Rhema Magazine Issue 27

$1.99 NOV / DEC 2016

Senior Pastor of Zion Church Ministries Everett, MA

Colin Kaepernick Kneeling for Justice Sharing the Love of Jesus During the Holiday Season What Have You Done For You Lately? www.rhemamagazine.com

The History of the Influenza Virus RHEMA SPOTLIGHT

Franklin Hobbs

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NOV/DEC 2016

FEATURES 05 Sharing the Love of Jesus During the

Holiday Season 17 Colin Kaepernick Kneeling for Justice

Story Bishop Robert G. Brown 20 Cover Senior Pastor of Zion Church Ministries

Everett, MA

31 “Knock Knock...”

SECTIONS 04 12 14 16 24 27 28 30 33 34

Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Family Matters RHEMA Teen Focus RHEMA Senior Center RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Business RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Showcase RHEMA Word

Disclaimer Rhema is published every other month.

No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Magazine can not be held liable for any error in any advertisement and any liability is limited to the total cost of the advertisement in error. The publisher however reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed offensive or inappropriate. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are strictly those

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of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rhema Magazine. Rhema Magazine takes reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information. However we will not assume liability for the opinions or statements nor the accuracy of the authors. We also reserve the right to edit information we deem inappropriate for this magazine.

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ebrews 13:15 (KJV) “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

There is no doubt in my mind how important it is to praise God. I have sat through countless sermons, bible studies and prayer meetings where I was reminded of the importance of praise. To praise God in spite of my circumstances is one of my primary duties. I know it is imperative that I do not allow my mood or feelings to dictate whether I praise God or not.

In my heart, I know this.

sacrificial act. The sacrificial praise is trusting that even in those times when things seem hopeless, God will come through. It’s in those times when I praise Him in spite of, just like Job did when he lost it all.

The holidays are fast approaching.

We all have plans, including, dinner menus, travel and gifts lists. However, let us not forget the greatest gift that we have ever received- the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This gift from God warrants our continual, sacrificial and perpetual praise.

The sun does not stop shining.

However, honestly some days I don’t feel like it. Some days, I am weary or lazy or just preoccupied. It’s on those days that I am most grateful for His words that remind me that my praise needs to be continual.

This means that I should praise God not because of how I feel but in spite of how I feel. If I want to experience continual joy, then I must offer continual praise to Him. Not only should my praise be continual but it needs to also be a RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

To RHEMA readers, contributors, and advertisers, I cannot express enough how much your support means to us. To the RHEMA staff, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and prayers. We wish you peace and abundant blessings for this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! We will see you in the New Year as we continue to praise God together.

Be blessed!

Valerie Brown rhemamagazine.com 4

By Jessica Johnson Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the biggest holidays that we celebrate each year. We gather together with friends and family. We laugh and talk with one another.

There is plenty of food to go around because people make various dishes to prepare for such a joyous time with the ones we love.

These two holidays brings out the best in each of us. We feel peace in our spirits and enjoy being in one another’s presence. For some people, they look forward to these holidays because it is the one time out of the year that they get to visit with their friends and family if they live out of state or even out of the country.

Thanksgiving is a time for us to think and reflect on what we are thankful for.

Although, this is something that we should do on a daily basis, people tend to do it more so on Thanksgiving. First and foremost we should give thanks to our Heavenly Father. Psalms 9:1 states, “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of your good deeds.”

Every day we have something to thank God for. The air we breathe, food on our table and a roof over our head. Thanksgiving is showing love and appreciation to God, giving Him the praise that He deserves.

Thanksgiving is also a good time to serve others who may be less fortunate. There are places to go to volunteer to feed the homeless. Volunteer at a pantry and hand out bags of food to those families who can’t afford to buy groceries and have a nice RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

cooked meal. These are some ways of sharing the love of Jesus. Having a heart like Jesus is what’s pleasing in His sight.

Christmas is a celebration that is one of the biggest and most important of them all.

Christ was meant to celebrate the birth of Christ. This is what makes this holiday so special. This isn’t about a Santa Claus or gifts or Christmas trees. It is about Jesus.

Jesus is our gift. He has blessed us with gifts that you can’t buy in a store or wrap in wrapping paper. His gifts are activated through our faith.

Christmas is a time to share and give from the heart. Just like Thanksgiving, Christmas is a time to gather with friends and family.

We share the love of Jesus during the Christmas season by donating coats and clothes to those in need. We often donate toys for children whose parents are unable to purchase them Sharing the love of Jesus doesn’t have to be monetary. It can be a simple, “Hello, how are you today?” His love could be demonstrated through your giving words of encouragement for someone going through. Sharing the love of Jesus also can be as simple as giving time or lending a listening ear.

As we celebrate this holiday season, let us remember to share the love of Jesus to others who are in need of His redeeming love. It was for this purpose that Christ came.

Also, always remember in ALL things give thanks to our Father in Heaven. rhemamagazine.com 5

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RHEMA MAGAZINE: CONTRIBUTORS Rhema: "A Greek word meaning "what is said."

In Christianity it is used in reference to the sayings of Jesus Christ."

Matthew 4:4 states"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every (Rhema) word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

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The History of the

Influenza Virus he “flu,” or Influenza, is one of the most common viruses to infect the human body. Many people have experienced the flu in one or more times in their lives. We are well aware of the signs, symptoms and feelings associated with the virus. Unfortunately, few people know of its deadly history. While we have vaccinations and medications for the virus and its different evolutions, this was not always the case.

In the early spring 1918, a wave of the flu virus occurred. This wave consisted of general flu symptoms like chills and fatigue that lasted for a few days. iUnfortunately, another wave arose during the fall of that year. During this wave, for reasons unbeknown to scientist, victims died within days or even hours after their symptoms had begun. The extreme symptoms were the cause of this where individuals’ skin turned blue and their lungs filled with fluids that caused them to suffocate.ii Even at its onset, the flu was and still is a highly contagious virus. From 1918-1919, the flu spread from Europe to the Americas and eventually to Asia.

Because this strand was said to begin in Spain, the strand is nicknamed the Spanish Flu. During this pandemic, approximately twenty to forty percent of the world’s population contracted this virus and of that figure 50 million people worldwide died. iii Nearly 675,000 people in the United States alone died during this period.

While the Spanish flu of 1918 was the deadliest flu incident, it is not the only worldwide flu pandemic.

There was another pandemic from 1957-1958 which was first identified in the Middle East. iv It RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

came to the United States in the summer of that year. Unfortunately, as students returned to school that fall, many contracted the virus which then caused their families to also become exposed. While vaccinations were being used during that time, around 69,000 Americans of all ages died due to that pandemic. The mildest outbreak hit from 1969-1972 causing around 34,000 American deaths.

This outbreak originated in Hong Kong. v The most recent outbreak was in 2009-2010, which was known as the H1N1 Virus. This virus began in April of 2009 and by that June, 19,000 Americans had been infected with that strand of the virus. The CDC estimates that 43 million to 89 million people were infected with H1N1 from April 2009 to April 2010. While there were many issues getting the necessary amounts of vaccinations for the strand to the many people who needed it, the vaccinations saved many lives. The estimated deaths from this outbreak spans from around 8,000 to 18,000. vii There has been much controversy involving the use of vaccinations for the flu virus. Many doctors recommend getting a yearly flu shot, especially if your work involves children or the elderly. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly in order to avoid the spread of germs.

The 1918 Flu Pandemic. History.com http://www.history.com/topics/1918-flu-pandemic

i

Ibid.

ii

Pandemic Flu History. Flu.gov http://www.flu.gov/pandemic/history/ iii

iv

Ibid.

v

Ibid.

vi

Ibid.

vii

Ibid.

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By Dr. Daniel Vassell very couple wants sexual happiness!

They want to release the tiger in them.

They want to enjoy the gift of sex.

On the other hand, some couples wonder if sex is a gift from God, and if it is, they think it is broken.

Yes, sex is a gift given to married couples to create together. Yes, create! Sex is something that couples create. However, sexual happiness in marriage is not designed to be attained only through the sexual acts but more through the process.

Sex is more than a physical exercise! It is through the regular sexual engagements that married couples are able to experience each other at the highest levels of intimacy humanly possible. God had so much in mind for husband and wife when He created sex. But, it does not come easily.

Sex is made for couples’ pleasure and for children.

Genesis 1:28 tells us to “Be fruitful and multiply.” It is also given for oneness – bonding. Genesis 2:24 says “the husband and wife will become one.”

Nothing else bonds couples together as one more physically, spiritually and emotionally than sex.

It provides comfort – as seen in 2 Samuel 12:24 for David when he lost his child. You just need the one who loves you to hold you and the healing begins. Finally, sex is for protection. According to 1 Corinthians 7, “It is better to marry than to burn with passion.”

Many couples would say that it is good knowing about these five reasons for sex, but that is not their problem. Married couples’ main problem with sex was learning how to navigate the sexual issues that topped the lists of their arguments. They wanted to learn ways to overcome the many hindrances such as: little or no communication; faulty expectations; unresolved issues and biggest of all, the vast differences between male and female sexuality.

The simplest cure to this is for you to choose to become an ongoing student of your spouse. If you want a deeply satisfying sex life, you must go back RHEMA RHEMAMAGAZINE: MAGAZINE:NOV/DEC NOV/DEC2015 2016

to the basics. Remember, God made men and women different sexually and creating a genuine intimacy requires vulnerability, effort, time and clever work.

Choose to grow sexually by knowing the sexual mindset of your spouse. You might say, “It is easier said than done.” True. But there is no alternative.

Brothers, here is a warning. Becoming a student of your wife is a very difficult feat because a woman’s sexuality is very complex. However, we must keep trying.

Begin the sexual journey by talking. Try to talk and pray together about your sex life at least once a week. Talk therapy works. It connects the soul and spirit and ultimately opens the door for more physical intimacy. A key point to remember is that good sex requires more brain power to enjoy the booty call!

Readers, please understand that men often view sex as a physical release and a way to reconnect with their wives but most women view on sex depend on what mood they are experiencing, environment and emotional connection. This knowledge should behoove couples to lay aside their own personal sexual desires and try to satisfy and fulfill their spouses’ desires.

Finally, the mystery of sex requires for couples to intentionally set apart time in their schedule for sex.

Some of your best cooked meals were planned.

Keep practicing sex. It gets better with frequency.

You won't have a great sex life unless you make it a priority to actually work on intimacy together.

God has given us five types of love to operate in our marriages. Join me in making a commitment that we will take an inventory on a regular basis to make sure that those five types of love are taking place in our relationships.

Dr. Daniel and Jenny Vassell are the authors of “The Love Factor in Marriage for Couples and Pre-Marriage.”

Email: lovefactorinmarriage@gmail.com rhemamagazine.com rhemamagazine.com1414

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Rhema Magazine would like to acknowledge all of the teens chosen for our Teen Focus column.

We celebrate and congratulate you all for your hard work and outstanding achievements!

Sept/Oct 2015

Nov/Dec 2015

Jan/Feb 2016

March/April 2016

Jaheem Toombs Actor

Anthony Terrell Johnson Tennis Player

Arriel Hall Praise & Worship Psalmist

Milton Harris Entreprenur

May/June 2016

The Young Achievers Debaters

RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

July/Aug 2016

Sept/Oct 2016

Jahi Tracy Junior Olympic Gold Fencer

LeFaith D. Massaquoi Author, Actor, Singer & Poet rhemamagazine.com 16

Colin Kaepernick Kneeling for Justice

BY WILLIAM E. DICKERSON JR. | PASTOR AND OVERSEER

acism and violence have been in our nation since its inception. In fact, the indigenous people of this nation known as the American Indians were violently stripped of their land and killed by those who promote patriotism. However, if we do not deal with the sins of the past our nation will never heal of its violence and racism against people of color.

This year we watched Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback for the San Francisco Giants, kneeling during the national anthem at the start of the National Football League games. Colin stood up by kneeling. He did it during a time that many people in this nation hold dear during the singing of the national anthem. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was written by Francis Scott Key who was a slave owner. There's a phrase in the national anthem which states, “the land of the free and the home of the brave". The land of the free clearly was not referring to those of us from the African diaspora.

It was recently stated that Collin Kaepernick is one of the most hated man in America.

However, as a man of God and proud Black man, I knew that this commentator was not referring to the sentiment of the NFL’s Black fans. There are many in this nation who hate what Colin stood for. He stood for what is right, just and fair for all people regardless of the color of their skin.

Moreover, a few other athletes on the professional and collegiate levels have shown solidarity. These athletes are kneeling in support of all the families RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

whose unarmed loved ones were shot and killed by police. My heart goes out to homicide victims whether civilians or police. However, the hypocrisy of our nation is whenever civilians shoot the police, there is more of a sense of urgency for justice to prevail.

As believers in Jesus Christ, Christians should promote peace -but we must not be afraid to deal with the demonic influences that are causing unarmed Black men to be gunned down. When there are black-on-black homicides, the Black community is always upset. This outrage later intensifies when men and women who are sworn to protect and serve our communities violate their duties by turning on those whom they have sworn to protect.

As concerned Christians, we should never be afraid to speak up for what is right. The Bible states in Proverbs 14:30: “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” I applaud the courage of Colin Kaepernick and other athletes who have joined him in this peaceful protest. This year, two Black female students Meggie and Kylie called out racism in the Boston Latin School. Due to their activism all the other Boston Public Schools must work to improve the racial climate within the schools.

Colin Kaepernick has been kneeling mainly to expose unarmed Black men being targeted and killed by police. Let's do what we can to support those who are supporting all of us in the name of peace and justice. rhemamagazine.com 17

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20 Years of Service

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here is only one work of the church, and that work is Evangelism!” Those who are disciples of Christ at Zion Church Ministries have heard that phrase over and over again, because it is the mantra of Bishop Robert G. Brown, who has pastored there for 35 years. While many people of Christian faith realize the truth in this statement, few live it out in their lives and in their ministries the way Bishop Brown does. For him, these words guide, strengthen, focus, center, determine and shape his ministry and his vision, as the Holy Spirit brings utterance, power and reality to both.

Bishop Brown teaches and preaches that the work of God’s people is the work of evangelism and discipleship: one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. Four Scriptures epitomize the philosophy of his faith and ministry: John 3:16; Psalm 23; Daniel 3 and Matthew 19:20-21.

Bishop Robert G. Brown, one of three children of Robert and Clementine Brown, grew up in Roxbury, MA. His parents were church-going and God-fearing people who attended Concord Baptist Church, while his grandmother, aunt and uncles were Pentecostals. Through the combined exposure to two different faith environments, Bishop Brown developed a solid Christian foundation and broad biblical understanding. As a result, Bishop Brown’s ministry focuses on the power of God to transform lives and on the church’s mission of evangelism and discipleship.

Bishop Brown’s ministry is guided and centered on this work and is evidenced in his preaching, teaching, leadership and service to the Church and the community-at-large. Bishop Brown studied in the Boston Public Schools until high school, where attended Milton High School. After RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

graduating from high school, Bishop Brown earned degrees from Wentworth Institute of Technology and Boston University in Electrical Engineering. He later earned a Master’s of Christian Education degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Bishop Brown worked for New England Telephone, WLVI-TV, played the bass guitar and sang as part of the 1970’s group, the Indigos, and used his entrepreneurial skills to establish and operate his own travel and insurance companies.

Bishop Brown’s Christian experience was primarily developed at Concord Baptist Church, in Boston, MA. In the late 1970’s, God’s calling on his life was accepted and was licensed to preach at Concord Baptist Church under the pastorate of The Rev. Dr. Coleman. After a year of being the “pulpit supply preacher and interim pastor,” at Zion Baptist Church, located in Everett, MA, Bishop Brown was installed as pastor in 1981 and began developing his ministry at a church one-tenth the size of Concord.

While he knew that there would be some challenges in affecting change at Zion, Bishop Brown quickly found out that leading and pastoring a small congregation was no easy task.

He understood that his ministry and leadership could only be effective if his relationship and partnership with God was strong and intact and his prayer life was consistent and effectual. So, he prayed his way to implementing changes that rhemamagazine.com 20

removed the challenges, while providing education and training to build up God’s people and developing and nurturing meaningful and purposeful ministries. Bishop Brown also developed community partnerships and influence, so that the church would become an agent of social change.

Bishop Brown’s prayers were heard. God sent preachers and teachers to Zion to assist Bishop Brown, who then began the work of growing the congregation spiritually, numerically and financially. When the congregation outgrew the building in which it worshipped, a larger building was purchased and Zion Baptist Church became Zion Church Ministries in order to support a changing community of citizens who were coming from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Outreach programming resulted in ministries providing food and clothing to the needy and poor; after-school tutoring; support to abused women; street evangelism; an annual Community-in-Unity Block Party providing free food, health screenings, and amusements for children and adults; an annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner in partnership with Mass B.A.D.G.E. and the City of Everett; ESL classes; Bible Institute classes; and more.

Bishop Brown’s focus on the ministry of evangelism has led the church to programming that serves as outreach to the citizens in the City of Everett, a growing community of international and ethnic populations. The Evangelism Ministry team goes out on the streets weekly to spread the Gospel message; share testimonies; pass out tracts and pray with and for those in need. In addition, monthly services are held to communicate the message of salvation and deliverance to those who are yet lost to the Grace of salvation, including a once-a-year service held in a local park. The Community-in-Unity Block Party serves as a connection program, linking citizens of the city to the Church through fellowship, fun, free food, free health screenings and musical entertainment.

Education is also a cornerstone of Bishop Brown’s ministry. The church offers programming for educating, equipping and training the congregaRHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

tion and people in the surrounding communities through Disciple’s Hour Bible Studies; men’s and women’s bible studies; the Covenant Christian Bible Institute, which offers diploma and certificate coursework and conferences, workshops, seminars, and retreats. To address an increasingly international and multicultural community’s need for learning the English language, ESL classes are offered twice a week. For those needing to learn how to cook and prepare healthy and affordable meals, the Daily Bread Cooking Class is offered. Ultimately, educational offerings at Zion Church Ministries are intended to empower individuals to fulfill the Great Commission – the thrust of Bishop Brown’s leadership and ministry.

Bishop Brown continues to pray about a growing congregation and the next facility God will provide for their work to expand. He prays about evangelism and its impact on a changing community where crime is elevating, particularly among youth and young adults. He prays about teen employment and pregnancies. He prays about the homeless, drug addicts and opioid addictions, and ways of ministering to and supporting newly released inmates.

He prays about senior citizens, their healthcare and housing situations. He prays about and preaches the Message of Salvation and Deliverance, knowing that prayer changes things and that “this dying world needs to know that there IS a living Savior…and His name is Jesus the Christ!”

In professional capacities, Bishop Brown has served as President of the United Baptist Convention of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire; President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Boston & Vicinity; President of the Congress of Christian Education for the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.; and President of Upon This Rock Ministries. Currently, he is the Presiding Prelate of the Covenant Christian Church Alliance; President of the Covenant Christian Bible Institute; Board member of Eagle Bank, Portal to Hope, and Zion Community Outreach; Chaplain for the Everett Police Department; a member of the Mayor of Everett’s Advisory Council; and the President and CEO of RGB Ministries, LLC and RGB World Enterprises. rhemamagazine.com 21

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ABy Harriet Place of Honor Holder s we start making plans for the holiday season, we should start thinking about how we can honor our senior relatives. God loves to honor His people and we should do the same. When Mordecai saved King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther, God allowed him to ride a horse of honor before his people so that the people could see how the king would honor a man.

The word honor means, “distinction; high respect; esteem; privilege and recognition.” God wants us to recognize that our senior relatives need to be respected, not just at the holiday season but throughout the year. They need to feel that they are loved and are in a place of distinction and esteem.

As generations change, we can see a lack of respect for the seniors and for their wisdom. The Bible says in Titus, “Let the older teach the younger,” and also in the Book of Joel it states, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” This shows that the older and younger generations RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

need each other for the manifestation of God’s words.

The seniors are the ones who pioneered your families into their traditions, including getting the family together for holiday dinners. At your family gatherings, go around the table and ask each family member to say something that they are thankful for during the Thanksgiving season. It can be as simple as stating that you are grateful that God has brought you through the year so that you are still alive and well.

Please make sure you include your senior family members and neighbors in your plans for the family holiday meals, whether it is for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year. We usually celebrate our Christmas holidays with a dinner on Christmas Eve, a family breakfast on Christmas morning, and ending with huge family dinner on Christmas night.

We would eat together, pray together, and love upon each other to let our family members know that we appreciate them.

Let us love upon our senior relatives, and give them a seat of honor at our family gathering this holiday season. Eat with them and pray with them. rhemamagazine.com 24

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Pastor Franklin

Hobbs

orn in the ministry, Pastor Franklin Hobbs is the son of Bishop Franklin Hobbs and Co- Pastor Carolyn Hobbs.

He is the first-born son of 13 children.

Pastor Hobbs was raised with spiritual morals.

However, he stepped away from them for a while but was able to recognize the difference between spiritual and worldly values.

Pastor Hobbs was diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS, which sparked his interest in HIV/AIDS prevention. He took that a step further, by taking the role as an Outreach Educator with the Men’s AIDS Leadership and Education Services (M.A.L.E.S) at Dimock Community Health Center in Boston. He volunteers and serves on different boards and has worked with multiple organizations in different leadership positions.

Pastor Hobbs was the first African American with HIV/AIDS to participate in RIDE FAR, a 500-mile bike ride where he raised funds for the M.A.L.E.S Program.

Pastor Hobbs serves under the leadership of Pastor Bruce Wall, who is Senior Pastor, Founder and CEO of Global Ministries Christian Church and Boston Praise Radio and TV Network as an Associate Pastor of Global Ministries Christian Church and a broadcaster and Assistant Station Manager for Boston Praise Radio and TV Network.

He is a graduate of Ezra Institute of Apologetics and Caleb International Ministries. Currently, Pastor Hobbs continues to serve and ministers in different organizations, including Healing Our Land Ministries, of which he is the founder and CEO. Under the umbrella of Healing Our Land ministries, Pastor Hobbs serves in a wide range of programs such as: Prison Ministry Under this ministry portion of Healing Our Land, RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

Pastor Hobbs: •Registered 150 incarcerated persons to vote.

•Corresponded with the incarcerated, reading their mail and praying for their concerns •Conducted Disciples Leadership Studies •Supported and help those who were released to be housed, employed and meet the church family at Global Ministries Christian Church.

Pastor Hobbs reaches the nation and those who are incarcerated daily during various broadcasting times while simulcasting on Boston Praise Radio and TV Network. This kind of outreach is also evident during Church of the Midnight Hour where the incarcerated can tune in and get hope, inspiration and share in an intimate relationship with God. Celebrate Recovery This is the latest activity that Pastor Hobbs is working on and with is Hurts Habits and Hang-ups.

To celebrate recovery is to fellowship and rejoice in God’s healing power in the lives of those who have recovered from addiction through the twelve steps and eight recovery principles.

Community Pastor Hobbs serves the elderly, disabled, mentally challenged, underserved and addicts through sharing and having an authentic intimate relationship with God and each other.

They meet for prayer and Bible studies at the Kelly House located at 10 Ellet Street Dorchester MA. Pastor Hobbs is ever willing to inspire, share hope with and to minister to those who seek to have an authentic relationship with God. rhemamagazine.com 27

aybe this is a question you need to ask yourself. With the holidays quickly approaching, many people will focus much of their attention and financial resources on serving and providing for others. I often say that this is also the best time for you to assess what you are going to do for yourself financially.

More often than not, I will ask a large group of financial education seminar attendees, “Who is the most important person in the room?� Nine times out of ten they will get it right and point to themselves. Yes, they are the most important person in the room.

People may sometimes decide to forgo paying insurance premiums in order to afford a major holiday purchase. If this is an option that you are considering then perhaps you cannot truly afford the items and perhaps you may need to reconsider your financial priorities.

Several years ago, I had a client who struggled to successfully manage their financial priorities on a tight budget. My client chose to pay a number of optional expenses versus paying their life insurance premiums, only to have the insurance lapse. Sadly in my client’s case the client passed away without life insurance coverage.

This is a well- known adage: If you cannot take RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

care of yourself, how well can you take care of others?

When traveling by plane, part of the safety presentation says that in the event of the loss of cabin pressure an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first, and then assist the other person.

The same must be said when handling your personal finances during the holidays. This would be the time of the year for you to remain mindful of your personal financial-savings programs. If you are building up your emergency fund, you must stay the course. You may wish to make a conscious decision to not over spend during this holiday period.

Let this serve as your personal reminder to consider scaling back large purchases that might derail your financial progress in other areas. The upcoming holiday season should be filled with much joy and happiness. At the same time, please remember to financially take care of the most important person in the room you.

Nicholas T. Josey

Financial Education Consultant info@vincita.org www.vincita.org Engage Educate and Empower

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Written by David Carruthers, Author of Kill Your Giants & REACTORS “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)

“

nock, knock …”

“Who’s there?”

“It’s us,” the Media replies, “but were’ already in. You see, we have studied the psychology of the mind and we have found that there are several ways to win over the attitudes of people. One is that we understand that it takes some ‘Nos’ to get one ‘Yes.’ Therefore, we bombard you with the same product and service offerings until you say ‘Yes.’ “Another,” continued the Media “is that we limit your choices. Research shows that fifty percent of how we learn is through what we see and hear. This means that if we keep showing you highlights of the same messages with catchy phrases and music along with attractive people that it is inevitable that you’ll buy and purchase. So, if we have control of over your eye and ear gates via TV, this gives us incredible access to infiltrate sound doctrine and thinking.”

The Media continues to speak, “While we can’t control anybody’s behavior, we do know that we can influence it. The power of suggestion goes very far. Do you really think we will spend $300,000 on a thirty -second commercial to make you smile and be happy? No! You’re not that important.

However, our agenda is and we know that spending some time and money to manipulate your minds will give us huge dividends in return and will keep a lot of loyal customers for a long time because most people don’t renew their minds.

People look to television for escape from their current pain which means they don’t

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want to think.

We can provide them that escape at a monthly cost.”

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from serving as My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your sons.” Hosea 4:6 (King James Version) It is vital to understand that lazy thinking brings your defenses down. In contrast, diligent thinkers are not easily fooled. You must protect the doorways to your heart which are your ears, eyes and mouth. This means that we must watch the things we hear, see and say.

There are dark forces that have gotten much more aggressive over the years, so Christians can’t afford to be lazy in their behavior and what they allow themselves to watch and say. Many have been defeated by their own words. More now than ever we must pray for discernment because the devil is subtle. Forsake not the assembly of the saints and read the Bible for daily encouragement. Accompany yourself with mature believers and not gossipers. What you don’t know, asks someone, it could make the difference between emotional poverty and spiritual maturity. Become doers and not just hearers of the word.

Know that this spiritual fight is a good one, worthy of discipline and good action. Jesus has already won the battle for us but, we must do our part. Remember God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think according to the power that works within us. Let us work that power. rhemamagazine.com 31

Tommy Ford Transitions Home

By Michele Saunders

artin star and well-rounded actor, author, motivational speaker and entrepreneur Thomas Mikal “Tommy” Ford passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 in an Atlanta-area hospital surrounded by family, friends and colleagues after suffering complications from an aneurysm that ruptured in his abdomen on that prior Sunday. He was 52.

Photo Facebook.com/bigtommy

Martin Star

encouraging youth to make better life choices.

He wrote multiple children’s books: I Am Responsible for Me!, Stop the Violence! and the I AM Beautiful! book series. All can be found on Tommy’s website, www.tommygotajob.com.

Thomas Mikal Ford was born on September 5, 1964 in Los Angeles, California and raised in Long Beach by hard-working parents, his mom being a secretary and dad being a pipefitter. Both raised Tommy in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, for growing up, Tommy aspired to be a preacher.

Tommy was a fund-raiser and jewelry designer.

Tommy teamed up with famed jeweler Vivane Brazil Collections to raise awareness for breast cancer. The collaboration produced men’s jewelry from the “Tommy by Vivane Brazil Men’s Collection,” for men who, according to the website, www.IAMHelping.com “represent protection, prosperity and passion!”

While in high school, Tommy caught the acting “bug” after having performed in his high school plays. He shifted his focus and decided to become an actor instead. In 1985, Tommy earned an Associate of Arts degree from Long Beach City College. He later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Southern California.

Tommy had a line of ties. Tommy represented Tommy Ties by Verse 9 tie company. He sold a line of ties and reversible bow ties on his website, www.tommygotajob.com Tommy believed that young men should “groom for greatness.” He also held an annual Tommie-Tie Town Hall where older men were encouraged to teach younger men how to tie ties.

Tommy Ford Multifaceted Man

Tommy was a documentary and film producer.

Tommy produced Through My Lens: Art Is Life, a documentary on bullying in the African American community that aired in October on Aspire TV. He also has produced eight direct-to-DVD films, including: Beat Street Resurrection; Blues for Life; Addiction by Subtraction and Love Different that were released in 2016.

The other four films are yet to be released.

Tommy was a 30-year, active acting veteran of Hollywood. He had over 80 films and 200 TV episodes, nearly 100 theatrical performances, and numerous documentaries, publications, jewelry and fashion gear to his lifelong career’s credit. Tommy’s acting debut was in the short, 1986 film Deathly Realities. He played a police officer in a 1987 episode of Kate & Allie. In 1989, Tommy played in Harlem Nights alongside Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy. These roles set him on the path that would make him a household name.

In 1992, the big break came for Tommy through the role of “Tommy” on Martin, for which he was even nominated “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” in 1996 by the NAACP Image Awards. Tommy played on Martin from 1992 – 1997. He then played in a recurring role on New York Undercover and as Mel Parker in The Parkers with many additional roles in between these that have been listed.

Post Martin, Tommy not only acted on screen and off, but he was a motivational speaker, RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

Thomas Mikal “Tommy” Ford’s life was celebrated on October 20, 2016. His family, which included his two children, was surrounded by the love and support of other family members; Tommy’s fellow “Martin” cast mates, Tichina Arnold, Carl Michael Payne, II, Tisha Campbell-Martin and Martin Lawrence; entertainment industry colleagues and a host of loved ones and friends. Tommy is survived by his two children, son and daughter Thomas and Madison, and their mother, ex-wife Gina Marie Sasso, family, colleagues and friends.

Tommy’s life’s work has clearly demonstrated his Kingdom mindset. Tommy’s imprint will be long lasting and he will be sorely missed. rhemamagazine.com 32

https://www.facebook.com/bigtommyford/photos RHEMA MAGAZINE: NOV/DEC 2016

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Zechariah 14

New King James Version The Day of the Lord 1Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;The city shall be taken,The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle. 4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. 5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You. 6 It shall come to pass in that day that there will be no light; The lights will diminish.

7 It shall be one day Which is known to the Lord— Neither daynor night. But at evening time it shall happen that it will be light. 8 And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem,Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur.

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9 And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be— “The Lord is one,” And His name one. 10 All the land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem shall be raised up and inhabited in her place from Benjamin’s Gate to the place of the First Gate and the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.

11 The people shall dwell in it; And no longer shall there be utter destruction, But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

12 And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths. 13 It shall come to pass in that day that a great panic from the Lord will be among them. Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbor, And raise his hand against his neighbor’s hand; 14 Judah also will fight at Jerusalem.

And the wealth of all the surrounding nationsShall be gathered together: Gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance.15 Such also shall be the plague On the horse and the mule,On the camel and the donkey,And on all the cattle that will be in those camps.So shall this plague be. rhemamagazine.com 34

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