Winter 2010

Winter 2010

™

Revealing the Keys to Kingdom Living

Danette Crawford

Marcia Kinslow Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

TM

Editor-In-Chief Ericka Ward

In this Issue:

Evangelist Ericka Ward EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The world is ever changing, but thank God, Jesus remains the same. How He loves us and cares enough to give us a new beginning when we need one. Every New Year we can take advantage of the opportunity to re-evaluate and start fresh in our relationship with the Lord and each other. A great portion of this Premiere Issue has been dedicated to sharing the lives and stories of singles, as you read we pray that you find inspiration and encouragement to pursue your Divine Purpose. We all have to start somewhere, sometime… why not you, and why not now? Your new beginning is today, repent from the past failures, faults, inaction and mistakes—take your clean slate and allow the Lord to draw out the plans for your future according to the plans He’s had for you all of your life… He’s not through with you yet! Get close enough to Him to find out what He meant for you when He chose you as His very own… It doesn’t matter how young you are or how old.. You can and will make an impact on the world, just being you and doing what you were born to do.

Gods got great things in store for you! — Jeremiah 29:11

Haiti AidSingles FeatureYouth FocusBusiness Innovation/InspirationKeeping It Real/Relationships Cover Story: Saved, Single, Successful Divine Concept Group Testimony of Persistence Artistically Speaking Ask Renee/Health Matters (Wilms Tumor) Auto ClinicSenior CelebrationMusic Industry: Strategic Music PartnershipsUp & Coming Christian Artists Just For FunScripture/Prayer/Puzzle Key Ads-

STAFF Senior Editor /Writer Writer/ Assoc. Editor/Photographer Layout Editor Layout Editor Associate Editor Photographer Photographer Admin. Associate

Miriam Stevens Sharon Menzies Matthew Walker Norvel Ashley Jr. Lemlem Tsegaw Steven Ward Robert Covington Belinda Washington

Annual Sugar Arts Competition Saturday, February 20, 2010 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Isaiah 55:6-9 6

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Location: Tabernacle Baptist Church Unity Hall 150 East Second Street Burlington, NJ 08016

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Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

All proceeds donated to Quest Ministries in support of their Soup Kitchen and Food Bank

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For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Additional information found: www.gscakeshow.com

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

BE BLESSED! ~ Ericka

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page 6 pages 8,16 page 10-12 page 13 page 14 page 22 page 18 page 20,21 page 38 page 40,41 page 42 page 30 page 32 page 34 page 39 page 42,43 page 45

Check out the Garden State Cake Club on Facebook Cover photos credits: Joy Ministries, Hubble telescope, & Glamour Shots

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

Copies Permitted

24 St Johns Drive Hampton, Virginia 23666

Contact us for more information at: Divine Concept Group—Women’s Retreat 24 St. Johns Drive Hampton, Virginia 23666 OR Pre-register at divineconceptgroup@gmail.com Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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MORE OF HIM IN 2010

Miriam S. Stevens, Senior Editor The last couple of years have been a trip for me…a voyage of unknown proportions. At the end of 2007 when I said to the Lord “I want to have Life and THAT LIFE more abundantly regardless of what it takes”, If I had known then the kind of ride that followed, and what I was going to experience; I might have thought twice before I said that to the Father (haha). I have had my ups and downs before in my many years of being a single Christian lady raising my family alone.

I have experienced rough journeys before singlehandedly raising my son through the public school system, keeping him out of street life, and making sure we kept a roof over our heads.

It is a challenge being a single mom as I am sure a whole lot of persons are now saying, ”AMEN to that sister”.

Not only do we have a lot of single moms out there, but there has been an increasing number of single dads raising the children by themselves void of the mothers presence. Yet, when I longed for a different life, one without the fear of poverty, homelessness and lack; and cried out to the Lord saying you promised me that I could have life and that life more abundantly, I never knew how this plea would change my life as I knew it. As the saying goes, „if you want something different you have to do something different‟ really rang true for my life.

In the middle of 2008 I suffered unemployment. But the worst came in the ending of that year, October 24, 2008, when my life was threatened and almost ended. Well, praise the Lord, for God said “no you can‟t have her “and so I was spared. I never thought my life would have ever experienced such a tragedy. Yet, my story isn‟t unique even though it‟s real to me and has impacted my walk with the Lord. In

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2009 I had to deal with lingering demons from the harrowing experiences of 2008. All through this journey the Lord kept me and my family. Even when I couldn‟t deal and felt like I was slowly slipping into nothingness; the Lord said I would never leave you or forsake you. Even when others couldn‟t understand the depth of my depression and fears; the Lord was still there in the hell that I lived. The scripture - if you make your bed in hell, I would be there with you - became my mantra.

Through all of this death that surrounded me, a funny thing happened; I began to experience a new birth. I began to see the glimmer of hope shining through the dark cave that I had buried myself away in to escape my agony.

Somehow, my God through His loving caressing ways, found me when no one else could find me and began rebuilding me. From the inside out, He began this rebirth process and truly the ringing of… „you are my workmanship‟,‟ you have a future hoped for‟, „He who the son has set free is free indeed‟… began to be the new meditation of my thoughts. Those demons of fear, doubt and despair started to be excavated and ushered into my mind was liberty, joy, peace and hope. I started to breathe again and experience a change in my existence that resembled a flower in bloom. I started to have a wellspring of passions flood out of my being to overflowing.

My current circumstance from the “outsider” looking in hasn‟t changed. I am still unemployed, I am still a single parent with all of the challenges to maintain a semblance of life, and I still have some debts to pay. Yet, what God breathed into my body the day I laid on my bedroom floor dying, was what I pleaded with Him to have: Life and That Life MORE ABUNDANTLY. That was the defining moment where the true change occurred; as old things passed away and behold all things are new. Now, I taste and see how good the Lord truly is. I thought that the Lord and I had a good relationship before; but now, it‟s out of this world – literally. I am no longer chained to the “world‟s way” of dealing with life and life situations. I have a new lease on life hungering and thirsting after right-

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

eousness. It seems like the passions of my youth have been reinitiated. I am flowing more in the gifts that I thought had died. Maybe it took a literal death of me to bring forth new life.

The word does speak about a kernel of corn dying and I truly identify with how out of death there is resurrection life to ascend to the Father‟s throne and abide forevermore. My heart‟s desire has been to be more like the Lord in my heart, mind, spirit, and body. Living for the Lord now is new every day. No more humdrums and blues, but now filled with unimaginable expectations. I realized how great living life really is and to not take any day for granted.

Truly we don‟t know when our last day on this earth will be but as long as we have breath in our bodies we can make every moment count. Our life counts even when we feel we have nothing to offer we can be an agent of change. We can start with ourselves and then make an impact on all others around us. It is the ripple effect, like a stone being thrown into the water and then the impact of that stone hitting the water is visibly seen right before our eyes. When I was thrown in the water of life drowning with the cares of life; facing a personal tragedy; I woke out of darkness into His marvelous light of life. I rose to the surface. I did not drown but became ripples for others to visibly see. I am so grateful to the Lord for His grace, mercy and goodness. I am so longing to unveil more of Him. I want to learn more about His ways and life. I desire to read and reread and then read again His word. I am so excited when I get a Rhema revelation on just one word spoken to me. I laugh at the “being set up” moments that God puts me through because it‟s all for a “good end and preplanned future He created for my prosperity.” I now feel like an eagle soaring to new realms in an atmosphere only reserved for the presence of the Lord flyers (smile).

The Lord is awesome and has so many treasures for us to find when we diligently seek to know more of Him. This is my desire and this is my life‟s purpose and the reason why I was born and why my life was spared that October morning. To know more of

Him and develop our lifelong relationship is the passion of my new life. To bask in His presence and enjoy all the benefits of just being loved by Him is my primary pleasure for living now. All too often we purchase materials seeking out why we were born, or how to find our purpose, and what do we need to do to obtain our divine destiny. I am finding out for me to really have life more abundantly, even in the midst of tragedy, circumstances and trials; what really counts is my effort to walk in obedience, be faithful to His word, and worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.

All I need to do is appreciate that God loves me regardless of who does or doesn‟t love me. All I have running through my veins is a blood bought covenant that Jesus died so that I could live. All that really matters is the choice I made to dedicate the life I have here on planet Earth to be God‟s.

I have a joy in my life that I have never known before in all of my previous 44 years of living. To know that I am in this world, but not of this world; and that I am an heir to my Father‟s Kingdom is life changing in itself. It just blows my mind realizing that on my deathbed I journeyed like my Savior, Jesus; to hell and back with the keys and authority to the kingdom and victory over death and hell. To God I give Him all the glory and honor and praise!

He is an awesome lover. One that has brought me into an ecstasy never felt in my natural or spiritual body before.

God is truly the best lover EVER! To be with Him here on earth as it is in heaven, is the longing I have now. And the Lord is never one to let me down in fulfilling ALL of my needs! Establishing God‟s kingdom here in and through me in all the humbling circumstances that I face; is my heart‟s sole desire. I rejoice everyday… waking up saying I love you Lord, and thank you for another moment to know MORE of you.

Selah

Below is an inspirational piece I wrote recently as I am getting to know more of the lover of my soul, protector of my body and restorer of my life. Entitled ―Even in The Midst‖ Copyright ©2009 by Miriam S. Stevens aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-7 Eve n i n The M i dst

by M i r i am S. Ste ve ns ak a Esse nc e of M yrr h * Pr ove r bs 3:5 -7

Have you ever asked; ―Why bad things happen to good people?‖.....

We all have things that happen in our lives wishing it never passed through our door, like the times of the grief when loved ones pass away. The spouses who leave and say I just don‘t want this and throws up their hands saying No More...Even in the midst when tears are streaming down your face, even in the midst when wounds have pierced your inner core, even in the midst when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel....there is a word from God that says ‗All Things will work out for our good‘.

When you think no one cares about you, and your family spits in your face, the way of this world says you're not worth loving because size three you've never claimed. The pain and torment of constant ridicule just hoping comfort would come your way. Even in the midst of haters saying you're nothing, I will prevail.

The child, who is scared of the darkness that haunts in night, wishing you never existed. As a child we learn to hide the daily beating episodes...we go to school afraid to say a word, smiling while in pain, masking the secret which is carried through the family bloodline fearing exposure would reveal the awful shame… and So in silence another voice muted from the liberty to sing a new song of hope and joy. The cells in your body no longer respond to chemo, the last stage of life as we know it. Often times we ask...why God do I suffer, not understanding we don't have all the pieces of the puzzle. Our final strength is used to lift our heads, giving comfort to the loved ones we leave behind. We encourage them to go on with life knowing all the dreams we planned will be no more. Even in the midst when times of trials are at its greatest, even in the midst when all have walked away. Even in the midst when our questions seem never to get answered.....I still say, nevertheless I will give you praise.

In the middle of the journey on the road that I am walking, I do not forsake your word Lord that I will survive and I will choose Life. So, even in the midst I will trust you Lord regardless of the trial, even in the midst I will to will my mouth to give you praise, Even in the midst I know that I am more than a conqueror and I will prevail because what is meant for bad you've made it good.

When our home has been foreclosed and our family walked away; sometimes the needles become our closest friend...or maybe the choice is a gun contemplation ending the hurt and this solution becomes our best friend.

We face identity crisis, unpaid bills and homeless degradation; we face closed door employment, senseless crimes between brothers, religious atrocities, But even in the midst of endless life oppression there‘s an answer and I will praise your name. Yes there's another choice...because…

Even through a weary walk when all my strength has left me and I know your hand has never left my side and your word has always been the voice I have heard since I was a child , I trust you Lord, I give you praise, I know I will prevail. Selah - Shalom Copyright©2009 by Miriam S. Stevens Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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You can visit CNN.com/impact --- for a list of reputable organizations offering to help

DONATE Using your Cell Phone Red Cross: Text HAITI to 90999 ($10 donation)

The U.S. State Department has set up a hotline for information on family members who may be in Haiti: (888) 407.4747.

This number is for information on U.S. citizens in Haiti only.

‗There, but for the grace of God, go you and I‘. These words originated from John Bradford (1510-1555), they have been used often by many to show the very absolute fact that we could easily be the victim of an untoward circumstance if the hand of God did not intervene. It is so important for us to remember that it is the grace of God that allows us to live as well as we do, though many of us are feeling the crunch of our own economic difficulties, let us take the time now and in the coming years to give a portion of what we have, within our means; to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake, as well as others in our own immediate communities who are in need. God will not forget your labor of love. Hebrews 6:10

Yéle Haiti: Text YELE to 501501 ($5 donation)

http://doctorswithoutborders.org/donate/

PARTNER WITH TYLER PERRY Perry has expressed the same concerns that most of us have: “Is my money really going to Haiti?”

For Haiti Updates & Information Visit:

Visit his site to donate—he plans to ensure that your donation gets to the people of Haiti through reputable agencies.

http://www.tpetionnouvelgaye.com/index.php

http://www.tylerperry.com/HaitiRelief

Photos courtesy of the above web site

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Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

Yéle Haiti: https://co.clickandpledge.com/advanced/default.aspx?wid=23093

Phyllis L. Jones writer know I could not handle it. So this means I have to trust that no matter where I am He resides with me. I have been a believer in Jesus Christ for all of 18 years and I like to compare my life to the Word of God. I always advise my friends and whoever God sends into my pathway, to look for you in the bible. Believe me you are in there.

I want to write this article according to what God has done in my life. Now I would imagine that along the way you may have had some of the same experiences and if you have not, sweetie just keep living. Now here we go, I was single, married, divorced, single, remarried and now widowed and it has all been in God‘s plan for my life.

Why would I say it is all according to His plan?

Simply because He states it in His word according to Jeremiah 29:11, God actually has a plan for my life and He will work that plan no matter what I choose in life since He knows my beginnings and the exact way I will go. He has an expected destination for me. Listen beloved, I only know the first time I read that scripture I was so relieved that my future was not totally up to me. That means I have to listen whenever it is decision making time in my life and I have to trust in Him, even if I missed it, He still has a plan. I am also convinced that if He laid His plan all out for me it would blow my mind. I

Singles are so very free to be used of God. Read about Ruth and Esther, single ladies who made an impact, so important in the lives of others around them. Their life was used according to God‘s plan. It is the same today.

Single men and women are important in God‘s plan and can be satisfied and single or single and desiring a spiritual connection. No matter which one of those two states of singleness I may find myself in I have learned to be thankful that my God has a plan just for me.

I believe singleness is exciting. ―For with God nothing is impossible,‖ according to Luke 1:37. I choose to remain focused on my spiritual assignment, which will make room for my personal desires and listen carefully to the voice of God because without it I am simply following my own plan.

I thank God for all of my journey because it has helped me to learn many valuable lessons, to be aware of His presence, I am never alone, I am made whole in Him and I am a gift to others. I will use my singleness to glorify the God who has the plan for me. ~P.L. Jones

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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Brian Hamlett

2 Timothy 3: 16-17 assures those of the Christian faith that the scriptures have been God inspired but further that their content is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. This is so that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. I initiate this description of my testimony with the words found in 2 Timothy because I do believe even from an early age that I looked to the scriptures for the understanding of where my life was going.

The Biblical account within the scriptures which has resonated with my spirit the most is the recorded account of the life of Joseph. He birthed a dream/vision of his life, and spoke it into existence at the age of 17 (Gen.37:2). This catapulted Joseph’s life into a series of events and circumstances that most of us could never fathom enduring. But he persevered and stayed true to God and the dream. Joseph spent 13yrs in Egypt in various capacities but ultimately with the dream being fulfilled when he was 30 years old (Gen.41:46). The ceremony by which Pharaoh anointed Joseph as 2nd only to Pharaoh himself can be found in Gen.41:39-44.

I can remember telling my mother at the age of 8 that I wanted to be the President of the United States. Born in nineteen hundred and seventy didn’t make that idea seem very attainable. By the time I had reached 17, I had the dream. The dream revealed me standing in front of and above a massive group of people teaching them God’s principles. I, like Joseph had no idea how the end of the dream would manifest itself.

I went to college starting out studying Political Science and ended up studying Religious Education and Ministry and while there accepted the call to preach the word of God. I attended seminary in order to show myself approved being able to rightly divide the word of truth. I received my license to preach the gospel in 1994. I was ordained in 2003. I have served as youth pastor, Associate Pastor, on the Trustees Board and taught associates level courses in Glad Tidings Bible College. I learned very quickly that study and application are two very distinct concepts.

My valley experience reached its lowest depression in nineteen hundred and ninety-nine with the dissolution of the marriage bond between myself and my wife. The climb back to the summit is still a work in progress but was accelerated by the pen-

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ning of my book Drawing the Battle Lines. It was my spiritual therapy in the form of the ointment or salve (healing). I asked God to reveal me to myself (Phil 3:15) so that I could repent and become the man of God He wanted me to be. Writing the book allowed me to discourse with God and study all at the same time. Being single for 10 yrs allowed me the opportunity to grow and understand who I am in Christ, to this world, and in shaping this world. What WE use as a criteria to disqualify, God uses as a tool to manifest His LOVE, MERCY, GRACE, and sovereign POWER. Just as I believed my path out of the valley was almost complete, I seemingly fell back further into the valley away from the coveted summit. My son, who I had assumed custody of, was taken away from me in an instant. At the moment it happened, I could see myself back in the days of slavery, in the shoes of parents, heart torn from their chests as they watched their children ripped from their arms screaming and kicking, some never to be seen again. I can still vividly hear the cries of my son saying ‘I don’t want to go Daddy’ and feeling helpless.

For the next two years the downward spiral seemed endless. I didn’t know who to talk to, lean on, or cry out for. I knew the words, Cry unto the Lord but in the midst of the inner pain and turmoil, my suffering overtook me. Even with all the experience and knowledge I had been exposed to, once the experience was upon me, I failed to enact my faith.

After two years of allowing my non-comprehension of my circumstances to consume me, I woke up. I reread my book and began to preach God’s word again. The salve of the word mended my stony heart and allowed me to experience God’s power again. My testimony is that God has just begun and my destiny has yet to be written.

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

Drawing the Battle Lines

By Brian Hamlett

Book Review

By Miriam Stevens, Senior Editor

This book gives insight on the tools needed to fight our adversary the devil in our everyday living.

This is a recommended reading for anyone seeking wisdom while being in the trenches of warfare and strategies for winning the battle.

Begin the New Year with a handy blueprint for winning the battle through the word of God as showcased from Ephesians 6:12-18.

Make sure to always be prepared and fully clothe with your battle gear is the understanding addressed in this wonderfully written book. I recommend all Christians to pick up this manual and include it in your spiritual warfare library.

Special order this Christian Based Book from any bookstore with this ISBN: 1-932344-29-2

Usually ships in 24-48 hours

Price: $ 10.97 What are other people saying about Brian K. Hamlett‘s expose on how the Christian needs to be alert to the kinds of spiritual battles one faces?

Paperback: 68 pages Publisher: Thornton Publishing (May 1, 2002) ISBN-10: 1932344292 ISBN-13: 978-1932344295 Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.2 inches

Drawing the Battle Lines is a basic overview for the newly converted Christian as to the nature and scope of the war against the enemy of God. The simple lay out will help the mature Christian as well as the new convert remember the concept of spiritual warfare that often times gets lost during the course of human existence. - review of a Navy Chaplain.

BOOK DESCRIPTION...

Brian would like you to know… ―I received Jesus as my personal Savior when I was 16 yrs old. I was sitting in the pew at church and Pastor Ford (Second Missionary Baptist Church of Kansas City, MO) gave the altar call. I knew I needed God. I walked up to the front without anyone coaxing me to go. I was water baptized fully submersed shortly there after.

My Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of Tongues came later.

I t c a m e d ur i n g a service at the Rapture Cathedral in Annapolis, MD. It was following a special Saturday service we held. I had recently finished my book and it was as if my spirit was in perfect alignm en t with God's at that moment. It was an awesome experience.‖

Drawing the Battle Lines is a basic overview for the newly converted Christian as to the nature and scope of the war against the enemy of God. The simple lay out will help the mature Christian as well as the new convert remember the concept of spiritual warfare that often times gets lost during the course of human existence.

ABOUT T HE AUT HOR...

Pastor Brian Keith Hamlett is a native of Kansas City, MO. During his many years of service, he has offered his time, talent, and energies in many capacities. He served as vicepresident of Christian Students United in Christ on the campus of Central Methodist College, Fayette, MO and Columbia College, Columbia, MO. In addition, Pastor Hamlett interned as a counselor in the Upward Bound program on the campus of the University of Minnesota. He holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Bachelors of Science in Religious Education as well as a Masters in Ministry. Pastor Hamlett has served as youth pastor, associate pastor, on the Board of Trustees, and as District Elder. In addition to Drawing the Battle Lines, Pastor Hamlett is currently working on two other book projects; ‗On the Road to Divine Intervention‘ and ‗Thanks…. Eve and Adam‘!

ED I T OR I AL R EVI EW S.. .

From website: http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Battle-Lines-Brian-Hamlett/dp/1932344292

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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H

ello!

My name is Marshai McIntyre. I am twenty years old, and junior at George Mason University.

My major is Economics, and minor in Business. I believe in teaching a man how to fish instead of giving him fish to eat; thus, my passion is to improve the education system but I don‟t want to teach. I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

I am also a previous GMU cheerleader and a Youth Usher; member of Economic Society, Student Funding Board, and Black Heritage Ending Ceremony Committee. I do many different volunteer projects including American Cancer Society Walk, GMU Job Fair, and GMU Women's Dialogue group. My hobbies include dancing, surfing the web, and traveling; but I really enjoy relaxing the most. I am an ambitious and easy going individual; therefore, I enjoy trying new things like food, music, or sports. I believe that God gave His one and only Son so that I may have eternal life. I was raised under Christian Influence, but I recently as of 2007 begin to build my faith with a local Baptist church in Hampton, Va. In school I am surrounded by many believers of many different religions. Their passion for their beliefs have increased my desire to learn more about God‟s promises and what He has in store for me. At times school is stressful, and I

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feel myself becoming discouraged, impatient, and cold, but God keeps me when I can‟t find my way. My faith in God is one of the reasons I am still enrolled in school. I can‟t imagine what I would do if I had never discovered the love of God. My greatest challenge was grasping hold of the simplest concept 1 John 4:4 that Greater is He is within me than he which is within the world. I wanted to live for Christ, but I didn‟t want to give up my old ways was another challenge for me. To this day I still pray to God to place the desire in me to give up my wicked ways. Some days are harder than other, but I know I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. (Philippians 4:13).

My Favorite Scriptures Philippians 4:13 "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" Psalms 84:11 "No good thing will He withhold from them that love Him?"

One final note, as a young Christian lady I encourage other young single Christians to find peace and happiness within God and them selves. Don't look for others to make you feel whole. Man will always let you down. God can give you ever lasting peace, while men can give you temporary fun. Keep that in mind when you find yourself in a debatable situation.     

My activities include, but are not limited to, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority INC. and the Economic Society. I have several interest some are, Wake Boarding, Cheerleading, Dancing, Eating, Working out.

I also enjoy R&B, Hip Hop, Christian and others.

My favorite movies are Monster Inc., Blue Avenue, Shrek I-III, Wanted.

I like to read, my favorite books are Any book by Harlen Coben; Drama Queen, Whispers of Evil etc.

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

Hello my name is Stephanie Shaffer. I am a 13 year I really say them a lot when I am talking to God. old, born and raised in Jacksonville Florida. I am in I have been a Christian since I was born really. I althe 8th grade and I have a fraternal twin brother, a ways go to church with my parents. younger brother and older sister. For me being a young Christian is pretty easy. I‟m a very happy perI haven‟t really faced any son who loves hard challenges in my life, being a Christian except trying to keep my and anyone who grades up, and what to wear knows me, knows for school. My mentor is my that‟s who I Mom, because she motivates am. They say that me every day. She loves me I am outgoing, but and helps me to be a sucsometimes I can be cessful young lady. a weird young lady.

My goal in life is to go to Howard University and become a very successful Lawyer. I'm a good student, and I get good grades. Over the last three years I have made A's and B's at "Jefferson Davis Middle School” (that‟s the school I currently attend). I was on my school swim team last year; I love to swim. I was also on the step team. This year I really haven‟t joined any sports just yet, but I plan on joining the swim team or the softball team.

In 2010, the things I plan to accomplish are: finishing Middle School, and then get into a good High School which challenges me to achieve more like Stanton, or Darnell Cookman. Oh and have a lot of fun this summer.

My twin brothers‟, named is Stephon. I‟m the oldest by 5 minutes; people say he acts like the more mature one between the two of us. Sometimes he and I have twin moments, where we My family and I have volunteered many times at the may say the same thing or do the homeless shelter here in Jacksonville. It was a thrill- same thing, at the same time. It ing experience to do that with my family. Many other can get pretty annoying at times, people I know were there too. because people always assume we want to be together all the time, just because we are twins.

Currently my favorite scriptures are John 3:16, "For My favorite singers are “Mary Mary”. They are so God so loved the world, great. I love all their songs, so I play them a lot; Other that he gave his only begot- artist I like are “Rihanna”, “Chris Taylor swift”, and ten Son, that whosoever “Miley Cyrus”, as well as some others. I listen to a lot believeth in him should not of pop music, gospel and some R & B. My favorite perish, but have everlasting television shows are Gossip Girl, Sonny with a life", and Matthew 7:1, Chance, The Jonas Brothers, and many others. I also “Judge not, that ye be not like movies like, the Eddie Murphy movie entitled judged". These are the first “Norbit”, as well as, “Alvin” and the Chipmunks”. I bascriptures I learned so they are my favorite. sically like anything that can really make me laugh.

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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Lionel Stevens seen here at the VA State Capital while Attending the ―Men of Tomorrow program‖.

My name is Lionel Stevens, and I am a 20 year old single male, and a virgin.

Most of the people I know lost their virgin status in high school, though I myself decided to remain a virgin of my own will. It‘s not really something that interested me as much as many other kids I know. I want to make sure that when I share that special moment with a woman, she will be special to me, and that she will feel that I am special too. I‘d rather have one woman for my entire life and be happy, than a lifetime of bad choices with many women.

My main goal in life is to be a video game designer; most people would think that‘s just one of those things that kids would say because they think video games are cool, but to me, I see the background of the game more than the game itself. I see how much time and effort has to be put into making something that other people would want to play,

and I know it‘s a lot of hard work. That hard work would be worth it though, when I see a game that I made on the shelves of department stores… with the label ―sold out‖ next to where the game should be!

I suppose I don‘t have an exact favorite scripture, but almost all of the scriptures that I seem to favor have to do with being joyous. Many Christians don‘t realize that the joy of the Lord is one of the most powerful tools for bringing others into the Kingdom, more than verses, or testimonies. They don‘t realize that others will want to join the fold if they see that one can be joyful, even in times of struggles like these times of today, and I am a joyous person at all times. I love to have fun and love to be humorous; making people smile always brightens my day! My mother always tells me, if I don‘t make it as a game designer, then I would make a good living as a comedian!

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.Romans 5: 3 AMP

To learn more about Lionel‘s Video Game interests or to offer mentorship please contact him at Emcsqrd14@aol.com Lionel‘s wearing designs by Renee ―The Name for Custom Fashions‖ See ads section for more information

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Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

VISIONS A different kind of game for a different kind of gamer.

Beta test launch set for March 2010.

Visions is an historical MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game) set in the ancient Roman empire, starting on the island of Cyprus. Visions is a quest and skill based game meaning that players will complete quests to learn skills that help them advance through the game. A variety of Professions are planned which will determine the type of skills that players learn. The role playing aspect of Visions creates a social environment for a cooperative game playing experience that is fun for families and friends to play together.

Visions is being created by an entirely volunteer team at Heaven‘s Blessings Tiny Zoo that has been working since 2003. Visions development has undergone three engine changes, which resulted in some obvious setbacks to the release timeline. In 2007 the development team started a team building exercise which resulted in the production of a small racing game called Chariots that involved a total of 19 months of work. Chariots is available now from www.chariotsgame.com online.

The Visions development project is now being produced in the Torque Game Engine Advanced version 1.8.2 and the first public beta launch has been set for March 2010. Due to the volunteer nature of the team, a multi stage release has been scheduled, with four more beta release stages planned before final feature complete game launch is planned. Anyone interested in gaining development experience in the game industry is invited to visit the website at www.visionsgame.com and apply online. Programmers, Animators, Artists, Writers, Sound FX and Marketing are all encouraged to apply. Beta Testers can register on our forums at www.visionsgame.com/forums and post their introduction there.

A rich world full of historic landmarks, animals, plants, Roman currency, meaningful quest content, and engaging gameplay is being created for players who are looking for deeper content in the games they choose for themselves or their family. Historic events are being planned, and quests involving a variety of professions are being written. Biblical content is being included in a friendly, inviting format for the players who are seeking new inspiration. Visions is unlike any other game on the market today. The developers at Visions are not trying to copy any existing games, they are creating a completely new gaming experience unlike anything seen before.

Miriam Stevens of Divine Concept Group discovered the Visions project online, and contacted producer Laurene Wells for an exclusive interview that will appear in the next issue of Unveiled Purpose magazine. Meanwhile, readers can learn more about the company producing Visions from the Heaven‘s Blessings Tiny Zoo website at www.tinyzoo.com and read about the family friendly games they are making. Laurene Wells is a Christian homeschooling mom of four children, married 19 years, with talent in art and writing. She is not a programmer and did not study game development in school, but is following this path into ministry through games anyway, as the Lord leads her.

“For man, this is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 For Visions or Chariots fans who would like to get a T-shirt, mug, skateboard, or other awesome promotional gear with the game logo on it, the company has set up an online store at www.zazzle.com/tinyzoo* which is available immediately. Anyone wanting to make a donation directly can use the link on the www.visionsgame.com website.

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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Before serving in the armed forces I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. My childhood was not easy but God knew he had a plan for me; he covered me with his hands of mercy especially when I couldn't cover myself. I dropped out of high school at the age of 14 and traveled in life treading some dangerous highways. I left Chicago and moved to Terry Mississippi to receive my first blessing, my GED. I relocated to Chicago, IL enrolling in Olive Harvey Jr. College I graduated with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts May 2, 1986. I began to make some foolish decisions in my life and did a spiral which was leading me down the pathway to hell. Once again God came to my rescue. I will share those traumas in my next book. After years of struggling with demonic warfare, I decided to join the military.

After numerous appearances in court to clear my name to avoid a six year prison term (God covered me from the enemy) I enlisted in the United States Army October 15, 1987 and retired after 20 years at Fort Lewis, WA. November 1, 2007. During my time in the Armed Forces I have received my B.A. in Biblical Studies from Regions University (formally Southern Christian University) December 6, 2008. I obtained my Master of Science Degree from Liberty University May 10, 2009. I had three major military deployments: Operation Desert Storm Desert Shield, Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti), and Tikrit Iraq. My highest award achieved is "The Bronze Star Medal" while assigned as the Senior Food Operations Non-Commissioned Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am married with three children residing in Louisiana. I am an aspiring writer and Psalmist who loves to sing, praise and worship songs for the Lord.

I have come close to death on three different occasions in my life, and God spared me. He covered me from my enemies. My Sista In Christ, one of those enemies was "me." It's funny we all have those relatives who predict the age you will live to see, one aunt told me I would not live to see 21, she died three years ago.

Because of my personal experiences in life I had grave concerns for my sista‘s dealing with relationships as a single women and married women dealing with Marital Warfare. While serving in the Armed Forces I have had the opportunity to have women work under my leadership ages ranging from 18 years and older. I learned one thing from this experience no matter what race or denomination you are, the same mistakes are made consistently on a day-to-day basis. This gave me the idea for my website www.sistainchrist.com.

I have posted articles on numerous topics 14

to include giving tidbits on how to restore your credit. My favorite posting is Ungodly preachers which you can find on my web site and Down Low Brothers. I did not post this article to bash our men or scare women away from them but to make them aware Down Low Brothers are still out there and they don‘t have a specific way they look or act which is why they are called ―down low brothers.‖ Excerpts from Blog article Posted July 28, 2009

Sista‘s Here‘s another brain blaster for you. We are truly in the last and evil days here on earth. Everybody and everything is slowly coming to the surface and all secrets are out. Some men are revealing their true nature to society with no embarrassment…

Whatever happened to ‗maybe there‘s a chance you can find a good man in church‘? When the saying ―brothers on the down low‖ started to surface it left a lot of women in shock. The men who look or act like women show signs... however, some

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

brothers on the down low do not show signs... So what about the ones who show no signs at all?

When you meet a man you don‘t know who… you are talking to. What are the signs and symptoms to look for when dealing with brothers on the down low? ...The devil is out to kill and destroy...

Our down low brothers are Corporate America workers, ministers, fathers, husbands, deacons, athletes, actors; we even have our young men on the streets engaging in such ungodly acts to include our men that like to gang bang, and drug dealers the list could go on. ...some of these men have been incarcerated for years... I never could understand why sista's are attracted to men who live in and out of the penitentiary, sista's don‘t exclude them! Our young daughters don‘t have a clue what or who they are dealing with once they start dating. ...do they use their women as cover ups. ...So many sista‘s have been caught in this situation only to find out their husband ...is on the down low and her chance of catching the aids virus has grown tremendously. I read an

article where one down low brother clearly stated he was HIV positive and having unprotected sex with his partners knowing they were married, when asked of his concerns for his behavior he stated ―the (expletive) gets everything he deserves,‖ even if it meant killing his wife in the process.

Sista's that statement truly alarmed me! Sista‘s please take this seriously. ...They say abstinence is the best cure and this is true, however; you cannot practice abstinence if you are married.

Sista‘s do your research when you meet a man don‘t hold back on questions your life depends on it. Use Google to find out more about brothers on the down low you would be surprised at what you learn about this horrible behavior our men are engaging in.

You shall not lie with a man as with a women; it is an abomination.

(Leviticus 18:22 AMP) Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality. (1Corinthians 6:9 AMP) The reason I love this posting is because some sistas are on the lookout for down low brothers. when dating but somehow we have overlooked our brothers who served hard time in the penitentiary. Another grave concern of mine is how Sista's are choosing their men. I published an EBook (Sista's Do you Know What To Look For When Choosing Your Man?) which can be downloaded from my website for $10.00 it includes issues sista's should be concerned with while choosing their mate, each page is covered with biblical principles to enhance a woman‘s way of thinking when choosing her mate. Remember sista's ―just because he is employed, don‘t mean he is a man, it just means he has a job.‖ Along with ―Sista's Do you Know What To Look For When Choosing Your Man?‖ I also pub-

lished ―Marital Warfare.‖ In these last and evil days married woman battle all sorts of issues. Sometimes men are not always the one with the problem. As women we have deep rooted issues of our own that need to be dealt with.

Marital Warfare will take you into the lives of different women who deal with deep rooted issues giving solutions and scriptures that point them in God‘s direction.

My most recent personal struggle and biggest challenge was undergoing brain surgery (brain tumor) Dec 10, 2009 at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston Texas. I have had this tumor for over 3 years. I am truly blessed to still be alive. It is not embedded in my brain however it was on top of the brain therefore putting great pressure on the brain because of its weight.

My dream/goal is to publish more books and use my singing voice more for the Lord. I strongly encourage all my sista's (and brothers) to pursue their ministry no matter what area their God given gift might be. There are some people who are against women standing behind the pulpit, they even use Paul words (1 Timothy 2:11-13) to their advantage by turning the scripture around to fit their reasoning. If God gives you a gift and places in your spirit how he wants you to use it then do it! Sometimes women feel they cannot use their calling because they feel unworthy, I went through that phase. Have no fear, God knew us before we were formed in our mother‘s womb, he wants us to use our experiences and knowledge to draw more of his children closer to him (Jeremiah 1:5 AMP). A drug addict can relate more to someone who has been in their shoes than someone who doesn‘t have a clue what addiction is like.

Single women who want to practice celibacy can relate more with a women who is walking in her shoes.

Once again my sista's I say, use your gift to minister to others; but seek his guidance first.

I have no regrets over the things I have experienced in life.

Without the issues I have faced I would not be the person I am today.

A lot of times I made decisions in my life which turned into a total disaster because I refused to seek knowledge from God and I rejected his laws. This is one of my favorite verses: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. Hosea 4:6 (AMP) I would like to invite you to join me on my blog and share your opinions or maybe some of life experiences that can truly bless someone else. God Bless. ~Deanetta To read Deanetta‘s July 28, 2009 posting in it‘s entirety visit her website:

www.sistainchrist.com.

Editorial Commentary This story shares a topic of great concern in the body of Christ. Deceptiveness in any relationship is unacceptable, and no one should enter into the sacred union of marriage lightly –as it is a vow between themselves and God to honor, respect, love and be FAITHFUL to one another. Many relationships need deliverance in the area of fidelity. We must take hold of the fact that God is a keeper if we want to be kept- no matter the temptation- flesh will always war against the spirit, so we must make up our minds to live to please God. For those who have been involved in a homosexual lifestyle- God is a deliverer if you want to be delivered, we want those who have found themselves on the other side of this story to also know that God can change your life, as with any sin or weakness we must first acknowledge our sin and then work out our own salvation-Phil 2:12, you can be born again- John 3:3, 3:16, and ―if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new.‖ II Corinthians 5:17. Change is possible...

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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Derrell G. Owens is a 45 year old Sr. Benefits Specialist for Johns Hopkins University residing in Baltimore, Maryland. Derrell has never been married and has no children; he does have three brothers, and one sister and loves to have family and friends over for dinner and games. He has a passion for playwriting and the theatre. He is an advanced tennis player who has a love for the outdoors, especially the beach, he enjoys travel to quaint little places where he can sit down and look at beautiful scenery and meditate on his life and next steps.

As an actor, Owens has performed on stage, film and television. He has been featured in such movies as: The Accidental Tourist, Home for the Holidays, Clara's Heart, Species 2, The Replacements and the HBO mini-series, The Corner. For seven years Owens was featured on the 16

television crime drama, Homicide, Life on the Streets. His theatre credits include: A Few Good Men, Tryin' Times and A Raisin in the Sun. In July 2003, Owens' original play, "Sessions in Autumn", was selected as an "A- List" play by the Frank Silvera Writers Workshop to be read during the Readers' Theatre Series of new plays at the National Black Theatre Fest.

Derrell is the CEO/Director of Zionward Productions, a relatively new theatre production company, which began operating in 2005. The vision of Zionward Productions is to present quality theatrical productions with strong spiritual and moral content.

Zionward Productions‘ mission is to encourage Christians in their walk with Christ and fully devoted to producing theatre productions that are thought provoking, inspirational and educational. ―Zion Productions is committed to "realism" and portraying sto-

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

ries that people can relate to. Zionward Productions' goal is to deliver emotionally charged theater ‗so real‘ that audiences will forget they are watching a performance. It is our goal to captivate audiences and leave them saying, ‗Wow. I have never experienced a play as real as that‘. In addition to gospel stage plays, Zionward Productions will produce plays dealing with social issues that are not normally told or often go unheard‖, says Owens. Among Owens' most memorable moments as a writer was in February 2000 when his original play, The Family Mantle, won 1st place in the Eighteenth Annual Drama Competition sponsored by ABC2 and The Arena Players, Inc. The play was produced for television by ABC and aired on February 26, 2000 in celebration of Black History Month. In May 2001, the revised fulllength version of "The Family Mantle" won him an Individual Artist Award in Playwriting from the Maryland State Arts Council and a Governor's Citation.

Beyond all of these great accomplishments there is a man of God above all, who credits his relationship with Christ as the foundation of all his success. Of course, Derrell can tell it best in his own words: ―I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior in November 1984. I always believed God existed in my life. In my early childhood I felt his presence in my life. After surviving a terrible auto accident at age 24, I understood that God had a divine purpose in my life. I came to realize that my purpose is to minister to the world through the gift of writing. My favorite scriptures are Proverbs 17:17 ―A friend Loveth at all times‖, Proverbs 3:5-6 ―trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths‖. Friendship is very important to me and it has been the support and love of my friends that have been such a huge encouragement to me. It‘s so easy to get discouraged while living in this world. It‘s so easy to get caught up in what we see or what we feel. And we often make our decisions based on what we see and feel. However, what a blessing to know that we can put our trust, our cares, our dreams… in the hand of God and He will always steer us in the right direction. Finally, Proverbs 18:16; ―A man‘s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.‖ True gifts from God stand out on their own and will lead you exactly where God wants you to be.‖

INFLUENCES: My mentors are Charles Fuller, Tyler Perry, and David Talbert. Fuller, a Pulitzer Prize winner and writer of “A Soldier’s Play”, “his writing inspired me to elevate my writing style and skill and the subject matter of my writing. Perry, is the evidence of what God will do in your life if you remain faithful and take the limits off of God. Talbert is an incredible playwright, very humble, loves his work with a passion and he was the first Black playwright to reach out to me and encourage me in my writing.”

AFFILIATIONS: I am the Vice President of A Good Black Man, Inc. (www.agoodblackman.org). The organizations honors and recognizes the positive contributions Black men make to our communities. AGBM hosts an annual Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration, where six Black professional men are honored. AGBM also hosts a six week summer camp for Black males between the ages of 11-14. The mission of AGBM, Inc. is to develop an expansive collaboration of resources and information specific to uplifting, educating, and empowering African American males.

ADVICE TO FUTURE PLAYWRITES: First, be sure playwriting is your passion or else you will not stick with it. Playwriting for the most part is a solitary process. You need to have the desire to write. It is important to learn the craft. Read instructional books to acquire the proper writing format. Attend professional plays to see how they are presented to an audience. Pay attention to information in theatre playbills. You will often find contact information for theatre personnel who can assist you with questions and provide additional resources. If possible take classes and also locate a mentor who can personally invest time in you. The type of person who succeeds in this business is the person who doesn’t quit. The person who succeeds is the one who keeps his talent strong and his faith stronger.

Interview with Senior Editor Miriam Stevens: Q -Tell us how have you managed to remain single all these years?

A - Good question. It can be very difficult to date or sustain a relationship when pursuing a dream. For me, most of my time involves trying to move to the next level so I stay quite busy during production time.

However, I am keeping my eyes open and I am still hopeful that I will be able to marry in the very near future. Any takers? (smile) ~ Q -What can you share with other single Christian men and women who desire to live a Holy and set apart life? How do you maintain your relationship with the Lord amidst temptations, being in entertainment what precautions do you take to avoid compromising your Christian witness?

A -I find that being single and Christian is not as difficult as some make it out to be. I believe when you keep your mind focused on productive things your life and spirit remains positive and productive as well. I also surround myself with like minded friends. I enjoy dating and romantic evenings just like anyone else, but I also have developed self control.

Temptations are everywhere, but again if you stay focused on things that are just and pure and right you have a far better chance of avoiding pitfalls. ~ Q - What is a typical day for the Zionward Productions CEO? Typical day of a playwright? Theater Actor?

A –Wow. A typical day as CEO is filled with phone calls, scheduling, meetings and networking, I am always out networking and attending functions and building professional and personal relationships. As a playwright, a typical day is writing, editing, writing, editing, writing and editing. A playwright (or any writer) has to write. I am always thinking of new and unique stories to tell. As an actor a typical day is basically attending rehearsals and giving myself over to the character I‘m portraying. ~ Q– What is your ideal role?

A—My ideal role would be to play a teacher who inspires and encourages his students to never to give up on their dreams, understand the power and resilience of the human spirit and to realize the importance of establishing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And what guy doesn‘t want to star in a high budget Science fiction action movie where he saves the world from evil and destruction.

~ Q - You have a scholarship for high school seniors who want to get into the business, how can they apply?

A - The graduating student can submit an essay to Zionward Productions explaining his/her goals for the future in theatre arts. ~ Q - What are your goals for your company in 2010? \-I have just finished casting my upcoming stage play, ―The Family Mantle‖ I have written three more scripts: ‗Hiz & Herz‖, ―Deceptive Behavior‖ and ―A Place at the Table‖. You may find out more about these projects on my website I‘m always looking to work with new talent and I‘m currently communicating with prominent celebrities and their management for involvement in upcoming projects.

To contact Derrell visit: www.zionwardproductions.homestead.com

Story by Miriam Stevens Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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2010

January 2010

Who We Are And How We Help You ―Divine Concept Group‖ is made up of women from diverse denominational and cultural backgrounds, hence the questions, how is this group of women able to agree upon anything? How can they help me? We would like to take this time to provide you with some answers to some questions you may have.

A l t h ou g h the women of ―Divine Concept Group‖ share diversity in our lives, we also agree and share beliefs that are important factors in God‘s Kingdom. We all share the belief in our Lord and Savior and how He has given all of us the gift of what we call the “Unveiled Purpose”. The other factor is the need and purpose in our own lives to assist others in some way shape or form.

We know that everyone at some point thinks about what their purpose in life is. There are those who feel they know exactly what their purpose is, what their dreams are, and how to go after them in full force. Some of us need a little assistance in this area. This is where ―Divine Concept Group‖ would like to step in and provide different resources to help you reach out to your purpose.

These resources may be tapped and/or untapped to take steps in walking you toward your envisioned purpose. We would like to share with you some information on what we have done, are doing and will be doing in the near future, to assist others by using a few of our own unveiled purposes that God has so graciously bestowed upon us.

We had a very busy year in 2009 assisting others and ourselves in working toward goals and reaching beyond unseen limits to touch the tips of our purposes and/or passions. This includes providing food, clothing and a host of other necessities to those in need. Our desire to do this allows us to help other organizations such as the Needs Network, SNV. Inc, LINK and a host others in fulfilling their purpose by touching the lives of those who need a hand with life‘s issues.

Here are some of the ways in which we are utilizing the method of pay it forward in Gods name, by opening up doors closed or slightly ajar for those in our group and outside of our group to be a blessing to others. In the beginning of the year we as a group put together a yard sale/bake sale and a food drive. The purpose of this was to build up funds, for our organization which would allow us to assist others on so many different levels, as well as allow us to build up funds for our conference later in the year. The food was donated to LINK one of our many 18

partners. Although we were all asked to provide something for this event, Deborah Covington who is the DCG Executive Secretary, has a passion and a purpose in life to bake, cook for others, especially for those in need. She also has aspiration to become CEO of her own company. Her gift and purpose of baking was revealed that day. We had to pull out another table to accommodate all of the delicious dishes she had created. This was a wonderful venue for her purpose to become unveiled. This year we had our first ―Women of Greatness‖ Retreat & Conference, which was quite successful. Of course we had our trials and learning curves, but God worked it out for the good. We had several key speakers which were all highlighted in our debut magazine issue (I‘ll talk about that a little later). What a blessing, as they all donated their time to our event. On site was the ―Hall of Healing‖ providing Spiritual Massage Therapy, Pedicures, Manicures and much more. This was organized by Linda Kizzart another member of DCG. She knew her purpose was to assist others through the spiritual power of Massage Therapy, but needed a venue for which to provide her God given talent to others. This was one of the ways that God has used Divine Concept Group by providing a venue for her to assist her use her gift of organization.

Ericka Ward the President of our organization, reached out to one of her passions, which opened the door to fulfill her chosen purpose of assisting others. She always wanted to create and publish a magazine from start to finish, which she has done with dedication and resilience, with the help of Lexcy Menzies and Miriam Stevens and a few other individuals. ―Unveiled Purpose‖ which you are reading right now, went to print for its debut June of 2009. Keep in mind she had never really done this before and relied on the Power of God to push her through to this purpose. As we all know the Power of God is awesome and He will unveil your abilities when He puts His hands on it.

Another event given by DCG was the ―Healthy Foods Luncheon‖, organized

by Belinda Washington this was a way for her to reach out to her purpose of assisting others in maintaining a healthy food life style. The Luncheon was a full success.

We hope to provide the following upcoming events in the near future: Christian Talent Show, Celebration in Dance #2, Bake Sales, Community Benefit events and much more. We hope to see you there.

To contact us please go to www.divineconceptgroup.com or send an email to divineconceptgroup@gmail.com and/or stricleebuziness@cox.net.

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

Pre-Register Now!!

Women of Greatness 2010 ~ For A Time Such As This Photos From 2009 Retreat—Lansdowne, Virginia

We look forward to celebrating Jesus with His Women of Greatness, called for a time such as this. Let‘s get in our places sisters and turn the world upside down!!

To the Glory of God!! Share with your friends the awesomeness of Gods move at the Women of Greatness Retreat & Conference. If you are interested in speaking opportunities, music ministry or other opportunities to serve in the 2010 conference or for more information contact us at divineconceptgroup@gmail.com.

See you there!! July 9, 10, 11th.

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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As a child growing up I dreamed of being an entertainer. I remember watching the Ed Sullivan show and wanting to do what I saw other people who look like me doing. When I was a cub scouts I remember singing a song with my den mother Madeline Sweeney who told me you have a beautiful voice.

Until that time in my life the only thing I really thought I was good at was dancing. My parents who raised us in church decided after Mrs. Sweeney told them what she had told me that my brother and I should get active in the youth choir. My life became so complete I found something that I enjoyed doing and I was learning about my savior as well.

Singing became my life as well as being involved in my church. In junior high I became involved with at school a gospel choir called ―The Voices of Heaven‖.

It was during those years that I was introduced to Black Theater, such great plays as, ―The Wiz,‖ and ―Don‘t bother me I can‘t.‖ A few years later I was introduced to Gospel Theater ―Your Arms Too Short To Box With God.‖ It was at this time that a light went off I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. I was so moved by the performances and the wonderful message they were giving to the audience.

In my mid teens I fully committed my life to Christ.

It was at that time that my church was going through difficulties keeping a musician it was at this time that I began to ask God to teach me to play piano. In a matter of weeks I began playing piano by ear, in a couple of months I was assisting the choir when we were without a musician. Graduation time came and I continued to assist my church when needed. I decided that I would not immediately attend college but I would wait for a little while and work. It was at this time that I was blessed to write an outline for a Gospel play I hoped to complete after completing college. I also began taking piano lessons to help develop my skills as a musician. I took lessons for 3 months and my pastor asked me if I would like to be 20

the church musician. Realizing that there was so much I needed to learn I asked him to hire a musician and let me work with him/her to learn more of what I needed to handle being over a church music department.

For a couple of years I assisted when the church needed me. In 1981 at the age of 21 I entered college desiring to major in Theater and minor in Piano. Realizing I was behind many of the other students I hired a piano coach. My first day of class came and I was so excited it now seemed I would be able to finish the outline of the Gospel play I had written after graduating from high school. My professor walked in introduced herself and asked each student to play a piece of their choosing. I decided to play, ―Be Grateful,‖ a gospel favorite of mine. Before I could get half way through the song my professor stood up and began yelling from the front of the class for me to stop. After class she pulled me aside and told me that I would probably never be an accomplished musician and that I should probably find something else to major in. I was so hurt that someone in her position could say something like that to me, that was my last day of college. My life was now crushed with no hopes of ever being able to complete my dreams my life began to spiral out of control. Within a couple of months the church that I had been helping out with, the very church that I grew up in told me that they no longer needed my services. Devastated I left the church unable to hold back the tears from the pain. I couldn‘t understand why this was happening to me, and why God would let this happen. I began to look else where for comfort because I felt the church had let me down. Several months later my girlfriend and I lost a child, and the job I had been working since graduating from high school told me that someone had forged an application stating that I was their employer. Unaware of any of this my employer decided to let me go. As I walked out of that job my mind was in a complete daze. I could not believe that all of this misfortune could happen to me in such a short period of time. I began to seek out ways that would take my pain away, as I completely cut God out of my plan, and my life.

My life continued to spiral out of control for the remainder of the 80‘s. In late summer of 1989 the voice of the Lord spoke to me and told me to pick up the outline I had written after graduating from high school. It had been so long since I actually heard the voice of the Lord speaking to me I doubted that it was actually him. I picked up the outline and realized I had no knowledge of what I was doing to turn this outline into a production. I went around asking various musicians if they would be interested in helping me several of them laughed and made fun of me asking them to participate. Frustrated the Lord led me to the late Russell A. Raab Jr. who was completely excited for just having the opportunity to try something new. By late September I had written lyric‘s to 21 original songs. By mid

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October Russell and I had composed music to all of the 21 songs.

We also began rehearsals using vocalist I had worked with over the years. While working at the hospital I was introduced to a patient who was terminally ill. This patient asked me if I would teach him how to play bid whist, I began to tell him about the project that I was working on. He began to say that it was really ironic that we met because he was a professor of theater for a college in western Michigan and if I would teach him to play he would tell me everything I needed to know. If that wasn‘t God working then listen at this, one of the young ladies who later became my assistant director had been doing theater in and around my home town. She came in and also began to show me things that I didn‘t know. In March of 1990 we debuted, On My Christian Journey,‖ it was the first original full scale Gospel Musical to debut in my home town. Those 12 shows that year became therapy for me and a much needed medicine to heal the pains of my past.

Though the earth didn‘t shake, nor were there requests to take my show out of my home town, I decided to just sit on my work. Refusing to let myself get back into a state of depression I decided that I wanted to try and write a novel. In 1994 I made an attempt to write a tribute to my dad called, ―The Diary of One Black Man.‖ After finishing I really thought it was pretty good, and I was amazed that I was able to do something so complex. I took those pages and had them bound and presented it to my dad as a father‘s day gift.

In 1995 I began watching and studying several men with whom I worked, their lives on the surface looked good and they seem to live a life most men only imagined of. After getting to know them and really studying them I found that they had a terrible relationship with their mothers. This intrigued me so that I decided to sit down and write a novel which would be unlike any of the novel‘s I‘ve ever read. I had admired so many fictional writers over the years, and yet I wanted my work to be a bit different. I had realized that one of the problems of the African American community is that we don‘t readily discuss issues that we feel are insignificant to us. Issues that affect our community

everyday and we choose to just let it ―blow over‖ thinking they will pass or get better without our involvement. Hence my first novel, ―The Black Don Juan,‖ was born. It would take 12 years, several bad agents, and my once again lack of confidence in the talent‘s that God has blessed me with, before I would find an affordable way to get my work out. In 2007 I self published with iUniverse. This was quite a learning experience for me there were several things that I didn‘t know about self publishing. Since I could not afford the price of editing a novel of my size, I decided to put my work out with some grammatical errors hoping that the public would read it for content and story line. So far God has really been gracious and everyone who has read my novel really enjoys it. I currently have 9 unpublished novels, working on the 10 th, a screen play to my first novel, and a full scale gospel musical play. I know that God is going to open doors for me because I stand on his promises. I would like to encourage anyone out there who has given up hope. When God blesses you with a gift use it and never give up on your dream no matter how long it may take to come to light. Know that once God begins a good work in you he will see it through to completion.

~ I was born Roger Michael Banks October 28, 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan where I am still a resident. I currently attend and am the musician of the New Testament Baptist Church where the Rev. Freddie L. Banks is the pastor. “The Black Don Juan,” is my first self published work, though I have 10 novels of various genres ready to go.

Currently working on re -introduction of gospel musical play, “On My Christian Journey,” and novel 12 and 13 a collaborative effort with Andre V. Pough Sr. author of the newly published spiritual help book, “Basement Mentality, Emerging from the flames Rising up after the fall.”

You can contact me at

rogetmiguel@yahoo.com or get updates at

www.myspace.com/ writermusiciansinger.

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Danette Crawford

Miriam S. Stevens Senior Editor shares how singles can be an agent of change, purpose, and power: to impact this world and establish God‘s Kingdom.

This year I have made a personal declaration to have MORE of HIM in 2010. (smile☺) I am a single mom, and I am driven to obey and trust God regardless of my circumstances. I feel so many people are in this same posture in life. I wanted to bring to our dear readers, accounts of others who are single and determined to‖ live life and that life more abundantly‖.

Throughout this issue there are accounts of young, old, men and women who have embraced that you can be Single, Effective, Anointed and Impactful in building God‘s Kingdom here on Earth. The following pages highlight the lives and ministries of two single, saved and successful ―Women of Greatness‖. -Miriam S. Stevens 22

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Marcia L. Kinslow

BY MIRIAM STEVENS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GLAMOUR SHOTS & MARCIA KINSLOW Miriam: Tell us about yourself, ministry, job, family‌ your childhood.

Marcia: Single Woman of God! I am the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Asian Operations CBN World Reach. I am 53 years old. I have 3 adult children, 22, 26 & 28 years old. I grew up all over the world as my father was in the US. Army. The last place we lived before I went to college was Willingboro, New Jersey I went to John F. Kennedy H. S, in Willingboro NJ in 1974. I attended Howard University in Washington , D.C. for 2 years in 1976 and Tidewater Community College in 1996 Miriam: What are some of your favorite TV shows, movies, music and books?

Marcia: Lincoln Heights, House of Payne, Gospel, Praise & Worship, Jazz, Classical, Various musical artists, and my books are The Holy Bible, The Shack, The Heavenly Man, Throne Zone, and The Worship Revolution.

Miriam: What kind of activities do you enjoy?

Marcia: Traveling, Singing, Bike Riding and I love to just worship the Lord.

Miriam: What has been your greatest obstacle in your walk as a believer?

Marcia: I thought I let God down during prayer! It opened the door to doubt and unbelief. It caused me grief & great stress! But praise the Lord that He never leaves us or forsaken us.

Miriam: What has been your greatest victory?

Marcia: Through prayer when the Lord kept my house out of foreclosure!

Miriam: This is a word for today! That God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in Heaven and there is nothing too hard for our God. Hallelujah!

Tell us how you got into the international ministry?

Marcia: Before CBN I worked for an International Consultant. Then at CBN I work in the WorldReach department which is International Ministry!

Miriam: Can you share with our readers how God opened the door of opportunity for you with CBN and how it changed your life?

Marcia: In the summer of 1999 my boss informed me that I would need to seek employment elsewhere‌ that his contracts with China were coming to a close. So I prayed and while working for him I typed an envelope to my current boss and prayed a prayer (Lord I wouldn't mind working for him....) I told the Lord what I would like to have for pay, vacation etc... In October a writer for my prior boss came by to visit and he said Marcia have you ever thought about working for CBN? I listened and then went on about my duties. I was also taking a class on Homiletics and while at that class one evening one of the women that worked at CBN said "We were in prayer the other

morning and I saw an angel". Well this got my attention #1, because I like prayer and #2, I was interested in angels! So I asked her if I could come to prayer the next morning with her at CBN. She let me know it was 7:00 am. I did attend and did not see any angels but the prayer and praise and worship was awesome! I was not dressed up at all and her boss was there and she told him that I needed a job. I thought to myself "Oh wow, I'm not even dressed for an interview or anything. They took me upstairs to complete an application and without going into all the details I was taken over to the Human Resources department and I was hired to work for the current boss that I prayed about working for back in the summer! To God Be the Glory. The Lord also gave me the other things that I asked for in the summer as well!

Marcia wearing Nora Lam's dress from China Cry

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Miriam: What is your focus for 2010?

Marcia: Doing the will of the Lord! I really like to see people get in their rightful place to fulfill destiny, may it be a job, vocation or just help them to understand their God given calling! I pray and ask the Lord for direction and revelation!

Miriam: What advice do you give to others interested in becoming involved in an international ministry?

Marcia: First you have to love people because if you do not love people how can you witness to those in other lands! Make sure that you love people no matter their race!

Miriam: What is your favorite scripture (s) and why?

Marcia: Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 33:3 & Ephesians 3:13 In 1987 during the delivery of my son the Lord gave me Ephesians 3:13 “Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” God gave me the Word to hang on to during an emergency CSection. When my mom died in Feb. 1989 I really needed Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. In 1999, Jeremiah 33:3 really was powerful in my life… that I could „call on the Lord and he would answer me and show me great and mighty things I did not know‟. Many other verses stand out in my life as well! Like Psalm 61:8, „so will I sing praise unto they name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.‟ And Psalm 27:4 "One thing have I desired of the Lord…. that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…

Miriam: It seems the family is under attack in so many ways, especially to break down the marriage structure; being that you were once married...tell us how did that marriage and divorce impact your spiritual walk today?

Marcia: I was married for 26 years, of which prayer was the most important part of my life. I was married to a man that I thought had given his life to the Lord but he had not, nor was he interested. He allowed me to go to church, conferences and even to raise our children in the church. But he himself never wanted to give his life to Jesus. I prayed, fasted, and sought the Lord continuously for his salvation. After going through a lot of hard unbearable times I finally told the Lord "I don't want to live like this for another 20 years!" I told the Lord he had more patience then I had and that his love was really great. I asked the Lord "You don't have to save this marriage but

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please save the man.” Not knowing at the time that he had moved into heavy drugs, women etc... He was on crack, I later found out he had a child outside of our marriage who was 6 months younger then my last child. I found out that while we visited family he was having an affair with my first cousin's wife‟s sister and they had a son together. I initiated the divorce by contacting a lawyer in 2004' when I heard the word "Enough" ring so clearly inside of me. I felt that the Lord had spoken to my spirit and had given me clear direction... The divorce was not final until December 14, 2007! But the Lord strengthened me through it all! He used my boss and his wife and many others to help me through the process. The Lord has truly been my help, provider, keeper, counselor, friend, advocate and he has done so many wonderful things in my life. Not to mention all of the people he used to bless me financially and stand with me throughout it all. Although I was married, it was like I was single in a lot of seasons because with the military he was gone a lot. When he came home he still was gone a lot. I had to balance home, school, jobs, child care, finances etc. When my children were small I found that if you got up and spent one hour or more in prayer and Bible reading before starting out for your day many things went smoother! If I had to say how did I do it all! The only answer is "To God be the Glory"! He gives you what you need and equips you with what you need, at the time you need it, and when you ask! I was not afraid to ask for small - large things! He answered in the most remarkable ways.

Miriam: You have shared how intimacy with the Lord is key to our walk and how the power of prayer does change everything....when did you start realizing this golden key in your life and start seeing its effect?

Marcia: My mother taught us to pray when we were small and she especially had us pray when my dad was in the Vietnam War in 1967 - 1968! She later taught me to pray for everything as each situation and or crisis arose for example; I was admitted in the hospital with my second pregnancy for them to perform surgery for a tubal pregnancy. My mom said you can pray for God to move the baby and HE did, right then and there! Many wonderful miracles through prayers! Prayer and intimacy with the Lord is the key to true relationship!

Miriam: Part of this New Year's issue is dedicated to the life of the Single Be-

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liever: Singles come in all shapes and forms: never married, divorced, widowed, even separated....What keys could you share for the life of a single believer who is in ministry and service unto the Lord ?

Marcia:

1. Wait on the Lord and be of good Courage, and he shall strengthen your heart. Wait I say on the Lord!

(Psalm 27:14) 2. May you seek the Lord for His direction and revelation in all of your relationships and decisions because He is able to give you the best direction and reveal Himself to you! He knows everything about everyone and HE has someone just for you! Don't settle for less than the best in what the Lord has for you!

3. Don't settle for second best either. Sometimes the Lord will give us what we ask for even when it is not good for us, if we get anxious & don't trust Him, obey and wait for who HE has for us!

4. HE is able to make perfectly clear to us who it is that He has chosen for us!

5. Single ladies the Lord says in his word "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 18:22) Let the man find you! God knows where you are and if you are the one for that man the "Lord will let both of you know in your heart!" Women let the man find you as he loves the challenge of finding what is good for him.

6. You will not have to use anything carnally minded to reach him! Be yourself and enjoy who you are and please allow the man to be who he is! Don't try to nor plan on changing him! The Lord said in His Word "He who began a good work in you is able to complete it... so we must not try to do the Lord's job!

7. While you are single enjoy your relationship with the Lord. Be a good friend and allow the Lord to mentor you as you are being prepared for your mate! .

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Miriam: What final words can you share with the Body of Christ for this year that God has laid on your heart?

Marcia: The Kingdom of God is at hand. Do you know what it is to live in the Kingdom of God! Many of you heard Myles Monroe teach on the Kingdom! May you seek the Lord and what it is to be a part of the family of God, to be a part of the Kingdom of God! Many of us know that but do we live it! Do we live in harmony, forgiveness & loving our neighbor as ourselves?

May the Lord prosper you and may you be in good health! May you cast all of your cares on the Lord for HE truly cares for you as His Word declares! There are many things happening in the earth today and for us to live Kingdom minded, we need to seek the Lord on a daily basis! Do not fear! God is with us! May you pray and not be ashamed to make your requests known to the Lord! He knows us better then we know ourselves! Be encouraged and trust that those circumstances that you are encountering will either cause you to react or draw closer to the Lord! May the Lord cause you to know Him more and trust Him for everything! May we as the Body of Christ come into Unity with one another and may we bring glory and honor to Our Lord Jesus Christ every day! When we miss it or blow it… forgive quickly! Let us love the body of Christ, no matter the race or nationality! Let us come into the fullness of what our Lord asks! Let us believe HIS Word! We are the people of God, chosen for such a time as this! Love as our Lord loves!

MARCIA KINSLOW BIOGRAPHY

With a calling to the prophetic ministry, Marcia L. Kinslow has a passion to hear the voice of God and to minister to His people. She is part of the Deborah Company, which is a prophetic army assembled by Prophetess Cindy Jacobs and is also certified to teach the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Bill Hamon’s Ministry, Christian International. Marcia was ordained by Apostle Bonnie Kahn, of Agape’ International Inc. Marcia’s mission statement is: “To reach the hurting, wounded, broken and lost with the truth and direct them to Jesus Christ.”

God also uses Marcia in the music ministry. She has led worship for the Christian Broadcasting Networks (CBN) chapels on numerous occasions, sang solos, ministered in prophetic song in churches, tent revivals, and conferences across the United States. In the past, she has led praise and worship in her local church.

Marcia’s ministry experience also includes assisting with the midday intercessory team at CBN, assisting with coordinating prayer rally’s and events for the Tidewater Regional Prayer, and she has also administrated/coordinated conferences and led praise and worship for Vespers Services & Face to Face Ministries.

In addition, Marcia has appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network’s national program, The 700 Club, and participated in reenactments for the show. Her testimony has also appeared on CBN.com.

Marcia works as the assistant to the Director of Asia Operations at CBN WorldReach. She also assists the Ministry Liaison & TV Producer Scott Ross for CBN 700 Club.

Marcia was married for 26 years, & has 3 young adult children, twin

granddaughters and a 1 ½ year old granddaughter. She has lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia for over 25 years.

Marcia L. Kinslow’s Charge: “At the end of 2009, Cindy Jacobs charged me to gather a company of Women together to come together and pray and find out what the Lord wants us to do to help to change our nation!“

If you like to contact Marcia to share your story or submit a prayer request please use the following contact information: Marcia L. Kinslow Assistant To CBN WR Director Asian Operations, Ministry Liaison & 700 Club TV Producer 757 226 2042 Office 757 226 6259 Right Fax 757 226 2758 Fax

Marcia and her children P.J., Kalisha and Michael

Marcia wearing Katherine Kulhman's coat --- while visiting Dallas Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JOY MINISTRIES

Danette Joy Crawford is a powerful evangelist with a refreshing message of hope and encouragement. At the age of 19, she began working in the ministry as a youth pastor and at 21 began traveling as an evangelist. Since that time she has been teaching and preaching the Word of God, and traveling nationally and internationally as a requested speaker. She has seen thousands of people receive physical miracles, receive deliverance from addictions, and be set free from emotional baggage.

She serves as the President of Joy Ministries Evangelistic Association, which she founded in 1989.

This outreach ministry offers more than a handout – it gives a ―hand up‖ to those in need. Each year, several thousand people are reached through various outreach programs of Joy Ministries. From summer reading camps in subsidized neighborhoods to back to work programs for single mothers, Danette not only preaches the Gospel, but does the Gospel, meeting the material, physical and spiritual needs of so many people.

Visit the website at www.joyministriesonline.org to read personal testimonies of those that have been touched through these various outreach programs.

Rev. Danette Crawford and the Joy Ministries team recently returned from the ―Empowered for Leadership‖ Conference and Miracle Services in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. They experienced a phenomenal move of God in that city as the Lord orchestrated meetings, radio broadcasts and divine appointments. There was a great outpouring of miracles in all of 26

the services. Prayer was the foundation for this great move of God. As the intercessors fasted and prayed for the city of Santa Cruz and the nation of Bolivia, the Spirit revealed God‘s plan. While in Santa Cruz, the team marveled as His plan unfolded before their eyes.

Her television ministry, Joy in the Morning with Danette Crawford, is broadcast weekly into over 165 million homes nationally. A Regent University graduate with a Master of Arts degree in counseling, she shares on topics such as unforgiveness, roots of rejection and depression. The TV ministry phone lines are continually busy with hurting people seeking to get set free. She has also been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, the 700 Club, Living the Life, TBN, Paula White Today, as well as in numerous newspapers and magazines. Danette and her daughter reside in Virginia.

Her book, Don‘t Quit in the Pit – Power to Turn Any Situation Around, will be officially released March 9, 2010. You can visit www.dontquitinthepit.com for a Special Pre-Order Offer. This book is a must read for anyone stuck in the destructive pits of life – abuse, rejection, divorce, or financial hardship.

Because Danette has been there, she knows how painful these pits can be. She shares personal testimony of how God turned her situation around, and how He can turn any situation around for you, too. This book will give you powerful keys to get out of any pit, as it builds your faith to overcome any of life‘s difficult circumstances.

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What others are saying about DON'T QUIT in the Pit

Joy Ministries Evangelistic Association, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 whose mission is to minister salvation and restoration to God's people. Established in 1989

by Evangelist Danette J. Crawford, Joy Ministries seeks to share the gospel message both nationally and internationally through television, conferences, seminars and creative outreach methods. We believe our mission field starts in our own backyard and extends to the nations.

The Word of God clearly shows us God's heart for the poor and needy, the fatherless children and the widows. Joy Ministries helps meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of these people through our various outreaches. We believe that investing in the lives of the poor and fatherless, through education and character development, we will help them break free from the cycle of poverty.

"A new level of trust in God!" "Danette's story will inspire you, build your faith, and bring you to a new level of trust in God! I highly recommend DON'T QUIT IN THE PIT to every Christian."

Quote from Dr. Marilyn Hickey "Rescued and blessed" "In her biographical book "Don't Quit in the Pit:", Danette Crawford testifies that the same God who long ago rescued Joseph from family rejections and the hardships of an uncaring world to fulfill God's destiny for his life, also rescued and blessed a young farm girl today."

Quote from Michael Carter, CFO of CBN

Send Prayer Request to: Joy Ministries P.O. Box 65036 Virginia Beach, VA 23467 Call Us at 1-800-JOY-7112 You can also find Rev. Danette on Facebook, MySpace, Shoutlife and Twitter! info@joyministriesonline.org

Reverend Danettes book, Don‘t Quit in the Pit –Power to Turn Any Situation Around, will be officially released March 9, 2010. You can visit www.dontquitinthepit.com for a Special Pre-Order Offer. This book is a must read for anyone stuck in the destructive pits of life – abuse, rejection, divorce, or financial hardship. Because Danette has been there, she knows how painful these pits can be.

She shares personal testimony of how God turned her situation around, and how He can turn any situation around for you, too. This book will give you powerful keys to get out of any pit, as it builds your faith to overcome any of life‘s difficult circumstances.

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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The Senior Celebration feature is a regular feature of Unveiled Purpose Magazine. Here you will find the stories, contributions, expressions of gratitude and the literary works of our most honored citizens. The matriarchs and patriarchs who made it possible for us to be here. To our seasoned sisters and brothers… this ones for you!!

Single and Happy In Jesus WHEN YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH JESUS IT‘S NOT JUST A GOOD, HAPPY FEELING LIKE YOU GET WHEN YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH A PERSON. YES, THERE IS HAPPINESS BUT IT GOES WAY BEYOND THAT. THERE IS A DEEP ABIDING JOY AND PEACE THAT COMES FROM THE DEPTH OF YOUR SPIRIT. JESUS SAID, ―IF YOU LOVE ME YOU WILL KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.‖ JN.14:15. YOU CAN ONLY DO THIS BY STUDYING HIS WORD, APPLYING IT TO OUR LIVES, AND STRIVING TO WALK IN HIS TEACHINGS IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE. YOU MUST PRAY AND ASK GOD FOR A HUNGER FOR HIS WORD AND A SUBMITTED, WILLING HEART AND MIND TO MAKE HIS WORD A PART OF YOUR LIFE. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS READY, WILLING, AND WANTING TO MAKE THIS A REALITY IN YOUR LIFE. ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS YIELD TO HIM. AS YOU GROW IN THE WORD OF GOD YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF THINKING AND ACTING LIKE JESUS, BECAUSE THE HOLY SPIRIT TAKES THE WORD OF GOD AND WASHES AWAY THE THINGS THAT ARE NOT LIKE JESUS. EPHESIANS 5:26. HE THEN REPLACES THEM WITH THE THINGS THAT ARE THE CHARACTER OF JESUS , WHICH IS WHAT OUR ORIGINAL STATUS WAS WHEN GOD MADE US AND BREATHED THE BREATH OF LIFE INTO US, GIVING US A PART OF HIMSELF, THEREBY MAKING US IN HIS OWN IMAGE, SPIRITUALLY AND NATURALLY, INWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY. GEN. 1:26-27: 2:7 YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF FALLING SO IN LOVE WITH JESUS THAT WORDS FAIL TO DESCRIBE IT. YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF HUNGERING FOR WAYS TO PLEASE HIM, TO DO HIS BIDDING WHAT EVER IT IS. YOU WILL BEGIN TO SEE THINGS WITH HIS EYES AND FEEL THINGS WITH HIS HEART. YOU WILL HAVE GREAT COMPASSION FOR PEOPLE THAT YOU NEVER HAD BEFORE. IT BECOMES A PLEASURE AND AN HONOR TO SERVE HIM. EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU WANTS TO PLEASE HIM.THE THINGS OF THE WORLD BEGIN TO FALL AWAY FROM YOU. YOU LOSE INTEREST IN THEM. THE SATISFYING OF THE FLESH NO LONGER COMPELS YOU BECAUSE YOUR MIND IS BEING CHANGED AND RENEWED EVERY DAY BY THE ―WASHING OF THE WORD‖.

EPHESIANS 5:26. THESE DESIRES WILL COME, BUT THEY WON‘T COMMAND OR CONTROL YOU BECAUSE YOU LOVE THE LORD SO MUCH YOU DON‘T WANT TO DISPLEASE OR HURT HIS HEART. EPHESIANS 4:30-32.

THESE TEMPTATIONS CAN BE AS SIMPLE AS HOW WE USE OUR TIME. WHAT DO WE DO WITH OUR TIME? DO WE SPEND MORE TIME ON THE COMPUTER? I DON‘T MEAN AT WORK, BUT IN PLEASURABLE THINGS LIKE GAMES, ETC., THAN WE SPEND WITH THE LORD. DO WE SPEND MORE TIME WATCHING TELEVISION, AND WHAT KIND OF TELEVISION PROGRAMS ARE YOU WATCHING, TALKING ON THE TELEPHONE, NOT IN GODLY CONVERSATION, EXCESSIVELY PLEASURABLY SHOPPING. WHAT ARE YOU READING? WE HAVE TO QUALIFY OUR TIME WITH THE LORD. SATAN IS A TIME THIEF. THE WORD OF GOD SAYS, ―THE THIEF-SATAN-COMES ONLY

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By Pastor Shirley Lancaster, DCG Chaplain TO STEAL, KILL AND DEST ROY. JOHN 10:10. HE WOULD LOVE TO STEAL EVERY MOMENT OF TIME FROM YOU THAT YOU SHOULD BE SPENDING WITH T H E L O R D .

THEREBY STEALING AND UNDERMINING THE QUALITY OF THE RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE WITH THE LORD. DON‘T YOU KNOW THAT THE MORE QUALITY TIME YOU SPEND WITH A PERSON THE M O R E I NT I M AT E AND P ERS ON AL THAT RELATIONSHIP BECOMES. GOD MADE US FOR THAT PURPOSE. THAT IS WHY HE WOULD COME AND WALK IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN WITH ADAM IN THE COOL OF THE EVENING. GENESIS 3:8 GOD‘S PERFECT PLAN WAS TO HAVE A WORLD FULL OF PEOPLE THAT HE HAD AN INTIMATE, PERSONAL RELATIOSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP WITH. HOWEVER, WE KNOW THAT SATAN THREW,‖ A MONKEY WRENCH‖ , INTO T HAT P L AN BY TEMPTING ADAM AND EVE TO SIN, THEREBY BREAKING THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. GOD STILL LONGS FOR THAT RELATIONSHIP WITH US, HIS CREATION. THAT IS WHY HE SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS TO DIE FOR OUR SINS, CREATING THE WAY FOR OUR REDEMPTION AND MAKING AN AVENUE FOR US TO COME BACK TO THE ORIGINAL RELATIONSHIP THAT HE CREATED US FOR. JN.3:16-18. IN ADDITION TO THAT WE HAVE A GREATER RESPONSIBILITY NOW. THAT IS TO, ―GO FORTH AND MAKE DISCIPLES, FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST, OF ALL NATIONS‖. MT. 28:19-20; ACTS 2:1-42; ACTS 13:45-47. TELLING THEM ABOUT THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND HOW SWEET IT IS TO LOVE AND SERVE HIM. OF COURSE THIS HAS TO BE A REALITY IN YOUR LIFE FIRST BEFORE WE CAN EFFECTIVELY CONVEY IT TO OTHERS. PEOPLE KNOW WHEN YOU ARE REAL, WHEN THIS IS A REALITY IN YOUR OWNLIFE AND NOT JUST SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ. WHEN WE FALL IN LOVE WITH A PERSON THERE IS NOTHING WE WON‘T DO FOR THEM. WE EVEN TRY TO DISCOVER THINGS THAT WILL PLEASE THEM AND

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MAKE THEM HAPPY, BECAUSE WHEN THEY ARE HAPPY WE ARE HAPPY. IT MAKES US FEEL GOOD. THIS IS IN THE NATURAL REALM. HOW MUCH GREATER SHOULD OUR LOVE FOR OUR LORD GOD BE? HE IS THE SAVIOUR OF OUR SOULS. HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN GIVE US ETERNAL LIFE WITH HIM, AND A BOUNTIFUL, BLESSED LIFE ON THIS EARTH. HE IS THE BEST FRIEND YOU WILL EVER HAVE. HE SAID, ―I WILL BE A FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER‖. PROV. 18:24. HE WILL BE YOUR FATHER, MOTHER, SISTER, BROTHER, AND COMFORTER IN THE TIMES OF TROUBLE. ANYTHING OR ANYONE YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE, THAT HE WILL BE. YOU MAY NOT REALIZE IT OR YOU MAY NEVER HAVE HEARD IT, GOD IS INTERESTED AND CONCERNED ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT CONCERNS YOU. HE IS JUST THAT PERSONAL. HE SAID IN HIS WORD, ―HE SEES OUR EVERY TEAR AND HEARS OUR EVERY PRAYER‖. 2 KINGS 20:5-6. YOUR TEARS ARE EVEN STORED IN HIS BOTTLES. PS 56:8.

HE IS NOT SOME AUSTERE, UNAPPROACHABLE, UNREACHABLE GOD THAT MAN, INFLUENCED BY SATAN; HAS MADE HIM OUT TO BE. HE IS A LOVING FATHER, ENCOMPASSING ALL OF THE TRAITS OF LOVE, BECAUSE HE IS LOVE, AGAPE LOVE. THE GODLY LOVE. HE DOESN‘T LOVE AS MAN DOES. MAN LOVES AS LONG AS IT IS COMFORTABLE AND PLEASING TO HIM, BUT GOD LOVES INSPITE OF WHAT IS NOT PLEASING TO HIM. SOME OF YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RELATE TO GOD AS FATHER, A GOOD FATHER, BECAUSE YOU DIDN‘T HAVE A GOOD EARTHLY FATHER. I KNOW HOW THAT CAN BE, BECAUSE I DIDN‘T HAVE ONE EITHER. HOWEVER, WHEN I DEDICATED MY LIFE TO THE LORD, HE BEGAN TO SHOW ME THROUGH HIS WORD AND HIS LOVE THAT HE POURED OUT ON ME AND INTO MY HEART, WHAT A LOVING AND CARING FATHER HE IS, AND WHAT HE MEANT FOR EARTHLY FATHERS TO BE. I ALSO DIDN‘T KNOW WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO HAVE A REAL, TRUE FRIEND. I HAD BEEN BETRAYED BY SO MANY THAT I HAD TRUSTED. HE TAUGHT AND SHOWED ME WHAT A TRUE FRIEND IS. YOU CAN TALK TO A TRUE ABOUT ANYTHING AND YOU DON‘T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BEING BASHED, PUT DOWN OR MISTREATED. EVEN IN THEIR NATURAL HUMAN FRAILITIES THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND, BUT THEY LISTEN AND ARE THERE FOR YOU WITHOUT ANY CONDEMNATION.

HOW MUCH MORE DOES GOD WANT TO BE A FRIEND TO US? AS I HAVE FORESTATED, ―HE WILL BE A FRIEND THAT STICKETH CLOSER THAN A BROTHER‖. PROV. 18:24.

EVERYTHING THAT GOD HAS FOR US HE HAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH HIS SON JESUS, WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US. AFTER HIS RESSURRECTION TO HEAVEN HE THEN SENT BACK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO RESIDE IN US, BE EVERYTHING TO US AND FOR US THAT GOD IS. JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES THAT HE WOULD NOT LEAVE THEM COMFORTLESS. HE WAS GOING TO PRAY TO THE FATHER TO SEND BACK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO COMFORT, LEAD AND GUIDE THEM INTO ALL TRUTH. JN.14:1617; 15:26. FOR YOUR ENLIGHTMENT, AND EDIFICATION, THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHICH JESUS PROMISED, IS CALLED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ACTS 2:1-47. WE MUST ALL HAVE THIS BAPTISM BECAUSE HE, BEING THE SPIRIT OF GOD, IS THE REVEALER OF THE WORD AND SOURCE OF POWER IN OUR LIVES THAT ENABLES US TO LIVE THE GODLY LIFE AND CARRY OUT THE COMMISSION THAT THE LORD HAS GIVEN TO US ON THIS EARTH. AS HE WAS THE SOURCE OF POWER IN JESUS‘ LIFE, SO HE WILL BE IN OUR LIFE IF WE ALLOW HIM TO BE. WE MUST STUDY THE SCRIPTURES FOR OURSELVES, ASKING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO REVEAL THE TRUE SPIRITUAL MEANING TO US, BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY TEACHINGS OUT THERE TODAY AND THEY ARE NOT ALL TRUE TEACHINGS. 2TIM. 2:12. THE HOLY SPIRIT, BEING THE SPIRIT OF GOD, IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN GIVE THE TRUE REVELATION OF WHAT GOD MEANT WHEN HE SAID THUS AND SO. WHETHER HE HIMSELF, OR THROUGH THE PROPHETS, JESUS, OR HIS DISCIPLES. THE SCRIPTURES TELL US THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED, UNDERSTOOD. THE CARNAL MIND OR NATURAL MIND CANNOT UNDERSTAND THEM. WE MERELY GET AN INTELLECTUAL UNDERSTANDING. THAT IS WHY WE NEED THE HOLY SPIRIT TO REVEAL OR OPEN UP TO OUR UNDERSTANDING TO WHAT GOD IS REALLY SAYING. 1 COR. 2:14. PSALM 23:7 SAYS, ―AS A MAN THINKETH IN HIS HEART, SO IS HE‖. THE LORD IS TALKING ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL HEART WHICH IS THE SEAT OF OUR SPIRIT, NOT THE FLESHY HEART. WHAT WE THINK IS WHO WE BECOME, BECAUSE WE DO WHAT WE BELIEVE. I HAVE ALREADY SHARED MUCH OF WHAT WILL MAKE YOU ―SINGLE AND HAPPY‖ IN JESUS. I AM SURE YOU PONDERED, ―WHEN IS SHE GOING TO GET TO THE SUBJECT‖? WELL, ALL OF IT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT. THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SINGLE AND HAPPY IN JESUS. THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU WHOLE AND COMPLETE, LACKING NOTHING, SPIRIT, BODY, AND SOUL, WHICH IS THE MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS. THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT GIVE YOU THE ‗INTESTINAL FORTITUDE‘ TO FIGHT ON AND FAIL NOT. YES, I SAID

FAIL NOT, BECAUSE, ―YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU. PHIL. 4:13; JN. 15:5 I HAVE BEEN SINGLE OR ALONE MOST OF THE ALMOST FORTY YEARS THAT I HAVE WALKED WITH THE LORD, AND I KNOW THESE THINGS THAT I HAVE SHARED TO BE TRUE. GOD IS A KEEPER. IF YOU ABIDE IN HIS WORD AND HIS WORD ABIDES, LIVES, IN YOU, HE WILL FILL YOU SO FULL OF HIS LOVE, THAT THERE IS NO WAY ANYTHING ELSE CAN SATISFY YOU. YOU WILL DESIRE NOTHING BUT WHAT IS PLEASING TO HIM AND HE WILL GLADLY GIVE IT TO YOU. JN.15:7-11 WHEN IT COMES TO OUR LONGING FOR HUMAN COMPANIONSHIP INCLUDING OUR SEXUAL DRIVES, HIS LOVE WILL REPLACE THAT UNTIL HE HAS THE RIGHT ONE THAT HE HAS PREPARED FOR YOU. JUST AS HE IS PREPARING HIM OR HER FOR YOU HE IS PREPARING YOU FOR HIM OR HER. YOU SEE HE HAD YOUR LIVES ALL PLANNED OUT BEFORE YOU WERE EVEN CONCEIVED, FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. WHEN YOU YIELD YOUR LIVES TO HIM AND WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO HIS TEACHINGS, HE IS ABLE TO FULFILL THE DESTINY THAT HE HAS FOR YOU. JER.29:11 IF AND WHEN THESE DESIRES COME JUST GIVE THEM TO JESUS. ASK HIM TO HELP YOU. HE WILL DO IT. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG OR BAD ABOUT THEM. GOD GAVE THEM TO US. THAT IS WHY YOU CAN ASK HIM TO HELP YOU WITH THEM AND HE WON‘T GET ANGRY WITH YOU FOR ASKING. INSTEAD IT WILL BLESS HIS HEART. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF COMING UP SHORT IN THESE AREAS OF YOUR LIFE OR ANY AREA FOR THAT MATTER, DON‘T STAY THERE. GET UP, BRUSH YOURSELF OFF, AND DON‘T CONDEMN YOURSELF, BECAUSE GOD DOESN‘T CONDEMN YOU. HE WILL CONVICT YOU THAT ―THIS IS NOT OF ME‖. THEN HE FORGIVES US AS WE REPENT AND BECOME GODLY SORRY FOR WHATEVER WE HAVE DONE THAT IS NOT PLEASING TO HIM. HE THEN CAST THEM INTO THE SEA OF FORGETFULLNESS, NEVER TO BE REMEMBERED AGAINST YOU AGAIN. THE TERM ―CAST THEM INTO THE SEA OF FORGETFULLNESS‖ ISN‘T WORDED EXACTLY THAT WAY IN THE BIBLE, BUT MANY SCRIPTURES GIVE THAT CONCEPT. JER.38:17; IS.1:18; PS. 103:12; MICAH 7:18-19 I ADD THIS TO IT. ―HE PUTS UP A NO FISHING SIGN AND ANYONE WHO DRAGS UP WHAT YOU DID IS NOT OF GOD. IT IS SATAN USING THEM. THE WORD OF GOD SAYS THAT SATAN IS THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN AND HE IS ALWAYS GOING TO ACCUSE YOU IN YOUR WALK WITH GOD. REV. 12:10. YOU THEN HAVE TO FORGIVE YOURSELF AND MOVE ON IN JESUS. PROVERBS 24:16 SAYS, ―A RIGHTEOUS MAN MAY FALL SEVEN TIMES, BUT HE RISES AGAIN‖. GOD PROMISES TO UPHOLD AND RESCUE THE RIGHTEOUS. PS.34:19 HOWEVER, THERE ARE THINGS WE HAVE TO DO TO AVOID TEMPTATION. THE LORD SAYS FOR US TO AVOID THE VERY APPEARANCE OF EVIL. 1 THESS.5:22. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU FIND YOURSELF ALL INTO THE SITUA-

TION. TURN AND GO THE OTHER WAY. I USED TO TELL MY CHILDREN WHEN THEY WERE GROWING UP, ―A GOOD RUN IS BETTER THAN A BAD STAND ANY DAY‖, AND THIS IS SO TRUE. YOU DON‘T HAVE TO DEAL WITH TRYING TO GET OUT OF IT IF YOU DON‘T GO THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. WE MUST GUARD OUR EYES, WHAT WE WATCH ON TV, IN THE MOVIES, ON THE COMPUTER, AND WHAT WE READ. THE EYES ARE THE WINDOWS TO THE SOUL, WHICH IS THE MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS. MT. 6:2223. WE MUST GUARD OUR EARS. THE SUGGESTIVES MUSIC AND OTHER NEGATIVE THINGS WE LISTEN TO PROGRAM OUR THINKING. I MUST ALSO ADD NEGATIVE THINKING AND SPEAKING PEOPLE AND UNBELIEVERS IN GOD‘S WORD. THESE THINGS ARE SO SUBTLE THAT MOST OF THE TIME WE DON‘T EVEN REALIZE THEM UNTIL WE BEGIN TO FEEL THE EMOTION OR FIND OURSELVES BEING DRAWN INTO THE DEED. JESUS SAID, ― I WANT YOUR JOY TO BE FULL‖. JN. 15:9-11. HE ALSO SAID, ―I WILL GIVE YOU PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING‖. PHIL. 4:7. IN THE MIDST OF YOUR GREATEST TROUBLES HE WILL GIVE YOU PEACE. JOY IS BASED ON THE WORD OF GOD THAT IS WITHIN YOU. NO MATTER WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU, YOU CAN HAVE THAT DEEP ABIDING JOY THAT IS THE RESULT OF PEACE. HAPPINESS IS BASED ON CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CAN CHANGE IN THE BLINKING OF AN EYE. THIS WALK WITH JESUS IS NOT A ONE TIME THING. IT IS A LIFETIME, DAILY PROCESS. FULL SPEED AHEAD MIGHTY WARRIORS OF GOD!! ~~ ABOUT REV LANCASTER

Rev. Lancaster is 74 years young, she has pastored three churches in Alabama and three in Virginia, she copastored four churches and evangelized throughout Virginia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Curacoa in the Netherland, Antilles. She has also been an entrepreneur, model, and Founder, Dean and instructor of the Cornerstone Bible Institute. She is currently Associate Minister at United Bibleway Temple in Newport News, Virginia, a ministry which was established by her own parents and family.

She is the Mother of four sons and one daughter, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of four. She has a passion for souls and insuring that they have a working knowledge of Jesus Christ.

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The Jolly Sunshine Adult Group is a non-profit followed by Dorothy Sloan our current Senior Citizens Organization based in Amelia Treasurer. Dora Goodwin, Secretary; and County, Virthe late Emily Harris Corresponding Secreginia. The ortary; followed by Rebecca Harris. The late ganization was Allie Woodley was Activity Director folfounded in 1995 lowed by the late Catherine Cephus, the by Barbara late Garner Worsham was head of our Booker its‘ dikitchen staff; currently led by Laverne rector, along Lewis, Sonia Jackson is our assistant direcwith several tor and Barbara Booker director and founother women in der. ―We started out with eight ladies in their local comOctober 1995 at the home of Barbara Asst. Director - Sonia Jackson & munity.

The Booker. We then moved to Union Baptist Director - Barbara Booker group provides Church for our first meeting. About twelve support and visitation to seniors who are in nursladies attended, after which it continued to ing homes, homebound or hospigrow.‖ talized; the core activities for the ―Our first male member joined group include spiritual, recreain November, Deacon Sterling tional, and educational activities.

Head and he became the chapThese activities provide an opporlain‘s assistant. Today we have tunity for increased socialization just at forty five active memand fellowship through participabers of which five are men. tion in Bible Study, trips nationFour shut-in members. God has wide, and classes and workshops truly blessed us with people on issues relevant to seniors. The group came into being through the Queen Anderson-Activity Dir., who work well together, pray divine intervention of our Lord Mrs. Booker & Marria Bates together and study his word together.‖ and Savior Jesus Christ. Mrs. Booker explains, ―I was inspired by Him to start this group to service seniors in my local area; the Lord led me as to how it would be set up and gave me the names of the people to call to establish the organization. I say that because when I called the founding members, they were all eager to get started.‖ The Founding Members are, Rev Gracie Scott, our Chaplain and one of our bible study teachers. Rena Brown, our Treasurer for six years who gave the organization it‘s name; she was 30

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Assistant Chaplain, Head Teaching Bible Study

―We also visit the area nursing homes with service and songs and take gifts of lap quilts and gift bags of toiletry articles for the clients. We are non-profit and money is only generated by gifts, bake sales and plate dinners that we do annually. God has provided for us what ever we need to help someone else. Also plate dinners are sent out to the shut-ins in the community every Tuesday. By the way we meet every Tuesday of the month from eleven am to two o‘clock in the afternoon. God has directed us to move to a new location where the need is greater, now we meet at Bethia Baptist Church in Amelia Virginia where the pastor is Rev. Howard Clay. We thank him and Bethia for opening their arms to us, God is doing a great work in that area.‖

Thanksgiving Program

Thanksgiving Dinner

Members receiving certificates

The Jolly Sunshine Group has traveled quite a lot to such places as Washington D.C., Niagara Falls Canada, New York, Atlantic City New Jersey, Atlanta GA, Hilton Head South Carolina, Orlando Florida , where we toured NASA and the Holy Land U.S.A., Lancaster Penn, to see the play Holy is the Lamb and again to see Esther. We are now planning a trip to Baltimore Harbor and the Black Wax Museum in April. At ten years, we had a celebration with about one hundred and fifty attending and in Oct 2010 we hope to celebrate fifteen years. Our Activities Director, Queen Anderson has done a wonderful job over the years; also we have a news letter that is published by Beatrice Head that comes out semi-annually. ―God has done a wonder in this organization that‘s why we want to continue to left up his name.‖

Members & Friends during several of our trips

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Ph o t o g r a p h er Ma u r i c e G. Fi t z g e ra l d

Infor mation is power, shared information is more power ful.

T he mo vement of money cr eates wealth. Politics is the control of resources, who gets what and how much. These three statements are so profound and can apply to all industries including music.

Most artists desire to serve as ministers of music-excellence and don‘t really consider music as a business. Even though they go into the studio to record and create a product that becomes a part of their legacy their primary focus is ministry.

The cost of the ministry creates a different focus in reference to moving the product and trying to recoup revenues used to settle the studio cost, photos, graphics, radio services, promoters and marketing cost.

Music ministry is a challenge today, but when you consider the first statements of this article and apply them accordingly you can level the music industry playing field and bring market attention to your ministry and product.

Consider the use of Music Policy, Web 2.0, Radio and information from each one you can succeed in the music industry. I will briefly explain: Music Policy deals with your publishing, copyrights, royalties, performances and laws governing contracts between you and those who desire your services. You should empower yourself with good information when you start your musical journey. There are some good web sites that have great information and I suggest that you and your team visit these web sites and study the information.

The Future of Music http://www.futureofmusic.org 32

Royalty Information Web Site: http://www.mymusicroyalties.com/home/index.php? nav=starthere Web 2.0 is social networking, digital sales, online presence, fan pages and newsletters to keep your fans updated on you and the things you are doing. Used properly, web 2.0 can put you ahead so fast it will make you wonder.

Make sure you have a presence on Face Book and My Space.

Create a presence on the web for free … visit: Last.FM http://www.last.fm IHeartMusic http://www.iheartmusic.com Radio is the gem, get on radio and half the battle is won, but make sure you take care of the little things before you try to get on Radio. The radio monitoring services should be first, before you send any music out to radio, place your music in the 3 major radio monitoring systems.

The 3 radio monitoring systems are BDS http://www.bdsonline.com Mediaguide http://www.mediaguide.com MediaBase http://www.musicinfosystems.com When you place your music in these 3 services and radio starts to play you I will then see you on the charts.

Find a good radio servicing representative do your homework, hiring the wrong radio servicer can lead to failure.

Of course your production quality and song lengths are very important if the sound is not quite right they won‘t play it on radio and if your song length is over 4 minutes radio won‘t play it. Eliminate the easy excuses not to play you on radio.

Support any station that adds you to their play list. Seek out Internet Radio, Traditional Radio, specialty shows, and countdown shows. All are great places to get your music heard.

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When you combine all three together and you have good people supporting you, I call this Strategic Music Partnerships.

There is a subtext to this called IRO Information, Resources and Opportunities. Good information leads you to great resources and outstanding opportunities.

The music industry is tough, so decide whether you want ministry or industry, you can do both when you apply the right tools. Seek out those who are willing to share and not take advantage of your desire to succeed. The way to be prepared for both is to ask God to give you the desires of your heart, the right people and the knowledge to fulfill the vision.

Special Henry W. Harris, President Spiritco1 Christian Internet Radio http://www.spiritco1.com 6178 Oxon Hill road, Suite 101, Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745

Accomplishments 

Small Business Owner, Spirit Telecommunications Company, Oxon Hill, Maryland since October 1995.

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Member, Prince Georges County Black Chamber

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Member, National Black Chamber of Commerce

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Member, Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church

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Boy Scout Computer Merit Badge Instructor

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Maryland Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise Award 2007

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Former Member The National Capital Minority Business Opportunity Committee 2004

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Small Business of the Year. Prince Georges County Public Schools. 1999

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Life Business Member South County Economic Development Association

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Graduate of Prince Georges Community College, Business Management Degree 1987

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Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, Washington, DC - Man of Year 1996

ABOUT HENRY HARRIS: Henry W. Harris will be a regular contributor to Unveiled Purpose. He is President of Spirit Telecommunications Company. He founded a Christian Internet Radio Service Spiritco1 in 2003. For the past 20 years Henry has been involved in the gospel music industry and the business industry working in some capacity. He has brought his wealth of experience in the technology field to the gospel music industry, by creating a method of spreading gospel music and messages to the world through the use of internet technology. Henry‘s expertise and training has won him numerous awards, certificates and citations to include: Man of the Year with the Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church in Washington, DC. Henry has supported the Gospel Music Stellar Awards both as a sponsor of events and as a member of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy Advisory Board. As President of the board, Henry has developed ideals and tasks to help the organization grow its membership and maintain the membership base currently in place. In addition to Henry‘s busy and active schedule he is very involved in several community and church related activities, helping to empower the community. Henry serves with the South County Economic Development Association and The Black Chamber of Commerce both located in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

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Kingdom. Tonya Ware is a World Vision Artist and plans to use her voice to build a better world for children.

Tonya Ware, a native of Key West, Florida, was born to parents who traveled throughout the United States pioneering and planting churches. Early in life, Tonya’s parents knew that she was divinely gifted. As a baby, she would lay quietly in her father’s arms for hours while he prayed in preparation for ministry.

Tonya began singing at the age of six. After she was older, she accompanied her father when he went to provide ministry in local jails. Tonya would sing before he preached. As soon as she opened her mouth, the inmates would rush to the front bars to hear the “little girl with the amazing voice.”

For years, people have asked her, “When will you share your unique voice with the world?” Answering that question, Tonya along with her husband, founded Princess Productions in 1997, which was later formed into The Princess Productions Company, Inc. In December of 2006, Tonya completed her first recorded work. She wrote five (5) of the songs, making her both singer and songwriter on her self-titled debut album, Tonya Ware ~ “The Voice”.

Tonya’s passionate single release, “Put My Hand In Yours,” written by Marvin Winans, is standing-up to some of today’s “hottest” music - both in mainstream and Christian markets. The production and sound quality are second-to-none.

Tonya Ware is a 2009 Stellar Award Nominated artist in the category Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year. Tonya was presented a “Jackie” Award from the Mississippi Gospel Music Association for National Female Soloist of the Year in 2008 and Local Female Vocalist of the Year in 2009. Proving her wide spread appeal to people of all nations, a large portion of her online sales have been from Japan. Another sizeable portion of sales have come from the United

For more information on Tonya Ware visit www.TonyaWare.com.

Photos by Gail Chatelain

As Musical Director at her local church, she has touched thousands through her gift of song. She and her husband, Pastor Adrian Ware, pioneered The Church Triumphant, where she also serves as Vice Chief Executive Officer and Associate Pastor alongside her husband.

The Princess Productions Company, Inc. latest release is Tonya’s new single, “Rain”. Her debut CD is nationally distributed through New Day Christian Distributors and all major online outlets.

Michael Maurice Smith, a ―gifted communicator‖ with a ―wonderful voice‖ grew up in the Low Country of Charleston, South Carolina as a ―PK‖ (preacher‘s kid) and indulged in the world of music, recording and producing his first project by age 14. Michael recalls, ―as far as I can remember, I was told stories about how I would be placed on a chair in church to sing duets with my sister. She would play the piano and I would sing. I was too small to be seen.‖ With Gullah as part of his roots, immersed within the church and strategically placed within God‘s plan, Michael later spent time in Atlanta, Georgia serving in various capacities ministering to the homeless, crafting his music, and began his life with his beautiful wife, Sharon.

Now an award winning recording artist, Michael is passionate about leading people into the presence of the Lord and inspiring them to live a life of worship. It has been said time and time again that Michael is one of the most exciting and energetic worship leaders in the body of Christ today. From conferences and concerts to worship services and small groups, people have come to experience God in a new way through Michael‘s powerful ministry of music and worship. Michael ascribes to the philosophy of ―cooking for the whole house.‖ ―I am really inspired by Contemporary Christian and Country Music. Those artists craft their music to paint a vivid picture of their lyrics. I want people to be able to see the picture in my head.‖ As a semi-finalist for the Christian Artist Talent Search, Michael performed music from his first album, Worship of A Redeemed Man. Michael‘s music has been well received by radio, charted on the Radio & Records report and added in medium to heavy rotation on radio stations from South Carolina to Kansas as well as

Internet radio and Music Choice.

Michael has opened for such artists as Richard Smallwood, Luther Barnes, Kurt Carr, and Joann Rosario and has toured much of the eastern United States as well as Italy and Switzerland. Differences may separate us, languages may create barriers, but God is still ―right there, answering prayer.‖ Michael once again teamed with coproducer and friend, Kasey Square, as well as the band and singers that have toured with him to record a live praise and worship experience at his home church, Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to several original songs, Michael included some familiar worship tunes to create the ultimate worship experience.

Partnering with expert engineer/producer Rob Ulsh and nationally known MasterSound Studios as a staff producer, Michael is also producing other Gospel artists and helping them share their ministry. As Minister of Worship and Arts at his home church, Michael leads the worship team and serves as a mentor for other worship leaders and ministry coordinators. He is a member of the Gospel Music Association and a certified trainer with Leadership Training International serving as an instructor for the Foundations of Faith Institute at Gethsemane. A proud husband and father, Michael also directs the Ebony Impact Gospel Choir at Old Dominion University.

Contact information: HAYAH SOUNDS - A division of Hayah Enterprises, LLC 1409 Oak Knoll Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23464-7949 Email: info@michaelmsmith.com “My mission is to usher mankind into a worship

experience That influences their way of life • daily demonstrate the truth of Christ to the world and influence other Christians and Christian Artists to do the same, and •

create music that will cause Christians to make their worship a lifestyle.”

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Juanita Wynn began singing with a local band in Sacramento California in a local venue called "ON BROADWAY" , “just to make a little extra money to feed my 2 children. One night someone came in from Quincy Jones Music Publishing, during my break she came over to my table and asked me if I was a writer at all, I told her no but she insisted that I take a couple of music tracks and try it. I got home and that next morning I listened to the cassette and the words came to me all at once. Before I knew it I had written to both of the songs, immediately I phoned her back and sang them to her and by the next day I was on a plane flying to Burbank California to meet The publisher and shortly after I signed a publishing deal with QJMP, I was in that deal for about 2 yrs and from there I went on to Sony ATV and that deal was for 4 yrs, Throughout this time I wrote for artists like, BEN TANKARD, VIRTU E, NORM AN BROWN, FRED HAMMOND, DIANA ROSS, ANGIE STONE, D EST INY S CH ILD , COKO OF (SWV) and the list goes on.

I STARTED SINGING IN CHURCH AT THE AGE OF 5 YRS OLD. I STARTED IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS AT 30 YRS OLD WITH QUINCY JONES MUSIC PUBLISHING. I THOUGHT I WAS, BUT I WASNT PREPARED FOR THE MUSIC BUSINESS. I LEARNED THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO PREPARE FOR THE MUSIC BUSINESS. MY GREATEST CHALLENGE HAS BEEN THE TIME I HAVE HAD TO SPEND AWAY FROM MY FAMILY, BUT THE GREATEST VICTORY IS WHEN I GET THAT CHECK AND I AM ABLE TO HELP MY FAMILY OUT IN EMERGENCIES, AND ALSO SEEING HOW MY MUSIC TOUCHES OTHERS AND THEY COME TO ME AND THANK ME FOR USING MY GIFT. For the year 2010 you will see my name all over the Angie Stone new cd titled "UNEXPECTED". I worked with her very closely on this project, vocal producing and vocal arranging most of the album. I also did a duet with her on a song called "I DON'T CARE". I pray to be finished with my project by then as well. Some of my vision for 2010 is I see young people making a major change, no more peer pressure, My CD should be done and the rest I leave up to God I HAVE ASKED HIM TO ORDER MY STEPS

AND I BELIEVE HE IS DOING JUST THAT. For booking information: 36 Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com ladybyrd6767@yahoo.com Visit juanitawynnworld.com

Juanita is an ordinary woman who cares about others, who says she is far from perfect but will do anything for those she knows and those she doesn‘t know; within her ability. Juanita is a mother of two wonderful adults and grandmother to four wonderful children. ―I sing, I write, I love to touch others through my music and I love Jesus.‖ ―My hobbies are skating, singing, writing, and I love the movies, my passion is for young people because they often don‘t have a voice and are overlooked because of their ages. I enjoy going to the school for pregnant teens and working with them, and also helping to feed the homeless.‖ What 3-5 keys would you offer anyone wanting to get into the music business?

1. Make sure that the music industry is where you have been chosen by God to be.

2. Never wear your feelings on your sleeve because they will get knocked around.

3. Never sign anything without a lawyer looking over it first and even then keep God in the center of your business.

How did you come to know the Lord for yourself? As a former teenager on the run, I looked back on all that I had survived and realized that God had been taking care of me and He protected me. It could have been no other… He showed Himself so strong in my life for many years.

About me: ‗To whom much is given, much is required’ (my favorite Bible verse)….was the type of advice my Father and Mother gave me growing up. I was so blessed to know and feel love at an early age. My family was full of love and togetherness. It was not perfect, but it was and is wonderful.

Born September 24, 1971, my mother told me I was special from the day I was born.

My birth was the only time her mother, My Granny, the absolute matriarch of our family, ever got on airplane to fly. She flew from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta for my grand entrance into the world. My paternal grandmother, Beulah, named me Sherrie. I grew up being exposed to so many different things. My parents were always involving my two sisters and I different activities. My mother took us to see plays, weekly trips to the library, and church of course. My father was always teaching us about the civil rights movement and Black history. We were made to watch the Tony Brown‘s Journal, and we listened to Dr. King‘s sermons my father had recorded and would play on road trips. I knew at a very young age that I liked making things with my hands, writing and music.

I played junior tennis and high school basketball at Southside High School in Atlanta Georgia (High School was renamed Maynard Jackson High last year). I attended Florida A&M University on a Basketball and tennis scholarship. Graduating in 1993, I entered law school at Florida State University and graduated in December 1997. Was sworn into the Florida Bar in April 1998, and practiced Criminal Defense, personal injury and family law for 12 years. Started out as Public Defender and started my own practice in 2003 with another female attorney. The business relationship went south after 3 years, I continued my own practice, Barnes & Associates, LLC. in Tallahassee, Florida. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

I am also an avid tennis player who has won hundreds of trophies and still plays tournaments. The Atlanta tennis community affectionately calls my father, ―The Original Richard Williams‖. My father had three

girls; two of us played top level competitive tennis and went to college on tennis scholarships. Believing in grass roots tennis, one of my goals for 2010 is to restart a new and improved tennis program from inner city kids who cannot afford lessons.

Basically I have been the consummate overachiever. I came to find out that NONE of those achievements and accolades define me.

At the height of perceived success, at 35 years of age, after a short and turbulent marriage a few years ago that ended when my husband was arrested on Federal Drug Conspiracy charges and sentenced to 12 years in Federal Prison, the death of my Grandmother, my tennis coach, and a cousin that was very close to me, I retreated into seclusion to deal with these heartbreaking losses.

Leaning on my faith, my family, my friends, and my creativity, I began to take pictures as I traveled to court in surrounding small counties. I would literally stop on the side of the road and take pictures of wild flowers growing in abundance, trees, birds, clouds, sky, sunsets and sunrises. I realized that I had passed this breathtaking beauty everyday and did not take the real time to appreciate and admire it. Being close to nature, I began to connect with the spirit that allowed me to see the beauty in everyday. In the mist of the darkest part of the storm, I literally began to ―stop and smell the roses‖. One day as I taking picture of two Canadian Geese, a sentiment came to my head as I took the picture. I said to myself that would be a great card. I began to see sentiments in other pictures I had taken, and I began to look for scenery that invoked certain sentiments I was feeling in my life. Designed a few test cards and show them to some friends and family. One friend stated that these are not regular greeting cards, they have some more Meaning than those cards. You must give you cards another name. They next day, I was playing tennis with the same friend, and he coined the term, Meaning Cards. Now I feel we are in class by ourselves. I wanted to create cards that said things that touched souls.

I had already started designing custom jewelry, and started my on line of all natural skin care pr odu ct s call ed Find Your Ut opi a. www.findyourutopia.com. I also started to write poetry again. I have just finished my first audio CD of my collection of poetry entitled: ―My Conversation with the Devil at the Crossroads‖, release date December 31, 2009 (would have been my third year anniversary). It will be available also at www.findyourutopia.com. It is a deeply revealing and soul stirring poetic event.

The name ―Find Your Utopia‖ was derived from my personal experience: when I create art in any form, I feel a perfect peace, My Utopia. I feel closer to the Creator than I have ever felt in a church when I create art. Nothing can enter my world, it is my sanctuary. So my company‘s logo is Find YOUR

Utopia, Find Yourself.

At present, I am fixing up a place in Decatur, Georgia to open up a boutique/spa and Poetry café that will be called ‗Find Your Utopia‘. My younger sister is a massage therapist and my older sister does makeup and body art. (I believe in nepotism) We will also carry all natural skin care products and custom jewelry and art from my collection as well as other local artists. We plan to have an Art, poetry and music show once a month to showcase new artistic talent.

What do I say to naysayers, ― Thank you all, for making me greater.‖ See y‘all when I‘m on Oprah!

Out of ashes, A Phoenix SHALL rise!.

Business tips: Persistence, surround yourself with positive, honest people, who have dreams and believes in yours, Get a tough skin, entrepreneurship ain‘t for the faint at heart., Visualization and meditations. Focus on being thankful, and humble.

Have an unshakeable belief in yourself and your product!! Marketing is so important! Give Back!!

Spend time with yourself, and love it.

Struggling to find your purpose: life tends to push you in the direction you need to go. Be true to yourself and know that when things happen good and bad, it is leading to your path and your purpose.

Harness allowing the opinion or behavior of others shake you. If you put in 110% into your business, if that is your path, your will be successful.

Goals for 2010: Continue to grow, love more, build a water well in Africa with the proceeds from business, educate and donate to the struggle in Darfur, spend time at retirement homes with the elderly. Start a grassroots tennis program. Travel to places I‘ve never been. Take the Georgia Bar exam.

Release my second audio CD of poetry.

Greatest victory: 3 way tie between: Understanding what really matters in this life, acceptance of change, and appreciation of the simple things.

Greatest Struggle: Battle with self. Letting my super sensitivities burden others. Negativity is surely my kryptonite.

I am walking in my destiny when I create, I am walking in my destiny when I practice law, I am walking in my destiny when I play tennis, I am walking in my destiny when I love unconditionally.

What do I say for my future: Watch out, I am just getting started. I‘m out to change the world Regrets: Not taking more time with loved ones whom have past away, the chances I didn‘t take, and the love I didn‘t show.

Greatest Influences: All those whose shoulders of hard work and sacrifice allowed me to have the opportunities I have today. My Mother, Father, Grandmother and Grandfather, Aunts, My Great grandmother Liza (who chopped wood and lived by herself until she was 95 years old). Maya Angelou and Phyllis Wheatley are my poetic influences; Thurgood Marshall is my legal influence. Dr. King is my history and soul influence. Michael Jackson, Minnie Riperton and Miles Davis, Stevie and Marvin, Otis, Sam Cooke are creative influences.

Althea Gibson (who also played tennis at my alma mater Florida A&M University), Arthur Ashe, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Michael Jordan, and Serena Williams. These folks all levitate in the stratosphere with their talent at the top of their game.

HELLO MR. PAIN

All of our artistically speaking contributors are women who love the Lord and love to share their gift of writing.

Artistically Speaking features the works of our readers and featured artists, writers, filmmakers, playwrights', poets etc. This feature will allow you to stir up your gift and share it in print. We look forward to receiving your Poems, artwork, paintings, stories and More!! Send your files for consideration to divineconceptgroup@gmail.com in jpg or word format, we can‘t wait to share your work with our readers, God Bless You!

A Warrior Preacher , Teacher, titles alone have no sway Spreading God’s word of Soul Salvation A Warrior’s night and day.

Sword of deliverance held high God’s army at the ready A Warrior’s battle cry Often assailed by foes unseen A lightening rod for the Almighty A Warrior’s Dream Love for God will light the night God’s armor of protection A Warrior’s right No thought of reward for a good deed God’s Holy Word must be revealed A Warrior’s creed. ©2009 Dorothy LaVerne Scott-Sloan Dorothy is a resident of Amelia County, Virginia— Namozine District. A nature lover, poet, avid reader and has created several books of doodles. I am also a daughter, Mother, Grandmother and Greatgrandmother. My philosophy for life is ―wherever I go in life, it should be better for my having been there‖. P.S. ―Hug Somebody Everyday.‖

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HELLO MR. PAIN IT IS YOU AGAIN, I DON’T MEAN TO BE RUDE BUT IT IS TOO SOON TO FEEL YOU AGAIN MY HEART HAS NOT MEND SINCE THE LAST TIME YOU WERE HERE. SINCE YOU WILL BE HERE AWHILE YOU MIGHT AS WELL COME ON IN MR. SORROW IS SITTING IN THE MIDDLE MR. LOVE IS SITTING ON THE RIGHT MR.HOPE IS SITTING ON THE LEFT, AND MR. FAITH HAS BEEN HERE ALL DAY YOU MIGHT AS WELL GET AQUAINTED MR. JOY CALLED AND SAID HE WILL BE HERE IN THE MORNING BELIEVE IT OR NOT HE WANTS US TO HOLD ON TO EACH OTHER AND TO BELIEVE AND DEPEND ON GOD FOR HE KNOWS HOW MUCH WE CAN BEAR AND HE LOVES US BETTER AND MORE THAN WE LOVE OURSELVES SO, IF YOU HAD TO COME, MR. PAIN AT LEAST I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE © 2000 AGNES WOODLEY

I am blessed and happy, I currently live in Amelia, Virginia. I love to write Poetry and Expressions in my spare time. I love helping people be it through my words or a helping hand. I am currently working part-time at Southside Community College in Alberta, Virginia. I am working on my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management through Strayer University Online. My marital status is separated, and the Good Lord has truly blessed me with 2 angels on earth and they are my twin daughters Devona and Devina and they are college graduates.

Through life's hardships of ups and down, and the hurdles that we have to jump to get to the other side, life is still good. You must thank God for the good as well as the bad, for what does not kill us, will only make us stronger. Our life is an open book, for when one chapter ends another will begin. It is up to us and the Good Lord as to how it will end. May we continue to be embraced in His arms of hope, love, peace, and joy.

This is a special writing for me, I wrote it for a friend who lost both of her children, they were killed by a drunk driver. What can you tell a mom that had to endure a tragedy like this? I thought about the pain, suffering, and heartbreak that she must have been going through.. God forbid, if that happened to me, or anyone else... if we lost our children in this tragic way. But, I also thought that through pain, suffering, and misery, in due time it will bring us peace and comfort by knowing and believing in God. He can and will not put more on us than what we can bear. All we have to do is believe in Him.

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

JOY & PAIN ©2009 Sherrie Barnes Esq. This is short Poem I wrote called Joy and Pain it will be featured on my poetry audio CD called “It sums up my idea of life” Life is full of joy and pain That’s what the old folks say I pondered that sentiment for a while As I sat around thinking the other day See I have had my share of both Mostly ALL, at the SAME time A litany of bittersweet moments Are etched forever in my mind

REMEMBER ~

To Pray for our President Barack Obama

Where there was hope, there was disappointment Where there was birth, there was death Where there was triumph, there was tragedy It is the price for every, precious breath I have experienced the good and the bad Endured for better or for worse I’ve had a heap of mixed blessings I received the gift and the curse And as I sat around thinking the other day I wondered if the seesaw would ever end Then I realized pain was necessary For Joy for come again.

For more from Sherrie visit: www.findyourutopia.com

RECIPE CORNER BEEF TACO 1LB. GROUND BEEF 1 CAN (10 3/4 OZ) TOMATO SOUP (REGULAR OR LESS SODIUM) 1/2 C. SALSA 1/2 C. WATER 1/2 C. SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE 6 FLOUR TORTILLAS (6"),1" PIECES COOKING DIRECTIONS: 1. COOK HAMBURGER IN 10" SKILLET UNTIL WELL BROWNED. STIRRING TO BREAK UP MEAT . POUR OFF FAT FROM HAMBURGER. 2. STIR IN SOUP, SALSA, WATER AND TORTILLAS. HEAT TO A BOIL. REDUCE HEAT TO LOW AND COOK FOR 5 MINS. REMOVE FROM HEAT AND ADD CHEESE AND COVER FOR 5 MINS. UNTIL CHEESE HAS MELTED. SERVE WITH GARLIC BREAD.. SUBMITTED BY JERRI MOORE Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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1ST QUARTER CALENDAR

I have come to live by the thought of ―Change your thoughts and you change your world‖. (Norman Vincent Peale - US clergyman 1898-1993). My desire is to be able to give sound and documented information to as many subjects as possible. I am by no means an expert in every field or on every topic I address. I am by nature and nurture, a New Yorker; which means I have an opinion on everything under the sun. To my benefit God has so graciously allowed me to live a little and see a lot. I have gained great friends and outstanding enemies, a few witty sayings and a great deal of wisdom to soften some of life‘s blows. We may not see eye to eye with my manner and method but I guarantee that after you get a belly full of my opinion you will get up from the table having laughed a little bit more than when you first sat down. On a good day you may even get a take home bag full of useful information. You never know what way God will direct my responses. I am fully accountable to his word and his way, ultimately He has the final say so.

Renee Tucker is in middle management as a university administrator as well as a devoted mother.

“Ask Renee” is a regular feature. If you would like to sub-

18 January - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (3rd Monday of January, traditionally Jan. 15) February is Black History Month 2 February - Groundhog Day 7 February - Super Bowl Sunday (currently the first Sunday of February) 14 February - Valentine's Day 15 February - Presidents Day (officially George Washington's Birthday; 3rd Monday of February, traditionally Feb. 22) 17 February - Ash Wednesday (Christian; moveable based on Easter) 17 March - St. Patrick's Day (Christian) 20 March - Vernal Equinox (based on the sun) 28 March - Palm Sunday (Christian; Sunday before Easter) 29 March - First day of Passover (Jewish; moveable based on Jewish calendar)

mit questions or content please send your e-mails to: AskReneedcg@gmail.com.

-By Lane Tolj In retrospect..another holiday season and year has ended. How do we keep our health and wellness in mind when we have been too worried about turkeys and perfect gifts and clean houses and keeping all the family and friends happy. It helps to remember what is really important. 2009 was a challenging year for everyone – it makes no sense to have increased stress by spending money we don‟t have, no matter what the bargains. Think small, think about decisions that make us feel good about something, not cause us more stress. Think about the environment – can we buy healthy local products that support our local economy or are we buying grapes from Chile when we could be eating Virginia apples. Think about the energy we waist by keeping things we don‟t use plugged in all the time. Recycle.

Keep in mind that the more ingredients a food item lists that the majority of the ingredients are probably chemicals. This past year has been about change – Can you look at your life and see changes for the positive? Even traditions for the holiday are fine as long as everyone feels good about them. If these traditions make us gain weight, feel tired and stressed perhaps it is time to change these tradi40

tions. Family, our own health, the world, the environment, being positive, should be our focus right now. Focus on how we treat each other – it never ceases to amaze me how people interact on those busy big bargain shopping days – it seems like there are those that would knock over their own grandmothers to get that last sale item on the shelf. Is this the spirit of the holiday?- I saw someone take the last $30.00 out of their wallet to give to someone who needed it to pay for medication. What an act of kindness. That in turn made me want to carry it forward to someone else. This is the change we need- this is the “holiday spirit”.

Imagine if each of us committed one act of kindness – how we could change the world. So take care of yourself first. Have some healthy options in your home this year and at future holiday meals – this will contribute to others thinking about their own health. Think small, be grateful for what you have and pass forward what you can, exercise joyfully because it makes you feel good , enjoy the new year , be positive, and look at change for the better, for yourself and the world.

Lane Tolj is the Wellness Coordinator for Eastern State Hospital In Williamsburg, Virginia.

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

January 2010

―Wilms Tumor‖ The Silent Disease Article By Lexcy Menzies

Most parents never think that their child will develop cancer. I mean, why would they? Most people automatically think of cancer as being and adult disease. We may even know that children get cancer, but we definitely don't believe it could happened to our child. We think of our children as being happy and healthy, not dealing with agony and pain. I know I didn't. The thought of cancer affecting one of my children never even crossed my mind, not until my youngest son was diagnosed with a type of cancer called "Wilms Tumor". Though rare in the cancer realm, it‘s the most common type of kidney cancer in children. I remember when the doctor first told me his diagnosis, my mind couldn't quite comprehend what he was actually saying. There was no wrapping my mind around it.

My son begin to get sick when he was about nine months old. I had been taken him from doctor to doctor, and at times rushed him to the hospital, yet no one could give me an answer as to what was wrong. By the time he was diagnosed he was one year old.

Let me provide you with some background information on the disease itself and when it was first found. Dr. Carl Max Wilhelm Wilms who was a German pathologist and a surgeon believed that tumor cells originate during the embryonic stage. As a result of his extensive research of renal tumors, nephroblastoma, the malignant tumor of the kidney became known as Wilms Tumor.

can also be found in the bones and the brain depending what stage it is in.

Even though my son was extremely sick, we were still blessed, because his tumor could not be seen by just looking at him. Nor could it be felt unless you applied extreme pressure to his abdomen. I didn't know how blessed we really were, until the doctor explained what is known as the " Five Stages of Wilms". In most cases the tumors are found when they are at stage two or three and weigh an average of approximately one pound.

The five different stages of Wilms Tumor are as follows:   Stage I: Cancer is found in one kidney only and can be completely removed by surgery. About 41% of all Wilms tumors are stage I.   Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the kidney to the surrounding area, but can be completely removed by surgery. About 23% are stage II.   Stage III: Cancer has not spread beyond the abdomen, but cannot be completely removed by surgery. About 23% are stage III.   Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body; most commonly, the lungs, liver, bone, and/or brain. About 10% are stage IV.   Stage V: Cancer is found in both kidneys at diagnosis (also called bilateral tumors). About 5% are stage V. My son was diagnosed with stage one Wilms Tumor. He had one kidney removed, as well as, endured 18 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy. We spent many nights in the hospital with fevers and other illness due to his weakened immune system. I learned how to administer his chemotherapy, through a small implanted device in his chest called a "Portacath" which is designed to allow for periodic delivery of medicine without having to try to find a vein. He is now 18 years old and is a quiet but happy young man. He goes to the doctor annually for various testing, which of course at his age you can see he doesn't really like, but he never complains. He realizes this is a life long venture and that he has God to walk with him each time he steps foot in to the doctors office. We had other medical issues along the way, but I thank God everyday that my son who is now 18 years old is a healthy and happy teenager.

Wilms Tumor affects one out of every 200, 000 to 250, 000 children under the age of five. Though rare it isn't unheard of for the disease to also affect adults. However, less than three percent of cases that occurred are actually found in adults. African American children have been found to be in the higher percentile of children who may be affected by this disease, as well as female children in general. Like most children diagnosed with Wilms, my son appeared to be a healthy, happy little baby who loved to jump and play in the beginning of his young life. That's because this hidden tumor can grow quite large without causing any pain and therefore may be difficult to detect at first. In my son's case, he started getting sick on and off, to most doctors it appeared he had, a stomach virus, flu, or an ear infection. He also had symptoms such as fevers, severe projectile vomiting (or just plain vomiting) loss of appetite following weight loss. He went from a healthy 23 pounds to 16 pounds in a matter of months. In most cases nothing is found to be wrong until a parent notice as lump through sight or touch. That's usually when the parent or parents take the child to the doctor. In Today medicine has progressed far enough to have approximately my case I was always afraid due to loosing a child earlier in my 90 to 95 percent of Wilms Tumor patients survive if they are highly life, so I continuously took my son to the doctor, even if he had just responsive to the medicine they are given. been there.

This article was written to bring this childhood cancer called A battery of different test are given before the child is fully diag- "Wilms Tumor" to light. Below I have provided several reference nosed. An ultrasound of the abdomen and possibly a CT Scan, links if you would like to do more reading on this disease. blood and urine test may also be needed to test the actual functional/output of the kidney. A biopsy will most likely be done Reference: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/kidney/wilms.html to analyze the structure of the cells of the tumor. For staging pur- http://www.smiths-medical.com/catalog/implantable-ports/port-cath poses they may also check the Chest, Lungs and Liver. This Cancer -implantable-venous.html Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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Be a Good Steward: Take Care of Your Car! General Car Care Clinic Kevin Blackwell & Norvel Ashley Jr. Although we are aware that we need to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted us with, we tend not to apply this to the vehicles we drive. It is important not to neglect regular maintenance of our cars; to make sure they are running efficiently and that we are getting all from our cars that we can get. Elder Kevin Blackwell (mechanic, architect, and U.S Army Reservist) of New Jerusalem Community Church suggests that we take a semi-annual assessment of our vehicles. He has created a car maintenance checklist that can be used to help keep our cars in tip-top shape. Because of the differences due to the makes of cars, he advices us to read our vehicle‘s owner‘s manuals to get answers to specific questions about our cars, such as tire maintenance and care, checking of oil, brake and power steering fluids and battery care. Manuals can give you detail information on everything on his checklist plus more. Kevin suggests that is your owner‘s manual is missing, you can pick up a Haynes or Chilton repair manual specifically for your vehicle at your local auto-parts or Wal-Mart stores. He states that they generally run about $15.00. Keeping our vehicles properly maintained could help in the mission that God has given us.

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Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

Romans 10:9-10. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our mouth and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the

Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace always leads to repentance.

Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me, thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life.

"Image Source: www.christianphotos. www.christianphotos.net net" net" Amen.

Unveiled Purpose Premiere Edition / winter 2010/ Visit www.divineconceptgroup.com to DONATE or advertise

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I ask for all the single, divorce, widowed, separated and those that are alone in their journey at the present time; that you Lord would encourage them and cause them to encourage themselves in you. Give them the peace, strength and courage to seek your face in all of their ways! To begin their day acknowledging you and seeking your direction. To have the ability to trust you for the mate you have for them and not grow weary in the wait. To not blame themselves for the mistakes they've made in the past but to forgive themselves immediately and forgive others who've hurt or violated them. To hear your voice more clearly and learn to wait at your feet for direction, revelation and insight! To be at peace with themselves and seek you for the vocation and call you have for them in life. To count it all joy when different situations arise because with You as their help, comfort and guide You will assist them with all things by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, please give them the ability to not get ahead of you or ask you for something that is not good for them. Deliver them from the fear of being alone, or from feeling like they missed you. Don't let them call themselves names or allow the enemy to nag them. Give them courage on this journey to enjoy where they are with out anxious thoughts of the feeling like they have to help You out with their selection. Father, I ask for the marriages that you've destined for many of them this year to come into being. Allow it to be so! That they would be blessed to meet their mate and not any impostor. ~Father, you are a loving merciful God that you care about everyone of your children. We are the bride of Christ and we do not want to have spots or wrinkles so please cleanse us from any impurities and help us to grow closer to you till we meet our mates! We want to continue to walk close to you even after meeting our

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mates. Allow us to be the men and women of God that you called us to be! Father I ask that you would meet hearts desires this year! Father, I ask that you would fulfill dreams for many this year! Father I ask that those whose dreams have died that you would restore the years that the cankerworm, the palmerworm & the locust have eaten! Father, you are a great and mighty God and Father! Your word says "hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is the tree of life." Please answer these single people's prayers with what they need from you now! Please fulfill the longing of their hearts. May you encourage them with the words they need to hear and meet the desires of their heart with that who've you've chosen and purposed for them! If they are to wait for time give them the peace in their heart to wait, because what you have for them is always better then what they would pick for themselves. ~Father, if any man has been afraid to ask his bride to be to be his wife for fear of making a mistake or any other reason that is hindering the process I ask that you would give them the boldness and the courage to move forward! If he is to wait for your timing and direction please give him clear leading and direction. Let them not fear what they do not understand! Please give them wisdom, revelation and insight concerning their brides. May they love you more than they love their brides. May they know what love is and if they don't Lord I ask that you teach them. Marriage does not come with a rule book. Let them each have a clear word of direction from you as to who, where & when in this season! May you Lord be glorified through those you've chosen to be together for such a time as this! Heal the hearts that are broken and weary my Lord! ~Dear Father, I ask that you restore broken marriages and heal your people, mind, emotions, souls & spirits in Jesus mighty name! Thank you for hearing my prayer! Thank you Dear Heavenly Father for every answer to this this prayer ahead of time and we give you the praise and glory and honor for it! Thank you Jesus for paying the price for us that we can wait on you!!!! May the peace of God rule and reign in your hearts. Love you Marcia

Unveiled Purpose Magazine/ winter 2010/DONATE or advertise visit–www.unveiledpurpose.eventbrite.com

Read Marcia‘s story on pages 21-23.

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Stevens Enterprises wants to wish each of you a Blessed New Years. May the Lord provide you with insight, encouragement, strength and provisions throughout the year for your family. We like to share the following message and may you be encouraged and know All things are possible to them that believe. Shalom ~ The Stevens Family ~

Ephesians 1 New International Version Chapter 1:2-14 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Spiritual Blessings in Christ 3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

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In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of/ his glory.

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