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SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING TRIPS FOR 2004

Coming along on one of our upcoming events Heavenly Tours will be sponsoring in 2004 as we go back to some of the old favorites & some new hot spots. We will sponsor several recreational Christian activities for you to enjoy & fellowship with other saints throughout the year. Trips will be leaving from the Washington, Metropolitan area. *Cost for all trips include: transportation, event, meal, prize drawings, gift bags & most important, fellow-ship. Contact us for more information at 301/602-7536 or visit our website at www.heavenlytours.us. *Cost for some trips will be determined by November 2004.

March 14, 2004

May & September 2004

Sight & Sound-”Behold The Lamb”

Fishing on the Sandra Marie - $90

Lancaster, PA

Wynne, MD

July 21 - 31, 2004

Christians Cruisin’ With Jesus to Hawaii - $2700

10-day cruise around the Hawaii Islands

$300 Deposit Due: October 31, 2003

$375 Deposit Due: December 1, 2003

August 2004

New York Shopping Trip

New York City, NY

October 9, 2004

Sight & Sound-”Noah-The Musical”

Lancaster, PA

December 4, 2004

Christmas Shopping at

Rehoboth Beach Outlets- Fax Free

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Christian Entrepreneur Expo 2004

Marriott Wardam Park Hotel Washington, DC

August 2004

Free to General Public Exhibitors Fee: $200 Due By

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Dec DecDec Dec

Dec. 200. 200. 200. 200. 2003/F3/F3/F3/F3/Febeb. 2004ebebeb. 2004. 2004. 2004. 2004 33333

TESTIMONIALS

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IN BEAIN BEA

IN BEAIN BEAUTIFUL PUTIFUL PUTIFUL PUTIFUL PUTIFUL PAAACKAAACKACKACKACKAGESGESGESGESGES

Dad lived with his uncle and worked for him on the far eastern border of Russia in the city of Vladivostock. His uncle owned a precious stones and metals factory where they fashioned jewels and articles of gold and silver. ...

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MELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’SMELISSA SPEIGHT’S TESTIMONY

TESTIMONYTESTIMONY TESTIMONYTESTIMONY

One woman’s deliverance from prostitution, alcohol, drugs and depression....

by Melissa Speight by Melissa Speightby Melissa Speight by Melissa Speightby Melissa Speight

FEA

FEATURES

TURES

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GOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PURGOD’S DIVINE PUR---POSE FOR OUR LIVES POSE FOR OUR LIVESPOSE FOR OUR LIVES POSE FOR OUR LIVESPOSE FOR OUR LIVES

God’s Divine Purpose For Our Lives is critical because without it you are slowly progressing to an inescapable death....

by Rickey E. Macklin by Rickey E. Macklinby Rickey E. Macklin by Rickey E. Macklinby Rickey E. Macklin

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PRAPRAPRAY FPRAPRAY FOR YY FY FY FOR YOR YOR YOR YOUR FI-OUR FI-OUR FI-OUR FI-OUR FI-NANCES

NANCESNANCES NANCESNANCES

Money matters concern us even as Christians, yet we seldom spend the amount of time necessary to pray and meditate about our financial concerns....

by Mary Grate-Pyos by Mary Grate-Pyosby Mary Grate-Pyos by Mary Grate-Pyosby Mary Grate-Pyos

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ARE YARE YARE YARE YARE YOU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?OU BLESSED?

My question to you would be, if you are blessed, what did you do to obtain favor from the Lord and finally, what have you done to show the Lord how much you appreciate His blessings? ...

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bby Deacon Curtis Oy Deacon Curtis Oy Deacon Curtis Oy Deacon Curtis O. Gilly Deacon Curtis O. Gill. Gill. Gill. Gill

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INTINTOOOOO BEING BEING BEING BEING BEING

At some point in all of our lives, whether saved or unsaved, we all come to a place where we are

POETRY CORNER

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“ “ “ “ “A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION”A CHRISTIAN VISION” by Joe Floyd by Joe Floyd by Joe Floyd by Joe Floyd by Joe Floyd

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“DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT”“DON’T QUIT” by Unknown Author by Unknown Author by Unknown Author by Unknown Author by Unknown Author

seeking out our purpose... by Nikki Jones by Nikki Jones by Nikki Jones by Nikki Jones by Nikki Jones

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VISION-SIGHT OF THEVISION-SIGHT OF THEVISION-SIGHT OF THEVISION-SIGHT OF THEVISION-SIGHT OF THE HEAR

HEAR HEAR HEAR HEARTTTTT

Vision is the source and hope of life. The greatest gift ever given to mankind is not the gift of sight, but the gift of vision vision vision vision vision... b b b b

by Dry Dry Dry Dry Dr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munroeoeoeoeoe

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UNVEILING YUNVEILING YUNVEILING YUNVEILING YUNVEILING YOUR DES-OUR DES-OUR DES-OUR DES-OUR DES-TINY

TINY TINY TINY TINY

What is your vision? What have you always wanted to do? What is your heart’s desire? What is your dream? When you can begin to see your vision clearly, you will be able to fulfill your life’s purpose...

b b b b

by Dry Dry Dry Dry Dr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munroeoeoeoeoe

3

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THE JOTHE JOTHE JOTHE JOTHE JOYS OF FYS OF FAYS OF FYS OF FYS OF FAAATHERATHERTHERTHER THER---HOOD

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Fatherhood, then, is an awesome role, responsibility, and duty in the overall plan of God for mankind...

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IN THE GARDENIN THE GARDENIN THE GARDENIN THE GARDENIN THE GARDEN

Surrounded by fragrant flowers, ancient olive trees, and lush green grass, I was pondering on the anguish that Jesus Christ surely felt in this same place twotwotwotwotwo thousand years ago

thousand years ago thousand years ago thousand years ago thousand years ago...

by Linda Ryzenga by Linda Ryzenga by Linda Ryzenga by Linda Ryzenga by Linda Ryzenga

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TTTTAKE UP YTAKE UP YAKE UP YOUR CRAKE UP YAKE UP YOUR CROUR CROUR CROUR CROSSOSSOSSOSSOSS AND F

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CAN Y CAN Y CAN Y CAN Y CAN YOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THEOU HANDLE THE TR

TR TR TR TRUTHUTHUTHUTHUTH

O, the tongue, the tongue, the tongue. So much we say and shouldn’t. So much we should say and don’t...

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by Py Py Pasty Py Pastastor Sheritha Boastastor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Bowmanwmanwmanwmanwman

COLUMN/SERIES

Upcoming Events...(inside Upcoming Events...(inside Upcoming Events...(inside Upcoming Events...(inside Upcoming Events...(inside cover) cover) cover) cover) cover)

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SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...

BIBLE STOR

BIBLE STORY OF

Y OF

THE MONTH

32 “

32 “A BRIDE IS CHOSEN”

A BRIDE IS CHOSEN”

A Dawn Associates Publication A Dawn Associates Publication A Dawn Associates Publication A Dawn Associates Publication A Dawn Associates Publication Co

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Dr. Myles Munroe, a multi-gifted Leader/Visionary, Motivational speaker/Educator/Lecturer/best selling Author and business

10 VISIONAR

VISIONAR

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LEADERS 2004

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Apostle Betty PApostle Betty PApostle Betty PApostle Betty PApostle Betty P. P. P. P. P. Peebleseebleseebleseebleseebles,,,,, Dr

Dr Dr Dr

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Pastastastastastor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Bowman,or Sheritha Bowman,wman,wman,wman, Apostle Shirley Holloway Apostle Shirley Holloway Apostle Shirley Holloway Apostle Shirley Holloway Apostle Shirley Holloway Johnson, & Apostle Nike Johnson, & Apostle Nike Johnson, & Apostle Nike Johnson, & Apostle Nike Johnson, & Apostle Nike Daramy

Daramy Daramy Daramy Daramy

consultant was called by God to teach the sons of God that their natural born position is to be leaders...bbbbby L.C. Ty L.C. Ty L.C. Tary L.C. Ty L.C. Tarararardydydydydy

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THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:THE EFFECTS OF FEAR: THE SHO

THE SHO THE SHO THE SHO

THE SHOWDOWDOWDOWNWDOWDOWNWNWNWN

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As you travel through this journey to overcome the fear that has been holding you hostage, you begin to realize that the road is rather rough. When we first started, you were energized and felt a sense of power. Now, as you come closer to the actual showdown you are beginning to feel the added pressure.... by Athena Thomas by Athena Thomas by Athena Thomas by Athena Thomas by Athena Thomas

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FOCUSFOCUSFOCUSFOCUSFOCUS

We must be focused on God and be about our Father’s business...

by Chicago G. Long by Chicago G. Long by Chicago G. Long by Chicago G. Long by Chicago G. Long

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President/CEO President/CEO President/CEO President/CEO President/CEO Executive Editors Executive EditorsExecutive Editors Executive Editors Executive Editors Penelope White Penelope White Penelope White Penelope White Penelope White Columnist ColumnistColumnist Columnist Columnist P PP P

Pastastastastastor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Boor Sheritha Bowmanwmanwmanwmanwman Chicago G. Long Chicago G. Long Chicago G. Long Chicago G. Long Chicago G. Long Athena Thomas Athena ThomasAthena Thomas Athena Thomas Athena Thomas Writers/Regular Contributors Writers/Regular Contributors Writers/Regular Contributors Writers/Regular Contributors Writers/Regular Contributors Joe Floyd Joe Floyd Joe Floyd Joe Floyd Joe Floyd Deacon Curtis O Deacon Curtis ODeacon Curtis O Deacon Curtis O Deacon Curtis O. Gill. Gill. Gill. Gill. Gill

Mary Grate-Pyos Mary Grate-PyosMary Grate-Pyos Mary Grate-PyosMary Grate-Pyos

Nikki Jones Nikki Jones Nikki Jones Nikki Jones Nikki Jones K KK

KKeeeeevin Wvin Wvin Wvin Wvin Waaaaayne Johnsonyne Johnsonyne Johnsonyne Johnsonyne Johnson Rickey E. Macklin Rickey E. MacklinRickey E. Macklin Rickey E. MacklinRickey E. Macklin Dr

Dr Dr Dr

Dr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munroeoeoeoeoe Linda Ryzenga Linda Ryzenga Linda Ryzenga Linda Ryzenga Linda Ryzenga T T T T

Tanananananyyyyya Specta Spectora Specta Specta Spectorororooroooovvvvv Melissa Speight Melissa SpeightMelissa Speight Melissa Speight Melissa Speight Graphic Designers Graphic Designers Graphic Designers Graphic Designers Graphic Designers Cody Beasley Cody Beasley Cody Beasley Cody Beasley Cody Beasley Fred Booker Fred BookerFred Booker Fred Booker Fred Booker Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin Joanne Nicolls Joanne Nicolls Joanne Nicolls Joanne Nicolls Joanne Nicolls (Dr (Dr(Dr (Dr

(Dr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munr. Myles Munroe Aoe Aoe Aoe Aoe Ad design)d design)d design)d design)d design)

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Eresa Tesa Tesa Tesa Tesa Tararararardydydydydy

Photographer PhotographerPhotographer Photographer Photographer Kevin Lucas Kevin Lucas Kevin Lucas Kevin Lucas Kevin Lucas Print Coordinator Print CoordinatorPrint Coordinator Print CoordinatorPrint Coordinator

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TCG Printing/WCG Printing/WCG Printing/WCG Printing/WCG Printing/Washingtashingtashingtashingtashington Timeson Timeson Timeson Timeson Times Layout/Production Layout/Production Layout/Production Layout/Production Layout/Production Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin Chauntika Broggin

Bible references are from the KJV and NIV Bible references are from the KJV and NIV Bible references are from the KJV and NIV Bible references are from the KJV and NIV Bible references are from the KJV and NIV

Main Office Main OfficeMain Office Main Office Main Office

Visions Christian Magazine, Inc P.O. Box 7066, Largo, MD. 20792-7066

202-398-2317

Visions Christian Magazine

is available through

subscription.

Please give us a call at

202-398-2317

VCM is also available online at

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Visions Christian Magazine

Revelations 2:1-5

Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the

seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and

thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and

hast not fainted.

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first

love.

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first

works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick

out of his place, except thou repent.

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

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Dec DecDec Dec

Miracles Can Come in Beautiful Packages

I grew up in Siberia, but that’s not actually where my family started out. Dad lived with his uncle and worked for him on the far eastern border of Russia in the city of Vladivostock. His uncle owned a precious stones and metals factory where they fashioned jewels and articles of gold and silver. In fact, my Jewish family has a history of working in this trade for the emperors of Russia, until the 1917 revolution, when the last emperor was assassinated and the Bolsheviks took over.

When my father, whose name was Ascolt, was 15, the Communists came to their home and killed his uncle and every single member of his family except my dad; the neighbors had warned him not to go home that day. His uncle’s business was nationalized by the Communist bosses.

Ascolt found out that the authorities were aware he had survived and were looking for him. When they did catch him, instead of killing him, they sent him to a place called Yakutsk, a town in a vast, wild plain far north of China, on latitude with Alaska. And there he lived some years in wretched poverty. The cold and misery were beyond description. There was no running water then, no cars or other means of transportation. The only contact with the outside world would be when planes could land in the warmer months.

The fact was that there were a lot of rich Jews living there - or more accurately, formerly rich Jews. They now had nothing. Or almost nothing. Incredibly, there were still people who wanted jewelry made or repaired, so Dad would go to work at 4:00 a.m., doing the only thing he knew how to do - create jewelry and repair watches.

BORN ON A FROZEN PLAIN

I was born in 1953, the youngest of three daughters. It was the same year that Stalin died. Restrictions eased andit became possible to travel (with

permission, of course) from place to place. Yakutsk was a relatively free area simply because it was so desolate and bleak - a place the police just didn’t bother people much.

My parents left Yakutsk for a little town near Irkutsk, Siberia when I was five - a far more progressive area, and there were many Jews living there. The Siberian climate there was much better than Yakutsk’s and the Jews prospered among the large number of universities and cultural institutions.

I was a sickly child, diagnosed with a heart disorder and was in and out of hospitals and children’s recuperation centers. I remember praying as a child, “God, if you know I exist, please let me be well.” My father continued to create jewelry in Siberia. However, the KGB questioned him several times about his clients until he finally vowed he would never work in precious stones and metals again. Knowing that working in such luxury items could be very dangerous for the

Jewish community, he, from then on, kept his regular business strictly to repairing watches. Tanya Specktorov

Te s t i m o n i a l s

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However, my father was known as a very straight and honest man, and people who had jewels hidden from the Communists would need their expensive things fixed from time to time. They entrusted their jewels to my father who, behind closed doors, continued to repair and create specialorder pieces for his clients. Whenever I was able, I would go to my father’s shop and help him repair watches and even build them from scratch.

Slowly my health improved and I began to feel better. My mother was the director of all the beauty salons near Irkutsk (remember, that’s the way they did it under Communism.) After graduating from high school, I went to work in one of those salons, but my passion was my classical piano, which I studied for 15 years.

My father was, by now, retired with a very low pension. He learned that if he would return to Yakutzk where they paid four times as much and work there for another three years, his pension would be much higher. So my mother and father left for Yakutsk, and I found myself left alone at 19. At times, I would talk to God. When I heard about Yeshua for the first time, I didn’t cast him away. Once, I came across a book about Yeshua who lived in the land of Israel. There was nothing in me that was against Him.

My parents returned from Yakutsk after three years; my father was very sick - obviously from the ruthless temperatures and brutal conditions. He came back only to spend a year in

the hospital and then died.

I MARRY A HYPNOTIST

I fell in love with someone by whom I had a child - my daughter, Nikol. However, the two of us soon parted ways. I then met another man, Vadim, twenty-four years older than I, who asked me to marry him. He was good to me and loved my daughter. Vadim

was a hypnotist and although it was illegal for him to do so, he found plenty of people who were ready to have him hypnotize them in the hope of receiving healing. We traveled from city to city applying his techniques, and I learned his expertise and worked alongside him for six years. However, I began to have serious attacks from some kind of nerve disease

where my body would become frozen - the muscles of my entire body constricted with panic attacks. For four years I was afraid to be left alone for a moment.

Even before I was aware of the truths of the Bible, I felt there was some spiritual cause and effect, and that this man was increasingly

in control of my every move. I found I was afraid to even leave his presence for a moment, and he made it clear he wanted me with him at all times. I was sick and felt myself a virtual prisoner. Somehow, I gained enough courage to

find a psychiatrist who told me to change locations, change husbands, change everything.

I went to the authorities to seek permission to leave for Lithuania (in those days, one could not travel from city to city without permission from the Soviet authorities.) Then one day when my husband was out, I grabbed Nikol and ran for my life. At 29, I started life over again in Lithuania. I was able to secure an office job as a secretary in a large television factory, because even though Lithuanians have their own language, all official documents had to be in Russian.

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A NEW LIFE IN ISRAEL

Eleven long years I worked in Lithuania and then in 1994 Nikol and I were able to immigrate to Israel. I think that the Lithuanian authorities thought that I was going to Israel to die. I was 5’7" and 90 pounds. I had no appetite and struggled to live through the day. A Lithuanian doctor had just looked at me and said, “You have thyroid cancer.” That was his diagnosis with no examination whatsoever.

I said to myself, “I don’t have cancer!” I would talk to God, and I felt I would find help in Israel. Actually, my dream had been to come to Israel since I was 15 years old.

I read books about Israel and longed to come back to my ancestral home. And now, we were here! I quickly landed a job in a Tel Aviv jewelry factory where I worked for six and a half years, producing beautiful jewelry.

But as the economic situation in Israel plunged, I was laid off of my job and unable to find work. I was at the end of myself, with no hope and no future. My appetite disappeared completely and I continued to go downhill until I weighed 85 pounds. I was in deep depression and had lost the desire to live. The Israeli doctors tried to regulate my thyroid, but nothing seemed to help. At one point I actually felt I saw my spirit floating outside my body.

AND THEN CAME THE GOOD LIFE

My sister, Galina, who had come to Israel before me, invited me to her Messianic congregation, Tiferet Yeshua (the Glory of Yeshua), that she had been attending for five years. She had spoken to me many times about the congregation and had been praying for me those five years, but I was afraid to be in a crowd. However, she kept telling me that Yeshua was the answer to my problems, and that I could be healed through Him. When I finally walked into the congregation, I was in much pain with the nerve disorder and muscle constriction, and literally crept into the meeting room stiff legged, like a robot. But when I heard the singing and worship that day, I knew instantly I had come home. I immediately fell in love with my living God, and I adore worshiping my King! I am now a new person. I am slowly gaining weight (now 104), and have no sign of any nerve disorder and have more energy than I have had in

Melissa Speight’s

Testimony

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many years. My face no longer looks like a face of death. God has brought me to the land of Israel and here I have found. Him!

I can hardly fathom that I have received help from istandwithisrael.com to start my own business and have been given the opportunity to once again create

beautiful jewelry. And to know that with every piece I create, I am helping to fund the future coffee house ministry for our congregation! God has given me more than I could ask or think!

My name is Melissa Speight I am 37 years old, I have two teenage girls who are 14 & 17 years old Valencia & Tameka. When I came to the House of Help program I had low self-esteem, no relationship with my children, didn’t trust people, and didn’t know how to cope with everyday situations.

I thank GOD for the House of Help City of Hope program and the Holy Ministries Church of Christ; I thank GOD for Pastor Shirley Johnson and First Brian Johnson for allowing GOD to use them as a tool for getting me on the right path.

I thank GOD for delivering me from prostitution, alcohol, drugs and depression. Now I have a better relationship with my children, GOD has found favor for me to be the leading usher. I have an apartment at the City of Hope (Graceview Apartments) I also went to a school for food service and receive my food-handling license.

The House of Help, City of Hope has provided assistance to

over five thousand individuals since it started in 1997. We have assisted single men and women, single parents and children who need help to make their lives whole. As well as meeting the needs for such necessities of food, clothing shelter, and medical care. We also provide Bible study, internal guidance, career counseling, narcotics anonymous meetings, parenting classes and life skills to allow residents to return to society as whole productive citizens. This a faith based ministry that look forward to the donations of the people in order to continue the work of the Lord. If you are interested in becoming apart of the House of Help, City of Hope Ministries, please call us at (202)

610-3116, Ask for Ms. Rachel Brown.

Please send your donations to: The House of Help, City of Hope 2310-2322 16th Street S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020

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od’s Divine Purpose For Our Lives is critical because without it you are slowly progressing to an inescapable death. Wow! How can I start an article with such a harsh prediction? Because I’ve learned that the discovering of your purpose is what gives you passion to live. It is the

appre-hension of it that becomes the fuel in your tank – your drive – your passion – your ambition – and your reason for living.

David’s purpose was sealed long before he slew Goliath. Read Psalms 139 verses 14–18. Jeremiah’s was sealed before he entered his mother’s womb. Read Jeremiah 1:4-8. And just in case you’re wonder-ing, yours is sealed, too! In John 15 verse 16 Jesus confirms this calling by stating “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Please note that your calling is not your decision but it can be your discovery. Paul said, “Not as though I had already attained,

either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am appre-hended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12) My God!

I know I haven’t arrived at my final destination, but I’m headed in the right direction. My desire is to appre-hend. I’ve got to catch up with Christ. I must detain Him for a moment. I need to take Him into question because there are some things I need to know. Why am I here? What is it that you want me to do? Where do you want me to go? How long do you want me to be there? Only God Himself can answer these types of question. Essentially, knowing the answers becomes the key to fulfillment.

It is a fact that if you were to ask five people, Chris-tians and non-ChrisChris-tians alike, what their God-given purposes were, at least four would say I don’t know. What a tragedy it would be to live your whole life doing what you desired to do and not what God wanted you

to do. Child of God, you must understand that you do not even become a real threat to the devil until you are walking in this calling. It is this calling that He has anointed and appointed you to. It is this calling that He equipped you from glory to handle. It is this calling that makes the devil tremble and demons fall to their knees. How do I know this? Because the plans and purposes of God cannot be subverted. God’s will can’t be changed by mortal men or any other created thing. God never purposes a thing that doesn’t come to be. In the book of Genesis, God’s purpose was to fellowship with mankind and to shower him with love, affection and attention. His desire was that we would lack nothing! What happen? Sin entered the scene and the devil thought that he had spoiled the plan of God. But little did the devil know that God had a plan that preceded his. God will never be caught by surprise. Jesus came and settled the sin issue once and for all. Now, even though a lot tran-spired between the books of Exodus to Jude, if you take a real good look at the book of Revelation, you will discover that what God purposed from the beginning finally comes to pass in the New Jerusalem (chapter 21-22). The bottom line is when you walk in what God has called you to do you are literally unstoppable. This is why we can read Romans 8:28 with confidence.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Yes, we know that mankind’s primary purpose is to bring God glory, but this will best be demonstrated by finding out our individual purposes He assigned to us long before we were released from His assembly line.

God’

God’s Divine Purpose for Our Lives

s Divine Purpose for Our Lives

G

“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee:

and before thou camest forth out of the womb

I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a

prophet unto the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:5

VCM VCM VCM VCM VCM

Rickey E. Macklin, son of Reverend and Mrs. Arthur Macklin Sr. of Camden, S.C., is a graduate of South Carolina State University and Jericho Christian Training College, and has his Master’s in Theology from National Bible Seminary. Minister Macklin is co-leader of the Jericho Singles Ministry, and serves as co-leader of The Mighty Men of Valor. Minister Macklin teaches “Christian Courtship” at the Jericho Christian Training College and has produced a book to supplement the course. He is the author of “God’s Whole Armor” and has completed work on his next Spirit-filled masterpiece entitled, “Daddy’s Waiting On You.” He is also President/CEO of Ambassadors For Christ Ministries (Temple Hills, Md)

by Rickey E. Macklin

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Dec DecDec Dec

Pray For Your Finances

G

“It is important that we always pray to God about

our finances. If it matters to you, it matters to God. “

od cares about everything that matters to us. His word tells us that He cares for us, but often we fail to seek the face of God regarding our finances. Money matters concern us even as Christians, yet we seldom spend the amount of time necessary to pray and meditate about our financial concerns. If only we would take our financial cares to God in prayer. The same scriptures that empower us to heed the word of God for our salvation have the same power and peace to prosper us in our finances. God’s word says for us to cast our burdens upon Him for He cares for us. I encourage you to pray about your finances and to make prayer a priority prior to spending.

We must be wise to ensure that when we seek God’s face to bless our finances, we are seeking the love and

wisdom of the Blesser - God, and not just the

blessing - money. When we ask for and are granted

promotions, it is to glorify God in that position as we accomplish the duties assigned to us. When we ask for God to bless us with a financial ‘miracle,’ we should always remember to honor and thank the Blesser and not put our trust in the blessing.

Everything that we receive, including money, is given for the building of God’s kingdom and to spread the gospel at home and abroad.

It is important that we always pray to God about our finances. If it matters to you, it matters to God. Pray that you are a good steward who honors God in all of your financial transactions. Pray that you are

consistent in returning the tithes and offerings back to God, the rightful owner. We are to constantly ask God for guidance and wisdom to manage the remainder of our finances after the tithes and the offering. It all belongs to God – the tithes and the offering. God takes pleasure in our prosperity and it is imperative

that we are wise in managing our finances in a manner that pleases God.

Yes, God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ever think, ask or imagine. Imagine great dreams of how you can use God’s resources to be a blessing to His kingdom. Ask for the finances needed to spread the gospel of Christ in our community and abroad. Think that you are the powerful individual that God has blessed this day and this moment to be a financial blessing. Prayer

changes things, situations and people. Prayer can also change our money habits that do not please God. If it matters to you, it matters to God. If it is a lack of finances, pray that God will multiply what you have. Pray to God that He will teach you how to become the

powerful steward that He has ordained for your life. If you are overwhelmed with debt, pray that God will teach you how to get free from this bondage. God’s word says that we are to “count the cost” prior to engaging in actions. Why not consider the word of God and what it says about your finances? Pray is the key and the answer. I challenge you to come boldly before the throne of grace to receive help and power in the time of need. Always remember that even as you are blessed financially, God is more honorable than the blessing. Seek the face of God concerning your finances and listen to God as He speaks daily to you about your money matters. You have within you the power to do well, even in the area of your finances. God has ordained blessings for your life concerning your finances. It is through prayer – through

communicating with God that all of His rich blessings will be revealed to you.

Mary Grate-Pyos is the Author of WWWWealthWealthealthealthy Wealthy Wy Wy Wy Woman – Wiseoman – Wiseoman – Wiseoman – Wiseoman – Wise Choices

Choices Choices Choices

Choices and President of Financially Focused, Inc. Her web presence is www.financiallyfocused.com. She can be reached at

[email protected] or at [email protected] VCM VCM VCM VCM VCM

by Mary Grate-Pyos, MBA

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C o v e r S t o r y

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C o v e r S t o r y

For the earnest expectation of the creature

waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Romans 8:18-19.

he Lord calls his sons and daughters to be stewards over the great gifts and talents that He had birthed in us before the world began. We are called according to God’s purpose. So we begin this journey by building the foundation for our foreordained purpose or vision. Dr. Myles Munroe, a multi-gifted Leader/Visionary, Motivational speaker/ Educator/Lecturer/best selling Author and business consultant was called by God to teach the sons of God that their natural born position is to be leaders, and not followers, to understand who you are in Christ, and what your foreordained purpose and vision is in life.

I had the pleasure of fellowshipping with Dr. Myles Munroe at my church home, Jericho City of Praise, Landover, Maryland. A crowd of over 10,000 people filled the seats, awaiting the

presence of a great brother and son of God. There was a spirit present on this day, a spirit of unity, the body of Christ was thirsty, hungry for finding our purpose, and knowing who we are in Christ. Dr. Myles’s motivating anointed-spirit was filled with a great word from the Lord. As Dr. Myles arrived the entire congregation stood up and clapped,

acknowledging the great calling on Dr. Myles’s life. Dr. Myles was led by the Lord to speak on a subject that has plagued our nation from the time of Adam and

Eve; that subject was based on something that we all need to examine within ourselves. “Rediscovering the human Mandate.”

Dr. Myles woke up the crowd, his anointing ripped through the body of Christ like a bolt of lighting; his words were, “Any attempt to control another

human spirit is “witch craft,” it is not natural, it is unnatural.” “Dr. Myles further explained that, “The original purpose & plan of God was the

extension of His heavenly Kingdom on earth.” When

these words were spoken by Dr. Myles there was a strong sense of joy and freedom that moved throughout the entire congregation. Most importantly replied Dr. Myles, “God

created man as a spirit species to manage His administration on earth,” we

are earthly administrators, humanity carries out the dictates of God.”

Respectfully admiring the obedience of Dr. Myles to carryout the dictates of God, the crowd jumped for joy, running throughout the church, praising God on their knees, speaking in tongues; his message to the people was powerful and life sustaining. Dr. Myles

continued to enlighten the crowd by addressing “Kingdom living,” he further explained that, “God created one to be a king over the

earth.” We were created to have “dominion,” over

the earth, and that a Kingdom is simply a king dominating, replied Dr. Myles. He explained that we

were not built for sin, and that we have our Fathers

genetics. Therefore, mankind means, “sons of God.” (females-sons of God) generically speaking. “ If we are sons of God, we` are given “dominion” which

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not

lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Habakkuk 2:2-3

T

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Linda C. Tardy is a Freelance Writer/Author. She is the Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine.

VCM VCM VCM VCM VCM

means to rule, govern, manage, lead, to have a spirit of control.” “

Our responsibility is to restore government

administration on earth, this is the reason Jesus came, replied Dr. Myles.” We are citizens in the

kingdom of God, and in the Kingdom, a kings

reputation is based on the standards of the people (citizen), says Dr. Myles Munroe.

Dr. Myles Munroe activates the leader in you. “Within each of us lies the potential to be an effective leader, says Dr. Myles. He also states that, “Eyes that look are common, but eyes that see are rare,”

Sight is a function of the eyes, but vision is a function of the heart.” You need to understand why vision is essential to your success, and make your dreams and hopes a living reality, states Dr. Myles Munroe. I believe this is something that we all should keep in mind, as we venture through this journey: “Where

there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) and God created you to be king over the earth.

Dr. Myles Munroe is a great man of God. It is truly an honor and blessing to have learned from such a great son of God, and all praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dr. Myles has proven to the world how to carry out the greatest responsibility of all mankind:

Matthews 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33.

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I

A closer walk with God yields revelation, knowledge, and wisdom.

by Deacon

Curtis O. Gill often hear people proclaiming that they are

blessed. Frequently, when I ask people how are they doing, they often respond, “Blessed by the best.” Other times when I ask people how are they doing, they simply reply, “blessed.” Others say, “I was blessed to wake up this morning. He didn’t have to do it, but He allowed me to wake up amongst the living and I consider that, being blessed.” Still others say, “I was blessed to be able to get up, cloth myself and be in my right mind.” Even when I talk to the homeless, the alcoholics, the drug addicts, the prostitutes, the homosexuals, the ex offenders, the runaways, the dropouts, the welfare recipients, the overworked mothers and fathers, many of them say they are blessed.

I know that some of you have a big house in the suburbs, a good job, good health, degree(s) of higher learning, money in the bank, three or four cars in the driveway, TVS in every room, the latest stereo and sound systems throughout the house, camcorders and video equipment, cellular phones and many of the other latest technological developments to include game boards.

Understandably, you advertise that you are blessed. My question to you would be, if you are blessed, what did you do to obtain favor from the Lord and finally, what have you done to show the Lord how much you appreciate His blessings?

With your big house, when is the last time you dropped to your knees and proclaimed, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord? When is the last time you took the opportunity to witness for the Lord while you were on your good job? When is the last time you used your good heath to help some of God’s people who are suffering from ill health or being physically challenged? I ask you, when is the last time you exercised your degree of higher learning and

mentored some of God’s children or took time out

to rightly divide the word of truth to those who don’t know how to read or have an understanding of His Holy and righteous word? When is the last time you

turned your TV or stereo to a gospel station? When is the last time you used the phone in your house or your cellular phone to call someone and asked if they a needed prayer or a ride to church? When is the last time you used one of your cars to pick up someone and give them a ride to the house of God?

Are the things you possess “blessings from God or gifts from Satan?” I don’t want to take anything away from you, but I would like to set the record straight. After talking to many of you and hearing what you had to say, I am convinced that we don’t understand what being blessed is all about. I feel that there are many who use the word blessed without understanding the meaning or the prerequisites for

obtaining a Blessing from God who created Heaven and Earth.

When you look at some of the situations and circumstances surrounding some of the people

described above, you must ask the question, “Are they blessings or have they been given a chance to be blessed? Are the things they have blessings from God or gifts from Satan? A greater question would probably be, with the God of the universe and having all power and owning everything, why do people feel that they are being blessed with so little or just living? God said in his Holy and Righteous word, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 Our Bible tells us that God shall supply for all of our needs, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Paraphrased Philippians 4:19) God’s word even

ARE YOU BLESSED?

My question to you would be, if you are blessed, what did you do to obtain favor from the Lord and finally, what have you done to show the Lord how much you appreciate His blessings?

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his blessings. When you consult God’s word, you find that we are to . . . first seek the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Let us come together with an understanding of what the word “Blessed” means. Blessed is a word used in the Bible 302 times and with many different

meanings. The most important of these meanings is: to set apart and hallow, or make holy; to confer happiness upon; to bestow good or grant favor to; to express a wish for happiness for some other person; to invoke special attributes upon; and to praise or glorify. Can we all agree on this as a definition for blessed? Which element of this definition covers or describes you as recipient of God’s Grace, Mercy and Generosity toward you?

Let us examine the definition of chance: Chance is a 14th century word and is defined as something that happens unpredictably without discernible human intention or observable cause. The assumed

impersonal purposeless determiner of unaccountable happenings the fortuitous or incalculable element in existence. A situation favoring some purpose: the possibility of a particular outcome in an uncertain situation; or the degree of likelihood of such an outcome. Chance is found in the Bible only 6 times. My favorite scripture in the Bible which chance appears is, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:10-12)

After examining the meaning of blessed and chance, I again ask you, are you blessed or have you been given an opportunity to be blessed? You alone can answer that question. You know within your heart what you are all about and what your relationship with God is and no one else. “ . . . For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward

appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) What does God see, when he looks at your heart? Is the reason you are doing so bad or achieving so little because God knows your heart and have seen you differently than man does?

Let us look now at some of the qualifications for being blessed. Who is blessed? When you examine

the Bible, you will find that those who are chosen, called or chastened by God are blessed. Those who trust, fear and delight in the Lord are blessed. Those who hear and obey the voice of the Lord are blessed. Those who know, believe in and suffer for Christ are blessed. There are also those who received special blessings. I ask you again, “Are you blessed or have you been given a chance to be blessed?”

Please review some of the examples of those who were blessed during biblical times. We know there are other examples, but these will allow you to evaluate yourself in light of God’s Blessings. Who is blessed? Those who are chosen called or chastened by God.

God’s word tells us that, Blessed is the man whom

thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Accordingly, as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. Blessed are they, which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, these are the true sayings of God. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; (Psalm 65: 4) (Ephesians 1:3-4) (Isaiah 51:2)(Revelation 19:9), (Psalm 94:12) There are others who will find favor and receive blessings from the Lord. They are those who trust, fear and delight in the Lord. The Bible gives us examples in the following passages: Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them . . . . Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. ...Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. My question to you is, do you trust, fear and delight in the Lord? Be honest with yourself, for the Lord our God knows your heart and He knows the

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PASTOR SHERITHA BOWMAN’S COLUMN

VCM VCM VCM VCM VCM

CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH?

C o l u m n s

Lord, help me with my tongue. That I might speak the words that You would have me speak. Not of flesh. Not of anger. Not of other people’s persuasion. Rather, those words that would edify the Body of Christ magnify Your sovereign power and exalt Your holiness and

righteousness. Lord, let my heart be clean and my spirit be right when my tongue speaks.

O, the tongue, the tongue, the tongue.

So much we say and shouldn’t. So much we should say and don’t.

I grew up in a family where a child wasn’t supposed to utter the word, “lie or lying.” My grandmother and my great aunts interpreted it as being too mature a word for a youngster. You were trying to be “grown” if you used the word “lie.” It was almost as if it were a profane word. It was alright to say that a person was, “telling a story” which wasn’t what the person was doing at all. They were telling a boldfaced “lie.” But God forbid you speak the word.

So years later when my own children would say, “You’re lying!” I would shudder from the flashbacks of my elders telling me to watch my mouth. Nevertheless, I let my children’s words fall where they may. Because they were speaking proper English. They were speaking truth. Speaking truth. Though it stings the ears and causes shivers up and down the spine, the truth must be spoken. The truth spoken might ruffle feathers, break hearts and sever relationships, but the truth must be told. Jesus tells us in John 8:32, “that you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

When the truth is spoken it not only sets the hearer free, but it sets the speaker free.

Many of us walk around with much unspoken. Things that have been on our hearts for weeks. Months. Years. We hold it in. Thus creating within us stress, high blood pressure, anxiety attacks and worst of all, pent up bitterness and deceit.

We’ll tell everybody else other than the person who needs to hear it. And what started out as a truth that could have set a captive free, ends up being gossip. The truth is

reduced to mealtime conversation. And the person who needs to hear it is nowhere at the table.

We become captive to untold truths. We pretend not to see, not to know and not to be affected by an undisclosed truth. Feeling that by withholding, we are keeping the waters calm. Sparing feelings. Protecting the innocent. When in fact, we are creating the very bondage that we so wish to avoid. Some people will forever walk in bondage because they just...don’t...know. Nobody ever told them. Some people don’t even realize that their actions hurt people. Some of them don’t even care. However, voicing the truth will undoubtedly prick their hearts causing them to think, reconsider and who knows, eventually they may be moved to change their ways.

So much we should say and don’t.

There are people who have hurt you and will never know unless you tell them. There are people who make the same mistakes over and over while you watch on the sidelines shaking your head with your arms folded.

There are people in various positions who promote

falsehoods and cause discord. Living lives far from the roles that they have been entrusted. But we dare speak up. Afraid of confrontation. Afraid we’ll be called the trouble maker. That we’ll be accused of troubling waters. When in fact all we’re doing is speaking the truth.

Lord, help us.

When God lays something upon your heart to share with someone. Be obedient. Don’t second guess God’s timing. Don’t worry yourself about the aftershock. Tell the truth.

You can give the truth hard and fast or you can give it nice and easy. Allow the Holy Spirit to give counsel concerning the delivery, yet be obedient to give the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help us God. Jack Nicholson said in one of his movies, “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!” Maybe they can’t. But one thing for sure, when it’s all said and done, you my beloved will have “found favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” (Prov 3.)

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

“Can You Handle the Truth?” is an excerpt from the book, “Emails for the Christian Soul: 102 Messages of Praise, Hope and Revelation” by Sheritha Bowman. Pastor Bowman is a wife, homebuilder, author and senior pastor of Soul Inspiration Church Ministries in Germantown, Maryland. To order the book, please contact www.iuniverse.com.

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by Athena Thomas VCM VCM VCM VCM VCM

Part Three

special series/column

T H E E F F E C T S O F F E A R

The Showdown

Athena Thomas is a writer currently working on her first book. She is also the owner of Host U 4 Less, a web hosting

company in Maryland. She can be reached at [email protected]

As you travel through this journey to overcome the fear that has been holding you hostage, you begin to realize that the road is rather rough. When we first started, you were energized and felt a sense of power. Now, as you come closer to the actual showdown you are beginning to feel the added pressure.

During this phase you are beginning to question yourself as to why you decided to take this road. Can you turn back? Is it really worth it? Where is that rock you used to hide under? You have probably realized that in order for you to conquer this fear and move into the calling God has for you, you will have to make certain sacrifices and be willing to walk blindly by faith.

For our discussion this month, I would like to reference two important events from the Old Testament. The first is found in Exodus 14 (entire chapter) where the Israelites were scared because Pharaoh was pursuing them and they had reached what they thought to be a dead end, the Red Sea. Even though God was with them on this journey the people

were still scared and did not trust in his word to deliver them to the Promised Land. When they were facing the sea they began to wonder why God had led them this far only to let them die in the wilderness. As you proceed through your journey now, you may be starting to ask yourself similar questions. Things are looking rather hopeless and your enemy is closing in on you. What do you do?

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians [whatever is causing your fear] you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Holy Bible, NIV Exodus 14:13-14)

As you move closer to the showdown with your fear remember that the Lord is with you as a “pillar of fire and cloud” ready to take on your enemy. When he shows you the road toward your freedom you will still feel quite overwhelmed. This journey is much like the one the Israelites made as they traveled through the floor of the Red Sea. It was a long journey and at times I know they may

have felt like those huge walls of water would come crashing down on them at any moment. But when you look up and see that pillar of fire and cloud, you begin to feel an inner peace and know that those walls will hold up.

The second event is told in Genesis 22:1-19 but I would like to focus on it’s meaning as described in Hebrews 11:17-19. Abraham has been called and God has promised him a son. Abraham moved into his calling and after some time God fulfilled the promise with the birth of Isaac. Later God tested Abraham by telling him to offer his only son as a burnt offering unto him. Abraham obediently followed God’s word and proceeded to do as he said. But before he could carry out the act, God stopped him.

“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even thought God had said to him, ‘It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.’ Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from

death.” (Holy Bible, NIV Hebrews 11:17-19)

This journey will bring you to your showdown with fear. You will have to make a decision to stand or go back under the rock. Sometimes it may mean you will be tested, as Abraham was. But you have to be willing to go if God tells you to go. This test is of your faith not your weakness. It may seem like the hardest thing you will ever face in your life. But if you have focused on the promises that God has fulfilled in your life, are obedient and have faith you will move even when it doesn’t seem to make logical sense. So, is it over now? No, and the fear is not gone. But you have been delivered from the bondage of that specific fear. It is still there. If you have chosen the way of the Lord, now you can STAND, look it in the eyes and know by faith that it cannot control you anymore. Your path is clear now.

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FOCUS

While Walking the Straight and Narrow

Words of Exhortation

Brother Chicago G. Long

he Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot. This is the day that you have made oh Lord and I will rejoice and be exceedingly glad in it. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forever more. Thou wilt perfect that which concerns me. Blessed be the name of the Lord. (Hallelujah!) In him I live, move and have my being. Who shall say amongst the saints and before a dying world these words? I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoiceth. The word of God says that “A man’s heart deviseth his own way: But the Lord directeth his steps.” Yes, this means that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Having said that I must ask you, “Are you focused? and what or who is your focus set on?” “Are you walking with God, behind God or ahead of God?” (Yes! It’s very possible.) Do you find yourself more submissive to your flesh or the voice of God. Lastly, do you feel

the connection to the flowing firepower of the Holy Spirit of our Almighty, holy and righteous God?

Saints of God there is a place where the devil ceases to trouble you. When we begin to seek the face of God, not just his hand of provision, but I’m talking about the face of God. When I can see eye to eye with God, and know that He sees me in secret, and hears my cry in His ears, He can smell the sweet savor of my praise in His nostrils, I can hear the plans and the answers that he has for my life from his lips (not anyone elses) all within a one on one encounter in his presence, and in his Holy Word. You have got to know how to stroke God with your worship, invoke his presence, command your angels to go into warfare on your behalf. It should be your desire to have the closest walk with God. While walking this blind walk of faith you must stay in tune with the Holy Spirit who is to lead and guide you unto all truth. The bible says:

“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (pray).” We must utilize the

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weapons of our warfare to maintain, take by force or even so possess those things which are do to us. When the children of Israel finally came out of the wilder-ness, into the land that God had promised to their fathers, there was a report that giants were dwelling there; but God still told Joshua to go in and possess the land. Likewise we to in this day and time will some-times have to move ahead with no delay; fighting this great fight of faith and standing on God’s word alone. Because if he said it, that finishes it. He’s omnipotent, omniscient and well able to bring what he said to pass. The word of God also says in 2 Chronicles 16:9 “For

the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed

to him.”

We must be focused on God and be about our Father’s business, just like Christ Jesus our Lord and great example setter…He always prayed, worshipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about doing great works. He always said, “I speak

not of myself but of him who sent me.” He also said, “When you see me you see the Father, he and I are one.” (Did you hear that!) Jesus was one with his

Father; they were synonymous…Jesus said that he would make his abode in us; him and the Father would become one with us, if we receive them. (Glory!) God wants us to walk that straight and narrow path to life, lo he’s with us always, and he will never leave us or forsake us. It takes focus on God, commitment to him and his way, and faith in his Word to receive a vision and to know your true purpose. Once you’re at this point you must not look to the left or the right. Just stay up in God’s face looking to be changed, filled and empowered by him. He shall supply all your need. Also, while on this path its imperative that you first

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shipped, taught, walked in love toward others, and always went about

doing great works.”

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come under a ministry and grab hold of the vision and run with it, with faithfulness. Submit yourself under the authority of the leaders and learn how to be a servant of God first in the household of faith amongst the brethren. The bible says to wait on the Lord and be of good cheer. Amen!

You will find out that the method never changes to staying focused, moving forward and going higher in God. Just stay in his face…Keep talking, keep listen-ing, keep being obedient in all things, by all means, keep praising him, and worshipping him individually, and corporately in humility, and with fear and trem-bling. Only the pure in heart shall see God. We must worship him in spirit and in truth. The bible says that God seeketh after worshippers. Glory! You hear that? Yes Sir! God seeketh after worshippers. You want God to begin to chase you. Just become consistent in your worship. He inhabits the praises of his people. When

you fill like you’re ready to go to another level let God move you. Less the Lord build the house, man buildeth it in vain. Stick to these two scriptures: Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” 2

Timo-thy 2:15 “Study to shew Timo-thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Use these frequently and

you should be fine.

Remember, stay focused on God, and he will make provision for the vision, so rest in him and with prayer and supplication and thanks giving make your request known unto him. So I say to you now the race is not given to the swift but to those who endure even in the hardships. Finally saints be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

God bless

Forever yours in Christ Jesus

Chicago Garfield Long born and raised in N.E. Washington, DC. He was lead back to the Lord in November of 1997, being delivered from eight years of drug and alcohol abuse along with stress, oppression and …even jail time. He has steadfastly completed a four-year Christian Discipleship program at the Jericho Christian Training College. He is diligently working as a Teacher in the Children’s Church Ministry. He was recently married over the summer of 2003 to the beautiful and anointed Mrs. Michelle Long whom he met at Jericho College and she’s mother of two sons and a daughter. He also brings a son to the mar-riage, making him a proud father and step daddy of four beautiful children…He enjoys spending time with his family and spreading the gospel through evangelizing, and his written work. His goal is to bring God glory in all that he says and does here on earth.

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P o e t r y C o r n e r

“A Christian Vision”

words by Joe Floydwords by Joe Floydwords by Joe Floydwords by Joe Floydwords by Joe Floyd

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words by L.C. Tds by L.C. Tds by L.C. Tds by L.C. Tds by L.C. Tararararardydydydydy

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Each individual must connect with God Building a relationship with a strong foundation

Fortified with strength, trust and love Working towards eternal salvation.

The connect with others with strength through unity Supporting and encouraging each other Work in small groups to reinforce the message Jesus’ teachings instruct us to love our brother. Contribute your talent to one of the ministries

God has given each of us a special skill Donate time, knowledge and dedication

To collectively fulfill God’s will.

Collectively the ministries strengthen the Church The key mission is too reach lost souls All ministries working a common process The ministries are striving to reach Church goals.

The goals of the Church is a Christian Vision Transforming the community towards Christian life The road map for this process is found in the Word

And in the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

“Don’t Quit”

words by Unknown Authorwords by Unknown Authorwords by Unknown Authorwords by Unknown Authorwords by Unknown Author

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will When the road you’re trudging seems all-uphill When the funds are low, and the debts are high And when you want to smile, but you have to sigh

When care is pressing you down a bit Rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with it’s twists and turns

As everyone of us sometimes learns And many a failure turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out The silver tint of the clouds of doubt And you never can tell how close you are

It may be near when it seems so far So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit

Dec Feb 1

SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING TRIPS FOR 2004

March 14, 2004

May & September 2004

Sight & Sound-”Behold The Lamb”

Fishing on the Sandra Marie - $90

Lancaster, PA

Wynne, MD

July 21 - 31, 2004

10-day cruise around the Hawaii Islands

$300 Deposit Due: October 31, 2003

$375 Deposit Due: December 1, 2003

August 2004

New York Shopping Trip

New York City, NY

October 9, 2004

Sight & Sound-”Noah-The Musical”

Lancaster, PA

December 4, 2004

Christmas Shopping at

Rehoboth Beach Outlets- Fax Free

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Table of Contents

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

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5

5

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7

7

7

FEA

FEA

FEA

FEA

FEATURES

TURES

TURES

TURES

TURES

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8

8

8

8

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9

9

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9

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25

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POETRY CORNER

POETRY CORNER

POETRY CORNER

POETRY CORNER

POETRY CORNER

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