CITY OF COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
April 2014 Dear Drs. Herbert & Marcia Bailey, As Mayor of Columbia, it is my great pleasure to congratulate you and the Right Direction Church International Congregation on your 18th Anniversary. Your unwavering devotion both to your faith and to your community serves as an example for all of us and a testament to God’s grace. Our world is facing many serious issues today. But you and your congregation have proven time and again that if you trust God, love your family, and serve your community you can overcome any obstacle. Congratulations again on this wonderful celebration and thank you for being an example to us all. Sincerely,
Stephen K. Benjamin Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin 1737 MAIN STREET · P.O. BOX 147 · COLUMBIA, SC 29217 · PHONE: (803)545-3075 ·FAX: (803)733-8633
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COVER STORY A REFRESHED VISION
We are “a loving church.” The bible says “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost…” (Romans 5:5). At RDCI we endeavor to deliberately and consciously demonstrate the love that is in our hearts to everyone who comes onto our campus and to everyone we meet in the world. Jesus said that people will know that we are his disciples when they see his love in demonstration through us. - Dr. Herbert Bailey, Jr.
Direction For Life
FEATURES 5 7 11 13 16 19 20 21 23 24 25 26
LOCATIONS
Church History Columbia Campus Pastors’ History 3506 Broad River Road Learning God and Having Fun: Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 772-7979 Right Direction Children’s Ministry Turn Down For What? Orangeburg Campus BRIDGE MINISTRY: Equipping the Next Generation 990 Willington Drive for the Kingdom Orangeburg, SC 29218 (803) 531-7322 The Battle for Our Seed Welcome to E.P.I.C.: Experiencing Power In Christ Florence Campus 2540 Twin Church Road Direction Connection Partnership Timmonsville, SC 29161 RDCI Orangeburg and Florence Campuses (843) 407-5215 Reaching a New Generation “New Millennium” “Playing Your Position:” Volunteerism Administrative Offices Ministry of Missions 1234 St. Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29210 Seasoned Citizens (803) 798-1230
ON THE CALENDAR/F.Y.I. 9
2014 Conference Schedule/ RDCI TV and Radio Schedules
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18th Church Anniversary! We congratulate you on your
18th Anniversary The History of Right Direction Church International Updated by Mignon DeWalt
July 1995 - Pastor Bailey visits Columbia, South Carolina and hears from God to establish RDCC in Columbia Sept. 1995 - Pastors Herbert and Marcia Bailey, along with their four young children Chandler, Tyler, Daniel and Kindra, move over 700 miles away from family and friends to make Columbia their home Jan. 1996 - The ministry is born in the living room of Pastors Baileys’ rented home through a weekly Bible Study where the Bailey family along with three other adults and one child become the 10 charter members of RDCC April 1996 - RDCC holds its first worship service in the former Holiday Inn Express on St. Andrews Rd., where membership grew to 40 members Sept. 1996 - RDCC begins hosting its services in the Postal Workers Union Hall located at 4921 Broad River Rd., where the congregation grew to nearly 60 members June 1998 - RDCC relocates to 3801 River Drive March 2001 - RDCC acquired and relocated to its first property at 1230 St Andrews Rd., a 20,000 sq. ft. facility Dec. 2001 - Weekly Sunday attendance soared to over 600 people, with 300 people attending Wednesday Bible study. Pastor Marcia created Women’s Bible Study at noon on Fridays and the noonday “Wednesday Bible Break” was created Jan. 2003 - RDCC pays off the $850,000 balance on the 1230 St Andrews Rd property and enters the world of broadcasting by launching the Direction for Life television broadcast Feb. 2003- RDCC purchases 22 acres about a half-mile north of the St. Andrews Rd. location at 3506 Broad River Road Jan. 2004 - RDCC begins The Worship Center building project on the Broad River Road land, which included a new sanctuary boasting an innovative “sprung structure” design July 2004 - RDCC moves into the Worship Center, commemorated by a road-blocked march from the St Andrews Rd. location to the new sprung sanctuary Aug. 2004 - RDCC purchased the 20,000 sq. ft. business complex at 1234 St Andrews Rd., which now houses Right Direction’s administrative offices and The Hub Learning Center Dec. 2005 - RDCC pays the $2 million balance on the Worship Center at 3506 Broad River Rd. off in full, only 1.5 years from its completion. RDCC goes on to purchase an additional 17 acres on the property bringing the total to 40 acres Oct. 2006 - RDCC plants a campus in Orangeburg, South Carolina Nov. 2007 - Construction begins on the $4 million Family Life Center (FLC) project Oct. 2008 - The FLC, which hosts conferences, recreational events, community concerts, theatre productions and church fellowships, opens to the public Oct. 2010 - RDCC plants a campus in Florence, South Carolina Jan. 2011 - RDCC was renamed Right Direction Church International (RDCI), emphasizing its mission to “empower the world” Jan. 2014 - The vision and mission of RDCI is refreshed emphasizing empowerment through the teaching of faith principles, whole life prosperity and transformative thinking.
Church History
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The Journey of
FAITH The History of Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey Updated By Janet Parker
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hen Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey teach on divine purpose and destiny, they are not just sharing what they have heard or read in the Word, but what they have experienced along their ministry journey. Growing up in the housing projects of Jersey City, New Jersey, Dr. Bailey found refuge with his uncle and aunt, Bishop Scotland and Mother Bertha Bailey. He’d often attend church services with them. Dr. Bailey accepted Christ and began preaching and teaching the Word of God at the age of 12. After graduating from high school, he earned a degree in Sociology from Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he met Marcia Antoine who would later accept Dr. Bailey’s proposal and the two were married in 1985. In 1986, Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey relocated to Portland, Maine. During their six years there, the Baileys grew naturally, with the births of their three sons (Chandler, Tyler and Daniel). While in Maine, Dr. Bailey became the Assistant Pastor of the Williams Temple Church of God in Christ under Bishop Steve Coleman. It was also in Maine that God spoke to Dr. Bailey about Right Direction Ministries. While being prepared for pastoral ministry, Dr. Bailey had a successful career as an insurance claims adjuster. Led by God to accept a corporate relocation to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1992, the Baileys began attending Rhema Bible Church, and shortly thereafter, were blessed with their daughter, Kindra. In 1995, Dr. Bailey traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to interview for a management position to further advance his career. As he prayed to the Lord about the career opportunity, God instructed Dr. Bailey to “bring a refreshing” to His people in the greater Columbia area by establishing Right Direction
Christian Center in Columbia. Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey founded Right Direction Christian Center in April of 1996. In 2003, Dr. Bailey published his first book, Headed in the Right Direction, and in that same year, the Direction for Life television broadcast was launched, which currently airs weekly throughout the country. Using the internet via Streamingfaith.com, Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey share the Gospel with audiences throughout the world. There is no greater example of Right Direction’s international impact than the ministry’s partnership with Fountainhead Christian School in Ghana, West Africa, where children are educated and taught about Jesus Christ. Dr. Marcia’s Spiritual Women Awakening to Authority (SWATA) movement, birthed in 2006, ministers wholeness to women. As part of SWATA, My Sister’s Closet has been providing professional clothing and job skills training to women who have encountered economic hardship due to life circumstances. Drs. Bailey established campuses in Orangeburg, South Carolina in October of 2006 and Florence, South Carolina in October of 2010. In February 2011, Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey appointed Trey and Katie Brave as Campus Pastors of the Orangeburg Campus, where they faithfully continue to carry out Pastors Bailey’s vision for the ministry. In March 2012, Right Direction secured a church location in Timmonsville, South Carolina for the growing Florence Campus and in May 2013 appointed Dwayne and Denise White as the Campus Pastors of that location. The journey for Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey is far from over. As they prepare to birth more locations, and reach millions more, this journey is sure to be an exciting one.
Pastors’ History
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C O N F E R E N C E S
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2014
S P E C I A L
April 27th 18th Church Anniversary Celebration
December 24th Christmas Eve Service
June 13th-14th Men of Direction Men’s Conference
December 31st New Year’s Eve Service
E V E N T S
August 21st-23rd SWATA Women’s Conference
September 28th Founders’ Day Celebration Service October 26th Orangeburg Campus Celebration Service November 5th-7th Direction For Life Conference November 21st Single Women’s Service November 27th Thanksgiving Service
2014 Conference Schedule
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GOD Learning FUN A N D
H A V I N G
Right Direction Children’s Ministry By D’Jaris Lindsay Jenkins
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roverbs 22:6 tells us “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Here at Right Direction Church International we are taught skills to live successful lives through God’s eyes, skills to recognize the enemy’s schemes and devices and skills on how to always win against the enemy. Winning, however, does not just apply to adults, but to children as well. This is why we make sure our Rightly Directed children get the word at their level of understanding through Children’s Church. Children’s Church serves our children ages 6 weeks all the way to 6th grade.
INFANT TODDLER MINISTRY: Our infant ministry serves children 6 weeks - 23 weeks and our toddler ministry serves children ages 2 - 3 years old. This ministry is overseen by Sis. Geneva Currie who has been a member of RDCI since 2004. Since this age group doesn’t have a very long attention span, Currie states, “We engage them in 3 minute activities and repetitiously give them something they are familiar with through songs.” I guess this is why “I Love to Pat the Bible” is one of the hit songs in IT Ministry. All the kids are singing it! Even before they are talking, they are hearing over and over again God’s love for them. Tiaera Pritchett, who’s been a member of RDCI for a little under a year, says she knows her daughter is getting taught Godly principles especially when she comes home singing “I love to Pat the Bible.” PRESCHOOL MINISTRY: Our Preschool Ministry meets in the debt free Family Life Center. Overseen by Sis. Tonya Gamble, who’s been volunteering in preschool since 1997, the Preschool Ministry ministers to our children ages 3 to kindergarten on Sunday, Wednesday and any special services we may have. You can hear them loud and clear as they follow the teacher’s lead during confessions. We know that we have what we say, so the Preschool Ministry gets our preschoolers involved in confessing God’s best over their lives,
their parent’s lives, their teacher’s lives and our pastor’s lives. “We make it fun for them,” Gamble says. “We teach them how to love and follow Jesus and how to apply it on the playground at school or at home.” Frances Jones, whose daughter is in the Preschool Ministry, commented, “Iit’s a blessing that her daughter loves coming to church and gets excited about coming.” I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy preschool where praise and worship is live, loud and even mixes in their favorite game of freeze dance? CHILDREN’S CHURCH Children’s Church is held in the gym of our Family Life Center also on Sunday, Wednesday and any special services. This ministry is overseen by Minister Joyce Brown and serves our 1st through 6th graders. This age group is very vibrant and live, especially when you see them during praise and worship. They are also taught Godly principles such as praying, tithing, victory through Christ, praise, worship and many other principles to shape and guide them in the right direction. Rian Jenkins, whose son enjoys Children’s Church states, “He loves going to church and doesn’t like missing it. He can tell you word for word what the lesson was about and how he can apply it. He’s also a big fan of the music played there.” Our teachers are passionate about getting the word to each and every child and making sure they leave understanding God’s word and how to work it in their personal lives. RDCI equips our children with what they need for spiritual warfare at their level of understanding. From confessions, to songs, to dance, to the verbal teaching, we are getting the word to our children and starting them early in training to have dominion in the earth. Psalms 8:2 (NLT) says, “You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies.” We are continuing to teach our children God’s word so in turn they may grow to be God’s little mouthpieces to impact and change lives.
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Turn Down
FOR WHAT? BRIDGE MINISTRY: Equipping the Next Generation for the Kingdom By: Rian N. Jenkins
Holy Hip Hop is blasting through the speakers while the guys sit on one
side and the girls sit on the other. Dressed in their best pink, black, and red semi-formal attire. Guys have a fresh cut and girls have a new ‘do. Roses grace the walls, red heart balloons hang from the ceiling, and stringed red hearts greet you as you walk in the Fellowship Hall. A few girls get up in the middle of the dance floor while the husband and wife team, Minister Carnell Johnson Jr. and Minister Natasha Johnson try to convince the guys to join them in getting TURNT UP FOR JESUS! Line dances like the Wobble and the newest dance craze the “NAE NAE” get the crowd hype and most guys embrace the rhythm and brace the dance floor. A typical middle school dance? So you would think. Seventh and eighth grade students or preteens are such interesting and complex individuals. They are in a very critical moment in their life, which is called adolescence, and it takes a strong network of believers to steer them in the right direction. Sitting in a sanctuary with adults is necessary but it is the vision of our pastors, Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey, that we reach each individual on their level. BRIDGE, which stands for Building Responsible Individuals Demonstrating Godly Character, does just that. The Valentine’s social entitled “King of My Heart” is the first of many events the BRIDGE students will participate in this year. In between the dancing, savoring of delectable food, laughing, and listening to spoken word, they were exhorted by the ministry leaders, Ministers Johnson, to keep Christ the King of their hearts. They gave them practical examples that were all backed by the Word of God. Wednesday Night Bible Study is held in the EPIC Student Center where these students are able to be ministered to at their level of understanding.
Minster CJ and Minster Tasha, as they are affectionately called, express, “We have a heart for this age group because typically they are perceived as very difficult students to work with. They are trying to find themselves, and it is imperative that we help them through this transition with the word.” BRIDGE’s motto is “failure is never an option.” “We thrive on this motto because we want the young people to understand that God has equipped us to always win. In other words, I don’t have to fail. All you can accept is God’s best. At the end of the day, we want to realize we have a choice in the decisions we make. As a result, we have the power through Christ to choose to be victorious and successful in every area of our life,” said Minister Tasha. In order to run a successful ministry, you must have a team who has the heart of their pastors and heart of this age group. After being asked why she wanted to work with BRIDGE, Sister Margie Jenkins, one of the BRIDGE student specialists from the Orangeburg Campus, said, “I have a love for children. Even seeing the children in my community and being a single mother, I had to find resources on my own. When I came to Right Direction I found that help. Seeing RDCI work with the middle school kids, it just really did something to my heart.” Nikita Dotson, who is a BRIDGE student specialist at the Columbia Campus was also drawn by that same love exemplified by the ministry leaders. “When I was in the New Member’s Reception, I met Minister CJ and Minister Tasha and they seemed excited about what they do. I joined because of their excitement. If I could summarize BRIDGE in three words, I would say impactful, fun and rewarding. It does have an impact not only on the students but the teachers as well.” BRIDGE students, Maysia Miles, Nubia Miles, and Brandon Jenkins, all eighth graders, were asked what they like most about BRIDGE. “They [ministry leaders and BRIDGE student specialists] like to interact. They try to get it on the kids level. You learn more about the word of God and you meet new people while learning,” said Maysia. “You know how in big church they have it in a way that adults can understand?” Nubia asked. “In BRIDGE, they break it down so all of us can understand so we don’t just have to go to our parents. We can also interact with kids that are our age.” She continues, “I actually have learned a lot since I started BRIDGE. I started understanding the word but I also started studying the word daily and meditating on it.” Brandon commented, “I like a lot of stuff:: praise and worship and having a chance to connect with God and other people your age. It has helped me to better with others.” Minister Johnson stresses the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ, studying the world for yourself. Some of the BRIDGE students don’t have parents who are members of RDCI or even go to church. They are the God representatives in their household. “We encourage them to believe everything God says about them in the word,” said Minister CJ. “I remember one young lady who had been coming to us for a while. She finally trusted us and wanted us to believe with her for God to restore her hearing in one of her ears. After laying hands on her, all of us prayed, the students too, and we believed God. In the midst, she screamed, ‘I can hear!’ All we could do was rejoice and praise God. Everyone was crying,” he said. BRIDGE is a ministry that will encourage and empower students to maintain God’s standard in a culture where it isn’t always acceptable to blend out but to blend in with popular culture. We encourage you to get your students involved in BRIDGE to help strengthen your child for the battles they will face as an adolescent while keeping them TURNT UP for Christ. #ALLDAYJESUS
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Refreshed
VISION By Dr. Herbert Bailey, Jr.
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A Refreshed Vision
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n September 2013, I took several of our staff members and a board member away on an overnight retreat to refresh our vision, mission, and develop a new strategic plan for our ministry. I often say that “to do anything well, you must do it intentionally” because “nothing just happens.”
Our first goal was to update the vision statement that God had given to me over 18 years ago. At the time that I wrote the vision, based upon the values in my heart, I did it alone. Now after 18 years, I am happy to say that God has sent help, increase, and provision. He has not only provided financial and material resources but even greater, He has provided human resources in the staff and volunteers of our ministry. Now with the assistance of additional human resources provided, we endeavored to write a vision statement that would capsulate our purpose, and values, and clearly differentiate RDCI from other churches and ministries in a way that is contemporary enough for everyone to comprehend while staying true to our unique mandate from God. Approximately three years ago our church’s name evolved from Right Direction Christian Center to its new name, Right Direction Church International. I use the word “evolved” because as God gave us opportunities to minister on other continents, mainly Africa, in Nigeria and Ghana. My heart became enlarged to the world. Our church membership represents at least 10 countries and our mission efforts are now reaching far beyond our local community, state, and nation. Our vision and mission has to be “large enough for the world, yet practical enough for your life.” Furthermore, though a majority of our church’s membership is African American, we have not set out to have an “African American” or “Black Church” (I have simply reproduced after my own kind). Our vision is to see our church represent the world in which we live, which is a diverse world of many people, nationalities, cultures, backgrounds, economies, education, etc. Thus our vision is to be “diverse” in every way possible because the bible says that we are “many members but one body.” We are “a loving church.” The bible says “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost…” (Romans 5:5). At RDCI we endeavor to deliberately and consciously demonstrate the love that is in our hearts to everyone who comes onto our campus and to everyone we meet in the world. Jesus said that people will know that we are his disciples when they see his love in demonstration through us. At RDCI, we believe that everyone has potential and everyone deserves a future regardless of your past. We further believe that no one was born merely to exist and be average. We all have greatness within us. With this underlying belief, our church endeavors to “unleash the potential of who you are in Christ.” Once you receive Jesus Christ to live within you, your best days are yet ahead and you can do “greater works” for the kingdom of God and in your life. We want to help you do it!
we must “think differently.” In order to think differently, our minds must be “renewed” “through practical biblical teaching.” For this reason, our church has many opportunities to come and be “taught” the word of God both in the large church setting as well as various small groups on various subjects and life issues. I often say, “if people knew better, they would do better.” Teaching causes us to know better. Among Jesus’ last statements on earth He said that we should “… go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15) and “be witnesses…unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). However, though that may be the ultimate goal, the immediate goal is to change individuals, who change families, who change generations, who change the world. So by empowering individuals we are ultimately “empowering the world.” At RDCI, we recognize that though one can be externally and physically free, one may still be internally and spiritually bound. When I’ve gone with our Prison Ministry team to minister to inmates at our state prisons, I observed that many of the inmates, even with long-term sentences, were “more free” than many of those in the congregation in our services. They were praising, clapping, jumping, dancing and rejoicing, though they were in prison. They were physically bound but they were spiritually free. Jesus said that in order to be truly free we must know truth (John 8:36). Our desire is to see everyone we come in contact with and in which we have ministered to walk in freedom from their past and anything that would keep them from being “free indeed.” Finally, our refreshed vision concludes with the words “whole life prosperity.” At RDCI, we have historically had a strong teaching emphasis on finances. We believe that it is the will of God for you to have adequate financial resources to both live and give, to both tithe and sow, and to both save and spend. You will often hear messages informing you of principles from God’s word in the area of finances. People have traditionally referred to this as “prosperity” teaching. However, over the last 18 years of this ministry, we have discovered that though finances are an important part of our lives, it’s not the only part of our lives. God wants you to have a prosperous marriage and a prosperous body. He desires for you prosper in your career, your relationships, to prosper in your mind, your soul, and every area of your life (3 John 2). We have summarized this in the term “whole life prosperity.” Now we are excited, off and running with our newly refreshed vision: The vision of Right Direction Church International is to be the diverse, loving church unleashing the potential of who you are in Christ through practical biblical teaching, empowering the world to walk in freedom and whole life prosperity.
Many years ago, I attended a leaders’ seminar in Tulsa, OK. The instructor said, “You must teach your way to success.” At RDCI, we believe that teaching is the catalyst to mind renewal and success in life. In order to be different, act differently and respond differently,
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The
BATTLE FOR OUR SEED By Dr. Marcia Bailey
Genesis 3:14-15 (KJV) And the Lord God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: [15] And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
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enesis 3:14-15 states that Satan hates us as women and is after our children and it’s evidenced by the daily news reports of our children and teens being abducted, murdered, jailed, abused or either victims of or participators in crimes. The scripture states that there is a battle for our seed, and we can’t sleep on this warning. The battle lines have been drawn and we must realize that he is after all of our children. Genesis 3:15 calls it “enmity” and we must realize that it runs much deeper 16 |
The Battle for Our Seed
than a dislike; it means deeply rooted and intense hatred that only goes away with death. We cannot sleep on this animosity. We have to make the decision that we fight for our children and prevent Satan from stealing the lives, purposes and dreams of your sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Unfortunately like many mothers, I had no idea that by giving birth to my first child in 1986 it reassigned me to the mom’s brigade. I didn’t know it involved me in an age old feud against an enemy that I couldn’t see. There was no, ‘hey, be careful out there, and keep your eyes open for forces that you can’t see or come disguised as play mates, teachers, coaches and countless nameless assassins.’ I realized within the first 5 years of my first born’s life that I better learn how to fight this enemy and I better learn quick, because he wants our children. Satan knows that if he comes after them early he will eliminate their potential and formidable opponent that has the assignment to give him a really bad headache. Regardless of the schemes and devices Satan may use against our children, I want you to know that God has given us everything that we may need to win in the battle for our children. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (KJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.
bind it and declare it unlawful and illegal. God gave you a promise and a word regarding your children. Loose it and declare it lawful and right. Matthew 16:19 (KJV) And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. We must have and stay in faith. Plain and simple. We as parents, have to make the decision that regardless of what we see in the natural, we will believe what God has spoken and revealed to us about our children’s lives. Satan tried to whisper many lies and tales of doom regarding my children and every time, even sometimes through tears, I had to lift up that shield of faith and declare him a liar! Ephesians 6:16 (KJV) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. I had to declare that all the promises of God are yes and amen! The seed of the righteous is mighty on the earth! And blessed is the fruit of my womb. Does it mean my and your children will be perfect? No! But with all their imperfections, fight for them valiantly and tirelessly. It will be well worth it. This year my husband and I will celebrate our fourth and youngest college graduate and another child finishing up their post grad education. We are so blessed and honored to see the fruit of our labor and we know the best is yet to come. The battle isn’t over; the nature of it has changed a little bit. It has shifted and expanded to multiple fronts, my seed’s seed. But I’m warrior Nana!
Over the years I have used many spiritual weapons in the battle for my children. I want to share with you briefly a few of my favorites and how to use them. Prayer is a powerful weapon. Bombard heaven with God’s promises and His word that He has given you regarding your child’s future, health, purpose and destiny. Get serious with it and refuse to quit because you don’t see immediate changes or receive a response. Heaven will respond to your voice! James 5:16 (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. The Blood of Jesus is a powerful weapon. On a daily basis confess and declare that your children are covered in the blood of Jesus and that the blood of Jesus is a no trespassing sign to all demons and their schemes and devices. Revelation 12:11 (KJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Binding and loosing. As believers we have to use the keys that Jesus gave us. When we see demonic activity or influences that desire to pull our children off their path of purpose and destiny,
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s you walk through the door you hear loud music and talking; you see students sitting around doing homework or running around having fun. You see adults and students laughing and interacting, but as the night progresses the atmosphere changes and something electric begins to happen. The atmosphere becomes charged with something strong…powerful…amazing! Love fills the room. Not that romantic, played upon, superficial love. Real love. Love that empowers. Love that strengthens. Love that encourages. Love that endures. The love of God. There is no judgment here. No conditions; no prerequisites. Just the pure love of God operating through the youth pastor, Pastor Chandler Bailey, and student specialists who are assigned to carry out the love of God by creating epic moments through evangelism, relationship, transparency, and empowerment. EPIC is the student ministry of Right Direction Church International that supports high school students ranging in age from 14-19. Formally known as R.A.Y.G., Pastor Chandler says of EPIC, “What was so cool was that the church was already changing so it was natural that the student ministry change and evolve too. It was a transition from a youth group to a student ministry that is creating epic moments that matter in our student’s lives.” The ministry meets weekly on all 3 RDCI campuses and serves as an outlet and a source of recharge for students throughout the Columbia, Orangeburg, and Florence areas. Teenagers and young adults are coming together talking about the word of God and discovering that they are empowered to make a difference in their homes, their schools, and their communities. Students who attend EPIC get the opportunity to celebrate each other, acknowledge accomplishments, and relax with like-minded students. They also learn how to combat and win over today’s pressures of bullying, sex, drugs, violence and more. At EPIC, students are taught the same principles that the adults at RDCI learn, but in a way that is relevant to their generation. “We are not just babysitters watching them but we are actually helping them grow and it is a privilege and an honor to be able to minister to these students,” said Courtney Howard, who serves as the Orangeburg Campus EPIC Coordinator along with her husband. She continues, “Since parents already care enough about their children to bring them to church then why not send them somewhere where they will get the word administered to them on their level?” The students learn that by applying faith principles they can accomplish what others may think is impossible and they can excel in areas where others may not. They are encouraged to stand up and stand out academically, athletically, and artistically. Students find out that they are not alone and that there is a community of students standing up for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ…and they have swag too. It takes a dedicated team to complete the mission of EPIC and to support the vision of RDCI. From Pastor Chandler, to the Student Specialists, to the Student Relations Director, these adults have a passion for working with students. Youth Specialist, Angelica Jenkins, loves working with the EPIC students. “It’s such a humbling experience to be a part of molding our future leaders and helping to ground them in the Word of God.” They share their life experiences, support students in their studies and activities, and treat them as young disciples in Christ. They show the students that they can overcome any obstacles through faith and the power of Christ that operates within them. Pastor Chandler is passionate about sharing the love, mercy and grace of God, so that each student knows no matter what their circumstances are, God loves them and He hears their prayers. They can do and be better than they ever imagined. They have a team of peers and adults cheering them on who believe in them and their power to represent Christ in
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Ep their daily lives. EPIC is now visible within area high schools such as Irmo, Columbia and Dutch Fork High Schools, where a partnership has begun. Team members may eat lunch at school or just drop by periodically to check in with students offering support and friendship throughout the week. These visits are quickly making an impact and help to bring Christ back into schools for those that desire to know Him. The effects of EPIC are truly life changing. Meetings are held Tuesday night at 7:00 at the Florence and Orangeburg Campuses and Wednesday night at 7:00 in Columbia. There is a special gathering, “The Show” every first and third Sunday at the Columbia Campus. So bring your teenagers out. We are preparing our students as the next spiritual leaders in the workforce, on college campuses, in the community and in the church to be a light, to be a champion, and to be winners by applying the word of God to their lives. No matter what situation they are in, they can see God’s love for them, they can see His hand on them, and they can have fun experiencing it. It’s going to be EPIC!
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Experiencing Power In Christ! By Crystal Adams
Welcome to E.P.I.C
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The Value of Partnership By Tamiko Beckford
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n any partnership endeavor, integrity, ethics and a shared vision are paramount for success and synergy. Oftentimes finding Partners who complement the shared vision can be a daunting task. However throughout the history of RDCI, partners continue to stand beside Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey by praying for them, the ministry and sowing financial gifts of love. As a result of this perpetual partnership support, RDCI is able to use this amazing vehicle to empower, establish and mobilize the church to reach our local community through direct outreach and our global community via radio and television broadcasts and live streaming over the internet. As a result of this support, RDCI’s Medical Missions team provided care to people in Ghana, West Africa. Our Direction Connection Partners experience a greater level of anointing on their lives. In addition, our Partners share and experience the blessing of seeing people set free by the power of God. We invite you to Partner with us by: 20 |
Transitions Direction Connection Partnership
• • •
Praying for the ministry and Drs. Herbert & Marcia Bailey Sowing financial seed into RDCI as the Lord directs you Sending us prayer and praise reports
As a Direction Connection Partner we commit to: • Pray for God’s blessing to be on you • Minister to you monthly through a letter and CD from Dr. Herbert Bailey to edify and encourage your walk with God • 10% off all tapes CDs, DVDs and books produced by RDCI • Reserved seating during RDCI Conferences As a Covenant Partner with RDCI you are positioned to reap the rewards of seeing countless men, women, boys and girls accept the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Become a Partner today and join us as we take the “Word of God to places where it is rare and precious.”
RDCI Orangeburg and Florence Campuses By Pamela Harris Williams “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 Since Right Direction Church International’s initial service in the home of
Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey, God has continued to order their steps and growth and increase are evident. God has shown Himself faithful not only through the growth of the Columbia Campus but through the expansion to the Orangeburg and Florence areas. Drs. Bailey, along with the Orangeburg and Florence Campus pastors, are brining the Word of God where it is rare and precious.
permanent facility at 2540 Twin Church Road in Timmonsville, SC, God has continued to show Himself strong and faithful to the Florence Campus. The Florence and Timmonsville areas were in need of a refreshing and the uncompromising Word of God taught by Drs. Bailey and Campus Pastors Dwayne and Denise White provide just that. The Florence Campus, which celebrated 3 years of ministry in February 2014, is a place where all ages are welcomed with open arms. On Sunday mornings at 11 am and Tuesday evenings at 7pm, campus Pastors Dwayne and Denise White minister
RDCI Orangeburg Campus
Exceedingly, abundantly, above are just a few words to describe how God has increased RDCI and what better location for Drs. Bailey to plant the first campus and advance God’s Kingdom than in Orangeburg, SC. Since the initial service in October 2006, God continues to blow our minds with His wondrous works of Kingdom expansion. As a result, Drs. Bailey and Orangeburg campus Pastors Trey and Katie Brave, along with the entire RDCI family celebrated 7 years of ministry in October 2013. God has truly been good to the Orangeburg Campus and has blessed us with a 15 acre campus, complete with fully functional facilities that afford us the opportunity to effectively minister to all ages. Pastors Brave continue to run with the vision every Sunday morning at 11 am and Tuesday evening at 7 pm by preaching and teaching empowering messages of deliverance, principles for strengthening the family unit, and practical steps for victorious living. effortlessly to many from all walks of life. With the incorporation of the Infant and Toddlers ministry along with the Children’s Ministry, the Florence Campus ministers salvation in a way even the youngest can comprehend. The EPIC Student ministry succeeds at reaching teens and young adults right where they are in life, all while keeping the Word of God interesting, fresh and appropriate for their age. In an effort to continuously minister and fellowship with local college-aged attendees, the Florence campus provides dinners on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Karen Manning, a Florence Campus member since February 2011, is excited to see this campus growing and changing lives. “The most beneficial thing about the Florence Campus is the Word. At RDCI, we’re encouraged to know who we are and whose we are.” RDCI Orangeburg Campus ministers to the entire family with Infants, Toddlers, and Children’s Ministry, Bridge ministry (grades 6th-8th), and the EPIC Student Ministry (9th grade to 19 years of age). Charles and Stephanie McCray, members since January 2013, have three children currently attending the Orangeburg Campus Children’s Ministry. “The Children’s Ministry has given our children the chance to understand and interact with children their ages while having fun learning the word of God. They love to come to church now,” the McCray’s state. As a means of further fellowshipping and ministering salvation to college-aged church attendees, the Orangeburg campus also provides students with meal vouchers to nearby restaurants on the 2nd Sunday of each month.
It is clear God’s hand is on Right Direction Church International as Drs. Bailey, Pastors Brave, and Pastors White continue to bring the unadulterated and empowering word of God to all who will listen. Drs. Bailey have planted, Pastors Brave and Pastors White have watered and God will continue to give the increase.
Pastors Brave are excited about what God will continue to do through this campus. “Going into this upcoming year, we are focusing on strengthening our core volunteer team. This will allow us to effectively minister to the needs of our changing community,” Pastor Trey stated. As God’s vision for the Orangeburg Campus continues to unfold, the entire RDCI family eagerly anticipates God’s marvelous blessings and His unmerited favor.
RDCI Florence Campus From the humble beginnings of its first service at the Florence Civic Center, to meeting in the Hilton Garden Inn Grand Ballroom, to acquiring a more
RDCI Orangeburg and Florence Campuses
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REACHING A
NEW
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n recent years I observed a gap in ministry programming at our church, namely the young adults, ages 20 – 30. I noticed that we have specific “in reach” ministries for every other age group and demographic in our church: infants/ toddlers, pre-school, elementary student ministry, junior high student ministry, high school student ministry, marriage ministry, and even senior citizens ministry. However, we had no specific ministry for the young adults between 20 – 30 years old. This group is commonly referred to as “millennials.”
By Dr. Herbert Bailey
GENERATION “New Millenium”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this generation of young adults, (sometimes referred to as “Generation Y”), are about 76 million and are the last generation born in the 20th century. This is the generation who know nothing about life before the Internet. They are technologically savvy, love social media, consider texting the best form of communication, only know “flat screen” TVs, and may not know how to write a check or mail a letter. However, the millenials also tend to be more educated than prior generations, ask more questions, and want to know “why.” In churches across the USA, though many of them may have been involved in a teen or youth ministry while in high school, 75% of them are no longer involved in the church five years after high school. Though baby-boomers may simply have complied with the dictates, demands, and commands of those in authority simply because we were “supposed to” and believed the preacher simply because he said “the Bible says,” this is not so with Millennials. This generation wants you to show them and make it make sense to them. Millennials are not going to fake it and are not going to be hypocrites. As the saying goes, “it is what it is,” and “they are who they are.” They are not going to pretend or merely act religious. They want the real, not the fake and the genuine, not the counterfeit. The challenge was to create a ministry that meets their needs and answers their questions while keeping them involved in ministry. With these things in mind, in January 2014, Pastor Marcia and I
launched the “New Millennium Ministry.” Though it would be an additional sacrifice of time on an additional night, we feel that they are worth the sacrifice. We thought we would perhaps meet quarterly or at the most bi-monthly. However, at our first New Millennium Ministry night, these young adults expressed a desire to meet monthly. This is not a traditional service. Though we have a brief praise and worship, most of the night is dialogue, Q & A, and practical steps and points relevant to being successful in life as young adult Christians. I must say that every time we get together it is refreshing. It’s refreshing to see the honesty and transparency of these young adults, something that we try to model in our preaching and teaching and encourage our leaders to do as well. If you are between 20 – 30 we look forward to seeing you at our next New Millennium night.
Reaching a New Generation
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“PLAYING your POSITION:”
Volunteerism
By Jamal Davis
W
hen a star quarterback completes the touchdown pass, to win the Super Bowl, reporters never rush the field to interview the offensive lineman. When the basketball highlights run on Sportscenter, the camera never zooms in on the small forward setting a pick as the shot clock runs down. When the Oscar for “Best Picture” is given there is no room on stage for the make-up artist, seamstress, or the guy who keeps the actors’ trailers full of food and drinks. Are these individuals not important to the overall success and outcome? The offensive lineman protects the quarterback. Without him the team captain does not have the time to complete the winning play. When the small forward sets a pick on an eager defender, the all-star point guard is wide open to sink the clutch basket. The off-camera staff of a major motion picture ensures that the actors look and feel their best. Without them, it is impossible for an actor to give a top-tier performance. What the offensive lineman, small forward, and the sandwich guy have in common is that they are all good help. Good help recognizes that the big picture is all that matters. Good help does not focus on who gets the accolades or recognition, but understands their part and gives it their all. Good help is willing to take orders and correction to make sure they are functioning at an optimal level. No major endeavor is accomplished without the support of good help. At Right Direction Church International, good help comes in the form of volunteers. As we walk into our sanctuary on Sunday mornings, we may not realize that housekeeping volunteers have sacrificed their Saturday to make sure we have a clean and orderly place to worship. 24 |
Playing Your Position
Before we enter into our awesome praise and worship, sound ministry volunteers are cleaning microphones and conducting sound checks. As our pastors minister the Word, our media volunteers make sure that a clear and concise message goes through the airwaves. After the benediction we head to our cars, while our product volunteers are making CDs and DVDs, so people can continue to be empowered by the Word after service is over. At RDCI, even when a volunteer is behind the scenes, they are not beyond significance. God has placed a huge vision in the hands of Drs. Herbert and Marcia Bailey. This vision is enormous, precious cargo. However, every time a volunteer shows up, they lend a hand. The more hands the lighter the vision becomes and the lighter the vision becomes, the easier it is to move. When we have a thriving volunteer core, we can get to where God wants us to be in less time and with less exertion. The value of volunteering is a lot like the value of a good watch. The success of a Timex watch rests solely on battery power. However the success of a Rolex watch is based on a series of complex moving parts. Both watches tell time, however they do it quite differently. A Timex watch may last a year of two, but a Rolex watch is passed down from generation to generation. A Timex watch may cost ten dollars, while a Rolex watch may cost $10,000. So ask yourself, “Do I want to be a part of a Timex ministry or a Rolex ministry?” Do you want a ministry that is short lived and discounted? Or, do you want a ministry that is generational and valuable? When we recognize we are one of those moving parts that causes this luxury ministry to run effectively, we are eager to get involved. Become a volunteer today!
MINISTRY
OF
MISSIONS
“It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to be great among you, shall be your servant.” Matthew 20:26 Our pastors, Herbert and Marcia Bailey teach us to be a “diverse, loving church” that genuinely loves people, as God has shown his love and favor toward us. My family and I became a part of Right Direction Church International in 2009. Since that time, we have continuously seen and heard the testimonies of members and nonmembers about God’s grace, love and mercy towards them because of their connection with our ministry. RDCI is not based solely on economic prosperity, but a complete transformation of each person’s life. This is what we call whole-life prosperity. At RDCI we believe that God wants us to have health and wealth. We also believe we are blessed to be a blessing. These are not clichés that we simply quote because they sound good. We know it is our purpose to spread the word of God and bring souls to Christ. What better way to do that than through missions? “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2 Locally, RDCI partners with the outreach efforts of Virginia Wingard United Methodist Church and Sharing God’s Love through monthly financial donations. These community partners assist families in crisis and provide assistance with food, clothing, utilities, and medical expenses. RDCI’s Seasoned Citizens Ministry also actively volunteers for the Ronald McDonald House. The RMH, which opened in May 1983, provides free accommodations for families whose children are in our local hospitals. Once a quarter, the Seasoned Citizens prepare meals, serve dinner, and pray for the families during this difficult time. “It’s a great fellowship time for our group. We also give each family a card signed by the ministry,” Sis. Brenda Wallace, Seasoned Citizens Ministry Leader stated. RDCI has also continued its efforts to support missions in Ghana, West Africa. In October 2013, the Medical Missions team, in cooperation with Reverend Faithful and Mary Biney, facilitated several medical outreach efforts at various locations. Students at the Fountainhead Christian School received free medical care, along with children at Save Them Young Orphanage. “Medical Missions is a wonderful vehicle for people that may not have heard the gospel,” stated Dr. Damon Daniels, leader of the medical missions team. “It can really make a big difference in people’s lives.” RDCI strives to empower people’s lives, one generation at a time. Through the various missions we are able to release the spirit of hope by sharing God’s word and unconditional love.
Empowering People Through Unconditional Love By Sharon Cummings
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.“ 1 Timothy 6:17-18
Ministry of Missions
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Golden Years
Maximizing the RDCI Seasoned Citizens Ministry By Vernecia Stafford
T
he Seasoned Citizens Ministry is a vibrant, powerful entity of the church, community, and lends itself to national organizations and international organizations as well. Its underlying history is to serve, to encourage, to counsel, and to render themselves wherever the need may arise. This group is comprised of energetic individuals above the age of 55 whose parallel to life is extensive, full of wisdom and experience, well traveled, and well versed in Biblical teachings and understanding.
The members are compassionate and assertive in their mission to assist and are compelled to keep themselves healthy, teaching the rudiments of health care and providing an environment for that to occur. They take walks, become members of various gyms or assisted living programs around town. In order to make walking or hiking fun and of interest to others they take various shopping trips or various other excursions, traveling to various parts of the country: Washington, California, Texas, Florida, and internationally to places like Costa Rica, Israel, France, Korea. They also endeavor to places that peak their interests like museums, theatres in the Vista, restaurants and breakfast with other churches’ seasoned citizens’ organizations. The wealth of information and assistance given by these seasoned individuals is endless. The younger members may watch and learn from their experiences. The ministry tends to lead by example, guiding and exhorting in the right direction. It is to their advantage for the Seasoned Citizens to stay healthy and abreast of worldwide information as well as church related information to disseminate their wisdom upon others when asked. As
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Seasoned Citizens
a seasoned citizens and a member of the Seasoned Citizens ministry we collectively tend to make learning fun and helpful to others as well as to our families and ourselves. Others learn and gain the wisdom of our experiences and knowledge. Seminars and workshops are given to educate, such as healthy eating trends, exercising, information on life and health insurance, making a will, retirement activities, traveling tips, shopping secrets to include but not limited to couponing, and sharing in family secrets. Man was not made to just exist. God had a purpose for our lives. The Seasoned Citizens Ministry expands on that purpose and teaches others to be worthwhile, meaningful life participants living with the love of God and the true meaning of what God intended. Our knowledge is vast and is available to whoever needs it. We touch the lives of many organizations: Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, foster homes, Veteran’s Affairs, SistaCare, Ronald McDonald House and guardian ad litem. We also send cards to soldiers overseas and to members and families here in the community who are recovering from illnesses or who have suffered a loss of a loved one. The Seasoned Citizens Ministry functions as a cohesive family unit. Whenever the need, whatever the need, we are always there to lend a helping hand. We are not just idly sitting down living a stereotype as some may think. We are functional, fashionable, vibrant individuals who have lived life and have grown into the what some call the “Golden Years”, who now have the resources, the finesse, and the ability to reach back and help others become what they want to be, making a smoother transition, learning from the wisdom of the ages.
“BE WIZE AND SLIM YOUR SIZE”
• COMPUTERIZED MEAL PLANS
DR. DAMON DANIELS
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