Promoting Purpose Magazine by S V Promoting Purpose

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Short Stories/Poetry 31 FEATURES 12 In Sickness and In…. By: graceann rivera Healthy Living

31 Jack and the Old Shack By: Denis Ingram 33 Because of You By: Devin Coleman Teaching 34

16 Chef Buzz Style/Appearance 18

34 Running the Race By: Rachel Moore

18 Oneika’s Closet 19 Dressing the Part by: Beverly BroadusGreen Empowerment

22 Bishop Charles Wiley

IN EVERY ISSUE 5 Prayer 8 Letter from editor 29 Ask Dr. Matthis

27 Danna M. La’Mark 29 This Doesn’t Feel Like Victory By: Daniel Duval 29 Ask Dr. Matthis

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Dear Lord, Thank you for another month of encouraging, inspiring and the opportunity for the PPM staff to minister to the world through anointed articles and feature. Lord this month we sense the brutal attacks the enemy is placing on marriages. We ask that you protect your people and breathe life back into the marriages that you have brought together. Lord we ask that you touch the minds of those who are contemplating suicide. Those who have placed themselves in a dark place, and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find their way out, along with those who are in a financial crisis. Lord we want them to know that you love them and in your word you said that you will forgive all sins except for the blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. Loosen the grip of the enemy and open up the eyes of those who are stuck in a religious spirit. Rise up soldiers that are ready to Evangelize, save souls and bring forth the true word to the nations. No more fear among your people to step out of their comfort zone. Peace in our hearts and minds. In Jesus Name Amen!

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

STAFF PPM Article Advisor- Rachel Moore Senior Article Editor- Damon Moore Editing Company- Tiff’s Editing Café Management/PR- Wanda Adams- Marketing Ministry FASHION Fashion Columnist- Oneika Bristol “Oneika’s Closet” CONTRIBUTORS Advertisement Rep- Deneen Person PPM Local Interviewer- Deneen Person Writers Rachel Moore, Daniel Duval, Dr. Inecir Matthis, Adrienna Tuner, Denise Ingram, Tiffany Rivera, Devin Coleman and Coach Linda Hillman

GUEST WRITER Graceann Rivera

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Promoting Purpose.Com – Sherrell Valdezloqui Cover Design- Sherrell Valdezloqui Cover Photo Picture Provided By: OC Faith International Full Gospel Ministry

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Dear Readers, It’s June/July issue which means we are at half time for the year 2012. How many of you sat down and wrote your New Year’s resolution out or decree breakthroughs and progression with determination of getting it done this year?. Where are you currently? Are you almost at the finish line? Some of you gave up within the first few months because you allowed the enemy, family or friends to tell you differ from what God has shown or placed in you. Don’t allow 2012 to be another 2011 waiting until December of this year to motivate yourselves. “The Time is Now” and “Moving Forward” is very essential right now. God is putting Men and Women in position to walk in their calling/anointing but you must put forth effort in order to hear His calling. I challenge you to get your praise back, motivation, determination and most importantly a closer walk with God. You don’t want to miss out on the Promises God has given you because of distraction and droughts from the enemy. It’s half time and there is still time to labor in the fields for the Kingdom. So let’s get out there and win this Fight…. Remember “It’s Never too Late to start Your Dreams. It’s only Late if You Die not Trying…. –Sherrell ValdezloquPeace &Blessings,

Sherrell Valdezloqui

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

All Digital and Printed Subscribers will receive full access to articles on Promoting Purpose website FREE!

Visit us at www.promotingpurpose-magazine.com

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Graceann E.Rivera

The girls are ready; looking beautiful in their dresses. The guys are at the altar with my groom and the flower girl is ready with her peddles. The wedding march is about to begin. Down the aisle we go. My belly is filled with butterflies as I look at my husband to be. I can see our future; the big house, the picket fence, the dog and two children. Life looks so wonderful right now. He looks so strong, ready to face the world together as husband and wife. I feel great; ready to begin our family. The years go by; there are some ups and some downs but suddenly. The unexpected! “Wait a minute! What is going on? What do you mean I am sick? No! This can’t be happening! We had plans. We have our dreams of growing old together. This wasn’t a part of the plan!” Doctor visits now replace date nights, medicine bottles instead of cologne line the top of the dresser. A night out on the town is now a night at the hospital. The stroll to the mailbox become a new prayer time; “please not another doctor bill Lord!” The children watch in fear as they see mom or dad struggling through their day-to-day. “What is this doing to them?” you wonder. This is so unfair. The stress is taking its toll and you think; “I just cannot take anymore. I am tired. I can’t do this. I didn’t ask for this nor did I sign up for this….or did I? We don’t give much thought to life after the “I do.” We never anticipate illness becoming a part of our daily routine.

When we say those vows, we aren’t even thinking about the words we are saying. We are just so happy at that moment that sickness isn’t a thought in our mind. On Monday, October 22, 2007, I received a call that changed my life completely. My little sister called to tell me that our big sister Diana had died suddenly that morning. We were all in complete shock. Trying to deal with life was proofing to be very difficult. Having to make that long trip up North and knowing what I was about to face was hard for me to comprehend. Shortly after returning home from her funeral, I began feeling very sick. Trying to bring things back to whatever normal was going to be; we sat together as a family trying to watch a movie. I suddenly felt very weak and felt as though I was going to faint.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Trying to make my way to my room, I did in fact faint. The EMS arrived believing it was my heart; they began working on me as fast as they could. Rushing me to the nearest hospital, I fully expecting to be released with a “you just need some rest.” I never expected to hear that I was going to be admitted for more tests. The blood tests results showed my platelet count had dropped to 56,000. This is considerably low in comparison to the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000. After a number of tests, I was diagnosed with a blood disorder called Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which means my body (immune system) is destroying too many of my platelets. Platelets are the part of the blood that aid in clotting. Too few of them can cause a patient to bleed excessively. Here I sit in a hospital room with my thoughts. My children and my husband are my biggest concern. How will this change our lives? How will this affect them? Well, it will be five years since that diagnosis and we surely did face a number of ups and downs with it. No insurance to help with treatment and too little money to pay for it ourselves left me to seek care from the local emergency room only in times of crisis. Here we go again! It was a Tuesday night and I was home with the children waiting for my husband to return home from work. He called us as he usually does when he is heading home. Only tonight things were different. He hadn’t been feeling that well

all week but insisted on going to work that day anyway. He was feeling the pressure of ensuring that we had enough money to take care of our home and our children. Little did we know that that night he would lose the only source of income we had. He drove himself home, feeling sickly and weak. Finally arriving at the house, he could barely walk. I make the decision to leave my daughter (high school age) with our son so I could take my husband to the emergency room. We arrive at the hospital where he is rushed in to a room immediately. Test after test were done and finally the doctor returns with a diagnosis. Another blow! “Mr. Rivera you had a stroke.” I could not believe what I was hearing. Once again my life flashing before my eyes but this time it wasn’t with hope. It was consumed with fear. He spent a week in the hospital and had to go through weeks of physical therapy to learn to walk again on his own. Now here I am once the patient and he the caregiver; now the roles have reversed. Now, it is all on me. Weeks go by; call after call trying to get things in order again. Friends come by and family calls daily but that soon faded and before I knew it I was on my own to care for my husband and our two children in addition to caring for own health and finish working on my degree. The pressure was unbelievable. I remember sitting alone just crying to God and I remember clearly saying to Him;

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

“God this wasn’t supposed to happen. This isn’t fair. Why God? Why? I can’t do this. I didn’t sign up for this!!!” It was at that moment that in my mind’s eye I saw us together standing before God making the vow to “love one another in sickness and in health.” So, I did sign up for this but never did think I would have to live it. Those silly little things that once make me angry suddenly became the things that I missed the most. He was different now. He was no longer that man that worked sixty hours a week, attending school full time and serve in church every week. Now, he depends on me for his every need. I became angry. I was angry that I was sick and now the man I leaned on could no longer be leaned on. I had to learn to lean on God and only God. I was so scared and confused. I thought, we must have sinned along the way and this is our punishment. What a lie but I believed it to be true. After many tears and many battles within myself; I found purpose in my tears. I found a way to use my tears as a tissue to catch the tears that fall from the faces of the chronically ill. I had to learn to believe God and His Word when He says that His plans are for good and not for evil (Jeremiah 29:11). I had to daily remind myself of God’s goodness towards us because I believed the lie that He was the source of my pain.

Take from my life these things: never take a moment for granted. Never take your family – mom, dad, brother or sister and even your spouse for granted. Those little things that so easily separate you ought to be the very things that keep you together when you compare it to a life without them. Leaving dirty socks on the floor doesn’t seem like such a big deal when he can’t do it anymore. The nagging wife you once couldn’t stand suddenly becomes the wife you once adored. Is marriage always easy? No! It surely is not but imagine just for a moment how your life would be if illness showed its ugly head. Would you too wonder? Would you too sit and say; “I didn’t sign up for this” and walk out or would you allow your heart to see that you really did when you said…. “In sickness and in health….I do!”

Photo: Frank & Graceann Rivera

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Order The Gospel Music Bonus issue today at: www.promotingpurpose-magazine.com

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Get 6 issues of Promoting Purpose Magazine + 2 Bonus for only $26.99 for yourself or as a gift!

Name

(Please Print)

Address

City

State

Zip

1 Year/6 Issues + 2 Bonus $26.99 Promoting Purpose is published Bi-monthly. The price above is a promotional price and is subject to change at any time. Please allow 4-8 weeks from receipt. Promoting Purpose Magazine P.O Box 5058, Fort Lee VA 23801 Please make all checks and Money Orders payable to Sherrell Valdezloqui

Get 6 issues of Promoting Purpose Magazine + 2 Bonus for only $26.99 for yourself or as a gift!

Name

(Please Print)

Address

City

State

Zip

1 Year/6 Issues + 2Bonus $26.99. Promoting Purpose is published Bi-monthly. The price above is a promotional price and is subject to change at any time. Please allow 48 weeks from receipt. Promoting Purpose Magazine P.O Box 5058, Fort Lee VA 23801 Please make all checks and Money Orders payable to Sherrell Valdezloqui

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Oneika’s Closet is a new Fashion column by Model Oneika Bristol. She’s 18

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

giving tips on how to dress presentable for any occasion. Coming Aug/Sept 2012

BY: Beverly Broadus-Green

n individual’s choice of clothing should

express who they are and what moral standards they adhere to. As a woman of God I take in consideration my code of ethics, “those that are in authority should set an example for others to pattern themselves after”. My style reflects my spiritual nature; I’m a modest, but classy dresser. I am an ‘above- average’ height woman and my body structure requires that I wear clothing with an asymmetric fit. . I am proportioned heavier on the top half of my body, so clothing that slims the upper parts are important to my wardrobe. Outfits that contour to the shape should place emphasis on curves that accentuate the right look. My sister and I have this saying, “DWI”, or Dressing Without Instructions! Most individuals tend to wear certain style because it’s the latest fashion trend. Not all body shapes are the same so what looks good on someone else might not look the same on you. I suggest that you find a comfort zone or medium when choosing the right colors, styles, and accessories to showcase your best attributes. Keep focused on your role in society when choosing your attire and always dress for success and strive to impress!

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

www.tiffseditingcafe.webs.com or 773-340-9193 Professional Editing and Proofreading with a personal touch!

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

OC Faith Bishop Charles E. and Co-pastor Amelia Wiley shares their congregation experience with Promoting Purpose Magazine……

ishop Wiley is the prophetic voice that

conveys to the church what God is saying now. He preaches and teaches under a powerful prophetic anointing. He believes that the purpose of the church is to bring “all” people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the anointing of Holy Spirit that God has placed over his life, thousands have received Christ and began to walk in the purpose and plan God has for them. Many have been healed and delivered from numerous illnesses through his “Rise up & Walk” Healing and Deliverance Crusades. Bishop Wiley has a heart for people. To him, people are not only important; they are essential for what God has called him to do. He believes God wants us to live the “best life” here on earth. The “Vision” God gave him for Overcoming Faith is to be a place where the broken and wounded would come to be helped and encouraged by those who have been hurt. The thing that brings the most joy to Bishop Wiley is to see the people of God blessed, lives changed, people saved, marriages healed and restored, and people delivered. 22

PROMOTING PURPOSE: What are the two things you will hear constantly at Overcoming Faith? BISHOP WILEY: “There is Greatness Inside of You” and “Your Smile is Your Favor”. I believe that our greatness and smile serve as a magnet to attract blessings and favor. PROMOTING PURPOSE: What are some of the things you are recognize for in your community? BISHOP WILEY: Clothing, giving shelter to and feeding the poor. Yet by doing this I remain humble and devoted to God’s work, to my family, and to serving Overcoming Faith. PROMOTING PURPOSE: What do you do beyond the pulpit? BISHOP WILEY: I am a visionary, motivator, and mentor. And by the hands of God impacted many around the world through his CD's, DVD's, books, greeting cards, conferences and crusades.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

PROMOTING PURPOSE: Pastor/First Lady Amelia has been more than supportive to the ministry. What are some of the things she’s done? BISHOP WILEY: She constantly intercedes through prayer for me, the ministry, and the parishioners. Co-Pastor Amelia J. Wiley is an anointed Evangelist with one of the most effective Women Ministries. She mentors Christian women in developing a more intimate relationship with Christ, acquiring a greater knowledge of the biblical role as women, and advancing the Kingdom of God through service within and beyond their inner circles. She ministers to women of all ages who are spiritually wounded and scarred. She believes in the vision that God has given me as Bishop over OC Faith Ministry. PROMOTING PURPOSE: Was it easy for you to accept your calling at first? BISHOP WILEY: Like most, I had no desire to be a pastor, but God saw it differently. I recall making a promise to God to preach the gospel if God would heal my oldest son who became ill at the age of two. God healed my son and since then I have been committed to preaching the gospel. My faith in God has enabled me to build a new worship facility and plans are currently being developed for a new faith dome. PROMOTING PURPOSE: We know that being obedient to the word of God, worshiping and spending time with God plays a very important part as a Christian. What else do you feel is something Men and Women of God should take seriously? BISHOP WILEY: I believe that tithing is the principle that will open up the door to a prosperous future and favor for the body of Christ. The bible states in Malachi 3:10,“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it”. Tithing has blessed me and those in covenant with me. 24

PROMOTING PURPOSE: Tell us about the products God has given you to share with the world? BISHOP WILEY: God has given me healing and deliverance ministry products, e.g. frankincense and meditation oils, and anointed marah consecrated waters. Through this healing and deliverance anointing and products, numerous testimonies of miracles have flooded the ministry of how God has healed people from cancer, AIDS, arthritis, and many other conditions. PROMOTING PURPOSE: What do you currently find most challenging? BISHOP WILEY: Changing mindsets and traditions that people have grown accustomed to.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Ms. Danna M. Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mark, U.S. Army Veteran, served in the United States Army for 15 years, had combat duty in the Gulf War, Somalia (Operation Restore Hope), Pakistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). Danna is a Christian, single parent and she is answering the call the Lord has laid on her heart to help Veterans. Interviewed By: Deneen Person Deneen: Danna, how exactly do you help veterans? Danna: I help them by talking to them about their benefits, and submitting their claims. Deneen: Why did you decide to help veterans? Danna: I come in contact with so many Veterans on daily bases that do not know about their benefits and claims they are authorized. I want all Veterans to get all their benefits that are authorized and that they have worked hard for and served their Country faithfully. Since I know what to do and how to do the claims, I feel it is my obligation to help as many Veterans as I can. I was visiting the VA Hospital a few weeks ago to take a Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paperwork to the VA Representative there and as I was waiting in the waiting area. A young man was there with his mom and dad, he was about 19 years old. I noticed his mom was crying and seemed frustrated and I asked was she okay, she began to tell me her son had just recently been discharged from the military and he had been acting strange, on drugs and drinking alcohol every day, all day. She mentioned he had been to Iraq and he was Infantry (on the front line where all the action takes place during war). I explained to her how so many soldiers suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) including myself.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

I assured them the VA Representative would be able to help him and get him counseling as well as his benefits. I gave them my phone number and told them to call me if they needed further assistance. By the time I arrived home, my cell phone was ringing and it was the young man calling me to thank me and he called me his Angel. You may ask, “What is in it for me”? My answer, “Making a difference in someone else’s life”. My Motto, “Don’t just talk about it; be about it”. Deneen: How can you be reached and what do they need to bring to an interview? Danna: I can be reached via email: dmlamark@aol.com. Once we communicate I will then let the Veteran know the items I need to start the process. In order to help the Veterans more proficiently, I ask that they have the following items prior to their appointment: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Deneen: Where do you worship and why do you worship there? I ask this question because I can see that God is in your heart. Danna: I worship at Overcoming Faith Ministries. Like with everything or every decision I make in my life; I pray to God about leading and guiding me in the directions and decision in my life. You have to know God for yourself, not just what people tell you. I carry Him in my heart and my everyday walk in life. My parents were awesome parents, they taught me to be the strong and confident woman I am today. As a little girl, I remember my mom helping people and feeding people that had nothing. I love helping people and making a difference in their lives. As God blesses me I continue to bless others. Deneen: Danna, thank you for this interview, I hope that God will continue to bless you and your daughter; you are such a wonderful person, with a Godly kind of heart. You are helping so many veterans, thank you for helping our men and women whom just like you have served this great country.

DD 214 All military medical records All VA medical records All records from their personal physician Spouse and children social security numbers, date of birth, and marriage date Binder(4 inch) and document protectors

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

What do you do when the man you love betrays you, cheats, lies, physically abuses, and pretends God personally told him the both of you belong together despite the emotional abuse he's put you through? Get your copy of The Hurting Women a book of reflection and prevention.....

Book Author, Radio Personality & Entrepreneur Sherrell Valdezloqui for your next event! Contact Wanda Adams â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Marketing Ministry (404-474-3403)

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Let’s be real. Consider all of the Christians you know and then think about all of the problems that they have. Is it overwhelming? What about you? How many areas of life do you feel that you are losing the battle? Do you have anxiety? Are you overweight? Do you have poor self-esteem? Is it possible that you have issues you can’t even define? Life is hard. The frustrating part is when the Bible suggests that we have victory over all of these things. First Corinthians 15:57 clearly reads, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Bible not only says that God gives us the victory, but that our faith is the victory that actually overcomes the world! “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).” This is powerful stuff, but how does it work? In order to properly illustrate the answer to this question we are going to utilize a short fictional story. It all began on a peaceful night in a bad neighborhood. The local convenience store was getting ready to close when five men wearing masks briskly walked inside. They were big, they were menacing, and they were all carrying guns. 29

“Open the drawer! Give us the money!” It was a short conversation as five guns went up in the air and all pointed at a single target—the cashier. She was terrified. What they didn’t know was that she had seen them walking up. Before they opened the door, the hidden alarm was pressed.

What if they kidnap me and do unmentionable things, she continued to ponder. She opened the drawer, hands shaking, and emptied the money into the brown paper bag. As she was putting the money in the bag, one of the men came around and stood right next to her. When the drawer was empty, she felt a hard hit to the base of her skull. Everything went black. They confidently walked out as briskly as they walked in. One of them was carrying the cashier. As they neared their vehicle two squad cars pulled up.

She cooperated, feeling as though she would pass out at any moment. It is so much easier to watch this on television she thought. If just one of them slipped on the trigger she would be severely hurt, or worse, she would die.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

In this short story we are at a juncture. A crime has been committed, money has been stolen, and an unfortunate woman has been abducted. What the robbers didn’t expect was such a prompt response from law enforcement. In that particular area, police response times were notoriously slow. Police have what is known as authority. When a crime has been committed, they have the authority to enforce justice, make arrests, and restore law and order.

Does this happen just because they show up? No. When they show they must enforce justice. To be more straightforward about it, we can say that justice must be “forced.” The criminals will try to get away with what they are doing. They may open fire, they may get in the car and try to elude the police, or they may scatter and run in five directions. Regardless of what they do, it is a guarantee that they won’t voluntarily get in the police car without any struggle. Satan is a thief (John 10:10). It is his personal goal to steal as much as possible from you. He also wants to do this as often as possible. Your decision to make him stop is akin to police showing up at the scene of the crime. They can’t just decide to show up. They must also force justice. You must force justice too. The enemy will struggle and fight back. This simply means that you keep fighting until he is under arrest. Police have the victory because the law is on the side of justice (or at least it should be). We have the victory in Christ who fulfilled the law. The parallel is clear. Just like police have to exercise their authority until they subdue the enemy, we have to exercise our authority in Christ until we subdue the enemy. Although every problem isn’t the devil’s fault, a lot of them are. When we deal with the problems that he causes us, we must enforce our victory in the name and authority of Jesus. Just like a real arrest, this can take time, energy, and serious effort. God has given us power over all of the power of the enemy for this reason (Luke 10:19). We must choose to use it by faith!

Question: What would be a good age for Marriage? Dr. Matthis Answer: A National Institutes of Health study proposes that the part of the brain that restrains risky behavior, including reckless driving, and thinking skills is not fully developed until the age of 25, this is inclusive of one's emotional state. Through much study, this has proven to be true even if you are a believer. So, to be wise and safe, one should focus on their relationship with God, career, education, personal goals, living establishments and other pertinent things before considering marriage. The usual age preference to consider or get married begins at 27-30yrs of age. Do you have a question for Dr. Matthis? If so, please send questions to drimatthis@gmail.com for a chance to see it in our print

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

By: Denise P. Ingram Once a week, we began inviting him to come to our Bible study. He always said, “I’ll think about it. I am not much on reading.”

My husband and I just moved into our new home in the early part of summer. It’s a beautiful rancher with lots of trees all around us. Summer has passed. Fall is here and there are beautiful colored leaves everywhere. They are beginning to fall. I noticed one morning standing in my kitchen that I could see lights down in the woods from us. As morning became lighter, I saw an old shack with a little old man coming off his porch. Later that week, my husband and I took him a plate of supper so we could meet him. He was wearing old dirty clothes and his face was covered in dirt. He wore an old black hat and you could see that he didn’t have much hair. Jack asked us into his home for a minute and there was little there to show. There were three rooms and each room was very dark. Jack had an old black pick-up truck that looked antique.

One random evening, old Jack decided to come to our Bible study. He was still not very clean, but certainly cleaner than the day we met him. You could tell he was very hardhearted and stubborn. I was surprised that he continued to come for months. He would just sit and listen Then one day, Jack came up to the house and insisted he talk to me. We sat down at the kitchen table and enjoyed a cup of coffee. I could tell something important was on his mind. Jack said, “I am ready to give my heart to the Jesus. I want to do it this morning.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and exclaimed, “That’s wonderful! Why not right now?” So, we prayed together, and Jack was saved sitting at my kitchen table. He took a hold of God that morning like never before. He was singing and praising God. He said, “I am going to heaven. I am going to see my Betsy!” See, his wife had died a few years ago, and he knew his wife had a strong relationship with the Lord. He had always been so hard-hearted, but now he finally became a changed man. He kept coming week after week to Bible study. One night, my husband and I invited him to dinner. We had a wonderful time, but that night he kept saying “I am going to see my Betsy soon”.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

The next morning, I was washing dishes and I noticed that Jack didn’t have any lights on in the house. I thought, “Maybe he is just sleeping late.” Later that morning, I went down and knocked on the door. Jack didn’t answer. I knew something was wrong and my heart began to beat faster. I thought, “Not now God.” I opened the door and Jack was laying on the floor with his Bible open in his right hand to Psalm 23. I knew that Jack had gone to heaven that night to be with Jesus, and to be with his lovely wife. The Bible study group took up money to bury Jack. Later, when I was cleaning the shack, I found a note that said everything had been left to me and my husband. I saw an antique jewelry box that played “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know.” Inside the jewelry box I found a wedding picture of him and his beautiful wife. She had long, shiny black hair and was lovely. In the very bottom of the box was a stack of bills. I didn’t know what to think as I counted out twenty thousand dollars in ones, fives, and tens. We sold everything in his home and took the money to feed the hungry in our area. Jack was a blessing to us. God changed Jack and softened his heart. Don’t let the things in your life harden your heart. God comes at the right time for us to let go, and let Him change our lives forever. You will see your loved ones in Heaven one day.

I was born in Petersburg, Virginia and lived most of my life in Hopewell, Virginia. I have been married 38 years, and no children, we have a 4 year old Bichon Frises, she is a joy to Chip and I. We both have been in church most of our life. God has led us to Over Coming Faith Ministries under Bishop Charles E. Wiley SR. and his lovely wife Pastor Amelia Wiley, in Prince George, Virginia. Bishop Wiley has truly blessed us. God has anointed me to write and have given me many gifts. We are in a healing and deliverance church. I wish I had time to tell you all about it. I love to cook, bake, make candy, to go shopping, going out to eat and look for antiques. I am a people person, I love writing from my heart. I love people; most of all, senior adults, and children. I enjoy helping people who are in need. I want to help feed children and senior adults. It makes my heart sick that we live in the best county and they’re going hungry. I trust the Lord to bless me so I can be a blessing to others. I thank the Lord for this amazing gift. Denise Ingram

This was a dream and vision when I was coming back from Roanoke, 32

Virginia.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

www.devindcoleman.com- Devin Coleman I often think about your love. I think about how you protect me, lead me, And guide me. For that I’m so thankful.

So many people gave up on me. Simply walked away. But you stayed and on top of that You replaced them with people That fit into your future plans for me.

Lord, My wisest decision was to trust you With my life. You restored me And made me whole.

In the midst of life’s storm You gave me clarity and peace. My life hasn’t been the same Since I met you! And for that I’m so thankful.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

By: Rachel Moore

The day of the race is finally here. These racers have trained for months for this one event and are now ready to race. The racers notice this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the race track that they prepared for. Instead of it being the 100-yard dash they notice that they are now about to race on the 800-yard racing track. Some of the racers drop out of the race not willing to risk injury; others choose to stay in the race for they reason among themselves that they are in top physical condition and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that any harm will come to them. The few racers that remain take their places at the starting line, the gun goes off and the race begins. For the first 50 yards the racers are running their best race thus far, they even make it to the 100 yard mark in record time. In a normal situation the race would be over and someone would be declared a winner but today they have 700 more yards to run. At the 200 yard mark two racers spring their ankles. At the 300 yard mark another racer pulls a muscle in his chest causing him to come to an immediate halt. There are less than twelve racers that remain with 500 yards to go. One by one more racers begin to drop out the race for various reasons. 34

Finally the finish line is approaching and only two racers remain. These two racers give it all they have so that they can obtain a prize. The racer on the left finishes first and the one on the right finishes a few seconds behind him. The crowd is cheering for these two contestants who have seemingly run so well but fail to notice that both have collapsed from exhaustion. Why did they collapse? Because although they appeared to be ready for an extended race they really werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as prepared as they thought. The same is true for us as believers we prepare for one race but end up doing something other than what we were designed to do and as a result we often end up being hurt and worn out. But how does this happen? Believers usually get worn out for several reasons. Reason Number 1 Doing Too much too soon- Instead of growing in Christ and becoming rooted and grounded in him as the Word encourages us to do we run full steam ahead, knowing that we are not equipped with the necessary tools for true ministry.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012

Growing in Christ is a process but yet we often try to apply Miracle Grow- one minute we are babies, 6 weeks later we are fully mature and ready to work! This has never been Christ design for the Body. Remember Christ first called his disciples, he taught them, gave them clear directions for the assignment, and then he sent them forth. The race isn’t given to the swift or to the strong but to those who endure to the end. Reason Number 2 You Feel It’s Time to Move- For those who have been with the Lord for a while we often get restless and feel “now is the time to move” whether the Lord is directing it or not. We are so swift to move that we fail to take the time to stop to see what God is telling us. This too has devastating results because although you are more prepared than a babe, you still end up fizzling out because the things you got involved in for “Christ-sake” have actually stunted your growth. Let the Lord lead and guide you in all situations. “Lean not to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path” Proverbs3:5-6 Reason Number 3 You Feel Pressured by Others- Instead of allowing the Lord to order your steps, you allow others to order your steps! Here is a brief example: The leader of the music department heard that you sing. He comes to you and begins to persuade you to join the choir. As a result of these ongoing conversations you eventually join the choir but knowing that God has called you to work with those who are in need. You commit yourself to the choir but deep down its killing you because you allowed others to place you on the track that wasn’t meant for you. Just like the runners in this story who chose not to run in the 800 yard race, we too have choices to make. Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you should be doing when it comes down to Kingdom business, these directions have to come directly from the Lord. In order to get these directions you must be willing to spend time with Him in prayer, fasting, and reading the word. Remember His yoke is easy and his burden is light. The Lord never designed for any of us to be mad, upset, and frustrated especially when it involves working for him! I pray that anyone reading this article will be able to distinguish between working for the Lord, walking in your purpose, and just being busy and pre-occupied with things that are not of him. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31. If you are running and have become weary, if you are running and have become faint then you are more than likely on the wrong track. The Lord renews the strength of those who He has equipped to run. Anything else outside of him is going to fizzle out and fall short every time. We as believers must get over this mindset of “busyness in the church shows that I’m in the will of God” nothing could be farther from the truth. Remember the Body has many parts and each part is specifically designed to carry out a different assignment. If you are on the wrong track for whatever the reason it’s not too late to turn things around. The Lord is here to help us but we must we willing to seek him 1st and not move until he says so. We all have a race to run but make sure it the one God has designed especially for you.

PROMOTING PURPOSE/ JULY-AUG 2012