September 30, 2005

Bishop Eddie Long offering $32 per hr to young men age 18 and older to help with the diaster and damage done by Hurricane Katrina

Katrina Cleanup

If you know any young men age 18 and up who are looking for work,
Bishop Eddie Long, Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, is offering
$32.00 per hour for a team of men willing to go to New Orleans to help
with the disaster and damage done by Hurricane Katrina. You can call the
church at 770-696-9600 for sign up and more information.

Also...Construction company hiring 1000 people to help with hurricane
clean up. $10/hr, 80-90 hrs weekly, food, lodging, transportation to area.
Start immediately, could go on for 1-2 yrs. Anyone interested can call
directly to LVI Svcs, 713-991-0480, 10500 Telephone Rd , Houston, Texas.

September 24, 2005

In Felicia's Own Words


Greetings All:

I have just returned from a week in the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi,
Gulfport, Pass Christian etc.). I was compelled to go in from Atlanta
every weekend since Katrina hit as a sort of penance for sitting and
watching while people were drowning on television. I can not criticize
the president or anyone else because sadly, all that I did was watch and
talk about it. My sister is now housing a family of 6 from Jefferson Parish
and I have committed to the long term effort to rebuild the Gulf Coast. If
I felt shame over not responding to the urgency in New Orleans it is almost nothing compared to my encounter with the deep poverty of Mississippi. All that I can say is that the people are so poor that they don't even know that they are poor. The conditions prior to Katrina were appalling, so much so that almost everyone sees this as a wonderful opportunity to lift the standard of living for all. This is where you come in. We talk so much about sustainable communities, now we have a real opportunity to put our energy where our principles lead us. It does not mean that everyone has to drop everything and go rushing to the coast. What is needed is research, thinking, ideas and yes work. We have to negotiate the politics,engage and educate the community and mobilize the environmental community in such a manner that there will be a national push for a greener future for people who deserve it. The opportunity for demonstration projects is virtually unlimited and it does not stop with the affected areas, it extends to the large cities that are now absorbing evacuees. The only way that people will be able to return is if a place is built for them.

I will shift just a moment to the devastation of the gulf coast. Several towns are gone...Waveland, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis and Delisle are no longer livable. These were beautiful coastal communities and every home has been touched. Gulfport and Biloxi are further east, known for gambling and recreation. We estimate that 75% of the homes have significant damage that would include water, roof and trees. Huge 200 year old oak trees were uprooted throughout the coast. Do remember that the hurricane went over New Orleans and it HIT Mississippi. The problem in New Orleans is that the levies did not hold. On the coast Katrina cause devastation that defies our understanding of physics. I saw a tractor trailer upside down on
top of a house, a casino that was formerly a barge on the wrong side of the highway--the whole thing just moved inland like a cruise ship on land and the list goes on. I have photos and video that I will share once I have a chance to edit. Bottom line, business has been wiped out. Jobs are gone and the poverty is exposed because the contents of every home are sitting on the curb.

There are significant environmental and environmental justice issues and those of us who really want an opportunity to reach into the future need to come together and weigh in as leaders. Off the top of my head I see a role for land conservation, historic preservation, wetlands restoration, smart growth, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, transportation innovation the list goes on to include all that are interested. Even the wildlife folk have a role. The local paper reported that "Wildlife all over the Coast is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina." They went on to point out that hummingbirds have been showing up since the storm to feed along the Coast before they make their annual migration across
the Gulf to Central America and Mexico. Food is scarce because of the wind-whipped foliage, and if they don't get enough food they will not be able to withstand the trip. Many families that would normally respond to such an article by placing bird feeders are homeless and collecting food for themselves at relief centers.

I am not an eloquent writer and I cannot yet process all of the emotion but I am an activist and so I am participating in the following actions:

1. Connected with African American leadership in the Coast
2. Identified basic needs and communicate these needs to the outside
3. Contacted a wide range of colleagues advocating an environmental briefing on Katrina Recovery
4. Started researching available applications from other places (domestic and foreign)
5. Planning Environmental Tour of the affected areas (on hold due to Rita)
6. Assisting local organizations with proposals
7. Participating in planning in host cities (Atlanta, Jackson, Baton Rouge)
8. Reaching out to networks encouraging conversation and collaboration
9. Working directly with 3 churches
10. Participating in national conference calls sponsored by a coalition
of Black organizations

I am interested in hearing what others are doing and working to create
links. If anyone is interested in any of the above please respond.

Felicia Davis
f.gilmore@mindspring.com

September 21, 2005

Calling All Intercessors to Pray for Families in Path of Hurricane Rita

Dear Father,
I thank you for your love, grace, and mercy. Dear Lord, I ask for mercy for your people. I pray that you spare the lives of your people. Lord, God we wait with great faith and hope for the people in the path of Hurricane Rita for we know that you are our help and our shield. Have mercy on your people, Lord. Send your angels of protection to surround your children and Saints. Equip your people with courage, stamina, love, kindness, and creativity to weather yet another major storm. God calm the fears of your people and let your Holy Spirit arise in their hearts, minds, and souls. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you or if you know of loved ones who may be impacted by Hurricane Rita, please visit the following link for emergency resource information:

http://www.mirawebdesign.com/rita.html (Emergency Resources)

The Gospel: The Movie



A young singer turns his back on God and his father's church when tragedy strikes. He returns years later to find the once powerful congregation in disarray. With his childhood nemesis creating a "new vision" for the church, he is forced to deal with family turmoil, career suicide and relationship issues that send him on a collision course with redemption or destruction.

Genres: Drama and Musical/Performing Arts

Release Date: October 7, 2005 (wide).
MPAA Rating:
PG for thematic elements including suggestive material and mild language.
Distributor: Screen Gems

Cast and Credits

Starring: Boris Kodjoe, Idris Elba, Nona Gaye, Clifton Powell, Aloma Wright
Directed by: Rob Hardy
Produced by: Will Packer, William Packer, Holly Davis-Carter

September 17, 2005

The Katrina Pledge: A Commitment to Build a New America


The Katrina Pledge: A commitment to build a new America

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute (Proverbs 31:8).



The waters of Hurricane Katrina have revealed fault lines of race and class in our nation, washing away our national denial about the large number of Americans who live in poverty and about its disproportionate impact on people of color. We have now seen, and so has the rest of the world, the effects of public policies that sacrifice the common good to private interests and misguided priorities.

In the aftermath of the storm's destruction, a new America must be born in which compassion and conscience reshape our society's priorities at all levels. Together we can transform our country into one where economic security for all is an essential part of our national security.

As a person of faith, I believe that the poverty we have witnessed on the rooftops of New Orleans and the devastated communities of the Gulf Coast is morally unacceptable. Therefore, I join my fellow Americans across the barriers of race, religion, class, and politics in the following commitments:

1. I pledge to be personally involved in helping those whose lives have been affected by this natural disaster - by praying for the victims and their families and by offering my time, talents, and resources to relief and recovery ministries that are meeting their needs.

2. I pledge to work for sweeping change of our nation's priorities. I will press my elected representatives to protect the common good - especially the needs of our poorest families and children - rather than supporting the twin social disasters of tax cuts for the rich and budget cuts that hurt the poor.

If you would like to sign the pledge, please visit the following link:
href="http://go.sojo.net/campaign/katrinapledge/step1">

September 14, 2005

In Memory of Dr. Kenneth Riddle



The following text was excerpted from Jilly's 411 published by Jill M. Porter:

"The thing that has impacted my life most in the last couple of weeks was the passing of a church member, a member of Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing, and most importantly an awesome young man of God. Even if you didn't know him, I believe you can learn from his story. Kenneth died at the young age of 25, but thankfully he had dedicated his life, his gifts, his praise, his heart and soul to God. Through his life I realized in technicolor that tomorrow isn't promised to me and that every day is an opportunity to be all that God needs me to be. I pray that in reading Kenny's daily profession of faith you will grow, change, and develop a relationship with Christ that is unshakeable. I pray it will inspire you to be all that God is asking you to be. Live your life as God has required and you will live life everlasting."

Daily Profession of Faith (As written by Dr. Kenneth LeVar Riddle) "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.)" - Hebrews 10:23

I AM WHAT GOD SAYS I AM: I am the head and not the tail. I am the lender and not the borrower. I am above and not beneath. I am healed, I am healthy, I am delivered, I am forgiven. I am redeemed. I am restored. I am blessed. I am highly favored. I am prosperous. I am a MAN of GOD. I am a friend of GOD. I am a great MAN of valor and integrity. I am a spirit being seeking after the likeness of GOD. I am consistent in the things of GOD. I am a changing person in a new place. I am intelligent and divinely creative.

I WILL DO WHAT GOD SAYS DO: I will bless them that curse me. I will pray for them that despitefully use me. I will love the Lord God with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. I will love my neighbor as myself. I will bless the Lord at all times, and His praises shall continually be in my mouth. I will walk worthy of my calling, with meekness and lowliness, with longsuffering, forgiving and forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. I will honor the Lord with all my substance, and the first fruit of all my increase. I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding. I will acknowledge Him in all my ways, believing and expecting Him to direct my path. I will be a good steward of my mind, my body, my spirit, my soul, my territory, my mouth, my gifts, my anointing, my time, and my relationships. I will walk by faith and not by sight. I will make my calling and election sure. I will choose life and speak life. I will meditate on the word of GOD both day and night. I will obey the word of GOD. I will sacrifice for the promise. I will manifest the word of GOD in my life THIS DAY. I will be an example of the body of believers in word, conversation, faith, charity, spirit and purity.

I DECLARE: ALL IS WELL, IT IS SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photo by: Paulette Singleton - Copyright ... All Rights Reserved

If you would like to subscribe to Jillly's 411, a monthly email blast,
please email Jilllys411@verizon.net and put "Subscribe" in the subject
line.

September 13, 2005

Bishop T.D. Jakes And Kirk Franklin's FO YO Soul Entertainment Hosts A Star-Studded Gospel Concert To Benefit Hurricane Katrina Victims

Benefit Concert for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina


September 12, 2005
Bishop T.D. Jakes And Kirk Franklin's FO YO Soul Entertainment Hosts A Star-Studded Gospel Concert To Benefit Hurricane Katrina Victims At The Potter's House In Dallas – September 17

Participating Artists Include Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Micah Stampley, Myron Butler and Bishop Jakes' Potter's House Mass Choir

Funds Raised Slated For Tom Joyner's BlackAmericaWeb.Com Relief Fund

Bishop T.D. Jakes and Kirk Franklin's Fo Yo Soul Entertainment have announced a FREE benefit concert to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina to be held Saturday, September 17, 7pm (doors open at 6pm) at The Potter's House, 6777 West Kiest Boulevard in Dallas . World-renowned pastor, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Grammy Award winning artist Kirk Franklin have asked other gospel music artists who share their concern and care for the Hurricane victims to join together to raise funds for all those who have been affected by the horrific hurricane that ravaged the Gulf Coast states. The evening will include performances by Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Micah Stampley, Myron Butler and Bishop Jakes' Potter's House Mass Choir.

All proceeds from the evening will go directly to Tom Joyner's BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund. The fund is a Section 501(C) (3) non-profit organization formed to operate as a charitable service to benefit individuals and families affected by publicly declared disasters. Proceeds collected by the Relief Fund will go to individual families who have opened their homes to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina to supplement their personal households as the recovery efforts continue. BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund is partnering with churches through states neighboring the affected areas to identify families in need. For more information on how to contribute go to www.blackamericaweb.com .


What: Free Benefit Concert for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Who: Bishop T.D. Jakes, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Micah Stampley, Myron Butler and Bishop Jakes' Potter's House Mass Choir
When: Saturday, September 17, 2005
Time: 6:00 p.m. (doors open)
7:00 p.m. (show)
Where: The Potter's House
6777 West Kiest Boulevard
Dallas , TX 75236
Press: TV crews and photographers are welcome to shoot b-roll footage.
Artists will be available for interviews.

September 11, 2005

September 11th

Sing To The Lord
Read:Psalm 30

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. —Psalm 30:5

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 1-3

It's as though a sinister stranger comes knocking on your door. You must let him in, for he knocks insistently and will not go away. He is sorrow personified.

You believe no one sees your tears and you feel all alone—but God sees them and He understands. "All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears," David said in Psalm 6. "The Lord has heard the voice of my weeping" (vv.6,8). "You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?" (56:8). Though "weeping may endure for a night," it is a transient houseguest, for "joy comes in the morning" (30:5).

We remember, as David did, that God's love and favor last for a lifetime. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. When God's love comes into our thoughts, our feelings of sorrow and dread flee. Our mourning is turned into dancing, our garments of sackcloth and sorrow are stripped away and we are girded with gladness. We can rise to greet the day with shouts of ringing praise for His mercy, guidance, and protection. We rejoice in His holy name (30:11-12).
No matter our circumstances, let's sing to the Lord once again! —David Roper

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;Streams of mercy, never ceasing,Call for songs of loudest praise. —Robinson

Praise is the voice of a soul set free.

The above text was borrowed from http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb-09-11-05.shtml

September 9, 2005

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageId=2078

The link above is to a website set up to help Hurricane Katrina victims to identify children that have been separated from their families. I scanned the page earlier today and just began praying for these children and their families. I wondered if you all would consider doing the same. You can actually click on the picture in some cases to learn the child's name. Also, you will notice that many of the children have been reunited with families and I've also been holding these families up in prayer and thanking God for those miracles, as well.

I wondered if you all would join me in scanning the site and praying for these children.

September 4, 2005

The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: How you can Take Action!

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment, And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." --Matthew 22:37-39

Given the wake of the tragedy, destruction, and despair impacting families in AL, LA, and MS, it is our Godly duty to take action to help millions of families in need. There are so many lives impacted by storms of Hurricane Katrina and so much work to be done. There is something for everybody to do. I challenge every one to pray to God and meditate on scripture to determine how best you can be a vessel of love and support. Here are a few ideas on how you can take action:

*Are you in a position to share your financial blessings?
1. Make a monetary contribution with one of the following organizations:
http://www.redshield.org/crisis/ (Helping families via chapters in AL, LA, MS)
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/relief (Tom Joyner Morning Show)
http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate3/
http://www.redcross.org/ (Helping families via chapters in AL, LA, MS)
http://www.crwrc.org/
http://www.convoyofhope.org/ - (Helping families in Picayune, MS)
http://www.churchworldservice.org/news/archives/2005/08/317.html (Helping families in Baton Rouge, MS, AL)
www.NAACP.org ( make donations of housing or anything else) You can also send checks to NAACP Diaster Relief Fund at 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.


2. If you live or work in the DC/MD/VA area, make a monetary contribution to Operation Healing by calling 410-945-3000, x3015. This is a coalition of local churches partnering with Harbor Bank in Baltimore to raise $110,000 in 10 days!

3. Ask your Pastor/Bishop to donate your Sunday offering to the victims of LA, MS, or AL.

4. Ask your family members or co-workers to pool their money to make a special monetary contribution to one of the efforts listed above.

*Are you temporaryly out of cash? Don't worry if you don't have money to give. Do you have household items (unopened and almost new) to donate. Now, let me say a word here about donated items. I'm not talking about those dirty tennis shoes that you been meaning to throw out or the jeans with the holes in them. I'm talking about clean and quality items that are in good condition (unopened lotion, soap, diapers/pampers, blankets, shoes, clothes, jackets, etc.).
1. Call 410-889-0100 to find out if they are collecting donating items;
2. Check the Internet to get the address to the Housten Astrodame and pack your items in a box and send it through UPS, FEDX, or US Postage.
3. Check the Internet or call 411 to get the address to a shelter in Biluxi, MS, pack your items in a box, and ship it using UPS, FEDX, or US Postage.
4. Check the Internet or call 411 to get the address to a shelter in AL, pack your items in a box, and ship it using UPS, FEDX, or US Postage.

*Are you a prayer warrior?
1. Stay in intercessory prayer for the people in LA, AL, and MS.
2. Stay in intercessory prayer for the relief workers, police officers, national guard, volunteers, and others who are dedicating their time to this effort!
3. Stay in intercessory prayer for our elected officials that they do everything possible to assist our people!
4. Stay in intercessory prayer for the young people from Solvivaz Nation who are en route to Atlanta, GA to assist displaced 48 families from New Orleans who are staying at Atlanta hotel.

*Do you have access to the telephone, Internet, or U.S. Postage mail?
1. Call/email/write your elected officials asking them to do everything possible to provide relief to the citizens of LA, MS, and AL.
2. Call/email/write your elected officials asking them to investigate why people were left to die from starvation and dehydration. Demand to know why the least among us, our babies and elderly were left to die!
3. Call/email/write Mayor O'Malley and other mayors to see if your local officials can provide resources to displaced citizens of New Orleans by housing some residents in New Orleans.
4. Call/email/write President Bush and Members of Congress demanding that they investigate and reorganize FEMA to ensure that ALL citizens (especially the poor) are protected during national emergencies.

*Do you want to volunteer and help make a difference?
1. Call 410-889-0100 and find out how you can support Solvivaz Nation in their on-going relief efforts for the families of New Orleans.
2. Contact your local Red Cross, Salvation Army, or church to find out how you can volunteer.
3. Contact a local shelter in your community and spend some time helping the least of those in your own city.

Visit the following site to find loved ones displaced by Hurricane Katrina:
http://www.mirawebdesign.com/katrina.html

September 2, 2005

EMERGENCY!!!
Baltimore-Our People Need Our Help

The Recent Devastation Caused by Hurricane Katrina Has Facilitated the Need for a Collection of the following for Victims:
Non-Perishable Food Items
Bottled Water
Toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste, wash cloths, soap)
Feminine Hygiene Products
Diapers/Pampers
Baby Wipes
Clothes
Anti-bacterial Soap (waterless)
Trash Bags
Blankets
Long Distance Phone Cards

Please Do Not Wait! Please Drop Items off ASAP at:
Solvivaz Nation Headquarters
Conscious Heads Barbershop & Salon
219 E. 25th Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Call 410-889-2662
410-303-5624
*For Pick-Up Call 443-838-9843*
We have a 14 Foot Truck leaving Sunday morning to help displaced families from New Orleans that are in shelters in Atlanta! Please drop-off your items on Saturday, Sept. 3rd!

Prayer for our Leaders

Dear Father,
I give you all the glory and honor and praise! Thank you Lord for victory even in the wake of destruction. God, I ask a special blessing and annointing on ALL our elected and public officials dealing in the wake of the turmoil and chaos in New Orleans and other cities impacted by Hurricane Katrina. I pray that you wrap your arms of protection and comfort around Mayor Nagin, Lord he needs you now more than ever. I pray that you light a fire in the hearts and minds of our President, Congresspersons, and FEMA Director to think creatively and quickly to address the needs of dying residents in New Orleans. I pray for mercy and deliverance of those families, tourists, journalists, police officers, public officials left behind. God, I don't understand the devastation and your ways are too big for me to even try to figure out, but I do know that you are an AWESOME and MIGHTY GOD! I pray that Your Will, Lord, be done and that Your Holy Spirit arise and scatter the disorder and foolishness. Amen.

Thank You for Your Calls: Congress in Emergency Special Session!

God is good! The Senate went to session last night and the House is back in session today. The Congressional Black Caucus is scheduled to host a press conference today (9/2) at the National Press Club in the Zinger Room at 10:30 a.m.

Keep praying for peace, order, recovery, salvation, mercy, justice, healing, forgiveness, and love to abound in New Orleans!

12 Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"? 14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. 16 The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. 17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
-Psalm 10: 12 - 18

September 1, 2005

Ask Congress to Reconvene in Special Session to Deal w/Lack of Resources

I'm sure everyone has been watching the news about the horrible conditionsfaced by hundreds of people left behind in New Orleans. It is heartwrenching to watch how babies and the elderly are dying from dehydrationthree days after Hurricane Katrina because there is not a coordinated effortto provide relief to people outside of the Superdome. Talks are underway in Congress to reconvene for a special session; however,the decision to do so lies in the Republican leadership.

Please get on your telephones and contact the Speaker of the House, Rep. Dennis Hastert,and request that Congress reconvenes to address the lack of services to theresidents of New Orleans, especially children and the elderly. Rep.Hastert's office number is 202-225-2976. Also, contact the Republicanleadership in your states. Call 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected toyour Republican congresspersons for your state. Also, contact theCongressional Black Caucus and ask them to make a public statementaddressing the lack of service to people left behind in LA. The CBC officenumber is 202-226-9776. It is imperative that we put pressure on our elected officials to take astand for the people of LA.

Just imagine that your son, daughter, mother,grandmother, or father was one of the people in this dire situation. Pleasetake a stand and encourage our Congresspeople to publicly address thisissue.

Blessings,Lynn Pinder