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THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
MAY/JUNE 2020
THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
MAY/JUNE 2020
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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.
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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Testimony: He Touched Me!
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The Question
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What Is Business?
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I Still Have Some Growing to Do
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Marketplace Ministry Roundtable Recap
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The Church of Jesus Christ and the Covid19 Pandemic
EDITORIAL
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The Value of Rain
Evangelist Neechy Dumas Editor in Chief and Director of Publications
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Book Review: Four Voices One Gospel
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History: Bishop Cecil Alexander Pratt, Jr.
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Preparation for a Full Proof Ministry
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Mothers and Father’s Day Tribute
Minister Eric Bowens/Bowens Enterprise Graphic Design
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In Loving Memory: The Honorable Bishop Lawrence R. Robertson
Elder Craig A. Gilchrist Graphic Design
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District Elder Emeritus Dr. Ella Bell Cooper
Roxanne McDaniel Office Manager/ Accounting Director
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Inspiration: Serving While Bleeding
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Woman Credits Church, Faith for Her Recovery
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Let’s Talk Tech
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The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) ACT
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Recipe
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Get To Know Our Bishops: Part 2
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1000 People Praying Recap
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Managing the Emotion We Call Anger
MAILING ADDRESS The Christian Outlook Magazine 3939 Meadows Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 (317) 547-9541 (317) 543-0513 FAX www.pawinc.org
Evangelist Mona Thomas-Green Associate Director/Graphic Design First Lady Jennifer Slaughter Content Administrator & Assistant to Editor in Chief
Dr. Cynthia E. Collins Elder David Hollis, Jr. Minister Timothy Moore Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson Suffragan Bishop Harold E. Rayford Suffragan Bishop Leonard S. Scott Minister Ramona Ward Executive Contributors Stacey N. Monger Production Associate Elder Demarcus Williams/FRESHDESIGNZ, LLC Creative Director/ Cover Graphic Design
THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
MAY/JUNE 2020
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From the Desk of the Presiding Bishop
Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr. Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.
Praise the Lord and greetings in the wonderful Name of Jesus! It is our joy to send our love and greetings to you again. As you no doubt have heard, the 105th Summer Convention of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. has been cancelled due to the novel coronavirus pandemic COVID-19. This was a difficult decision for me and the Executive Bishops’ Council to make, but one that we felt was in the best interest of our global community. Though we will no longer be gathering together physically in order to preserve the health and safety of our members, we rest in the keeping, healing, saving power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We trust in the miraculous healing power of God, now more than ever. The experiences we have had as a nation, world, and international organization in the wake of COVID-19 have caused me to believe even more in the healing power of the Blood of Jesus! The Lord is our Master Healer, the Creator of our entire being, and His power to heal is unmatched. It is critical though that we do not seek the Lord’s hand more than we seek His face. As we turn toward the Lord, we must do so with the faith that He has the power to heal, and the wisdom to know that if He doesn’t, He is still good and worthy to be praised. As we seek His face, rather than His hand, we learn more about ourselves and more about the Lord. As we seek His face, we fulfill the proclamation from 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” As we seek the face of Jesus, to cultivate our relationship with Him beyond just what He will do for us, He will reveal Himself in wisdom, understanding and healing. The Lord is our Healer, our Father, our Friend. In Him we find refuge; in Him we are whole. Lady Brooks and I love you dearly. We are praying for you constantly—that you and your loved ones experience the healing power of Jesus. Be on the look-out for more information from the PAW regarding events throughout the remainder of 2020. We love you to life! The Master’s Servants, Bishop Theodore and Lady L. Janice Brooks
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THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
MAY/JUNE 2020
FROM THE
EDITOR Evangelist Neechy Dumas
Thank you to the many readers and subscribers of the March/April issue of the Christian Outlook. I am amazed and happy to report that we achieved RECORD breaking numbers of pre-orders and overall magazine sales. This would not have been possible without your dedication and support.
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also want to thank our Presiding Bishop, Bishop Theodore L. Brooks Sr., for the opportunity to serve our great organization in this capacity. I believe that we are all better equipped to hold fast to the Apostles’ doctrine under the Spirit-filled leadership of our Presiding Prelate who has helped navigate the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World through such historic times. In recent weeks…we have found ourselves in the midst of what many will say, is one of the most unique times of our lives. COVID-19 has changed the very trajectory of our social interactions and the make-up of how we navigate day-to-day. However, in spite of all this, I have found solace in knowing that we serve a God who has kept us, helped us and will preserve us. GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM, as shared in Romans 4:21, is what we continue to stand on.
Yes, these are unprecedented times; however, challenging times brings about a change that is so greatly needed. Over the past several weeks I’ve seen our technology and relevancy become more vibrant, our families have strengthened their bond and returned to prayer, and creativity has risen to the forefront of all that we do. As you navigate through these pages, It’s my hope that you will be blessed by the testimony of Bishop Gaiters who found himself in the midst of a medical emergency; that you’ll find motivation and inspiration from Bishop C. Shawn Tyson; and that parents will know that they are not alone, by hearing a story of compassion and growth from First Lady and mom of two, Lady Jennifer Slaughter. May you continually be reminded that God has the power to perform every promise that He has made you, and this power will stand no matter what season or transition you are in, or what obstacle you may be facing. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7) Blessings, Evang. Neechy P.A.W. Marketing & Publications Director @Neechy
TESTIMONY TALK
Yes, He could have just “snapped His finger” and everything would be all right, but He took me through the steps of recovery: ... That’s part of the miracle.
He ” Touched Me! --Bishop JWG
Founder and Pastor of Grace Apostolic Church (Columbus, Ohio), and Ohio District Council Diocesan, Bishop James W. Gaiters, Sr., shares his testimony of triumph and healing.
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nlike most Sunday mornings, Sunday, October 20, 2019, started a little unusual for Bishop James W. Gaiters, Sr. Bishop woke up with a strangely severe headache. Although the headache was slowing down his routine, he chose to press through and, while suffering terrible pain, made it to church and even preached Sunday morning. The pain continued throughout the day and became almost unbearable. Still, he insisted on driving to Zanesville, Ohio, after service to attend the Pastoral Anniversary banquet of a long-time friend, Elder Terrence Brown. While dining and conversing with Lady Gaiters, she noticed that Bishop’s speech was unclear, and invited Bishop to leave the table. After a few minutes outside, Lady Gaiters assessed that speaking was becoming more difficult for him and the pain he was experiencing was becoming more and more severe. She felt that he needed immediate medical attention and asked a friend to help her get him to the hospital.
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THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
Pictured: Bishop James W. Gaiters, Sr., and Elder Terrence Brown (Greater Apostolic Church of Christ, Zanesville, Ohio) at a hospital in Zanesville, Ohio. Photo courtesy of Lady Marcia Gaiters.
After many tests, MRI results revealed that he had suffered a bilateral stroke. In the words of Bishop Gaiters: “Medically speaking, I had a bilateral stroke. There were three blood clots in [the] vessels [in my brain]. One in my speech area rendered me speechless. I could make noises, but nothing intelligible. The other two clots…I don’t know what they were working on. All that I know is that the brain needs oxygen, and oxygen was cut off. When I couldn’t help myself, the Lord had already worked it out! Within an hour (they call that the golden hour…) I was at the hospital and they were administering the TPA. It was very inconvenient and it made me sick, but my, my, my, it worked wonders by the grace of God.” Bishop was then transported by ambulance to a Columbus hospital where he received excellent care.
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
MAY/JUNE 2020
Meanwhile, word spread and prayer requests went out across the country and concentrated prayer and fasting began immediately. After only six days in the hospital, Bishop was released on Friday, October 25. On Sunday morning, November 3, 2019, he walked unassisted into Grace Apostolic Church, the congregation he serves!! We are witnessing the mercy, grace, and miracle-working power of our God right in our midst!
“This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes!”
Pictured: Bishop James W. Gaiters, Sr., working through a guided exercise regimine. Bishop visits the gym three times per week and works with a certified trainer. Photos courtesy of Lady Marcia Gaiters.
Bishop says: “Now I have to deal with something like that not happening again. I thought I was working on this all the time with exercise. I would go to the gym at 6:30 in the morning three times a week...lifting weights, doing cardio exercises and various other things. But I didn’t know that was only one part of [preventative self-care]. There’s another part of it that is vital, and that is diet, and I paid very little attention to that. So it’s going to take both…physical exercise and proper Photo: Taylor Kiser diet. My wife has been helping me watch my diet…the sugars, the cholesterol…those kinds of things that can either make or break me physically. So, medically speaking, it’s real! I had a stroke! But the Lord in his Grace blessed me.
Yes, He could have just ‘snapped His finger’ and everything would be all right, but He took me through the steps of recovery: how it happened, the hospital, the people, the therapies… He took me through that. That’s part of the miracle. I thank the Lord for medical intervention. He used that to help me, but I’ve got to do better with physical exercise and the diet. I can’t make one side of me better and neglect the other side. “Lady Gaiters and I thank Bishop Brooks and the P.A.W. leadership, Bishop Melvin Brown and the O.D.C., our Grace Apostolic Church family, and the entire body of Christ, for your gifts and expressions of love, and for your many days of fasting and prayers on my behalf. And most of all, I thank God for His healing touch. He touched me! HE TOUCHED ME!!!”
“Grace is favor, and favor is not fair. I’ve seen other people who have suffered strokes, and physically and emotionally they are beaten up. Thank God, I do not have to deal with that. There are some traces of damage where I have to work a little bit harder, but God in His mercy has spared me from dealing with those dramatic physical and mental problems. So it was His grace that did what He did…the timing of the attack, the ‘golden hour’ … When I couldn’t help myself, the Lord had already worked it out.
THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
Bishop Gaiters at the Pastoral Installation of Suffragan Bishop Harold Rayford (Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio), which he officiated just two weeks after being released from the hospital.
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THE QUESTION
Q
Essie Ingram-Wiley I decree and declare that my family will be delivered and reclaimed in the mighty name of Jesus!
2020 DECLARATIONS
Rhonda Jackson No excuses! Inesta Belardo I declare in the name of Jesus Christ my house and everyone that abides in it shall be Saved, filed with the Holy Ghost
Vincent Key 2020 the year of plenty and I am not talking about stuff. Spiritual expectations.
What is your 2020 Declaration? Pastor Kyron Shorter Bethesda Temple Church - Los Angeles, CA IPYPU Vice President
We started this decade with vision boards, action plans and outlooks of bright futures only to have them clouded by uncertainty and devastation. But take heart, that this temporary derailment is an opportunity for God to magnify his Power, Glory and Value in our lives. God remains Visible and everpresent. God must be our central focus regardless of economy, or any epidemic. Don’t panic, but watch God work. The World will get a front row seat look to the mighty exploits of God and The Church will see the Lord sustain and preserve His people. This year is all about perspective. The question concerning the rest of 2020 is: In this storm will you surrender to sinking or seize this opportunity to see Jesus?” Chris Wilkes To get closer to my grandsons!
Clar Berdin Weyh I declare that JESUS is the only one who can give me Visits with my only Grandchild. I declare it is already done! THANK YOU JESUS and HALLELUJAH! I have truly missed my time with my only Grandbaby, since my Daughter, her mother, passed away.
Evang. Gayle Jones-Smith P.A.W. Interpreter and Marketing Team
No matter what 2020 has in store, we still await our growth in Jesus the more! True Victory is on the horizon, and we will become mightier because of Judah’s Lion! Aloko Ihechilurum My declaration in 2020 is God crown me with your glory.
George Cabarrus Sr. My Declaration 20/20 is that my spiritual life will be contagious to others.
Evang. Carlene Davidson 2020 is the year of saying “Yes Lord.”
Our Next Question NAME A CHURCH LEADER THAT’S HAD AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE AND WHY? Send your response to TheChristianOutlook@pawinc.org
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MAY/JUNE 2020
Business?
BUSINESS
What is By Suffragan Bishop Robert E. Martin, Jr.
T
he question that looms large is “What is Business?”
Currently, this has never been a popular line of inquiry within the Church: discussing how we integrate the reality of Christian Business people within the framework of those who are also possessors of the Kingdom Promise.
Let’s answer the aforementioned question: “What is Business? A person’s regular occupation, profession, or trade; synonyms: work · line of work · line of occupation · profession · career · employment. Let us now entertain a deeper dive into the question and glance at the four types of business. 4 Types of Business Structures:
1. Sole proprietorship: Most new businesses with only
one owner start out as sole proprietorships, and many never become anything else.
My own personal experience in the business arena allowed me to have a 20+ year career in the men’s and women’s high fashion clothing industry. While in the early stages of my retail career God called me to the ministry of preaching the Gospel of Christ. One of the greatest benefits within the ministry I was raised in, Zion Temple Church in Denver, Colorado, was the exposure that I received from my Pastor/Uncle the late Suffragan Bishop Roland B. Martin who walked in a bivocational world that included mortuary science. Also, my own father the late Pastor Robert E. Martin, Sr., while working for Ford Motor Company also had a cleaning business Sky-Brite of Denver, while also dabbling in network marketing. Those endeavors released an entrepreneurial spirit that was in direct contrast to the message from many within the church.
3. Limited Liability Company (LLC): This business
One of my interests within our Christian Community, while not indicting the church is to bring to the attention of those within the Body of Christ, that there are among us as in Acts 6:3, “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”
4. S or C Corporation: Corporations are separate legal
Those who are qualified, talented and gifted professionals, who have been anointed for business and carry that anointing into the marketplace daily, deserve to be recognized and affirmed.
2. Partnership: The IRS automatically considers any business started by more than one person to be a partnership.
form falls somewhere between a corporation and a partnership or sole proprietorship in terms of protection by the law.
entities, and their owners are protected from claims filed against the corporation’s activities.
The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 5:3, “For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” That is, as dreams are generally the effect of the business in which we have been engaged during the day; so, a multitude of words evidence the feeble workings of the foolish heart. It is my understanding, to put it mildly, that conversations that engage marketplace ministry and bi-vocational ministry have not been given the proper platform or attention within the modern day system of pastoral ministry, which in turn, often promotes the belief that full-time ministry is divorced of any outside professional business aspirations and pursuits!
THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
While I was called to ministry with no doubts about it; I believe I was born to operate in the marketplace through the vehicle known as “Leadership Development,” not only in religious circles but also in secular systems of commerce. While I have not always operated in the Leadership Industry, I have always felt that leaders can obtain a greater skill set as they model the leadership of those whom they aspire to recognize as greater than themselves. I believe that the church now has an opportunity and responsibility to embrace business people who are anointed to do what they do!
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
Suffragan Bishop Robert E. Martin, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Zion Temple Church in Denver, CO. In addition, he is certified as a life coach and is the Proprietor/Manager of Transformational Solutions, a leadership development and consulting company. MAY/JUNE 2020
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FAMILY
I Still Have Some Growing To Do Pictured from Left to Right (Britain Slaughter, Lady Jen Slaughter, District Elder J.L. Slaughter and Blake Slaughter)
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here’s a big difference between the mom I want This loving reminder released me. I no longer felt the need to be the perfect mother, teacher, or chef. to be, and the mom I am. I realized that I didn’t have to do this alone; that the I learned this truth the hard way—homeschooling Lords strength would carry me and support me in my 4 and 6 year old children in the midst of global every area that I found myself weak in. chaos, surrounding COVID-19. And then He sent help. The “Mom I Want to Be” would always wake up refreshed, spend time with the Lord to start my day, Mothers from all walks of life began to pour into take a leisurely walk outside, and then greet my two my life and support me in ways unimaginable. There wonderful kids with a big hug and an organized were years of wisdom and know-how that was freely given to me, as long as I had an ear to listen and a lesson plan for the week. heart to receive. But … “The Mom I Am” often wakes late, grumbles while I grab my phone to check social media, says a His strength was being made perfect in my weakness. quick prayer as I rush downstairs to make a cup of coffee and throw on a video for the kids, all while I Beloved, if I only had a few heart-felt thoughts to quickly grab a few broken crayons and a coloring book. encourage you with, in this season, it would be these: And, I don’t believe I’m the only one. There was a huge adjustment and learning curve for all of us when our once “public-school” educated children, abruptly became very sheltered, and at times, very bored, home-schooled kids.
“Rest in Him — because thanks to His grace, and in spite of our struggles — we are exactly the kind of mothers our kids need, even if we still have some growing to do.” (J. Martin, 2019)
About the Author: First Lady Jennifer Slaughter is It was easy to grow frustrated because I hadn’t yet the Founder of the Women’s become the parent-turned-teacher that I wanted Ministry Movement, Speaker and to be. But a few weeks ago, I was armed with a Teacher and joyfully attends Christ determination to find grace for this parenting Temple Church of Lansing, MI. For season. I began to search the Word, and the Lord Speaking Engagement Inquiries: reminded me of the scripture found in 2 Corinthians JenniferKitchenmba@gmail.com which says, “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is Follow her on Facebook & Instagram: @HopeLansing made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:19) @Women’s Ministry
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“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
MAY/JUNE 2020
Written by: Suffragan Bishop Dr. Wynne Dion Berry Sr., MPM President
PRESIDENT: SUFFRAGAN BISHOP DR. WYNNE D. BERRY SR. Indianapolis, IN Senior Pastor, Judah Life Destiny Church CEO and Founder of Chaplaincy Training Institute in Indianapolis Indiana (growing in multiple states) VICE PRESIDENT: ELDER KEITH FULKS - Little Rock, AR Associate Minister, Greater First Pentecostal Church Senior Pastor Elder Jerry Warren CEO of Mr. Keith’s Gourmet Kettle Corn
B
ishop 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 would service Entrepreneurs and help mentor aspiring Entrepreneurs. Bishop Tolbert extended an invitation to all CEO’s, CFO’s, Entrepreneurs and future Entrepreneurs; to attend a round table discussion to create such auxiliary. The meeting took place on Thursday January 16, 2020, at the P.A.W. Headquarters in Indianapolis Indiana. As a result of collective brainstorming the Market Place Ministry (M.P.M.) was birthed. The mission statement of the Market Place Ministry is to provide educational and mentoring opportunities through networking. To 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.” Upon completion of our mission statement and slogan our Executive Board was nominated and appointed to fulfill each position.The Executive Board of the Market place Ministries are as follows:
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SECRETARY: EVANGELIST QIAUNA CHAPMAN Kansas City, MO Apostolic Church of God, Bishop Morris A. Brown Sr. Pastor CEO of Yaniekeys Transportation Services TREASURER: ELDER BENJAMIN GAMBLE - Indianapolis, IN Christ Church Apostolic- Suffragan Bishop C. Shawn Tyson, Pastor CEO of Elite Investors of Indiana
The Market Place Ministry believes 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 L.Tolbert, that there is now a platform for saved business owners and those self employed within the PAW.
*For more information on how to become a member of the Market Place Ministry please send an email to pawmarketplaceministry@gmail.com “GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM” MAY/JUNE 2020
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EDITORIAL
The Church of Jesus Christ and the Covid19 Pandemic By Bishop Horace Smith, M.D.
P
raise the Lord Everyone! “Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” - 1 Cor. 1:20
GOD KNEW! Who would have thought that something so different, so unusual, so chilling, could become so familiar, so common, and so challenging to literally every human being on planet earth! “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, and the base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yes and things that are not, to bring to nought things that are...” - 1 Cor. 1:27-28
“THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE!” - 1 Cor. 1:29 My dear brothers and sisters…we (all of mankind) are in the same boat. We all have been caught by surprise, taken off guard, unprepared. No one is exempt. No one is a casual observer. All of us are now much more aware, and humbled by our universal frailty and fragility. Something so small, something seemingly unimportant, microscopic, has shaken us, causing havoc world-wide, challenging our health, imploding our economies, confusing our brightest minds, even changing our way of “having church,” and demanding that life as usual…stop. Covid-19 caused by the coronavirus, is a true Pandemic. An epidemic is a disease that is prevalent over a large geographic area, but a pandemic is a disease prevalent throughout the entire world. The God who Created the universe, who is the source of all knowledge, who has all power, may not have “sent” the coronavirus, but He certainly has a message in it that all of us must hear!
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“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
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“
Your faith is not or minimized
negated by
following these measures that help all of us
stay safe.”
I believe the “message“ is not the same for everyone, but will demand reflection, introspection, and recalibration for all of us. As this pandemic unfolded, I admit I was severely challenged to make some “sense“ of it. I was called upon and expected to respond in my role as a spiritual leader and as a trained health professional with some degree of insight and wisdom. As I sought the Lord, with the support and help of many others I concluded the following simple, but clear formula to begin to answer this challenge: THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST MUST RESPOND TO THIS CRISIS BY…
THE GOOD NEWS Community mitigating measures like social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing masks in public although challenging, do work! Your faith is not minimized or negated by following these measures that help all of us stay safe. Most of us will recover from the virus! A vaccine is on the way. PRAY! Keep being informed from good sources…but don’t oversaturate yourself with constant bombardment from television and the internet. IT’S NOT THE WHOLE STORY ENCOURAGE BY GOD’S TRUTH I challenge all of us, to renew our knowledge and faith in the Word of God! Ps. 91:1-3 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. INVOLVE OTHERS IN LOVE
INFORMING WITH FACTS “My people are destroyed by lack of knowledge!” - Hos. 4:6
I believe if we have the courage to embrace this, we will radically impact the church and the Kingdom for the better: Consider…
“Thou shalt know the truth and the truth shall make you free!” - Jn 8:32
How must we demonstrate the power and love
Much of the devastation we have seen with this pandemic is the result of misinformation. Sadly, much of this has been seen in our communities. Truth is often inconvenient but vitally necessary. The facts regarding Covid-19 are staggering. As of this writing, United States Over 650,000 cases Over 32,000 deaths World-Wide 2 million cases 132,000 deaths
This is where I have seen the most creative and powerful changes in our ministry here in Chicago. We have gone from streaming on Sun and Wed to conducting outreach with technology to tens of thousands 3-4 times a week. We have been able to reach populations across the US and around the world. Ministry to seniors, disadvantaged and displaced persons have mushroomed. Ensuring food and water security, home-bound education platforms, financial support to the most needy have skyrocketed. All of us must embrace online giving if we are to thrive as churches of the future.
NO ONE IS EXEMPT! Covid-19 is a ‘novel’ virus. That means no one has antibodies or immunity against it. Persons with chronic and underlying conditions and disease are more prone to it. This includes common things like obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and the like. Senior and those with weaker immune systems are also relatively more vulnerable.
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of Christ in this season?
Who is in most need of our service/ministry? How can we creatively model salt and light?
WE MUST RESPOND AS THE CHURCH BASED ON GOD’S VISION FOR US: 1 Pet. 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (KJV) God Bless All of Us …IN JESUS’ NAME
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
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YOUTH SPEAK
“No rain. No flowers.” - Unknown
ZĂŵŽŶĂ tĂƌĚ
M
y appreciation for rain became deeper as I got older. Have you ever been in a place where everything around you seemed almost perfect? And suddenly, an unexpected wind comes, and the sky opens up and inundates you with a torrent so heavy, it hurts. Your first mind is not to seek shelter, but to wonder where the storm came from. And just as fast as you have that thought, you run for shelter from the storm.
We hate going through. We hate feeling helpless and out of control. And these are all feelings that we have to deal with when we are faced with the storms in our lives. We face a myriad of struggles on a daily basis that make us feel there is a dark cloud looming over our heads. We’re sure our problems will wash us away. We feel hindered by storms. We don’t consider that maybe we’re in a drought, and we need the rain. It’s the same, sometimes, when are going through. We feel that life is suddenly too hard to endure, so we’d rather cower and quit than keep going. We don’t want to go through the storm. And when our stubbornness or disobedience delays God’s yes, we get upset about it. We need the rain. We can’t keep hoping for the rain to go away and come again another day, only to wish it away again because we really don’t want it at all. Rain symbolizes so many different things, and we see it as ominous. But rain is not all gloom and doom. Even the worst storms bring a magnificence with them, followed by something beautiful. Rain doesn’t have to be an indicator of trouble. The saying “April showers bring May flowers” comes to mind. It speaks to good things
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coming from unpleasant circumstances and occurrences. It symbolizes setting the stage for something new and beautiful to grow. In life, things can be going great and everything is looking up until we see that patch of gray moving in our direction. We pray for it to pass us by. We sometimes forget the necessity of the rain in our lives, so we can grow and become the seeds that have been planted within us. I started to appreciate storms in a different way when I grew up and started to experience life’s ups and downs. I had to grow up and step outside of the shelter of the people I ran to, who covered me and prayed for me. I had to stand in the rains in my life and ride out the storm. You cannot have growth without watering. And sometimes, the pouring that we receive from people is not enough to feed the soil of our souls. Sometimes we require a devastating flood to wash everything away. Without being watered, we can’t grow. None of us can survive without it. God never promised that life would always be sunny days. We can take rest in the fact when the storms of life come and go, God is riding it out with us. We can be sure that He will not let us be carried away. And when the sky clears, and the sun returns, we can look with joy that we came through. Hold on, friends. The rains are sure to come. But surely, the storm will pass. “For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God.” Hebrews 6:7
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
)DFHERRN 5DPRQD 6 :DUG 7ZLWWHU #6SRRQHU,1. ,* UDPRQDZDUG
MAY/JUNE 2020
BOOK REVIEW
ALL-IN-ONE Four Voices One Gospel is just that! To all those who love studying God’s Word, have you ever wished that you had all the same events that are found in the four Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all together for your viewing in one place without having to go to each book? Four Voices One Gospel does just that! PAW’s own Elder Franklin E. Rutledge has written the history of our Lord from the four voices of His Disciples Matthew, Mark, Luke and John by merging the four books of the Gopsel into one book. By merging the four into one, the readers will have more information and can properly understand what was once vague. Each Disciple gives us information, but one or more writers will give us more about the same event or adds another story that was not told by the others. This work is done chronologically so that the reader can properly follow the true footsteps of Our Lord and the people of His day.
Franklin E. Rutledge Part-time student majoring in psychology, minoring in philosophy at Central Connecticut State University. Elder Rutledge is pastor of Evangelistic Caravan Center, Waterbury, CT, and a full-time employee at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Connecticut.
To order your copy please call 317.602.7892 or visit pawinc.org [e-store]
HISTORY
“...the Church of Jesus Young Adult Choir became national recording artists on the Savoy Records label in the 1970s.” CHURCH OF JESUS REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH
Bishop Cecil Alexander By Minister Timothy Moore
C
ecil Alexander Pratt, Jr. was born in 1926 in Miami (FL), the son of West Indian parentage. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Detroit, where he grew up a member of Bethel Church of the Apostolic Faith. His father, Cecil Pratt, Sr., had been saved while in Miami and later became the Sunday School Superintendent at Bethel. In 1950, Bishop Pratt Jr., answered the call to the preaching ministry. He was one of a cadre of outstanding ministers serving under Elder B.J. Goode at Bethel. Among them were Elders William Abney, Hoodie Hoke, Joseph Bolton, Johnny Owens, and Claude Allen (who was the Assistant Pastor).
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PRATT, JR.
THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
Elder B. J. Goode
Around 1959, Elder Pratt, Jr. moved (with his family) from Detroit to Springfield (OH) to become pastor of the Church of Jesus. At the time, the church was located at the foot of Chestnut Street and had approximately 35 members. Bishop Pratt withstood some difficult years, partially due to older, existing members being resistant to the progressive ideas of a young pastor. He reorganized the church, with six remaining adult members and the Pratt children. Among those that remained were Josie Howard and Carolyn Mebane. Under Bishop Pratt’s leadership, the Church of Jesus grew spiritually and increased in membership. As it grew, the congregation moved from Chestnut Street to its current location on Center Street. In the church dedication message, Elder Pratt said: “Let us then build upon this stone which is Jesus Christ. We have gone into the valley, encountered the enemy and emerged victorious. ”
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MAY/JUNE 2020
Shortly thereafter the move, the Church of Jesus exploded with blessings unlike that of any other African-American church in the area. Souls were added, and the ministry developed numerous outreach programs that impacted saints nationally.
Suffragan Bishop Ann Story-Pratt serves as administrator for the church’s outreach ministries and school. She also now serves as Pastor at Church of Jesus and is the Assistant General Secretary of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.
Among the ministers that served under Pastor Pratt’s leadership at Church of Jesus are Bishop Steve Houpe, Suffragan Bishop James Belle, Bishop Gregory Irvin, District Elder Gregory Pratt, Suffragan Bishop Michael Cooper, Bishop Howard Tillman, Bishop Carl Turner, and Bishop Ronald Logan.
In 2002, Suffragan Bishop Cecil Pratt was elevated to the office of Bishop. He was assigned to head the 42nd Episcopal Diocese of Togo, in West Africa. He accepted Emeritus status in 2013.
As well, the Church of Jesus Young Adult Choir became national recording artists on the Savoy Records label in the 1970s.
The ministry of Bishop Cecil Pratt developed a small congregation into one of the more influential churches in the historic Ohio District Council, and produced one of the PAW’s most celebrated recording choirs in the 1970s and early 80s. As
Bishop Cecil Pratt (Presider’s Award- Detroit)
This choir was widely regarded as one the three or four best choirs in the PAW, and sang at several National Conventions. Its signature album, “Redemption Draws Nigh” featured lead singers Peggy Lacey and Ronald Logan (both of whom have had recording careers of their own).
well, a District Elder, two Suffragan Bishops, and five Bishops served under Pratt’s leadership at the Church of Jesus. Bishop Cecil Pratt rose from a significant PAW lineage and left a notable PAW legacy.
After 34 years, Elder Pratt suffered the loss of his wife Delores, in July 1978. She was an instrumental part of his ministry’s development, having moved with him from Detroit and raised their five children. In the early 1980s, he married PAW National Evangelist Ann Story. In 1988, the Church of Jesus built a state-of-the art 700-seat Family Worship Center, adjoined to the original Center Street sanctuary. It has since added an education wing that houses a K-5 Charter School, an Early Childcare Development Center, and the Precious Gifts Daycare and Learning Center. 1955 Convention (Leavenworth) THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
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PREACHER’S CORNER
Preparation for a
Full Proof Ministry By Suffragan Bishop C. Shawn Tyson
[5] But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:5 KJV
I
n retrospect, it seems hard to believe that it has been thirty-seven years this June since I first stood behind the sacred desk as a young, zealous, on fire for God, 18-year-old preacher fresh out of high school and delivered what was called my “trial sermon.”
Having traveled from coast to coast and to various parts of the world carrying the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, it has now become both my privilege and responsibility to share just a few insights with the coming generation of ministers concerning the foundational tenets that have allowed me to experience both longevity in the ministry and what, I pray, shall be continued relevance. Preparation for Ministry It has been said, and I believe it to be true, that “those who fail to prepare, are preparing to fail.” I shall never forget the time I had the profound privilege of taking the early, great, Former Presiding Bishop James Archie Johnson to the airport after he had ministered at Christ Church Apostolic in Indianapolis. I vividly recall attempting to extract from Bishop Johnson’s brain every nugget of wisdom I could in that 20-minute ride from the Hilton Hotel downtown to what was in 1983, Weir Cook airport. Being a man full of grace and wisdom, Bishop Johnson imparted a number of principles to me that I adhere to, to this day. But his last statement to me as he shook my hand and looked intently into my young, 18-year-old eyes were words I shall never forget, “Brother Shawn...prepare yourself; your day shall come!” It was from that moment on that I took to heart the instruction of the Bishop and began the intensive process of preparing myself spiritually, academically, mentally, vocationally and emotionally for what would become a ministry that has taken me to places I could not have imagined as an 18- year-old, young minister.
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THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
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As most of you know, I am the youngest son of one of Pentecost’s most revered and legendary leaders, our former Assistant Presiding Bishop, the early, great Son of Thunder, Bishop James Edison Tyson. Being the son of a Son of Thunder gave me the opportunity to study the habits of one of the most prolific preachers and teachers of the 20th century. There are many attributes my father possessed that I could share with you that contributed to him being one of the most astute and powerful orators and pulpiteers of his era, but the one I MUST share with you in terms of personal preparation was his almost obsessive commitment to READING. It was rare to ever find Bishop James Edison Tyson without a book in his hand in what we would call our “down time.” He only watched enough television to keep abreast of the latest news and world events. He was a huge boxing fan. So, if Muhammad Ali was fighting, he would watch the champ fight. He was also a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. So, if the Steelers were playing during Monday Night football, (definitely not Sunday Night, LOL) he would watch them. But other than that, whenever he was not working, counseling, administrating, taking care of the various needs of the church, the saints, his Diocese and the PAW at large, he was reading.
My father had a saying that I’ll share with you. He said, “The most dangerous creature on the face of the earth is a prayer-less preacher, because the preacher has the ear of the people, but without PRAYER, he won’t have the mind of God.” ~JET For the sake of the souls of mankind, a deceived generation and a nation on the fast track to hell, Apostolic ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ must spend more time on the altar than we do on the golf course. We must spend more time in prayer meetings than we do in board meetings. We must spend more time on our knees so that we may have power from heaven when we stand upon our feet. There is NO SUBSTITUTE, no program, no community initiative, no college degree, and no conference track that can take the place of the time a preacher must spend in prayer preparing his spirit, mind and body to be the conduit through which God speaks.
“The most dangerous creature on the face of the earth is a
prayer-less
[36] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (Luke 21:36 KJV)
preacher...”
Other than my father, the Honorable Bishop Clifton Jones is largely responsible for impressing this critical priority of prayer upon my soul and mind. I would encourage you to read every book he has written on the subject of prayer as it will change both your priorities and your preaching.
- JET
He read books on just about every subject you could imagine, which contributed to his ability to speak on a wide range of subjects with depth and authority. He also read the greatest book of all time from cover to cover EVERY YEAR...the Bible. My beloved colleagues in the Gospel, it is imperative that as part of our preparation to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Google generation (that is fact checking you in real time while you preach), that we do as Paul told Timothy, “give attendance (priority) to reading.” There are so many other things I could share with you as ministers of the Gospel in terms of preparation but in the interest of the brief space I have left in this presentation, let me share with you what I believe to be the preeminent spiritual discipline of preparation for any serious minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: the discipline and privilege of PRAYER.
THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
I leave you with the words of our beloved Bishop James “A-1” Johnson: “Prepare yourself! Your day shall come.” Let us walk worthy of the vocation wherein we have been called and remain true to the truth of the Apostolic Doctrine. May the grace of God be with you all. Carpe Diem!! +C. Shawn Tyson, D.D. Website:Cstministries.com Email: Cstministries@gmail.com Facebook: C Shawn Tyson Insta:Cshawntyson
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Mother’s Day Honor 0EH] 0 .ERMGŃ &ǕSSOǞ M
others hold a special place in the hearts of their children. As we celebrate Mother’s Day I personally want to celebrate and wish all the mothers within the P.A. of W a very special day.
W
hen I think about my mother, I am reminded of the scripture in Proverbs that describes a woman who fears God. It talks about virtue of a woman being more precious than rubies. That’s my mother…she is a virtuous woman of God who is priceless to me. I have many memories of my mom that I hold precious and sacred. She has been my strongest supporter and earnest cheerleader. She has prayed for me and on me as well! She has quietly been the steady and consistent voice of reason and compassion during the most tumultuous times of my life. She is everything any child could ask for in a mother. While some would say that no one is perfect, I can say that my mother has been perfect for me. She is the perfect icon of love. She is the perfect example of strength and fortitude. She is the perfect modal of motherhood. I honor my mother, Lillie Janice Brooks, for being an awesome illustration of what love looks like and what love should feel like. I understand that most people believe their mother to be above all others. I applaud that thinking. One should always think highly of and give honor to their mother. In fact, that Bible declares that if we honor our mother and father, we’ll have an extended time here on earth. So, I applaud you. But. My mother is the best of the best and that fact is beyond debate! Happy Mother’s Day mom! - Elder Theodore Brooks, Jr.
Words cannot adequately describe my mother. She has always been the constant stabilizing force in our family. Being the second child, the middle child is forgotten about because either the parents cater to the oldest or the youngest child. My mother had a way of balancing her love for each of us, of which I am grateful. She took the time to cultivate the gifts and talents she saw in us, particularly me. It’s because of her practicality I’ve learned how to save money, clean a house, do laundry and how to grocery shop with coupons. She taught me how a woman should be and because of that I looked for those qualities in a wife. She taught me how to endure when things are tough and to press forward. Her resiliency is remarkable. My mother is a praying woman. She prays for her family, the saints and the community at large. I can remember her praying as we left for school only to return home that afternoon to see her on her knees again praying. One afternoon, I came home to my mother singing in tongues while on her knees. In my child like mind, I thought she shouldn’t be singing she should be praying.
M
y mom taught her children what it means to trust God. She taught us that we have nothing to fear because God is always with us. My twin and I shared a room, and one night there was a severe storm and there was bright flashes of lightening, which lit up our room like it was daylight in the middle of the night, and there was roaring sounds of thunder that sounded as if it was right in the room with us. Needless to say, we were scared! I do not remember if we huddled together, but thinking back on that night, I am quite sure we did. To make matters worse, we had a punching clown, with a weird clown face, that would bounce back and forth when you hit it, and now it seemed as if the clown were moving in the middle of the storm! We just knew it was coming to get us! Yep, I remember now, we were hugged up on one another and screaming at the top of our lungs.
My mom came in the room and calmed us down. She then read from Psalms 91. She began to not only recite the words but also took the time to explain what they meant. My mother’s voice was calm and reassuring that night and has remained so throughout the course of my life. And we were able to get a peaceful night sleep…in her bed!!! My father was not happy! Happy Mother’s Day Mom. I love you and adore you! - Elder Darrell Brooks
The lessons I’ve learned from my mom are forever etched in my heart. So, I offer to you, Mom, my love now and always; I pray you have a special Mother’s Day. Love, Elder Harold Brooks
Father’s Day Honor &MWLSdž 8LISHSVŃ 0 &ǕSSOǞ 7Ǘ G
enerally, men aren’t celebrated and respected by society at large for our role in the family. Nevertheless, today we celebrate all fathers of the P.A. of W., particularly the Presiding Bishop, my father.
T
he book of Judges describes a scenario where an Angel of the Lord is encouraging Gideon and describes him as a “mighty man of valour”. I am impressed with this description because it cannot be applied to just anyone simply because you are of the male persuasion. A man of valor is one who is faces danger with great courage, especially in battle. The battle that men like my father have faced and conquered is the battle of raising males of color in a society that wants to kill them. My father has been successful in his effort to protect, teach, and prepare the boys that God has blessed him with. I applaud my dad because he raised three boys into men. None of us have ever been arrested or in trouble with the law (Speeding tickets don’t count! ). None of us are messed up addicts with dysfunctional lives. All of us are men and preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We owe a debt of gratitude to my dad that we repay as fathers to his grandchildren. I know my dad is the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, but to me, he is my hero, my mentor, and most importantly, my friend. His attributes as a man of God are well known, but I want to take time to say thank you for being my example of what a man of God should look, sound, and pray like. Happy Father’s Day Pop! - Elder Theodore Brooks, Jr.
My Dad was, and still is to a degree, a very strong disciplinarian in our family. He was to be feared and revered. People may say ‘my dad don’t play’, well I can certainly co-sign on that statement. With that strong presence, today the three of us are productive men in society, as well as ministers of the gospel. It was my dad who taught me how to be a man, father, a husband. With him raising three boys and no girls, it was difficult for him to be tender. He still struggles with that one, but I have never known him to be cruel and or abusive. He went to work every day to support his family. Sometimes he worked two jobs to make ends meet. As a young boy I wanted to be like my dad with his solid work ethic. He carried a briefcase to work and church. Today I carry a briefcase to work and church hoping and praying I can become half the man he is. Being a husband, father and a grandfather has brought me immense joy. I couldn’t imagine life without my family. I can only hope that one day my children would say I want to be like my dad or marry someone just like him. Happy Father’s Day Dad, you deserve it.
M
y thoughts about my dad remind me of a time when my brothers and I were 10 or 11 years old, and my parents left us home. My brother Ted and I began sword fighting with a broom and mop handles. Yep, you guessed it, we broke something…a Tiffany glassed ceiling light! The tears we shed were not for the light…it was for us because we knew a whoopin’ was coming! So, after we cried and prayed…yes, we prayed for the light to be fixed… we decided to clean the house. From the top to the bottom, we washed, mopped, dusted, and vacuumed. We went to bed and prayed some more. Immediately upon entering the house my parents knew something was wrong. It was at this moment that my dad showed my brother and I the example of what mercy and grace looked like. My mother screamed a scream that I can recall even to this day. She wanted to whip us until the skin came off! But my dad took the heat for us. He absorbed my mother’s anger, and he exemplified mercy. He simply promised my mom that he would fix it. Grace. Every time I walked into the kitchen and saw the missing tile on the side of that ceiling light, I was reminded of what my brother and I had done. And I was also reminded of what my dad did for us. Sometime later, I noticed that the tile had been replaced. Dad kept his promise to my mom by doing what he said he was going to do.
- Elder Harold Brooks Happy Father’s Day, Pop. I love you… and thank you for taking the heat in our stead! - Elder Darrell Brooks
IN LOVING MEMORY
The Life and Legacy of Lawrence Ray Robertson Sr., Diocesan Bishop The Life and LegacyAugust of Lawrence Robertson Sr., Diocesan Bishop 31, 1950Ray - January 17, 2020
B
31, 1950 - January 2020 ishop Lawrence August Ray empowering people and bringing about17, positive annual convention in August 2017, Bishop Robishop Lawrence Ray empowering people and bringing positive annual in August 2017, BishopasRobRobertson, Sr. was born change; spiritually, naturally andabout economically. ertsonconvention was elevated and consecrated the DiRobertson, Sr. was born change; spiritually, economically. wasBishop elevated as theCouncil. Diin Smith County, Lindale, His vision was â&#x20AC;&#x153;to naturally create aand strong sustainable ertson ocesan of and the consecrated Far East District in Smith County, 31, Lindale, vision was â&#x20AC;&#x153;to disadvantaged create a strongchildren, sustainable Bishop of the Far East District Council. reTexas on August 1950 His community where fami- ocesan His duties included managing administrative Texas on AugustRobertson 31, 1950 community where disadvantaged children, fami- Hissponsibilities duties included managing administrative re- isto Lawrence lies and businesses could achieve their highest as well as other ecclesiastical to Lawrence and businesses their highest as other ecclesiastical isand Opal Jones.Robertson He was lies capacities.â&#x20AC;? With thecould goal achieve of revitalizing the com- sponsibilities sues within as thewell diocese. and only Opal son. Jones. the goal of revitalizing thethrough com- sues within the diocese. their He He grewwas up capacities.â&#x20AC;? munity andWith creating economic growth Some of his additional noteworthy accomplishtheir only son. He grew up munity andand creating economic growth for through in Hawkins and Tyler alongside his sister Shirley strategic relevant programming youth, Some of are: his additional noteworthy accomplishments in Hawkins and Rose. Tyler alongside his sister Shirley strategic and relevant programming for youth, and step-sister young adults and families, he established the ments are: Â&#x2021; 3DVW &KDLUPDQ RI WKH 3DFLÂżF 1RUWKZHVW 'LVWULFW and step-sister Rose. young adults and families, he established the in New Life Community Development Agency Bishop Robertson transitioned peacefully the New Â&#x2021; 3DVW &KDLUPDQ RI WKH 3DFLÂżF 1RUWKZHVW 'LVWULFW Council, overseeing over 21 churches in Life Community Development Agency in 2003, as a service arm of the church. Bishop Robertson transitioned peacefully the th Council, overseeing over 21 Alaska churches morning of January 17 th. As the leader of one of 2003, as a service arm of the church. Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and in Monleader of Bishop one of morning of January 17 . 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Spirit.During During this this time, time, he he attended attended Merritt Â&#x2021; 0HPEHU DQG )LUVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ &KDLU RI Â&#x2021; 0HPEHU DQG )LUVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ &KDLU RI merousother othersubjects. subjects. Community Certi- merous Olympic College Board of Trustees Community College College earning earning his his National National Certithethe Olympic College Board of Trustees ÂżHG /LFHQVH IURP WKH $PHULFDQ 5HJLVWU\ RI 5DÂ&#x2021; )RUPHU %RDUG 0HPEHU RQ WKH (FRQRPLF 'H ÂżHG /LFHQVH IURP WKH $PHULFDQ 5HJLVWU\ RI 5D- In In 2005, 2005,after afterobserving observingthe thelack lackofofsafe safeand andin-inÂ&#x2021; )RUPHU %RDUG 0HPEHU RQ WKH (FRQRPLF 'H diological there- spiring velopment Council of Bremerton diologicalTechnologists Technologists in in 1971. 1971. 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Cherberg Robertsonreceived received his hisAssociate Associate of Arts degree Robertson degree envisioned envisioned the thecenter centerasasa aâ&#x20AC;&#x153;third â&#x20AC;&#x153;thirdplaceâ&#x20AC;? placeâ&#x20AC;?forforsoso Â&#x2021; 3DVW 0HPEHU RI .LWVDS &RXQW\ &RPPLVVLRQHU Â&#x2021; 3DVW 0HPEHU RI .LWVDS &RXQW\ &RPPLVVLRQHU fromTacoma Tacoma Community Community College College and obtained from obtained many located manyyoung youngpeople peopleininneed. need.The Thecenter, center, located Advisory Board Advisory Board KLV %DFKHORU RI $UWV GHJUHH IURP 3DFLÂżF /XWKHU- on KLV %DFKHORU RI $UWV GHJUHH IURP 3DFLÂżF /XWKHUaa wouldbebethe thehome homeofof on Park ParkAvenue Avenueand and88th thwould an University in 1977. He also completed the an University in 1977. He also the dynamic LEGACY dynamicprograms programsand andservices servicesfounded foundedononthethe ENDURING ENDURING LEGACY ChristTemple TempleSchool School of of Theology Theology course. 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Together they raised seven children, who munity center. for teaching and encouraging others, and his unsurvive him today. for teaching munity center. yielding faith inand God.encouraging others, and his unsurvive him today. During his years in ministry he traveled exten- As he continued to work tirelessly towards the yielding faith in God. As he continued to work%LVKRS tirelessly towardsUH-the Bishop Lawrence Ray Robertson Sr. is preceded During his years intheministry traveled exten- IXOÂżOOPHQW RI KLV YLVLRQ 5REHUWVRQ sively throughout United he States and abroad Lawrence Ray Opal Robertson Sr. isand preceded IXOÂżOOPHQW RI KLV inYLVLRQ %LVKRS to5REHUWVRQ death by his mother, S. Jones an sively throughout States andministry. abroad mained steadfast his dedication lead, teachUH- in Bishop in connection withthehisUnited ever-expanding in death by his mother, Opal S.byJones and an mained steadfast in his dedication to lead, teach infant son, Marcus. 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Ever academLady Lillian LockettHe Robertson, M.D.; father Bishop Robertson encouraged thethe pursuit of wife, His enlightened presentation of the Gospel en- ic, abled him to minister to many denominations wife, Lady Lillian Lockett Robertson, M.D.; father and step-mother, Lawrence and Faye Robertic, Bishop Robertson encouraged the pursuit of excellence by promoting critical biblical scholabled him to minister many denominations and organizations; as a to result, Bishop Robertson andhisstep-mother, andhisFaye Robertsister ShirleyLawrence Combs and step-sisexcellence by promoting biblical schol- son; spiritual growth andcritical a chosen vocation. and as a result, Bishop Robertson wasorganizations; much sought after for his wisdom and intel- arship, his(George) sister Shirley Combs and his step-sisRose Cumby; his seven children, arship, spiritual growthH[SUHVVLRQV and a chosen vocation. terson; RQ PRGHUQ RI VSLULWXDO was sought speaker, after for his wisdom and intel- 5HĂ&#x20AC;HFWLQJ as a teacher, leader and counselor. lectmuch Rose (George) Cumby; his seven children, ter Nedra, Brenton, Jason (Lucretia), Lawrence Jr. 5HĂ&#x20AC;HFWLQJ RQ PRGHUQ H[SUHVVLRQV RI VSLULWXDO principles, he instituted Jewish Festivals such as lect as a teacher, speaker, leader and counselor. AUDACIOUS VISION AND UNYIELDING Anderson, and Jr. Nedra, Stacey, Brenton,Crystal Jason(Justin) (Lucretia), Lawrence Pentecost, Passover andJewish the Feast of Trumpets principles, he instituted Festivals such as (Christy), FAITH AUDACIOUS VISION AND UNYIELDING 15 grandchildren and(Justin) four great grand-and (Christy), Stacey, Crystal Anderson, WR PRGHO WKH Passover VLJQLÂżFDQFH *RGÂśV LQ Aaron; Pentecost, andRI the FeastSUHVHQFH of Trumpets FAITH children, and agrandchildren host of friendsand andfour family. Aaron; 15 great grandthe daily life of the believer. WR PRGHO WKH VLJQLÂżFDQFH RI *RGÂśV SUHVHQFH LQ A man of strong convictions, charisma and children, and a host of friends and family. the daily life of the believer. drive, Bishop Robertson was passionate about During the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World A man of strong convictions, charisma and drive, Bishop Robertson was passionate about
During the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World
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In Loving Memory of
(March 4, 1929 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 23, 2019)
â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Virtuous Woman of Faithâ&#x20AC;?
W
KR FDQ ÂżQG D virtuous woman? IRU KHU FKLOGUHQ DULVH XS DQG FDOO KHU EOHVVHG 2Q 7KXUVGD\ 0D\ 23, 2019, Emeritus District Ella Bell &RRSHU ZHQW KRPH WR EH ZLWK WKH /RUG A Virtuous Women of faith, she left a
OHJDF\ RI +ROLQHVV WKURXJK KHU QLQH FKLOGUHQ DQG KHU \RXQJHVW FKLOG ZDV given the mantle in continuing the task RI WKH FKXUFKHV VKH RQFH SDVWRUHG 7R NQRZ KHU ZDV WR ORYH KHU VKH KDG WKDW ³$JDSH /RYH´ IRU HYHU\RQH ZKR ZDV EOHVVHG WR EH LQ KHU SUHVHQFH 6KH ZDV a Christian humanitarian, a phenomenal *RGO\ ZLIH PRWKHU DQG ZRPDQ RI *RGœV
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Dr. Ella Bell Cooper
CHRISTIAN HISTORY TIMELINE 1929 - 2019
• 1929-Ella Bell Cooper was born March 4, 1929 in Huger, South Carolina.
• 1944-Ella Bell Cooper was united in Holy matrimony to Ben Cooper Sr. on June 4, 1944 for forty-eight years. • 1946-At age 17, she was baptized at Progressive Church on June 16, 1946 in Andrews, South Carolina under the leadership of Pastor Alice Jackson. • 1952-She received the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues on April 14, 1952, on a precious Easter Sunday Morning. • 1953-She organized the first street service on main street located in Andrews, South Carolina. • 1954-At age 25, God give her a mandate to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. • 1957-She joined Hines Chapel Holiness Church whose affiliation was with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, under the leadership of Elder David Evans. • 1962-She started a mission in a store front in Huger, South Carolina. • 1969-She was installed as Pastor at St. Mark Holiness Church in Huger, South Carolina. • 1971-She started a mission in the Choppee community, section of Georgetown, South Carolina. • 1979-The church in Choppee, caught on fire and a new edifice needed to be built. • 1980-She obeyed the voice of God by building a new edifice along with the members after the first church burnt, they built Greater St. Luke Holiness Church; also the same year she was instructed by God to build a new edifice “Cooper’s Faith Chapel, Huger, SC (two churches built in one year). • 2005-Pastor Cooper was elevated to District Elder as one of the first females in the South Carolina State Council under the leadership of Bishop Richard E. Young, Diocesan, SC STATE COUNCIL.
• 2007-After 36 years of pastoring Greater St. Luke Holiness, the torch was pass over to her son: Elder Ernie L. Cooper, Sr. • 2008-Awarded the “Order of the Silver” Crescent, South Carolina state’s highest honor for volunteer and community service, by the Governor of South Carolina Mark Sanford. • 2009-A book was written in honor of District Elder Ella Bell Cooper named “A Virtuous Woman of Faith” by her son District Elder Ernie L. Cooper, Sr. • 2010-She celebrated 81 years of life on March 4, 2010. • 2011-2013-Received the “Outstanding Citizen” award for Dedicated Service to Church & Community, given by the Choppee Community Organization. • 2014-“Integrity” Award presented to Pastor Ella Bell Cooper, Dr. L R Jeter, President, His Excellence Theological Seminary. • 2016-“Most Faith” Award presented to Pastor Ella Bell Cooper for serving in the community - Carolina Welding Training Institute Annual Banquet by President Clarence Commander. • 2017-Awarded in Recognition of her “The Street Revival” for the Town of Andrews—Mayor Frank McClary • 2018-“Outstanding Citizen” Award for Dedicated Service to Church & Community - Choppee Community Organization. • 2019-She was awarded the “Service of Excellence,” given by the South Carolina State Council Twenty-Fourth Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Bishop Charles H. Ellis III. Diocesan, SC State Council February 22, 2019. • 2019-Celebrated ninety years of life - March 4, 2019.
• 2019-Emeritus Pastor Ella Bell Cooper made her transition - May 23, 2019.
• 2006-She received two honorary degrees of divinity Evangelistic Temple Bible College & King Cross Victory Bible College. Dr. Ella Bell remained prayerful, consistent, never compromising the Word of God, kept a solid oath through preaching, teaching and believing in God with over 65 years of faith leading others to Jesus Christ. She was a mother to her children. A Godly wife, a woman of honesty and integrity who was also an educator not by title, but through
her faith, she believed that Jesus is Lord and if God said it, she believed it and that settled it. Through tears we may cry with every day passing by, but it was the legacy of holiness that she left behind and footprints that we can never deny. Emeritus District Elder Ella Bell Cooper’s legacy continues through her nine children, grandchildren and
great grandchildren. The two churches she pastored, Cooper’s Faith Chapel and Greater St. Luke Holiness remain focused in advancing the Kingdom of God. You are forever in our hearts.
INSPIRATION
Serving While Bleeding Testimony by Elder Jon Turner
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men; (24). Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23-24
I
t was March 2019, and while at work I began to have excruciating migraine headaches, blurry vision and I began to lose hearing in my left ear, along with experiencing serious nose bleeds. At work, these symptoms took a toll on my body, and while walking the hallways, I just collapsed. I went to an urgent care facility and began to explain my symptoms. Their initial diagnosis was that I blew my nose too hard, which is common among males, and that the pressure and force caused me to rupture a blood vessel in my nose. In August 2019, I attended the PAW National Convention and did what God has called me to do, SERVE. After the Convention, I contacted my primary care doctor after praying and declared to him, there has to be something else. He then sent me to a top ear, nose and throat doctor. He was completely booked and I began to pray right at the counter and asked God to step in. The receptionist then responded, “Do you mind seeing another doctor?” I said, “Not at all.” I gave him my same symptoms. He stepped back, took the scope with a camera and looked into my nose fervently. He then said to me, “Did you drive here?” I said, yes. He then said, “Wow, I’m not sure how you’re functioning right now. You have three large polyps behind your nasal cavity. The large one is attached to the front of your brain and that’s where your headaches are coming from. The other one is putting pressure against a nerve in your eye. The other is wrapped around the left side of your head causing your hearing to dissipate.” He then went on to say I need you to go straight to the hospital. I underwent surgery in October and remained hospitalized for almost a week. At my hospital bed, the doctor explained that what he discovered on the MRI in comparison to what he removed was unbelievable. Days later, I returned to his office and the biopsy on the polyps they removed showed CANCER. I began to hyperventilate. This was a rare cancer not even found in America, called Nasopharyngeal Cancer. Every symptom that I explained to the
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THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
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urgent care, ER, and neurologist were the same symptoms associated with this type of cancer that this doctor expertly pointed out with urgency and care. He referred me to an oncologist that he trusted with his own family. I saw the oncologist, and after examining the information from the surgery, he declared that I had Stage 3 Cancer. My heart dropped. Stunned, I asked him if he had the correct chart. As I sat there and prayed, I began to tell God that He had never failed me yet, so my faith will not fail now. I was introduced to another oncologist who was in charge of radiation and he began to explain to me about a program that was only in a few states, called Proton Radiation. The program directly targets the cancerous cells, has fewer side effects than the traditional radiation therapy but is very hard to get into. He said most insurance companies don’t approve it because of the high cost of the program. I began to pray and request God, do what You do, and in three days, the doctor called me and was so overwhelmed he could barely talk. He said, “I don’t know what you did but it worked! In my 26 years of doing this, I’ve had to fight with two and three appeals to get people approved. You’re approved!”
“Regardless of all the
obstacles
the devil tried to throw my way,
God He sits on the throne.” continued to remind me that
But, then came the bad news--my job notified me that they were cancelling my insurance, and that if I didn’t return to work by December 1st, I would lose my job. What else could go wrong? I began to lose weight because of the treatment. I lost my appetite and the devil played with my mind and said,, “YEAH, I got you just where I want you.” But God.
Although I have no income, several pastors put on services to raise money for me. Bishops and Pastors and friends from all over began to sow into my life and God never allowed me to get behind in any of my financial obligations. I continued to pay my tithes. Regardless of all the obstacles the devil tried to throw my way, God continued to remind me that He sits on the throne. The doctor of radiology began to work on my behalf. He was able to get the Cancer Foundation involved and they began to work on my case. He said, don’t worry, you are not going to get kicked out of the program as long as I have something to do with it. Through the Cancer Foundation, I received temporary state insurance, and also received money to pay my rent, my car note and insurance for two months. I finished the program of radiation and continued to have chemotherapy five days a week. As of the last report after another PET scan, I am cancer free. God is truly a healer. Although I don’t have my appetite back and I am down 110 pounds, yet I have life, health and strength. For this I give Him praise. I appreciate all of the prayer warriors. The PAW Adjutancy who always kept me encouraged. My Presider who always texted me to check on me. My Diocesan who continues to pray for me and sow into me. My Pastor, for the prayers and covering. My boss and leader Suffragan Bishop Kevin Harrison--thanks for believing in me. To all of you who invaded the throne on my behalf, I say Bless you!
Elder Jon Turner serves as an Associate Minister at Greater Grace Temple of Detroit, Michigan. He serves the 5th Episcopal District of the PAW (Northern District Council), as the Episcopal Ecclesiastical Assistant to our Diocesan and as the Director of Protocol. Elder Turner is also the Assistant Adjutant General of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. If you can be a blessing, Cashapp: $Turnerj1114 Shalom THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
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ADOPT-A-SOUL
Woman Credits Church, Faith For Recovery By Phil Anderson, The Topeka Capital-Journal Reprint Permission
I
n June 1997, Laura “Anjie” Wetzel was living in what were then known as the Ripley Park Apartments, near S.E. 4 and Lawrence in East Topeka.
Each day one week, Wetzel said, she found a flyer on her door, inviting her and her children to Vacation Bible School at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, 2420 S.E. Bellview. “Every day I would get a flyer,” she said, “and every day I would throw it in the trash.” Finally, two days before the Vacation Bible School ended, she saw a flyer lying on the floor of her apartment. “I said, ‘OK, God, you must be telling me something’” Wetzel recalled. She called the number on the flyer, and the next day, the church van arrived to pick up her kids. Originally, Wetzel saw the Vacation Bible School as a chance to get a break from watching her children. But when the church van arrived, she climbed on board with her children. “I was a single parent, addicted to alcohol and drugs,” Wetzel said, “but when the church van came, I said I couldn’t just leave my kids with these strangers, so I came.”
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THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
Out of that trip came a life-changing experience for Wetzel, who would go through her share of ups and downs over the next 21 years before she says she finally got her feet on the ground— thanks in no small part to the church that wouldn’t stop caring for her. Wetzel sat down at the church recently with the Reverend Terry Canady, pastor of the Apostolic Church, along with church members Elder Larry C. Cushinberry and Dale H. Cushinberry, to discuss the role the church has played in her turnaround — and her determination not only to be a productive member of society, but to help others steer clear of the revolving door of crime and incarceration. Wetzel said, after Vacation Bible School ended in 1997, she continued attending the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. She said she went to Sunday school and church, though not always in the best shape. Nonetheless, she was welcomed by the church’s pastor, the late Honorary Bishop Aletha J. Cushinberry, and other members of the congregation. I would come drunk, in sweat pants and a matching do-rag,” Wetzel said. “Pastor Cushinberry would make a pallet for me upstairs in the other “GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
sanctuary. “They’d take my car keys and I’d ride the church van home.” Within a few months of going to the church, and realizing nobody there was judging her, Wetzel said, she went to Kohl’s to get a new outfit to wear to church. When she showed up at church wearing her new clothes, she said, people hardly recognized her as she was dressed up and not wearing her do-rag. “Pastor Cushinberry did a dance up on stage,” Wetzel said with a laugh. Though she was still addicted to alcohol and drugs, Wetzel said, she joined some church committees, including the Usher Board. Before long, Wetzel said, she was clean and sober. Then she was convicted not once, but twice, for robbing Topeka banks. She got eight months in a federal prison for the first robbery, in which she wrote the robbery note and drove the getaway van. After she was out of prison, she again seemed to have her life back on track. Then came a second bank robbery, in which she wrote a note on a deposit slip and gave it to the teller. In the note, Wetzel indicated she had a gun, which she said she actually didn’t have. MAY/JUNE 2020
But the damage had been done, and Wetzel said she knew it. “That was a slap in the face to the system,” she said of the second bank robbery. “I always admitted to all my crimes. I’m the type of person, if you do the crime, you do the time.” This time, the prison sentence was for 14 years. She served her time in penitentiaries from Texas to Connecticut.
release from prison seven months ago. She stayed at a halfway house for 28 days, then landed at the Topeka Rescue Mission’s Hope Center before finding housing at a central Topeka apartment complex, where the sound of gunfire was a nearly nightly occurrence. She now lives in an apartment on the city’s west side, where she said she is ministering to her neighbors, including those who don’t go to church.
He added that Wetzel has persevered through the struggles and pain in her life and is “almost to the other side” on her road to recovery. A devastating blow came to Wetzel in December 2015, while she was still in prison, with the death of Honorary Bishop Cushinberry, the wife of Elder Cushinberry and the longtime pastor of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ who had supported and encouraged her for a number of years. Wetzel said she dealt with the pain she experienced after Bishop Cushinberry’s death and was determined to take a new path after her release from prison.
While she was in prison, Wetzel said, church members continued to offer support, praying for her and sending her letters and monetary gifts so she could buy hobby craft supplies. She said she would send the finished crafts to her three children, who are now grown. Wetzel was released from prison in September 2018 and experienced some of the challenges common to inmates re-entering society, from finding housing to health care and transportation. The Honorary Bishop Aletha J. Cushinberry
Seven months later, Wetzel is plugged back into the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and is vowing to make a difference for ex-offenders like herself, to make sure they don’t wind up behind bars again and, more importantly, to make it clear they can make positive changes in their lives.
Other programs that have helped her, she said, include the Shelter Plus Care program; the state’s Medicaid program, which is helping pay for 34 medications she takes; and even local food banks.
“I want to give back,” Wetzel said. “I want to do things. I want to let people know that no matter what you’re going through, you can make it. You can do it.”
Wetzel also has received support from her adult sons who live in Topeka and who have helped her purchase needed medications.
She credits the “grace and mercy” of God she has experienced in her life, adding that she wants to be a “light” to others who have been released from prison or jail and are having difficulties reintegrating into society.
Church members also assisted her by providing her a car. Wetzel said, she uses the vehicle to pick up people and bring them to church.
Wetzel said she benefited from several programs in Topeka following her
“God has really blessed her, with all the things she’s been through and all the suffering she’s received,” said Elder Cushinberry. “God still has a hedge of protection around her.”
Elder Cushinberry said he has seen a dramatic change in Wetzel’s life from the time she first started attending the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.
When she was about to get out of prison last year, Wetzel told Pastor Canady that she wasn’t sure if she still had a home waiting for her in Topeka. “I told her, ‘You’ve got a place here,’” Canady said.” ‘Hey, we’re going to love you. Hey, we’re going to be here for you.’” Canady added that when Wetzel expressed apprehension about how she would be received once she got out of prison, he told her, “It’s not about what people think. It’s about what you think and its about what God thinks.” Canady said a major part of Wetzel’s recovery has been taking ownership of her mistakes and not blaming others or her past for her problems. “In order for a person to move forward,” Canady said, “they have to be able to admit what their failure is and what they have done.” He said Wetzel has done just that, and as a result, she is living proof of the change God can make in a person’s life.
Alcohol, Drugs and Prison, BUT! God! Who Is Rich In Mercy... To our participants of the Adopt-A-Soul prison ministry program I wanted to share this story of hope and inspiration with you in particular. In hopes that this story of Sister Wetzel who was also a part of our Adopt-A-Soul program will motivate each and everyone of you as our readers to not lose hope because you have miss stepped and now incarcerated. Sister Wetzel is living proof what God can do and what a loving church family can produce if the love of God is continuously shown no matter how the situation may appear from the outside. For it is God that can change the hearts of men and women if they first make a step toward Him, for all will not be lost, but just a new beginning will emerge. To my brothers and sisters in Christ, ourAdopt-A-Soul prison ministry program is in need of Inspirational writers who will take out the time to write/plant seeds of God’s Word in those who are incarcerated in our prison ministry program. For more details just call Evangelist Mona Thomas-Green at 317.547.9541. THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
“GOD’S PROMISE TO PERFORM”
MAY/JUNE 2020
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MONEY
What You Need to Know: The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) ACT By Evangelist Lynne E. Shivers The Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:7 that “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” The information below is to provide you with a general overview of the new law.
T
he Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) ACT was passed by Congress in December 2019 to address Americans’ difficulty in saving and investing for retirement. A 2018 study by Northwestern Mutual found that one-in-five Americans have no retirement savings at all, while one-in-three of those closest to retirement age have less than $25,000 saved. Given longer life expectancies than previous generations, coupled with the rate of inflation, a minimum balance of $1 million+ is recommended for retirement accounts by the date one plans to stop working. (www.investopedia.com/secure-act-4688468) The SECURE Act expands access to workplace retirement plans for millions more full- and part-time workers, particularly small business employees. The biggest change with the SECURE Act is the removal of stretch required minimum withdrawal provisions. Per Forbes: “Instead of being able to stretch RMDs out over the life of a beneficiary, many will have to take all RMDs of a retirement account by the end of year 10 after an account owner passes away. This can push higher RMDs into the prime working years — and highest tax years — of a beneficiary’s life.”
beneficiaries, especially if a large IRA or retirement plan is involved. Imagine planning to stretch funds from an account over 25-30 years, only to be told you now have to reduce that to 10 years. In addition, the legislation expands opportunities for workers to obtain guaranteed lifetime income products, increases the age at which required minimum distributions must be taken from retirement accounts (Retirees now don’t have to start RMDs until age 72 instead of 70 1/2, as long as you don’t turn 70 1/2 before the end of 2019), and it repeals the age limit for IRA contributors. The SECURE Act also requires that plan participants receive an illustration of how much monthly income their retirement savings will provide, which can help them plan to increase their retirement savings. www.planadviser.com/congress-passed-secure-act/ For more information about the SECURE Act and how the new law may affect your retirement plans, beneficiaries and workers, please contact your financial advisor or wealth manager.
While the elimination of so-called “stretch” RMDs will generate new taxes for the government, it also has the potential of greatly increasing the tax burden for
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Evangelist Lynne E. Shivers is a Regional Vice President with a Fortune 500 financial services company, General Secretary of the Northern District Council, and Author of “God Is in the Details: P.E.A.C.E.ful Event Planning for Churches and Religious Groups.”
MAY/JUNE 2020
Now it
Shall Spring Forth
God’s Promise to Perform 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
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. - Romans 4:21
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RECIPES
Let’s Eat! Yeast Rolls Messias Temple 200 Harriet St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Bishop Harry S. Grayson - Pastor Messias Temple Culinary Staff Elois Todd, Marsha Lathion, Carrie Glenn, Mona Smith, Marion Brown Peeples and Dale Smith
Five Flavor Cake 1 cup butter ½ cup unsalted butter flavored Crisco 5 eggs well beaten 3 cups cake flour 3 cups granulated sugar ½ ts baking powder 1/3 ts salt 1 cup whole milk 1ts coconut flavoring/extract 1ts rum flavoring/extract 1ts pineapple flavoring/extract 1ts pure lemon extract 1ts pure vanilla extract
3 cups milk ½ cup warm water 4 Tb instant yeast or 4 packs of active yeast 2ts salt 4 eggs 8 cups bread flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup butter/margarine (can substitute Butter flavored Crisco) Mixer with bread hook or hand mixer can be substituted Sift flour and salt together into mixing bowl. Add yeast to warm water, stir and step aside in warm place until bubbles form. Heat milk and sugar together (do not overheat or it will kill the yeast). Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk eggs together in separate bowl.
Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients and beat until combined. Add eggs, milk and butter until well combined. If the mixture is sticky add more flour and it comes together. Form in a ball and place into a bowl in a warm place until doubled. Punch the dough down and let it rise again covered until doubled. Roll out dough on floured sheet with a biscuit cutter. Brush the inside of the dough with butter and fold over. Place each folded rolls in a buttered baking sheet/pan. Leave a small space in between each roll. Cover in warm place until doubled.
Cream butter and Crisco together with mixer. Add sugar to butter mixture until fluffy. Add eggs until well combined. Combine dry ingredients together and add alternately with milk to sugar and egg mixture. Beat until well combined on medium speed. Add in all the flavoring and extracts until well combined. Bake at 325 degrees in greased and floured 10 inch Bundt or 10 cup tube pan for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Glaze after completely cooled. Glaze 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon whole milk (additional if need for consistency) To a small bowl, add confectioners’ sugar, milk and whisk to combine. Evenly drizzle glaze down the sides of the cake before serving.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.
White Bean Chicken Chili 1 16 oz package of Great Northern Beans cooked (substitute pre cooked Great Northern Beans in a jar) 4 cups low sodium chicken broth 2 cups of cooked and chopped baked chicken (substitute rotisserie chicken) 1 chopped onion 2 gloves of minced garlic 1 cup chopped celery 1 ts cumin 1 ts chili powder 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies Prepare Northern beans and substitute chicken broth for water in large pot. Cook until tender. Sautee onions and celery with olive oil until soft and add garlic. Combine the rest of the ingredients into pot. Let simmer. After 20 minutes of simmering, taste for seasoning, and adjust, if necessary. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or tortilla chips.
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1000 People Praying...Let Us Pray...
“Our Father Which Art In Heaven...”
MENTAL HEALTH
Managing the Emotion We CAL
L
ANGER
ŝƐŚŽƉ Z͘ ͘ ,ĂŝƌƐƚŽŶ͕ WƐLJ
7
o begin this topic, I want to begin with a question: Who is the angriest person in the Bible? If you answered “GOD,” you would be absolutely correct. If the same question were asked again and this time you answered “SATAN,” you would be correct, again. How so, would God and Satan be the angriest persons in the Bible? Please allow me to explain. First, a few thoughts about anger that I’m sure we all can relate to. Anger is one of three basic human emotions, as elemental as happiness, sadness, anxiety, and disgust. These emotions are tied to our basic survival and were honed over the long course of human history. Anger can be understood or defined as an emotional state that may range in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage. Anger may be accompanied by such physiological effects as raising the heart rate, blood pressure and the levels of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol in the body. Research tells us that what makes anger so insidiously powerful is that it creates overwhelming physiological responses in the person experiencing the emotion— physiological responses such as clenched teeth and
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fists, pursed lips, increased heart rate, rapid breathing and perspiration are all outward signs that anger is present. In this context, Anger is related to the “fight, flight, or freeze” response of the sympathetic nervous system. It prepares humans to fight. Further, anger usually has underlying emotions that accompany it such as fear, low self-esteem, rejection, abandonment, family of origin issues, jealousy, depression, hurt, and anxiety. Yet, anger is something we all experience, often on a regular basis. If we were to pause and peel back the layers of our anger, we would find the underlying emotion from which the anger stems. Often times that emotion looks nothing like the anger that we express. In fact, we are triggered in the moment, but the underlying root cause is truly what our anger is about. That said, allow me to further explain how God and Satan are the angriest persons in the Bible. When we look at Scripture and Bishop R.E. Hairston, PsyD, at see that God is angry, it tells us gatchurch2@hotmail.com something very important, and that is PAW Committee on anger can be utterly right, good, Health Education & appropriate, beautiful, even the only Wellness Agenda, fair response to something evil, and Director the only loving response on behalf of
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evil’s victims. Herein, we see the greatest example of both the anger of God toward sin, and His great love on behalf of everyone victimized by sin, on Calvary. In love, the anger our sin deserves fell on Jesus. In love, God’s anger works to disarm the power of sin. In love, God’s anger will deliver us from the pain of others sins against us. Therefore, we see the same word, “anger” speaks of both the finest and foulest feelings and acts of God. In reality, God expresses his love for His people in each of the three aforementioned ways He expresses His anger at wrong. Thus, we can conclude that righteous anger is an excellent and constructive expression, whereas sinful anger is destructive and chaotic, which is to be avoided at all costs. Righteous anger is completely different from “destructive or chaotic” anger, or the anger that we are so accustomed to seeing and experiencing on a regular basis. It is this destructive or chaotic expression that we saw and experienced growing up in our families of origin, communities and world. For some, who grew up in an alcoholic family, they learned to protect themselves by hiding their anger only to see it manifest later in life as insecure attachment or a plethora of relationship issues. For others who grew up in abuse, sexual and verbal, they learned to disguise their anger only to see it manifest later in life as depression, borderline personality or rebellion. The truth is, we live in an angry world and in an angry time. Like it or not, we are angry about school shootings; we are angry about government; we are angry about mistreatment at all levels; we are angry about undeserved privilege; and we are angry about injustice, inequality, and rampant discrimination. The rage over injustice, inequality, marginalization and disenfranchisement is real even for the Christian today. A recent Esquire/NBC survey entitled “American Rage” found, the overall presence of rage is clear. The November survey of more than 3,000 American adults found that about half are angrier today than they were a year ago with no sign of abating. Simply put, we do anger with all that we are. In a fallen world, human anger is destructive and dysfunctional. James makes a sweeping indictment: “Be slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:20).” Our capacity for sinful anger shows up early, even from birth. Thus, we may draw the conclusion that anger is a learned behavior that is taught, modeled, and practiced, and can become second nature, a habitual manner of life. I believe that God teaches and trains us as spiritual beings to discern our anger and to change its purpose THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK
and expression to a righteous act of love. In this context, I propose the following questions by which we can discern our anger to understand whether it is driven by a sense of righteousness or a sense of sinfulness (chaos): · Do you get angry about the right things? · Do you express anger in the right way? · God and the devil are both angry all the time; on whose side is your anger? · How long does your anger last? · How controlled is your anger? · What motivates your anger? · Is your anger “PRIMED AND READY” to respond to another person’s habitual sins? Are you ready to humble yourself in your broken state and surrender your sinful anger to God? Know that He will give you grace in your time of need (Isaiah 66:2b; 2 Chronicles 16:9; James 4:6). So, if you are ready, repent, ask God and those you have offended to forgive you, and walk in victory over the sinful anger that’s held you captive for so long. May the good grace of God strengthen you in your ability to manage and gain greater victory over sinful, chaotic anger. As you read this piece and are inspired to support the Presider’s Mental Health Agenda, you can do the following: · If you are a mental health professional, we want to know who and where you are. Please send an email to Bishop R.E. Hairston, PsyD, at gatchurch2@hotmail.com, PAW Committee on Health Education & Wellness Agenda, Director, and share your name, location, and the work you’re doing in mental health. · If you are a Bishop, Suffragan Bishop, District Elder, or Pastor we want you to be informed of the existence of the PAW Committee on Health Education & Wellness, and to assess your needs for mental health support in your church, community or Diocese, whether it’s about mental health issues in your area or for individualized help and support. Please use the email address above to reach Bishop R. E. Hairston, PsyD. He can also be reached via cell: 425-442-3109.
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