick Toc. You can email her at iamsosheka@gmail.com, https://www.iamsosheka.com, ITB | iamsosheka, IAMSOSHEKA: Facebook
Jaccarri Woodson
GOD GAVE ME THE GIFT OF A WORSHIP LEADER I met with Jaccarri Woodson via telephone. Jaccarri is 34 years old. She’s a well sought-after regional vocalist and currently, through God, expanding her skills being known globally. She is a proud mother of two and the daughter of the late Darryl and Melissa Woodson. She grew up in the church, around music. Her mother was the choir director, her father a soloist, and her brother was a keyboard player at her grandfather’s church Bethel Restoration, in Williamsburg, Va. Note. Jaccarri’s birthday is in March, so we want to send her some birthday blessings as this edition is our March/April edition. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and wanted to reacquaint myself with Jaccarri because she was just a little girl when her parents assisted our ministry in the 90’s and early 2000 with Teenage Spiritual Awareness conferences and workshops that would come to
Williamsburg, VA and other cities and states. Jaccarri sang with the teenagers even thought she was again, just a little girl. We started the interview with questions regarding her background. Jacquelyn: Jaccarri, I know you grew up in a family with a musical background but how did you get your start? Jaccarri: I was put into music. One day they needed a youth choir director, and they chose me. I wasn’t good at all, but with much persistency, staying in the front and working with my brother a lot, I got better. Jacquelyn: A lot of young girls like you were, put in a position because of a need without developing their gifts. How did you develop your gift? Jaccarri: I got myself busy and started singing in many groups in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.
I went wherever I felt would enhance the knowledge of my gift. My father had a group, and I learned a lot from being around the musicians. Jacquelyn: that’s very nice. I’ve heard you sing worship and Holy Spirit truly uses you to usher in His presence. Why worship music? Jaccarri: God did it. He gave me the gifting of a praise and worship leader and I rely totally on Him for help. Jacquelyn: That’s so wonderful. You really travel a lot ministering to other churches and venues, what would you say to someone who wants to do more with their gift than sing in the local choir on Sundays?
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Jaccarri: I would admonish everyone who is interested in music to get around musicians, the more you are around them the more it becomes who you are and you also become more noticeable to others outside of your church. I became more acquainted with the music world by traveling with my brother Darryl Woodson, Jr (Grammy Award Nominee) to concerts, not knowing this would be a part of my life. I also got closer to the Lord. The more I stayed close to God the more He created a sound that comes out of my mouth in worship. Jacquelyn: Speaking of your unique sound is there another vocalist that saw your talent and zoomed in to help you? Jaccarri: Most of my vocal training came from “Sacred Assemble,” a traveling group that I was in. They really pushed me to be more out front and more vocal. It was kind of difficult, because I wasn’t used to being part of a group. However, It truly expanded her vocal capacity. do listen to a lot of artists, such as Shana Wilson, Chandler Moore, Kim Burrell, and other praise and worship leaders who are not as popular.do listen to a lot of artists, such as Shana Wilson, Chandler Moore, Kim Burrell, and other praise and worship leaders who are not as popular. Jacquelyn: Nice selection of artist. Jaccarri, when musicians are on the level that you are, I’ve heard of them having to deal with anxiousness and stage fright. What are some of the ways you deal with stage fright? Jaccarri: I teach vocalist how to deal with stage fright. I coach sharing that the more you expose yourself to the stage the better you become in accepting it and going forward. Once Holy Spirit kicks in, you don’t even think about it. However, never stop singing because you are afraid or have apprehensions prior to going on stage. Jacquelyn: Very good, and how do they do this? Jaccarri: I share with artist to close their eyes, breathe and block out everyone whose around them. Once they feel comfortable, open their eyes to the people.
I used to deal with anxiety a lot, but I learned that I must remember my assignment and fulfill that assignment no matter what. I realized that I was not going to be comfortable in every situation, but God has not given me a spirit of fear so I must walk in boldness and fulfill that assignment Jacquelyn: Was there one artist that you listened to growing up who won your attention and really motivated you? Jaccarri: Tasha Cobbs was my gleaner, I gleaned from her. Whatever she was singing, I would sing. I also like Marvin Sapp and Darryl Coley. It sounds way out of the box, but I aways thought I would be a jazz gospel singer. But I have a raspy voice, so I had to learn how to become my own. When Tasha Cobbs Leonard came on the scene, I could identify with her voice, and I felt like it was ok to be who I was with the raspy voice. Jacquelyn: I know that I do not need to ask this but share with our readers your favorite venue of music. Jaccaari: Sunday morning praise and worship is my most comfortable place. People are more open. Especially now that people are coming to church to hear from God and not just to say they went to church. I get to minister at my home church Bethel Restoration church. I really appreciate being there. I left when I got married, but when that season was over, I came back home, and it was a wonderful different feeling Jacquelyn: It’s wonderful to be able to enjoy sharing the presence of the Lord. What do you find the most difficult with being a worship leader? Jaccarri: It’s hard sometimes because you must be fresh with a God inspired agenda for your worship service. You must pray, fast, and read your word to make sure you are ministering what God wants you to deliver each Sunday.
"…never stop singing because you are afraid or have apprehensions prior to going on stage. Close your eyes, breathe, and block out everyone whose around you. Remember your assignment and fulfill it no matter what happens." Jacquelyn: What is the last word that you would like to leave with our reading audience? Jaccarri: I would say to any praise and worship leader, life is not always going to be easy, but you should never stop. I lost both of my parents, went through a divorce, and my siblings moved away all in less than 5 years. Don’t allow life’s situations to hinder you from going forward, “don’t stop, keep pushing.” Face the giant, overcome them, and don’t let the giant overcome you. Find like-minded people who can help you overcome where you are. Association will make us or break us in this industry. During this interview, we can truly experience the wisdom of her gift of worship. Jaccarri continues to minister her gift for worship at her home church and travels to different churches and venues, being available to teach and participate with praise and worship groups. Jaccarri is so humble, as you have read, she has accomplished a lot throughout her young life, but feels that she is yet “up and coming.” She is now starting to create music for herself and upcoming artists. She states It is a bit scary, but it is in the works. Another millennial evangelizing and winning souls for Christ!My personal song preference: Build Your Home (Ft. Jaccarri Woodson) Worship Flow You may reach out to Jaccarri Woodson on her YouTube channel: Jaccarri Woodson - YouTube Facebook: Jaccarri Woodson, or Instagram: #jaccarriwoodsonblessedmysoul
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Shanny is married to Zachery and they have two children. She’s 31 years old and a native of Williamsburg, VA. She shares that she grew up in a church where most of the members were seniors. It was a lot like the churches of old, where you have a few people, no fancy piano, drums, or pipe organ, instead, you have those good old hymnals. We started our interview with Shanny sharing about her church. Jacquelyn: So, Shanny you shared with me that the church you grew up in had an older congregation, did you continue attending this church as you grew older. Shanny: As I grew up, I felt that I was called out of this church and into another church where there was more worship and praise as they didn’t have it. Jacquelyn: I’m glad you shared the reason that you left your home church because we often wonder why the younger people leave their home church and go elsewhere. Is this where you met your husband, Zachery? Shanny: No, however, almost 2 years before I met my husband, I was engaged to someone else and ready to get married when God told me that I was not to marry my fiancé.
God said, “He was not the person to marry.” We were so close to the wedding dates that my bridesmaids were getting ready to order their dresses. I’m so glad I listened to the voice of God because God truly had the right someone that He wanted me to marry in waiting. Jacquelyn: Wow, Shanny, what a super level of trusting God only. You went from almost getting married back to being single. I must be real; some people would be a little resentful towards God for calling off their wedding and not knowing when Mr. Right will come along again. What did you do to stay focused and not have resentment or second thoughts about whether you did the right thing? Shanny: I honored God and stayed single for two years. I didn’t date or entertain anyone. It was like God had me hidden. It was hard sometimes. I was in my twenties and everyone around me was dating and getting married. However, I found delight in going out to dinner with God being my dinner date. I develop such a wonderful intimacy spending time with God and at the right time, I met my husband, Zachery.
Jacquelyn: Shanny, that’s a wonderful testimony, especially for our single readers who are waiting for marriage. Share with us about meeting Zachery? Shanny: A Pastor invited me to a play one evening. Little did I know that I would be introduced to my husband at the play. He was a youth minister at his church when we met. Nowadays he’s getting back into ministering to the youth and starting to produce and record our music. He has his own studio called STRo Studio Jacquelyn: Speaking of recordings, that people are raving about, “Overcome.” Tell our readers about it? Shanny: About three years ago, a friend sent me a “beat” and ask me to try and write something to go with the “beat.” I prayed, God gave me every word to the song, and everybody loves it. I knew it was a song from God in a season where we could really use much-needed encouragement. Everyone is still playing it and tagging me when they’re listening. I love encouraging people and this song does just that. Overcome was my first single and it is the one that I love the most. It’s on all major music platforms. My YouTube channel is https://youtu.be/qtBHtPP8ujo Shanny Zastrown. Jacquelyn: Congratulations on your success as an artist. What are you the most passionate about when you’re singing? Shanny: I like open or prophetic worship and singing what I hear from the Lord. I would like to put something together where people can come and have an intermate relationship with God, because I see people running around the church, clapping their hands, but they are not experiencing an intermate relationship with our Father.
I love just showing people how to be intimate with God. Those intimate moments are very impactful to our spiritual growth and are very important to God. Jacquelyn: I agree. I love worshipping the Lord and enjoying his presence. You also mention that you’re a member of a gospel group. Share with our readers a little about the group? Shanny: Rather than singing by myself, I joined the group “Camp Friends.” About three years ago Zachery and I were asked to be a part of the group. We minister under the unction of the Holy Spirit. Jacquelyn: Shanny, it has truly been a privilege to interview you and have you share about being single, married, and your music. As we close out this interview it seems like you really had to trust God several times in your career and family, what would you like to share with our rising vocalist about trusting God with their family and career? It was a pleasure interviewing Shanny. She also an entrepreneur and has plans for a future business of her own so, we are standing in agreement with her that God will continue to give you the guidance, wisdom, and direction needed toward this endeavor. It was delightful hearing Shanny share these three aspects of her life, letting our readers know while she may have been tested in life that she’s have had much success and she’s not a millennial who self-consumed or has left the church; instead she’s winning souls for Christ. She’s another millennial evangelizing and winning souls for Christ! If you would like to reach out to her or Camp Friends you may reach them at ShannyZastrowMusic@gmail.com, Camp Friends Music Group campfriendstv@gmail.com, or her YouTube channel Shanny Zastrow. The song “Overcome” https://youtu.be/qtBHtPP8ujo
BLAIR DURHAM
EXPANDING
DIVERSITY
ENTREPRENEURSHIP HAMPTON
AND IN
ROADS
As we honor and celebrate woman's history month, we could not forget to mention a woman doign great things in the 757...Intoducing Blair Durham!
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Images courtesy of Black Brand Shelby: Are you a born and raised Hampton Roads native? BLAIR: I am originally from Hampton Roads - born and raised in Chesapeake! Shelby: What high school and college did you attend? BLAIR: I hail from Oscar Smith High School and am a Virginia Tech alum as well. Shelby: Looking at your bio, you have accomplished a lot in the business sector or Hampton Roads, What inspired you to start Black Brand? BLAIR: My undergraduate work focused solely on psychology initially. However, I branched out and took a course called Race, Class, and Gender, and it opened an entirely new intellectual world. I start getting involved with student activism, hoping to help answer important questions for the university around representation and inclusion. I "over engaged” delving into every sociology course Tech offered, including independent studies, graduate level courses, and TA opportunities, and frequent bought others to my classes in hopes they would find the content as meaningful as I did. Unfortunately, it would take a full decade before the concepts I grew to love at Virginia Tech would translate into anything useful. It wouldn’t be until I met my husband in 2014, who was equally passionate and interested, that I had the impetus to engage in this type of work, and viewing the documentary Hidden Colors catalyzed a lot of what you now know as Black BRAND.
Written by: Shelby Hunt Shelby: Are you surprised at how fast Black Brand has grown? BLAIR: Black BRAND’s growth is a function of a commitment to sowing seeds. I can’t say that the growth has been fast. Rather, the fact that we already existed as a black-led, black-facing organization prior to 2020 definitely helped accelerate our efforts. We began receiving unprecedented interest in and support for our efforts. Shelby: What exciting things does Black Brand have coming up? BLAIR: Black BRAND is focused on three things: B-Force Accelerator, Black Diamond Weekend, 150 Year Plan. Shelby: What does this month, Women’s History Month, mean to you? BLAIR: Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to reflect on the contributions we make daily to improve upon our community. Past, present, and future. I do not consider myself a feminist, but I know what it is like to be silenced and to be ignored. I also know what it is like to be empowered and I think it is important that we empower other women. Women’s History Month is an opportunity to do just that. Shelby: As a woman, you are certainly blazing an impressive trail in business and serving the black community. What would you like your overall legacy to be? BLAIR: Overall, my legacy will be about service, connecting others, resource sharing, and opening doors. I just want folks to have what they need in order to move forward and understand everything that is available to them.
www.blackbrand.biz
Shelby: Do you believe in God? BLAIR: I do exercise faith in Jehovah God, who I firmly believe causes all things to become. Shelby: How has God helped you and do you have any favorite Bible verses and/or prayers that you live by? BLAIR: In God, I live and have my being. My Favorite scriptures are John 17:3; Matthew 7:13 and 14; Psalm 37:9-11; 29; Genesis 1:28; Daniel 2:44; and Revelation 21: 3-4. Shelby: What are your future plans? (continue to grow Black Brand...any political aspirations? BLAIR: I plan to continue to expand Black BRAND’s work both wide and deep, developing more impactful programs, as well as creating more chambers across the country.
March 2022
2022
march /april
WILLIAMSBURG
BUREAU
EXCLUSIVE
PRAYER WALKS IN THE PARKS WILLIAMSBURG VA Manifested The Miracle on Waller Mill Road
WRITTEN BY: CHARLIE C. WILLIAMS PHOTO BYCHARLIE C. WILLIAMS
The depth and breadth of the Holy Spirit’s
was one such faithful, obedient believer.
strategic nature is unfathomable. Kairos
Dr. Davet’a J. Saunders serves as the Pastor
time is here. It calls for action, conversion
at Kingdom Harvest Global Breakthrough
and transformation—a change of life.
Center (KHGBC) located in Williamsburg,
Kairos is an ancient Greek word meaning
VA, and she is a member of the Greater
'the right, critical, or opportune moment'.
Williamsburg Movement. The mission of
God’s strategy is analogous to chess, every
Greater Williamsburg Movement is to
move is with a purpose. We are the vessels
foster unity in the Christian community,
for His purpose.
mobilize the Church to address key needs in our community, and convey God’s love
God’s strategic nature pricks hearts of
and transforming power in a Gospel-
faithful, obedient believers with a vision
centered movement.
and lays before them spiritual breadcrumbs which illuminate the pathway to His ultimate Will. Pastor Davet’a J. Saunders
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She engaged in fellowship with the Most-High God in August of 2021 for Him to reveal what He desired for KHGBC to do to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in the Williamsburg community. The answer came back resoundingly to organize monthly prayer walks at each of the parks in Williamsburg, by gathering citizens of the community to pray for Williamsburg based upon the 7 Mountains of Cultural Influence. Scripture states, “the prayers of a righteous person is effective and powerful (James 5:16b).” Dr. Davet’a, obedient to God’s command, proceeded to organize the walks. The prayer walks were scheduled for Veteran’s Park, Chickahominy Park, Freedom Park, and Iron Bound Park. Each of these parks and neighborhoods has centuries of rich African American history. There is no such thing as a coincidence, but God’s Divine Will for a greater purpose. He always has a purpose for everything. Colette Collier Roots attended the first prayer walk in Veteran’s Park but did not attend again until the Iron Bound Park prayer walk. It was at the Iron Bound Park prayer walk where we met Colette Collier Roots. She began to tell us the history of the area, the 3 displacements of communities, and the Oak Grove Baptist church’s history and its ongoing struggles. She was passionate and knowledgeable about history, backed with facts. Her spirit was effervescent and bright. She possessed the spirit and the anointing of Esther. A present-day Esther on steroids!! The anointing of Esther is one of courage and righteous boldness exercised with great wisdom to confront injustice and deliver a generation from destruction. “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places; thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations, and thou shalt be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Paths to dwell in”. Isaiah 58:12 KJV She has confronted the injustice to deliver living services and utilities to the community of Waller Mill Road, delivering the lost babies to the bosoms of their mothers and fathers, and the restoration of Oak Grove Baptist Church. She has kept all 3 spinning plates going with her Faith in God. As she tells it, sometimes I feel like I am on a trampoline. Jumping up and down asking for help and praying. Especially for my babies. There was a definite mutual spiritual kindred that was present between my wife Leslie, Colette, and me. And Peter answered him, “Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”(Matthew 14:28-33) The story of Jesus walking on water appears in three of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, John). But, only in Matthew do we also learn that Peter also walked on water! When you sit down with Colette Collier Roots you get to know the essence of her DNA and learn 7 things about Faith: BY: CHARLIE C. WILLIAMS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Look for and keep looking to Jesus. Although a storm surrounds you, look for Jesus. The principle is clear especially when life is in a storm, look for Jesus and keep looking to Jesus. When Jesus commands you, obey Him. Jesus told Colette to uncover the history and fight for the restoration of the descendants of Cook town. She is the embodiment of what obedience looks like, doing what Jesus says. Faith is simply taking the next step knowing that you can stand on God’s Word in scripture. Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Colette took one step to follow the spiritual breadcrumbs laid out by the Holy Father. She has been focused on the next steps ever since. Faith unleashes the supernatural. Colette has experienced the supernatural power of God that allowed His vessels to appear in the form of like-minded volunteers of diverse backgrounds and colors who shared of their time, talents, and treasures. With one thing in common, ALL made in the image of God. Imago Dei-Genesis 1:27. She has trusted Him and is consistent and intentional with her actions. The trampoline that she speaks of was the telling of the Cooktown historical story to the Williamsburg communities. The jumping up and down is her telling the story over and over and a call to assemble an army for help with time, talent, or treasures. Fear will sink you. Faith and Fear cannot occupy the same space. Fear generates doubt and doubt drowns Faith. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. With the spirit of Esther, and the talents of Nehemiah I doubt Fear will grip her, control her decision making or sink her. Jesus saves you from many things. Jesus has saved her from many things for such a time as this. She is protected by His Blood. You can choose to worship or worry. She has learned to worship and pray to build her Faith to drive out any chance of worry. She is most definitely a prayer warrior. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16, ESV When she was very young the nickname given to her by her mother, Dolores Collier, was a ladybug. Underestimated for her strength due to her physical stature she is clothed in her colorful armor, Adidas tracksuits, with a cross around her neck and clothed in the Full Armor of God: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesian 6: 10-12 Colette is a protector of the community and Sower of the Seeds of FAITH. Stepping out on FAITH ladybug comes to protect from the purveyors of doubt so that God’s Will grows. “He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 NIV. She gets emotional when she talks of those who have tried to silence her. Undaunted, and strengthened by Faith she has refused, 39 “Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40 “I tell you, “He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40 NIV
THE FORGOTTEN BABIES OF OAK GROVE This article is the third of a three-part series detailing the Miracle on Walker Mill Road in Williamsburg, Va. told by Author Charlie C. Williams
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you that in Heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father who is in Heaven”. Matthew 18:10 NIV “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
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Colette has been organizing visits with Pastors, community leaders and citizens to provide them with awareness and to have prayer vigils. December 6th, 2021 was one such occasion. It was a powerful and emotional experience for all who were present. The maternal instincts of mothers created weeping and cries and yelps. As the Pastors prayed I felt the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit moving through the sacredness of the forgotten cemetery. It is an unnatural experience for parents to lose children, especially when they are in their infant stage. Those graves spoke out to me . Their spirit rose above the harden soil, their graves giving us power to make this situation known and to fuel us with the Holy Ghost to correct this atrocious ill of our society.
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Who really cares to move the babies who have been and were separated from their parents, left for years in despair? Our ancestors’ graves have been covered over with parking lots and hidden by construction debris. Are there more sites in Williamsburg? God knows and cares. Located on a hillside in a wooded area between several landowners, a fringe gravesite belonging to Oak Grove Baptist Church was recently discovered after a timber company caused damage to the property. The gravesite, which includes at least 11 burial sites, primarily those of children, is located behind the Dominion Energy power plant on Waller Mill Road and next to an ongoing land tract development. The site is inaccessible to the church's descendants, being about 3 miles through the woods from the historic Black church's cemetery located on Rochambeau Road. After the rediscovery of the Waller Mill Road cemetery Colette, several church descendants, and other community leaders are proposing the graves be relocated to the church's official cemetery to the bosoms of their descendants.
"I am here and will NEVER leave you or forsake you". For what has been done in the dark WILL come to light. Jesus, please prick the hearts of those with influence to give so that You can bring the babies home to the bosom of their ancestors who are located at the Oak Grove Rochambeau Cemetery. Amen WRITTEN BY: CHARLIE C. WILLIAMS
When the church grounds were relocated from its home place on Rochambeau Road to Waller Mill Road in the mid-1900s following Camp Peary's construction, Colette estimates the fringe graves were placed on the hillside a few hundred yards behind the church. But no one knows the exact reason the graves were placed there. Additionally, there was a time when church members visited the gravesites. However, as time marched on, those graves fell to the wayside as those who knew of their whereabouts grew older or died. As developers moved onto the site, access to the area became limited and eventually cut off. In 2020, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation sold a little more than 300 acres to the development company Harrison and Lear Inc. which plans to build 326 single-family homes at the Carr's Hill Tract, next door to the gravesite, according to previous Virginia Gazette reports. December 6, 2021, Gravesite visits
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PRAYER WORRIER OR PRAYER WARRIOR? Are you a worrier? I know some worriers very well. Usually, these tend to be very sensitive people who have an unusual insight into people’s lives and the situations they face. But this sensitivity combined with an even slightly pessimistic or skeptical outlook on life makes for an excellent worrier. A worrier imagines everything bad that could possibly come from a situation and feels strongly all the emotions that this state of affairs would be sure to entail. It really is not a pleasant experience and yet so many people expend an enormous amount of time and energy on it. The interesting thing is that most of the time, what is worried about with such gusto either is not half as bad as expected or never happens at all! What a waste of energy! What misery and anxiety to be experienced for no reason at all. You are reminded in Matthew 6 not to worry about life. The Lord knows what you need and He will provide! Jesus pointed out the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. These, God’s creations, go about their lives doing what they were created to do and God provides the rest. How much more does God love you, and how much more, then, will He not take care of you. Rather you are encouraged to “… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33) In other words, as you go about fulfilling your purpose for being, which is to be in fellowship with God and to honor Him in your life, He in turn will take care of your necessities. Does this mean that you do not need to do anything when problems come, except follow the popular saying, “Don’t worry! Be happy!”? No! God does tell you to bring our concerns before the Lord in prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6, 7) God expects you to bring your requests to him, not like a homeless beggar, but with a heart of thanksgiving, knowing that God hears your prayers and will answer.
As you bring your fears to the Lord, He carries the burden. The weight of the responsibility now lies with Him. You do your part, whatever that is, and the rest you must leave with the Lord. Do you realize what happens when you call out to God? You have just entered into battle for your situation, not as the oppressed, but rather as one who comes against the problem in the name of Jesus. You have enlisted the hosts of heaven to fight on your behalf. The sensitivity and insight you have as a worrier, God wants to harness and use as an impetus to go to prayer. As your concern for that situation or that person overwhelms you, you can choose instead to become a Prayer, Warrior. You are invited to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that (you) may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16) You do not have to be a victim of your circumstances. God wants you to live a victorious life. How can you be victorious if there is no struggle? But when the struggles do come, go boldly to your Father, present your requests to Him with a thankful heart, and trust that He will take care of you.
DANCING IN THE CHURCH
healing, deliverance, salvation, restoration, revelation, direction, and peace. Then will the maidens rejoice in the dance, and the young men and old together. For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and make them rejoice after their sorrow.-Jeremiah 31:13, AMPC
Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre!--Psalm 149:3, AMPC Dancing is Biblical, when done to the glory of God. It is a powerful expression of praise and worship, and can be a tool to bring healing, deliverance, and restoration to the Body of Christ! Pastors must hear from the Holy Spirit about dance in their church--but not fear what the congregation will think. 5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.--Proverbs 3:5-6, AMPC In addition, worship leaders and dancers must understand their call. They must get over being self-concious (which is a form of fear; ask me how I know!), and trust
God, submit to Him, and realize the dance is going to benefit them, but is mainly about God anointing them as vessels through which He can flow to help other people; it's really about other people. (So remembering this helps us take the focus off ourselves.) According to a book by a well-known Spiritfilled teacher of worship dance, whom herself has been dancing over 50 years, there are three major reasons for praise and worship dance in the church: (1) demonstration of praise and worship (2) spiritual warfare (3) winning souls Worship brings the Glory of the LORD, and when His Glory falls, there is fullness of joy, healing, deliverance, salvation, restoration, revelation, direction, and peace.
Both the congregation and the dancers benefit, and of course, the leadership can! Often, we fear what we do not understand. So a deeper understand of the importance and Biblical value and approval by God of praise and worship dance is needed in Bible-believing churches. Garments should always be modest, and comfortable, for freedom in movement, and jewelry not worn. The dances should never be provocative in any way. In fact, the dancers should be those who live consecrated to God (although we are all supposed to keep growing and none of us ever "arrive"!), and who have a heart for all the attention and glory to be on God, and not themselves! Also, dance to glorify God is not just for children, but for all ages! It can be choreographed or free form. It can include flags and scarves and veils, as well as sign language. Tonja K. Taylor is a joyful, free worshiper, teacher, author, wife, and mother who adores helping others know the sweet faithfulness of God. Through her YouTube channel, "River Rain Creative Arts" and other platforms, she tutors globally in faith, worship, writing, holistic health, ESL, & more.