AVA I L A B L E F O R P R E - O R D E R AT W W W. PAW B O O K S T O R E . C O M
AVA I L A B L E F O R P R E - O R D E R AT W W W. PAW B O O K S T O R E . C O M 2
THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
“POSITIONED FOR PROMISE”
MAY/JUNE 2021
W E H AV E A NEW HOME!
V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT W W W. PAW B O O K S T O R E . C O M
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The CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK Magazine (ISSN10894217) is published bi-monthly, and is the official organ of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Headquarters: 3939 Meadows Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205; phone (317) 547-9541. Please let it be known that all rights are reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic system, or transmitted in any form by means of electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of both the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., and its entity the Department of Publications. Periodical postage paid at Indianapolis, IN 46206. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Over 60 years of continuous publication in the interest of Christian perfection according to Ephesians 4:11-13, and emphasizing Apostolic faith and practice, the Second Coming of Christ, and the preparation of the people to be the Bride of Christ. SUBSCRIPTION: USA. $30.00: Foreign, please call the office for rates at: 317-547-9541. Single copies and back issues $5.00 each. SUBMISSIONS: Please contact Roxanne McDaniel for rates at: 317547-9541. We assume no responsibility for and are not obligated to print any article or advertisement either solicited or unsolicited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the PAW, Inc. or The Christian Outlook magazine. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: 3939 Meadows Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205. MAILING ADDRESS The Christian Outlook Magazine 3939 Meadows Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 (317) 547-9541 (317) 543-0513 FAX www.pawinc.org
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 4
Executive Officers
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Letter from the Presiding Bishop
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From the Editor
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The Question
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Cover Story: Balancing Life & Ministry
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10 Biblical Keys for Dealing With Conflict in the Family
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Full Circle
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Book Review: It’s Too Quiet: A Book About Prayer
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History: The Gospel Sounds Preached On The Streets Of Harlem
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The 106th PAW Virtual Summer Convention
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Mother’s and Father’s Day Tributes
Sister Dawne Hill/DHDesigns : Graphics Studio, LLC Graphic Design www.behance.net/dawnehill
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Testimony: My Issue Is The Blood: But So Is My Deliverance!
Minister Erick Bowens/Bowens Enterprise Graphic Design www.bowensenterprise.co
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Youth Corner: I Didn’t Fit In
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Community Effort
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The International Missionary & Christian Women of the 21st Century
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Dysfunction With An Unction: How Are We Dealing With “Dys?”
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Mr. Keith’s Kettlecorn
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Money Matters
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Adopt-A-Soul: God’s Restorative Justice (Continued)
EDITORIAL Evangelist Neechy Dumas Editor in Chief and Director of Publications Evangelist Mona Thomas-Green Associate Director/Graphic Design First Lady Jennifer Slaughter Content Administrator & Assistant to Editor in Chief Elder Demarcus Williams/FRESHDESIGNZ, LLC Cover Design Creative Director/Graphic Design www.freshdesignz.net
Sister Gabrielle Louden Graphic Design Roxanne McDaniel Office Manager/Accounting Director Elder David Hollis, Jr. Minister Timothy Moore Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson Suffragan Bishop Harold E. Rayford Suffragan Bishop Leonard S. Scott Minister Ramona Ward Dr. Ruth Tyson Newton, Publication Proofreader Executive Contributors Stacey N. Monger Mary Sanford Production Associates
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From the Desk of the Presiding Bishop
Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr.
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.
Greetings in the wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, Lady L. Janice Brooks and I send you our love! First, let me say thank you very from the bottom of my heart to each person who prayed for my total healing and recovery just a few weeks ago. God did it again! The divine healing power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was on full display in my life, and I am so grateful unto God that He did a complete turnaround. The devil thought he had me, but God had the final say and I am walking in victorious healing! In this issue of the Christian Outlook, I wanted to take a few moments to celebrate and honor our fathers, mothers and those who have stood as parental figures in the lives of each of us. We celebrate and honor those who loved us, cared for us, supported us, taught us, celebrated us, and nurtured us in life. I cherish the memory of my parents, the honorable Bishop George H. and Mother Nellie Brooks. I miss them every day, and find myself thinking about all of who they were and all that they did to raise and support nine children often—particularly as I am later in life with my own children, grandchildren and now, great-grandchildren. My parents left me a rich legacy, reared me in the fear and love of the Lord, and loved me even when I strayed away. It was the love of my mother that kept me covered in prayer, and it was the lessons of my father that helped me to learn and grow as I came into my own in ministry. As so many of our fathers and mothers in the faith, great generals on international stages and our powerhouse storefront leaders, are called home to be with the Lord, it is my prayer that we honor those whom we have left with us, and remember those whom have already gone on. I cannot forget, of course, those who may never have had natural children, but who cultivated and poured endless love and leadership in the lives of those around them. We celebrate and honor you too! Your impact is just as valuable, and we would not be who we are without those who stood in the gap as mother and father figures for us. Lady Brooks and I love you dearly and we are praying for you! The Master’s Servants, Bishop Theodore and Lady L. Janice Brooks
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FROM THE EDITOR Evangelist Neechy Dumas
Welcome to the May/June 2021 Edition of the Christian Outlook Magazine! As we walk into a new season, I am hopeful that this moment in each of our lives brings new revelation, new testimonies and new victories. I am always reminded that we don’t enter a new season on our own accord, but it is the Lord who calls us forth. Our heart-felt ‘yes’ to Him allows us to step into this moment, and our willingness to surrender will enable us to fully experience it. As the birds begin to sing again and the flowers start to bloom, I am excited to see what will blossom in our own lives, all because of the goodness and grace of God towards us.
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’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many readers and subscribers of the Christian Outlook for their support of our organization-wide magazine, filled with such history and legacy. Over the last several months, we’ve seen an influx of new magazine subscribers, new ministry subscribers and supporters of the Adopt-A-Soul Program; our program that sends complimentary Christian Outlook magazines to those who are incarcerated. It is because of your unwavering support and generosity that has enabled us to reach so many new souls, and for that we are truly grateful. I’m also grateful to our presider, Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr. to be given the opportunity to serve in this capacity. The Bible declares that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23) and most assuredly our Presider’s steps have been ordered as he has prayerfully navigated the P.A.W through one of the most challenging times in history. It has truly been a pleasure to work under his anointed leadership, and I look forward to all that God has in store for us as we have been “Positioned for Promise,” our hope-filled theme for this year.
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And, as we continue to embrace the second half of 2021 and all that it will bring, I am hopeful for what’s to come. We’ve been challenged, affected, and in many ways changed but through it all God has been and will continue to be…good! Within these pages filled with challenges and triumphs, it is my earnest hope that you are inspired by the ministerial journey of Pastor Kameron L. Adams, that you find hope in knowing that the Lord rewards faithfulness from the testimony of Evang. Candice Rolle and that you are motivated to build your business by the story of Mr. Keith’s Kettle corn. It is my continual prayer that a magazine as trusted as ours, and as welcomed into homes as The Christian Outlook has been for over 50 years, that we continue to be prayerfully-led in presenting a publication that is not only inspiring and encouraging to the body of Christ, but that also aims to bring hope in the midst of the world around us. “For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18) May you continue to be fully persuaded that God is capable of performing every promise made in His word, and that you find yourself in the right place at the right time, to receive every blessing that God has in store for you. This year, be determined to be “Positioned for Promise.” This year, be determined to stand on the word of God for your life which states with promise, “He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6) Blessings, Evang. Neechy Marketing & Publications Director @Neechy | www.Neechy.com
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THE QUESTION
Q GOOD FRIDAY RECAP
Watch the replay at www.PAWINC.org/watch
How did you enjoy the Virtual Good Friday Service?
Dennis Broom Bring it Bishop!! It’s Friday but Sunday a’ comin’!!
Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church Women’s Ministry
Donna Williams
Your Grace.... is sufficient
Wonderful and anointed Good Friday services! Thank you Jesus! Continue in the work of the kingdom Bishop Brooks, Bishop Tolbert, Bishop Hannah. Praying for the PAW!
JoWanda Gore It ain’t over until GOD says it’s over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Franceian Mickens
Hosanna in the Highest!! Yes Lord!! Have your way!
Robinette Clark Don’t get comfortable in that grave.............
Denzeil A. Tubbs Uh oh! It’s a wrap saints! We’re in Church now!
Evangelist Carolyn Louden Our deliverance is in our praise.
Tashanna Michelle
JL Owens
Preach Bishop!
What a word from on High!
Rene’e Minus “Don’t get comfortable in that grave”...
Our Next Question FOLLOW US
Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
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@pawministry
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@PAWMinistry
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HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ENJOY THE 2021 VIRTUAL PAW CONVENTION? Send your response to TheChristianOutlook@pawinc.org MAY/JUNE 2021
Now it
Shall Spring Forth
Positioned for Promise Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19 KJV “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” - Luke 24:49 KJV
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COVER STORY
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by Lady Wanda G. Reese
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FAMILY
10 BIBLICAL KEYS FOR DEALING WITH CONFLICT IN THE FAMILY By Suffragan Bishop Germaine D. Hurst Proverbs 11:29 “He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.”
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he family is one of the greatest institutions that God has ever created. It was designed to be a systematic social construct that provides love, peace, procreation and healthy interaction. A healthy family dynamic reflects the nature of God and provides mutual acceptance and compassion for the lonely. The Bible states, “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6a NIV). Our families should be honored, protected and cherished. There have been conflicts and challenges in the human family since the days of Adam and Eve. The Old and New Testament Scriptures have shared numerous stories and biblical accounts of triumph and tragedy within the family. Today, I would like to share 10 biblical keys for dealing with family conflict.
KEY #1 - ALL FAMILIES EXPERIENCE A LEVEL OF DYSFUNCTION
Romans 3:23 - “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” There are no perfect families! Every family unit has conflicts, challenges and issues. Accepting this truth will alleviate the pressure of perpetuating facades that sabotage and avoid engaging in healthy conflict resolution. We will not change what we are not willing to acknowledge is a problem in the home. Acknowledging the dysfunction does not mean that it is acceptable or warranted. However, acknowledgement is the first step toward resolution.
KEY #2 - ALWAYS LOVE AND PRIORITIZE YOUR FAMILY
1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Developing a healthy family requires love and time. How important is your family to you? When was the last time you said, “I love you?” Being critical and judgmental without any compassion can be detrimental to your family dynamic. Love demonstrates care and prioritization shows importance. Your family members need to feel
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loved, accepted and important. Love is the foundation that establishes a strong home. Prioritizing and spending quality time with family will provide opportunities for affection, bonding, reciprocity and positive reinforcement. Communicating love to your family is your power base. It will speak for you even when words are not spoken.
KEY #3 - CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES WISELY
Exodus 14:14 “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Don’t allow the need to be right cause you to engage in unnecessary confrontations with family members. Be selective in your approach to conflict resolution. Ask yourself, “What are the spoils and rewards for winning this argument?” Count up the costs. It may not be worth the fight if there is no substantial returns on your investment. Reserve your fight for what really matters. Not everything is important. Why win the battle but lose your family in the process!
KEY #4 - MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS
Proverbs 25:28 “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” It is imperative that you keep your emotions and behaviors in check. The Bible says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). The ability to demonstrate temperance and self control is a sign of spiritual maturity. Behaving irrational and undisciplined will add fuel to the fire. Proverbs11:29a says, “He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind.” Strife and contention will cause unwanted storms and trouble in your home. Learn how to develop coping skills and anger management techniques when trying to resolve family issues.
KEY #5 - COMMUNICATE LIFE AND NOT DEATH Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Communication is the hub of the family. The lack of effective communication can be detrimental. Our words have the power to kill or make alive. Choose to speak life into your family. Avoid speaking profanity and negative words to each other. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:29 NIV “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but
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only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Use your words to edify and build up instead of tearing down. Learn how to discuss your problems and formulate solutions through effective communication. Proverbs 15:1-4 NIV says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
KEY #6 - MASTER THE ART OF LISTENING James 1:19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” We’ve heard the saying that, “God gave us two ears and one mouth because He wanted us to do twice the hearing with less the talking.” Listening is a great tool to help resolve issues and conflicts in the family. Some problems in the family may not require fixing but all do require listening. Many solutions are discovered by listening to the concerns of others. Allow your family members the opportunity to be heard during discussions and disagreements. This sends a message to them that they are important and what they are saying does matter. God is our Father. He is omnipotent and omniscient. He humbles Himself to listen to our prayers and concerns everyday. We should do the same for our families.
KEY #7 - PRACTICE PRAYER AND FORGIVENESS Mark 11:25 “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” A life of continuous prayer and forgiveness is a major key for dealing with conflict in the family. Prayer and forgiveness is therapeutic because it helps us to heal. It is a challenge for any family to live free of offense. There will be misunderstandings and disagreements. Proverbs 18:19 says, “A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.” It is difficult to resolve issues and reconcile with someone who is unforgiving and uncooperative. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). This is easier said than done. It is imperative that we maintain a consistent prayer life. Pray for all of your family members. Jesus taught us that we should love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:44). Forgiveness is a gift to yourself. Refusing to forgive someone is like stabbing yourself and hoping that your enemy will feel it. Free yourself from the bondage of unforgiveness today!
KEY #8 - MAINTAIN HONOR AND RESPECT IN THE FAMILY Exodus 20:12 “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Respect and honor are entirely two different things. Honor is external and is a gift that is freely given as an act of reverence and value. Respect is based on an internal attitude of high regard toward someone of earned or merited behaviors. People that are honorable should be respected and people that are respected should be honorable. The Bible tells us that children should honor and obey their parents and the children should not be provoked into anger but nurtured and directed in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-4). Husbands and wives should have love, respect and reverence to each other (Ephesians 5:21-33). A family that lacks honor and respect for each other will be a breeding ground of brokenness and high level dysfunction.
KEY #9 - PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY Deuteronomy 29:29 “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Everyone should not have access to your private family matters. Always protect your privacy. Confidentiality is the protection of data and information that only certain people should have access to. Privacy is the protection of the people who are involved. Choose the appropriate persons to divulge your private matters to. Social media is not always appropriate when sharing private family matters. Remember to protect yourself and the people that you love. Focus on being both integral and ethical. Build on family integrity and not just reputation. Your family’s reputation and the public’s perception does matter. However, integrity in private matters and your family’s personal perception at home should be the priority. It is important to note that private matters that involve situations of abuse or mistreatment should be handled with care and reported to the proper authorities and counselors.
KEY #10 - SEEK PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING AND THERAPY IF NEEDED Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Conflict resolution can be a difficult task to handle. There are times when professional counseling and therapy are needed. Don’t be ashamed or afraid to ask for help. It is beneficial to have someone who is skilled, trained and qualified to mediate family conflict. The goal is to resolve any issues that are hindering the family. Everyone in your family may not have the soft skills and emotional intelligence to successfully reconcile. Utilize competent counselors to assist your family in the process. Be willing to receive wisdom and be courageous to put in the work for positive change.
Suffragan Bishop Germaine D. Hurst is the Senior Pastor of Greater Emmanuel Temple Church, Inc. “The Church of Champions” in Buffalo, New York. He is the Vice Chairman of the Canada District Council, the 55th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and author of “Overcoming the 7 Battlefields of Marriage.” @pastorhurst www.germainehurst.com THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
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PREACHER’S CORNER
Full
Circle By Pastor Kameron Adams
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y story isn’t uncommon. There are many preachers who have the story of growing up with a childhood that reflected a desire for ministry. I grew up thinking I was the only one who experienced this type of journey. Over time, I discovered I wasn’t alone. To hear the stories of those I’ve admired, experienced similar journeys was very encouraging for me. I always knew I was different, but I couldn’t deny my reality. As a child, preaching is all I did. In fact, my mother went into labor while being pregnant with me at church. She tells me often that there would be times when my spiritual father, the early Honorable Bishop Edward C. Roberts would preach, and I would literally start kicking in her womb. I guess all of that kicking eventually led to my mother going into labor at church. As time progressed, I continued as a very young child to display signs. In fact, my father and mother both agree that my first word wasn’t “mom” or “dad,” but it was “preach.” Though I was a kid, I do remember the days of coming to church with a purple Fischer-Price echo microphone; I also had a toy guitar, and I would bring these items to church all the time. I would stand on the pew bench, leading praise and worship with the praise and worship leader. I directed the choir from that same pew bench. In addition to that, when Pastor would preach, and get into high gear, guess who was preaching and stomping on the bench of the pew with him. Yes, you guessed right—me.
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This was my life as a child. It wasn’t foreign for me to come home from school, take one of my mother’s choir robes, convert my bedroom into a sanctuary with a selfmade pulpit, set up my tons of figurines and have straight church. There were days when mom would be in her bedroom taking a nap, and my whooping and hollering (which sounded more like screaming) would wake her up. Honestly, my parents would tell you they thought something was wrong with me. They discerned something was different about me, but still couldn’t quite understand. To them, my journey was just a phase. Yet, God had a different plan for me, and I wasn’t oblivious to it. At the age of ten years old I preached my very first message at my home church. At age 11, I had my very first engagement at an AME church. My seventh grade teacher invited me to come and minister. Many at school—teachers and students—could recognize my difference. It was normal for people to call me “Rev,” without even knowing my name. I’ve always fought for normal. I’ve wrestled with my yes that I gave God so eagerly at a young age. I’ve made many mistakes along the way. However, I’m a witness to the power of God’s love and mercy. In 2010, I experienced one of the greatest losses in my life: my spiritual father, the Honorable Bishop Edward C. Roberts made his transition. When I received the news, the impact of the devastation knocked the wind out of me—literally. It packed greater anxiety on to what I already struggled with in my life due to bullying as a child and low self-esteem.
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However, I knew even in the midst of that loss that the Lord was directing my steps away from Charlotte to Kansas City to receive further development and preparation for my future. I was blessed by God to sit under my recent Pastor, Bishop A. Glenn Brady. There is no denying that journey to Kansas City was necessary for where God was preparing to send me. It grew me up in many ways. It was through this experience that I learned so much. Additionally, I met my beautiful wife while living in Kansas City, who was just visiting with her grandparents, Bishop Theodore and First Lady L. Janice Brooks at the invitation of Bishop Brady for the church’s vision weekend. I spent 6 and a half years living in Kansas City, MO. However, my burden for my home church, Calvary Christian Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc., never left. God consistently kept the church, as well as its new Pastor, Mother Betty J. Roberts (the wife of Bishop Roberts) on my heart to cover in prayer. I was in great intercession for the ministry for years. Over time, Mother Roberts retired into the role of Pastor Emerita in 2019, and in February 2021, I was voted in as Pastor of Calvary Christian Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. My yes would bring my wife and I on an interesting journey, which would change our lives forever.
wisdom to help me. It is true that there’s “safety in the multitude of counselors” - Proverbs 11:14. In the trusted voices of leaders who were familiar with the journey of a new pastorate, I found wisdom to strengthen my wife and me, which also confirmed much of what the Lord said over the last couple of years. In our “yes,” God blessed us abundantly. There were moments when we were unsure after saying yes—because with yes comes many attacks—but the Lord has proven Himself to be the sustainer in the midst of pandemic, pain, and uncertainty. My wife received an amazing job offer to become Executive Director of a grassroots community development corporation in Charlotte after job loss. She is now in a position to fulfill community ministry in advocacy and economic development for underserved parts of Charlotte, and I am now brought full circle, pastoring the same church in which I was—quite literally—almost born. When looking back at my journey, at our journey, we cannot take credit. All we can do is say, “This is the Lord’s doing, and it’s marvelous in our eyes”- Psalm 118:23.
One of the things I can proudly say is that I kept my Pastor in the loop with everything. I didn’t leave him in the dark, because I recognized his guidance was paramount. He had been in the place through which I was navigating. In addition to my Pastor, God supplied me with others (Bishops and Pastors) who could also provide necessary
Kameron Adams serves as the Pastor for Calvary Christian Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. Pastor Kam and his wife, Jordan are committed to a life of service within the faith-based, as well as surrounding communities. Having assumed the leadership of his childhood church, Pastor Kam and Lady Jordan are determined to build upon a strong foundation for the future.
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BOOK REVIEW
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HISTORY
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TRIBUTES
MOTHER’S & FATHER’S DAY
Tributes I
would like to pay a special tribute to my beloved parents, and parents in love, who have transitioned this life, the Honorable Bishop Paul A. Bowers and Dr. Elma J. Bowers, as well as Pastor Perry Daniel and Lady Lois V. Daniel. The Lord truly blessed me with wonderful, anointed and powerful parents who raised me in a warm, loving and spirit filled home. I was also blessed with a mother and father in love, who were examples of love and wisdom as well. I also extend to my handsome husband of 44 years, Suffragan Bishop LaVelton Daniel, a Happy Father’s Day! Love & Blessings! Pastor Trish
Herbert Fortune, Jr “Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier”
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argent Dad”, that was my father. Soldiering was his passion. God blessed him to retire from the Army as a Sargent Major and to pastor the Progressive Church of Jesus in SC. My father was an exceptional example of “love in action”. He was even more dedicated to service to God. I pay special tribute to exceptional men Dad encountered as we travelled from post to post: Pastor Anders, Fayetteville, NC; Pastor Radford, Hopkinsville, KY; Pastor Horace Young, San Antonio, TX; and Bishop W.D. Williams, Hampton, VA. All mighty warriors! Evg Carol Fortune Hollis New Grace Apostolic Temple Ann Arbor, MI
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H
appy Mother’s Day and Father’s Day to all of the wonderful Mothers and Fathers. May God richly bless you!
Dr. Helen Orme Vice Chairlady PNDC
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THE TREASURE HEAVEN HOLDS appy Mother’s Day to my beautiful bride Mrs. Tanisha L. Hithe. You are a wonder to behold, a rare jewel, and the treasure of my heart.
Thank you for being an amazing mother to our beautiful daughters Lynn and Leah and the perfect partner to me. The world is a more beautiful place because you are in it. “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” - Proverbs 31:31 May God continue to bless and keep you for many Mother’s Days to come!
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Elder Dr. Stephen I. Hithe, Jr. ea. Jessie J. Jones, Sr. & Evang, Doris E. Jones, Treasures of your charming smiles, calming atmosphere, so passionate and STRONG; Inspiring souls with wise advice. Forever in my heart. Thank you!
Momma you are the treasure that heaven holds That is the belief that I’ve always been told, When I stand on that belief the dream never folds, Momma because you were our treasure of gold The memories you left behind can never be sold. I will always hold you so dear and close to my heart As though you’re not gone, You are just kept in those most secret and inner parts. Mom I miss you so much I still need to have that motherly touch. Your strength took on mountains. Your faith never wavered; it stood the test of time And now faith and strength have become mine. Time and time and time again I wish I still had my friend. You are forever engraved in my heart! By: Minister Vanessa Dunlap
Eld. Gayle L. Jones-Smith
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TESTIMONY
MY ISSUE IS IN THE BLOOD, But So Is My Deliverance! Elder David E Foster, Jr.
Senior Elder of Protocol Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park Illinois District Council - 6th Episcopal Diocese
A
s we approach the season in which we honor our mothers {Mother’s Day, May 9th} and our fathers {Fathers Day, June 20th}. I find it compelling to deal with what we inherit from our parents, through the simple deoxyribonucleic acid {DNA} process, things that we tend to overlook outside of hair color, eye color, height, body composition. Mark 5:25, “And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,”
deplorable and far reaching than the “unstoppable” flow of blood that this woman experienced. Our sins doomed us to hell. For the purposes and intent of this dissertation, let’s focus first on our own inheritances from our parents. In today’s racially polarized society, both in and out of the church, we have come to know that racial bias, and thus systemic racism is not inherited through the DNA pool, but is a taught, and thus, learned behavior.
There are many references today to the blood:
It was Old Testament custom by law that sacrifices be brought to the temple and each individual would pass through the outer court of the temple with their sacrifices, which signified “open” confession of their sins, and their sins were designated by the type of animal they brought to sacrifice. When JESUS ran the moneychangers out of the temple for selling blemished sacrifices, there were (2) two issues.
• We have blood drives at our jobs, • Some people volunteer regularly to give blood • In the occurrence of impending surgery, many family
members give blood for a loved one, so that any possible transfusions will be transacted with a known source of blood. • One of the most important things GOD tells us is that life-the life of the flesh and the soul-is in the blood. {1} Then there are also, many inferences to sickness and disease being transmitted through the blood:
• Tennis superstar, and champion for racial equality,
Arthur Ashe contacted the HIV virus through a blood transfusion while being operated on for heart issues in 1983. Subsequently, he died from this disease transmitted through the blood.
Our scriptural text starts with the “woman” with the issue of blood. We know that the cultural system that she was born in, regarded her “sickness” as deplorable, and she was not allowed in public. Interestingly, she had this issue for (12) twelve “long” years according to Scripture, but in the 12th year, the year of GOD’s Divine Government, she received her healing. Just as she had a “disease” with her blood, we have a disease that we got through our Adamic bloodline, and that is sin. Our sin is much more
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1. They were selling blemished sacrifices, which was against the law, and
2. They were selling them inside the temple, which means that a person could purchase their sacrifice, without having to walk through the outer court of the temple.
Romans 10:10, ”For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” The prerequisite for the forgiveness of sins is confession, and they were attempting to offer sacrifice[confess] but doing it in secret. 1 John 1:9, ”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then comes JESUS, and the Hebrew writer expounds on HIS coming and Purpose.
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Hebrews 10:4-12, ”For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” So, in the fullness of time, GOD wrapped HIMSELF in the likeness of sinful flesh, HE who knew no sin, but became sin, to redeem us from sin, walked the earth for 33 1/3 years, showing us the perfect example, and when the time came, HE laid down HIS life, shed HIS blood and became the efficacious [once and for all] sacrifice for our sins, past, present and future. HE fulfilled what was started when Israel was redeemed from Pharaoh. Exodus the 12th chapter starting at v5, tells us the preparation of the Passover Lamb, and the subsequent sprinkling on the doorposts for Israel’s deliverance from the last and final plague befalling Egypt, the Death Angel. Exodus 12:13,”And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.” Now here we are in 2021, and while we are not enslaved by Pharaoh, we are still dealing with the effects of sin, but the BLOOD of JESUS is still working for us, because as JESUS hung on Calvary: John 19:34,”But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” 1 John 5:6-8, ”This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” The blood was from the Lamb of GOD, as John the Baptist states: John 1:29, ”The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” My sins could have caused GOD to have me in a place of constant rejection, but JESUS took my sins to Calvary, endured the shame of HIS Father looking down on him, and subsequently turning HIS back on HIS only begotten Son, so that I might have a right to eternal life. Adam condemned me to die, and lost the gift of eternal life, but JESUS came that I might have life and that more abundantly. Just as my parents passed on some characteristics beside the obvious, they had no choice through their polluted blood, but to pass on the Adamic sin. I had to make the conscious decision to accept the LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST, and by faith accept the adoption through water as the blood of JESUS which removed the stain of sin relegated to me through Adam. Unfortunately, even though I was born 3rd generation Apostolic Pentecostal, there were no redemptive qualities that could be passed down from my parents. We ALL MUST BE BORN AGAIN! We praise HIM for HIS Blood, because even now as we sin, GOD looks down on us, and what HE sees is not us polluted in our own blood, but HE sees us cleansed by the Blood of JESUS, and just like with Israel, HE says, “when I see the blood, I will pass over you!” {1} “Bloodworks” Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D
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YOUTH CORNER
I DIDN’T FIT IN
By Evangelist Candice Rolle
I
remember wondering why I couldn’t do what my friends could do. Back then I wrestled with being timid and assumed that I wasn’t like everyone else because of fear. As I grew in my teens I realized that I was reserved by nature, quiet and somewhat fearful but this was not what kept me from being young and wild and free. It was the grace. If I was in church right now I would ask someone to shout GRACE! Yes it was God’s grace that convicted me from doing wrong or getting involved in practices that would lead me astray. At the time all I knew was I loved the Lord and wanted to do right. This is where the church came in and played a major role in fostering my relationship with Christ from an early age. Did I do everything right? No. Did I fail at times? Yes. But God kept me. We’ll talk a little later about my personal life but for now let me tell you about my journey at “One Way Holiness Apostolic Church”.
FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT I joined the church at the age of twelve and sensed that it was my home right away. At that time my Pastor, the late Dist. Elder Lillymae Knowles confronted my fears without any remorse. She was known as a great teacher of the Apostolic Faith and was highly respected in our Council. We were taught that holiness was God’s standard. Pastor Knowles constantly pushed me to do things I wanted to do but probably wouldn’t do because of fear. She saw my potential and never accepted a no or head shake from me. This is where my training began. Soon after I got baptized and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Well, one thing led to the next and every time I accepted an opportunity to sing or speak I grew. When people ask me to sing today I tell them I only sing for the Lord. I only sound good in church. It’s really funny how that works too.
GOD REWARDS FAITHFULNESS After crawling out of the obstacle course called “high school,” I encountered a new form of freedom. I moved from the free way to the highway. Life started moving really fast and I didn’t realize it until the high winds hit my face. College brought its own set of challenges but again God
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kept me. The same conviction I felt growing up restrained me from many temptations. I can truly say that during temptation, God made a way of escape. I want to pause here to tell you that God is so merciful. He looks beyond our shortcomings and sees our heart instead. If you’ve ever battled with doing wrong and wanting to do right at the same time, then you’d understand. God’s grace is truly sufficient. It’s so sufficient that it’s overwhelming and it’s so overwhelming that it humbles you. After being humbled, you face the fact that as much as God says you deserve grace, you can’t help but feel that you don’t. As I traversed college, God kept my desire for Him burning. I served on the praise and worship team, sang in the choir and taught Children’s Sunday School. It was these roles, the heart God gave me for Him and my Pastor’s recommendation that helped me fill out the application, recite the speech and sit for the interview to be considered as National Youth of the Year. By the grace of God, I won the title in 2010 and this led to government recognition as well. This recognition taught me that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
LEADERSHIP My college career led me to the United States where I completed my Bachelor’s degree. It was an exciting experience, but I lost a pillar in my life at the same time. My former Pastor transitioned to glory and after two years of studying abroad I came back to my new spiritual leader, District Elder, Pastor Troy Mott. Under my beloved Pastor, I serve as Youth President, Sunday School Teacher and two years ago I became Praise and Worship leader. Undoubtedly, my gifts and talents are being exercised and for this I give God thanks. When I was not at my church serving, I was dancing with the National Dance Team and assisting whenever called upon for different national events.
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“
FAVOR WILL TAKE YOU WHERE EDUCATION AND MONEY CAN’T. YOUTH PRESIDENT
”
OUTSIDE OF CHURCH
In 2016, I accepted the post of Assistant National Youth President under the National Youth President at the time, Elder Derek Farrington. Little did I know, I would become the youth president four years later. You would assume that I wanted the role but truthfully all I wanted to do was serve and so when elections came in 2019 I opted to remain in my post and allow those who wanted to lead to do so. I was quite comfortable.
When I’m not in church, I’m processing information in the corporate world, writing personalized poetry or interpreting someone’s thoughts at Island Sheek Poetry Writing Services, chilling at the beach, hanging with friends/family, reading a good personal growth book (my favorite author is Dr. Cindy Trimm) or eating brunch, lunch or dinner in my city. I try to live a balanced life.
To my surprise, the President-Elect would only serve for one year before I was asked if I would take the lead. At this point it was very clear to me that God was ready to use me in the capacity of National Youth President. So, the once timid girl grew into a bolder version of herself. I knew then as much as I know now that I can only be effective in this seat with God. Today I serve under my awesome Director, Suffragan Bishop David Higgins and alongside a great woman of God, Sis. Karon Gordon. In the midst of the world-stopping pandemic we declared the Word of God last summer during our conference. The pandemic may have stopped the world but the church kept moving. Our theme was “Urgency! The Time Is Now.” There is a call! This year has stretched my faith like never before. God is doing a new thing in all of us.
I had to get out of the boat of comfort. I’ve always wanted to walk on water so I decided to trust God now and not later. Leading isn’t easy but on the days when I’m not as confident I remind myself that I’m not leading here, God is! There is nothing too hard for God. The key is to surrender to His will and way. Once we are in His will and doing our part then favor is activated.
PERSONAL MESSAGE
Favor will take you where education and money can’t. It will take you to the top like Joseph, or to the King’s side like Esther. I want to encourage you the reader to find out what God is saying about you. Agree with God, work and watch the favor of God take you places. God’s timing is perfect, wait on Him.
EVANGELIST I love telling people about the love of God. In fact, every friend or associate of mine would agree. It’s what I do. In 2018 I was appointed evangelist. In May I will receive my license during our church anniversary service.
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Evangelist Candice Rolle is the National Youth President of the Bahamas Turks & Caicos Council, the 39th Episcopal District of the PAW, Inc. Bishop Ellis J. Farrington, Diocesan.
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EVANGELISM
COMMUNITY FOOD DISTRIBUTION & COVID-19 TESTING
CTC Glory of the Latter House Ministries has hosted a food pantry for over twenty years. A pillar of hope in a community that needs a river of Living Waters flowing through it for growth in this community as well as those in need in neighboring communities. Due to the foundation set by the late Pastor Jinks Arnold and the continued work and dedication of Pastor Donna M. Arnold this food pantry has been recognized near and far in the city of Chicago. CTC has strong partnerships with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Whole Foods and other sources for healthy, fresh food. Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world many food pantries ceased to operate. CTC’s food pantry has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic even offering personal protective equipment, i.e. masks, gloves and hand sanitizer as well as COVID-19 testing onsite during the pantry hours. Due to the closing of many pantries CTC has seen the number of needy persons increase dramatically. In addition to providing food, PPE and COVID-19 testing, CTC spreads the GOOD NEWS to every person who receives natural gifts from CTC. They also receive PRAYER and the WORD of GOD. Pastor Donna has a mantra – ‘Prayer changes things….’ She strongly believes in the power of prayer and lives accordingly. During the CTC daily prayer call, on Wednesdays, a time is set aside to pray for the pantry, specifically the leader, the volunteers and those who are in need. It is a pleasure to serve God’s people and meet their needs in the spirit of love, ‘the most excellent way.’ (1 Corinthians 12:21)
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FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The year 2020 will be a memorable year for many Nashville, Tennesseans. It was filled with a lot of devastation and loss. Nashville was hit by a tornado a year ago and many people lost property and lives. Businesses were destroyed and people were without food and shelter. Overnight the homeless population doubled. The Greater Christ Temple (GCT) Outreach Team stepped up to meet the needs of the community. Food baskets were distributed to those in need and business owners donated gift cards to distribute to those affected. Two weeks later before anyone had a chance to recover, the pandemic broke out. There have been about 8,000 active cases in the metro Nashville area alone and about 400 deaths. These events have devasted many families. The GCT Outreach Team follows the model of our Pastor, Bishop Sherman L. Merritt, Sr. by increasing availability and sacrificing both time and money to serve the community. Some of our efforts include “Soup for Souls,” where we provide the homeless communities with hot meals. The GCT food pantry partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to provide food baskets containing nonperishable items to those affected by the pandemic. The GCT Outreach Team sponsored another event during the Christmas season, “Each One Reach One,” where every member of GCT took a bag containing food, clothing, and water, and passed them out to anyone with a hardship in the community. Greater Christ Temple has kept its doors open to provide an encouraging word and to strengthen families by offering outdoor services and live streaming. During this year of uncertainty, GCT has been there to offer love, support, food, gift cards, clothing, prayer, and the Word of God. All praises belong to God. His hands are at work through us.
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Y EFFORT
them physically so that it may be their choice to get fed spiritually. Of course, we could not do this without the generous donations of Apostolic Faith Church with Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. We don’t ask the people to sign, show documentation or identification to prove who they are or what community they live in. Our real hope is to provide anyone with a soul some food. We want them to know and feel that it is a blessing from God!
COVID-19 TESTING In response to the pandemic, Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago, under the leadership of Bishop Horace and First Lady Susan Smith has hosted free COVID-19 testing for their community and have begun a weekly food distribution that is open to anyone facing food insecurity. These efforts are a part of the church’s efforts to inform with facts, encourage people with the Word of God and to involve everyone with love. In the past year, thousands of families have been served and the church’s outreach efforts have received the attention of local media and the Mayor of Chicago. Bishop Smith has told the congregation that the weekly food distribution, which is supported by the sacrificial giving of both members and supporters, will continue as long as the need persists.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION At Labor of Love Apostolic Church, we focus on saving our community. We help them not only spiritually but physically. We give boxes of food to families in need. We like to feed
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The Volunteers of Labor of Love Apostolic church touch and agree that we want the people to feel like they can go somewhere and not be judged about who they are, where they live, or how they live. Putting Jesus Christ first as we start off with prayer, we reach out to these people on 79th in the Southshore community, “on the 9.” It has to be the Holy Spirit that holds us up on these corners twice a week. Dealing with different attitudes and mental disorders is not easy but we do it with love. When we can, we take boxes of food to some of the mommas and big mommas who can’t make it to the corner to carry a box of food back home. We feed the community every Wednesday and Saturday. Since this pandemic era, we have seen a big need for food. The community has shown their appreciation. We rent a U-Haul truck, some men come and help us move the boxes from the truck to tables. Some promise to come to service on Sunday, and some have shown up. Since we started giving, we have been receiving souls; we’ve had four baptisms. We also see the difference in how our community thinks now. One lady said, “Because of this church my refrigerator stays with food.” Another man said, “I got a lot of kids to feed and this is right on time; God is good.” When we hear these responses, we feel in our hearts we are doing the works of Our Father.
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WOMEN
THE INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARY & CHRISTIAN WOMEN IN THE
I
21st Century By Dr. Charlotte M. Parker
want to take a moment and reflect on one of the great women of Pentecost who labored to help make this Auxiliary what it is today.
I recently read an article that stated women’s ministry is almost nonexistent in large church organizations. In most cases, the author meant that traditional, event-driven programs are in some way, becoming extinct. However, I can assure you that women’s ministry programming is still alive and doing well! According to the Bible, there isn’t anything in Scripture that I can recall that tells us that a church organization must have a specific program called a women’s ministry; however, that’s what most people think of when they hear that term. Ministry among women can and should occur in a variety of ways. We should see how God is in the business of overturning power structures that oppose what He has allowed to help form His people. Those who oppose leadership roles for women in these “End Times” are treading dangerous territory. The fact that we are women does not make us a different kind of Christian, but it does makes us another type of woman—empowered. I hope that every woman who serves God has accepted the call that He has for every one of our lives. We would all agree that the pressures from cultural shifts in gender relations, generational preferences, economics, and politics are reshaping how we should do ministry in the 21st Century. As the President of the International Missionary and Christian Women’s Auxiliary (IMCWA) of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (PAW), I want to take a moment and reflect on those who labored to help make this Auxiliary what it is today. I will highlight Dr. Erma Jean Bowers, who dedicated her life to education so she could help others to become “BETTER” educated than
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our ancestors. I believe the legacy and its credibility will be around for years to come. In fact, the IMCWA has established an annual scholarship award in her name to encourage women to excel in their local churches, state Councils, and to be involved in their communities. Upon prayerful consideration, I discovered that mixing traditional with new innovative programming would uniquely set the stage for the 21st Century. Therefore, the IMCWA is planning to provide courses to enhance women spiritually, mentally, and physically. It is our vision to see the 21st Century women completely whole and enabled to impact society. We have and hope to mentor judges, doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, bankers, counselors, councilwomen, homemakers, pastors, ministers, and most every field needed for life and godliness. We plan to involve our Millennials and utilize the skills God has blessed them with. The IMCWA women of the 21st Century “is” moving forward in ministry. Ministry is working to help someone else, whether spiritually or naturally. John 9:4 We must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work. Dr. Charlotte M. Parker is the wife of Suffragan Bishop Leon Parker. She is the mother of five children. She and Suffragan Bishop Parker established Zion Apostolic Church in 1985, and have continued as the Pastor and First Lady. She currently serves as the President of the International Missionary and Christian Women’s Auxiliary (IMCWA) of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. (PAW) Texas State Council - Diocesan Bishop Richard E. Young
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PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE WORLD, INC. INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARY AND CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S AUXILIARY
Dr. Charlotte M. Parker, IMCWA President Bishop Charles Finnell, Auxiliary Bishop Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr., Presiding Bishop
DR. CHARLOTTE M.
PARKER
DR. PHYLLIS
I.M.C.W.A. PRESIDENT SHEKINAH GLORY SESSION SPEAKER
RODGES
MINISTER TONIA
WILLIAMS
LADY DORRETTA EVANGELIST NIKKA
STEPHENS
STENSON
DR. TARA
PHELPS-JONES
“What Does Women Who Has Overcome During The Pandemic Look Like?”
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (EST) Shekinah Glory - Session I Speaker: Dr. Charlotte M. Parker, I.M.C.W.A. President
imcwa.pawinc.org Imcwawomen-Paw
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imcwa.pawinc.org | GIVELIFY | PAYPAL IMCWA Giving FOR PROMISE” MAY/JUNE 2021 33 T“POSITIONED EXT TO GIVE: “IMCWA $” 28950 | CASH APP: $PAWOffering
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MENTAL HEALTH
DYSFUNCTION WITH AN UNCTION: How Are We Dealing with “Dys”? Elder Rayvann Kee II, PsyD, MBA | Clinical Psychologist
T
here is so much stigma around “dysfunction” in the church that, oftentimes, we wait to address anything slightly off until it spirals into disorder. We, [the church], have found a way to dismiss, minimize, demonize, pathologize, and marginalize individuals when there seems to be undeniable evidence that there are “issues” that can potentially get in the way of success of our brothers, sisters, ministry teams, departments, leaders, and even our organizations. To make matters worse, we have essentially built up defense mechanisms to hide the anxiety, unease, guilt, and shame associated with dysfunction. The teachings that we receive cause many to feel that whatever existed in their lives in terms of selfconcept, self-esteem, fears and failures, personality structures, proclivities and inclinations, temperaments and attitudes, patterns of thought, and toxic theologies, is completely done away with at the moment of salvation and my friend, that is just not the case. Now, don’t get me wrong, I believe in the power of baptism in Jesus’ name by immersion in water and the infilling of God’s spirit; however, I also believe that that is just the beginning of a process of conformation into the image of Christ. Unfortunately, what we have become accustomed to is developing and pushing people’s gifts and their anointings which are NOT given in response to an individual’s conformity, maturity, or lack of dysfunction. Yet and still, we so enjoy what God graces people to do that we have gotten to the place where we are willing to overlook dysfunction in exchange for the opportunity to experience/feel that person’s anointing. Well, my questions then become: Are we setting people up for delusion and failure? Are we doing our ministry teams, departments, churches, and organizations a disservice to their future healthy existence? What kind of culture are we establishing with an emphasis on unction only and not dysfunction? Remember, what we celebrate continues to grow; but what we tolerate will also continue to grow. THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
With all of this said, many are taught and believe that at the moment of salvation, all of their past is gone. Now, we hear this taught and preached; however, we need to remember that that is referring to God’s remembrance of our past life of sin – it’s washed away. But that says nothing about histories of abuse, poor/unhealthy upbringings, lack of love, poorly modeled relationships and behaviors, bad experiences inside and outside of the church, family patterns of thought, methods of coping, styles of communication, poor self-concept, poor self-esteem, low self-worth, poor self-image, and more. People are a product of a multiplicity of experiences and influences and circumstances that just don’t disappear because they are ANOINTED. From a psychologist’s heart to yours, let us begin to acknowledge that our attention to perfecting our gifts and seeking the anointing of God is not more important than admitting that all of us have and operate with dysfunction. Lack of dysfunction is not a prerequisite for God to anoint us (Moses, David, Samson, Peter); however, that unaddressed stuff that comes up and has followed us throughout life – that we call “the past” – has followed us into your present and must be addressed for us to be all that God would have us be. Lastly, our unction will never be enough to salvage what’s dear to us once dysfunction begins to express itself. Just because we are anointed, doesn’t mean we don’t have moments of dysfunction and vice versa. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed…” James 5: 16a (KJV). The word “faults” doesn’t just mean sins – sins need to be forgiven – dysfunction needs to be HEALED.
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BUSINESS
I
MR. KEITH’S KETTLECORN
’m a first generation apostolic, I attend Greater Apostolic Ministries International. A two-church fellowship--one church two locations. Greater First Pentecostal Church North Little Rock, Ark and Greater Christ Temple Church Little Rock, Ark, under the Excellent leadership of Pastor Elder Jerry Warren. My home church for the last 33 years. Before I set out on the awesome journey, I currently work for a major airline for the last 32 years. I developed my interest in business when I was sitting at my desk at work and my station leader entered the office and offered me a mix of popcorn that is called the Chicago mix, (caramel and cheddar cheese.) I didn’t want to try the popcorn because as you know, many times some grades of popcorn will leave you with a lot of husk stuck in your teeth. I initially declined, but after persistence from my station leader I reluctantly accepted. I could not believe the awesome flavor and quality of the taste. It was at this time the Lord spoke to me and said (“How many people are like you; they don’t know what they don’t know.”) In other words, he was saying there’s an opportunity to start a business, because a lot of people don’t know that they like this type of popcorn except they try it. At that time, I was not business savvy my highest education was 12 grade. (Romans 8:31 What shall we than say to these things? If GOD be for us, who can be against us.) So, I set out to do research and development on how I could bring this amazing product to the city of Little Rock. The first thing I did was called the company I received the popcorn from. You can only imagine how that conversation went. After that phone call, the Lord spoke to me and said “develop your own brand.” I did not have enough money to open a brick-and-mortar store. So, I began to research kettle corn on the Internet. I found a man selling festival popcorn equipment. Not knowing anything about it, I purchased the equipment and began my journey of making the best kettle popcorn. The name of my company is Mr. Keith’s Gourmet Kettle corn, email MrKeiths.com. After setting up the equipment on my deck, I spent the next few months developing my skills. The first event I attended was at my church Greater Christ Temple. The event went well but I knew that I needed more work. After attending more festivals and using my coworkers as taste subjects, (meaning free popcorn for them) my skills and development got better. We continued working more festivals and we noticed how people loved our popcorn. When we are between festivals, I typically set up at station 801 food truck shops in Little Rock, operated by
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Scott Hamilton who helped me tremendously as a startup business. August 2016, Rock City Eats Steve Shuler a food critic came by station 801 to try a vendor’s food. Scott told me I should offer him some of my popcorn. After he tried it, he called me and wanted to stop by and do a story on my company. After the interview, he wrote a stunning story on how he didn’t really like kettle popcorn but after trying mine he enjoyed it so much that he voted Mr. Keith’s Kettle corn one of his Best eats of 2016. Bless the Name Of JESUS! A friend of mine who works with small black businesses Bento Lubazinwa of Remix Ideas in Little Rock approached me (because he enjoys my popcorn) and said to me “you need to take this business to the next level.” He networked with me and pointed me in the direction to receive the capital necessary to open my brick-and-mortar store. He introduced me to a gentleman named Jay Young who worked with a funding company forge community loan fund. I was able to secure initial funding to open my brick-andmortar store. Thank you, Jesus… Bishop Mark C. Tolbert, the First Assistant Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, had a desire to create an auxiliary within the P.A.W, for Entrepreneurs. This ministry will service Entrepreneurs and help mentor aspiring Entrepreneurs. Through social media and networking, Market Place Ministry (MPM) will add a business mind-set for the saints at our P.A.W. Convention. The Mission statement of the Market Place Ministry is to provide educational and mentoring opportunities through networking. Develop necessary skills with integrity and excellence to navigate business ownership and self-employment. Our slogan is “Where Entrepreneurs Network and Ideas come to Life.” The Market Place Ministry knows that within our great organization of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World that there are many Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and future Entrepreneurs, looking to expand their businesses and/or product. Thank God that through the visionary leadership of our 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop Mark Tolbert that there is now a platform for saved business owners and those self-employed within the PAW. Elder Keith Fulks has been married to Dora Fulks for 25 years and is the proud father of three adult children: Vontia, Jerron and Angelique. Elder Fulks is a member of the Arkansas District Council and serves as an Associate minister of Greater Apostolic Ministries International.
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MONEY
MONEY MATTERS
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By Ellis Liddell
By Evangelist Lynne E. Shivers
lessings and greetings to the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) family. In this inaugural article, we will discuss varying techniques to accomplish Wealth creation. You can achieve this by adopting a few techniques such as paying your bills on time to improve your credit score, refinancing your home to lower the cost of your mortgage, approaching the cost of college education from a holistic perspective, investing disposable income that exceeds 3 to 6 months emergency savings, participating in company-sponsored retirement savings plans and lastly, supporting the ministries that uplift your spirit and state of mind. Paying bills on time is an initial step in this process. With the U.S. mail running a couple of weeks behind, ensure your payments arrive on time to avoid late payments and fees that adversely affect your credit report and score, also known as building your credit file (FICO Scores). As an added step, go online to check your accounts’ due dates and payments due. To be more consistent with your payment history, consider setting up recurring payments such as for your mortgage and car payments as they are usually static. In general, automate as many of your bills as possible to avoid the pitfalls of forgetting to pay on time. Credit scores drive the cost of credit, the higher the score the lower the cost of credit. Most individuals with an 800 or higher (850 highest for most credit bureaus) FICO score, do not carry a monthly credit card balance and pay off their balances within 20 days of making a charge. When we think of credit scores, we normally think of
mortgages, credit cards, and car loans. However, your credit score can negatively affect your car insurance rates and even life insurance premiums. Consequently, develop good habits and be vigilant in protecting and sustaining a good credit history. Check your credit report as part of your ongoing maintenance and take advantage of the free annual credit report provided by Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. Mortgage financing is one of the biggest expenses you will face in a lifetime, followed by the cost of transportation once you start a family, and financing the cost of educating your children. Refinancing your mortgage to lower your interest rate, for example, from a 3.99% interest rate to a lower rate of 2.99% for which you now qualify, will save you tens of thousands of dollars on a 15 year and thousands on a 30-year mortgage. Often, the difference between a 15 year and 30-year mortgage may only be, $200 - $300 per month. If it is not in your budget, a 20-year option may be more suitable. Another strategy to paying off your mortgage earlier are bi-weekly payments or paying one additional annual payment to the principal. The latter option seems simple but takes discipline; therefore, you will need to devise a workable plan. The objective with your mortgage is to pay it off as early as possible to increase your disposable income and become debt-free the closer you get to achieving your retirement objectives. Regardless of where you start in life, you can build wealth. All it takes is a plan and a solid foundation to improve your relationship with your money.
Ellis Liddell is the President of various ELE entities in Southfield, MI. He is also the author of “Wealth Management: Merging Faith with Finance” and a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. Securities offered through ELE Wealth Advisors, Inc., member FINRA. Advisory services offered through ELE Advisory Services, Inc. ELE Wealth Advisors and ELE Advisory Services, LLC are affiliated through common ownership and control. Ellis Liddell is a member of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, Mi, under the leadership of Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.
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RECIPES
Recipe Page Faith Apostolic Church
Greater Christ Temple Church
2001 Heron Johnson Drive Birmingham, AL 35211 (205)-925-6098 www.faithapostolic-al.org Suffragan Bishop Michael Bender, Pastor
2400 10th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37204 (615) 297-7639 www.greaterchristtemplechurch.org Bishop Sherman L. Merritt, Sr., Pastor Submitted by Sis. Kia Reaves
Lady D’s Sweet Tea
Barbeque Nachos (non-dairy)
Ingredients
Ingredients
1 Large Can Country Time Lemonade 10 bags of boiled Lipton tea 1 Full bag of All purpose sugar
2 oz of brisket 3 oz of pulled pork ½ red bell pepper ½ orange bell pepper 1/3 medium onion, chopped 36 Mission strips tortilla chips 14 slices of pickled jalapenos
Instructions Mix together and enjoy!
Homemade Salsa
Cheese sauce
Ingredients
Instructions
¼ cup of seasoned black beans ¼ cup Del Monte whole kernel fire roasted corn 1/3 medium tomato, chopped 2 tsp Gourmet Garden lightly dried cilantro (can use fresh cilantro)
1 slice of American Violife cheese (non-dairy) 2 oz of Violife cheddar shreds (non-dairy) 2 oz of Violife mozzarella shreds (non-dairy) 1/3 cup unsweetened Almond milk
2 large tomatoes, diced 1/2 jalapeno, add more to taste 1/2 sweet onion 1/2 teaspoon garlic 1/2 teaspoon salt, add more to taste 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a bowl in the order listed and let sit for 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite nacho chips and enjoy!
Cut up bell peppers and onions, add to a skillet with a drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, sauté until soft, add pulled pork and brisket. Season meat and pepper mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Once meat mixture is hot, turn oven down to low. In a separate pot, combine black beans and corn. Season with pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder (add salt if needed). Once black beans and corn are hot, turn oven down to low.
Cheese sauce Pour unsweetened almond milk into a small saucepan, turn oven to medium heat, add in cheeses, stir until melted, season with Adobe seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. Taste to ensure that no additional salt is needed, since Adobe seasoning has salt in it. Add additional cheese if the consistency is not thick enough. Once desired consistency is reached, turn oven down to low.
Assembly
Do you have a special recipe? Contact us as at TheChristianOutlook@pawinc.org
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First layer – add half of the tortilla chips to a plate, spoon black beans and corn over tortilla chips, add half of the meat mixture, sprinkle half of the chopped tomatoes and drizzle half of the cheese sauce over the tortilla chips, top with half the jalapenos and 1 tsp of the lightly dried cilantro. For the second layer, add the rest of the tortilla chips and repeat the other steps. You can garnish with non-dairy sour cream and salsa.
“POSITIONED FOR PROMISE”
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ADOPT-A-SOUL
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Bible Trivia The Book of John 1
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3 4
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10 12
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ACROSS
DOWN
4 Simon Peter was given this name by Christ. (1:42) 8 What color robe did Pilate's soldiers put on Jesus? (19:12) 9 According to John 2:1-11, what town was Jesus in when he turned water into wine at a wedding? 13 In John 18:28, what political position did Pontius Pilate hold in the Roman government? 14 What did Jesus say he would leave with the disciples? (14:27) 15 A woman who had committed a sin was brought before Jesus for judgment. What was her sin? 16 Who prophesied that Jesus would die for the whole Jewish Nation? 17 Where was Jesus led after he left Caiaphas? (18:28) 18 Who did some think John was? (1:19-23)
1 Which book comes before the Gospel of John in the New Testament? 2 Where did Lazarus live? 3 In John 12:23-26, Jesus attempted to explain to the people around him why he must die, using what type of grain as an example? 4 Who was the high priest the year that Jesus was crucified? 5 To whom did Jesus say, "Ye must be born again"? 6 What did Jesus ask for from the Samaritan woman? (4:7) 7 How many chapters does the Gospel of John have? 10 How many baskets were filled by the leftovers after Jesus fed the multitude? 11 Jesus says in John that he is the vine, and his disciples are the? (15:5) 12 Where was Jacob's well?
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