The Spring 2020 Team
Founder/Editor In Chief ................................ Sheneè Woodson Cover Design/Layout Contributer.............. Sarah Grace Contributing Writers.
............................................. Melissa Jackson .
Photography Credit ......... Aisha Butler (Jazzy Photos) Sheneè Woodson
HOME BASE Baltimore, MD PHONE NUMBER 410-645-0629 WEBSITE www.hisfavormagazine.com © 2020 by His Favor Ministries LLC. All Rights Reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in the United States of America.
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AVAIL ABLE IN DIGITAL AND PRINT
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Favor Features 6... Melissa Jackson 7.... De'Shaun Jackson
"I wanted to let the people around me know that whatever they're going through, they're not alone"
8... iDance Ministry 10.. B2E Sports
"We need as much support and guidance as possible because our dreams are important too" 15.. Jamal Roberts (cover feature) 16.. The Jackson Twins
We make sure our program is a celebration of each unique individual, not a showcase of comparison or competing against anyone else. 18.. Yvette Barnes & Christian Miss Teen 20.. Book Spotlight 4
It is Spring!
Yes. a time for the April showers to bring May flowers. A time for some of us to clean out our closets and get rid of old items in our homes. The time of year when churches are preparing for masses of people to attend their services due to a holiday known as Easter. Yet this Spring of 2020 has taken us many of us by surprise. Although, people are stating that they have known what was to take place at this time, no one can ignore the effect that the Coronavirus has had on the world. Whether we feel it is a hoax or not, it has caused most of our daily routines to be "out of whack." Not only our routines, but some of you might feel down because this was the year you were preparing to graduate, to go to your prom, to have that fun spring break with your friends. We are in time where the stores are flooded with people purchasing toilet paper and hand sanitizer to ensure that they stock up for something worse to come. Churches have been told to not hold services of more than 10 people. Even among the saints, there is a difference in opinion when it comes to abiding by the laws of the land. For many it is conflicting with their beliefs to be "among the saints" As I talk to my family and friends, it has been pressed upon my heart to ensure that during this pandemic, I will use the gifts and talents that God gave me to minister to many of them. Whether it is to lend an ear, support their small business or even a text, I want people to know that someone is thinking about them while having little to no contact with others. At this time, being isolated and practicing social distancing can have its downfalls. The enemy loves to play mind games with people when they are by themselves. It is so imperative that we remain in prayer, listening to praise and worship music and meditating on the Word of God. For those that are not as strong in their faith, having someone reach out to them can make a huge difference. So as we go through this time when the world eventually has no choice to call on the name of Jesus, let us make sure that we are open to minister to others. Let us take the time to reach out to the person that always says that they are "ok" Let us call that person on the phone and just let them know if they need anything that we are there. We are in a perfect position to be a light to this dying world. Instead of complaining that churches are closed, toilet paper is gone and there is no where to have fun, how about we display across the nation and even the world the one thing we know that can change everything! The Love Of Jesus Christ!
Sheneè Woodson
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Push Into Your Destiny Have you ever had a dream or a goal so big, that in the back of your mind you never thought that it could happen? Now that you have made steps towards your dream or goal it feels like everything around you is going wrong. I have news for you....everything is going right! You may question, "How is that so?" In 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 it talks about being attacked on every side but not being destroyed, and how God steps in to give us the strength that we need to press forward. When you are moving in the right direction the enemy "your adversary" is on assignment to stop you. The crazy thing is, is that he has to get permission from God to come for you. God allows the chaos around you so that your faith, trust, and strength is sourced by Him. God allows these opportunities just so that His glory and awesomeness can be displayed in the earth. Anything worth having is worth the pain of pushing. Keep pushing until you get to the ďŹ nish line. The pain, sweat and tears will make it all worth it. No one can steal your joy away because you worked hard for it. God is with you.
Now Push Into Your Destiny!
~Melissa Jackson 6
@meljackprays
M
y main focus in my music is to inspire people. To let people know that no matter what situation they're in right now, they can be whatever they want to be. I felt as though many people around me were lacking in faith. However my focus was to bring it to them.
Who do you look up to? Why? I look up to my father. Growing up he was always my biggest role model. He instilled in me the confidence to be whoever I want to be no matter what was going on around me. How has your music ministry grown in the past year? It started off as a way to release. I wanted to let the people around me know that whatever they're going through, they're not alone. It turned into something bigger! People young and old began telling me that a song inspired them. One of my high school teachers actually came up to me and told me that something I said in my music inspired him to get out of his own
De'Shaun Broadnax
The Impact Of A Good Support Sysytem
Owner and Founder of DB Webs/Logos
A young person can grow
to change the world with a good enough support behind him. I think it's incredibly important that we bring our young people up with support.
head and let God work. Sometimes the little things can bring big results. I'm grateful to have the support system around me to continue. When did you realize that you wanted actually get in a studio and record? When I was 7. My dad had just finished a song and I said "Hey dad, I want to rap." He put me in the studio and I covered one of his old songs, "Come 2 Dance." From then I just kept writing. In high school when I moved in with him is when I really started performing, but the desire to actually record was always there. @bornintolegends
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"Do Not Be So Focused On What's Next, That You Miss What's NOW"
Jamal is an award winning gospel artist, and at such a young age; this millennial has appeared on many radio formats and gospel soundstages alongside many of gospels elite. This powerhouse singer recently released his new single entitled "He's Preparing Me", which earned him a top 25 spot on billboards gospel digital chart. Jamal was top 20 On Sunday Best this season and has amassed a major following. Tell us as a young black man in today's society, how have you evoked change through your ministry? As a black man I set the tone and made it more acceptable for other young black men to be strong in their faith and worship God freely.
Who do you look up to? Why? My grandfather. He was really instrumental in my upbringing. My grandfather is a bishop in the Church of God in Christ and coming up under his leadership made me want to be just like him.
What advice would you give an older adult when it comes to supporting a young adult with big dreams? I would tell them we are the future. We need as much support and guidance as possible because our dreams are important too.
Being in the spotlight at a young age, has it affective your time with friends and family? It really hasn’t. Most of my friends and family are in the church. I also come from a big family so there is a lot of love and support.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music as a career? I’ve been singing since I was 2 years old. So I’ve always had the gift of music and a creative sense. Now I just get to share it.
How has your music ministry grown in the past year? My ministry has grown tremendously. I get booked a lot more now and it gives me the platform to reach the people of God. After all I am merely a vessel. 15
THE OFFICIAL JACKSON TWINS
drawing closer to God each and every day
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HFT:. Thank you for taking the time to speak to our readers. First of all,
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how are you? We are doing well. We are currently in college at the beautiful campus of Southwestern Assemblies Of God University in Texas, and we’re majoring in Elementary Education with an Associates in Music, Associates in Religious Studies and a Minor in Business Entrepreneurship. While attending SAGU, we have had the distinct privilege of being on the university’s Conference Championship Volleyball Team while being selected as Collegiate Student Congress Representatives and singers and pianists for the university’s praise and worship team. Our Junior year has been a blast and a great learning experience. Jasmine and I have transitioned into our new major smoothly (meeting new professors, making great memories with family and friends and drawing closer to God each and every day). Finally, on December 15th, we had the distinct honor of singing and serving the homeless after our first semester of junior year ended. This homeless service brought a breakthrough in the hearts of God’s people and so many lives came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As our wonderful parents say, “You are not truly living unless you're giving.” We have had the honor of feeding, clothing, comforting and singing to the homeless since the age of fourteen!
HFT:. Tell us what prompted the decision to pursue music in a wider spectrum? We chose to pursue music as we noticed God’s healing began to flow in our hearts and into the souls of so many individuals. Our passion for music grew in a wider spectrum as we focused on God’s purpose for us. Also, we know there are people who need to hear our testimony about our birth. This can be explained in one sentence from our upcoming album, “We could have died, but we survived! We couldn’t die to His purpose.”
HFT: Who do you look up to? Why? AUTUMN: In general, I look up to my parents because they have taught me to love people, spend time with God and follow God’s voice daily. Musically, I admire Niya Cotton, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Traylor, Melody Joy, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds, Tauren Wells, Lecrae, Riley Clemmons, Koryn Hawthorne, Steffany Gretzigner, Mali Music, For King and Country and Mary Mary. All of these individuals have one thing in common, they share God’s love daily and they push to be excellent in everything they do to glorify God.
JASMINE: In general, I look up to my parents because they care more about people than themselves. Musically, I admire Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Traylor, Niya Cotton, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds, Tauren Wells, Lecrae, Riley Clemmons, Koryn Hawthorne, Stefffany Gretzinger, Mali Music, For King and Country and Mary Mary. Personally, I look up to these individuals because they exhibit God’s love in their music, they’re obedient to God’s voice and live a lifestyle of worship. 16
HFT: Is it hard to balance pursuing your career, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
school and even having a social life? How do you do it? AUTUMN: Personally, I have always been a great planner. However, as I transitioned into college I learned
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that I needed to balance eating, sleeping, working out, my social life and music schedule. Also, each year I have grown to learn how to balance my daily schedule. For example, I balance my day by making everyday plans, communicating to my parents daily, speaking to my most trusted professors and allowing God to be in the midst of
HFT: How has your music ministry grown in the past year? We have been sharing our God given talents with the world from the age of 2. We have had the distinct pleasure of serving, volunteering and performing at numerous events like ATT “Dallas Cowboys’ Stadium”, City Hall, radio stations, national talent competitions, conferences, youth conferences, camps, youth events, schools, hospitals, shelters, inner city
plans. We believe that “balance is like art. The more that you color your life with it, the more beautiful your life becomes! Balance is beautiful! Rest is WORK! Therefore, we must work at RESTING!.. God did!”
JASMINE: Autumn and I are both pursuing the same career and this definitely helps with my time management. Over the years, I have learned to allow God to help me plan my schedule and I speak to my
initiatives, nursing homes, community events, prisons,
parents if I don’t know what to check off of my to do list
Habitat For Humanity, precious veterans and the
that day. Lastly, I’m definitely learning how to balance
homeless.
my life everyday and I hope to learn something new. We
However, the best way we can answer this question is by reflecting on the past two years. As we attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University, we started off by majoring in Music Education. This journey was tough, but it taught us how to have great work ethic musically and vocally. We were able to take courses like: Basic Musicianship, Music Theory 1&2, Piano 1&2, Vocal lessons for two years, Choir/Chorale and Recital attendance. Overall, all of these courses have stretched us musically and it has given us the confidence to know we are capable of studying music in this capacity.
look at our schedules through the lens of our priorities, faith, family, school, personal development, ministering, mentoring and giving back to our community through our non-profit Strong and Beautiful 4 Life -”Impacting Lives through Music, Message and Mentoring!” God’s Precious Jewels- Identical twins Autumn “Emerald” and Jasmine “Diamond” JacksonThe Jackson Twins have been sharing their God given talents with the world from the age of 2. They have had the distinct pleasure of serving, volunteering and performing at numerous events like ATT “Dallas Cowboy Stadium”, City Hall, Radio Stations, National Talent Competitions, Mayor’s, Conferences, Youth Conferences, Camps, Youth Events, Schools, Hospitals, Shelters, Inner City Initiatives, Nursing Homes, Community Events, Prisons, Habitat For Humanity, precious veterans and the Homeless. In high school they were both 4.4 & 4.3 GPA students, award winning accomplished athletes ranked numbers 2 & 3 in their class, student council leaders, community volunteers, praise and worship leaders, rap artist, mentors, speakers, poets, song writers, recording artist, entrepreneurs, founders of “Strong And Beautiful Charities by helping the hungry, hurting, hopeless, health challenged through education, empowerment & encouragement!
www.theofficialjacksontwins.com
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@theofficialjacksontwins
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BOOK HIGHLIGHT
A Child's Memories of Cartoons & Murder by Tonya McKenzie tells the compelling true story of a four and a half year old's survival of a horrific event, the inherited inner strength that helped her survive many more difficult situations before the horror was over and she realized the ability to rise above and move beyond these circumstances. A Child's Memories of Cartoons & Murder was just released nationwide with a book signing and 'meet the author' tour this month. Ms. McKenzie will be on hand to greet and speak with book enthusiasts.
“I'm looking forward and very excited about my book tour. It took me over 30 years to come to terms with the events surrounding the murder that I witnessed and the residual effects of the gun violence, but having the opportunity to shed light on issues that surround this story gives me much optimism with the possibilities of empowering other trauma survivors. Shame has become pride and fear has become a strength in this truthtelling journey. I hope that something in this story will activate the fighter in every reader.�-Tonya McKenzie
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Tonya McKenzie is an entrepreneur, active civil servant, and principal consultant of a boutique public relations firm in Los Angeles. She has long been a youth advocate and staunch supporter of children's rights. She co-authored the first F.I.T. Kids Manual utilized by the Pittsburg School District (California), established several unique youth wellness programs, coached at the high school level and served on the Youth Council for Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. Tonya McKenzie is the first African American women elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, an appointed member of the Plan Redondo GPAC (General Plan Advisory Committee), shaping the future esthetics of this seaside city and an active member of The League of Women Voters Beach Cities. Tonya McKenzie was witness to a murder when she was four and a half years old, spent time in witness protection and has spent a lifetime moving beyond the incredible psychological impact of gun violence, substance abuse, sexual assault and such other incidents. Her story revolves around a little four and a half-year-old girl witnessing evil deeds and living through the effects of it and coming out stronger.
A Child's Memories of Cartoons & Murder is available online at Amazon.com, Bn.com, major bookstores and Putnamandsmithpublishing.com. For more information regarding: A Child's Memories of Cartoons & Murder: www.putnamandsmithpublishing.com/books, www.facebook.com/achildsmemories