Winter 2012

[Features]

RENEWED Winter 2012 | Vol. 2 Iss. 4

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Cover photos submitted by Kay Warren/ HIV/AIDS Initiative.

[18] THE MESSAGE: WHEN IT’S TIME Learn the keys to staying focused and driven until God calls you to move forward in His timing.

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A SPRIT ABLAZE:

Publisher Ayanna Foster-Kelson Administrative Assistant Nikki Grey Ministry Relations Coordinator Travis T. Kelson Graphic Designer Myron Krys Contributing Writers Min. Janine Folks Chaplain Cliff Vicars Kymberli Roberts Pastor Kenneth Paden Bishop Dickie Adams Linda Goldfarb

Sheila O. Foster Zakiya Kyles Jason Price V. Ivana Foster Jessica Epps

Advertising & Sales 1-877-644-0454 ext 2

KAY WARREN Talks about her motivation to advocate for men, women, and children whose lives have been dramatically affected by HIV/AIDS.

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Customer Service 1-877-644-0454 ext 1 Pledging to support the mission of Renewed Magazine: to provide a quality Christian publication that will Transform & Empower the body, mind & spirit.

ADVISORY BOARD Pastor Marquis & Paula Townes Destiny! Baptist Church Bishop Dickie & Shenenia Adams Global Ministries International

WHAT WE DON’T KNOW CAN HURT US:

Apostle Sammy C. Smith Grace Cathedral Ministries

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Pastor R.J. & Lady Kesha Williams Vision of Faith Christian Ministry

Get the facts and debunk 5 myths about prescription drugs. Your health could be at risk.

Test your knowledge of the Scriptures.

Puzzle on page 29.

[Departments] Publisher’s Letter.........[6] Letters & Prayers.........[7] Generation Now..........[8] Health & Fitness.........[10] Kitchen Talk................[10] Life & Work................[11]

Money Wise..............[11] Around the World....[12] Ministry Spotlight ...[14] Testimony..................[23] Brother’s Keeper.......[24] Sister to Sister...........[25]

Interested in submitting an article?

Send us a sample to editor@renewedmagazineonline.com

A Lesson Learned....[26] Love Notes............... [28] Literary Works.........[29] Masterpieces.............[29] Word Search.............[29]

Bishop Carl W. Weeden, II The Upper Room Church & Ministries Pastors Kenneth & Connie Bivens Saving Grace Ministries To become a partner in ministry, contact us at 1-877-644-0454 ext 2 or visit, www.RenewedMagazineOnline.com The mission of Renewed Magazine is to create a quality Christian publication that will Transform & Empower the body, mind & spirit. Renewed Magazine is published quarterly (Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter). US subscription $20/4 issues and $40/8 issues.

Canadian and foreign orders must add an additional $15 for postage. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to PO Box 266, Hampton, GA 30228. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohitbited without written permission. Renewed Magazine, LLC uses reasonable effort to ensure all information is accurate and correct. Renewed Magazine does not endorse, assume responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information including advertising.

Neither Renewed Magazine, LLC, its publisher or any other party involved in creating, producing, or delivering is liable for any direct, incidental, indirect, consequential or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of the publication or its websites.

from me to you | ayanna foster-kelson

I Have the POWER

It’s 4 o’clock on the dot and an anxious eight-year-old runs with excitement into his parent’s home and stands erect in front of a brown RCA floor console TV. He imaginatively pulls forth a shiny double-edged sword from the sheath that’s been hanging by his side [even through recess]. He throws back his head without reservation and emulates his favorite childhood television hero and says, “I have the power!” The young boy jumps with enthusiasm, dashing over a couch and sofa, all before plopping onto the floor to thrill himself further in the latest episode of He-Man.

You would have had a problem on your hand if you had ever tried to convince my eldest brother, Antoine, that he was not endowed with the power of Grayskull or that he was in no way a Master of the Universe. He had all of the action figures, the Eternia play set, and those unforgettable tight-fitted He-Man pajamas. Still, what made him so convincing to those who knew him best and undoubtedly within himself is that he knew he had the power.

O

ftentimes we as Christians mistake our lives as a mythical journey without purpose or an end. We have become consumed by the appearance of the negativity and lack of integrity that exists in our society. We’ve become overburdened by the financial crisis of Wall Street, the number of foreclosures that surround our homes, and the emptiness of churches that used to be located on every street corner. For many, life as we know it has become increasingly harder each day to stay the plight of the righteous path. And although the worst of times seems to have challenged us all, we are yet not without power.

Letters & Prayers Email us at info@RenewedMagazineOnline.com

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).

What would happen if we as Believers understood the vastness of the power that resides in our faith, prayer, and devoted lifestyle? What could happen if we simply took an opportunity to really sit down to examine our spiritual life and the access God has granted us through Jesus Christ? The answer is we’d finally come to an understanding of the broad scope of our influence, creativity, and authority. As well, s s s s s

We’d recognize we have the power to be healed. Isa. 53:5 We’d recognize we have the power to get wealth. Duet. 8:18 We’d recognize we have the power to overcome. 1 Jn. 5:1-5 We’d recognize we have the power to possess. Num. 13:30 We’d recognize we have the power to be the sons and daughters of God. Jn. 1:12

And while all of these elements are not far-fetched or escaped sensations of the Believer, they are accessible and granted through...

THE POWER OF PRAYER- “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them” (Mark 11:24).

THE POWER OF FASTING- “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21).

THE POWER OF READING & MEDITATING- “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night.... For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Jos. 1:8).

THE POWER OF FAITH- “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebs. 11:1).

THE POWER OF LOVE- “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).

Even in the innocence of my brother raising his imaginary sword like He-Man and proclaiming “I have the power”, our greatest strength comes from the power of our obedience and submission to Christ. What has hindered you this past year from accessing all that God has in store for you? Has it been fear, disobedience, the inability to wait, the absence of joy, or the complacency of leaving things just the way they are? There is greater ahead of you. There is abundance before you, and now you know that you have the power to get it.

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!

Fall 2012

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect in the article “When Homosexuality Hits Home” since society has become a place of bashing people because of their beliefs and life choices.

However, it was nice to read this article and how we all need to work together to help homosexuals come to know Jesus Christ in a real way. You are so right in the fact that we need to show them love and to allow God to change them. My prayer is that many will be encouraged to step forward to share the Gospel with homosexuals in a real and loving way.

Amanda G. Greenville, SC

WHAT ABOUT THE SINGLE BROTHER?

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy reading the entire magazine. Although I am not married, I do read the articles in “Love Notes for Couples”. It gives me something to work towards and guidance for when I do make that commitment. Still, what about the single men and women? We need inspiration too.

James C. Via Email

Dear James, It is our endeavor to make Renewed Magazine valuable to its reader regardless of their gender, marital status, ethnicity and the like. Our goal is to educate and inspire our readers towards a sincere relationship with Jesus Christ in all aspects of life. Therefore, we pledge to ensure we include topics that are relevant to us all.

Renewed Magazine Staff

info@RenewedMagazineOnline.com WINTER 2012 | 7

generation now | sheila owens foster

Q&A

THINKING ABOUT ABORTION Q: I am a 17-yearold high school senior and I just found out that I am pregnant. I have not told my mom or anyone because I am considering having an abortion or giving the baby away. I know this was a mistake, but I don’t want to keep this baby. Do you think God will forgive me if I have an abortion or give the baby away?

Very Anonymous Dayton, Ohio

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psa. 127:3).

Dear Very Anonymous, Thank you for being so transparent and seeking advice on what you should do next. The Bible clearly states, “You shall not murder” (Ex. 20:13). Without hesitation, the answer for whether to carry or to abort is a resounding—do NOT abort! God did not waver when He gave this commandment. The consequences of having an abortion can be difficult and too painful to live with. Oftentimes, some women who have aborted their babies have dreams of the little boy or little girl or continue to carry the feeling of guilt and shame after the abortion.

Yes, God is a forgiving God. He is always faithful and just to forgive us when we confess our sins as His Word teaches us in 1 John 1:9. However, we must not take His grace for granted. I trust that you are a Believer and have repented for your transgressions. But if you are not a Believer, now is the best time to seek Him and to accept Jesus into your life.

Next, ask the Lord for His guidance on whether you should keep this baby or if you should consider adoption. If you plan to keep your baby, dedicate your child to God and stay in the Word to get strength and instruction in rearing the little one.

On the other hand, there are many couples longing to have children and are unable. This can be a wonderful opportunity to bless a wanting-to-be mother.

Be encouraged and stay strong, Very Anonymous. You will make the right decision that will be the best for you and your baby.

Sheila O. Foster is a Youth Advisor at Harrison Grove Baptist Church, SC where she has a passion for helping the youth to cultivate their minds for a Christ-centered future.

8 | WINTER 2012 | WWW.RENEWEDMAGAZINEONLINE.COM

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Roms. 12:1).

Can You Really Afford a Baby?

Have you ever wondered how much it costs to have and raise a baby? What about a teething toddler or an active teen? While the fantasy of having a child in your youth may be a discussion at your BFF’s sleepover, the reality of becoming a teen parent can be quit costly?

The fact is “a baby born to a teenage mother is more at risk of certain serious problems than a baby born to an older mother including low birth weight, toxemia (highblood pressure), premature labor, miscarriage and death of mother or infant during childbirth.” 1 Nevertheless, any unwanted or unplanned teen pregnancy can have devastating effects on the soon to be parent’s education, lifestyle, and friendships. Additionally, one of the most shocking misunderstandings is the cost of raising a baby.

Here’s a short list of what it would cost you to care for a baby for just one year.

• • •

Diaper’s (the cheapest brand) $800-$1k Baby food & formula $2k-$3500 Furniture: crib, high-chair, changing table $500-$1500 Baby clothes, shoes, mittens, socks $500-$700 Health items: wipes, lotion, bath items $300-$400 Safety items: baby fence, monitor, car seat $300-$600 Medical: pre/postnatal care, labor, delivery, $6k-$10k Insurance & wellness visits $4500-$7k Childcare (full-time) $3500-$6k Your own place (1 bedroom) $7k-$9500 Utilities: electricity, water, sewage $3500$5500 Other: gas, food, clothes, phone $1500-$3K

• • • • • • • •

...Not to mention the cost of a good night’s sleep, running late to school and work, and the simple fact that you’re now a grown-up. At a minimum, to care for a baby for one year costs more than $35,ooo. Learn a lesson and enjoy your youth. It’s okay to wait.

1

http://www.birdsandbees.orgParentingTeen.htm

health & fitness | linda goldfarb

ORANGE-GLAZED SWEET POTATOES Recipe submitted by Jessica Miller-Epps, author of “Finding God in the Kitchen” Website: www.wix.com/jessicamillerepps/books

HEALTHY HOLIDAY PIE What comes to mind when you think of holiday pie? Do your seasonal slices contain God, family, work, sleep and other? I’m going to take a leap of faith and say probably not… but they should.

This can be grocery shopping, working out, cooking, driving kids to school, attending school functions, preparing meals, etc. Still, I know what you’re thinking. Stop! I can’t eat one more bite.

This is the time of year many of us slide up to the table-of-indulgence and pass the plate when it comes to spiritual & relational fortitude. This season, I offer you a vision of Healthy Holiday Pie that’s sure to satisfy beyond the festivities–when ingested with the proper perspective.

To help with your time, organization is a key ingredient.

Therefore, combine some of your time slices. Instead of leaving the kids at home when you go grocery shopping, make it a “family outing” by incorporating your child’s math skills or science concepts.

Allow them to help calculate how much the groceries will cost or understand what ingredients are needed to prepare a delicious meal. Teach your children as they grow in everything you do. Take what you normally do and spice it up to meet your priority needs of the day.

Healthy Holiday Pie represents a 24hour weekday; each slice is a category.

Let’s look at the slice designated for work. If you work every day from 8-5, that’s 9 hours. Now, add in the time it takes to get ready–including the time to and from work and anytime spent at home on the phone dealing with work.

I’m sure, you get the picture. Added together that’s roughly 11.5 to 12 hours of your day. That’s not too much left out of twenty-four is there?

The slice for sleep is 7 to 9 hours; this brings the total to about 20 hours.

Now think about God—your quiet time—in the morning, at night or not at all. Family is important too so, let’s squeeze them in somewhere. Finally, let’s not forget the big O–for other.

I think you get the picture now.

Every slice of the “time pie” should be proportioned on what you hold dear. If we try to do everything, every day, pleasing everyone in everyway, our pie will explode and the holidays will be ruined. Everything else will fall into place as long as you take your lead from the One who holds it all in His hand. Enjoy your pie this holiday season. Include time with God for dessert— He’s quite filling!

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading this information does not create a patient-physician relationship.

10 | WINTER 2012 | WWW.RENEWEDMAGAZINEONLINE.COM

HEALING BENEFITS An antioxidant-rich side dish

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • • • •

6 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 3/4 c. boiling water 1 tea. salt 3 tbl. butter or margarine 1/2 tbl. orange zest 1 tbl. orange juice 3/4 c. light corn syrup 1/4 c. packed brown sugar 4 large orange slices, halved

DIRECTIONS Pare and halve sweet potatoes. Set aside. Then, combine zest, corn syrup, brown sugar, and juice in large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well blended.

Next, add sweet potatoes, water, and salt and then spoon into in a large saucepan. Simmer until tender. Drain off excess liquid while leaving 1/4 cup in skillet. Lightly brush potatoes with butter or margarine. Pour orange juice mixture over potatoes, and add orange slices.

Finally, cook uncovered on low heat until glazed. Cool and enjoy.

life & work | v. ivana foster

MONEY WI$E tips for dealing with medical bills Our health is crucial to us.

Yet, the cost of healthcare is so great. So, how do we deal with this high cost?

Here are a few tips to help with your medical bills this new season.

Plan Ahead: Set aside money in a savings account for your deductible and out-ofpocket costs such as prescriptions. When there is a medical need, research prices and compare costs using the Healthcare Blue Book. This will help you plan your estimated expenses ahead of time.

Negotiate: If you know that you will be paying for your medical bill out-of-pocket, negotiate up-front by asking them if you can pay cash and if they would be willing to cut your costs. By paying up-front, you are saving them the hassle of dealing with the insurance company, billing, etc.

Check for Billing Errors: When you receive your bill, check it carefully and check it again. The number of billing errors is extremely high.

Establish a Payment Plan: If you have a large medical bill that you cannot pay in full, ask for a payment plan. Also, check to see if there is any financial assistance available through their financial aid department.

When dealing with others concerning your bill, remember the “B’s.”

• • • • • •

Be polite Be specific Be flexible Be realistic Be persistent Be sure to get it in writing

Finally, create a plan for the future to help you prepare for future medical needs.

This can include setting aside money each month and creating an emergency savings account that can help you fund any surprise medical costs.

Jason Price blogs about personal finance from a Christian stewardship perspective at www.onemoneydesign.com

ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS HEALTH-CONSCIOUSLY As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing for big celebrations and parties. Turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, bisque, cake, cookies, snacks, beverages… there is no better time of the year to fill yourself to your heart’s desire. However, if you are a healthconscious person, here are a few tips to stay healthy this holiday season (while everyone else around you gain 5 pounds).

Eat Snacks Moderately. Let’s face it; snacks are abundant during the holiday season. If you take a seat within an arm’s reach of the snack table, you’re going to have a tough time keeping yourself from unconsciously grabbing handfuls of party mix, candies, and the like and picking at them all day. By sitting on the other side of the room, getting to the snack table involves a conscious effort of getting up and walking over to get at the snacks.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. If the weather permits, go out and take a quick walk around the block. Try doing 10-20 squats, stretches, or other brief exercise each time you go to the restroom. You only want to do just enough to elevate your heart rate, but not break out into a sweat. Chances are, no one will know what you’re doing, and you won’t have to feel self-conscious about trying to maintain your figure.

Eat More Healthy Foods. Take an extra scoop of fruits and vegetables when filling your plate. By the time you finish, you won’t have room for the other foods which are higher in calories and more likely to cause you to gain weight. Also, avoid those fatty and fried foods (they taste good, but you know they

aren’t healthy).

Drink Lots of Water. Water helps your body stay fit. Drink a fair amount of water or other unsweetened beverage before each meal, as well as during and between them. The liquid in your stomach will help trick your mind into not feeling as hungry, reducing the tendency to gorge yourself on potentially fattening foods.

Eat Smaller Portions. Instead of eating a plate full of food, try eating smaller portions throughout the day.

No doubt, everything at the table looks good, and it’s all you can do to keep from filling your plate 2-3 times so that you can sample everything. An easy way to combat this urge is to simply take a smaller portion than you normally would of those dishes you’re most interested in, especially belt-bursting desserts. Split a piece of pie or cake with your spouse, child, or another family member who may be watching his or her waistline too.

Keeping healthy during this holiday season is simply making sure you follow healthy habits just like any other time of the year. However, don’t worry if you end up gaining a few pounds during the holidays. After all, the holiday season is only one of the few times of the year where you can truly enjoy you and your family.

www.IvanaTheConfidenceArchitect.com Atlanta’s #1 Premier Confidence & Prosperity Lifestyle Coach, V. Ivana Foster, M.Ed, CLC, aka The Confidence Architect™, specializes in Subconscious Restructuring® and Confidence Coaching.

WINTER 2012 | 11

around the world |

Syrian Christians

10k Young Egyptians

“Many are displaced internally and many others are external refugees living in the most humiliating circumstances, deprived of even shelter, clean water, power, food and medical care.” That is the lament to Christians in the West from a Christian pastor Syrian refugees come to praise the Lord & pray during a service in Damascus. in Syria, describing the deteriorating, horrific conditions in the war-torn country. He adds: “Millions are not sleeping in their own beds, forced out of their homes to find themselves with their children homeless and living in public parks or in the wilderness. Others are not sure if they or their children and loved ones will see the light of a new day.”

Followers of Jesus in Egypt have faced major challenges on their journey of faith Thousands of Egyptian young people praise and worship the Lord during a rally in 2012.

But there in the desert north of Cairo. have been rays of the light of Jesus breaking through the gloom. This past Fall about 10,000 Christian young people came from all across Egypt for three days to worship the Lord and to seek God’s blessing for their country. The worshippers, mostly ranging from ages 13 to 30, gathered from 10 o’clock in the morning until 8 each evening. Many traveled hundreds of miles to the worship site in the middle of the desert north of Cairo.

Photo submitted by Open Doors

Suffering, but Ministry Continues

However, the Christian pastor says outreach continues despite the terrible conditions. “We are here for a divine reason; we trust and rely on our sovereign loving Lord. We believe that we are in the midst of a spiritual war. In this country there are many who are much more effective than us militarily, politically, economically and socially, but none have the privilege of being effective in this spiritual battle like we are. We thank God because the Church is united across the country in prayer 24 hours a day, seven days a week; praying for the glory of God to dwell in the Church, praying for an end to the bloodshed, praying for peace in the country, praying for keeping the church’s faithful witness, to reach out to the suffering, to share the divine cure of the gospel, to speak the word of the Lord in all boldness.”

Open Doors is supporting churches doing relief work in several Syrian cities. The pastor adds: “We deeply appreciate the prayers of God’s people everywhere; it is a rare time where the Church in Syria is feeling the true oneness of the body of Christ all over the globe. For this, we thank the Lord, for it is a great encouragement to us.” www. odusa.org

Churches in Tirana

Photo submitted byLuis Palau Association, Photographer Brad

Reached Through TiranaFest

Just over two decades after the fall of Communism and state-imposed atheism in Albania, local churches and Luis Palau collaborated to proclaim the Good News of Jesus More than 20k people heard the Good News during TiranaFest.

Christ to more than 20,000 people at Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square. The square resounded with live music; an extraordinary stunt show by skate, BMX, and motocross athletes; a program just for kids; and clear presentations of the Good News by Luis Palau and partner evangelists. “This was totally different…something that has never happened in Tirana,” Pastor Paulin Vilajeti of Albania Christian Center said. “Because people were attracted by different events. I believe and I hope that God touched different generations – from children to the old people.” Local church leaders acknowledged the campaign as one of the largest faith gatherings – and the largest movement of churches – Albania has ever seen.

TiranaFest offered them a unique opportunity to spread the message of 12 | WINTER 2012 | WWW.RENEWEDMAGAZINEONLINE.COM

Gather to Worship the Lord

Photo submitted by Open Doors

“To sit among over 10,000 young people, worship with them in a roaring holy noise, listen to powerful and challenging messages and pray for God’s powerful presence in our lives; really, it is hard to describe in words,” says a Christian leader. “Sitting at the very back of the small soccer stadium gave me a good view of the scene. Thousands were sitting to my right, thousands to my left and thousands more in the middle. Hardly any empty gaps! The wonderful fact is that these young people came from all over Egypt. About 3,000 of them came all the way from many cities located in southern Egypt. As for the remaining 7,000, they had to come all the way, every day, riding in the morning from Cairo and Alexandria in about 130 big buses, and then ride back home every evening for the night. The worship music was loud, the lights were attractive and the entire setting of this large youth conference was quite impressive,” states the leader. “However, what was really more impressive and touching, from my point of view, were those tears coming down the cheeks of boys and girls, and those genuine shouts of the name of the Lord that echoed across the silence of the desert proclaiming that our Father God is the Lord and Master in the hearts of a generation of Christian youth in Egypt. www.odusa.org.

Jesus across the public sphere, timed to coincide with the nation’s 100-year anniversary of independence. Though relatively small in number (approx. 3,500), the city’s church leaders and congregants alike boldly reached out to their countrymen and helped lead 2,300 people in public decisions for Jesus Christ. “I think it’s historic,” Toni Gogu, an attorney and chair of TiranaFest’s organizing committee, said. “We started a dialogue. We started asking the mayor and the municipality how we can help,” Gogu said. “TiranaFest did this. TiranaFest brought the Church to the city, and brought the city to the Church. We put two feet to our faith; we proclaimed the Gospel and showed compassion & love for the city.”

ministry spotlight & thought for the season

Dr. Angela D. Stanley Photo courtesy of eYEMAGINE/ Photography Paul Deni.

Outreach Ministry That Serves

What do you get when you combine the apostolic, prophetic, deliverance, and song? You get Angela D. Stanley Ministries, a ministry founded in 1996 by Prophetess, Dr. Angela D. Stanley to position the Body of Christ for the glory of the latter rain and commission them to reach the lost at any cost.

The ministry call was very evident when Dr. Stanley formed a 30-voice family choir, the Stanley Mass Choir and His Will Ministries, which also fed and clothed those underprivileged in many surrounding cities near Dublin, GA. Angela D. Stanley Ministries sends out empowering prophetic messages in a monthly e-Newsletters called, “Latter Raindrops” and weekly Facebook and Twitter devotionals.

Over the years, Angela D. Stanley Ministries has designed, written, and produced several projects under the auspices of Angart Designs and Raindrop Music. Some of Dr. Stanley’s life experiences have been written in plays, sermons, and songs. The play called: “Bring Your Umbrella it’s Gonna Rain” and a few albums entitled, “Forever Crucified with Christ”, “Positioned & Commissioned”, and “Visit Us”.

One ministry supporter said, “Dr. Stanley has empowered me in several ways and helped me find my God-given destiny.”

Angela D. Stanley Ministries has joined forces with The Tenderness Campaign (Artist Against Domestic Violence), World Vision, Hope for Haiti, International Certified Chaplains, and The House of Refuge Ministries International to fulfill the mission.

Who would have thought singing a simple song in her brother’s wedding would evolve into an international ministry as well as landing her appearances on shows like TV57’s Atlanta Live, TBN Praise the Lord’s Pastors’ Spotlight, The Dorinda Clark Cole Show, Bobby Jones Gospel, and Angels in Distress Radio Show?

Although Angela D. Stanley Ministries has touched many lives, it is the desire of Dr. Stanley to open a worldwide counseling center and orphanage.

Angela D. Stanley Ministries is now based out of Orlando, Fl.

Want the Spotlight? Email your ministry profile to editor@renewedmagazineonline.com 14 | WINTER 2012 | WWW.RENEWEDMAGAZINEONLINE.COM

AGAINST THE GRAIN “So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” Luke 18:22.

How often do you change your mind—once, twice, yearly, or perhaps every single day?

Have you ever considered having tacos for dinner, but when the evening came, you changed your mind towards a nice, hot slice of Papa John’s pizza instead? Instead of working out just a few hours at the gym, you’re now down to next to none. Change is inevitable as we are all faced with decisions we have to make. Some changes may be more life altering than others. Still, when you’re faced with choices and decisions about your faith, beliefs, values, hopes and dreams, consistency is necessary.

Think about it for one moment. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to change your mind or go against something that had been said by your family or friends?

Have you ever had to stand your ground and support what seems to be unpopular? Have you ever had to go against the grain? The truth is, we’ve all had to do at some point in our lives what was the opposite of what’s usually done.

We’ve all found ourselves in a situation that demanded a change in our way of thinking, traditions, attitude, and almost every aspect of life.

At first read, this scripture [Luke 18:22] may not make sense to many. Why give away all of my goods when I’m in need? From childhood, we’re taught to graduate from high school, go to college, find a good-paying job and live out our dreams. This reminds me of the story in (Mark 10:17) when the rich man asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Sadly, the young man did not want to part with his riches because he wanted them more than turning his faith to Jesus for salvation. To be saved, we must look beyond our own abilities, works, accomplishments, and gains and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

One day I assure you, you will be faced with a tough decision and the question to answer is will you “go against the grain”? At that very moment will you be different than the young, rich man and give up everything that you’ve accomplished in this world just to follow Jesus Christ?

Min. Travis Kelson is a man after God’s heart who loves sharing the Gospel of Christ with the world. Email him at manager@renewedmagazineonline.com

Time

WHEN IT’S I

Elder Brenda Bradley

don’t know about you, but whenever I accept an assignment from God, the usual companions appear.

Their names are Nervousness, Fear, and Anxiety just to name a few. However, the Word of God encourages us that fear is not of God (2 Tim. 1:7). It is not something that He challenges the Believer with. Yet, it is something we can all overcome.

who is just starting a business, writing a book you have been putting off, or changing jobs, we all are faced with similar questions that take us beyond ourselves. We’ve all contemplated those questions and have searched for answers. But what we have to realize and find encouragement in is knowing that “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Eccl. 3:11).

Sometimes when God is instructing us to move forward, we may experience pressure from unsuspecting people, places, and things. When I wrote my book, The Boaz Factor, there were many friends and loved ones who expected me to write a doctoral dissertation with clinical case studies on relationships. When I accepted the call into ministry, there were those who expected me to have the Bible memorized from cover to cover.

Then, like so many of us, comes the very real reality of laziness when you should have done what was needed or the thought that you had the audacity to allow your time to be invaded by _________________ (you fill in the blank).

It’s important for us to understand that God places each and everyone of us in the Body of Christ as He sees fit (1 Cor. 12). And the functioning of the body spans further beyond the four walls of the church. God needs a willing vessel He can use in Corporate America, in the Real Estate industry, in leading Government positions, and even at home with the children. While God may call someone to reach the masses or to have a national presence, He may also call another one just for a specific region. God may choose to set aside those whom He grooms for a particular season and place or those He has chosen to change the atmosphere right where they are.

Yet, what we must all come to understand and learn to recognize is our vineyard or as a friend of mine would say, “Know your lane.” When we begin to accept where God has placed us and that He desires to use us for His glory, then it’s time. Huldah in 2 Kings 22: 13-20 was one of the greatest examples of this lesson.

However, once I settled down, I began to ask myself the following questions. What would the Lord require of me? How would He use me? Where would He take me?

Am I really ready? The truth is whether you are someone

“When we work diligently and put our best foot forward, God will grant each of us with as many opportunities to be used along the path of our lives.”

In the story of Huldah, we are not offered a rich or an elaborate history about her childhood or the exact timing when she accepted the call of God on her life. There is no complete resume of all of the different people whom she prophesied to or the exact moment when she began to operate in the gift of the prophet. However, what we do know is that she was consistent in prayer and fasting. Huldah’s time with God was made a priority. She was faithful, influential, and she did what God equipped her to do right where she was.

2 Kings 22:13-20 “So Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. And they spoke with her. Then she said to them, “‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel. Tell the man who sent you to Me, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants—all the words of the book which the king of Judah has read— because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands...’”

So they brought back word to the king.”

The book of Proverbs 18:16 reads: “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” This scipture encourages us that what God has placed on the inside of us–before the foundation of the world–will give way or open the opportunity for

us; nevertheless, it still does not say “when”.

It is our due diligence and consistency in our lives that sets the tone for what is to come.

There are times when we may see the manifestation of our prayers instantly and then there are those other moments when we simply have to wait. Huldah could have waited for an ounce of recognition before doing what God asked her.

She could have sat aside and said let someone else prophesy. Yet, Huldah served faithfully in the vineyard right when and where God planted her.

When we work diligently and put our best foot forward, God will grant each of us with as many opportunities to be used along the path of our lives. However, we must remain faithful in what the Lord has assigned for us to do.

Be diligent in your time of study, prayer, and preparation, and learn to balance your assignment and the family God has given you.

It is not for us to worry about the resume that should accompany our good works or to become overly concerned when it feels we are invisible or not making a difference. The truth is, when it’s time, the Lord will find you right where you are—whether that place is in the middle of a busy city or down in a small country town. When it’s time, the Lord will fine-tune you to be used for His glory and prepare you to move mountains in His name.

But only when it’s time.

With over 20 years of experience in ministry, Elder Brenda Bradley makes understanding the Bible practical and applicable in the life of every believer. She has been happily married for 25 years and shares the pastoral responsibilities with her husband, Elder Damon Bradley at the Rhema Full Gospel Fellowship in Wichita, KS. www.elderbrendabradley.com

In a Hurry?

Don’t Be...

3 Tips to Help You Wait Through the Journey Wait With Faith In the art of war, the only thing that strikes fear into an opposing enemy is a weapon that a soldier knows how to use. However, your faith is not only a weapon but a catapult into your destiny. It is God’s desire that you live by faith, obey His Word in faith, and wait on the manifestation of His promises with faith. “He [Abraham] did not waver at the promises of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded [convinced] that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Roms. 4:20-21).

Wait With Patience Oftentimes in life you may prefer to rush instead of waiting. Yet, there are so many enjoyments of life that are the result of waiting like the birth of a newborn baby, the blooming of a flower, and the beginning of a new day. The truth is, waiting with patience is entirely a choice and a complete effort on your part. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22) and it is developed more often while going through difficult storms.

But God’s promise to you is that if you wait patiently, you “shall renew your strength; you shall mount up with wings like eagles...”

(Is. 40:31). Learn to endure and wait on God with patience.

Wait With Expectation One of the hardest concepts in life is to expect something to happen or to change when it seems as if nothing is going on. But for the Believer, you must understand that God is always at work in your life and in your heart. Expect God to move in your situation and expect a great outcome because “...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Roms. 8:28).

Nikki Grey is the Administrative Assistant for Renewed Magazine and enjoys writing, singing, and music.

KAY WA R R E N RM: You are a two-time cancer survivor and a victim of childhood sexual abuse. Why not stand as an advocate in those regards or for women’s issues? Why HIV/AIDS?

Warren: One thing I can tell you right off the bat is that HIV is a women’s issue. More women than men are infected around the world. About 51% of people who are infected are women. So, it is definitely a women’s issue.

Still, even behind the numbers is the idea of stigma.

When I was diagnosed with Cancer and Melanoma, there was no stigma. It was terrible. It was a horrendous experience, but there really wasn’t any stigma. I didn’t have to worry that my husband would beat me or throw me out of the house because I had breast cancer. I didn’t have to worry that my neighbors would shun me or that my church would ask me to leave. I didn’t have to worry that my kids would be ostracized by other children. On the other hand, [with HIV] there is such an enormous stigma. Those things I said are true for—not just the people around the world— but for people living in the United States. And as I study the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, I’m learning that He was all about being with people who were stigmatized and ostracized. So, it just makes sense to me that His response should be mine.

RM: What happened that changed the direction of your life and caused you to start advocating for people living with HIV? Warren: Well, for me, to become an advocate was unexpected. I don’t have a medical or science background. I consider myself to be an unlikely candidate to globally advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Yet, it’s just exactly the way God works. He uses ordinary people who will listen to His call and say, God, I don’t really have what it takes to do this, but you’re calling and you’re asking. I’m going to surrender and I’ll do my part by saying yes. That’s really how I got started. It was simple. I read a magazine article about AIDS in Africa and at the time, statistically there were nearly 40 million people infected with this deadly virus and 15 million children orphaned.

So, there I was sitting in my comfortable living room and drinking a cup of tea and it shattered me to realize that there were millions of people infected with this disease, and I didn’t know any of them. There were millions and millions of children orphaned on one continent and I didn’t know one single child. I couldn’t escape it.

I spent about a month thinking, praying, and trying to tell God that He needed to leave me alone. This really had nothing to do with me. I didn’t have a medical background, and I didn’t know what to do.

Surely there was someone else who could do something about this. It was at that moment when I realized most definitely He meant me. Yes, He was calling me to hear the voices of those who are sick and suffering and all of the orphans who were left behind.

RM: So, reading that magazine article was the point of change?

Warren: Yes. It was pivotal. Who would have thought that reading an article would dramatically change my life— but it did.

I was just sitting there reading. It was a calm, easy morning. I was drinking a cup of tea and skimming through most of it, and I had no idea that God was about to change my life forever. There were pictures that showed the wasted, skeletal

bodies of men and women near death.

There were children infected with HIV who were dying and too weak to brush the flies away from their faces. It’s the kind of stuff most of us try to ignore because they’re just too painful to look at, but it was actually the words that caught my attention. I tried to ignore the pictures, but there was a box in the middle of the article that said 12 million children orphaned in Africa due to AIDS. I found myself sitting there thinking that I’m a good person. I’m a nice lady. I’m a good pastor’s wife. I’m a good neighbor. I’m a good mom. How can there be this pandemic that’s affecting millions of people and it had not touch me at all? I wasn’t mad at the world; I wasn’t mad at God. I was mad at myself. I had, had this tunnel vision that allowed a pandemic to grow under my nose, and I didn’t know and I didn’t care.

RM: You’re the founder of the HIV/AIDS Initiative at Saddleback Church. Why was it important for you to launch this particular ministry of help?

RM: Did you feel like you weren’t doing enough at that time to help?

Warren: Absolutely! Definitely. Unequivocally — yes. You can put any number of strong words there; it’s a must. This is not optional. This fight is not just for certain churches, big churches, or churches in other parts of the country. This is a call to Christians. To me, my opinion doesn’t really matter. In the Bible there are many stories detailing God’s concern for the sick, the weak, and the vulnerable. There’s a passage in the book of Ezekiel where God is speaking to the shepherds of Israel and He’s telling them, [the leaders] that ‘you have not cared for the sick and the weak.

You’ve pushed them away, much the same way that the stronger animals push away the weak and the vulnerable animals but I am not like that’ (Eze. 34:4). He says, “I will tend to my sheep and have them lie down. I will search for the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. I will shepherd the flock.”

Warren: Oh, I wasn’t doing anything.

I wasn’t even aware. The only time the words HIV or AIDS had crossed my mind was when movie star, Rock Hudson had died of AIDS. Then, Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV, and I thought he seems to be doing great. Since he’s doing well, obviously, it’s not a big problem.

So, I didn’t think about it at all. If I did, I thought it was mostly homosexual men who were infected and my heart was really hard. My thoughts were—well, if you know how it’s transmitted and you put yourself at risk and become infected, don’t expect any sympathy from me. My heart was just that hard. I was ignorant and I was apathetic. I was judgmental. So yes, I was doing nothing, and I had not ever given it one thought until that day.

Warren: Almost from the beginning, I realized that this was not just a call for me.

Initially I had to respond as Kay Warren, as an individual Christian saying yes to God, but I quickly realized that caring for people who are HIV positive and for orphans is a call to the church at large. Someone needed to raise their voice in such a way that the church could hear it, be informed, and take responsibility for caring for the sick and caring for the children.

RM: Responsibility. Do you feel that it is the church’s responsibility to respond to what’s going on?

cont’d pg. 22

T

he truth is, we all have them and most of us have even used them. Drugs. However, not the ones that are illegal or substances that are kept off the market for further research, but prescription drugs. You know the ones that are tucked away in a convenient yet not out-ofcomplete-reach area inside your home, office, or personal vehicle. The ones that contain relevant information about who you are such as your name, address, and other alarming hypersensitivities. Yes, we have all reached for them at the “feeling”of an oncoming cold or at the sight of some form of bodily distress. Yet, what many of us many not be aware of are the dangers and hazards of using what we believe are safe prescription drugs.

Just What the

DOCTOR ORDERED

Most of us receive a prescription for medication following almost every visit to a medical professional or clinician.

Today, the television airwaves are bombarded with the ever-increasing number of prescription drug television ads which grants most viewers a sixty-second run that’s heavy on emotion and light on the facts which often trivializes the associated risks and benefits. Yet, the reality is this.

Thousands of prescription medications are already on today’s market adding to the more than three billion retail prescriptions filled at U.S. pharmacies last year alone.1 And while there seems to be a pill for almost every single ailment attacking the human body, here are five myths and facts about prescriptions drugs you really should know.

Myth #1 It’s For Everyone.

Oftentimes, many people believe the same illness that affects them after once affecting a family member can be treated successfully with the same medication. It is very easy to simply pull out an already filled prescription from your kitchen cabinet (with someone else’s name) to begin treating yourself. However, just because a doctor prescribed a medication to a family member or a friend does not make the prescribed drug safe for you.

Prescription drug usage that is intended for someone else can have serious side effects and can be extremely harmful to you. Unless a doctor prescribes you with prescription drugs to address your own medical condition, don’t take it. It’s not safe. Instead, seek medical help early when possible and learn what options are available to you.

Myth #2 Doctor Prescribed Means It’s 100% Safe.

Yes, the pharmaceutical world has developed more control in terms of safety as to what prescriptions drugs contain and do not contain. However, there are still some prescription drugs that are more powerful than their illegal counterparts. Therefore, you should never blindly defer to your doctor’s prescribed orders but rather research your medical drug options as well. Get the facts by contacting your local pharmacy or by contacting the national Food & Drug Administration and/or other regulatory offices.

Many of the very best physicals can provide you with alternative non-drug options to treat your illness such as exercising, changing your diet, and developing better sleeping habits. If you feel concerned at anytime during your routine doctor’s visit, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the medicine you may be prescribed.

Myth #3 You Can’t Become Addicted If You Need It. Yes you can! Before an addiction develops to pain killers, most people have an existing, legitimate pain. However, at some point, they lose control of it. It’s important to understand that by taking a few measures to prevent becoming addicted to prescription drugs, you can maintain control. Remember to take your medication as instructed by your pharmacists or other medical provider. Only take the medication as long as required. Taking prescription drugs longer than advised can easily start an addiction and can be hazardous to your health. So, if you feel a need to take your prescription drugs more often than advised, seek professional guidance immediately. Your goal should be to be illness and treatment free.

Myth #4 Prescription Drugs Do Not Interact Negatively.

We have all unfortunately read stories about people including celebrities who have suffered severe reactions or have died from the use of multiple prescription drugs that interacted negatively.

In many cases, it may have been advised by the patient’s doctor about the adverse effects of prescribed medicines. Some doctors will even advise a patient to end a specific prescription drug before administering another. Yet, how often do we forget our doctor’s exact instructions or think it may be okay to tackle both illnesses at the same time? The truth is prescription drugs can be safe and effective when used appropriately. However, when they interact, they can make a drug less effective, cause unexpected side effects, or even worse—death.

Research has also shown that many prescription drug

10 Winter Season Safety Tips Are you ready for the upcoming cold and flu season? Like many, you’re most likely not ready to deal with the suggested vaccines, prescription drugs, time off from work, and the missed moments of quality family time. Still, there are several things that can help you and your family ward off the common winter viruses and bacteria.

It’s time to think about prevention!

Here are some great tips to strengthen your body’s immune system during the winter season.

WATER. WATER. WATER. Although not the most flavorful thirst quencher, drinking an optimal amount of water is essential to your health. Remember, roughly 60% of the human body is water.

LET IT RIDE. Negative stress can make your body susceptible to catching colds and the flu. Be sure to minimize your stress by working reasonable hours at your job and by tackling one project at a time. And if the issue is really not an issue, let it ride.

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Although it may be cold outside, keep your body warm by moving around. Try to exercise at least 15 minutes a day.

interactions can have a critical impact on a patient’s existing illness, a mother’s unborn child, and can be secreted in breast milk.

It is important to read the label and any accompanying information that the pharmacists provides as well as learning about your prescribed drugs on your own before taking the first dose. To help ensure a positive prescription drug experience, there are several websites such as www.drugs.com, which offers prescription drug interaction checks. The good policy is to have a single pharmacy fill your prescriptions, and when you are given a new prescription, ask your pharmacist to review the drugs for interactions.

Myth #5 Online Prescription Drugs are Just as Good and the Ones in a Pharmacy.

Point, click, and buy has become such a fascinating concept in the life of today’s consumer. Yet, it should be avoided as much as possible when dealing with prescription drugs. Although there are many legitimate online pharmacies, there are thousands of others that are not licensed or regulated by governing countries. So while buying prescription drugs online may save you time and money, it may cost you other things in the long run. Therefore, try to fill your prescriptions at a credible and well-established pharmacy or prescription drug store.

Remember, it’s important to safeguard your health and finances from any opportunity that seeks to do otherwise. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and has been built to withstand a lot of impact. However, you can continue to keep your body out of harms way from dangerous prescriptions drugs by remembering a few simply do’s and don’ts when buying prescription drugs. Listen to your doctor. Do your own research. Use a licensed pharmacy, and read the information that accompanies your prescription medicine.

1

http://www.statehealthfacts.org

EAT HEALTHY. Maintaining a good, healthy diet is just as important as exercising and decreasing stress. Make sure your dinner plate is full of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables. A colorful plate of food means a balanced meal.

SUPPLEMENTS. Talk to your doctor about adding a vitamin or mineral supplement to your daily regime.

GET SOME Zzzzzz’s. The average person needs 6-8 hours of adequate sleep every night. This includes you. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your body is extremely vulnerable to illness. If you have trouble falling to sleep, try reading a book, drinking hot tea, or soaking in a bubble bath at least 30 minutes before turning in.

WASH. WASH. WASH YOUR HANDS. For years we educate our children about the importance of clean hands, and with age, this concept does not change. Wash your hands often. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer close-by for when you can’t get to soap and water.

WATCH THE KIDS. Children are at high risk for certain illnesses, especially those who attend daycare or school. Although those big, chubby cheeks are always so cute to kiss, it should be avoided (when ill) to reduce the spreading of germs.

GET A CHECK-UP. Try to visit your doctor before the winter season sets in. Find out about additional tips, treatments, or vaccinations that may be available to you.

Even a third of Jesus’ ministry was healing people. He doesn’t just care for our souls, He cares for our bodies too. This tells me that He has a deep compassion for people who are sick. When I put these two responses together, how can I not conclude that God and His church must care? He’s asking His church to care for the sick in the same way He did.

RM: If it’s not an option for us to respond, how do we help people face the reality of how serious HIV/AIDS is and not to be considered as something that is only affecting others outside of our personal community? How can we get everyone to see this is our problem?

Warren: That’s a really great question.

In 2011, Kaiser Family did a study and they discovered that four out of ten people in the United States know someone who’s infected with HIV or who has died from this disease.1 This means 40% of Americans know someone, and if you look into the African-American community, the number increases to 60%. The real question is why it is such a quiet epidemic?

Why have we become so quiet about it that we don’t even want to talk about it?

If you’re like the 40 or 60 percent who know someone living with HIV or someone who has died from AIDS, it’s already personal. It’s not even that we need to personalize it. And when we look at it through the lens of I know someone who’s infected or I know somebody who died, how can we push them aside or ignore it?

No, we bring them close and we open the doors of the church. We tell them they are not going down without a fight. This is a disease that can be stopped. It’s not something that’s inevitable to continue on the trajectory that it is. This is something the church can do something about. It’s my neighbor. It’s my sister. It’s my mother.

It’s my brother. It’s my uncle, and it’s the guy who I went to school with. These are people we know, and there are concrete things that every church can do. It’s not impossible.

RM: We hear the vast stories about certain diseases that are more prevalent in third world countries because of malnutrition, unclean water, or sewage problems. However, research confirms this epidemic is widespread. How can we work together to eradicate this disease or is this something else which may eventually become commonplace? Do we just live with it?

Warren: We are already living with it.

More than 37 million people worldwide

are living with this disease.2 That’s a lot of people. I traveled to Washington, DC recently, where it is the epicenter of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Three percent of the population there is infected with HIV.3 That’s the equivalent of some African countries like Ghana or parts of Kenya. It’s staggering, and it’s not just off somewhere else. It’s here too. So, what can the church do about this? It is our belief that every church regardless of its size can do something. It does not cost any money to care for people who are sick or to care about them. It’s just a matter of will, determination, and a call from God to know that He cares for them too.

The CDC recommended years ago that everyone between the ages of 13 and 65 be tested at least once for HIV. The church can encourage testing, and we believe the pastors should lead the way.

My husband, Pastor Rick, has been publicly tested for HIV three times. It was not because he has put himself in a risky situation, but he wants to show that it’s easy and that there should not be any stigma.

Everybody should know their HIV status.

Additionally, one of the most powerful things any church can do [and it costs zero dollars] is to remove the stigma. We need to tell people that it is not a sin to be sick. I spoke at a church in Washington, DC and on that day, a man who was HIV positive, was baptized. He joined the church and I watched as other members gathered around him to welcome and to embrace him. Afterwards, the pastor shared with me that, that would never have happened a few years ago. Yet, this church opened their arms, and he was thrilled to be a part of a church family. I loved it.

Also, HIV is different from many other illnesses such as breast cancer. I still don’t know how I got breast cancer. I have no idea, but we do know how HIV is transmitted. We know that it’s largely a behaviorally driven disease.

Therefore, the church has the moral authority to be able to talk about behavior change and how to prevent it. We can teach those really strong messages— the complete message of prevention.

Additionally, the church can help with medication. It sounds complicated, but it’s not. People who are HIV positive have to take their medication everyday at the same time so that the medication is effective. Yet, sometimes people can forget.

A church volunteer can call somebody and ask them if they remembered to take their medication. It’s an amazingly simple way to help keep somebody who’s HIV positive alive. These are things the church can do.

RM: What “stigmas” are associated HIV/AIDS? Are there misunderstandings about the disease that may be holding people from getting involved or wanting to start an HIV/AIDS ministry at their church or local organization?

Warren: In an old Kaiser Family survey, they found that at least a third of the people that they had surveyed thought that HIV could be transmitted by using a swimming pool with somebody who is HIV positive. It was also reported that many believed the disease could be transmitted by drinking from the same glass or from a mosquito bite. And here’s the sad thing.

Almost twenty-five years later, that survey number has not change. A third of the people who responded still thought that HIV could be transmitted through these ways.

So, I don’t believe we have done a very good job of conveying the right information about HIV. This is something the

cont’d pg. 27

my testimony | “From the age of five through eleven, I was molested and sexually abused by seven different people— including two females.”

Today, I can walk in the love of Christ and am able to minister to many of those who abused me.

On one evening, I finally broke down and told my older sister that I had been molested. I wanted to be honest and open, but nothing was more shocking than when my own sister did not believe me.

She rejected me. Those words of disbelief resounded in my mind throughout many years. “What? My husband would never

do a thing like that to you Mamie.

You’re lying!”

Photo provided by Mamie Atkins.

As a child, I often wondered if I was loved. I spent most of my childhood feeling depressed and feeling empty due to the lack of love and affection from my biological parents. From the age of five through eleven, I was molested and sexually abused by seven different people—including two females. I carried the secrets of these unfortunate events throughout most of my childhood. I was very confused, lonely, and often thought about dying.

HE KEPT ME— THROUGH IT ALL.

I continued to feel emptier on the inside. I had been sexually assaulted, abused and to make matters worse, my mother was of no comfort to me. There were no hugs, no talks—NOTHING. Subsequently, a year and a half later, my mother sent me to live in a children’s home in Austin, TX. Yet, through it all, God kept me.

Now at the age of 27 I have found myself in a place of healing. God has taken my shattered spirit and the past events of molestations, abandonment, neglect, promiscuousness, confusion, an abusive marriage, church hurt and all of the other parts of my testimony and turned it into a ministry called Pearls of His Presence. The focus of the ministry is helping others seek and find that same wonderful healing in Christ that I found.

I desire to be a vessel used by God to reach others who feel as if they have been rejected by society.

I praise God that although the healing

Mamie Atkins is a survivor of abuse & neglect. Read her story and be inspired.

process was very painful, He kept me when I could not keep myself. He loved me when I did not want to love myself.

At a time when I felt worthless and a misfit, God stepped in and showed me the woman He created me to be. He showed me the love of Christ that I now carry in my heart. Today, I can walk in this love and minister to those who once abused me. Those who abandoned me, I can now love again. www.anointedpearls.com

WINTER 2012 | 23

my brother’s keeper | pastor kenneth paden

LIVING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I can remember when I was younger [not that I’m so old now] I could eat just about anything, and it wouldn’t affect me. In fact, if the statement had been true that “you are what you eat”,” I would have definitely been a mixed breed. However, as I became older and wiser I recognized that everything that was good to me was not necessarily good for me.

to change my eating habits, exercise a little more, and re-evaluate me again in six months. He agreed.

I immediately changed some of my eating habits and I started exercising more. I cut back on drinking sodas and started drinking more water. After that six month period, I went back for another check up. My physician ran another test to check my PSA level, and it was now normal. I did not have prostate cancer. Praise God!

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 states, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that Now, although the Spirit of God When we fail to recognize that we I can definitely dwells in you? If are the temple of God and we do attribute this to anyone defiles the the healing nature temple of God, God and eat things that are not good will destroy him. for us, we inadvertently cause God of God, I can also attribute it to how I For the temple of to destroy the temple. changed my eating God is holy, which habits. temple you are.”

When we fail to As we celebrate the holidays, be recognize that we are the temple of God sure to enjoy yourself with your family and we do and eat things that are not and friends. Additionally, reflect on the good for us, we inadvertently cause God true reason for the season. However, if to destroy the temple. we really want to celebrate in a way that really honors Christ, let’s watch what we Not too long ago, my doctor put in this temple. That’s living for the discovered that my PSA (prostate holidays. specific antigen) level was very high. It was so high that he thought I might have prostate cancer and recommended that I have a biopsy to determine whether I did or did not. I asked him to give me time “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2).

GOD’S GENERALS “The Lord gives voice before His army or His camp is very great; for strong is the One who executes His word” (Joel 2:11).

Generals in the military are the senior ranking officials.

They are nominated by the Commander in Chief, usually the President [or a similar position in most foreign countries].

These men are proven and are given a responsibility to ensure their subordinates are prepared to protect and to defend their country–including protecting valuable resources for sustainment and prosperity.

Similarly, the Lord set this same precedence in the beginning of time as stated in Genesis 2:15: “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” The Amplified version reads: “…to tend and guard and keep it.”

My brother, although the Lord first spoke this commandment in the very beginning to Adam, it is the same call to restoration for you and I as a general— God’s Generals— in His Army. The warfare that has taken its toll on the Body of Christ is because we have warriors, but we are missing many key leaders the Lord nominated. These key leaders are men like you and I. The General’s position allows him to focus on the bigger picture, report what he sees to his superior, and receive instructions on how to proceed, to protect, and to defend. Brother, you have been nominated by God to serve as His general.

It’s time for you to accept your nomination and prepare for your promotion by: Being a good follower and disciple of Jesus Christ Shadowing good leadership Remembering the act of leading comes before your assignment as a General It’s time to move forward. It’s time to lead, and it’s time to win.

Bishop Dickie L. Adams is the Senior Pastor of Global Ministries International Inc. www.gmi1.org

24 | WINTER 2012 | WWW.RENEWEDMAGAZINEONLINE.COM

sister to sister | janine folks

WANTED DEAD Okay. I know the title may have thrown you off. Great! It got your attention. Now on to what I mean. Today, we live in a world characterized by instant gratification and self-satisfaction. From television’s influences of beauty, to the billion dollar explosion in the weight loss industry, the world is definitely concerned about me, myself, and I. It makes no apology for “doing me” and focusing on the cares of self. With this, there is a great amount of living to please self verses what the Bible teaches about dying to self.

In recent years we’ve heard more and more stories of greed, misuse of power, influence, and sexual abuse leading me to believe that dying to the flesh is —as the kids call it— “played out”.

Still, there are several scriptures that remind us that we are to die daily to our flesh.

“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Roms. 6:11).

So, how do we live this life of dying daily?

SACRIFICE- We are called to deny ourselves daily and to follow Christ. If we give up material things to follow Christ, there is definitely something to be gained.

Luke 9:23-23 & Phil. 1:21 COMMITMENT- God’s will has to mean more to us than what we want. Psa. 37:5 HONOR- God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. There is no seeking without dying to self. Hebs. 11:6 If you are like me and dying to self has been a struggle, I encourage you to meditate on these scriptures. Take the steps today to begin living an honorable and sacrificial life committed to the glory of God. Zakiya S. Kyles is the Founder of Queenly & Confident, an organization dedicated to helping women and girls “Discover the Royalty Within”.

Visit her online at http://queenlyandconfident.com

CATCH THAT WHIP I play women’s roller derby. Although A ‘whip’ is a push or pull that it looks like a bunch of wild women transfers momentum from one person hitting one other on roller-skates, to another. Rather than simply just there is a method to the standing by and watching madness. Derby requires a teammate struggle, technique, strength, and you reach out and do Rather than simply strategy. There is a lot something to help. Team just standing by of falling, getting up, support is crucial. When and watching a breaking through barriers, one member is weak, it teammate struggle, avoiding obstacles, affects the entire team. A you reach out and do watching, maneuvering, whip is a way of building something to help. knocking things out of the one another up. way, and racing forward.

A life whip may come Players get exhausted; in the form of a touch, a they struggle, press, and hug, an ‘I love you’, presence, a listening endure. Rules get broken. Women are ear, or through simply having a caring penalized in accidents and injured. heart to spend time with others. A whip Women who play derby are fearless can be an uplifting Bible verse or an and refuse to quit. It’s not a carefree empowering sermon. Simply put, a whip skate in the park–free from resistance; is a helping hand. however, the derby track reminds me of The Body of Christ is a team. We the life of God’s warring women. It’s an are to “…comfort each other and edify intense battlefield. [build up] one another (1 Thes. 5:11). We should “exhort [encourage] one another Excellent communication and keen daily” (Heb. 3:13). awareness of surroundings is required.

You must know where your team is as Sometimes you need to ‘whip it’ and well as your opponents at all times. In help someone. When life gets rough and all, the goal is to keep your opponent you’re tired, you may need to ‘catch that from scoring while helping your own whip’ and be propelled forward. Check team score. your support system. Team Jesus! We During a play recently, I was are victorious. (1 Cor. 15:57) running out of steam. I could barely keep going. A teammate noticed and she reached her arm out towards me. I grabbed her hand and she gave me a ‘whip.’ It’s what I needed during a difficult time. www.gogirlpreach.com

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a lesson learned | chaplain (maj) cliff vicars, d.min

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TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Several years ago, I arrived at my new Army assignment just in time to attend the annual Christmas party. Everyone was dressed in civilian clothes, so I did not know who the people were as they came up to welcome me to Fort Jackson. One fellow approached me and struck up a conversation, and eventually asked me, “Are you in shape?” I jokingly responded by saying, “I guess so if round is a shape.” Little did I know the gentleman asking the question was the Brigade Commander.

The Army stresses physical fitness, and the Commander failed to see the humor in my answer.

Still, Paul was older than Timothy, and it is reasonable to assume that Timothy was in better physical condition than his older mentor. However, the older Believer wanted to remind Timothy to have his priorities in The Scriptures the right place. We talk about physical should take care of It is easy for us to see these fitness. However, our physical bodies, words and to think we do not what it has to say but not to the need to do anything to enhance can leave people detriment of our wondering how much our physical fitness. spiritual condition. emphasis they should We should not put on keeping their let the gym body in physical become our place shape. of worship, and we should not let physical beauty become the goal of our lives.

The Apostle Paul wrote to his young friend Timothy, “Bodily exercise profits little” (1 Tim. 4:8). It is easy for Our body is the “temple of us to see these words and to think we the Holy Spirit.” We should honor do not need to do anything to enhance God by taking care of the physical our physical fitness. dwelling He has given to us. One day, we will trade in these bodies for something better, but until then, we However, we should note that have a responsibility to take care of Paul said, “Bodily exercise profits…”

God’s dwelling place.

In the Scripture, Apostle Paul gave a general summary of what we should Dr. Vicars is a native of South Carolina and serves as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army. He lives at Fort Benning, Georgia with his wife Sharon and sons Will and Charlie.

to know Jesus Yes, Iaswant my personal Savior.

expect from working out, especially when viewed over the long course of life. However, working out will not prevent wrinkles or slow down receding hairlines. As well, broccoli does not become more appealing than chocolate after a two mile run or a long walk.

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

26 | WINTER 2012 | WWW.RENEWEDMAGAZINEONLINE.COM

When God calls your name, will you be ready to answer and to enjoy the gift of eternal life? If you are unsure, pray this simple prayer of salvation and begin to enjoy your new-found life in Christ. Confess with your mouth, believe in your heart, and receive the free gift of salvation.

CONFESS THIS SIMPLE PRAYER

Father, I know I have broken Your commandments and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry. I am making this decision today to turn away from my past sinful life and live a life in true obedience to You. Please forgive me and help me avoid sinning again. I believe your Son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer.

I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

the church can do, and because people are still fearful of becoming infected themselves, they don’t want to start a ministry.

Some do not want to address this issue because it means you have to talk about sex and sexuality. Yet, God made us as sexual beings. Having a discussion about sex and sexuality is probably one of the most helpful conversations we can have in the church today when sexuality is so confused and broken. I believe these are some of the reasons the church avoids it.

Still at the end of the day, what I think about it isn’t all that important. However, how did Jesus respond to what would have been considered the worst disease of the day—leprosy? When Jesus met a man [having leprosy] who came to find Him, the man kneeled down in front of Jesus and said “If you are willing, you can make me clean (Mk. 1:40-42) Jesus, stood there looking at the man was filled with compassion—not revulsion, not fear, not judgment, not distaste, not rejection— but was filled with compassion. He didn’t ask the man, what did you do wrong or was this your fault? He simply looked at the man, and being filled with compassion, He touched him.

People may tell us their story. They may even tell us how they became infected. But in some ways that doesn’t matter nearly as much as how we should reach out with God’s compassion and offer the healing that He allows us to offer. That’s our responsibility.

RM: What are some of the stories you’ve witnessed as you have traveled to many countries advocating in regards to HIV/AIDS? Warren: There is one story that is unforgettable to me. It is about the very first woman I met who was HIV positive.

I was in Mozambique and I asked to meet with people who were HIV positive. We drove a very long way out into an isolated area. We got out of our car and started walking towards a giant tree far in the distance. As we got closer, I saw a woman lying underneath that tree. Her name was Joanna (Portuguese pronunciation). She and her husband were both HIV positive and when their village found out, they kicked them out because they were very afraid of them. Joanna had an aunt in another little village who agreed to take care of them. However, when Joanna and her husband started living in that other village, mysteriously, their little stick hut burned down.

So Joanna was living underneath this tree. She was near death when I met her. She was emaciated, skeletal, and she had unrelenting diarrhea. She was just

in terrible shape. When her aunt saw us coming, she took a piece of plastic and spread it out on the ground. Joanna tried to get up to walk towards us, but she couldn’t. She fell. She tried crawling on her arms and her knees, but she collapsed. I watched as her aunt picked her up and dragged her over to that piece of plastic. I’ll never forget the sight of this dying, homeless woman living under a tree who was offering me, an American, hospitality. She welcomed me to her home which was under that tree. My mind was filled with horror because all I could think of was God what have you gotten me into?

I didn’t know what to say to this woman.

What does the Gospel mean to a dying woman who’s living underneath a tree?

Where is the good news God? I don’t get this. There was nothing at all in my life [as someone who’s been raised in a pastor’s home, attended Bible College, and married to a pastor] that had prepared me to talk to her. My mind went blank.

Then, a woman who was with me and had lived there for a while showed me how to get down on the piece of plastic with Joanna. She showed me how to put my arms around her and just talk to her. I told her yes, this life had been really hard and cruel, but this was not the end. I told her God loved her and that she mattered. I shared with her that God was aware of her pain, her suffering, and that He had sent us that day to be His arms around her to remind her that while this life was hard, Jesus Christ had died for her. There was a home waiting for her in heaven with no pain, no sorrow, no stigma, and no rejection.

I imagined Joanna must have died a few weeks after that. I have her picture here in my office, and I see it everyday when I come to work. She reminds me of the millions of men, women, and children around the world who are dying

today, rejected and alone, abandoned by family, abandoned by their community, and abandoned by their church. From the grave she calls out to us to not allow this to happen, or to not allow others to die alone and abandoned, but we as His church bring them in.

There were pastors standing around that day praying for her. At first that was comforting to me, but then I began to think. Why did they let her die underneath this tree? Wasn’t there anyone who would take her in? Wasn’t there anyone who would allow her to die with dignity in a home and in a bed? Why did she have to die underneath a tree?

RM: What is the motivation to get involved?

Warren: I believe it is the church that holds out the answer. The church is the only organization that’s scattered across the face of the globe. Governments come and go, but the church remains. The church is God’s visible representation in this world. Col. 1: 15 says, “Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God.” Today, we are His visible image. How would Joanna have known that God had not forgotten her unless someone who names the name of Jesus was willing to be His arms, His hands, and His feet for her.

How will the orphaned children know that they have not been abandoned unless we open our hearts, our homes and we bring them in? How do we make this invisible God visible if it is not through our responses when we see the brokenness and the suffering of our fellow human beings?

The church is God’s tool. There’s a place for government. There are things that only the government can do. There’s a place for philanthropy. There’s a place for the church that no one else can take.

cont’d pg. 30

love notes | for couples

LEAVE THE BAGGAGE! So, you’ve got a little baggage you’re bringing along with you? That is perhaps drama from an ex-boyfriend [or girlfriend], a bad credit history, or an unfulfilled dream. But let’s be honest. We’re all individuals with our own history—good or bad. Yet, when it comes to creating an enjoyable and successful marriage, there are a few things you have to leave behind. Below are a few steps to help you identify and to release the excess baggage that may be accompanying you and your spouse on your trip to happily-ever-after.

ADMIT THAT YOU HAVE BAGGAGE. There is no sense in hiding it and after some time, old baggage has a way of just showing up. Be honest and open. Tell him about all of your past failed relationships and allow him an opportunity to respond. Through your admission and honesty, you can now begin to work on releasing the baggage together.

FIND THE SOURCE. Before any tree can be completely removed, its roots must be identified first. Travel back in time with your spouse and/or with a trusted relationship counselor or pastor. Try to identify when the “baggage” begin. If it’s an unfulfilled dream or commitment, it must be acknowledged. If not, you may continue to feel the emotional baggage that’s associated with thoughts of failure, disappointment, and resentment. Getting to the root will help ensure it’s completely gone.

RECOGNIZE THAT YOU’RE HEADED TOWARDS BETTER. If you’re with the love of your life, it should only get better from here. Yet, how many times do we feel we’re missing out because we have moved on?

Learn to enjoy your “now” and be excited about the future that’s ahead with her.

TIME TO SHIFT. Although change doesn’t occur overnight, you still have to make an effort to change. If you’re re-establishing your credit, do a little research to learn what areas need the most improvement such as eliminating credit cards or saving a little here and there. Work with your spouse to be pro-active on moving forward and making changes.

Creating small steps towards the bigger goal is a great place to start.

The greatest of any marriage never starts that way. It is a test of time, trial, and error, and a desire to have a fulfilling future together.

Bringing baggage from your past experiences into your marriage can have not only devastating but undesirable effects on your relationship.

So, it’s time to say out with the old and in with the new.

“Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate”(Mk 10:9).

Want to Spotlight Your Marriage?

Download Our Married Couples Form From Our Website.

28 | WINTER 2012 | WWW.RENEWEDMAGAZINEONLINE.COM

ens ance (Fitch) Biv st on C & h et n Ken Were married on July 5,1980 in Honolulu, HI followed by a beautiful honeymoon in Waikiki. Kenneth is employed with Jacobs Technology and Constance is a Life Coach. This couple has 4 children: Anton, Kenneth Jr., Emmanuel, and Jack.

What has been the key to your lasting relationship?

The key to our success has been our faith in God and communication. We are committed to sharing everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Additionally, we are the best of friends and we enjoy spending time together.

e When my wife and I got married, I was Hsaid standing at the altar cool, calm, and

collected. I was excited as I awaited the arrival and for the entrance of my beautiful bride. There was not a bit of nervousness in me or an ounce of sweat that could be seen beyond the extra sweating from the lotion I had put on just minutes before the ceremony. Still, I was excited and I was elated. After a few song selections, prayers, and acknowledgments, there she stood. I immediately begin to think about how great the responsibility marriage would be, but again, no sweat as I was prepared and ready to embrace her for as long as she would live. She was only 18 years old and I was looking forward to the many years to come.

Think again! On the day of our he right.

Ssaid wedding, it seems as if everything that Cool, calm, and collected…yeah

could go wrong did. The bridesmaids were late, the organ stopped working, and the musician was no longer available.

Still, with so much going on, I was the one who remained cool and calm. Finally after many interruptions, the ceremony began and I walked slowly down the aisle. As I approached the altar, the very first thing I noticed was my future husband standing at the altar sweating profusely.

It was pouring like rain. He looked so nervous that I wasn’t sure if he would still be there at the altar once I arrived. Needless to say, it’s been 32 years and I am so thankful that he stayed at the altarsweaty and all.

masterpieces

The Dove Award winning, Chris August releases his sophomore album with a thought provoking title track. A humble project full of self-reflective tunes that reflect a craving of servitude; with moving selections like “Unashamed of You” and “Restore.” Chris openly shares true moments of worship that have a natural way of pulling at your heart causing you to follow suit. Having created the project in the wake of an accident, this album’s tone reveals pain turned to joy that can only come when God steps in to change your life.

Available for $11.99 from christianbook.com

RUNNING TO WIN THE RACE Are you growing in your faith and walk with the Lord, or are you at a standstill?

Running to Win the Race can help.

Authoress, Jesten Peters sounds a call back to the basics of our Christian faith.

This literary work carefully guides men and women to lay the foundation– precept upon precept, and line upon line– insightfully “connecting the dots” of the Word of God. Running to Win the Race also covers how we can get our hearts and minds ready to receive the Word, taking the keys of the Word and applying them in our everyday lives.

Contact 813-681-1379 or jesten@keysofauthorityminitries.org $9.95 plus shipping.

BEAUTY FOR ASHES With a powerful movement of youthful artists on the rise, Erica Cumbo is no stranger to the ministry of song. Erica introduces her debut album with a force. Displaying a burning desire to reach teens and young adults, she meets them where they are breaking down profound Biblical principals into everyday language.

Erica challenges us all to live for Christ; cleverly crossing genres of POP, R&B, Jazz, Rap and even Rock to spread bold messages of sexual purity and living a righteous life. Many have been waiting for a voice like this.

Available for $8.99 from Amazon.com or $9.90 through iTunes

Using the NKJV Bible, find the missing words hidden in the word search puzzle. “

If you ________ the ________ in these things, you will be a good ________ of Jesus Christ, ________ in the words of ________ and of the good ________ which you have carefully ________. But reject ________ and old wives’ ________, and ________ yourself toward ________. For ________ exercise profits a little, but godliness is ________ for all things, having ________ of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

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puzzle answer pg. 5

Hint: 1 Tim. 4:6-8

THE UPSIDE OF DOWN

| kymberli roberts

The government doesn’t represent God. The government is not the visible image of an invisible God. Business is not the visible image of an invisible God. The church—you and me—as individual Christians bear His name.

We bear His mark in our lives. We are the visible image of the invisible God. We make Him known.

RM: What has been the biggest lesson you had to overcome in pursuit of the HIV/AIDS Initiative?

Warren: Apathy and judgment. It’s prevalent. It’s insidious. I think most Christians aren’t aware of the depth of apathy in their own hearts and the depth of judgment that stands in the way. Money has been and will always be a problem. But money comes when there’s a determination to do God’s work His way. Sometimes we don’t like to be around sick people. Let’s be honest. The only time most of us really care about those who are sick is when we get sick or someone we love is sick. Then, our world narrows down to that place of disability, illness, or suffering and all of a sudden it matters. Yet, when it’s someone else, it doesn’t matter to us nearly as much.

When Jesus spoke in Matthew 25 He commended them for clothing Him when He was naked and visiting Him in prison.

The disciples were puzzled. What? When were you naked and we put clothes on you?

When did we visit you in prison? Then, Jesus says that really familiar part “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did

it for me.” Unfortunately, most of us stop there. However, in the rest of the story Jesus tells them and when you didn’t clothed the naked, when you didn’t visit those in prison, when you didn’t take care of the sick, when you didn’t get that cup of cold water, you didn’t do it for me. What Jesus is saying is not only do you get credit for doing it in my name, but when you don’t do it, it’s like you’re withholding it from me. This really disturbs me. I don’t want to withhold my love for Jesus Christ. If I really want to demonstrate my love for Him, it’s not how much money I give or how many times I’m at church. It’s not about how many Bible verses I memorize or how many tracts I pass out at a restaurants when I visit. What really counts in showing my love for Him is that when I care for the sick, when I care for the vulnerable, and when I care for the weak.

That’s when I’m telling Jesus I love Him. No, I wasn’t there to give Him a cup of water when He hung on the cross. I wasn’t there to ease His suffering, but when I give it to this brother or to this sister in His name, I am easing His need. This is what increases my motivation.

This is a ministry that will break your heart, and it will open a flood of joy in your heart at the same time. I’ve never cried more, never wept more, and my heart has never been broken so much than as an advocate for people with HIV/AIDS. Yet, I have come to understand the fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ that I didn’t know before, and we can make Him known by caring in Jesus’ name.

1 www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/8334.cfm, 2 http://www.avert. org/worldstats.htm, 3 http://www.npr.org

www.RenewedMagazineOnline.com/partners