O V E R
3
M I L L I O N
P A G E S
V I E W E D
JUNE 2015
REV. MICHEAL & DR. MARIA WESTBROOK BUILDING GREATER LIVES!
In This Issue Transformation Newark News magazine is a monthly publication focused on the city of Newark. Providing practical information and tips to transform lives. CONTRIBUTORS Curtis Mincey PUBLISHER Rick Greene A METRO CHRISTIAN MEDIA PUBLICATION 53 Burnet St. Newark, NJ 07102 MetroChristianMedia.com ADVERTISERS & CONTRIBUTORS WANTED EMAIL OR CALL FOR DETAILS Pub@MetroChristianMedia.com 862-888-8238
FEATURE ARTICLES COVER STORY:
Rev. Michael & Dr. Maria Westbrook: Building Greater Lives Jesus Sees You BLOG GospelFest Winners Newark’s Diversity Pentecost Celebration Newark’s Community Street Team Newark Gun Buy Back Gone But Not Forgotten Student Leave School For A Better Education
TRANSFORMING YOUR: Life
Balancing life and work
Ministry
“Ministry: Not for the faint at heart”
Health
8 Reasons to workout
Relationships
Something you might not know about your husband
Business
In Every Issue From the Publisher... Our goal has always been simple simple at Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n N e w a r k Magazine; “Information for Transformation” With that being said, we are changing our name and adding news to our content, combining The Transformation Newark News publication with our magazine will allow us to bring you much more of the best of Newark delivered right to your inbox! I invite your comments about our new direction and the new Transformation Newark News Magazine! - Pastor Rick
Why your home based business is not making money
“We’re Partnering With Ministries to Advance The Kingdom”
Jesus See’s You by Curtis D. Mincey Jesus points out a particular woman to his disciples as he is teaching in the temple. It's passion week and Jesus is about to go to the cross. But a couple of days before this event Jesus is in the temple teaching. And he takes the time to make mention of a certain poor widow that was in the temple. She is an unknown figure in the bible, just another nameless character who plays a major role in what the messiah is teaching. She does something that is so significant that our Lord take the time to mention it. He points out how a lot of rich people were casting in their gifts into the offering box mostly out of their abundance. But this extremely poor widow cast in her last two coins. Basically she gave away everything she had. She had nothing left to live on. She was now at a point in her life where she would have to be totally dependent on God's providence. As I think about about this story and what can I possibly learn from this story something stands out to me. She was willing to give away everything. She was willing to part with something of value and to just trust God. Yes she was caught up in a religious system that looked down on her and judged her. Some would have looked at her and thought that maybe God had put a curse on her and that's why she is in the circumstance that she's in. Some could have viewed her as a sinner who is being punished by God. And other's could have just completely ignored her altogether. But Jesus see's her. Jesus takes notice of this poor widow. The truth is Jesus see's it all. He see's the unwed single mother who is struggling to make ends meet for her family. He see's the the married woman who is being abused by her husband. He see's the lonely woman who is struggling to put the pain of a sexually abused past behind her. He see's the woman who is prostituting her body just to support a drug habit. He see's the woman that is crying for her lost children to come back home. He see's the stream of tears that pour down the face of a woman stuck in a loveless marriage. He see's the damage that a lot of women have had to endure because of their gender at the hands of men. He see's this and he wants you to know. I am here. I will never leave you. I am walking with you as you journey through the dark valley of the shadow of death. Your own parents may turn their backs on you. Your closest friend may walk away from you. Your husband may leave you for another. But Jesus wants you to know without a shadow of doubt that he loves you unconditionally. You may be at that place in your life where you think that there is no hope, that nobody loves you and nobody cares. Just remember Jesus cares. I know it's difficult but just discipline yourself to trust God. Even though you can't see him, trust him anyway. Even though you can't touch him, trust anyway. Even though you can't hear him, trust him anyway. You may not think that anybody see's you and what you're going through. But I want to remind you that Jesus see's you.
He answered, (David) “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ 23 But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
CHRISTOPHER RYAN GREENE NOVEMBER 12, 1988 - MAY 31, 2015 Home going services Monday June 8th Metropolitan Baptist Church 149 Springfield Ave., Newark, NJ Wake 10am | Funeral 11am | Repast Immediately after funeral
Gone But Not Forgotten
A Memorial Day Ceremony honoring those which gave their lives that this nation might live. Coordinated and hosted by famed, now retired Star-Ledger reporter Guy Sterling, a squad of those who came to give honor to those lost in the Civil War gathered and sang songs on which our nation was founded. The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Amazing Grace, and of course our National Anthem, rang out at midday, with words from Oliver WendellHolmes and Lincoln’s Gettysburg address being read by Sterling. One couldn’t help but to feel the pride and love for this nation... our nation. The 23rd Psalm read by Charlotte Russo reminded us that we are truly one nation truly under God.
And though Memorial Day celebrations were taking place throughout the country honoring our soldiers, this one was special... This one took place at Fair lawn Cemetery in Newark... And this one his one was ours! Thanks Guy for helping us to remember.
More than 1000 Students Leave School To Get A Better Education! Students across Newark organized a massive, district-wide walkout at noon on Friday, disrupting the beginning of Memorial Day traffic as hundreds of protesters marched to City Hall. The protest was spearheaded by NJ Communities United and the Newark Students Union, and involved students from Barringer, Central, Eastside, Shabazz, Technology, Arts, Science, Weequahic, Westside and University schools. According to NJ Communities United, students are protesting “[NJ Governor Chris] Christie’s control over Newark Public Schools and his ongoing efforts to dismantle and destabilize the largest school district in New Jersey.”
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement about the protest on Friday May 23rd:
“Today’s protests signify an important fact: our Newark Public School students understand that they are not receiving the education they deserve from the Newark Public School system. That is why they are exercising their First Amendment rights today to protest this situation, demanding that they and the greater community of Newark - residents, parents, teachers, and the administration - be heard and respected by the School District and its superintendent, Cami Anderson.” Mayor Baraka explained
“The district is in chaos. Schools are being denied supports they are entitled under the state’s No Child Left Behind Waiver. Over the last four years some high schools have a new principal every year, some multiple principals in the same year. Newark has placed special education students in schools that do not have the services specified in their individualized education plans. There is a $35 million dollar budget deficit at the end this academic year and a projected $35 million dollar budget gap for 2015-2016 academic year. As both Newark’s Chief executive and a 22-year educator in the Newark Public Schools, I am appalled at this situation.”
On this article I show a few ideas on how to get money by blogging... Today on Internet, anyone can create a successful blog. All blog related tools have been simplified so that even the most newbie internet user can learn how to get money by blogging. The first step is to choose a blog! There are free hosted blogs sites out there that can help you by giving you the tools and resources to make it simple to start your own blog. Or If you have a bit of technical savvy, you can register a domain name and start your blog from scratch. Starting a free blog that gets a lot of visitors and selling publicity space is one of the best ways to make money on the Internet.
Tips on how to get money by blogging
This is one of the most important steps. Pick a topic you love to talk about, whether it be stocks, sports, health, politics, current events or gardening. Be witty and informative. A little controversy wouldn't hurt. You can start out by signing up for a free blogging service like Blogger. Create your blog and update it frequently, so that it can organically grow in the search engine rankings. If you do not update your blog frequently,
then it will eventually die out and it will be very hard for people to find it. There are many things for what you can use a blog, for example to advertise your other online content. You can advertise your own work on your blog, like your website or your articles, videos etc... and help drive traffic to your other content. How to get money by blogging / the monetization system One way on how to get money by blogging is through advertising. You can always use online advertising programs like Google adsense to put relevant ads on your blog. Sign up for one of these programs and look up for different strategies to learn "how to advertise on webpages". Make sure to learn about keywords, so that your ads are relevant to the content you publish on your blog. One system to get money by blogging is to place a donate button on your blog. Some people making blogging hold regular fund-raising drives and some have managed to blog full-time because of the donations from their audience.
Another option is through online affiliate programs, that allow you to advertise products or services that other websites offer, on your blog. In return, each time you make a sale through your link, you will earn a commission. One of the more popular affiliate programs are Amazon.com. Choose products that are related to the content on your blog so that your reader will be interested in purchasing the product. Blog consistently for six months, around three new posts a week. If you want to apply for most blogging jobs you´ll need to have been blogging for at least six months.
How to get money by blogging / facts
Getting money by blogging has become easier over the years, now that blogs have become more mainstream. Blogging is a fun way to share information with others and make some extra money at the same time. Some bloggers even are able to quit their daily jobs, and have made of their blogs a full time job. With a little of persistence and hard work you´ll get it as well.
McDonald’s® Gospelfest® 2015 “When the Choir Meets the Quartet”
!
Iselin, NJ – Gospel fever radiated from the New York Tri-State area preeminent Mother’s Day weekend gospel event hosted by Fox 5 Good Day NY own, Greg Kelly on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Prudential Center (165 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ). Over 900 competitors shared the stage with the top choirs and quartets in Gospel Music including Cissy Houston, The Blind Boys of Alabama Ricky Dillard, Bishop Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Mississippi Mass Choir, The Thompson Community Reunion Choir, Cissy Houston, Donald Malloy, Greater Allen AME Cathedral Mass Choir, Vickie Winans, Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites, special performance by R&B Diva Faith Evans and back by popular demand The Clark Sisters ll! 2015 McDonald’s Gospelfest Winners 1. Gospel Rap Kenneth Armstead “Army” Jamaica, NY 2. Praise Dance Isaac Zellner Freeport, NY 3. Poet Imani Alleyne Jamaica, NY 4. Praise Dance Group Venettes Cultural Workshop Wyandanch,NY 5. Comedian Adeniyi Simon Brooklyn, NY 6. Step Regime Performing Arts Jamaica, NY 7. Male Solo Corey Fulmore Bronx, NY 8. Female Solo Regina Jackson Springfield, NY 9. Group 4 For Chirst Newark, NJ 10. Youth Choir Joy Unlimited Movement Philadelphia, PA 11. Adult Choir Montclair State University OSAU Summit, NJ McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s New York Metro Owner/Operator Association. Over thirty years later, it has emerged as the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and hope to millions of Americans. Previous McDonald’s Gospelfest participants have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, including the renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker. Over the course of the past 32 years, The McDonald’s Tri-State Owner/Operator Association has awarded millions of dollars in scholarship money. The McDonald’s Gospelfest competition has been an important fundraising event which supports education opportunities within local communities.
Elder McArthur Caldwell visits Pastor Rick this month!
To be a guest and share your ministry Call 862-888-8238
Of Most Diverse Cities' in America Newark Ranks 63rd A WalletHub study shows that we are one of the more diverse cities in America
A recent study from WalletHub – a financial information provider - ranked Newark as the 63rd most diverse city in America. 230 of the nation’s most populated cities, using factors such as economic class diversity, ethno-racial and linguistic diversity, and diversified economies.
On Sunday, June 7, churches from Newark and s u r r o u n d i n g communities will come together for one day…all expecting miracles and believing God for change. This year’s theme “Jesus is the s a m e y e s t e r d a y, today and forever.” Are you ready for another encounter with the Living God? Then come out on June 7th at 4 p.m.! Date: Sunday, June 7th @4p.m. Location: Essex County Branch Brook Park, Concert Grove, Southern Division, Park Street Entrance, Newark
CALL 973-242-0094 OR 973-484-6660 FOR MORE INFORMATION
the manna station 3 preachers 1 message 202 16th Ave. newark, nj Sun 4pm
Rev. Irving Johnson 862-576-9281
“let the prophets speak, two or three by course... then let the other judge!�
The Dominion Fellowship Ministries
25th Anniversary Celebration At Metropolitan Baptist Church 149 Springfield Ave., Newark, NJ
September 29th 2013 7:30 AM Service
Rev. Dr. Bernard J. Wilks D.Min. Apostolic Overseer And Founder
DominionFellowshipMinistries.com
GREATER LIFE
Is a nonsectarian non-profit 501(c)(3) FaithBased Community Youth & Family Organization that has been serving the youth of Newark and adults, primarily in New Jersey’s South Ward and the city at-large, since 1986. They provide social services to over 1,500 youth from ages 7 to 19 each year, their family members, and adults, reaching out to those suffering from poverty, family instability, and exposure to gang culture and drugs. Their expert staff of professionals and volunteers knows this community well—we live here!—and we offer variety of programs designed to promote improved grades and behavior, physical health, social skills, family
and community involvement, entrepreneurial and leadership skills, and spiritual growth. They work together with dozens of community organizations and churches, including the Essex County Juvenile Detention Facility, the Boy Scouts of America (Newark Robert Treat District), Newark Schools, the Institute for Black Family Development, the Newark-North Jersey Committee of Black Churchmen, and the Newark Police Department Clergy Alliance, who established Greater Life as an official “Safe Haven” for children. You can now donate to Greater Life via Razoo! Please click below and give today.
ABOUT: The Greater Life story started 28 years ago, when Reverends Michael and Maria Westbrook decided to do something about a troubling paradigm among Newark’s after-school and summer enrichment programs: the majority of these services were not available to the young men and women who needed them most. Kids with gang affiliations or truancy records were usually not permitted to attend after school programs; only those with clean records were allowed to participate. However, in Newark’s South Ward, where Greater Life began and still operates today, there is a particular need for targeted services for this population: the region’s poverty epidemic has spawned culture of gang violence, drug trade, and spiritual alienation. To successfully reach those at-risk youth of color disqualified or underserved by other after-school programs, the Westbrooks have spent over a quarter of a century developing and perfecting programs that balance
SERVICE: Every year, Greater Life provides services to 1,500 youth ages 7 to 19, their family members, adults, and "seasoned citizens", targeting those affected by poverty, with unstable family lives, and at risk of being influenced and affected by gangs and the drug culture. Youth & teens in particular are negatively impacted due in large part to Newark’s poverty epidemic: one in three Newark children grow up in poverty. Essex County has the unfortunate distinction of possessing the third highest level of severe poverty in New Jersey:
cultural sensitivity, inspiration, and moral/ spiritual focus to turn thousands of Greater Life youth (and adults/parents in crisis) into more productive members of society. Throughout, they have operated on the principle that, if given the opportunity, every young man and woman, regardless of their background or personal history, has the capacity to focus their talents and energy towards positive growth. Greater Life affords this opportunity by offering a welcoming, nurturing alternative to the threatening aspects of inner-city culture. We have built Greater Life into more than a disconnected set of homework help, entrepreneurial projects, feeding programs, leadership development, camping programs, and daily programming —it is instead a community of support in which every new youth and adult is assigned a mentor from our staff, alumni, and Board of Directors; and with which poor and at-risk students grow from grade school, through high school, and into a successful adulthood.
6.3% of Essex families were living at less than 50% of the federal poverty rate in 2008 compared to 1% in the most affluent county in New Jersey (Somerset) and 4% statewide. The child poverty rate in Essex County is also third highest in the state. In 2008, when the state child poverty rate was at 12.5% and the national average leapt to 18.2% as a result of the recent economic downturn, the rate in Essex County rose to an alarming 20.2%. The consequences of Newark’s poverty epidemic are severe:
STAFF: Michael and Maria lead a dedicated staff of 12 professionals, including contracted service personnel, a corps of consultants and volunteers, and a Board of Directors who mentor, volunteer, donate 100%, and know Newark and its surrounding communities, particularly the South Ward, intimately. In many cases, Greater Life alumni also return to serve as mentors or volunteers. The leader of our Kidstitute educational enrichment program is Annette Alston, the former president of the Newark Teachers’ Association. Our Program Director is Scott Davis, who has over 20 years experience with client services and case management. Why is a staff that knows the neighborhood well important? Because our staff members find the youth and adults that need our help most by walking the streets and visiting basketball courts and playgrounds daily to identify and immediately assist these children, teenagers, and adults who are often in crisis situations. As a "needs driven" organization, our case management is designed to identify, address, and offer programs to help meet said needs, along with our 20 Partnerships & Collaborations.
PROGRAMS: Drop In Center Operates daily to provide hundreds of youth, teens, and adults with a safe place to hang out and to interact with adult staff, volunteers, and peers: offering recreation, counsel, and assessment of needs. Furthermore, we offer activities including field trips to cultural institutions and other venues for positive growth. We also partner with the Essex County Youth Detention Facility to assist with Mentoring Youth, and Greater Life sponsors an annual Thanksgiving Meal on-site. This affords an opportunity to offer youth a "safe haven" to come to upon release. Kidstitute Kidstitute is an after school educational enrichment program targeting behaviorally challenged youth who are ineligible for, underserved, or unexposed to traditional after-school programs due to discipline problems or a lack of parental involvement. There are currently three Kidstitute cycles each year, in the Summer, Fall and Winter. The program is consulted by Anette Alston, former President of the Newark Teachers’ Association, under the direction of our Program Director, Scott Davis, with support from volunteer college education, psychology, and social work majors. Kidstitute complements traditional educational enrichment programs (informed by components of the Newark Public School Core Curriculum) with programs meant to capture the imagination and harness the creativity of our unique constituency: peer mentoring, leadership programs, and individual counseling and mentoring. Metropolitan Urban Family Institute Family Resource Center Providing support to parents and guardians to enable them to build successful families, which will positively impact the community. Offering services to include case
management in the areas of: crisis intervention, financial literacy/budgeting, food vouchers, housing assistance & referrals, marriage counseling & preparation, and health & wellness education, and job preparation & interview skills training. M et r opol it an U r ban Lead er ship Institute With our newly acquired facility, we will take our leadership development to the next level by establishing a coffee and snack shop that will be run by students & interns, with the goal of channeling students’ existing entrepreneurial instincts in a positive manner. Students will work on math skills by researching budgets and taking inventory, channel their artistic instincts by designing and decorating the shop, and work with program leaders to make executive decisions. Year-Round Camping/Annual Retreat Throughout its history, Greater Life has offered opportunities for youth to get out of the city through summer and school-year camping. One of its highlights has been hosting its annual “TEEN IMPACT” Church Partnership Youth Weekend retreat since 1989! Over the history of the program, we have collaborated with 72 churches/faithbased institutions on retreat programming that encourages 350-400 teens & leaders from ages 13 through 19, to challenge them to live up to their full potential, mentally, morally and spiritually. The campsite we use is located on Lake Champion, Glen Spey, NY, a beautiful setting in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. Mentoring Every student who walks through Greater Life’s doors is assigned a mentor from our staff, senior interns, volunteers, or Board of Directors. These mentors take their responsibilities seriously, going beyond educational enrichments and providing advice and leadership that Greater Life
students can use each day. This fully casemanaged mentoring program is complemented by a set of peer mentoring programs, such as college prep and career exploration, Boy Scouts, G.I.R.L.S (Girls in Real-Life Situations),and faith in life discussions, where Greater Life students help their peers work through everyday problems responsibly, and to navigate their live successfully. Community Organizing Greater Life works with Mr. Wilton Sherman, a long-term community organizer, and other community residents to implement the Weequahic Homeowners Coalition which offices at our Community Outreach Center, seeking to improve the quality of life and address community concerns of the residents of the Weequahic Section of Newark’s South Ward. We also afford space for community block association meetings and Newark Police Block Watch Trainings.
Who They Serve Greater Life Outcomes They serve kids living in • 90% of Greater Life Newark's South Ward, a students who are neighborhood we love, but Seniors will graduate. that is facing increasing • 90% of graduating challenges. From 2000 to Greater Life seniors 2004, school violence will attend Post-High incidents in Newark School Education and involving weapons jumped Training 84%, and the amount of • 93% of Greater Life grandparents forced to raise students will see their grandchildren leapt improvement in 73%! This is due in large behavior, self esteem, part to Newark’s poverty literacy, community epidemic: one in three service, and family Newark children grow up in values poverty and that number is also growing.
Community Outreach Center: Greater Life 272 Chancellor Avenue Newark, New Jersey 07112 Phone: (973) 923-2264 Fax: (973) 923-6102
Contact Greater Life Here are several ways you can get in touch and involved with Greater Life:
Find them on Facebook! Have you liked Greater Life on Facebook yet?
Join their Mailing List Stay up to date with the latest Greater life news by joining our mailing list at: GreaterLife.org
Visit, Mail, or Call Mailing address: Greater Life P.O. Box 8447 Newark, New Jersey 07108
We Don’t Design Jewelry We Build Websites
MetroChristianMedia.Com You Know You Want One
8 6 2 - 8 8 8 - 8 2 3 8
For Affordable * Reliable * Professional Weekly or Bi-weekly Lawn care maintenance
Call
Your Landscaper 973-390-4678 Price per cut range from
$20-$40 Landscape design: Flower beds, shrubbery, mulch, decorative rock, etc.
Spring cleanup Free Estimates
Serving Newark and surrounding areas since 1995
Walter Morris Proprietor
Saturday Night At Metropolitan Baptist
The Church Birthday! Remembering the first Pentecost and praying for a similar outpouring of divine power ... We will also celebrate
The Global Day of Prayer Uniting with Christians around the world praying WITH the World as we Pray FOR the World...
Sunday Afternoon At Dominion Fellowship Ministries celebrates Pentecost Sunday and The Global Day of Prayer with Newark host Elder Joanne Turner, Unity Day founder Minister Marvin Cratch in a combined outdoor ministry event. Many were ministered to and dozens were prayed for as three preachers preached and Apostle Bernard Wilks gave a summation.
MAYOR BARAKA, NFL LEGEND JIM BROWN, AND ADVOCATE-AUTHOR AQEELA SHERRILS LAUNCH NEWARK COMMUNITY STREET TEAM Program will put 15 outreach workers in South Ward Model Neighborhood to provide mentoring, life skills training, and counseling for 100 at-risk residents
Newark, NJ –- May 8, 2015 — Mayor Ras J. Baraka, NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown, advocate-author Aqeela Sherrils, Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Hanaa Hamdi, Rutgers University-Newark, PSE&G, and the Victoria Foundation launched the Newark Community Street Team initiative today, at the Little City Hall, at 570 Clinton Avenue, in the City’s South Ward. The Newark Community Street Team is a sixmonth initiative that will place 15 outreach w o r k e r s i n t h e S o u t h Wa r d M o d e l Neighborhood Initiative area (Clinton Hill) to assist approximately 100 individuals who are seeking to stabilize their lives and turn away from a life of crime. The outreach workers will provide mentoring, life skills, and case management to participants. “We are putting hands and hearts to work in our South Ward to help lives at-risk and in need,” Mayor Baraka said. “We are bringing these residents hope and empowerment, as well as the tools they need to live productive lives. I am grateful to our partners and supporters, like Jim Brown and Aqeela Sherrils, for their leadership in this initiative. Soon we will bring this program to all of our neighborhoods, and put even more caring and committed street workers into our Wards, to directly and personal transform Newark into a City we can all believe in.” The program will provide safe passage to high school students at South Ward high schools in the mornings and afternoons, to ensure that students arrive and leave school safety. It will also host community events in the Model Neighborhood, and organize a community task force to connect law enforcement agencies with the community. The program will operate first in the South Ward Model Neighborhood Initiative area,
and then in all five wards. It will be headquartered in the South Ward Boys and Girls Club, and is headed by Tyrone Barnes, a Newarker with great experience in training prison officials, counseling at-risk youth, and assisting pre-release prisoners and re-entering offenders, with mentoring, life skills, and supportive counseling. Mr. Barnes is also a member of the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition. M r. S h e r r i l s , w h o brokered the 1992 gang truce between the Bloods and Crips in Los Angeles, is the project d i r e c t o r. H e m o s t recently launched “The Reverence Movement,” which is focused on instituting a practice of authentic exploration of the wounds in the personal life as a means of accessing the gift of who we are by not defining ourselves as our experience. Mr. Brown’s AmerICan non-profit’s curriculum, which is designed to assistant participants with becoming a more successful person at reaching one’s full potential. Partnerships have been established between the street team and Newark municipal agencies to link participants with City services and training programs. The Victoria Foundation, PSE&G, and Rutgers UniversityNewark are providing funding. The street workers were trained bv Mr. Sherrils’ Reverence Movement and Teny Gross’ Institute for Non-Violence.
A Newark Press Release
NEWARK POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS GUN AMNESTY/BUY BACK; 168 WEAPONS RECEIVED AND $22,100 PAID OUT TO RESIDENTS Residents could turn in guns in exchange for cash card payments, ranging from $50 for an inoperable weapon to $250 for an assault rifle Newark, NJ –- May 6, 2015 — Mayor Ras J. Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, Police Director Eugene Venable, Police Chief Anthony Campos, and the Newark Police Department announced that the City of Newark’s gun buyback held on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at the Fourth Precinct, located at 247 16th Avenue, in Newark’s West Ward, resulted in 168 weapons received and $22,100 paid out to residents. “This gun buyback program that we are hosting, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners and other organizations, is a major part of our efforts to remove potentially dangerous weapons from the homes and streets of the City of Newark. I thank all the residents who took
advantage of this program, turned in unwanted weapons from their homes, and helped transform Newark into a safer City we can all believe in,” said Mayor Baraka. “This Gun Buyback program provided City residents with an avenue to anonymously turn in legal or illegal weapons that potentially could be used in a violent crime. We are relying heavily on our community to participate in this program in assisting us in saving lives and preventing tragedies,” said Police Director Venable. Residents could turn in firearms at the buyback, and receive cash cards for the weapon, as follows:
• • • • • •
Inoperable weapons: $50 Revolvers: $150 Shotguns $150 Rifles: $150 Semi-automatic weapons: $150 Assault weapons: $250
Persons surrendering weapons were granted immunity from prosecution for possessing these firearms. The person surrendering the weapon could not already be charged with, or under investigation for, the unlawful possession of the firearm to be surrendered. No more than three firearms could be surrendered by any one person at any one time. If an individual arrived with more than three weapons, all were processed, but the person surrendering the weapon was given
compensation for only three of the weapons. Firearms being surrendered were to be wrapped in paper and either tied or taped while being transported to the designated drop-off location, and be cleared of any bullets. No compensation was given for BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, or ammunition. The Department is planning future buybacks. Funding for the payments came from the Essex County Prosector’s Officers Anyone with information about any crime in Newark is urged to call the Department’s 24-hour “Crime Stoppers” anonymous tip line at 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or 877 NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867). Tips leading to arrests and indictments could result in cash rewards of up to $2,000 to the person who provides the information or $1,000 per gun for calls into the gun hot line.
A Newark Press Release
Elder McArthur Caldwell visits Pastor Rick this month!
To be a guest and share your ministry Call 862-888-8238
BRIDGE TO RECOVERY BREAKFA ST Thursday June 11 2015 Register Today! WHAT:
Bridge to Recovery Transformation Breakfast
WHEN:
Thursday, June11, 2015
TIME:
8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
LOCATION:
The Willing Heart Community Center 555 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, New Jersey
We hope to see you at the Bridge Breakfast!
Don’t Pick at Your Fico Your credit score, or FICO score, is based on a number of factors. These include payment history, recent credit inquires, types of credit uses, length of credit history and how credit is used. For example, a person who is applying for his or her first credit card is likely to have a low credit score, simply because he or she has no credit history. The three credit bureaus all use the FICO score to determine an individual’s credit rating. These bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Transunion, keep detailed records on over 200 million people.
IN THE NEWS 4/30/2015
EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CREATE FIRST-EVER POLICE CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARD MAYOR BARAKA SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CREATE FIRST-EVER POLICE CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARD 5/12/2015
Newark Celebrated National Police Week in Washington Park
100’s of law enforcement personnel gathered in the park show they have the right stuff!
The City of Newark made history Wednesday evening when The Newark Municipal Council voted unanimously Thursday to approve the municipal ID bill. The new ID cards will give residents access to certain benefits, such as opening a bank account and accessing vital services. The program will also benefit people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people, the homeless, youth, and transgender individuals.
Newark Approves Municipal ID Program 5/22/2015
8 6 2 - 8 8 8 - 8 2 3 8
The Newark City Council
The Municipal Council is the legislative body of the City of Newark. The council enacts by ordinance, resolution, or motion the local laws which govern the City of Newark. The Municipal Council is responsible for approval of the municipal budget, approval of certain Mayoral appointments, and official policies of the City of Newark. By these methods the Council decides “what” the city will do about any particular matter, and then the Mayor and cabinet members decide “how” to do it. As established by ordinance, regular public meetings of the Municipal Council are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m., and the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Council Chamber in City Hall. Exceptions are made for national or religious holidays. During July and August only one meeting is held each month at 12:30pm. A special meeting of the Municipal Council may be called by the President or a majority of its members or by the Mayor whenever an emergency requires immediate action.
Ministry Transformation
Ministry is not for the faint at heart!
Ministry is definitely not easy. Don’t waste your time and money going to seminary or college for pastoral training if you are not prepared to be taken advantage of, abused, lied on, cheated, talked about, and mistreated (Viki Winnans expressed so well) . You must always remember that God has called you. And he called you to love His church, even the immature aspects of His church as well, this call to ministry is a call to be a
soldier and to fight for the flock and that means sometimes fighting against them, for their sakes. Here are some things to expect if you are going to be shepherding God’s flock… Not everyone will like you. You will make people angry regardless of how godly you handle yourself; it comes with the position. You will feel like a failure often, and when you do appear to succeed, the fruit that is produced cannot be accredited
Ministry Transformation t o y o u . G o d a l o n e g i ve s t h e increase (1 Cor. 3:7). Thus, there is little “sense of accomplishment in ministry” that you may be accustomed to in other vocations. You will fight legalism and liberalism, along with laziness, ignorance, tradition and opposition. Yet, your greatest enemy will be your own heart (Jer. 17:9). Not everyone will respond positively to your preaching, teaching or leadership. You will bring people to tears with the same sermon: one in joy, another in anger (I have done this). You will be criticized, rarely to your face and frequently behind your back. This criticism will come from those that love you, those that obviously do not like you, and pastors and Christians that barely know you. You will think about quitting yearly or monthly, if not weekly or even daily. You w ill be persec u ted f or preaching the truth, mostly from your brothers and sisters in the pews. You shouldn’t be surprised by the sight of your own blood. You’re a Christian, after all (Matt. 16:24).
You will feel very lonely on a consistent basis, feeling like no one truly knows you or cares how you feel, because you do not want t o b u r d e n y o u r f a m i l y, a n d trustworthy peers are few and far between. Because of the ”superC h r i s t i a n ” my t h a c c r e d i t e d t o pastors, literally, you will find it extremely difficult to disclose your deep thoughts and feelings to others. Thus, you will struggle with loneliness.
You will probably pastor a church that is barely growing (if at all), is opposed to change, doesn’t pay well, has seen pastors come and go, doesn’t respect the position as biblically as they should, doesn’t understand what the Bible says a pastor’s or a church’s jobs are, and will only follow you when they agree with you (thus, they’ll really only follow themselves). After understanding these realities, do you still want to be a pastor? If so, then God has probably called you to the ministry!
Health Transformation
Health Tips:
8 Reasons to Workout 1. The gym can make your skin the envy of your friends. The increase in circulation can bring nutrients to your skin cells and help remove waste buildup. It can also increase collagen, which can help support and firm your skin, for a smoother overall look.
2. Working out can make you smarter. Current studies show that exercise can actually increase brain cells. There are also studies showing that older adults that exercise perform cognitive test much better when they regularly exercise.
3. Wound healing is another benefit. This is probably more important to older adults, because as we age, we heal slower. Wounds can heal up to 25 percent faster. 4. Your boss will love the fact that hitting the gym also improves work productivity. You can read studies showing increase work volume and less of a drop in production as the day goes on. 5. Lifting, or running, or any exercise can also raise your self-esteem. By setting small goals and achieving them, our personal self-image gets better. I am sure an improved physique could boost our esteem as well. 6. Working up a sweat also can help with constipation. Many people spend a good majority of their day uncomfortable because of constipation, and this could be music to their ears.
As your body grows stronger so would your ability to move waste. 7. Pain relief is one of the best reasons to stay a c t i v e . Endorphins, and an improved outlook could possibly help with chronic pain. Remember that if you are having chronic pain you should always coordinate your workout routine with your doctor. 8. I think the best secret benefit to exercise is our love life. I am not just talking about improved performance due to enhanced hormone production. I am talking about the fact that your perfect partner might be at your next class, track, mat, or gym. Get out and meet some great people.
Some things you might not know about your the man in your life! His ego is more fragile than you imagined. Most of you probably never thought of it, and even if someone has told you how fragile the male ego was , you probably didn’t fully believe it But its true; and society has not been too kind to men’s ego either, There are lots of jokes on every sitcom and commercial about how inadequate men are at times. Please understand this, there’s not a man alive that doesn’t want to be admired and resected by the woman in his life. He is very visual. Far more than you can ever imagine. You’ll see his eyes roam. And it just happens to be a natural reaction for him. It will sometimes happen when he is not conscience of it. Now he has responsibility over his eyes—not the girl who attracted them—but if there’s an girl around, he probably saw her long before you did. And most men battle the urges to stare at attractive women far more than you will ever understand.
He doesn’t want you to be his mother. Men want a wife, not a mother! This is in the top 3 complaints that I hear from men. Understand that if you’re a mom, they want you to be a great mom— just not theirs. I know we need mothering sometimes. All of us do. And we may even act like big babies at times. But mothering a husband never works. We need you to be our partner. Our best friend. But never our mother... we already have one. When you correct him, you hurt him. All of us need to be corrected but the way you do this is huge. Your respect for him is his greatest emotional need. If he senses you are talking down to him—not respecting him—he may comply with your wishes in actions (or not), but inside his heart will be growing colder toward you. He will resent you. And you will be pushing him away He loves you uniquely. He probably won’t love you all the ways you expect him to love. But know that if he is there and has been by your side faithfully his love for you is uniquely yours. There will be times when he may even exceed your expectations but most men will never be everything you need to fulfill you as a person. No man will meet every need of your heart. (Other than the man Jesus.)
What he does really is often very close to who he is. It’s his identity. If it’s sports, his career, music, or his coin collection— that’s a part of him. When you don’t value what he does and put it down, then he may feel like like you don’t value him. Believe it of not he probably thinks you’re more wonderful than you think he does. Most men think higher of their partners that they will ever know. How you look. What you do. Many time amazes him and he truly does appreciate you... even if he doesn’t always verbalize it. He respects you—probably more than he knows how to communicate to you.
REMEMBER THIS: Be his wife and
partner not his mom. Encourage him and build him up. be the one who catches his eye, look attractive for him. Know that he loves you. And respect what he does, even when you cant see the value of it.
Relationship expert Pastor Rick is the author of the soon to be released book and ebook entitled “5 Secrets to A Great Relationship”,; He is also the host of the international internet radio show “Relationships with Pastor Rick”, and writes weekly about Dating, Love, Marriage, Sex, and Divorce; find out more at PastorRickGreene.com
Business Transformation
WhyYour Home Based Business Is Not Making Money No one at any time stated it would be easy… Making money from home, that is. Sure, maybe the sales page declared that it would be simple and easy, based on the "guru" who assured you to buy the last money making system you’ll ever need anyways. Don’t fear, we’ve all had the experience before and know the experience of "is this the very last program or Internet business I’ll have to join to make money from home?" You generally start out strong but a few months or few weeks and that excitement starts to turn to frustration and then you give in and jump to the next popular thing that is without a doubt "the answer". Chances are, if you bought something before you’ll probably buy again, and there is nothing wrong with that. Well, except the fact that you’re going broke looking for that magic system that will make you money.
So, why does it appear to be everyone else is making money from home except for you? Or are they? Let’s look at 5 factors why you aren't succeeding and what you can do right now to modify that. Reason #1. You actually don’t believe it is entirely possible for you. You believe it's possible because there's a lot of evidence that verifies it. People on Facebook, Twitter etc.. are showing their own proof of income from home. It’s the reality that your very own belief is you can’t create the same financial success. Well, I’m living proof that that is a myth that only certain "chosen" few create results. The people succeeding are absolutely no different than you and I.
Don’t take my word for it though, hear it for yourself from them… Watch this Video! Reason #2. Your attitude is rotten. Sorry, but this is one of those things that most people won’t admit to. If you believe or even just say everything is a scam or rip off, you will never see any making money from home success for yourself. It won’t happen, guaranteed. You need to change your negative attitude to positive first and have a good mindset. Reason #3. Confusion and distraction. This will happen when we get caught up with social media landscape like Facebook and other types. Also when we get bombarded by emails daily from people shouting "join me". making money from home. Unsubscribe from any lists that give no value. Stay away from Facebook or limit the time and effort on it to remain focused. You’ll hear lots of chatter out there that will try to break your focus, so you’ll need to ignore it. Sometimes it will be difficult, other times it will seem almost impossible but you can train your mind to stay focused Reason #4. Lack of determination We all have the desire to make money from home and live "that" lifestyle but what separates the success stories from the failures comes down to desire versus determination. Determination creates success and desire simply doesn’t. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get what you want.
Reason #5. Lack of clarity Know your "why". Why do you want to make money from home? Seems obvious and simple but surprisingly people really can’t give a specific reason and without clarity they never get to any level of success. 1. Research Your Market Knowing what the competition knows, won’t cut it, get deep. Dive in to your market and study like an expert. 2. Set a Tangible Financial Goal I set new goals every 6 months and I always stretch my initial mark. Work backwards and figure out what you need to do each day, to get to where you want to be. 3. Create a Sharable Site It’s great to reference some the leaders in your space, but when you are developing your own brand, it’s important to create unique content on a single hub. A site that your readers and viewers can reference back to, for more of your incredible content. 4. Build A List This is one of the most important tools in building a business. As you develop your sharable site, begin building a list of emails of the people that visit your site, and continue to provide them with value. This will translate into buyers for the future launch of your product or service. 5. Launch a Product or Service you can sell If you have a financial goal that you’ve set out for the next 6 months, then you have to sell something. Figure out the biggest challenges your audience is facing and build something that solves their problem.
Life Transformation
The concept of a proper work life balance is not
is disharmonious then you do need to address the
something which should ever be taken lightly. These
problem.
spheres have to be in harmony with one another as a lack of balance will undermine the positives of
Yet, many will not try to fix things.
both. When your work drains a great deal from your personal life or your personal life is undermining
A common reason many people do not wish to take
your productivity at work, you end up suffering in
steps to correct their work life balance is they fear if
both areas as a result. That is not the pathway to a
they detract too much from their work schedules,
happy life.
their professional career may suffer. There is some truth to this assessment but the problem begins
This is why it is so important to always strike the
when a person becomes so invested in work that
proper work and life balance. If you do not then the
fatigue, boredom, and burnout begin to set in. Such
disharmony you experience will trouble you in all
a weakened state of mind and body does not
areas of your life ensuring you gain no pleasure
exactly set the stage for being more productive and
from either work or home.
successful at work. Nor does it contribute to a positive home life. Those who take a step back and
How does this occur?
enjoy other pursuits besides work soon grow to experience improved performance at work. Yes,
Among the most common mistakes a person could
taking a day off and relaxing can have enormous
make in this regard would be to spend far too many
restorative benefits which, ironically, contribute to a
hours on work and too little on other areas of life.
better work life.
While it is definitely important to invest time and effort into professional pursuits which can improve
Does it seem difficult to manage a proper work life
your career and life, you do not want to do so to the
balance relationship on your own? If so then you
point it is draining you and reducing the quality of
should look towards getting some help. There are
your life. There are ways to address this and they
professional life and business coaches who truly
can range from learning better time management
understand how to help you improve in these areas.
skills to perhaps even changing to a new job. The
Taking advantage of their services might prove to be
main point here is that if your work and life balance
the best strategy when you want more harmonious balance in your life.
8
6
2
-
8
8
8
-
8
2
3
8
On Saturday May 30th dozens men came together, they praised the Lord and encouraged each other. The Men On The Move Conference proved to be a “coming out� so to speak for Apostle AJ Roney and his Irvington based Transformation Center. This empowered Men to take their rightful place in their home, community and The Kingdom of God.
The Transforming Word Broadcast Apostle AJ RoneyListen on SOFBN.COM Sundays 1 pm Fridays 1 pm
“Be Transformed by Renewing Your Mind With A Transforming Word.”
Listen on SOFBN.COM
THE TRANSFORMATION CENTER 628 GROVE STREET IRVINGTON NJ