Phenemonal Womn of God Issue by S V Promoting Purpose

Monet and Marcus Caldwell are living their version of the American Dream. Both are gainfully employed, Marcus as a detective for Chicago's Finest, and Monet as a nurse in the neonatal unit of an inner city hospital. They are faithful members of Reverend Ruth Wilcox's church, The Temple. The only thing missing from their life is a child. Doctors have been unable to explain the reason for Monet's inability to conceive, which she calls the Sarah Syndrome. Then the unthinkable occurs. Monet is brutally assaulted. Months later, she learns the news she has been longing to hear her entire married life: she's having a baby. Monet is thrilled, but Marcus is appalled by the news, and orders his wife to terminate the pregnancy. Monet refuses, and a cold war of monumental proportions breaks out in the Caldwell household. Monet's faith perseveres in the face of great adversity as she holds on to God's unchanging hand.

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Rachel Moore Damon Moore

GRAPHIC DESIGN DEPARTMENT Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui Dohn Knowles Credit for Front Cover Photography Lameisha Sherrie Book Reviewer for PPM Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui PPM Contributing Writers Tony Jones Adrienna Turner Shelby Frederick Tina Kay Hughes Ruby Owens Dr. Inecir Matthis Rachel Moore Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui

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Turn and Face the Wall Ministry Material by: Minister Tony Jones Sr. Is. 38:1-5 (KJV)

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. 2Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, 3And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. 4Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, 5Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. What could be worse than getting the news that you are about to die? This news comes despite your best efforts. What would go through a person‟s mind when they hear bad news like that? Often times when we are confronted with news of that magnitude, we begin to mentally break down that prognosis of death. We would naturally ask the questions “why me and why now and what did I do to deserve this”? A person can easily fall victim to the pressure of deep regret and sorrow. When some people hear the news of their inevitable death they, with great sorrow, begin to make preparations for the unavoidable. According to the medical experts they are going to die. Here we have Hezekiah faced with the exact same diagnosis.

But instead of falling into the “why me”, “why now” and “what did I do to deserve this” syndrome, he did two distinct things to change his death prognosis, despite what it looked like, what was said, and despite how he was feeling he; Number 1: “He turned his face toward the wall” Number 2: “He prayed unto the Lord (with great Intensity)” As he “turned his face toward the wall”, he was giving the modern day Christian a practical example on what to do when faced with insurmountable odds. Turning your face to the wall is an example of what Christians should do when faced with situations, trial and tribulations. Turning our faces toward the wall is symbolic of Christians today changing their focus from their prognosis and toward the mercy of God. When we turn our face from our problems, we are eliminating the distractions that come when we are face to face with our problems.

When we turn our face from our problems, we are eliminating the distractions that come when we are face to face with our problems. When we turn our face to the wall we are purposely, with forceful determination, despite the emotional attachment to our issues, turning ourselves to a new way of thinking, and a different picture of our tribulation. We are no longer looking at the problem, what he said, what she said, what the doctor says what my employer says, what my bank account says, what doubters, deceivers and manipulators say, our only focus is what God has to say about it. Sometimes we may have to turn our faces from the internal workings of our own mind, the distractions that haunt us, our limitations that strengthens our insecurities, the long list of hurtful experiences from the past that continue to restrain us from believing in the powerful plan God. The solution is simple; turn your face to the wall. Ask God what He has to say about your situation.

We can have the boldness to ask God, “What do you have to say about this turmoil, depression, anxiety and fear, this overwhelming feeling of uncertainty”? God what do you have to say about that! God help us to make the turn! It is difficult to turn your face from what you can see, to Him who you cannot see. It‟s easy for us to walk by sight and not by faith. How can I defeat the enemy of my mind, when I have my mind on my problem? God help us to make the turn. You may be facing the most difficult decisions in your life. Make the turn toward God and seek His face. God help us to make the turn! We have to make a focused effort to make the transition to turn our faces toward God, and not to the obvious situations that speak so loudly. God has intentionally allowed some things to come in our lives so we may turn to Him in our time of need, so that He may reveal His glory, his power, and his majesty to us. Jesus has the final answer to all of our situations. Trust Him as you make the turn.

God help me to make the turn! Do you realize how difficult it is to turn when all that‟s within you is telling you to worry, don‟t believe, don‟t fight any more, give up, quit…you going to lose….what are you doing!...stop fighting.

Bro. Tony Jones

Lady Elder Bessie Sims is a multi-talented teacher, speaker, life coach and contributing writer to Victorious Living for Moms. Her voice and prophetic anointing are used by God to blow the trumpet to end-time believers so they may hear the clarion call of God across the nation. Anointed with a true apostolic and prophetic call her desire is to leave an imprint on every life she comes in contact with by encouraging them to come into the knowledge of the power that worketh in them to do exceeding, abundantly above all they can ask or think. Her mandate from the Lord is to travel the breadth of this country to preach, teach, motivate and build the Body of Christ with revelation, prophetic insight, wisdom, knowledge and help the people of God to return to their first love through prayer and true worship. God's powerful five-fold anointing is evidence as she ministers the word with power and authority. Restoration, deliverance and miracles are signs of the power of God in her ministry.

specifically to encourage, equip, empower, and engage women to live a life of true worship.

These events are structured to help catapult women into Bible study, prayer, evangelism, corporate worship, and a full life of true worship. W.O.W. understands that worship, in its total essence, is a RESPONSE TO TRUTH. Therefore, in every session, the Word of God is presented with clarity to give the women the opportunity and the She is a visionary called and commissioned by the choice to respond to truth. W.O.W. is Lord to empower women and help them discover unique in that it provides bible teaching worship events such as who they are. As a result of this commission Women of Worship One Day Lady Elder Sims has launched into ministry for Conferences, Blog Talk Radio Shows the furtherance of the Gospel. The first ministry (dial-in number 714.868.0714) which is Millennium Ministries for Christ, Inc. which allows her to go out into the highways and hedges has a special guest every Thursday of the month at 7pm PST to teach the all across this land preaching the good news of Word of God. And every 1st and 3rd Jesus Christ, to go into home and pray for the sick, visit women shelters and teach bible studies, Friday of the month at 5 am PST we have girl talk, make-up and tea parties to help the have prayer for women all across this nation (Dial-in number 605.715.4920 women improve their self-esteem and access code 4665785). For more confidence. Millennium Ministries feeds the homeless, and provides blankets and clothing for information visit www.millenniumministry.org those in need. Under the mantle of Millennium Ministry is Women of Worship also known as W.O.W. administers the word through Bibleteaching worship seminars, classes, and 11 teleconferences designed

The other ministry is Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Alliance, Inc. PWEA which focuses on inspiring, encouraging and empowering women to understand their worth, the power within, their passion and purpose for life to become the Phenomenal Woman they‟re meant to be! The PWEA is dedicated to challenging women from all walks of life and socio-economic platforms to embrace their God given passion and purpose, cultivate their talent, and become a phenomenal leader in every area of their life! PWEA accomplishes this mission by focusing on education, mentorship and coaching, and collaboration of women seeking to advance in leadership, start or grow their own businesses.This organization characterizes value, passion, and purpose, and focuses on networking, and empowerment. And through the support of the community and different organizations, PWEA provides and looks to provide more programs and initiatives for women seeking to improve their lives and circumstances. The dynamic collaboration of energy and talent provide the foundation and support required to deliver the prospect of economicempowerment and advancement of women. WE ARE PHENOMENAL WOMEN DOING A PHENOMENAL WORK!! For more information visit: www.phenomenalwomanalliance.org

She also serves on the District Board of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World District #3as Communications Liaison Secretary to the Pastors in District #3. She is also a member of (R)ELIEF Elect Ladies International Empowerment Fellowship serving as Communication Liaison Director under the Leadership of First Lady Crisette Ellis of Great Grace Temple in Detroit, MI and First Lady of Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

Lady Elder Bessie Sims is a mother of five beautiful daughters – three who are contributing poets in the book Victorious Lady Elder Bessie Sims is also an active Living for Moms: Letters to a Mother‟s member of Covenant Worship Center in Heart will be released on May 3, 2011. Berkeley, CA under the Leadership of Lead She is the wife of Pastor Jonathan Sims – Pastor, District Elder K. R. Woods and she serves with her husband Pastor Jonathan Sims as the Love of her Life!! Care Pastor, Executive Board Member, Assistant Outreach Pastor and New Member Administrator.

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Marcia Bolden is a Women of Purpose and Power. She can be found operating in various roles including, pastor‟s wife, intercessor, mother, daughter, sister, mentor and friend. She is a graduate of Illinois State University and the University of Phoenix where she earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Social Work and a Master‟s Degree in Business Administration and Management. Her response to the call of God is "I will go where He sends me”. The ministry of intercession has afforded Marcia to go places one could only dream of. She is one who practices the art of intercession and has dedicated herself to regularly interceding on behalf of others both domestic and abroad. In addition to serving in the ministry with her husband, Elder Henry Bolden, she is the mother of 2 children Addison and Henry III. She is the Director of the Women of Faith in Action (WOFIA), Women‟s Ministry of the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ. Additionally, she is the Chief Administrator of the Media and Communications Ministry. She continues to be a visionary leader daring to tread unchartered waters. Marcia is driven by her desire to fulfill God‟s divine call upon her life. She has a heart and genuine concern for helping the disadvantaged and disheartened. She is a 21st century leader who makes her presence known through her relentless efforts of advocacy and empowerment. She has been blessed with many gifts as a business professional, public servant, community organizer and leader in the Peoria community, earning her numerous awards and commendations for outstanding achievement. Active in her community and church, Marcia serves on multiple boards and advisory committees including: the Tri-County (Peoria) Urban League and Crittenton Centers Board of Directors.

She is serving her third appointment as the Legislative Concerns Chairwoman for the Illinois Association for Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (ILAEOPP) which oversees over 132 federal Trio Programs statewide. Marcia Bolden is an exemplary leader in her own right. Receiving countless awards and recognitions she was recently recognized for her professional and civic contributions by Afra Victoria Magazine, for the Renaissance Woman of Color. Additionally Marcia is featured in the Interbusiness Issues Magazine as a recipient of the “40 Leaders Under 40 Award” for top area leaders in the Tri-County Peoria Area. Her professional accomplishments were published in Illinois Central College‟s Role Model: Profiles of Successful African American Professionals in Peoria, Illinois.

Marcia is the Director of the Women of Faith in Action (WOFIA) Ministries located at the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ where her husband serves as the pastor. Marcia can best be described as true artist. She is an innovative thinker with a contributor mindset. The Lord has gifted this daughter in the areas of organizational leadership, process management and organizational climate change. She has the ability to create, connect and engage others in ministry through compassion and empowerment. Marcia has proven to be an instrumental force of change not only within her home church and its associated ministries; but also for other faith based groups and organizations locally and abroad. Her gifting and talents have caused her to be sought out for consultation and insight. Love for Ministry. Marcia comes from a legacy of Women Auxiliary and Missionary leaders. She is the 4th generation in her family to lead women both locally and internationally in ministry. Her love for women’s ministry was engendered from birth. God has equipped Marcia to implement programs, service projects and leadership initiatives with passion. Her ministry efforts and focus empowering for inspiring women at the Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ can be found within the mission statement of WOFIA Ministries. WOFIA ministries seeks to utilize the gifts and talents of women to the fullest extent. The WOFIA Ministries honors biblical truth and strives to provide a positive gospel experience for families and community through biblical teaching, discipleship, empowerment and sisterhood. The WOFIA purpose is to reach the broken, hurting, and lost through faith, prayer and taking action to meet the need.

The ministry objectives for WOFIA include:  Self-sustainable program planning  Creating a culture of community, sisterhood, compassion and faith  Promoting leadership through team work  Growing in faith, prayer, worship  Creating valuable members Ministry projects include: Shoes for Africa International foreign Mission Feeding the homeless local outreach initiative Sponsoring food and clothing drives for teenage mothers and families through local agencies Implementing academic tutoring and literacy programs for youth and seniors Organizing Voting Campaigns Organizing Women’s Retreat for Pastor Wives Ministry Affiliations: Illinois District Council Minister, Deacon Wives and Widows Auxiliary Issachar Prayer Warriors Intercessors (R) Elect Ladies International Empowerment Fellowship Advisory Board United Apostolic Fellowship Advisory Board Powerful Women of Purpose Prayer Warriors For more information on Marcia Bolden Call 309-472-3927 or email her at Mbold10@yahoo.com

Now that 2011 is upon us and we have passed the Ho! Ho! Hos! and the Auld Lang Synes, it is time to refocus and analyze the solution to failed resolutions. Each year millions of resolutions are made and never carried out. However some are, yet most never reach their intended goal. Even old resolutions are being cradled over and over in efforts to pacify them back to life. Some resolutions are pulled out of the attic of time past, as far as 10 or 20 years ago, blanked by the dust of failure. Most old resolutions are vividly remembered because they were attempted over and over, year after year. Because they were unsolved, the end result was to store them away in the deepest part of one‟s heart. Year 2011 is certainly deemed to be as a year of unexpectedness. However it can be one of great expectations if intended resolutions are strived upon and achieved. So now it looks as though the problem lies in this question. How do we go about achieving resolutions? Maintaining resolutions takes a firm decision to get it done and the determination to carry it through. These determinations are based upon physical and mental energy.

It‟s like believing in something and going after it with all your might. Somewhere and somehow within one‟s inner self, a made up mind must become top priority. There is also a thing called “focus“. Focus is concentrating attention in your area of concern. You should also believe in what you are trying to achieve. One of the main roles of staying on task to achieve your resolutions is the push of being determined: pushing yourself against the barriers of dream killers, negative voices, procrastination, and any other barrier that may hinder you. You must monitor and refine your mind on a daily basis so that you will not lose the will to get this thing accomplished. The mind is a very powerful thing. If it is distorted into negative thinking it can breakdown the efforts of achieving dreams, goals and aspirations. Or if it is consumed with positive thinking, it can create avenues that sustain one‟s pathway for a successful life. Again, it is so important for the mind to stay focused on its intended purpose. Remind yourself and consider the latter results, how it will drastically improve your livelihood as well as your self-esteem. One day at a time, a focused mind, along with one step at a time, is how failed resolutions will be resolved. Ruby Walker Owens

By: Shelby Frederick Have you ever felt like there was no way you could live a "holy" life? Have you ever felt like your past was so messed up that there was no way that God could use you for anything? 1 Peter 1:15 & 16 says, " But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." So what does this mean? 1 Thessalonians 5:23 & 24 tells us, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." Holiness is that which is set apart, consecrated, sanctified for the devotion to the service of the Lord. Being holy is not in our dress or our traditions. Being holy is a lifestyle. When God CALLS you, HE has the power to KEEP you! So often we live our lives without the help of God. We have our own opinions, thoughts and ideas of how our lives are supposed to go. But when we get in trouble, who is the first person we call on? GOD! Many people today run from "being holy" because of the "requirements" and "stipulations" that man has placed on them.

While I totally agree with order, I disagree with putting any requirement for salvation and relationship that the Father himself has not done. God has called us to be holy and He lets us know that if we desire to be holy, He will keep us. How do we strive for holiness in our daily living? 1 Peter 1:13, 14, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be selfcontrolled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance." It is the continual process of sanctification that makes us holy. When we renew our mind, body and soul daily, it enables us to walk in our calling....which is to be HOLY!

Father in the name of Jesus, I pray that anyone reading this note, will hear the call, YOUR call to be holy, just as You are holy. We speak to the captive thoughts and lies of the enemy that has invaded the minds of your people to reject holy living. May you give my brothers and sisters in Christ the desire to please you, as obedient children, to return to You.....return to Your ways of holy living. In Jesus name I pray. Amen! Remember, you have been called and kept to be holy! Will you respond to the call?

Let me encourage those of you who may have doubts about living a holy life before God. It is possible! God would not call you to something if He didn't have the power to keep you in it. Turn away from your selfish desires and seek true relationship with the Father today. Now that you know the truth, you are accountable.

Outreach Ministry, Men‟s feeding ministry, Covenant in the Park, Recreation and as a New Member staff and service coordinator. He also leads a team called the Nite Lites who go out on soul winning missions in the evening. In 2005 Pastor Sims was ordained as an outreach and care pastor. In his service, Pastor Sims provides direct training, mentoring and motivation to over 300 members in the Body of Christ. Pastor Sims‟ service also include guidance and organization for new member relations, armor bear, volunteer service, marital counseling and crisis counseling.

On February 17, 1991 Jonathan E. Sims surrendered his life to Christ and was filled with the Holy Ghost under the ministry of the late District Elder Henry L. Robinson. Acknowledging the undeniable call on his life, Jonathan Sims accepted the call to minister in 1996. At that time he began to work diligently in the ministry as a Sunday school teacher, an outreach worker, and even as a choir director. In 2002 he was ordained as an Elder in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. He has served faithfully under the tutelage of District Elder K. R. Woods as the director of several ministries:

He equips laymen and ministers with outreach tools to win souls for the Kingdom. His continuing goal is to win souls for the Kingdom of God “by any means necessary”. He is known to many as a „passionate soul winner for Christ‟. His life has not been about religion, but about trust and faith in God, his personal relationship with Christ, his devotion to his family and the worth of souls.

He expounds from the Scriptures the prosperity of God‟s love, inspiring people to seek a path of spiritual growth which will lead them to their destiny. He continually motivates people to be Christ centered by engendering their desire to serve. This is, and always has been, his goal. In 2006, the Lord lead District Elder K. R. Woods to start a Sunday night service and Pastor Jonathan accepted the calling to grow this service for the saving of souls. For three years Pastor Jonathan preached, taught, mentored fellow ministers and grew the Sunday night service in order to fulfill his pastor‟s desire. In 2010, the Lord has really given Pastor Jonathan a heart and passion for men. So he has launched a men‟s prayer conference call every 2 nd and 4th Friday at 5am PST called, Strengthen the Brethren at 213-289-5450 access code 4801431. Here men are encouraged to call in to pray with other men and do as Proverbs says, “Iron sharpens Iron”. This is the hour where the Lord is calling men to be what they were called to be and Pastor Jonathan has heard the call and is encouraging other men to do the same. Pastor Jonathan is also a devoted family man and father. He is married to the lovely Lady Elder Bessie Sims who shares the call to ministry with her husband. Together they have five beautiful daughters Dorienne, Alesia, Victoria, Aijalon and Nyalah Sims.

Bubbly, Playful, Insightful, Bright and "So Creative" are some of the words that have been used to describe Lameisha. She is best known for her infectious smile and laughter, but what people don't know is that underneath it all is a woman who's endured hardship and earnestly strives to be all God destined her to be. When Lameisha was small, her dream was to become rich and famous. She wanted to grow up and become the fourth member of the group Salt-NPepa. She thought she could rap, but her mother could see she had an eye for detail and was good with her hands. When Lameisha was ten years old, her grandmother introduced her to desktop publishing by teaching her to make flyers, greeting cards, business cards and banners on the computer. Lameisha also liked the idea of making money. A dear friend of her family said that she'd make a great entrepreneur. At age eleven, Lameisha began creating and selling puff painted t-shirts to a host of family members and friends. In the same year, her grandfather trusted her to start using his camera to take pictures at various events. With a bright future ahead of her and a determination to become rich and famous, one would have thought life would go according to plan. Fast forward to her mid teens to early adulthood. Though she was raised in church, growing up didn't come without heartache or struggle. Feeling neglected by both parents; her father was on drugs and her mother had problems of her own, you can imagine the things Lameisha could have gotten herself into.

A lack of confidence, fear of rejection and abandonment issues hurt Lameisha; causing her to look for love and acceptance in all the wrong places. She lied, schemed and even got caught shoplifting at a local Rite-Aid Store. Her cry for attention didn't go unnoticed. In fact, the spirit of God began wooing Lameisha back to Him while using several mentors to walk her through the pain and fear that crippled her for so many years. Their consistency and determination to see Lameisha become the woman God destined her to be was the support she needed. One of the women God used to pour into her life is Rev. Donna Edward, Founder of The Godly Girls Network -- an Evangelistic Ministry that Empowers Lives Advances the Kingdom and encourages others to fulfill their destiny in Christ -who gave Lameisha an incredible opportunity to use her creative talent for the Lord.

Lameisha was hesitant; thinking God couldn't use her unless she possessed one of the Five-fold gifts of an apostle, prophet, evangelist, preacher or teacher. Rev. Donna believed in her and could see what Lameisha could not. Her fondness and persistence gave Lameisha confidence, reignited her passion for making things pretty and kept the dream in front of her. Since 2001, Lameisha has been an administrator and graphic designer for The Godly Girls Network creating print collateral and specialty gifts for the ministry's programs and annual conferences. Over the years, Lameisha's love for God grew and as their relationship deepened, His favor also gave Lameisha the privilege of working as a photographer for The Picture People ™, becoming Studio Manager for Kiddie Kandids ™, starting her own business and earning a Bachelor‟s Degree from The Art Institute of California. Submitting her gift to the Lord is how Lameisha discovered her purpose and began walking in destiny. Out of it, came even more opportunities that include a photograph published in Ebony Magazine, an internship at American Greetings, and freelance jobs for Comcast, YAHOO!, NAACP and Symantec Corporation.

She even taught a photography class to junior high school students in Oakland, CA. She's had the privilege of mentoring several young women and men by helping them to discover their passion, seek God for direction in their lives and uses her testimony to encourage them.

While pursuing a MFA at The Academy of Art University, Lameisha continues to design for The Godly Girls Network, brand local churches and ministries, including Lady Elder Bessie Sims' Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Alliance. Her future plans include writing a book, hosting empowerment sessions for entrepreneurs, teaching and opening a school for creative children. What does Lameisha think about walking in purpose and destiny? "Being creative helped me find my purpose; which is to worship God by living a life that‟s pleasing to Him. Using my gift well is the fulfillment of destiny. Do you agree? What means the most to me, is knowing that I am a co-laborer with God here on earth and that He‟s using me to make a real impact in the lives of others”.

You may view examples of Lameisha's work by visiting www.lameishasherri.info

She is a powerful and dynamic speaker, teacher, life coach, mentor and counselor. She has an anointed deliverance ministry that truly sets the captives free from the powers of darkness that plague us in this last critical hour. She is committed to the call, charge and mandate to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all places of the world wherever God may send her to motivate, strengthen, heal and encourage others for the work and the continuance of Kingdom Building. She has a true heart and love for God and His people, and continues to teach and present through divine revelation and prophetic insight the Word of God, bringing others into a place of wisdom, knowledge, understanding and accountability for the preparation and birthing forth of purpose and destiny in their lives for the Body of Christ and the Kingdom of God. Dr. Matthis is a Pastor and CEO/Founder of Passion Ministries, Inc., which serves women, families and at-risk-youth. She is a Summa Cum Laude Graduate of Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College where she received her Master‟s degree in Christian Counseling/Psychology and Doctorate in Theology, and currently serves there as staff teacher and Dean of Student Affairs. She also presides as the Chairperson on the advisory board for Magnolia Women‟s Recovery home in the Bay Area, and serves as a volunteer mental health and substance abuse counselor at several non-profits for women in recovery from substance abuse and domestic violence.

Dr. InecirMatthis is a firm believer in serving, giving and pouring into the community with resources and assistance that will strengthen, empower and enable teens, young adults and adults in becoming successful with their goals, dreams and passions. She recognizes that many of our community members struggle with issues due to poverty, lack of education, addictions, unhealthy relationships, lack of family structure, social injustices, legal issues, etc., There is an urgent need to serve, volunteer and give support to our community members that will help them to truly live and not just exist in life The following services are offered: *Individual Counseling (Christian counseling, mental health, substance abuse) *Mentoring *Healthy Relationships Workshops *Support Group Session

*Life Coaching Dr. Matthis is the co-author of a motivational life story book for women entitled “Stories of Transformation” which was released May 2010. *Personal Development Training *Biblical Studies

Passion Ministries, Inc., exists to provide a church, and community environment of peace and harmony for individuals from any economic, racial, age, gender, or social background. To restore broken hearts, minds and spirits, build self-esteem and confidence by equipping individuals with sound biblical teaching, life application skills and principles that will foster, strengthen and encourage spiritual, mental and emotional growth in their knowledge and understanding of God and their relationship to Christ, that will empower, enable and motivate them to exist and operate in their God-given purpose, skills, talents, abilities and destiny within Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kingdom and their social and community environment. Vision Statement: A Church that is Kingdom focused, purpose driven, Christ centered and committed to influence individuals, families and community to experience the salvation of God.

Minister Sharyce J. Huff is an anointed woman of God set out to encourage, exhort and esteem women in today‟s society. Her life has been built on loving others as much as God loves her. In May 2011, Leaving the Legacy Ministries will be launched. God has commissioned Minister Sharyce to bring all women together beyond boundaries of denominations, social and economic status, color and race to give a word to “bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair…” God gave her the vision to provide the forum for women to speak and create a legacy for generations to come. Through the testimony of one woman‟s life, she can speak the words of encouragement to many, and through many, it will create change and break generational curses and advance the Kingdom of God. Currently, Minister Sharyce resides in Oakland, California. She is the proud and honored mother of two sons. In her professional life, she is an HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Advocate and an Accounting and Finance Consultant. Minister Sharyce is a co-author of an anthology series, Victorious Living For Mom‟s, set for release in May 2011. Currently, Sharyce is a praise and worship leader, altar worker, children‟s ministry teacher and Christian Education Coordinator (PYPU Northern) and serves in ministry at Covenant Worship Center under the leadership of District Elder, Pastor K.R.Woods in Berkeley, CA.

“Growing up in Oakland, California since the age of six, I have been blessed to be around so many different people that came from all walks of life. One thing that stood out the most, was that I was able to grow up in a home with both parents. Moreover, my mother was a good mother: no drinking, no smoking, or drugs. My mother cared about me, she chastened me, she cared who my friends were, my education and protected my well-being. My mother gave me wisdom, God, and taught me to be a lady. She was there to pray and encourage me. Well, wasn‟t that the job over every mother? Didn‟t other girls experience the love of their mother?

As I grew up, I realized there were a lot of girls raising themselves. I would hear tragic stories of girls dealing with abusive and mentally ill mothers, mothers who were addicted to drugs and who abandoned them for the love of man. Some girls were able to survive and be successful and others lived a rough, hard life, selling themselves to women and men to feel love and a sense of belonging, at any cost, even if it meant dying spiritually and emotionally. I became overwhelmed when I thought about the state of women in the Bay Area. We had been filled with ignorance about ourselves. We had been beat down with poor self and body image by media, society and the manipulations of others. I was fed up and saddened. I didn‟t want to see another 13 year old girl with an under developed body stand on the streets. I didn‟t want to see another woman sitting in church with baby number three and no husband. I didn‟t want to see the teenage girl trying to sit on the deacon‟s lap. I didn‟t want to hear another woman say she tested positive and a HIV/AIDS related ailment would be the cause of her death; no more lives lost because a woman couldn‟t find a way out from an abusive relationship. I didn‟t want to see another girl struggle with her sexuality because she had been molested and raped. Enough is enough. I asked God what I could do to be a voice. What could I do to change and rebuild ourselves? The Lord gave me the vision to show the love of God to women who had no value or worth or who had given up.

God gave me the gift to encourage, exhort and esteem women, so they could begin to make better decisions for themselves and their futures. Leaving the Legacy Ministries will be launched in May 2011. Moving forward with the vision, I wanted to get women together that normally would not be in the same place or environment together to talk, share, listen, cry and be validated. If I could give these women the love my mother and God had shown me through my life, then I could leave a legacy and they would leave a legacy with their daughters, nieces, and so on. The Lord showed me generations of women breaking curses and building strong relationships with God, family, communities, etc. Women have the key to reproducing, nurturing and building a better future. Let our words, our stories, speak for us. Let it leave a legacy. My purpose is to really get women to understand that our lives are not a mistake that we are here. God meant it! Our words and our voice hold power. We should use that to build each other”.

Have you ever seen or experienced a relationship or a business venture that ended before it ever really got started? Have you ever seen a family just fall apart for no apparent reason? You may ask yourself why? What went wrong? What happened to cause this? To properly answer this question, you have to ask yourself “what foundation was it built upon?” If a home, business, or family is built upon anything that is false or unstable things such as lust, division, lying, deceitfulness, witchcraft, and false harmony it is sure to fall and crumble. It might not fall right away but when it falls, great will be the fall of it. Read Matthew 7:24-27 Before anything can be established, it must first be saturated in prayer and seeking the face of the Lord. This is to include but not limited to future spouses, moving to or leaving from your church, and even financial endeavors. Why go into something knowing that you haven’t sought direction? Never rely on your own understanding just remember that His ways and thoughts are not yours. Even if you choose to move forward without seeking the Lord first, he still will allow it to take place but that’s not what he has ordained for your life. Doing anything without God’s stamp of approval, can cause many years of heartache and pain. If you seek him first in all that you do he has promised to lead and guide.

In cases like this, something happened where one or all parties no longer felt the need to stay on that foundation.Never take for granted that once a foundation has been established that will last forever. A huge trap of the enemy is for you to become complacent. Just think about a natural home once it’s built. It still needs to be taken care of. If you are in a relationship or business that seems to be in trouble, get back to the solid foundation that you were built on. I’m not saying that it will be an easy task but if the foundation is solid you can always rebuild. In this rebuilding process get rid of and destroy anything that can cause breaks and breeches within the relationship. If your home, business, and even your relationship seem to be crumbling down, check the foundation. It may be time to tear down, repair and rebuild on the solid rock! Jesus Christ is a sure foundation. Anything that is built on Him and with Him will last. Let your foundation be found in His Holy Word and watch what the Lord will do for your life. Peace and Blessings Rachel M. Moore PPM writer

You may be wondering “Well what about my relationship or business?Itstarted on a good foundation and now after all this time is starting to fall apart”?

While reading Weekend at Camp I can honestly say I didn‟t want to put the book down. Although, the book was about teenagers, the foundation was based on situations that happen a lot with teens. This could include sneakiness, pride, the curiosity of teens, teens trying to fit in, teen pregnancy and etc. Author Marilyn‟s story line also shows and shares the love of God no matter what a person may have done or been involved with in their past. The book also shows that even though we have a forgiving God, consequences may still occur or follow you. I love how Author Marilyn goes in the depths of what‟s going on with the characters making the book easy to read and able to follow easily. Her detail about different events that occurred in the book makes one feel as though they are actually at the camp as one of the characters. It also allows you to feel the emotions each character went through, because of their situation. Every page will have you wondering what these teens are going to do next and because of Marilyn‟s clarity you‟re able to see why from the characters point of view they react the way they do. The part that stood out to me the most is the feeling you receive when you read the parts during prayer or the scenes of repentance. This will allow the readers the opportunity to repent as well as picture the move of God in the place in which the ceremony is taken place in the book. Author Marilyn is going to touch a lot of youth through her writing. This book is recommended to both teens and adults. For the teens because it lets them see that although you may wait to be sneaky around others, God sees everything and that sometimes your action causes a reaction. But never the less it‟s important to repent and move forward in life. For the adults it takes you into the mind of teens, especially the generation we are living in. Although we say many times we know how teens are,each and every day the generation becomes more different. Get your copy of Weekend at Camp for our youth to help put them on the right track! I am excited for Marilyn and can‟t wait to read more books by Marilyn Hill.

30 Reviewed By: Sherrell Straker-Valdezloqui

Mike Montgomery once lived the American dream; gainfully employed, beautiful home, and a wonderful loving wife. Growing up in a loving family whose faith was unbreakable was his source of strength. Mike's faith would one day be shaken after losing the love of his life in an unexpected tragedy. Mike thought he would never love again until he meets Sheila Lawson. Everything about Sheila made him want to love again. Could he risk his heart again?

ISBN-13: 978-0615334530 Review 4.0 out of 5 starsA Heavenly Love, By Author O. Wright (Minneapolis, MN USA) This review is from: Love Found Me (Perfect Paperback) "Love Found Me" by Vanessa Richardson is very warm and superb. From the eyecatching title and cover, and throughout all of the beautiful and decorated sceneries of love and romance, it is a masterpiece of intrigue and suspense interwoven in the grace of God. Indeed, the tone and organization of each scene is filled with grace, harmony and balance. The brilliant and skillful mind of the narrator takes you through a litany of romance and suspense-filled settings leading you to a thrilling and electrifying culmination of satisfaction and enjoyment. In fact, the dramatic capturing of all the secret love schemesand plots keeps you enthralled until the end. Certainly, Love Found Me is an exceptionally good piece of creative work worthy of high recognition and praise. 31 I recommend this brilliant novel for the whole family.