Something to think on this holiday season....

"The following is an excerpt from http://www.theyuinon.com/articles/christmas.htm:"

A Merry Mess?

As a child I grew up loving Christmas, I never was taught about the importance of the day. All I knew was Santa Claus, food and family. When I had reached the age of 19, I started questioning the traditions of Christmas and what on earth did they have to do with Jesus. At the age of 22, I started studying Egyptology and Islam. From my studying, I discovered many things about Christmas that wasn’t godly. When I rededicated my life to Christ in 1996, I still had many questions about Christmas. God has been dealing with me for the past three weeks on sharing some insight on this holiday.

I know this holiday means so much to many people, but I have to listen to my Father. So as I submit to Him, I pray that this is received in love. I also pray that this article will spark you to question some of these traditions. Some of the information that I share will be referenced so that you can study for yourself (2 Timothy 2:15). I don’t have time to break down everything, so I will try to address as much as possible.

When you deal with a subject like Christmas, many people will turn you off before you even say a word. A Christian sister asked me one day, “Why don’t you just fit in?” Also I have been told to, “Pick my battles, this isn’t that serious!” Oh it’s not serious when many Christians every year go into financial debt for this holiday? It’s not serious when many Christian children have bad attitudes towards their parents and God for not getting what they want? It’s not serious when many Christian parents get depressed and discouraged because they cannot afford to buy their children the toys they wish for? It’s not serious when many Christian parents end up participating in illegitimate money schemes to obtain them?

“ Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven.” – Jeremiah 10:2

You often hear Christians say, “Let’s put the Christ back in Christmas.” Maybe we need to research how Christ got into Christmas in the first place. The only time I hear Christ’s name on Christmas is right before dinner in prayer. If we continue to close our eyes to what’s really going on, the life of Christ will eventually be just a fairy tale. We must stand firm on the teachings of the Bible, not the world. Yeah, yeah, I know, we (Christians) don’t worship pagan gods on December 25th and we (Christians) don’t refer to Christmas trees as gods. The purpose of this article is to get us to think on things we do religiously that are not biblical. Nowhere in the bible is it written that people observed a special day to celebrate Jesus' birthday and or, we today are required to acknowledge Him on his birthday. Where did this tradition come from? Is the origin of this day wicked and ungodly?

Here’s an example to ponder: Let’s say Klu Klux Klan uniforms became fashionable in the year 2020, would you let your children rock them? Prayerfully your answer was no, because of what those uniforms once represented. Before we explore Christmas and its’ traditions, let’s first take a look at the day itself.

December 25th?

“I remember, wasn’t it December… that’s the wrong date, but it did put a end to our long wait.” – Cross Movement/Wisemen

Many pagan festivals were held during the month of December. Actually, December 25 was the date on which the many Romans celebrated the birth of the sun god. During the fourth & fifth century, the first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine selected December 25th for Christmas to compete with and overshadow the pagan customs. In trying to make Christianity appealing to the pagans, the Roman church simply took the Festival of Saturnalia and implemented it into Christianity. Eventually many of the associated pagan symbols, forms, customs, and traditions were reinterpreted ("Christianized") in ways acceptable to the Christian faith and practice…

“ The pagans flocked into the Catholic places of worship, because they were still able to worship their old gods, only now under different names. It mattered not to them whether they worshiped the Goddess-mother and her Child under the old names (Isis and Horus), or under the names of the "Virgin Mary" and the "Christ-child." Either way, it was the same old idol-religion.” - Rick Miesel / Bible Discernment Ministries

Food For Thought

If Jesus was born in the winter, why were the Shepards steadfast in the fields keeping watch over their flock by night? The bible says that there were shepherds nearby in the fields when Jesus was born.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” – Luke 2:8

You would never catch the shepherds of Judea “chillin” outside in the fields with their flocks during the month of December. The shepherds always brought their flocks from the fields no later than October to protect them from the cold, rainy season. Check it out…

“For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;” – Song of Solomon 2:11

“Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month (December), on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.” – Ezra 10:9

Winter in Judea was a cold and rainy season, therefore not permitting the shepherds to abide in open fields at night. So more than likely Christ was not born in the month of December. So who was? Just something to think about.

The Christmas Tree

“For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple.”– Jeremiah 10:3-4

The Prophet Jeremiah condemned the pagan practice of cutting down trees, bringing them into the home and decorating them. Many Christians try and debate that the tree mentioned in Jeremiah 10 isn’t a Christmas tree, and that Christmas wasn’t celebrated during those days. Well to me, that’s not news breaking or a revelation. Every Christian should know that when the book of Jeremiah was written, Christ wasn’t born yet. So for arguments sake, let’s just call it a “decorated pine tree”. Being a partaker in many of these discussions, I went to my Strong’s Concordance for help.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance/ Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary Pg. 90 Tree: 6086 – a tree (from it’s firmness); hence wood, carpenter, gallows, helve, + PINE, plank, staff, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood.

There are many translations of the word tree in that verse, but only one describes what kind of tree it was. PINE. The only pine tree that I know of, that’s decorated with silver and gold, is the Christmas tree. As I stated in the before, the “decorated pine tree” in Jeremiah 10:3-4 was not called a “Christmas tree” and neither was Christmas celebrated during the day of Jeremiah (Jesus wasn’t born yet). When you do an exhaustive study, you will find that the “decorated pine tree” predates the book of Jeremiah, leading to the reason why Jeremiah had to address this serious issue in the first place.

Two key figures in the origin of the Christmas tree are Nimrod, a great grandson of Noah, and his mother and wife, Semiramis, also known as Ishtar and Isis. Nimrod, known in Egypt as Osiris, was the founder of the first world empire at Babel, later known as Babylon (Genesis 10:8-12; 11:1-9). From ancient sources such as the "Epic of Gilgamesh" and records unearthed by archeologists from long-ruined Mesopotamian and Egyptian cities, we can reconstruct subsequent events.

After Nimrod's death (c. 2167 BC), Semiramis promoted the belief that he was a god. She claimed that she saw a full-grown evergreen tree spring out of the roots of a dead tree stump, symbolizing the springing forth of new life for Nimrod. On the anniversary of his birth, she said, Nimrod would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts under it. His birthday fell on the winter solstice at the end of December.

“And I love yall but yall all got beef, Psalms 3:7, I smash the wicked teeth, Christmas Trees is pagan as Trick or Treats.” – Precise / Song: Resistance Iz Futile

Listen saints, I never want to major in the minors; every man/woman must act according to his/her own convictions. So if you wanna have a “decorated pine tree” for Christmas, I feel you, do ya thing, but let’s not twist the obvious truth into a lie. The “decorated pine tree” in Jeremiah 10:3-4 was an idol/god to many and was the womb that birthed what’s called today the Christmas tree. If that isn’t enough to make you re-think some things, ask yourself this simple question: What on earth does a “decorated pine tree” have to do with the birth of Christ Jesus?

“What’s the tree for with the ornaments? I remember one broke and mom dukes caught a fit. It’s porcelain, HE’s flesh and blood, we can purchase them, HE came to purchase us.” – J Silas / Song: Read the Book

Reference – WWW.BIBLETOOLS.COM

Gift Giving

"The interchanging of presents between friends is alike characteristic of Christmas and the Saturnalia, and must have been adopted by Christians from the Pagans, as the admonition of Tertullian plainly shows." - Bibliotheca Sacra, volume 12, pages 153-155

This tradition is what makes a businessperson love Christmas. Not only do people have the tendency to buy the most expensive gifts, but also the pressure in doing so almost guarantees sales! Thus leading many Christians into financial debt, which often leads to depression, crime or suicide. We have been “hoodwinked” into an economic system that was designed to keep the money flowing in this world. Now, does this sound like it’s of God? The wise men or Magi’s gave gifts to Jesus; they didn’t receive anything in return…

“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”- Matthew 2:11

Why didn’t Mary and Joseph receive gifts? Were they upset at the Magi’s? The Bible clearly says that the Magi’s gave gifts to HIM. Not because it was Jesus birthday, but because He was King, praise God! The custom of trading gifts back and forth did not originate from the birth of Christ. The custom of gift giving on Christmas goes back again to the Roman festivals of Saturnalia. It went from very simple items such as twigs from a sacred grove as good luck emblems to food, small items of jewelry, candles, and statues of false gods. To the early Church, gift giving was a pagan holdover and therefore severely frowned upon.

FOOD FOR ACTION:

This year, test your motives and give gifts to the needy or people who can’t afford to give you anything. Challenge your family to give a sacrificial offering to a church or ministries like the Salvation Army before they buy gifts for each other.

“…Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35

Renewing Our Minds

Now lets take a look at how we as Christians may have dropped the ball in training our children to not be conformed to this world.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” - Romans 12:1-2

It often blows me away when I hear Christian parents say, “What happened to my child?” “Why do he/she act this way?” “I give them what they want”, “ I take them to church every Sunday.” These are habitual activities that will not necessary produce spiritual maturity in a young person. How can you expect a godly change, when you’re not willing to make a true godly sacrifice? How will your child ever be turned off at things of the world, when you constantly give them negative things that the world promotes? Many Christians every year purchase CDs as Christmas gifts but how many of the CDs are Christian?

There are thousands of Christian homes where children have no clue who the Cross Movement is, but under their Christmas tree you will find the latest Eminem or 50 Cent/G-Unit CD. What’s wrong with that picture? The main excuse you hear parents use is, “ If I only let my child listen to gospel music, they will go “buck wild” when they get from under my roof.” That may have been true when I grew up, but now there is an alternative. Now, the quality of Gospel music is better than what the world has to offer. I praise God for Lisa Mac, Corey and Precise, Ramiyah, The Cross Movement, Dawkins & Dawkins, etc.

“Back in the day, parents never sat down and told us why we shouldn’t listen to certain secular music. They never trained us in the way to go. My Grandmother would just tell me it was evil and cut it off.”– Precise

Be Observant of the Gifts You Do Give

Training requires a sacrifice of our time and love. We as parents have become stumbling blocks and our fear to stand firm on what God has instructed us to do has caused our children to have a “boogie man” prospective of Him. I remember one year my daughter wanted a Bratz doll for Christmas. When I went out and saw what one looked like, I was grieved. First off the word “BRAT” is not used to describe a child of God. Second, the immodest dress of these dolls is very inappropriate and potentially influential. Their “down for whatever look” should alert any Christian parent. It’s already tough enough to raise a godly seed in this generation without “toys” that promote attitudes that contradict Christian values. A toy is not supposed to undermine a parents training. Proverbs 22:6, it says, “Train up a child” not compromise or conform! Training for life is serious and requires discipline from both the teacher and student.
Train (tran) v: To form by instruction, discipline, or drill. To teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient. To make prepared for a test of skill. - Merriam/Webster Dictionary

We as parents and mentors have to start sacrificing more of our time to train our children to be godly. There are no more excuses! We must scrutinize the toys/music our children select and not let our fear of disappointing them compromise our Christian values.

Since “Christmas” is here to stay, the apparent purpose of this day should be about the greatest sacrifice ever made, Jesus. So, this Christmas before you open your gifts, open the Bible and have a 30 min to an hour devotion with your family or friends about the life, death and resurrection of the greatest gift…our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He’s the reason for any season!

Merry CHRISTmas – Maji

"The text above was excerpted from http://www.theyuinon.com/articles/christmas.htm"

Another one of my cousin's published a book!

My cousin, Michael Williams, just published In The Light of Day: A Celebration of Life's Journey. Here's a copy of the book description from www.xlibris.com:

"Delight in each passing moment with author Michael Williams, as he celebrates the trials, triumphs and discoveries of living through his poetry. In the Light of Day is a remarkable collection of memories, messages, conversations and experiences that chronicle life lessons from childhood to adulthood from a father to his children. The verses of In the Light of Day are more than a father’s advice to his sons; they are a man’s hopeful glimpse into a future of promise for all children. It is truly a tribute to the strength of the human spirit, and a reminder to every reader that dreams are meant to be realized, futures are meant to be built and that anything can be accomplished if you believe. In the Light of Day is one of the few books written from a father’s perspective to his children, providing a unique view that has yet to be thoroughly explored in the genre of poetry. The universality of this wonderful collection of poems lends itself to readers young and old, at any stage in their life, and most importantly, reminds us all that 'It is a miracle that love only remembers what remains in the light of day'."

Wow! My favorite poem of the collection is "A Father's Prayer."

This is an excellent book, and I'm not just saying this because it is my cousin!

Click on the following link to purchase a copy of In the Light of Day: A Celebration of Life's Journey:

http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=34407

A Prayer for Our Troops

Most Merciful, and Ever Loving Father,

I come before you with a special prayer request.

My prayer is for the troops that are in Iraq or headed to Iraq to fight in this vicious war.

I ask that you touch their lives, keep them safe, and touch their families.

I ask that you prevent our soldiers from dying in vain.

I pray for the Salvation of the unsaved, so that they may have eternal life in your Kingdom.

I pray for the heads of government, that they are making Godly decisions, as opposed to prideful decisions in terms of the direction of this war.

I pray for the families who have loved ones fighting.

Please comfort them as they await word on the condition of their loved ones.

Help them to put all of their faith in you Lord.

All these things I ask in your Holy, Matchless, and Miraculous name I pray, Amen.

This prayer was posted by allisoncarey on 3/27/2003 @ www.beliefnet.com

Bennett College Needs Young Women To Enroll for the 2006 - 2007 Year!

MEMORANDUM

To: Trustees, Board of Visitors, Alumnae Chapter Presidents

From: Johnnetta Betsch Cole

Re: Fall 2006 Enrollment

Date: July 20, 2006

The 2006-2007 budget was built on a student enrollment of 580; six students more than that enrolled in fall 2005. This was not an ambitious increase. However, at this time, despite the valiant efforts of the Admissions staff, Financial Aid staff and members of a newly formed Enrollment Management Task force, we still need approximately 100 more students to meet our goal. These students can be new or returning students; but we need these young women to be able to fund this year's budget. The data presented in the following table show the impact of falling short of our enrollment goal for this semester.

Even a short fall of10 students will result in starting the year with a deficit of $165,267 which would have to be made up through increased fundraising.

Given the current economic climate in the country and our experience in the 2005-2006 academic year, it will be difficult to raise the operating funds for the new budget, let alone having to raise funds to cover the deficit. I am reaching out to you to help us identify and enroll the students needed to meet our goal of 580 for the 2006-2007 academic year.

We still have some funds available for scholarships. Ms. Ulisa Bowles, Director of Admissions and Mr. Monty Hickman, Director of Financial Aid are ready to assist new and returning students to enroll this semester. They can be reached using the information set out below:

Ulisa Bowles at 336-517-2167 or ubowles@bennett.edu
Monty Hickman at 336-517-2205 or mhickman@bennett.edu

I am soliciting your increased and sustained involvement in thisenrollment effort. Should we fail to make our enrollment goal, the college could very well suffer significant setbacks, including difficulty in recruiting a qualified individual to assume the presidency in June, 2007.

In an effort to get you started on this project, I am suggesting that you request time in your churches and social and professional organizations to introduce Bennett College for Women, and to inform them that we are still accepting students to enroll in the fall 2006 semester. I am sure you probably have other creative ways of reaching your friends, relatives and acquaintances with this message, and I implore you to do so.

We need every student we can get! Please contact Ms. Bowles or Mr. Hickman once you identify prospective students. They will continue the conversation once the student is introduced to them. I thank you for your usual support and look forward to a successful recruitment effort. Thank you.

When you educate a man you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a nation. --Johnetta B. Cole, President of Bennett College, Greensboro, NC.

To learn more about Bennett College, click http://www.bennett.edu/

Rebuilding through Education Initiative to Help New Orleans' Black Colleges Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

Rebuilding through Education Initiative to Help New Orleans' Black Colleges Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

Nationally syndicated morning radio host Tom Joyner joined Dr. Marvalene Hughes of Dillard University, Dr. Victor Ukpolo of Southern University, Dr. Norman Francis of Xavier University, and students representing each of the schools at a National Press Conference on December 8, 2006 to announce the "Rebuilding through Education Initiative to Help New Orleans' Black Colleges Impacted by Hurricane Katrina."

Tom Joyner announced that he will be promoting this Initiative on all of his syndicated morning programs throughout January 2007 with the hope of raising at least $1 million for New Orleans' three historically Black college campuses (Dillard University, Xavier University, and Southern University) hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina.

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina severely impacted the campuses of Dillard University, Southern University of New Orleans and Xavier University. At that time, Joyner’s Foundation raised more than $1 million to provide $1,000 scholarships to students from the New Orleans’ HBCUs who had to transfer to other schools while the city was under water. Nearly 18 months later, the campuses are at varying stages of rebuilding and recovery while moving forward with their mission to educate their students. Joyner is setting out to help the schools complete the existing repairs and provide financial assistance for students.

Since 1998, the Tom Joyner Foundation has raised more than $55 million helping more than 14,000 students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Foundation’s sole mission is to help keep students in school so they can complete their education.

The Tom Joyner Foundation is a certified, 501-c3 not-for-profit organization, established for the purpose of helping students continue their education at Historical Black Colleges and Universities. The organization is run by a team of dedicated individuals that are committed to furthering the vision of the Foundation. Thomas Joyner, Jr. is the CEO of the Foundation and oversees the daily operations. The Board of Directors includes:

Tom Joyner

Thomas Joyner, Jr.

Oscar Joyner

H.L. Joyner

Albert Joyner

Donna Richardson Joyner

Royce West

Janyce Brannon

Julia Atherton

David Kantor

Dr. Frederick S. Humphries

Dr. William R. Harvey

For more information on how you can can support this Initiative, contact Neil Foote, the Director of Communications at Reach Media, Inc. via telephone (972-371-5840 or 214-448 3765) or email (neil.foote@reachmediainc.com). Remember, one person can make a difference and that one person is YOU! TAKE ACTION!

Understanding Spiritual Gifts

*The following information has been excerpted from http://www.eleventalents.com/gifts-list.htm*

Spiritual Gift FAQ's and Definitions

What is a spiritual gift?
How many spiritual gifts are there?
Who gives the spiritual gifts?
What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts?
How many gifts do I have?
What gifts do I have?
Does anyone have all of the spiritual gifts?
How do I use my gifts?
What is the difference between talents and spiritual gifts?
What are the definitions of each gift?


What is a spiritual gift?
A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to a person at the moment of his or her salvation.

How many spiritual gifts are there?
The Bible lists eighteen spiritual gifts in three different passages. They are: Romans 12, I Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4.

Who gives the spiritual gifts?
The Holy Spirit, since the day of Pentecost has given each believer one or more spiritual gifts. See Ephesians 4:7, I Corinthians 12:7, 11

What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts?
The purpose of the gifts is to glorify God and to edify His church. We do this by using our gifts to bear much fruit that lasts. See Revelation 4:11, Ephesians 4:12-13 and John 15:8

How many gifts do I have?
Each believer has at least one spiritual gift given to them on the day of their salvation. See Ephesians 4:7, I Corinthians 12: 7, 11, I Corinthians 7:7, I Peter 4:10

What gifts do I have?
Only God knows, just kidding. We have developed a Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool to help you figure this one out. Just click the link to start.

Does anyone have all of the spiritual gifts?
No. Each believer is given a gift or gifts according to the will of God. See I Corinthians 12:29-30, I Corinthians 7:7

How do I use my gifts?
The Bible tells us to use our gifts in love. See I Corinthians 13:1-13. There are many ministries around the world that need believers with all kinds of gifts. We plan to have a ministries page that will help you find some in your area.

What is the difference between a talent and a spiritual gift?
Good question. A talent is a natural ability given at birth. This could be anything from athletic ability to musical talent to artistic genius. Talents cannot be used to glorify God unless the Holy Spirit allows them to. The possessor of a particular talent cannot use it on his own power to glorify God if he is not a Christian. If, however, that person receives Christ, the Holy Spirit may then transform his talent into a supernatural gift that would fall under one of the following gifts listed below. The Holy Spirit may also decide to give that person a totally different gift or gifts.

Administration/Ruling
Giving
Miracles
Apostleship
Healing
Pastor/Teacher
Discernment of Spirits
Helps/Serving/Ministering
Prophecy
Evangelism
Interpretation of Tongues
Teaching
Exhortation
Knowledge
Tongues
Faith
Mercy
Wisdom

Administration/Ruling

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to organize, administrate, and promote the various affairs of the local church's ministry to direct them effectively. A local church cannot grow beyond a certain point without the ministry of these individuals. See I Corinthians 12:28 Romans 12:8, Titus 1:4-5

Apostleship

This is the spiritual gift that refers to certain men called by Christ Himself and given special power to charter the newly formed church. See Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 12:28 See also Acts 1:22, I Corinthians 9:1

Discernment

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to know with without a doubt whether a statement or behavior is of God, satan, or man.See I Corinthians 12:10, Acts 5:3-6, Acts 16:16-18, I John 4:1

Evangelism

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables particular Christians to share the Gospel to unbelievers and burdens Christians about soul-winning. All Christians are called to witness for Christ whether they have this gift or not.See Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:5-12, Acts 21:8, Acts 8:26-40, Matthew 28:18-20

Exhortation

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to deliver challenging and encouraging words.See Romans 12:8, Acts 11:23-24, Acts 14:21-22, Acts 15:32

Faith

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit provides Christians with great confidence to believe and expect great things from God.See I Corinthians 12:9, Romans 5:1, Romans 12:3, Hebrews 11

Giving

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to accumulate and give large amounts of their finances to the glory of God. See Romans 12:8, Acts 4:32-37, Galatians 4:15, Phillipians 4:10-18, II Corinthians 8:1-5

Healing

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit uses certain Christians to restore physical or mental health to the sick or demon possessed. See I Corinthians 12:9, 28, 30, James 5:13-16

Helps/Serving/Ministering

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers certain Christians to render practical help in both physical and spiritual matters. Serving one another, like evangelism, is a calling of all Christians, but there are some who have a special desire to serve, and receive great blessing from it. See Romans 12:7, I Corinthians 12:28, Galatians 6:1-2

Interpretation of Tongues

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit gives certain Christians the ability to clarify and interpret messages uttered in an unknown language. See I Corinthians 12:10

Knowledge

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit gives certain Christians the supernatural ability to understand God's Word and to effectively communicate it to others. See I Corinthians 12:8

Mercy

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to minister to and have compassion for those who are suffering or afflicted.See Romans 12:8, Luke 10:30-37

Miracles

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers certain Christians to perform events that are outside the realm of nature. See I Corinthians 12:28

Prophecy

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers certain Christians to receive revelation of events in the future. See Romans 12:6, I Corinthians 12:10, I Corinthians 14:1-5, Ephesians 4:11, I Corinthians 14:30-33, I Peter 1:20-21

Pastor/Teaching

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables certain Christians to preach and teach the Word of God and to take responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a body of believers. See Ephesians 4:11, I Peter 5:1-11

Teaching

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables particular Christians to communicate and clarify the details and truths of God's Word for others to learn.See Romans 12:7, Ephesians 4:11


Tongues

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit enables a Christian to supernaturally speak a previously unknown language. See I Corinthians 12:10, I Corinthians 12:30, I Corinthians 14:4, I Corinthians 14:39, Acts 2:4, Acts 19:6


Wisdom

This is the spiritual gift where the Spirit empowers particular Christians with a supernatural understanding of God's Word and the will to apply it to life situations. See I Corinthians 12:8, James 3:13-17.


Take a FREE Spiritual Gifts Test by clicking on the following link: http://www.eleventalents.com/gifts.htm

Pastor Gunned Down Outside Maryland Church

Pastor Gunned Down Outside Maryland Church

A popular pastor known for his work with the homeless died after being shot outside his Maryland church. According to police, the Rev. Milton Leon Moore, 50, was gunned down at 7:30 a.m., Wednesday on the front steps of Warriors for Christ Ministries in Suitland, MD in Prince Georges County.

Before the shooting, people inside the church heard arguing outside, authorities said. A neighbor told police he heard at least six shots fired. Other witnesses said they heard an argument before the shots were fired. Another witness said she heard three shots fired and that one of the shots was muffled. Other witnesses on a nearby walking track told police that after hearing the shots, they saw two people run away from the church. Police do not know if those people were involved in the shooting. Police said the married father of four was walking toward the church when he was shot once in the head. Moore was pronounced dead Wednesday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. after being hospitalized in critical condition.


Rev. Milton Moore was the Pastor of Warriors for Christ Ministries located in Suitland, MD. The ministry houses a transitional home for homeless families. The transitional home, which opened in the late 1990s, houses up to 20 families and their children.

Advocates for the homeless in Prince George's said it is an important part of the county's social safety net and helps people stay off the streets until they can find more permanent shelter. Moore was grieved by other advocates who work for the benefit of the homeless in Prince George's County and Washington, D.C. The Rev. Imogene Stewart stated that Moore's church was an important respite for homeless people struggling to make a new start. "We had a very close working relationship," said Stewart, a homeless advocate. "He was friendly with everybody."

Rev. Moore realized the call upon his life at a very young age in Albany, Georgia, where he was born and raised. He began his ministry in the churches he belonged to; he also began to bring forth the word of God in Bible studies, out of which Warriors For Christ Ministries was formed. He has been in full time ministry since February 1997. His bio on the church website stated that Rev. Moore was "training up a body of bold 'Warriors' to go forth, storming the gates of hell, setting the captives free."

Rev. Moore was married to the former Eva D. Jackson, his childhood sweetheart. They have four children.

Police do not have nay suspects or motives in the case and are asking for the public's help in the search for the person or persons who killed Rev. Moore.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call police at 301-772-4925 or Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS.

Pray for strength and courage for Rev. Moore's family and church family. Pray that this important ministry for homeless families in Prince Georges County is able to sustain itself, persevere, and overcome this horrible challenge. Pray that the killers find salvation and repentance and that justice is done.

Court Reviews Race as Factor in School Plans

By LINDA GREENHOUSE
Published: December 5, 2006

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 — By the time the Supreme Court finished hearing arguments on Monday on the student-assignment plans that two urban school systems use to maintain racial integration, the only question was how far the court would go in ruling such plans unconstitutional.


Case Docket (Parents Involved in Community Schls. V. Seattle Sch. Dist. No. 1)
Case Docket (Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Ed.)


There seemed little prospect that either the Louisville, Ky., or Seattle plans would survive the hostile scrutiny of the court’s new majority. In each system, students are offered a choice of schools but can be denied admission based on their race if enrolling at a particular school would upset the racial balance.

At its most profound, the debate among the justices was over whether measures designed to maintain or achieve integration should be subjected to the same harsh scrutiny to which Brown v. Board of Education subjected the regime of official segregation. In the view of the conservative majority, the answer was yes.

While there is no reliable data on how common these plans are, they are thought to be widespread among school districts where residential patterns would otherwise produce neighborhood schools of one race or nearly so. Depending on how broadly the court rules, possibly hundreds of districts would need to modify or scrap voluntary integration plans.

The National School Boards Association as well as the Council of the Great City Schools, representing 66 urban districts, filed briefs on behalf of Seattle and Louisville, warning of impending disruption if the justices overturn the lower court rulings that upheld the two plans.

The Supreme Court had declined to review a similar voluntary integration plan in Massachusetts last year, shortly before the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and the arrival of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. But in June, after weeks of internal debate, the justices accepted these two appeals.

One was filed by a white woman in Louisville whose son was denied a transfer to attend kindergarten in a school that needed black rather than white students in order to keep its black population at the district’s required minimum of 15 percent.

The other was filed by parents in Seattle who organized as a corporation to oppose the plan there, which applies only to the city’s 10 high schools. A racial “tiebreaker,” used when a high school attracts more students than there are places, intends to keep the schools within 15 percent of the district’s overall makeup, which is 60 percent nonwhite.

Before the arguments on Monday, the challenge for the school board lawyers defending the plans, along with their allies in the civil rights community, had appeared to be to persuade the justices that the appropriate analogy was not to affirmative action, a freighted subject for the court in which benefits are bestowed on one group and withheld from another, but rather to integration, in which the goal is to educate everyone as equally as possible.

But by the end of the tense two hours of argument, that effort had not so much failed as it had become irrelevant. Lawyers for the school systems found themselves struggling, under the justices’ questioning, to meet the even more basic challenge of explaining why the plans should be seen as something different from the intentional segregation that the court struck down in Brown v. Board of Education.

For example, Michael F. Madden, the Seattle district’s lawyer, tried to argue that because the Seattle high schools were “basically comparable,” and “everyone gets a seat,” the court should not view the plan as “a selective or merit-based system where we adjudge one student to be better than the other.”

It was, Mr. Madden said, “a distributive system” that was “quite wholly dissimilar to a merit or selective-based system.”

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. countered, “Saying that this doesn’t involve individualized determinations simply highlights the fact that the decision to distribute, as you put it, was based on skin color and not any other factor.”

He added: “I mean, everyone got a seat in Brown as well. But because they were assigned to those seats on the basis of race, it violated equal protection. How is your argument that there’s no problem here because everybody gets a seat distinguishable?”

“Because segregation is harmful,” Mr. Madden replied.

“It’s an assignment on the basis of race, correct?” the chief justice persisted.

It was, Mr. Madden replied as his 30 minutes ran out and the red light came on, an effort “to bring students together in a mix that is not too far from their community.”

As the arguments proceeded, the court’s more liberal members appeared increasingly and visibly dispirited. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg tried unsuccessfully to turn the chief justice’s colloquy with Mr. Madden in a different direction. The question of whether “using racial integration is the same as segregation,” she said, was “pretty far from the kind of headlines that attended the Brown decision.”

Bringing “white and black children together on the same school bench,” Justice Ginsburg continued, “seems to be worlds apart from saying we’ll separate them.”

Justice Stephen G. Breyer let his frustration show in several exchanges with Solicitor General Paul D. Clement, who argued the Bush administration’s position as a “friend of the court” for the challengers and against the school systems in both cases.

“Think, go back to Cooper v. Aaron,” Justice Breyer told the solicitor general, referring during the argument in the Louisville case to the court’s 1958 decision enforcing a desegregation order in Little Rock, Ark. “Go back to the case where this court with paratroopers had to use tremendous means to get those children into the school. That’s because the society was divided.”

He continued: “Here we have a society, black and white, who elect school board members who together have voted to have this form of integration. Why, given that change in society, which is a good one, how can the Constitution be interpreted in a way that would require us, the judges, to go in and make them take the black children out of the school?”

“Well, I understand that, Justice Breyer,” Mr. Clement said. “But I think the answer to that is that the lesson of history in this area is that racial classifications are not ones where we should just let local school board officials do what they think is right.”

The Louisville plan, adopted in 2000 as the formerly segregated district emerged from 25 years of federal court supervision, provides that all schools should have a black student enrollment of no lower than 15 percent and no greater than 50 percent. The district as a whole, which includes suburban areas of Jefferson County as well as the city of Louisville, is about one-third black.

Mr. Clement said the 15-to-50-percent range was a “strict racial band” that was not sufficiently “narrowly tailored” to satisfy the “strict scrutiny” to which the court’s precedents subject government actions that are based on race. The administration’s position is that those choosing to adjust the racial balance in their schools should do so by “race-neutral means,” like magnet schools that attract children across racial lines.

“There’s a fundamental difference between whether or not the policy manages to avoid classifying people on the basis of their race,” the solicitor general said.

Justice David H. Souter asked Mr. Clement why this position was not just another way of saying that “the important thing is simply to hide the ball.” If improving the racial mix was the objective, Justice Souter asked, “why can’t they do that candidly?”

There were “several responses,” Mr. Clement answered. “One is that the Constitution puts a particular premium on avoiding express racial classifications.”

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy asked the lawyers a series of questions designed to test the outer reaches of their positions. Could a school district deliberately place a new school in a location designed to supply a racially mixed student body, he asked, and appeared displeased when Harry J. F. Korrell, the lawyer representing the parents challenging the Seattle plan, answered no.

While his questions suggested that he would not rule out any and all policies undertaken with a knowledge of the probable racial consequences, Justice Kennedy made clear his distaste for the policies at issue in these cases, Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District, No. 05-908, and Meredith v. Jefferson County Board of Education, No. 05-915.

To Mr. Madden, the Seattle district’s lawyer, Justice Kennedy said that unlike magnet schools, special resources, or school location decisions, “you’re characterizing each student by reason of the color of his or her skin.”

He continued: “That is quite a different means. And it seems to me that that should only be, if ever allowed, allowed as a last resort.”

*Excerpted from www.nytimes.com*

A Prayer from Kansas

This prayer was sent to me as part of an email. I completed an Internet search on the pastor mentioned in the email, Pastor Joe Wright, and found that he actually prayed the prayer in 1996 before the Kansas State Senate.


"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is
exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have
exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self
esteem.

We have abused power and called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it
freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called
it enlightenment.

Search us O God and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by you, to govern this great state.

Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of your will. I ask it in the name of your son, the living savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen."

The email explained that the response to this prayer was immediate and a number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. The email mentioned that Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.

Imagine This....

You have met the man of your dreams - your soulmate. He has been a part of your life all along. As a matter of fact, he was your high school sweetheart who fathered two children with you. You weathered the storm and stuck it out with him. Over the years, the two of you have worked through your conflict, your indifference, and your growth. Finally, God has touched your hearts and opened you both up to the blessing of commiting your lives to one another. The wedding date is set; the invitations have gone out. The church and reception hall have been rented. The caterer and the photographer have been hired. The two of you have been anticipating this day - your day - for what seems like an eternity. And on the morning of your wedding - just hours before the big event - you receive a phone call and learn of the unthinkable....



NYPD cops fired 50 bullets at a car full of unarmed men -- killing your husband to be -- as he and three friends left his bachelor's party at a local strip club in New York. You learn that the car driven by your husband to be was hit 21 times by a spray of bullets supposedly after your husband had rammed his car into an undercover officer, and then an unmarked police minivan. You learn that your friends, Joseph Guzman, 31, was reportedly shot up to 17 times by the police and is in critical condition and that Trent Benefield, 23, was shot three times. You are in utter shock.

You listen with deaf ears as Police chief Raymond Kelly explain how the five officers who killed the love of your life were at the Kalua Cabaret club to "document illicit activity". You wonder how a night of fun for a young, soon to be married father could turn into a night of death and despair. How could this happen? Why did this happen? Who is responsible?

Unfortunately, this horrid tale is not one of my short stories in the making; it is not fiction. Sadly enough, it is reality - a bad reality for too many young and old black men in America. This travesty actually happened. How do you respond to something like this?

I am so thankful for the family and friends of the late Sean Bell, aged 23, who had the courage and stamina to take action with community activists and lead a series of peaceful vigils and protests against the New York Police Department (NYPD). It is important that we hold NYPD accountable for their actions.

I encourage you to pray for the families involved on both sides. Pray for Nicole Paultrie, the late Sean Bell's fiancee. Pray that she find the strength and courage to move on with her life to raise her children. Pray for total healing for Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield. Pray for the children who are now fatherless. Pray that the police officers take responsibility for their misguided actions and that they find redemption and salvation. Pray for the city of New York and every inner city in America. Pray that we stay connected and involved in our communities and that we work diligently to ensure that we have systems in place that protect all Americans!

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
- Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)


We know that the true history behind holidays like Columbus and Thanksgiving do not fall in line with the Word of God. I choose not to celebrate these holidays for their original meanings, but I have found other more significant reasons to celebrate on these days.

Columbus Day is so close to my birthday that I normally use that day as another opportunity to celebrate the life that God gave me. On Thanksgiving, I really take the opportunity to spend time with family and friends for whom I have been unable to see throughout the year. It is an opportunity to reflect as a family unit on God's blessings in our lives!

I pray that you find meaning and purpose for your life on these and other holidays throughout the year. So often, holidays bring a spirit of depression, anxiety, and mayhem. I pray that God's love, mercy, and grace abound in your life and the lives of those who are the most important to you! I pray that you and those around you experience the peace of God in all its fullness. And on this Thanksgiving Day, I pray that you have a great and prosperous day!

Personalized Children's Books

This Christmas give a child in your life a personalized children's book!

Choose from a variety of book themes, including birthday, newborn, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Christian. Each book incorporates your child's name, age, hometown, and the name of three friends or family members into the story. Each book also includes a dedication page in the front of the book from you to the child.

Please email either ywaction1@yahoo.com or call 443-257-6752 to speak with Lynn about placing an order.

To obtain a complete list of titles, email ywaction1@yahoo.com or call 443-257-6752.

If you would like to use Paypal, a credit card, or debit card to cover the $12 donation, click on the donation button to the right of the webpage to begin the donation process.

Afterwards, be sure to email the following to ywaction1@yahoo.com:
(1) The full name of the child;
(2) The child's age;
(3) The child's hometown;
(4) The names of three friends or family members of the child;
(5) Your full name;
(6) The mailing address where you want to send the book;
(7) The name of the person responsible for receiving your book at the mailing address:
(8) Your telephone number and email address; and
(9) Your dedication (i.e. With all my love)

In exchange for your $12 donation, you will receive a personalized children's book of your choice. Shipping and handling fees have already been calculated into the amount of your donation. Your donation will help support Internet Radio and help ensure that the TAKE ACTION! Network gets back on the air!

The Test of Black Power in Maryland

The test of black power in Maryland
By Sherrilyn A. Ifill
November 5, 2006

From Ohio to Maryland to Pennsylvania, political handicappers and pundits are focused on the impact the black vote will have on the outcome of key national and statewide races. Here in Maryland, the race to watch is for the Senate, where African-American Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele faces longtime Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin for an open seat.

Will black voter turnout be high? Or will they "vote with their feet" and stay home, as a show of their disillusionment with the Democratic Party's failure to support the Senate candidacy of former congressman and NAACP President Kweisi Mfume in the primary? Will the kinds of voting-related problems that all but wrecked primary Election Day keep the black vote down in Baltimore? More important, will black voters, who are overwhelmingly Democrats, put race ahead of party (and, some would say, ahead of their own best political interests) by supporting the engaging but hard-to-pin-down Mr. Steele?

The significance of the black vote to the outcome of races in Maryland this week will also reflect the effectiveness of black political power in a state where nearly one-third of the voters are black. Given the state's sizable black electorate, the strategic deployment of that vote should produce real and identifiable returns, reflected not only in the presence of black representatives but also in improved living conditions for African-Americans, in education, economic development, jobs or health.

So, what will Election Day tell us about the state of black political power in Maryland?

Although we tend to focus on Election Day outcomes, political power is developed, nurtured and wielded most effectively in the years between elections. This is when political constituencies have the opportunity to cultivate future candidates, to raise money and, crucially, to develop and agree on a platform of issues and initiatives that reflect the community's interests.

The importance of this kind of organizing for state races is increasingly urgent for African-Americans as black political power at the national level has all but evaporated amid hardened and uncompromising partisanship, the Democratic Leadership Council's influence on the Democratic Party, the almost exclusive focus of both parties on the war on terror to the exclusion of domestic concerns, and the ever-increasing role of big money in political campaigns.

But the power of the African-American vote in Maryland has yet to be developed in a way that could make it a force to be reckoned with in statewide politics. Although there had been rumblings for years that Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes would retire, African-Americans seemed unprepared to provide the kind of material support Mr. Mfume's run would require. Until Douglas M. Duncan's untimely withdrawal from the governor's race several months before the primary, leaving his lieutenant governor pick, Stuart O. Simms, in the lurch, there was no black candidate for attorney general - although it had long been rumored that J. Joseph Curran Jr. would leave office this year, and the state is rife with qualified black lawyers who could have run.

We lament the failure of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend to select a black running mate in 2002, but we haven't yet answered why the many highly qualified African-American candidates who could have challenged her chose not to. (Several of them, from Prince George's County, last week endorsed Mr. Steele.) A strong primary challenge from a black candidate would have compelled Ms. Townsend to directly confront the question of race. And why should we have settled for lieutenant governor, anyway, when there were and are so many experienced, well-prepared African-American leaders who could serve as governor?

Maybe that's what made Mr. Mfume's run for the Senate so exciting. He was willing to do it without the support of the Democratic machine, he ran as a real and unashamed liberal, and he still garnered 41 percent of the primary vote. Might Mr. Mfume have won if he'd been armed with a war chest raised by black voters and organizations over the past four years for the express purpose of supporting a potential black Senate candidate who was willing to advance a progressive political, economic and social agenda?

Rather than confront these tough questions, however, black voters diminish our power by heeding calls to offer our votes to Republican candidates in the hope that they'll treat us better than the Democrats, or at least to show the Democratic Party we can't be taken for granted. It's a gamble unlikely to pay off. Without grass-roots organization, a real platform of policies designed to awaken the sleeping giant of working-class and poor black voters as a political force, and a consistent fundraising apparatus, both parties will continue to take us for granted. Worse, we offer the gift of our vote to Republicans at precisely the moment in history when the national Republican Party is at the nadir of its moral and legal legitimacy.

Rather than assume that we must run from one party to the other, we should seriously consider and debate the idea of black voters as a sizable bloc of independents who can offer our support (grass-roots organization, votes, war chest) to any candidate willing to advance our platform. These are options we need to discuss and implement in the years before an election.

On Tuesday, African-American voters must select the best candidate in a number of key races that will help decide the future of our state and of this country. But on Wednesday, we have to begin the work of amassing real political power that can translate into dynamic, effective representation for African-Americans - and, indeed, for everyone in the state of Maryland.



Sherrilyn A. Ifill is a civil rights lawyer, voting rights expert and professor of law at the University of Maryland School of Law.


Copyright © 2006, The Baltimore Sun | Get Sun home delivery
Link to the article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.blackvote05nov05,0,7600233.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

Election Day in Baltimore

Don't Believe the Hype: VOTE!

I've talked to so many people whom I love, admire, and trust about the upcoming elections. Many of them are adamant about the ambiguity of our vote. They say, "Why vote the lesser of two evils" They say, "Our vote doesn't really count....look at the Presidential elections!"

Yet, I watch the news on television and hear mostly white candidates talk openly about how they need "poor, Black voters" to make the difference in the polls this election. Who knew? Maybe who knows is the question I should be asking. Is this message really getting across to the people who need to hear it? Or are people benefiting off of the apathy of others? I mean if "poor Black voters" make up a significant block of votes in this election could it mean that their vote could be a possible wild card - guiding the votes in a direction that is contrary to the leading Democrats and/or the Republicans?

This Election Day is sure to be one that will go down in the history books! Will the White youthful "family man" with the charming Black man as his running mate beat out the older White "family man" with the visually impaired, White woman as his running mate? Will the unspoken statement of race matters beat out the unspoken statement of disabilities support or vice versa?

Will this election turn out the second Baltimore City Mayor in history to become the Governor of Maryland? Will this election result in another Black Lt. Governor or will it turn out the first woman - with a disability no less - to serve as Lt. Governor of MD? Will the current Lt. Governor become the first Black U.S. Senator in Maryland or will this election return our current U.S. Senator Ben Cardin to office? Will the Black middle class vote mirror the vote of low-income Blacks or will the vote of low-income Blacks override the vote of the Black middle-class and set the stage for change in this election?

As I prepare this morning to head out to the polls in my old neighborhood because the change of address form I submitted during the primary election was not turned in by election workers, I wonder what other small glitches will impact today's election results. I wonder how I could live in a country which spends billions of dollars annually to ensure that other people of the world have the right to vote, but our elections are in such a disarray. I wonder how many people are so disgusted with our election process that they make a conscious decision to stay away from the polls. I wonder who really benefits out of all of this, and I wonder at the end of this day which candidates will be the last ones standing.

Ted Haggard

November 05, 2006

Gayle Haggard's letter to New Life Church


Dear Woman of New Life Church,

I am so sorry for the circumstances that have led me to write this letter to you today. I know your hearts are broken; mine is as well. Yet my hope rests steadfastly in the Lord who is forever faithful.

What I want you to know is that I love my husband, Ted Haggard, with all my heart. I am committed to him until death "do us part". We started this journey together and with the grace of God, we will finish together.

If I were standing before you today, I would not change one iota of what I have been teaching the women of our church. For those of you who have been concerned that my marriage was so perfect I could not possibly relate to the women who are facing great difficulties, know that this will never again be the case. My test has begun; watch me. I will try to prove myself faithful. I love you all so much, especially you young women - you were my delight.

To all the church family of New Life Church - Ted and I are so proud of you. You are all we hoped you would be. In our minds, there is no greater church. As you try to make sense of these past few days, know that Ted believes with all his heart and soul everything he has ever taught you, those things you are putting into practice. He is now the visible and public evidence that every man (woman and child) needs a Savior.

We are grateful for your prayers for our family.

I hold you forever in my heart.

Gayle Haggard



Ted Haggard's letter to New Life Church

The following letter from Ted Haggard, former senior pastor of New Life Church, was read to the congregation this morning at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

To my New Life Church family:

I am so sorry. I am sorry for the disappointment, the betrayal, and the hurt. I am sorry for the horrible example I have set for you.

I have an overwhelming, all-consuming sadness in my heart for the pain that you and I and my family have experienced over the past few days. I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment to all of you.

I asked that this note be read to you this morning so I could clarify my heart's condition to you. The last four days have been so difficult for me, my family and all of you, and I have further confused the situation with some of the things I've said during interviews with reporters who would catch me coming or going from my home. But I alone am responsible for the confusion caused by my inconsistent statements. The fact is, I am guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem.

I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life. For extended periods of time, I would enjoy victory and rejoice in freedom. Then, from time to time, the dirt that I thought was gone would resurface, and I would find myself thinking thoughts and experiencing desires that were contrary to everything I believe and teach.

Through the years, I've sought assistance in a variety of ways, with none of them proving to be effective in me. Then, because of pride, I began deceiving those I love the most because I didn't want to hurt or disappoint them.

The public person I was wasn't a lie; it was just incomplete. When I stopped communicating about my problems, the darkness increased and finally dominated me. As a result, I did things that were contrary to everything I believe.

The accusations that have been leveled against me are not all true, but enough of them are true that I have been appropriately and lovingly removed from ministry. Our church's overseers have required me to submit to the oversight of Dr. James Dobson, Pastor Jack Hayford, and Pastor Tommy Barnett. Those men will perform a thorough analysis of my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical life. They will guide me through a program with the goal of healing and restoration for my life, my marriage, and my family.

I created this entire situation. The things that I did opened the door for additional allegations . But I am responsible; I alone need to be disciplined and corrected. An example must be set.

It is important that you know how much I love and appreciate my wife, Gayle. What I did should never reflect in a negative way on her relationship with me. She has been and continues to be incredible. The problem is not with her, my children or any of you. It was created 100 percent by me.

I have been permanently removed from the office of Senior Pastor of New Life Church. Until a new senior pastor is chosen, our Associate Senior Pastor Ross Parsley will assume all of the the responsibilities of the office. On the day he accepted this new role, he and his wife, Aimee, had a new baby boy. A new life in the midst of this circumstance - I consider the confluence of events to be prophetic. Please commit to join with Pastor Ross and the others in church leadership to make their service to you easy and without burden. They are fine leaders. You are blessed.

I appreciate your loving and forgiving nature, and I humbly ask you to do a few things.

1.) Please stay faithful to God through service and giving.

2.) Please forgive me. I am so embarrassed and ashamed. I caused this and I have no excuse. I am a sinner. I have fallen. I desperately need to be forgiven and healed.

3.) Please forgive my accuser. He is revealing the deception and sensuality that was in my life. Those sins, and others, need to be dealt with harshly. So, forgive him and, actually, thank God for him. I am trusting that his action will make me, my wife and family, and ultimately all of you, stronger. He didn't violate you; I did.

4.) Please stay faithful to each other. Perform your functions well. Encourage each other and rejoice in God's faithfulness. Our church body is a beautiful body, and like every family, our strength is tested and proven in the midst of adversity. Because of the negative publicity I've created with my foolishness, we can now demonstrate to the world how our sick and wounded can be healed, and how even disappointed and betrayed church bodies can prosper and rejoice.

Gayle and I need to be gone for a while. We will never return to a leadership role at New Life Church. In our hearts, we will always be members of this body. We love you as our family. I know this situation will put you to the test. I'm sorry I've created the test, but please rise to this challenge and demonstate the incredible grace that is available to all of us.

Ted Haggard


November 4, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Life Church
Colorado Springs, Colorado

We, the Overseer Board of New Life Church, have concluded our deliberations
concerning the moral failings of Pastor Ted Haggard. Our investigation and Pastor Haggard’s public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct. The language of our church bylaws state that as Overseers we must decide in cases where the Senior Pastor has “demonstrated immoral conduct” whether we must “remove the pastor from his position or to discipline him in any way they deem necessary.” In consultation with leading evangelicals and experts familiar with the type of behavior Pastor Haggard has demonstrated, we have decided that the most positive and productive direction for our church is his dismissal and removal. In addition, the Overseers will continue to explore the depth of Pastor Haggard’s offense so that a plan of healing and restoration can begin.

Pastor Haggard and his wife have been informed of this decision. They have agreed as
well that he should be dismissed and that a new pastor for New Life Church should be selected according to the rules of replacement in the bylaws. That process will begin immediately in hopes that a new pastor can be confirmed by the end of the year 2006. In the interim, Ross Parsley will function as the leader of the church with full support of the Overseers. A letter of explanation and apology by Pastor Haggard as well as a word of encouragement from Gayle Haggard will be read in the 9:00 and 11:00 service of New Life Church.

Dick Gregory

Remembering a Warrior

The Honorable Bea Gaddy

A mother, community activist, city councilwoman, and fighter for justice - Ms. Bea Gaddy was known city-wide for her efforts to stamp out hunger and poverty in East Baltimore. A tireless warrior for justice, she worked diligently to help families in need of care and resources. Without reservation, everyone could count on Ms. Bea to host the annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless; it was a Baltimore tradition. It was amazing to see her skill in pooling resources - year after year - from seemingly no where to do what many thought was impossible - feed thousands of families in Baltimore on Thanksgiving Day.

Ms. Bea's efforts to end homelessness in Baltimore extended well beyond those annual holiday dinners. Ms. Bea operated a shelter for women and children, a furniture bank, and a program that refurbished abandoned rowhouses for impoverished families. And with the tenacity and spirit that made her a local legend, Ms. Bea was elected to the Baltimore City Council's 2nd District seat in September 1999. She served the residents of East Baltimore well and made all of Baltimore proud!

On October 3, 2001 at the age of 68, Ms. Bea Gaddy died of complications from breast cancer. Her untimely death left a noticeable void in East Baltimore and her TAKE ACTION! spirit is thoroughly missed. Fortunately, her legacy lives on as her children work to continue her efforts!

You, too, can help ensure that families in need receive food, clothes, and furniture by contacting,

The Bea Gaddy Family Centers
425 N. Chester Street
Baltimore, MD. 21231
(410)563-2749
Email: support@beagaddyfamilycenters.org

You can help sustain Ms. Bea's legacy in East Baltimore by sending monetary donations to,

Bea Gaddy Day Fund/Associated Black Charities
Attn: Donna Fisher Lewis
1114 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-5515

Remember, it takes only one person to make difference and that one person is YOU! TAKE ACTION!

Psalm 23

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David
New International Version (NIV)

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Reflections

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans, and I have just been overwhelmed with the reality of the devastation that is still present even one year later. People's lives, neighborhoods, communities, churches, mosques, schools, homes, and businesses were destroyed. Whole blocks stand like ghost towns and vivid reminders of the thin line between middle and low-income families. The people who seemed to be the least affected are the more prominent and wealthy ones. The community where we stayed during our retreat was very wealthy and surrounded by Tulane and Loyola Universities. This neighborhood was operating business as usual. However, just a twenty minute ride away neighborhoods both middle class and low-income were totally destroyed.

I wonder what we as a nation can learn from the plight of New Orleans? Maybe one lesson is that we as a nation should never feel too comfortable. It would seem that 911 would have taught us that, but I guess we are a nation with a hard head so the lessons just keep right on coming. Maybe the lesson out of Hurricane Katrina is a lesson of preparedness or lack thereof. Maybe the devastation of New Orleans is a wake-up call that we as a people - African Americans - need to take heed. Maybe it is like Beyonce's song Hurricane Katrina and the broken levees are sounding a clarion call to Ring the Alarm - A clarion call for us to realize that the ever increasing problem of race and class issues in America. Maybe it is a not so subtle reminder that we must work collaboratively to sustain our own communities in times of need so that we can be better equipped to handle problems like Hurricane Katrina and the ones that allow the construction of an ineffective levee system.

The reality of the situation is that the problems in New Orleans didn't start with the hurricanes or when the levees broke. It started with the injustices that have existed for years. It started with the small catastrophes, the small problems that we face daily in our lives. It could have been the loss of a loved one or the loss of a job. It could have been the garnishment of a check or the repossession of a car. It could have been an incurable disease, the burden of depression, or like in my case the weight of debt. But God, if we pull together in the small stuff, the small problems how much more able would we be able to pull together when major catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina and defective levees impact our lives?

I believe God used a personal situation in my own life just two days shy of my return from New Orleans to help make this point clear to me. And although it was an uncomfortable and difficult space for me to be in it was a place I needed to be to see His Glory in action. I believe God's message for me from the experience of New Orleans and from that personal catastrophe is that He wants us to stay connected so that He can use us to be blessings to one another.

What I have been reminded of since my return from New Orleans is that we need each other not just to help rebuild New Orleans, but we need each other to help rebuild our lives and communities. The people of New Orleans and the Gulf Region need your help, love, and prayers. Truthfully, if we are honest with ourselves we all need someone's help, someone's love, and someone's prayers. We also need to be able to provide the same type of support.

That's why it is so important for each of us to take action. Here are some ways that you can take action to help Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims:

www.blackamericaweb.com/relief
www.dscej.org

Here are some ways that you can take action to help make Baltimore a better place to live, work, and play:

www.thelearningbank.org
A Step Forward, Inc.
www.andreybundleyformayor.com
www.bcps.k12.md.us

Here are some ways that you can help make the world a better place to live:

Save Darfur
Save Darfur
World Vision

Remember, one person can make a difference and that one person is YOU! TAKE ACTION!

Blessing for Today Psalm 11

The Message (MSG)
Psalm 11
A David Psalm

I've already run for dear life straight to the arms of God.
So why would I run away now
when you say,
"Run to the mountains; the evil
bows are bent, the wicked arrows
Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness
at every heart open to God.
The bottom's dropped out of the country;
good people don't have a chance"?

But God hasn't moved to the mountains;
his holy address hasn't changed.
He's in charge, as always, his eyes
taking everything in, his eyelids
Unblinking, examining Adam's unruly brood
inside and out, not missing a thing.
He tests the good and the bad alike;
if anyone cheats, God's outraged.
Fail the test and you're out,
out in a hail of firestones,
Drinking from a canteen
filled with hot desert wind.

God's business is putting things right;
he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we're standing tall,
we can look him straight in the eye.

Race, Place, & the Environment After Katrina

Race, Place, & the Environment After Katrina: Looking Back to Look Forward
Dillard University - Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
Dr. Beverly Wright, Executive Director
October 19 - 21, 2006
Marriott New Orleans, LA

About the Symposium:

The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University in New Orleans is sponsoring a national symposium on Race, Place, and the Environment After Katrina: Looking Back to Look Forward. Hurricane Katrina has been described as one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history. The untold tons of lethal sludge left behind will require the "mother of all toxic cleanups."

A main objective of the symposium will be to examine the impacts of this disaster through an environmental justice lens with an emphasis on race and geography of vulnerability. The symposium will explore racial disparities in disaster emergency preparedness, response, cleanup, debris management, recovery, rebuilding, reconstruction, and repopulation. Our intent is to bring together scholars, professionals, experts, government officials, and community leaders to discuss how race impacts natural disaster survivors' ability to rebuild, replace infrastructure, obtain loans, locate temporary and permanent housing, and return to and rebuild their homes, neighborhoods, institutions, and businesses in a safe and sustainable way.

Additionally, concepts of equitable development, clean production, and green chemistry will be explored for their benefits as it relates to the clean-up of environmental hazards and impact of natural and man-made disasters.

For more information, contact Mary Williams at mivorywill@aol.com or 225-201-1662.

Check-out the website at www.dscej.org