Rosa Parks (1913 - 2005)

October 31, 2005

Today, started out a normal day. I awoke at 5:30 a.m. I was out the door by 6:35 a.m. I got to the train station at 7:00 a.m. and was at work by 8:30 a.m. I set at my desk checked my emails, listened to my voicemails, and read my daily devotional. Between returning phone calls, checking in on my Lifelong Learning Coaches, and my grantees I was informed that the CEO of my organization gave permission to everyone to attend the funeral of Ms. Rosa Parks (the second of three funerals held in three days). I sat at my desk contemplating whether or not I should attend. I had loads a work, plus a site visit to complete later that day and hardly any of my co-workers seemed interested in going. By this time it was 11 a.m. and I had decided to go alone if I was unable to get any of my co-workers to go with me. The funeral was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. but we knew that the lines were going to be long and they were.

When I and my co-worker, Krsna, walked the three blocks at 12 Noon from our office to the historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church the line was wrapped around the corner and into an alley. We waited patiently in line with about 100 people. 12:30 p.m. and we had just made it out of the alley onto 15th Street. 1:00 p.m. and we were just at the corner of 15th and M Streets. The church, however, was in our view and we could hear the singing of the choir (traditional hymns) coming from speakers that had been set-up outside the church. We also got a glimpse of the 100 or so other on-lookers who were camped across the street from the church. 1:15 p.m. we make it half way up the street and reach a table of bottled water. Thank you, Lord. We are both hungry and thirsty because we hadn't eaten lunch. There just wasn't any time. We were serious about getting into this funeral. 1:30 p.m. and we are about half way to the front entrance of the church when the guards and police officers start walking the line announcing that the church was filled to capacity. At that point, people just started jumping out of line to run across the street to the overflow room. Krsna and I just moved right on up until we were right in front of the hearse and at the entrance of the church. 2:00 p.m. we are all standing outside listening to Dr. Dorothy Height and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. 2:05 p.m. Krsna spots her former mentor and she goes to speak to him and I lose her in the crowd. 2:15 p.m. I look up to see Krsna walking up the stairs inside the church. At this point, I'm like o.k. I can't believe she left me, but I heard a still small voice tell me to find the gentleman that she knew. 2:20 p.m. I approach the gentleman that Krsna knows who just happens to be one of the people who decides who gets to go into the church. I tell him that I work with Krsna and that were together but got separated. Now, this is amazing he looks at me. This guy doesn't know me at all, but he knows my co-worker and when I mention her name he nods and tells me to wait a minute on the side. I stand still and wait patiently. He comes up to me and points me to the gate and at 2:30 p.m. I'm walking up the stairs into the church. 2:35 p.m. I'm sitting beside Krsna downstairs in the overflow room watching the funeral on the big screen t.v. and Krsna is laughing at me because I got left behind. 2:40 p.m. Krsna and I look at each other with the same determined look. We just had to get upstairs to the sanctuary to see the funeral with our own eyes. 2:45 p.m. we start for the stairs and reach the top which is cramped to capacity. We stand at the back of the sanctuary while Oprah Winfrey speaks. Of course there was a crowd just to see her and to our benefit they left out of the balcony once she was done. 2:50 p.m. Krsna and I are headed up the stairs to the balcony. Wow, what a view. I use her phone to cancel my 3:00 p.m. site visit and we both are standing there on the balcony with tears in our eyes overwhelmed by the fact that we are attending the funeral of Ms. Rosa Parks. Ms. Cicely Tyson comes to the microphone and stirs everyone to tears and to their feet with her rendition of Ms. Jane Pittman reciting the poem, "Life Ain't No Crystal Stair" as she honors Ms. Rosa Parks. 3:15 p.m. and celebrity after celebrity, news anchors like Gwen Ifill all pay tribute to Ms. Rosa Parks. Senator Ted Kennedy wows the crowd with a personalized version of the 23rd Psalm in honor of Ms. Parks.

I'm standing in that balcony scanning the room seeing famous and non-famous, black and white people and people of a lot of other races all together with looks of awe on their face. I see someone guarded by half of dozen Secret Servicemen who looks like Donald Rumsfield and I'm thinking I can't believe I'm here in this place, too. I begin thanking God for the opportunity to be part of this historic event. Then, Ms. Tramaine Hawkins comes to the mike and sings a soulful version of Amazing Grace that brings everyone to tears - heads nodding, feet stomping, and hands clapping. What a day!

I never thought when I woke up this morning that I would be attending the funeral of one of the most famous giants of the Civil Rights Movement. As a matter of fact, I started to roll over and call in sick. What a blessing I would have missed if I had.
4:05 p.m. the service is almost over and Krsna and I decide to go back to work before the crowd leaves as we walk out the church and up the street, we hear the church singing "We Shall Overcome." People were stopped in their tracks for blocks just looking and listening. We are walking back to the office and I'm thanking God, thanking Krsna for coming and hooking us up with the guy who let us in who come to find out was one of her mentors from when she was a teenager. Wow! I'm like walking in awe, reverence, and respect for the life of a small woman who made a huge impact to our world. Ms. Rosa Parks was truly a woman of courage and faith.

Thank you Lord for giving me the opportunity to be part of the Homegoing Celebration of the life of this great lady!

Note: Ms. Parks first funeral was in Selma, Alabama. Then, her body was on view at our nation's Capitol. Her final funeral will be held November 1st in Detroit, MI.

WEAA 88.9 VS Minister Duane Johnson

I was listening that Sunday morning that will probably go down in history for WEAA 88.9 Gospel Grace when Minister Duane Johnson took the airways to denounce the now infamous Gay Pride Week at Pikesville High School. He has since been suspended as the Director/Announcer for Gospel Grace and will be removed on November 7th. I'm not in agreement with this decision and feel it wrong that Minister Johnson will be suspended for his belief in the Word of God (the Holy Bible). However, I do feel that Minister Johnson should have taken more time and preparation to follow station protocol and to minister to the young people at Pikesville High School.

I've read a lot of different blogs commenting on Minister Johnson's actions. As I read through the many blogs and websites I am particularly struck by the level of unkindness and sarcasm that seem to permeate through many of these so-called "Christian" blogs. One thing that is clear to me is that I don't live in a Jesus friendly society, neither did Jesus. Although many claim to be followers of Christ, most really are just "Christians" in name only with no idea of what it is to develop a real relationship with God and accept true salvation through Jesus Christ -not just in words, but in deeds and actions - not just on Sundays, but every minute of the hour and every hour of the day - not just when it feels good, but when it feels uncomfortable, lonely, and confusing - not just for show, but for real.

I prayed before posting this blog because I didn't want my remarks to come across as bitter, sarcastic, or unkind. (Let me say that the issue of kindness is one that is real for me right now as I had someone tell me a few weeks ago that I was "mean and nasty." I had to repent because even though I thought I was the nicest person in the world and had every right to be angry at the person who made the statement that person who was obviously hurt by my comments felt otherwise. This reality whether I want to accept or not means that I was an ineffective light/minister of God in this situation. I've been praying for guidance and resolution from God on just how to be more effective in my walk as a daughter of Christ. But that's a story for another blog, but I use this example to demonstrate what I feel about Minister Johnson's effort on that faithful Sunday.) I do believe that although Minister Johnson meant well his method was ineffective and sloppy.

Another thing I know for sure is that the issue/spirit of Homosexuality is one that can not be faced without proper covering, prayer, and weaponry for warfare. Homosexuality, a stronghold that is deceiving too many of our young and old, is not an issue/spirit to take lightly or to tackle in the heat of the moment without proper planning. We must put on the full armor of God for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. I'm praying that Minister Johnson and other people of faith become more strategic in ministry efforts against this issue/spirit, particularly when it deals with young people.

In the meantime, I encourage you to email earlsr@morgan.edu and pblakely@moac.morgan.edu to voice your dissent over the firing of Minister Duane Johnson

Suggested Readings:
The Holy Bible
The Isis Papers - Dr. Francis Cress Welsing
God's House Party - Dr. Kenneth Robinson

November 19th

Life is Not a Fairy Tale

American Idol Winner Fantasia Barrino has a new book out called, "Life is Not a Fairy Tale." Although she is getting a lot of slack for her honest candor about her experience in her hometown, the book is very well written. It is not only inspirational, but the book is really her own testimony on how she overcame some tremendous life barriers and developed a relationship with Christ on her road to stardom on American Idol.

I would recommend this book to everyone, especially young people. This would be a good book to use for a book discussion as part of a teen youth ministry. Fantasia is extremely honest about her own illiteracy and other issues impacting young females. She also touches on a sensitive issue when she admits that her baby's daddy is a PK (Preacher's Kid). Each chapter ends with a faith statement by Fantasia, a scripture, and a summary of the main lessons she learned from the experiences she shared in the chapter.

I was really impressed with the book. I am so proud of Fantasia and am even prouder that she has made a public declaration regarding her love for Christ. In her own way, Fantasia's book minister to readers using her life story as a link to scriptural references that help people understand God's connection in their lives.

It took courage and faith to share her story as she did in this book. Please keep Fantasia Barrino in prayer. Pray that the love of God and the Holy Spirit continues to be an active part in her life and the lives of her family. Pray for her protection and victory over any and all tricks of the adversary. Pray that she perserves in her educational pursuits to obtain her GED and to attend college.

Be sure to Buy Fantasia's Book!

AND THEY CALLED THEMSELVES FISHERMEN

"And They CALLED THEMSELVES FISHERMEN"
-Author Unknown.

A group existed who called themselves fisherman. There were many fish in the waters around. In truth, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry.

It came to pass that week after week, month after month, and year after year those who called themselves fishermen met in meetings; they talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. They carefully analyzed what fishing meant, urged fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is always to be a primary task of fisherman.

These same fishermen built large, beautiful buildings for local fishing headquarters. Their plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and that every fisherman should fish. In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fisherman to other places where there were many fish. The board was formed by those who had the great vision and courage to speak about fishing, to define fishing, and to promote the idea of fishing in faraway streams and lakes where many fish of different colors swam. Furthermore, the board hired staff and appointed committees and held many meetings to issue statements on fishing, to agree on what new streams should be thought about. Large, elaborate and expensive training centers were built with the original and primary purpose of
teaching fisherman how to fish.

Over the years, courses were offered on the needs of fish, the nature of fish, how to recognize different fish, the psychological reactions of fish, the various backgrounds of fish, and how to approach and feed fish. Those who taught had doctorates in "fishiology" Further, the fisherman built large printing houses to publish fishing guides. Presses were kept busy day and night to produce materials solely devoted to fishing methods and equipment. Meetings were arranged to talk about fishing. An expert speaker's bureau was also provided to schedule special speakers on the subject of fishing.

Notwithstanding all this activity, it was noted that fisherman themselves did not fish: they pleaded for fishing. The boards did not fish: they planned for fishing. The teachers of fishiology did not fish. They explained fishing. The expert speakers did not fish. They preached about fishing.

However, after one stirring address on "The Necessity of Fishing", one young man left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported that he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch and scheduled to visit all the big meetings possible to tell how he had done it. In fact he quit his fishing in order to have time to tell about the experience to the other fisherman. He was also placed on the Fisherman's General Board as a person having considerable experience.

Now many of the fishermen made sacrifices and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Few were well paid for their service on the boards and training centers. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish. They received the ridicule of some that made fun of their fisherman's clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fisherman, yet never fished. They had doubts about those who felt it was of little use to attend and talk about fishing. After all, were they not following the one who said: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt 4:19)

It came about that one day someone made the outlandish suggestion that those who did not fish were not actually fishermen - - no matter how much they claimed to be. Someone actually asked: "Is a person a fisherman if year after year he never catches (or even tries to catch) a fish? If he is not fishing, can he be following?" Those who called themselves fishermen, and their boards and committees and training centers and speakers, were all very hurt by that question.

What is your excuse for not fishing? BE RADICAL, GO FISHING!

Prayer for families in the path of Hurricane Wilma

"You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." --Psalm 91:13-16

Lord God, I thank you for the opportunity to come before you today. You are a great and awesome God. I thank you for your glory, goodness, and grace. I come before you again Lord asking for mercy, protection, and safety for those families in the path of yet another monster storm. Lord, I know that ALL things work together for good for those who are called according to your purpose, so Lord I won't ask why, but I will ask a special prayer of mercy for all those in the path of Hurricane Wilma. Lord, I ask that the light of those who know you shine like a light house guiding the lost and weary souls from this monster storm into an understanding of Jesus the Christ and to salvation. Lord, I pray that you anoint the volunteers, the relief workers, and all those extending a helping hand to these weary families. Anoint them with your Holy Spirit, anoint them with extra love, kindness, mercy, grace, understanding, patience, and kindness. Lord extend bounds of love and protection on those families impacted by this hurricane. Lord, I thank you for victory in the wake of this storm. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

October 21 Daily Devotional

October 21
Impulsiveness or Discipleship?

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith . . .
—Jude 20


There was nothing of the nature of impulsive or thoughtless action about our Lord, but only a calm strength that never got into a panic. Most of us develop our Christianity along the lines of our own nature, not along the lines of God’s nature. Impulsiveness is a trait of the natural life, and our Lord always ignores it, because it hinders the development of the life of a disciple. Watch how the Spirit of God gives a sense of restraint to impulsiveness, suddenly bringing us a feeling of self-conscious foolishness, which makes us instantly want to vindicate ourselves. Impulsiveness is all right in a child, but is disastrous in a man or woman—an impulsive adult is always a spoiled person. Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.

Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he "followed Him at a distance" on dry land ( Mark 14:54 ). We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises—human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes.



Source: http://www.rbc.org/utmost/

The Children's First Movement

CHILDREN 1st MOVEMENT

EDUCATION MANIFESTO

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

- Malcolm X

Overview Statement

All children in this country have the right to an education that enables them to learn and achieve at the highest level possible. This is a Human Right. To actualize this right, and therefore each child's potential, specific opportunities and support mechanisms or "Common Characteristics" must be present. No one characteristic is more important than another. All are required to provide the structure for ultimate student achievement and success.

The Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) must increase the educational options for all students. Parents must be empowered to become advocates for their children. BCPSS must provide an education that enables all students to make successful transitions to adulthood and to become vital contributors to their communities and to the world community.

We, as concerned citizens in Baltimore, are totally dedicated to assuring that our children receive what is rightfully theirs.


Background


In a report authored by Dr. Michelle A. Gambone several crucial elements necessary for student success were identified. BCPSS must embrace these elements, thus creating an environment in which students:

1. experience learning that is productive and linked to "Real World" activities;

2. are connected to adults, peers, and society's institutions;

3. can navigate through diverse settings, relationships, and the lure of risky behavior;

4. have relationships that are emotionally supportive with adults showing interests in youth's time and activities;

5. participate in decision-making in developmentally appropriate ways, relating to things they care about.

Common Characteristics

In order for BCPSS to achieve the elements described by Dr. Gambone, which are necessary for student success, the following Common Characteristics are necessary:

1. The Baltimore Public Schools (BCPSS) must be student-centered. To support the needs of each student, the educational process must be highly personalized. The District must embrace, as fundamental, the concept of educating "one student at a time." Students must have access to culturally relevant and rigorous curricula.

2. Smaller class size can produce improvement in student achievement, especially for minority and low-income students. The vision for BCPSS is to educate one student at a time and to encourage all students to pursue their interests and grow academically.

Each school must be small enough to allow teachers, administrators and students to work together as a unit for at least two years, thus developing and implementing meaningful long-term relationships and a safe, positive, inclusive community that fosters a culture of respect for each student.

Class size alone will not make the difference for improving student achievement. The quality of teaching must also be improved.

Class Sizes Must be legislated so they are no arbitrarily changed. This will also provide stability and a consistency for Quality Teachers. It indicates a Commitment to Excellence.

Guidelines for Class Size:

- Pre - K 20 students to 1 teacher w/aide


- Kindergarten 15 students to 1 teacher

- Grades 1 - 3 18 students to 1 teacher

- Grades 4 & 5 20 students to 1 teacher

- Grades 6 - 8 20 students to 1 teacher (25 Max.)

- Grades 9 - 12 20 students to 1 teacher (25 Max)

* Class size for math, science and English classes, grades 6 - 12 should be no more than 20 students to 1 teacher.

3. Developed curricula must be rigorous, culturally inclusive and prepare students to excel by community, local, state, international, higher education and workforce standards. In a school system that is over ninety percent African-American – there must me a strong Afro-centric curriculum. This helps build self-esteem which leads to student confidence and success.

4. Accountability for student performance must be owned/shared by teachers, administrators, parents and students. Aggressive performance goals should be
developed as well as consequences for results achieved. All of the stakeholders must participate in developing these performance goals.


5. The school district must maintain strong partnerships with area colleges, universities, community organizations and businesses to assure that
curricula are relevant, students are afforded the best technological preparation possible and encouragement/support is given frequently.

6. Highly qualified teachers and administrators must be in each school. Academic Coaches should be employed to support teachers, helping them to make connections
among themselves, their students, and their content area. Academic Coaches help to retain teachers. They focus on improving student achievement by improving
teacher effectiveness and competency. Academic Coaches lead specific activities focused on student achievement, work across grade and content levels,
plan and facilitate job-embedded professional development, and strengthen ties to
parents/caregivers.

7. Parents/caretakers must become knowledgeable advocates for their children, thus enabling them to work effectively with teachers and administrators. Such partnerships will ensure establishment of the best possible learning environs for each child and will ensure that learning does not start and end at the doors to the school houses.

8. Comprehensive intervention processes, both instructional and social, must be available and utilized as necessary to ensure student success.

9. Schools must provide for "real world" learning such as internships, both paid and unpaid, and service learning experiences. Such experiences augment classroom endeavors and afford valuable opportunities to put theory into practice.

10. An uncompromising commitment to diversity and inclusion must be apparent at all levels within the school district, including within the North Avenue senior administration group. Reality must now match the rhetoric.

Closing Statement

The Baltimore Public School System is a microcosm of society. It must be a bastion of ethical behavior, and a place where students can develop a personal ethics
code which will guide them throughout life.

Decisions are made within administrations which affect everyone, staff, students, and parents. These decisions must be models of ethical consideration for everyone and must serve as examples for the city and indeed, the state. BCPSS must examine the decisions being made daily and how these decisions impact the common characteristics necessary for student success. Honesty is an important trait. If the BCPSS promise the people a National Search for the most qualified leader – it must honor that commitment, otherwise the people will lack faith in the honesty of the leaders and the system will collapse. Morality is part of a complete and effective education.

To develop and institutionalize the Common Characteristics, robust initiatives must be established and implemented. Partnerships with strong representation from parents, administrators, teachers, students and community leaders must be created. Walls separating various factions must be removed, and we must begin to trust. The trust required for success will evolve if each of us personally commits to dealing with each other honestly and truthfully as we strive to reach our goals.

The Children 1st Movement solidly believes in the Frankenstein Theory – “Whatever we create we will eventually confront.” If we create brilliant, well educated, well prepared children of high self-esteem and confidence we will meet them in the businesses, hospitals as doctors and in the high political places of this country. If we fail to properly educate the youth – then we will confront the results of our creation - of bad education and miseducation in the streets of this and other cities. We will have created the hand that will be at our throats.



Remember, if we fail the children, we all are losers.

"I don't ever want you to forget that there are millions of God's children who will not, and cannot get a good education, and I don't want you feeling that you are better than they are. For you will never be what you ought to be until they are all that they ought to be. "

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

For more information about the Children's 1st Awards Banquet scheduled November 18th from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Huber Memorial Church in Baltimore, MD, email tpowers@aacc.edu (Dr. Tyrone Powers)

Supernatural Women's Conference

Supernatural Women's Conference 2005
www.womenofwisdom.net

If You See My Husband, Please Send Him Home: Christian Families Can Survive Adultry

My cousin, Karen Butler, has written an awesome Christian book that single, married women and men should read. All of us have heard the gossip about someone's husband or wife tipping or some of us might even have been the center of that gossip. Thank God for Deliverance! Karen writes a candidly honest story about a Christian woman who struggles to deal with her husband's unfaithfulness. Yet, she takes the story a bit further challenging women all over to be our sisters' keepers!

BUY THE BOOK at http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~33103.aspx

Read it and share your comments with us!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I turned 3_ on yesterday! I can't believe it. This year was probably one of the best and blessed birthdays for me ever. Probably because I have finally come into my own as one of God's daughters. It has been a long and sometimes lonely journey, but God. Hallelujah! God has brought me through! He has opened my eyes, and I see everyday as a new opportunity to grow closer to him. I see everyday as a new opportunity to shine forth His light. I am so thankful for God's mercy and blessings in my life. I am so thankful that God has taught me how to truly live and celebrate life!

GMA's Project Restore Launches "Music to Restore Hope"

GMA’s Project Restore Launches “Music to Restore Hope”


September 30, 2005
Campaign will Provide New Gospel Music CDs and CD Players to Hurricane Victims

Nashville, Tenn. – Project Restore (www.projectrestore.org), the gospel music industry’s official crisis response vehicle, has launched a campaign to deliver what the gospel music industry does best – Music to Restore Hope. The Music to Restore Hope campaign will engage the gospel music industry in the collection of gospel music CDs and portable CD players to be distributed to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“Many organizations are helping in the Gulf Coast region to recover from the hurricanes by providing the basic needs such as water, food and clothing. When we considered what we could do as a community, we determined that the gospel music industry is in a unique position to bring restoration to the victims of the hurricanes by giving them music that will inspire their hearts and souls. We hope the message of hope and redemption in gospel music will encourage our fellow citizens on the Gulf as they begin to rebuild their lives,” said John W. Styll, president of Gospel Music Association (GMA).

Project Restore has partnered with PRC Compassion (www.prccompassion.org), a charitable coalition of churches and pastors trying to coordinate national, state, and local faith and community-based organizations to meet all needs of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina. They will act as the distributor of the CDs and portable CD players, first to the Gulfport, Mississippi area in October. A second distribution is planned for the New Orleans area.

“We are grateful that GMA and Project Restore have created the Music to Restore Hope campaign. I have seen the people of this community looking for something to hold on to during this time. They are looking for a hope that is found only in Jesus. I can promise that the gifts of music and CD players provided by the gospel music community will help to give that hope to the people here,” said Aaron Gates, organizer of Operations.

GMA’s Project Restore will reach out to both the gospel music record companies and the individual members of the GMA to participate in the Music to Restore Hope campaign. While the gospel music distributors and record labels are in the best position to provide quantities of new CDs, GMA members will be an integral part of the campaign by donating new portable CD players and batteries that will make it possible for the recipients to play their new CDs.

“We have heard from so many of our members who want to be a personal part of the gospel music community response to Katrina,” said Styll. “That’s why we are asking them to donate the CD players and batteries, because without the players, the music will have no life for the people of the Gulf Coast.”

Donations of new CDs, new portable CD players with batteries will be accepted at the GMA office between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT. Complete details about making a contribution can be found on the Project Restore website – www.projectrestore.org. The first delivery of CDs and CD players to Gulfport will be on the weekend of October 14. Donations for the Gulfport delivery will be accepted through October 11, but that will not be the end of the campaign. Donations will be accepted through the month of October.

PRC Compassion has been one of the key ministries working in the Gulf Coast. It was created by the Pastor’s Resource Council, a coalition of Louisiana churches and pastors formed several years ago to specific address community needs. The council established PRC Compassion to coordinate long-term relief efforts in the Gulf Coast and is supported by pastors, churches and ministries nationwide. Some of PRC Compassion’s accomplishments in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina include:

82 church-run shelters or PRC serviced shelters,
400 semi trucks to 18 relief distribution points through out coastal LA,
600 out of state volunteers have been housed, fed, and deployed,
1500 doctor/client encounters have been facilitated by PRC Compassion resident physician,
2500 in-state volunteers have loaned their energies to assist our neighbors in need; and
10,512 displaced citizens have been housed, fed and received ministry.
The Music to Restore Hope campaign is not the gospel music industry’s first involvement with PRC Compassion. Earlier this month, the Dove Award-winning newsboys constructed 20 tents for the temporary housing of PRC Compassion relief workers in Gulfport.

Project Restore’s other Katrina-related effort was “Gospel Angels” benefit concert, held last week in Atlanta. “Gospel Angels: A Concert to Restore Hope," has raised more than $122,000 in donations during the two-hour broadcast on Sept. 22 in the Eastern and Central time zones, with additional donations still being counted, according to the Gospel Music Channel. Broadcast on the Gospel Music Channel, Paxson Communications Corporation’s i (formerly PAX TV), the Worship Network as well as on XM Radio, the concert drew a 0.6 rating, meaning approximately 600,000 households tuned in. All proceeds from the concert will be divided between World Vision and Feed the Children, to assist each organization in their respective hurricane relief efforts.

Additionally, Project Restore has been chronicling the individual artists and music industry contributions to hurricane relief on the Project Restore website.

Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children’s gospel music. For more information, visit www.gospelmusic.org.