Huami Magazine Charlotte March 2017 by Terry Watson

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March/April 2017 Volume 1 Issue 11 FREE

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Duncan Butler

Ken Roberson The Way of 3 Realty Charlotte - March/April 2017

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Charlotte - March/April 2017

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You Will YouAbout MoveIt! There AreNever No If,Know, Ands, Until Or Buts A Letter From The Editor A Letter fromreasons the Editor There are many why I haven’t done some things, just as there are many reasons why I have done others. I have faced some of my biggest fears and overcome them. I have also turned away from some if tomorrow didn’t arrive? things thatWhat I believed would do me no good.All In of theyour end,plans, what Ihopes have have aexperience, street to park What if to be learnedand thedreams most is wouldn’t that with every thereon. is something everything to putsay offthat until tomorrow learned, both goodthat andyou bad.decided Some might the bigger thenever move or step, the bigger theThere reward or risk. depends how one can happened? would be Itnoallreason to on save formuch a rainy endureday, or where ourcould valuesspare rest. someone the trouble of making and you

promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired

I sawtoday? something the news Whatonwould you where do? a guy on a dirt bike had jumped over a six lane highway, by way of a dirt mound that he had formed. It appeared I’ve to bebeen verytold dangerous and quite Themuch. biker successfully that I often seemridiculous. like I do too made itHonestly, across the jump without injury or harm to himself orathe I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m firm commuters traveling below. I thought to myself, something or someone believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me made that person attempt that jump. It made me wonder had they just that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would faced one of their fears and conquered it. Or was that not their first jump, be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I but instead their biggest one ever. Either way, I knew that after doing so, have found to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity they couldn’t have that felt the same.

is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge me like is anthat. adventure. thewill worst that canwhat happen? Life to is just Until weWhat move,iswe never know lies ahead. If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn If we live a life full of fears and what ifs, I honestly believe that we are not something truly living at all. new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

I have dreams that if not realized, will never become anything more than The best advicerequire ever given me happened someone just dreams. My dreams hugeto leaps of faith, justwhen like the kind of leap the guyme onto the dirt bike took. Yet, Ihappen have notoday. physic powers and told make my tomorrow In doing socan’t tell what will happen All Idoors do know is that I continue I have pressedon mytomorrow. way through with a keyifthat only to move at the provided. same pace,Iand approach life with same intention and hope have also learned thethe difference between level ofwhat motivation, my dreams may never be realized. God blesses me with and what life can burden me with

as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and If youwhen are facing to bestrong quiet,challenges because in your life, or even if you have allowed someone may get it confused yourself to be defeated by fear, you with being arrogant.

will never know what the other side of the coin feels if you never move. Make you tomorrow Sometimes we must let loose all of happen today, but most the doubts and stop trying to answer importantly it count. all of the questionsmake that float in our Life is but a whisper andbetter minds. A smart person knows weanswer must put ourselves in a than to all of their problems position to hear what it is to themselves. Sometimes we have telling change gearsus. in life and allow the unforeseen to reveal a new chapter by way of our experiences.

Terry L. Watson Terry L.Editor/Founder Watson

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Charlotte - March/April 2017

November/December 2014

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Jeuron Dove Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography

Shaw Photography Group Still Shots Photography

Howard Gaither Photography Who Shotya Photography Layout

Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett

mykelmedia@yahoo.com huami.charlotte@gmail.com (336) 340-7844 (336)340-7844

HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2016 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved

On The Cover

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CONTENTS

Bobby J

March/April 2017

Kisha Mitchell

Demetra Moore

Also Inside

Cutest Baby Contest Xeal Anhi Jordan

Angelene & Perry Hill A Ray Of Hope Ministries

Antonina Griffith Stay Out Of Her Way!

Anna and Camielle

Jamal Hunter

Arletha Mcclelland

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Dale Townsend

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Ken Roberson The Way of 3 Realty 6

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Howard Gaither

mixture of kindheartedness, compassion, love, obedience, power, strength, determination, wisdom, discernment, vision, and mercy. That is the best and most honest way to describe Ken Roberson. He is a man that has been shaped through hot trials and tribulations. Those same battles have help to form him into a solider of Jesus Christ. He was born by a father but not with a father, and raised by a single mom who cared for him and his younger brother. His mom kept them in line with a young lady he called his grandmother, which was actually his great aunt, who kept them in church and introduced them to a holy lifestyle. At the age of 12, he left that lifestyle behind and traded it for a life of alcohol, and confesses that he was literally a teenage alcoholic. He ran and did what sinners do, but however that holy lifestyle didn’t leave him. “I had my first child at the age of 17 and didn’t know anything about being a father because my example failed to pass down the blueprint of fatherhood,” says Roberson. Maybe because his father did the same thing and so he executed his duties as he saw fit. Those times were growing opportunities for Roberson and he was able to make it because he had a girlfriend that never gave up on him. At the age of 28 he was finally tired of running the streets, visiting bars and clubs and was ready to give my life to a Holy God that never left him, even when he had turned away from Him. And so on a assembly line at Procter & Gamble in 1999 he gave his life back to God. Once saved, his lifestyle changed. He pursued after a Godly lifestyle. After a two year separation he was reunited with his sons mother and they got married on March 4, 2002. Since being married, they have accumulated two beautiful girls to accompany their handsome son, one 14 years of age and the baby girl 10 years of age. Recently they also have added a grandchild. Today, Roberson is real estate agent for The Way of 3 Realty. He finds enjoyment in assisting buyers and sellers with all of their real estate needs. “I educate the consumer regarding home ownership. I also provide a listening ear to the desires and visions of future and past home owners and direct them based on their needs and wants,” he says.

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“I love to see their faces when all of the ups and down has ended. When the repairs have been negotiated and finally fixed. When we walk through the house for the final time and when they have completed signing their life away and they look at me with those eyes of excitement.”

While working on that assembly line 2000, Roberson says the idea of being a realtor came to thought. He knew that it had to be the Lord speaking because prior to this he had no desire to do so. This idea grew over the next three years and on June 3, 2003, he gave a two week notice to his employer and began Real Estate School at Guilford Technical Community College. “I successfully passed my class and the state exam in December of 2003, and I started working for Remax of Greensboro in February 12, 2004,” he says. After building a successful career for several years while working for various big name real estate companies, in 2013 he says God directed him, to start his own company, The Way of 3 Realty. As an accomplished agent, Roberson says he loves the interaction with new home owners. “I love to see their faces when all of the ups and down has ended. When the repairs have been negotiated and finally fixed. When we walk through the house for the final time and when they have completed signing their life away and they look at me with those eyes of excitement. This gives me great joy because I know that I was part of something special in their lives. You can’t put a price on that type of feeling,” says Roberson. Just as in any other profession, the business of real estate has it many challenges as well as ups and downs. “This business is not for the faint at heart. I’ve seen days of abundance and I’ve seen many days of lack. I’ve dealt with rude agents and unfaithful clients. The challenge is to not let on when you are going through the rough patches. The clients can’t know that you’re having a bad day or a bad year. You have to press on and be excited for their blessing, even while you are in your closet and asking God where is yours,” he says. Yet, Roberson remains inspired by seeing dying men and women come to Christ and seeing his family grow in the Lord and be all they can be in Him. “I inspire to teach and educate first the gospel, then home ownership to individuals that would other wise be blinded by a generation of renters,” he says. When these principles are executed correctly, they allow him to be a blessing to all that crosses his path in business.

The Way Of 3 Realty Experience The Difference

Ken Roberson thewayofthree@live.com

336-451-7278

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Charlotte - March/April 2017

Moving forward he plans to continue educating himself in the business of real estate so that he can represent a buyer or seller the best way possible. He also hopes to continue to grow The Way of 3 Realty into more that just real estate. He says he’d like to have a place where christian men and women can come and enjoy haircuts, hair styling, recreation and more, all the while being fed by previous sermons and messages and christian music. h

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Travis Moore 10

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Photos and Information Provided By Travis Moore

Travis Moore is enjoying his journey in the entertainment business. Known for his first leading male role, as Devlin Straightlin, in the indie film “The Present” by Terry D. Films, Travis realizes that nothing is too hard for God. His most recent role as Marlin Brown, on TV One’s Fatal Attraction, was his debut on national television. Travis’s face can be seen in Rite-Aid pharmacies across the nation via posters, brochures and web media. In addition, he has worked with various clients such as Lowes Home Improvement, IBM, Lenovo, Wrangler, SAS and Amtrack, to name a few.

Travis is a proud native of Greensboro, North Carolina graduating from both Dudley High School and North Carolina A&T State University. He resides in North Carolina with his beautiful wife of ten years, Natalya, and two wonderful daughters, Zoey and Zion. His passion is mentoring young men by challenging them to believe that if anyone can do it, they can. Travis stands on the principle that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

As a little boy, Travis watched his courageous mother, Imogene Moore, defy excuses by raising both he and his little brother, Trevor, as a single parent with no complaints. It was her work ethic that has shaped and molded his, which he models in his career. His mother made it her business to expose her kids to the arts via summer programs, enrichment camps, historic travels and reading. That inspiration and exposure helped to develop and enhance the gift of his imagination. His mother always talked about the importance of family and what it meant to stay connected. To this day, she inspires him to go above and beyond the call of duty. Being his biggest fan, she would support everything that he was apart of consistently telling him that one day she is going to see him on television doing great things. Travis remembers the simple words she used to say that had the most impact in his life, “Stay humble and positive, son.” Travis loves every aspect of modeling and acting, but what he likes best is bringing characters and stories to life. “The finished product of a photo shoot, or commercial brings a certain excitement because while in the process you never know what you’re going to get,” he says. This excitement grew a high level of respect within him for producers and directors. The Fatal Attraction episode has been Travis’ greatest opportunity thus far. It was his debut to national television and has garnered him lots of buzz and attention. Travis gained new insight about the biz and was grateful to network with key players in the industry. He is hoping this piece will be the start of more national work to come. “People are my inspiration. I do it for the little boy without a father, the adult who has lost hope, and my family so that they can believe that anything is possible.” Travis has so many people who motivate him to keep living his dreams: his family, church (Power House of Deliverance), and community. One of his goals is to live out the words of his Pastor, Bishop Washington, “Make me a blessing so that I can bless someone else.”

and he delights in his way.” - Psalm 37:24. Everything in life is about God’s timing. With projects lining up for 2017, Travis is looking forward to bigger and better opportunities coming his way. h

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Information and Photos Provided by AHB

Empowering Black Men To Take Charge Of Their Health

ctive & Healthy Brotherhood (AHB) will provide information on basic health, healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and how to get medical care when needed. The purpose of this programming is to investigate ways to improve healthy behaviors using an intervention that has been specially designed for African-American men. By utilizing the input from African-American men in designing wellness programming, the program is targeted to help with various barriers which could hinder or alter goals to living healthier and longer lifestyles. Information sessions are offered daily. Compared to other groups in the United States, African-American men are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, which increase the risks for early death, stroke, other sickness, and poor life quality. African-American males are also less likely to go to the doctor to get medical care, and are less likely to have lifestyles that can improve their health. Their team met with African-American males to learn how to help them improve their health. The men said not knowing the basic facts about chronic disease or how to manage stress made it difficult to control. They also said they had trouble eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, particularly when trying to stay within a budget. Participants in the AHB group sessions will receive about 16 AHB sessions over about four months and three phone calls, about every other week, to check on their progress after the sessions are over. The initiative will compare the AHB intervention with a control group that will receive basic health information in videos and brochures. All information will be provided by health educators. After the six-month intervention, participants will practice behaviors on their own for another six months. Participants will be 440 black men, ages 21 and older, who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. We will also recruit men who say they are not eating a healthy diet or exercising and therefore are at high risk for getting disease. We will recruit from the community. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group for six months. AHB will collect

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data from participants at the beginning of the study, after six months when the intervention is over, and again at 12 months. They will measure how well each strategy worked to improve health behaviors and lower risk factors, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. They will also measure age, income, and other factors to see whether they affect how well the strategies work. This project is led by researchers, health service providers, and patients, who all helped with the grant proposal. Everyone on the research team will help finalize the strategies, recruit patients, and interpret the study data. If any of the strategies work, the team will help identify ways to spread use of those interventions to various places where people might get medical advice (for example, churches). Data from this project will be used to determine the best ways to help people manage their own health. This research is supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. h

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Cutest Baby M A G A Z I N E

Raelyn Cheek

The daughter of Elliot & Ravin Cheek. Photo provided by Unlimited Exposures Photography

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to mykelmedia@yahoo.com

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Dr. Erika Hendrix

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Charlotte - March/April 2017

The Power of Agreement

The word agreement has many meanings and thoughts, but the one meaning that speaks the most is, “unity of opinion, understanding or intent.” This meaning given to us by Webster dictionary has been the sounding bar for this exegetical commentary. Whenever we think of the word agreement we immediately think of having the same thought or idea that does not differ. Once you attach the word power with agreement it creates a simile of thought of the two words. Therefore, the Power of Agreement bridges the gap between the unity of opinion and the comparison of one thing with another. The concept of agreement should not be an afterthought for many of us, it should be the fore thought; especially since the time that we currently live in presents such uncertainty. The power of agreement should increase the power of our prayer life. It assures our success in our warfare against the enemy. It insures the presence of the Lord in our lives and His blessings over our lives. It attracts the providential power of the Father, and is a hindrance to the promotion of the devil’s kingdom. And above all, it is evidence to the world that Jesus was sent by God to be our Savior. For the community of faith Amos 3:3 has been one text for which we base our walk with each other. Our text illuminates for us that we do not walk hand in hand with someone who is not going in the same place that we are going. But the fallacy of this text is not speaking of two people in its literally form, it is speaking to the Spirit of humanity that exist in the life of believers. The text simply tells us that we cannot walk with the Lord if our spirit is not in harmony with his. We are spiritual beings having a natural experience. The significance of using a Lion, bird, alarm, trap and disaster is to show us that in this life we must be in sync with each other and Gods purpose for our existence. Everything that God created was good and it has an intentional purpose.

Our Spirit and the Lords Spirit cannot walk in disagreement, there must be a fluid relationship. So why at least two? It provides Strength Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. A bundle of sticks cannot be broken. If the strands in the broom do not agree you cannot sweep with it. An ant does not have strength to kill except when they are in numbers. It provides Encouragement Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! It provides Success Ecclesiastes 4:9 two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: It provides Defense Ecclesiastes 4:12a … And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him. It adds to our Faith. When at least two people agree, it means we are joining or faith with Gods faith and together we can overcome our limitations. There are limitations to our agreement, it hinges on the fact that we need the Holy Spirit and each other to survive. Survival for the faith community is paramount. The time and season in which are currently living in appears to be unstable and presents itself as someone who is a narcissistic. A person who has a narcissistic personality is self-absorb. They only think of themselves, they are selfish individual who are always looking for leverage to move up, even when those around them support them despite who they are. Therefore, the path of agreement is not based on who I can step on to get there, it is who can I bring along with me to walk this journey called life, that will not only encourage me, but will show me a brighter path. The limitations to our agreement is not allowing Satan to divide and Conquer in our lives. Satan has always deceived believers and nonbelievers into a self-centered narcissism that has brought calamity and a restless spirit. When you follow the enemy’s tactics, his goal is always to divide and conquer. In Eden, Satan brought a spiritual death, division was presented and followed through even though Adam and Eve knew the way, and it all came plunging down to the ultimate fall of humanity. At the Tower of Babel, the people were working so well together they believed they could accomplish anything. For this reason, God gave them different languages to make their work more difficult. Satan sought to use the miracle principle of unity to lead to a power struggle. Consequently, the division came and the nations began to war against each other. We see this today with those who are wealthy, who have reached a certain level independence and do not see the need to depend on God. It is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God not because of his riches, because there is no need for God. Agreement can be positive and negative depending who has the power. Our strength and power lies within us, it is the source that we tap into when we are weak, it’s the source we us in making the next power move, it is the source we use when we feel the squeeze of life. We have the power to move mountains with just a seed, we have the power to change our course of destiny with aligning ourselves with Gods plan for our lives. The plan that God has for you and me are the same, how? The power of agreement didn’t start in the book of Amos it started in Genesis when God said, “In the Beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” That tells me that God thought about me and you and provided options that even though we are spiritual beings we had an option to live it out here on earth. That means don’t waste your time trying to walk with someone or something that wars against God’s plan for your life. Relationship are built on, “The Power of Agreement not the power of Disagreement.” h

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Mykel Media Company, LLC

atavia Knight and Toressa Poole have enjoyed a lifetime of friendship. They became acquainted quite in their lives during elementary school. Throughout the years a sisterhood was formed and now they have become business partners as they co-manage, Shop Sidity, an online clothing boutique. “There has always been a mutual strive for success and wanting more out of life than a typical nine to five,” they explain. Before transitioning to business owners, they both earned degrees to further their education. Natavia obtained a bachelor’s of arts in health communication from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Toressa received a pharmacy technician degree from Brookstone College of Business. Although earning degrees was a big accomplishment, the entrepreneurial business seemed to still be a goal. The idea came to them one day while grieving over the loss of Toressa’s grandmother. They realized that the time off offered at “regular” jobs was just not enough time in situations such as bereavement. Even more they pondered over thoughts of being their own boss. The brainstorming began over a few months and Shop Sidity was born in 2015. Shop Sidity is an online boutique that offers men and women t-shirts, tank tops, dresses, hats, and hoodies. Their men’s line, Kingz Korner, was added to the shop after noticing the demand for products. “Our Shop Sidity logo stands for successful, classy women living in style. The lips were inspired from our childhood because our lips stayed “poppin” and anyone that knows us can definitely attest to that,” they explained. The “Kingz Korner” logo is targeted for all men who are and carry themselves as a “boss” and are determined to be successful. The chess piece represents men being kings and dominating their goals. Even more, the duo says every queen needs a king in their “korner”. The profound motivation and support given throughout their journey has been surreal and appreciated. Their family and friends and especially their two beautiful daughters, Kalayah and Nylah, has made the effort well worth it. “We want to set an example and show our girls that as black women we can achieve anything as long as we have faith in God and believe in ourselves, it shall be granted upon His will,” they said. Shop Sidity has given Toressa and Natavia an outlet to express themselves through the color schemes they use and the types of products they sell. Coming in the spring of 2017, Shop Sidity will be adding a new array of attire for women along with accessories to complement each piece. h

www.sidityboutique1.com sidityboutique1@gmail.com Charlotte - March/April 2017 Triad - Sept./Oct. - 2016

HuamiMagazine.com 19 @shopsidity HuamiMagazine.com 19

Dr. Marrissa

Dick

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By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Shaw Photography Group

r. Marrissa Dick leads a triple life that keeps her busy around the clock and can even take her into the wee hours of the morning. They’re all fulfilling but require a lot of knowledge, work and dedication. Her two main lives consist of teaching college students about the world we live in, including the harsh realities that have recently intensified regarding racial, gender and religious equality. She also helps adult students navigate their own career paths. At the young age of six, Marrissa Dick grabbed a pencil and paper one day, and confidently wrote her name – Dr. Marrissa R. Dick. “My plan was to always become a doctor,” she says. However, at some point along the way she realized she didn’t like the presence of blood. So any type of medical doctor was out of the question for the young scholar. Growing up in Greensboro, N.C., Marrissa started her education at a private Catholic school. Her parents had high expectations of her and her two siblings and felt she would benefit more from this type of education. From kindergarten to the eighth grade, she did quite well under the strict tutelage of nuns and other faculty, but she often struggled with the lack of brown faces in her classes. “Everywhere I turned, there was no one that looked like me. They didn’t use some of the lingo I used, their hair textures were different from mine, and their overall lives weren’t the same as mine,” she says. After years of these experiences, she begged her parents to allow her to attend a public school. Initially her mother gave her a firm “no,” but over time, she worked on her father (she admitted to being a daddy’s girl), and together they convinced her mother to give it a try. Knowing her mother’s apprehension, she was determined to set her mind at ease by being the best student she could be. Marrissa attended what is now known as Allen Jay Middle School (during her time, it was a junior high school) and then transitioned to James B. Dudley High School the next year. This was life-changing for the aspiring doctor. Not only did she attend a public school which was much more relaxed, but she proudly walked the halls of a historically black high school with hundreds of students who were different shades of brown. She finally felt at home. Needless to say she enjoyed her time there and her parents never looked back. Years after high school, Marrissa found herself unhappily married and working as a receptionist at North Carolina A&T State University. Though school was still on her mind, the sights she’d set previously, began to fade. But then, something happened. “The day I signed my divorce papers, I also signed up for classes at Shaw University’s CAPE Center in High Point, N.C.,” she says. The program that she is now the director of in Kannapolis, N.C. offers evening classes for working adults. She admirably completed a four-year program in three years and walked away with her first degree earlier than many expected.

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Not stopping there, Marrissa decided to apply for her master’s degree in adult education at North Carolina A&T State University. After she conquered that, there was only one more hill she had to climb – starting the process for her lifelong goal of earning her Ph.D. She decided to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations program. “The two and a half year program took me seven years to complete but now I understand that the number seven is the number of completion and that everything works out better with Gods perfect timing,” she says. Due to working full-time and caring for her parents and grandmother, Dr. Dick was only able to attend classes in the evening, which of course, gravely delayed her studies. Over the course of the program, she noticed others who had started after her, were finishing well ahead of her. A few years into the mundane routine of working during the day and rushing off to class at night, took its toll. She was tired, frustrated, and ready to give up. “One evening after class, I went to my parent’s house and just fell into my father’s lap and cried. He asked me what was wrong and I just sobbed, telling him that I was going to quit the program. I felt like it was too hard, and it was taking me too long, and I just couldn’t do it anymore. He waited a few minutes, looked at my mother who was standing nearby, and said, ‘This must be your child today,’ she says.

Dr. Marrissa R. Dick has published several christian based romance novels including Deja Vu Desires, Cousins and Letters (pictured on page 17), and Them’s Eve’s Daughters (above) and Angel Fire (pictured below). All of her publications are available for purchase online at www.nubianromance.com and www.iuniverse.com

Dr. Dick went on to explain how her parents refused to throw her a pity party and ultimately didn’t accept her declaration of quitting. No rebuttal was provided, no pep talk was given, just an unspoken expectation of completing the task she’d set out to do. On December 13, 2012, Marrissa R. Dick was proud to add Ph.D. to her name, just as she had done decades prior. “When I walked into the tunnel that led to the ceremony, I felt like I blinked, and I started and finished.” To add to the already full plate she’d made for herself, Dr. Dick explained how she also started writing novels while going to school; her third life – a published author. Not only was she writing them, she also attended book club meetings, showcased them at book readings, and did whatever she could to introduce her endeavor to the world. “As a young girl, I read Harlequin novels. And when they would describe a man as tall, dark, and handsome it didn’t match the picture on the cover. I was expecting a man with dark brown skin. However, he would have white skin and dark hair. So I wanted to create characters that my people could identify with,” she explained. Dr. Dick’s first novel, ‘Déjà vu Desires’ was published in 2001. Dr. Dick characterizes her genre of novels as ‘Contemporary Christian Romance’ because they’re for adults who want to read tasteful and flavorful books about real life and real love. God is very much a part of her storylines, from being based in churches, to characters talking to God and asking him for forgiveness for their thoughts and actions. Her characters pray and aren’t ashamed of it, just as she isn’t ashamed of her books, their topics, and the affairs of the heart that some of her characters face. She says, “If you dare to dream, if you dare to love and if you desire passion, then step into the world of Nubian Romance Novels where passions soar and dreams come true.” “Some people think that Christians shouldn’t have certain desires and if they do, they shouldn’t talk about them,” she says. Dr. Dick shares that she has received a certain level of criticism for her books that shed light on intimacy in God’s house. She hasn’t backed down. To date, she has penned a total of five novels and plans to produce more in the near future. Each one has a sequel just waiting to be published, but right now, her writing has taken a backseat to her main jobs. There is no doubt that Dr. Marrissa Dick is a busy woman, leading a full life h and according to her, God-willing, she has so much more to do.

www.nubianromance.com

Charlotte - March/April 2017

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Prophtess & Pastor

Betite Parrish By Terry L. Watson Photos provided by Pastor Betite Parrish

astor Prophetess Betite Parrish is truly a woman of inspiration and walks in the anointing of God. She has touched so many lives throughout the years and walks in many offices, and wears many hats. Most prophets and preachers call her an apostle because she was called to train leaders in the body of Christ. She is a prophet, pastor/shepherd, evangelist, preacher, teacher, and spiritual mother to many. She is also a mother of three, grandmother of eight and wife to her best friend and co-pastor Daniel Parrish. Prophetess Betite has dedicated her life to helping others not only to transform their circumstances but to also enrich their spiritual lives. As she says all the time, “I just love people,” it shows in her daily walk with God. For many years she worked in education in Syracuse, New York. Not being raised in church but believing in God, in her bedroom at the age of 40 she heard His voice telling her to go to church. She obediently responded one Sunday in 1995. Prior to that she heard that same voice many times telling her that “many are called but few are chosen” and “no man will get the glory for what I’m going to do through you”. Not knowing what those words meant at that time in her life, she understood it after she had a supernatural experience with God. Soon after that she was saved. an experience that changed her whole life. Betite says God continued to move in her life and sent her a man who truly loves the Lord and loves her as Christ loves the church. Prophetess Betite worked many years in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Syracuse, N.Y., earning many awards for her service and hard work. She was ordained an evangelist and worked in the State Evangelist Department in the Western New York Jurisdiction. She won more than 129 souls in a few months as much of her work for the Lord involved street ministry. God moved her to work with the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. She performed by the gift of miracle, healing many lives, and worked with women in prayer, hospital ministry, hospitality, evangelism, and the pastoral staff. She held prayer meetings in her home every week and many women were delivered and healed. She attended the School of the Prophets in Baldwinsville, N.Y., and was ordained a Prophetess. In 2004, she moved along with her husband, Daniel to Daytona, Fla., where they sat under the leadership and anointing of Dr. Willie Davis. She graduated from International Seminary in Orlando with a theology degree and was ordained into the ministry in 2005. Twelve years later at the Lord’s command she uprooted her life and moved to Greensboro, N.C. to start a church. Second Chance Restoration Center Ministries was born in their apartment in Adams Farm with only a handful of new members, but has since grown and blossomed under her leadership. Within several months they had an overflow of people and moved the congregation to its present location on Randleman Road and have been here for five years. Now she is also a business owner of Betite’s Boutique which opened its doors on June 4, 2016, where not only apparel and jewelry is being sold but souls are being won for the Kingdom. The Lord just opened the door with a new Church location in which Second Chance moved into in January 2017. They also established Second Chance Event Center. A place where the community can hold events at. Their new address is Second Chance Restoration Ministry, 2006 A, W. Vandalia Road, Greensboro N.C. 27407. Service times are 10 a.m. for Sunday school and 11 a.m. for worship. Check their website for other times and services.

Along with her husband, she continually prays and intercedes on behalf of the sheep and for all souls. She is constantly seeking direction from The Lord. She continues to fellowship with other ministries around the North Carolina region and across the nation building unity amongst the body of Christ. Her message and ministry continues to impact lives, and to grow the Kingdom. Pastor Betite says that the Lord told her not to continue her theological studies at International Seminary after one year of completion even though she wanted to continue. He told her to leave Florida and go to Greensboro and establish the church. She says that God has given her a P.H.D., a degree in Preaching Healing and Deliverance. Pastor Prophetess Betite Parrish will soon be elevated to apostleship as she is birthing churches. She has been commissioned not only to preach the gospel, but to teach God’s people faith by precept and example, pray the prayer of faith, provide faithbased Biblical counsel, and have an environment that encourages believers to grow spiritually. Behind her smile is a testimony of hardship, tragedy, poverty, but most importantly of triumph and overcoming.

· Psalm 32:8: The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” · 1 John 2:3: And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. · Psalm 37:4: Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. She also has a dream to construct a building to house their growing membership. This will also be a place where they will be able to teach life skills and provide food and clothing to those in need in the area. She also plans to build a shelter for the homeless, as well as for battered and abused women and children. Additionally, she intends to start a program called F.A.C.T. (feed a child today) – that will allow children to have non-perishable food items and school supplies (with book bags) so they will flourish.

Despite life struggles, she continues to say and “We Give the Lord Praise.” She always “keeps it moving”; and she tells her congregation to “Just do it” and she never lets the devil stop her flow. She has true agape love and compassion for people and works daily as the hands, feet and mouthpiece for God. Betite says all of her challenges belong to God. “Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Some of my concerns have been that the Lord had sent me to a ministry that is for those that didn’t have much. Some wounded soldiers that are now in the army of the Lord. Those that don’t have a lot of money, those that have been hurt, abused, homeless, so I had to learn how to totally depend on Him for supplying all the financial needs for the ministry when we first started. “I thank Him that he has blessed me with the gift of favor that money can’t compare to,” she says. Being a female pastor, especially saved in the Church of God in Christ which taught against female preachers, Betite hears the tone and sly statements regarding women in Christ being in the pulpit preaching the same word that brings deliverance and salvation. Why so much division? It does not deter her or stops her from loving them or keeps her from her assignment or offices. “He has entitled me within the five fold ministry that He has commissioned me to do. Ephesians 4:11-13: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ,” she says. Betite plans are to allow Him, the Holy Spirit to use her and others that have been assigned to accomplish the plans to edify the church, the community as well as the nation. She stands on the following scriptures… · Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. · Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. · Proverbs 16:3: Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. · Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Not to be outdone, Betite will build a rehabilitation facility to help transitional inmates (ex-offenders of non-violent crimes) with life skills and employment opportunities. It will be used for natural and spiritual rehabilitation, counseling, education, and job-training. Next, her plans are to erect a facility for homeless teenagers to participate in educational and self-sufficiency programs that will help them become productive adults in society. In the future, Betite hopes to flourish her missionary work in other parts of the world including digging wells in Africa to provide clean water and aid with agricultural growth in drought stricken lands. h

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I’m A Believer By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Toni Shaw Photography

She is a mighty woman of God who is walking boldly and firmly in His blessings and favor. She knows who she is and whom she belongs to. Her faith an unwavering commitment to her saviour is obvious and equally evident with everything that she does. Plain and simply said, Sheleta Mason is a child of the king who loves the Lord. As the next to the oldest of seven children, Mason states that there was never a dull moment in the Milton household growing up. She is a child of a minister, and quite understandably there were standards that were set that helped to shape and mold her. “They put God first, they overcome, they work hard and encourage us to go after our dreams. Because of this, I am passionate about everything I put my mind to do,” she says. When Sheleta is not tending to her duties as a wife to whom she describes as the most wonderful and supportive husband, she works as a professional hairstylist. These two obligations alone requires a certain level of devotion and love. Still she finds time to satisfy another passion that has always burned within her soul, and that is singing the gospel of God. “I love all types of music and try to incorporate something for everyone. I love jazzy heartfelt music that moves the soul. I want people to feel my heart when I sing. My music provides an experience for the listener. Every word and every melody is inspired by my own personal relationship with God,” she says. Sheleta remains humble and knows that she has not even began to tap into the fullness of being an artist, though it is hard to think that she hasn’t as she gracefully wooed the hearts and ears of her fans with her first project, Heart of A Believer that was released in 2015. Every song is based on the word of God and created to encourage the believer. Mason says the vision of Heart Of A Believer is that she is a believer and as a believer, I go through tests and trails so she wanted to be transparent and share her heart from a believers perspective. “Even though we go through, God is always there to see us through. When trials come your way, will you just give up or give in to them or will you stand on the word of God and praise Him through your circumstances. I choose to praise regardless of what it looks like.” As an artist she is able to express herself in her very own way, and on her terms. She is able to share her testimony with the world and joyously bless others with the love God has placed in her. Since her first project, she is full of expectancy. Her faith has gotten much bigger and stronger, and she declares that without a doubt in her mind, there is nothing God can’t do.

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Mason began writing music around the age of 11, though she has been singing all of her life. She ventured out as a solo artist three years ago but says being a solo artist was not her first intentions. “I am a behind the scenes type of person but my parents encouraged me to do a solo project. One day I was working at the salon and my mom called me to the back and told me that I was sitting on my gift. She then asked me what was I going to do about it. I didn’t know but she said what ever you do God will bless it,” she says. That was about four years ago. Mason procrastinated until she wrote her first single in 2014 titled ‘I Shall Not Be Moved’. That song she says is very dear to her because it’s actually a conversation that she had with the Lord in her time of need. “I wrote it and my mom said well what are you going to do next. I was going to just add it to my collection of over 200 songs that I have written throughout the years, but this felt different. I called my producer and I ended up with ‘Heart Of A Believer’. Every song, every word, and even the title came from God and it was all in His perfect timing,” she says. As an independent artist, she continues to work towards getting her product out to the masses and walk into opened doors and learn from the closed ones. “It will come. I just have to keep on pushing forward,” she says. Life comes with many challenges. Mason would love more than anything to be a mother. Mason and her husband were pregnant back in 2006 but unfortunately she had a miscarriage. “The doctors say one thing but I trust God with my whole heart and I believe the report of the Lord,” says Mason.

In Psalms 37:4 KJV he tells us to Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. In Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. “Infertility is the mountain. I am speaking to it and saying with my mouth what I want to see and I believe that I receive therefore I shall have,” she says. Infertility has been a major challenge for Mason. Frustrations have kicked in along with hurt, anger, fear, doubt, confusion and all of that stems from the enemy but she has refused to let the devil steal her joy. She has refused to live her life as a defeated Christian. “I am everything that God says I am,” says Mason. “His word confirms that I’m the rightouesness of God. His word confirms that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am grateful for every opportunity presented.” h

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