OCTOBER 2017
BEAUTY TIPS
Christian Magazine
WILDER BRACKINS
Mark & Sherita Carthon
FINANCES LESLIE ELIA
JOSHUA GRIMMETT
A SERVANTS HEART
CARTHON & COMPANY CD RELEASE
BeautyTIPS WHAT IS PH-BALANCE?
pH is an abbreviation for Potential Hydrogen. The pH number ranges from 0 to 14 and it measures how alkaline or acidic a liquid is. Anything below 7 is Acid and anything above 7 is Alkaline. Water has the same amount of acids and alkalis which gives it a pH level of 7. pH levels in skin cleansers do make a difference. Your skin has a pH level of about 5.5. The outer layer is acidic which helps to keep bacteria out and keeps the skin moisturized. You should use a cleanser which has the same or slightly higher pH level as your skin. This will help to maintain the outer protective layer. If you choose to use soap as a cleanser, which is too alkaline, then it will dissolve the acid in your skin and it will lead to dryness. A skin cleanser, with a pH level slightly higher than 5.5, will remove the oil and dirt from the skin. Soap has a pH level between 9 and 12. This is too high if you want to keep your skin moisturized. On the other hand, cleansers should also not have a pH level which is too low because then it won’t remove the dirt. Therefore, look for cleansers that are soap-free with balanced pH levels. Wilder Brackins Hudson S.A.M.byWilder www.sambywilder.com (216) 773-3889
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Sam Mau
CONTENTS ISSUE 22
OCTOBER 2017
WWW.KDCMAG.COM
2 BEAUTY TIPS Wilder Brackins
14 MARK CARTHON
4 WORSHIP Donna Renae Patrick 6 FOUNDERS PAGE Pastors Greg & Sharina George COVER STORY
8
8 MARRIAGE TIPS Stacey Greene 10 A TRUE PROPHET Prophetess Kimberly Fleming 12 FINANCES: BUDGETING Leslie Elia 14 COVER STORY Mark & Sherita Carthon CD Release 16 THE POWER OF PRAYER Pastor Sharina George
STACEY GREENE
18 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH Laura Cowan 22 UNITY
Minister Jucinta Jones
18
LAURA COWAN
24 A SERVANT’S HEART Minister Joshua Grimmett 26 COUNSELING SERVICES Chief Antonio Stitt
WWW.KDCMAG.COM
Favor, Not Fear For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12) (ESV)
Donna Renay Patrick I know fear. When I say I “know” fear, I don’t mean I have lived with it, loved it, nurtured it, protected it, prayed over it, respected it, held it close and in high esteem, or enjoyed a relationship with it; I do all that for my family! No, that’s not what I mean at all. I mean I have experienced fear, so am familiar with it, and how it can affect my personal walk with the Lord. I have experienced the fear of not having enough money to pay the bills. I have feared losing my job and all the benefits that
come with being gainfully employed. I have feared not having a place to live. As much as I love the Lord and as hard as I try every day to walk close to Him, I still remember a time when I was gripped with fear of losing those things that I had worked for and was trying so hard to maintain – all while remaining committed to walking in my purpose. But how is that possible? How is it even possible to be walking in your God-given purpose and still struggle with fear? All Christians won’t admit to their personal struggles with one thing or another, but I will. As born-again children of the sovereign God we somehow believe there is a level of irreverence when we admit we have issues. A very wise former pastor of mine, who has now gone to be with the Lord often said, “we are all struggling with something” – your “something” may not be my something, but every child of God is dealing with something. Fear had gripped my mind so much, that what I feared was clearer to me than the favor that God had over my life. Fear is a powerful thing. The Word of God says that fear is a spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is also a distraction because it will keep a lot of church attendees from surrendered worship. It will also take your focus off the beautiful future God has planned for you because you can’t see past your current situation.
One of satan’s best tactics against the child of God is fear. Satan wants you to be distracted, unfocused, and occupied with insignificant things (and people) that do not line up with eternity. When you try to fuse favor and fear together, you will find that they are like oil and water - they don’t play well together. It pays to know who you are in Christ, and what the Word of God says about you as His child. When you know who you are in Christ the enemy cannot play havoc with your mind. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), but when you know who you are in Christ, the lies and tricks of the enemy will not take root in your spirit because you have fed your spirit with the truth of the Word. We have to know as saints that God has already given us favor; it is, however, up to us to operate in it. Too often we allow fear to take root, and what I’ve discovered is that once fear has gained a foothold in your life, you become occupied with that, rather than using the Word of God to destroy the stronghold of fear. No longer do you study the Word with the same frequency you used to, and you may have even stopped believing it to be active in your life. The Word says that fear is not of God (2 Tim. 1:7). We can surround ourselves with fear, but God surrounds us with His favor! Jesus invested too much in us at the cross of Calvary for us
Cont. on Page 9
CEO Jesus
THE FOUNDERS
Publisher
Xcellence Publications
Founders
Pastor Greg George Pastor Sharina George
Chief Editor
Sharina George
Assistant Editors Antonino Ippolito
Graphic Designer
Xcellence Publications
Photographer Jeff Lawson
Contributing Writers
Jucinta Jones S.A.M. by Wilder Donna R. Patrick Kimberly M. Fleming Stacey Greene Joshua Grimmett Antonio Stitt Leslie Elia Genesis 1:28
Praise the Lord, We are excited that the Jewish nation of Israel just celebrated their Jewish New Year. They are now in their year of Jubilee. As believers I believe we have been engrafted and we are also celebrating our year of Jubilee. Some things have to be restored, released and returned in this New Year. Give God glory in advance of what He is going to do. God bless you, Pastors Greg & Sharina George
All rights are reserved and no part of this publication can be copied or reproduced without permission from Xcellence Publications LLC.
to remain down, depressed, dejected, or afflicted in any area of our lives. God’s Word says we are surrounded by His favor. When you run a check on the word “favor” you will find such descriptive terms as pleasure, delight, goodwill, and acceptance. In Biblical history and culture, during wartime there were vast shields that were worn which were as extensive as the soldier’s whole body, which would surround him entirely. He was protected in the battle. Well, guess what? We live in a world of battle – some spiritual, some human. When you choose to walk in the favor of God you are safe – you are heavily defended! Hallelujah! The blessing of God’s favor is not only for the now, but for the long and yet to be seen future. Go ahead and apply for that job you don’t think you’re qualified for.
Go ahead and search for your first house. Go ahead and start that business. If you know your vision is from God, then move forward in it as you stand on the Word of God. God has given us favor; He has not endowed us with fear. I choose to believe all that God’s Word says about me. Favor will propel you forward, while fear keeps you standing in the same place after God has told you to go forward. Fear will keep you from your God-given destiny. Knowing that God’s favor is over your life will encourage you, while fear will keep you in a place of discouragement. Will you believe it for your life? Will you stand in the face of fear and say, “I am surrounded by God’s favor?”
About Donna
Donna Patrick is a musician and choir director, worship leader, and speaker with a passion for worship ministry. She has authored two award-winning praise & worship devotionals. At All Times, and It’s In Your Praise. Her Bible teaching and leadership experience spans over 25 years. She hosts a weekly internet radio program where the focus is, worship is not just something we do, but it is who we are. Visit her website: www.donnarenaypatrick.com
Stacey Greene
[MARRIAGE Tips
[
Do you remember when your man looked at you like David looked at Bathsheba when he saw her bathing? (2 Samuel Chapter 11) I remember. I keep my favorite picture of my husband and me on my bulletin board. We were in our twenties, and honestly, I don’t even remember who took the photo. The point is, he looked at me with those dreamy eyes of a man smitten.
Somewhere in the marriage things became too familiar, and he no longer looked at me that way. It took a brave and smart thirteen-year-old to tell me. Yes, when my daughter was a teen she brought to my attention that she no longer wanted to see me come home from work and don the grubby sweat pants and crocs. What if one of her friends came over and saw me like that! I laughed it off thinking that all moms are entitled to look frumpy when raising multiple children. I wanted to be comfortable while cooking and cleaning. I was all ready to quote 1 Peter to her (3:3-4) “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” But, instead of quoting scripture, I realized how much it bothers me when my son would go out in public with his hair looking like he just woke up. I was always reminding him of what a comb looked like and what it was used for. Could it be that my husband would like to see me with my hair down once in a while? Would he give me that delicious kiss coming through the door if I looked like a woman worthy of kissing? Hmmmmm. It made me think of what other things might irritate him or what other things have gotten too familiar. I always assumed that once we were married we could share everything, even the bathroom. Was it a big deal if I passed gas or burped in the comfort of my own home? Yes. If I was mortified about those things when we dated, I should be more discreet once married.
HEALTHY MARRIAGE I am not suggesting turning the clock back to 1958 and stepping into an episode of the Donna Reed Show, but keeping myself looking my best goes a long way in keeping the romance alive and well. In like manner, my husband refrains from annoying habits that kill intimacy. Another habit that can damage a relationship is too much autonomy. Having a few friends your mate does not care for is fine, and so is the occasional night out with your buddies, but once a couple becomes more like room mates with benefits, the marriage is in trouble. In our early marriage, I thought that we were so evolved because we could be these super independent people. We had a lot in common and spent time together but we also had our own lives. I was a new Christian and had not fully understood what Mark meant in Mark 10:7-8 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.So they are no longer two but one.” In hindsight, I wonder if all of this autonomy had created an environment more tempting for my husband to cheat on me. As I thought it through, a couple of things made sense. I was there for him physically as we made love often, but I was working several part-time jobs and was not there for him emotionally. I was all about the damaging habit I just spoke of earlier as I came home from my many jobs and errands and ripped off my nice clothes for bummy sweats and a baggy top. After the family was fed I slouched onto the couch and flipped on the TV.
The hair went up into a ponytail and my dry feet went up onto the coffee table as I watched mindless sit-comedies instead of making eye contact with my husband who also had a long day and wanted just as much to relax. Go and enjoy lunch with the girlfriends. Don’t stress when your husband wants to hang with the guys one night. But, make sure you are both putting forth the effort to find mutual friends and being reciprocal in the way that your relationship is treated and treasured. God loves a happy marriage and I know you do too! Proverbs 5:1819 “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer-may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.”
10 Characteristics Of A True Prophet
PROPHETESS
Kimberly M. Fleming There are certain qualities that are supposed to be seen in the life of a true prophet. One of the best ways to identify a true prophet would be to use the Word of the Lord. The Word of the Lord is a great tool in identifying the real from the fake, the truth from the false. Here are a few traits that can be used to help you in that process. 1) True prophets must receive his/her gifts and callings from God. Ephesians 4:11. 2) A true prophet looks to edify, comfort, and exhort the body of Christ. 2 Corinthians 14:3-4 3) True prophets will never give their own private interpretation, they will only share what the Lord reveals. They prophecy when the Holy Spirit moves them. 2 Peter 1:20 4) A true prophet only prophecies in the name of the Lord and only seeks to Glorify Him. 2 Peter 1:21 5) True prophets will receive dreams and visions. Numbers 12:6 6) A true prophet will be accurate. Jeremiah 28:9 7) All true Prophets must be properly trained, experienced, and mature in the Word of God. 1 Timothy 3:6; 1 Samuel 19:20 8) True prophets are worshippers. Judges 5:1-5; Daniel 2:19-23 9) True prophets must be humble. Philippians 2:3-4 10) All true prophets are intercessors, real spiritual watchmen who prays the heart and mind of God. Habakkuk 2:1; Romans 8:26-27
All prophets must observe the authority of God’s house and His laws. These are just a few traits that should be seen in the life of a true prophet. A true prophet should exhibit most, if not all of these characteristics. God will confirm the call of a prophet by the evidence of these traits, by His Word, as well as the affirming words of other prophets and ministers. Prophets you are God’s mouthpiece, you are to represent Him with integrity, grace, and love. Be blessed!
Prophetess Kimberly M. Fleming Prophetic School Of Ministry prophetesskim7@gmail.com Facebook-Kimberly M. Fleming Twitter-@prophetesskim
PROPHETESS
Kimberly M. Fleming
Booking information for Prophetess Kim Fleming c/o Christian Fellowship Center 14713 Lakeshore Boulevard Cleveland, Ohio 44110 prophetesskim7@gmail.com 216-403-9966 Sow A Seed Cash App $Kimberly7 PayPal.com/prophetesskim7@gmail.com Connect with Prophetess Kim
Leslie Elia
How to Budget your Finances The first one is understanding the concept that it is not what you make but what you keep that determines your success.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Leslie Elia and I work with Life Leadership, an international group of business owners passionate about getting people out of the financial Matrix. In the 1999 movie The Matrix starring Laurence Fishburne and Keanu Reeves, the character Neo is offered a chance to take a blue or a red pill. If he takes the blue pill he will awaken in his warm bed believing anything he wants to. If he takes the red pill he will be exposed to some ugly truths about his world. If you have not seen it, I won’t spoil which one he chose. As for me, I chose the red pill when our family income took a dive about 13 years ago. My husband and I were living with my parents. At the time that meant four paychecks, even if two of them were just small amounts of Social Security for my retired parents. We never thought about money and always seemed to have what we needed right when we needed it. We thought about the future a bit, but it just seemed so far off. Well as you can imagine, parent number one passed away and parent number two went into a nursing home. Two incomes were still doable as long as the kids would stop eating and growing. Well, since that was not a viable option, we tightened our belts and did the “B” word. Yes, I’m talking about that dreaded budget! However, my husband lost his job rather suddenly and was out of work for 6 months. I found out quickly that food stamps and unemployment could only take you so far, even with a budget. The crushing blow was when my husband finally did find work, it was less than half of what he made in his former profession. We needed more than just coupon cutting and second-hand clothes from friends. We needed to not only know the offense and defense of money (making and keeping it) but we also needed to know the playing field (how it works in the real world). Enter the green box. When I joined Life Leadership I was given a green box that would change my life with 47 principles of personal finance. The first one is understanding the concept that it is not what you make but what you keep that determines your success. You must pay yourself first and save what you pay yourself. Ugh! My grandma taught me that and she was a Great Depression Survivor and a tightwad. No way did I see myself washing out plastic sandwich bags to reuse. I was not about
Principle #1
to take my husband’s worn T-shirts and cut them into rags when there was a dollar store down the street. Guess what? When I pay myself first and save what I pay myself, strange and wonderful things begin to happen. Suddenly an old T-shirt makes a wonderful dust cloth when cleaning our coffee table. Suddenly I don’t need to get my hair professionally colored. A good home kit will cover the gray just as well at a fraction of the cost.
I begged my husband to start saving from his paycheck as well and at first, he would put about 10% of each check in, only to have to borrow a bit of it back out at the end of the month to pay one last bill. It was frustrating for us but diligence paid off. We finally saved $1,000 for unexpected things that life can throw at a couple. A funny thing happened when we hit that magic number. Things stopped being so urgent. We were so proud of our savings that we didn’t need to call the repair man when the dryer broke. My husband used his knowledge from his job, an owners manual and a couple of You Tube videos to fix it himself for less than half of what we would have paid a repair person. We wanted to see that $1,000 stay safely in our account as we went on to learn about principle number two. So, make a commitment today to pay yourself first, save what you pay yourself, and next month we
How to Budget your Finances
N O H T R CA
Y N A P & COM
s e c i o V e Th Mark
Carthon “MrCthon” is born music royalty. A preacher’s kid, Mark grew up around music and has always been influenced by the gospel industry. He attended Cleveland School of the Arts, majoring in music education. He later attended Tri-C Community College and majored in Music Theory. On October 25th, Mark will make Cleveland history and be the first gospel artist to debut his cd release at the world renowned Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “God put me on this earth to script the music he wants his people to hear,” said Carthon. “We have to position ourselves for humility so the Lord can get the full glory.” Mark has played for world renowned gospel artist including Donnie McClurkin, The Clark Sisters, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Chandra Currelley of “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse.” A mentor, Mark works with at-risk youth choirs in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in addition to running vocal workshops and
playing for Case Western Reserve University Gospel Choir. Mark has served as a songwriter for 20 years and holds a collection of more than 300 gospel and inspirational songs. He has written and/or composed music for more than 10 music artists. He currently manages Carthon and Company Ensemble, a local singing troupe. He was also the former manager and musical director of I’Anna Nikkol and Purpose. Mark serves as a musician/organist for various Greater Cleveland churches including, Everlasting Baptist Church, Apostolic Faith Tabernacle, Faith Glenville Church and is minister of music at Greater Fellowship Assembly Church. Mark is a natural comedian, a motivator and draws pencil art outside of his musical aspirations. He is married to Sherita Carthon, a brand manager with Urban Classic Design Studios. The duo are known foodies and travels in their spare time.
About Carthon & Company
Carthon & Company is a singing troupe comprised of local talent in the Greater Cleveland Area and has been in existence for more than 3 years. CAC’s mission centers on bringing awareness to epidemics that plague our communities including, at-risk-youth music education and mentoring, health awareness (Cancer, Crohn’s Disease and Lupus), elder care, abuse awareness and homelessness via annual benefit concerts. To date, CAC has donated more than $500.00 to local non-profit organizations. The administration is actively seeking to partner with and/or host benefit concerts for organizations connected to the above mentioned causes.
s e c i o V The
CAC has been a featured special guest at several prominent events including, opening for “The Walls Group” and Gospel Artist Bri; featured the East Cleveland Public Library Black History Program with News Channel 5 Anchorwoman, Danita Harris, Fox 8 News Anchorman, Wayne Dawson and East Cleveland Municipal Judge, William Dawson; a guest choir at the Regional COGIC Convocation; and host of “Night of Worship” benefit concert for SOS Cancer Outreach program. CAC has also completed a “Live Recording at Olive Grove Baptist Church, and does musical showcases in the Greater Cleveland/Akron/ Canton areas.
#CD RELEASE
The Power of
PRAYER!
By Pastor Sharina George
PSALMS 27:8
I will seek thy face!
Psalms 27:8 say’s, My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. The psalmist David understood the power of God’s presence. In God’s presence we find ourselves experiencing quite a few things. 1. His Power The power of God gives us joy, strength and encouragement. In the times we live in, we need to experience God’s power on a daily basis. He is the source and when we plug in, it gives us a time to recharge. Sometimes our spiritual batteries are running very low and we need to re-energize. The only way to recharge is to plug into the source. We have to take some time to focus on God. This time is to thank Him for everything. Your requests are important and should be acknowledged, but be sure to take time in your day to thank God. 2. A Mirror When you go into the presence of the Lord in prayer, you will begin to see the areas in your life that are not the reflection of Christ. These things are not to condemn or discourage you, but they are revealed so you know they are there. When we see the spots on our clothes, we know to
target them when we wash them. We will change our clothes when we see they are dirty, and so it is in the presence of God. Jesus wants to help us to be like Him. He understands that this is a process and we won’t be perfect overnight but as long as we look in the mirror daily, we can continue to transform into the image of Christ. 3. Self-Denial In His presence we find that we not only need to have a YES in our spirit, we also need a NO. We have to reject those practices and ways that are not productive to the Kingdom. It’s not always about it being blatantly wrong. Sometimes it’s about the fact that it does not edify the Kingdom. Some things that we want to do are not what Christ would have us to do. We have to love those who persecute us. We don’t take revenge but we patiently wait on God to come to our aid. We don’t know that God is a healer but if God decides not to heal us today, we must wait patiently for Him. When our loved ones pass away there is a temptation to become anger and bitter, but we must be content with God’s decision. Selfdenial is not easy, but through prayer we can endure anything.
LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT LAURA COWAN
abuse of his then fiancée, made more horrific through video footage, rallied forces
The topic of domestic violence enters the spotlight every year in October to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October has been dubbed domestic violence awareness month since 1987, and each October we see a flurry of media content dedicated to raising awareness about the alarming numbers of people who are affected by violence in the home. Even the year when widespread media coverage of a professional football star’s appalling
to stand up and speak out against domestic violence. But domestic abuse, or intimate partner violence, is not limited to sports stars or to any particular month. Domestic violence occurs in millions of households every day, and a huge number of these incidents go unreported. Violence in the home affects everyone within the household, whether or not family members are victims of abuse themselves, and it extends well beyond the confines of the home, affecting neighbors, family, friends, coworkers, and the community at large. Domestic Violence: The Psychological and Emotional
Wounds. Broken, bruised, and battered features are the obvious signs of domestic abuse. However, just as physical injuries demand our care and attention; it is imperative that the psychological and emotional wounds suffered from these traumatic events also get addressed. For victims of spousal abuse and other types of intimate partner violence, however, the situation is not always so clear-cut. Fear of retaliation from the abusive partner might
prevent victims from seeking needed assistance. Feelings of shame and embarrassment, especially among male victims, can also be a major hindrance to seeking out services or aid. This lack of emotional support can lead to heightened fear, anxiety, depression, anger, post-traumatic stress, social withdrawal, the use of illicit drugs, alcohol dependence, and even suicidal ideation. It is clear that the psychological and emotional wounds of domestic violence are devastating. They can
potentially haunt victims for many years and rob them of the ability to live a rich, full life. These wounds are completely undetectable by x-rays and too often go untreated. The Effect of Domestic Violence on Children, research shows that a child’s development can be adversely affected by domestic abuse. According to statistics from the NCADV, boys who are exposed to domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their intimate partners and children when they grow up, and show that girls with a history of physical or sexual abuse were more likely than non-abused girls to engage in risky behavior such as smoking, drinking, and substance abuse. Abused girls were also more likely to binge eat and purge than non-abused girls.
DOMESTIC
Violence Month
Even after the violence has subsided, the psychological effects of domestic violence can stick around. Seeking the help of a mental health professional such as a counselor or a therapist can be critical to helping a victim finding peace. If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, consider talking to a professional with the experience and knowledge to help a person overcome the psychological wounds of domestic violence. I know I did and glad of it. You see I too was a victim, now survivor (or I’ll take it up a notch) – “Thriver” of Domestic violence. My story of survival and heroism is one that will be forever be etched in California’s history. I escaped from an abusive polygamist husband. My 3 children and I endured unimaginable abuse. Locked away and held captive in a cold dark garage with no heat, food, and water or plumbing for over six months. I was repeatedly raped, beaten and starved, alongside my children. Stripped of everything but the will to survive, not only for myself,
but for my children; I would then decide to do the unthinkable. Fearing
that I would never make it out of that garage alive, I began to meticulously keep detailed accounts (via pieces of scrap paper I found throughout the garage) of the horrific details of the daily abuse that me and my children endured. However, it would not be until an unplanned outside visit to the post office with my capture, that my life would forever be changed. On that faithful day, I was able to pass a note pleading for help to a postal clerk, who was then able to alert the proper authorities. Two days later, detectives and Law Enforcement would emerged onto my capture’s
doorstep, where me and her children where finally rescued. My abuser was arrested, and is now serving 7 consecutive life terms in Kern County prison back in California. After that ordeal, I moved back to Cleveland, graduated from College and presently serving as a Resident Services Liaison with Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA); Working in Resident Services as their Domestic Violence Advocate. I assist CMHA by empowering, educating and advocating our Residents for justice to end domestic violence and child abuse by providing workshops, materials, guidance and emotional support. I am heavily involved with several organizations such as Coalition for a Better Life (dba) Peace in the Hood, Black on Black Crime Inc. Positive Plus Support Group – Founder: Yvonne Pointer, a member of N.A.N (National Action Network) - Founder: Rev. Al Sharpton, and President: Marcia McCoy Greater Cleveland Chapter and volunteer at the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center of Greater Cleveland for over 5 years. I’ve been awarded in 2014 -
Crain’s “Women of Note”, and 2015 – The Women of Color Foundation “The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Courage Award” and my story has appeared on Anderson Cooper Live, Meredith Vieira Show, ID Investigation Discovery: “House of Horrors”, TVOne’s: Justice By Any Means, The LA Times, Dr. Phil, local news, TV, radio, just to name a few. Presently, I am the CEO and Founder of The Laura Cowan Hope Foundation for battered women that have served over 350 women since 2016. This is now my passion; to save others from domestic abuse. Quote from Nina Simone: “You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served”. Laura Cowan www.lauracowanstory.com
DOMESTIC
Violence Month
Unity!
Minister Jucinta Jones
I
n this month’s article people of God, the Lord is speaking to us about the spirit of unity. Unity is one of those things that absolutely pleases God, and causes us as believers to accomplish great things for the Kingdom. However, all too often we’re dealing with the spirit of division in our churches, families, communities and even on our jobs. Division is a device that Satan loves to use to keep the people of God distracted because when we are focused on biting and devouring
one another, then we are not being productive Christians. I recently spoke to a group of Christian women about the importance of endeavoring to be on one accord with each other. It’s imperative within the body of Christ that we are on one accord, and I believe that oftentimes Satan will cause us to focus on being offended and upset with each other, which causes us to be divided. When we’re divided, we can’t effectively minister, serve, lead or pray for that matter. It’s imperative that we walk in unity because people of God we only have one enemy and that’s Satan.
all be on the same team, and have one goal in mind and that’s living to glorify the God of our salvation. I’d also like to add that when division enters into your ministries and households, then you must fight to maintain peace. You must fight through the word of God and the power of prayer. So the next time that you find yourself bickering with a fellow believer or even your family members remember that nothing is accomplished when you’re operating in a spirit of division. In closing, I encourage every reader to examine yourselves this month, and be determined to live peaceably with all men and walk in a spirit of unity daily.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ are not our enemies because we should
Email: Sanctifiedbychristministry@gmail.com Website: www.sanctifiedbychristministry.com
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They want everything to be about them, and very few people are willing to serve. When you have a heart to serve you understand that it’s not all about you. I was a armor bearer at my church for about 8 years! Being a armor beard gave me a better understanding on serving! And the importance of serving. After armor bearing I became a youth pastor, so now I serve along side my pastor. While serving along side I understood that you don’t have to be batman it’s ok to be robin. When you are serving your leaders you should always do it with a smile. Your title means nothing if you don’t know how to serve. We must have a heart to serve! A lot of people I come across only want to be in the spotlight.
Serving will cause you to humble yourself. The Bible says “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” 1 Peter 5:6 . Humility is the key. If you want doors to be open up in your
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life you have to humble yourself. It’s not all about you! You don’t need the spotlight to serve. Real servants serve in the background, and don’t look for recognition. I come across so many people that are arrogant ! And wants everybody to serve them and they don’t want to serve nobody! There is a famous quote that says “Humble yourself or life will do it for you” If you don’t humble yourself God will put you in situations where it will give you no choice but to humble yourself.
No matter what your title is you have to serve. When you serve you must do it with LOVE! Love is what love does. Love is action. I learned that people will always tell you they love you but they won’t show it unless they need something. When it comes to
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be a servant in ministry we have to do it in love, we must humble ourselves, and we must do it with a smile. Learning how to serve will take you a lot of places, and open doors that you never could imagine would open up for you.
Minister Joshua Grimmett
Chief Antonio Stitt
A
Founder/Ceo Shield & Buckler Coaching and Mentoring Inc.
s most of you already know, I am the Founder/Ceo of Shield Buckler Coaching and Mentoring Inc. I coach and mentor parents on how to improve parenting skills. I coach and mentor kids on behavior issues; and young men and women on ways to create a plan of success for their lives. In conversation with parents, I have often heard the concern of the parent not knowing where their child is, because they’ve run away. Then weeks or sometimes months later finding out that the child had been harbored at one of their friend’s house.
Here are a few questions and comments some of my clients/parents had for parents that harbor missing kids in their home. 1. How would you feel, if you found out that your child had been hiding out at a friends house, but their parent never called you to see if you approved? 2. Have you ever thought about how much I worry about my child, and whether or not they are safe? 3. How can you think it’s okay for your son/daughter to have their girlfriend or boyfriend stay overnight UNSUPERVISED, AND WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF HIS OR HER PARENT? 4. What kind of parent allows their teenage sons girlfriend to not only spend the night, but sleep in the same bed? 5. My daughter is a runaway. When I watch the news, I am always afraid that I’m going to hear about my child being found hurt or dead. I wonder if these parents ever think about that, or do they even care.
These are just a few questions/comments parents have shared with me. They are frustrated and angry. I’m a law enforcement executive, and I don’t understand why our legal system does not take action to hold these parents that harbor missing kids accountable. I welcome your feedback and comments on this. chief@myshieldandbuckler.com
www.myshieldandbuckler.com
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