July 2008
Riveting… Unashamed… Unconstrained…
Never before in Christianity has such a true account of one’s life been exposed in a way that is so unabashed, blatant, and stripped bare of any sugar coating. Jordan Rodgers delivers a clarion call to the Body of Christ to quickly get a real, and lasting, relationship with God. If you never read another book this entire year, you MUST READ “Angels Watching Over Me.” This book is wonderfully written and poignantly descriptive. It’s a key to whatever holds you bound. Whether it’s drug abuse, promiscuity, or spiritual warfare, “Angels Watching Over Me” has something for everyone!
When I first got this book I could barely put it down. It was in my pocket at work, on my bed at night, and a constant passenger in the front seat of my car. It was an in-depth walk through one man’s personal, and at times private, journey into becoming who God predestined him to be. Jordan Rodgers weaves for us all the tapestry that tells his story, the veracity that is his truth, and the deliverance that only God can give. Over the course of our interview I had a couple of questions that needed answered, but mostly I sat and received an impartation from an anointed Man of God. He spoke an abundance of blessings over my life and, in turn, I intend to bless him as well.
Here you will find our conversation as it went on a windy June evening.
LoVetta Jenkins: When did you begin the process of writing this book?
Jordan Rodgers: I actually tried to manually write, put some thoughts together, between January and May of 2007 but it didn’t work. I had to wait. In September 2007 the Holy Spirit moved me
to begin again. I started the first week of October and finished the third week in December.
Rodgers never took one note during his writing process as most writers do. He would simply sit down for eight to ten hours a night for a divine writing assignment from the Holy Spirit.
LJ: What was your reason for deciding to tell your story to the world?
JR: I had had these visitations (visitations are the key). People don’t believe in visitations anymore. If you gathered all of the people who have had visitations together, the numbers would be so low. I had to let everyone know that God is real.
LJ: In “Angels Watching Over Me”, you speak of a covenant your father made with God concerning you.
Do you think that it was the knowledge of that covenant that would only let you go so far out into the world?
JR: That helped, but I don’t think I realized that it was the divine side of the covenant that kept me. I was kept by something greater than myself. I still had a [certain] level of knowledge of God while I was doing what I was doing. We are chosen, considered, for a hit from the cradle. God may allow the attack, but He does not allow the enemy to destroy us.
When asked about the current state of the church as a whole he replied, “We are living in a state of emergency and a crossroads as a church. There is a remnant of people (those who go to church but have a relationship with God that could be sustained at home) out there. The church is getting ready to be opened wide up. The enemy is preparing to take over and the ‘church’ age has to come to a close. We have to build the Kingdom of God and Kingdom people and not just more churches with church people.”
LJ: In the book you speak of your past drug addiction and how it had an effect on your life.
JR: Yes, it had a serious effect on me then. When God decided to clean me up, I didn’t need AA or any other program. My church had a 30 day revival and that was my rehab.
LJ: If you had to do it all over again would you do it the same way?
JR: At times it was alienating and crazy, but I wouldn’t take anything back. Anything that you have been delivered from, you have the power to conquer. God gives us a certain measure of grace for that. I’m just thankful that somewhere in Heaven God thought of me enough to send an angel to protect me. He kept me from death based on what I was going to do. In my life the voice of the Lord has stood true!
I was immensely blessed by “Angels Watching Over Me” and I am confident in knowing that everyone who reads it will be equally blessed. When I asked Jordan Rodgers what was next for him, his answer was, (you guessed it) “another book next year” and this one just at true and profound as this one.
Click here to purchase your copy
The Platform
Interview with Cam
Spencer Oklahoma has something to be proud of. This is the birthplace of up & coming gospel artist Cam. A young, energetic, spirit-filled, YOUNG MAN in the gospel. Cam, who is currently living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a member of The Greater Galilee Baptist Church. He is the youth pastor, praise leader, works with YFC (Youth for Christ) program which goes into the schools, and holds bible study, with the youth and many different programs. 31tenmagazine had a chance to catch up with Cam, who is getting ready to celebrate his 30th birthday.
31ten: Good afternoon, we have been looking forward to
doing this interview for a while. Your CD
The Platform is on fire. I thank God that I had
the chance to be able to listen to the words God
spoke through you. How long have you been in the
Ministry of music.
Cam: Thank God. I have been doing gospel since 2000,
but, I have been in music for 18 years. I did
my first song at the age of 11 and in 2003 God
blessed me and I was able to start my own label.
The first CD I came out with was titled
“Just Listen”, which came out December of 2007.
31ten: Who were some of the artist who inspired you?
Cam: When I was in the world, there were groups like
Boys II Men, Jodeci, Shai, & Joe. I studied their
sound and their style. In the gospel, I listen to
J-Shun, Trip Lee, Da Truth, and many other gospel
artist.
31ten: Okay, Those are very powerful men in Gospel
Hip-Hop. I heard a shout out to Truth on the song
“Backup”, have you ever or would you ever like to
work with Truth?
Cam: I haven’t worked with him, but I would love to. He
is very talented, and you can hear his heart on his
music.
31ten: You also have a song on this CD with your mom. How
was it working with your mom?
Cam: It was a blessing and an honor. My mom was the one
who taught me how to depend on Christ, my dad was
there, but was not living for Christ. Through my
mother’s prayers, my dad did turn his life over to
Christ and is now a deacon at the church.
31ten: God is so awesome. Cam, every artist has his/her
favorite song that they sing. What is yours?
Cam: I actually have two. I have one that I love to do
in concert, and I have on I just love to sing. I
love to do the song “That Dress” in concert. And I
love to sing the song “Wounded” (the song I did with
my mother).
31ten: I love the song “That Dress”. When Sis. Jenkins
brought me the CD to listen to, that was the first
song she told me to listen to. There is so much
of that going on in the church today.
Cam: Yes, and it’s a very touchy song, because it has
been going on for so long, and no one has said
anything about it. So when I do it in concert, the
look that comes over people’s faces is a look of,
wow, and amazement.
31ten: I am glad you said something. So now that you have
been on the radio show, your music is going out
around the world. How do you feel about that?
Cam: One word. Unworthy. (laughs) Usually when I send
Something out, I am doing it myself. I just sent
some music to the UK and Australia. But now God
has expanded the way to get it out. It is so
awesome to watch God move.
31ten: Cam do you have any other siblings?
Cam: Yes, there are five of us. I have 1 brother and
three sisters. I am the second youngest.
31ten: I see you have a lot of family support, How about
the support from your church family how is that?
Cam: It is amazing. I have been at the church all my
life, born and raised. When I was getting ready
to put out my first CD, I was short on money, so
my pastor and his wife helped me to put out the
first 100 units. I thank God for them.
31ten: That is truly a blessing. It’s good to have
support from the church family. God has put you
in a place to help your ministry grown.
Cam: Yes he has, I also have my own T-shirt company,
and I work in the ministry. It keeps me busy.
but there is no other work I would rather be busy
doing.
31ten: What can the people look forward to next?
Cam: I haven’t started working on the new CD yet, the
direction that God is leading me, is on the next
one is to give him more glory and praise. So the
next one will be more worship. It’s easy to tell
stories, and tell the people what to and not to
do, but this is the direction that the Lord is
leading me in.
31ten: I like to ask, what is some advice that you would
give the young people who are coming up behind
you, and want to get in the music business?
Cam: First of all make sure it’s your calling.
A lot of people get into it and it's not their
calling. #1 Know scripture, don’t just talk about
anything. Back it up with scripture. #2 Have quality.
You be creative and learn the business, learn about
marketing, and promotion. Start singing in different
churches, get your name out there so the people will know
who you are. Make sure that the studio that you
use is a quality studio As well. You have to be
consistent and remember who You are doing this
for. It takes a lot of time and money. Stay
focused.
As we closed the interview, Cam shared with me his view on music. He said “Music is a brick, its neutral; once you put lyrics to it you can build. You can build churches, homes, tall buildings. Or you can tear down everything.
On behalf of 31ten, we thank Cam for letting God use him; we speak abundant blessings into his career, his family, and his church ministry. We pray God’s covering over his life. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Happy Birthday Cam, God is going to continue to bless you
June 2008
Stacey Joseph has a way of telling her story that makes you see how it relates to every area of your own life. The writing is transparent and absolutely real. Joseph helps women, and men alike, come to grips with their own personal baggage. From her mother’s teenage pregnancy, to singing around the world with New Breed, to fixing your own bad credit, she teaches us all how to improve ourselves through her own life’s lessons. It’s no wonder that she gets her message across so well, this former teacher is used to holding the wandering mind’s attention and helping her students make the grade.
LoVetta Jenkins: When did you realize that you were healed enough to write this book?
Stacey Joseph: When a lot of the elements in the book didn’t effect me like they once did. When you are ministering and you’re being transparent, you have to come from another place. You have to be able to talk about some situations with people who are going through the same thing and during conversations people would say “you need to write this”.
"I was OK. It used to hurt but it didn’t anymore."
LJ: Did you ask your mother’s permission before you told certain parts of your story?
SJ: Actually, she was supposed to write that part but our schedules were conflicting so much that I decided to write it myself. She knew everything that I was going to tell and she was okay with it.
LJ: What church do you attend now?
SJ: That’s an interesting question. I pay my tithes to a church Jabula in Africa, when I’m here in Humble (Texas) I attend Grace Church, and my Spiritual parents are Pastor Carlo and Lady Stephanie Bates in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
LJ: How long have you been in ministry?
SJ: It’s been four years full-time. Before that I was singing and still working a “real” job. I was a teacher for 5 years then I worked in the Corporate world for 2 years.
LJ: How long have you been with New Breed and how do you manage that ministry as well as your own?
SJ: I’ve been with New Breed for at least 6 years. I’m with them when I’m not out promoting my own projects.
LJ: The fact that you included a chapter about finances in your book is so on point for today. What made you do that?
SJ: Most people are going through financial hardship and have no way of getting out of it. I had to become accountable with what the Lord gave me. Sometimes you can’t buy what you want.
LJ: In the book you talked about “hanging out with yourself”. Please explain that term.
SJ: Sometimes I like to go places alone. I go out to eat alone and even on vacation alone. That’s the way to find out who you really are. You have to spend time with yourself.
In “Finding My Way” Stacey Joseph openly talks about growing up without her biological father and being raised by her “Auntie Mommy”. This has become the truth for more of America’s children than we are willing to admit. Unlike most children who grow up without their biological fathers, Stacey had a chance to reconnect with her father and find out that they actually needed one another.
LJ: How did connecting with your father (even for a short period of time) change who you are for the better?
SJ: It was like a breaking and a mending at the same time. It wasn’t big conversation. It was a lot of small talk, but that small talk was settling something inside me. Putting together some things inside me that I didn’t even know were broken. God had begun a work and my heart had become tender toward him.
LJ: What advice or words of encouragement would you share with a child who is experiencing “father hunger” or struggling with self-acceptance?
SJ: First, you have to be aware of the problem. Awareness is good! Then you can take some of the power away from it. Second, seek out a family member or someone in ministry who is a TRUSTED male to connect with. Men add the balance in our lives as women. We need positive male interaction. I always had uncles that were in the mix and my Pastor was always a positive reinforcement.
LJ: What advice would you give an absent or emotionally-distant father?
SJ: (chuckles) READ MY BOOK! On one hand the book says this is what happens when you’re not in place. On the other this is what happens when you are. Some fathers are overwhelmed because they don’t know what to do. JUST BE THERE. Be present and acknowledge the fact that [ your child] belongs to you.
Reading “Finding My Way” was an enlightening experience for me and I know that it will open your eyes as well. It’s full of prayers and places for you to journal your own journey to finding the true you. Make sure to visit Ms. Joseph’s website to find out more about her ministry, her charities and foundations, and find your own way.
Click here to order!
Our featured Artist of the month is Mr. Samuel Huddleson II. He is a native of Florissant, MO. (St. Louis area), 41 years of age, and has an anointed voice. For a total of four weeks, 31tenMagazine has been blessed to have Samuel in the number one spot on our weekly 31tenLive! Top 10 Countdown with his song “ Made a Way.” We recently got a chance to sit and talk with Mr. Huddleson.
31ten: Good afternoon, we at 31ten would first like to extend our congratulations on holding the number one spot in our count down four times. We would like to know, along with the readers out there, how long have you been singing?
S.H: I know it sounds like a cliché, but I have been singing all my life.
31ten: Who were some of your inspirations growing up?
S.H: I listened to a lot of different artists. I love the sound of Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, The Caravans, and different Quartet groups.
31ten: Okay, there is a lot of inspiration that can come from a great history of singers like that. Since
our radio broadcast is aired via the internet it is being sent out across the world. How do you feel, knowing that your ministry is being sent out to, not only America, but , Africa, Europe, and many other nations.
S.H: I am still in amazement. Sometimes, if you are not a certain person, or have certain people backing you up, you won’t get a lot of exposure. But just the thought of God being able to use my music and send it across the world still amazes me.
31ten: Samuel, I have to let you know that, we were listening to “Made a Way”, and next thing you know, everyone in the room was singing along, and feeling the music.
S.H: (laughing) I thank God for that. Music comes from God, and He has given me the gift, and ability to write, sing, and create music. You never know when God is going to download something into you. You always have to be ready with paper, pen, pencil, or a tape recorder.
31ten: Out of all the Gospel greats out there today, who would you like to work with?
S.H: Man, I would love to work with any number of gospel artist out there today. Yolanda Adams, Williams Brothers, Myron Butler, the list can go on and on. Each one of the artists gift’s are awesome.
31ten: You know, today there are so many artists who are crossing over, we have the secular artist who are coming over into gospel, and then we have some gospel who are crossing over to the secular side. How do you feel about that.?
S.H: It all depends. There are so many forms of gospel today. I would have to say that, it really depends on the message, and type of song. If you are singing about being in love, and wanting to marry someone, then I can support that. Now when the message gets vulgar, and you are really conforming to the world’s standard of music, then that’s where I have the problem. We never know what a persons situation is. It can vary from situation to situation. But like I said before, it depends on the message, and the style of music.
31ten: I can agree with that.
S.H: There is a difference from going from, “Oh How I Love Jesus“, to going to sing about bumping and grinding.
31ten: So true, so true. Now, if you were to give any advice to up and coming young men who are looking into getting into the music ministry, what would you tell them?
S.M: First of all, I would tell them to be grounded in God. Know who and whose you are. Second, surround yourself with people who are also grounded. And make sure that you have a covering. To the single men, I strongly advise you to get married first. There will be women throwing themselves at you, and if you are not careful, you can fall into the temptations. You also have to appeal to everyone. You won’t reach everyone singing, “Nearer My God to Thee“, and you won’t reach everyone singing, “Stomp“. That would be the most important advice I would give.
31ten: We know that sometimes, when you are not a well known artist, you may lack the support that you need, and a lot of the ones who we feel should support us, don’t. How is the support from your family?
S.H: My family support is awesome. They support me whole heartedly. Both my natural family and my extended family. Family support is one of the best support systems to have in this business. I thank God for my family.
31ten: Well, we would like to thank you for sharing with us today. We speak blessings into your life and your ministry. Continue to let God use you. We would also like to send our Congratulations to your nephew who graduated high school this past week.
S.H: Thank you 31ten, for giving me the chance to share with you. I pray continued blessings, and success in everything you do.
Samuel Huddleson II, is also the featured artist for the city’s 100th Anniversary of Parks and Recreation’s Gospel Fest. He has also been nominated for multiple awards. We pray God’s favor continue to be with Mr. Huddleson. Look for more featured artist, and different men of faith in upcoming months.
May 2008
From the Publisher
Two factors motivate this unusually inspiring novel based on the true life of Ann Deane Teal. The first one being the desperation and despair that this 'girl next door' felt. The other is her need for survival.
Devastating would describe most of the men in her life. Her father and three husbands cause immense turmoil that is totally unbelievable for one person to endure. Mental and physical abuse, murder and drug rings weave an intriguing tale. After the murders of her two young children and the ensuing threats on her life by her psychopathic husband, she is placed in a 'mini witness protection program' where the FBI encourages her to buy a pistol and trains her to 'shoot to kill.'
Then, a miracle happened. Ann Deane thought for the first time that she had died and gone to heaven. She had never been happier in her life. God had certainly answered her prayers this time. Enter Charlie - who turned out to be the love of her life. But all good things come with baggage - his two grown children, Warren and Maria, who in the next twenty years never ceased to make her life miserable at times. Thank God she had her daughter, Mary Kate, by her side.
Two rare life-threatening brain surgeries are chief among her many never ending health problems. Her unshakable faith in God and her sheer will in the face of adversity is the cornerstone of this book. You share her heartaches, hopes, and her dreams as she struggles to overcome these obstacles. This is probably the most inspirational story of the century and a must read for everyone. ∠
When I first set out to read the book "No Time for Tears..." I was not expecting it to be so personal. This book is not at all like reading a book, it's more like snooping in someone else's diary. Kellee Stone gives a true account of her lifes events. The deaths of her daughters, the subsequent murder trials, and a sometimes tumultuous family relationship are shocking in ways that you can't imagine. The events in this book are all true, which adds even further to the shock value! It's amazing how one woman can go through all of these challenges and still come out of it victorious and sane! Her writing career began humbly, writing for her local church newsletter and blossoming into a healthy and thriving literary vocation.
When I had the chance to talk to this wonderful Author, after taking in her sweet Southern drawl, my first question was simply:
LoVetta Jenkins: How did you go from writing church newsletters to writing a full-fledged novel?
Kellee Stone: For me it was easy. I had always been a writer. I'd written several training manuals for the phone company where I worked as well as church newsletters.
The book, which started out as one woman's journal reflecting on her life, was never meant to be read by anyone other than it's Author at all.
KS: My daughter found my manuscript and read it. Then my husband read it, and then I let my Pastor read it. All three of them urged me to publish it!
Writing it was presumably the easy part, publishing it proved to be a bit of a trial. Since the facts in the book were true, Stone had to change the names of the people involved, the places she mentioned, and take the edge off of some very sharp situations.
KS: Most of the events that I had written about had to be sort of toned down because they were so graphic. The lawyers would tell me that I couldn't write about this or that because the people involved were still alive.
Not wanting to start a legal battle, Stone opted to change the names of the people in her story, including her own. The places had to be switched from one state to another to the point where she could barely keep up. She even had to cut about 100 pages from the original 356 page draft! But, through it all she never loses the meat of the book. You never have to wonder about where this mother found her need to survive or her will to weather a storm. You just know that it's her faith in God.
Although this book had been written and shelved for 9 years, it was a chance encounter with a wrong number that got the publishing ball rolling.
KS: A wrong number called me that happened to be a Publishing House. We started talking and they wanted to publish my book.
That conversation alone can certainly attest to the fact that when God is ready for things to happen for you He knows exactly how to find you and what you are in need of.
No, it has not all been a bed of roses or a horn of plenty, but it has been God ordained. Only God could have created the avenues that paved the way for this book.
What's next for Author Kellee Stone you might ask?
KS: A sequel! This book definitely has to have a follow-up so that everyone can find out what happened to me after all of this.
I urge you all to read this book and share it with a friend. It invokes courage in those who stand afraid and faith in those who doubt. "No Time for Tears" helps us all to realize that some of the trials that God allows us to go through in life are there to make us stronger. Rest assured the next time that you have to stand firm in a storm. If your are deeply rooted in God, and the winds begin to blow, relax in knowing that He's holding on to you just as tightly as you are holding on to Him.
Kellee Stone is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. She lived there till age 21, when she moved to Atlanta, Georgia. As a child, she worked in her father’s many businesses and at 17 began working for the telephone company as a switchboard operator. She worked for Southern Bell from 1960 – 1979 when she transferred to C & P of Virginia in Richmond, subsequently retiring in 1992.
She is the mother of one daughter, Mary Kate, who lives in Charleston, S. C. with her husband and two cats. Kellee also has two step-granddaughters.
Kellee Stone enjoys traveling and frequently travels with her husband to their second home in Virginia, to Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach.
Kellee loves her two cats: Cooper and Elmo. Both of them like to help Mama write.
In addition to traveling, she loves to read, cross-stitch, work crossword puzzles, and church activities. Also, she has worked with estate jewelry, and serves on the board of directors for several associations.
Kellee holds a Ph.D in Business Administration, and earned an Associate Degree in Christian Counseling.
-LoVetta Jenkins
Never before in Christian music has there been such a movement as the one started by Fireflight's "Unbreakable"! Not only does this song inspire some serious "rock-outs" but it has taken on a life all it's own. "Unbreakable" has given voice to the multitude of people who have ever felt lost, confused, unloved, and especially those who have lost their trust in God. IamUnbreakable.com is the place where those effected by this movement have gathered together to share their stories of how God has delivered, empowered, and reclaimed His children.
I came upon this song one day while channel surfing. Being a closet rocker, I paused from my surfing and listened in. I was first attracted to the music side of it and the passion of Dawn's (the lead singer's) vocals. Once I got past my shock of seeing bonafide Christians rock a stage like I'd never seen before, I was able to listen to the actual words of the song.
"God I want to dream again, take me where I've never been. I want to go there, this time I'm not scared..." is the plea of someone who has wavered in their faith but has the sincere desire to get back to their calling. We've all been afraid to step out in God at one time or another but this song exposes that fear.
"Forget the fear, it’s just a crutch
That tries to hold you back until your dreams are dust
All you need to do is just try"
Fear is the silent killer of dreams. If you allow fear to take over then your dreams can never come to pass. You have to let go of it and step out on your faith. Trust that God is going to take care of you no matter where He leads you.
"Sometimes it’s hard to just keep going
But faith is moving without knowing
Can I trust what I can’t see
to reach my destiny?
I want to take control, but I know better"
Haven't we all had the moment when we know that it's better to trust God to handle our problems, but we still have the desire to do things our own way? In the end we come to the realization that once we start trying to fix things we inadvertently push God aside. We limit God by trying to step in and fix what He has designed to make us stronger. Everything that we go through in life is not to break us, some things are God-designed to prove us.
If you've ever been scared, lonely, forgotten, felt forsaken, or lost your faith I urge you to listen to the song "Unbreakable". If you're not a rock fan, then scroll past the video box and just read the lyrics. Don't let the fact that this is a Christian Rock song (with some head-banging) ruin the fact that your deliverance could very well be in these life-giving words.
Come out of your comfort zone and become "UNBREAKABLE"!
FIREFLIGHT "UNBREAKABLE" LYRICS
Where are the people that accuse me?
The ones who beat me down and abuse me
They hide, just out of sight
Can’t face me in the light
They’ll return, but I’ll be stronger
God i want to dream again
Take me where I’ve never been
I want to go there
This time I’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable
It’s unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me
Sometimes it’s hard to just keep going
But faith is moving without knowing
Can I trust what I can’t see
to reach my destiny?
I want to take control, but I know better
God i want to dream again
Take me where I’ve never been
I want to go there
This time I’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable
It’s unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me
Forget the fear, it’s just a crutch
That tries to hold you back until your dreams are dust
All you need to do is just try
(Try, try, try)
God i want to dream again
Take me where I’ve never been
I want to go there
This time i’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable
It’s unmistakable
No one can touch me
Nothing can stop me
God i want to dream again (I want to dream again!)
Take me where I’ve never been
I want to go there (I wanna go there)
This time I’m not scared
Now I am unbreakable (I am unbreakable!)
It’s unmistakable
No one can touch me (No one can touch me!)
Nothing can stop me!
Look for the media player for this song on our 31tenLive! Requests Page.
-LoVetta Jenkins
April 2008
When I first laid eyes on an article in JET Magazine about Etterlene “Mama” DeBarge I knew that I had to hear her story for myself. I said a prayer and set out on a journey to contact her. The Bible says ask and it shall be given and the Word is certainly true.
On Thursday March 13, 2008 I was blessed to meet the woman that is responsible for gracing the world with the 10 most talented and versatile people the world has ever seen or heard. Yes, Etterlene DeBarge is the mother of the famed group “DeBarge”, Tommy and Bobby DeBarge of “Switch”, Chico DeBarge, and the twins Carol and Darrell DeBarge.
Her book “The Other Side of the Pain” gives an honest account of growing up in the church, her abusive interracial marriage in the 1950s, the rise and fall of her children’s fame, and the blessings that each life lesson has taught her family. It has truly been the prayers of this mother that has kept her children even in times of darkness. She speaks candidly about their drug abuse, marriages, and prison time.
This is the account of a mother who believes in fasting and praying, not bribing and paying, your way out of a bad situation. She has weathered the storms of life, has the scars to prove it, but has survived it all by the grace of God
LoVetta Jenkins: What made you decide to tell this story now?
Mama DeBarge: Someone persuaded me to do it. I do a lot of inspirational stuff. I love to inspire people. I had told Jan Gay (Marvin Gay’s wife) what God had done for me and how I had come through with my right mind and she suggested that women needed to hear my story. That maybe it would inspire them because I had survived the storm and come out victorious. The more I shared the more she said ‘You need to do it’. It had to be God because He made it easy for me to write it. It woke up emotions that I thought were dead and gone.
LJ: Did you consult your children before you wrote this book?
MD: They knew. Chico said ‘Tell it all! MaMa tell it all!’ God used it as a tool to inspire my children. Now they are busy doing things creatively as well.
LJ: Were you raised in the church?
MD: Yes. And that’s why I didn’t leave my husband earlier. I was taught that you don’t leave your husband and have baby after baby after baby, but that was not God’s will for my life. It wasn’t His will that I suffer like that. My husband actually used my religion against me saying that I’d go to hell if I divorced him or didn’t have children
LJ: Did you know that he was abusive before you married him?
MD: I had no idea he was abusive. He was very manipulative and controlling but not physically abusive.
With numerous separations and after 23 years of marriage she finally found the faith and courage to leave.
“I had to stand still and trust that God had my back!”
Her example when raising her children was her own mother who bore 16 children of her own. Her mother was a praying woman with raised her children to love and fear God. She had a loving father who taught them all to sing. Her brother Bishop William Abney is most noted for his preaching and singing the song “I Won’t Complain.” So it was that when she had her own children, MaMa DeBarge carted them all to church, taught them how to harmonize, and encouraged them when they showed a desire to play musical instruments. It was that training that lead them to desire careers in the musical industry, and as they say the rest is history.
Their rise to fame seemed literally overnight but just as their stars shined their brightest, forces behind the scenes orchestrated the groups’ demise. Mama DeBarge doesn’t bite her tongue when it comes to the way that her children were handled by Motown and its “Svengali” Barry Gordy. Singling our her son El as the groups leader placed a rift between the other siblings and soon that rift became a crater and that crater became the catalyst for the groups demise.
LJ: Why do you think the world is still so fascinated with the lives of your children?
MD: Because they have such a heavy call on their lives. All of this has happened for the glory of God. Just as you can have a generational curse, my children inherited a generational call. They are loving affectionate people. They can’t be forgotten because of their love and that type of love doesn’t go away.
LJ: What do you hope that everyone watching will learn from you and your children?
MD: To get what it’s like to survive through a storm and what it feels like when you get out. You don’t have to stay in a bad situation. Don’t think, just get out. God will give you the strength to endure. No matter what you go through know He won’t let you lose your mind. What He has done for me He will do for you.
Through the storms that life had to offer her, Etterlene “Mama” DeBarge has come through with flying colors and even more faith in God. At 70 plus years old she still looks a beautiful fresh 50 and, as God promised, her mind is sharp and fully in tact. I encourage all of you to read “The Other Side of the Pain”. It’s a pure and unremarkable testimony to God, His favor, His mercy, and His willingness to bring you through your tests if you just trust Him.
Get your copy of “The Other Side of the Pain” today at www.MamaDeBarge.com it will bless your soul.
As a lover of all things musical I jumped at the chance to listen to “Let Them Talk” the newest release from the Paris, France based group Jazzpel. “Let Them Talk” is a refreshing take on Gospel music from a Jazz point of view. On several occasions while listening to it I had to actually check the CD to make sure that it was in fact Gospel music. The saxophone probably hasn’t been played by someone as good as Esaie Cid in years. Vocalist Rachel Ratsizafy has a deep bluesy voice that could either sing you a wonderful lullaby like she does on the song “The Nearness of an Angel” or stir up your spirit on “Lasts Will be the Firsts.”
This CD is definitely for those who enjoy the laid back sounds of jazz, complete with sax, upright bass, whispering drums, and honey dripping voices. This is the music you want to hear on a Saturday afternoon while reading a good book just like I did. Every now and then you have to listen for a message about Jesus, but trust me, it’s in there. It’s definitely not traditional Gospel but these aren’t traditional times. The Word of God has to be given to everybody and this is the way that they are doing it across the pond. Some people don’t want to hear booming choirs and heavy drums with blaring organs. Believe it or not, some people can only be reached by saxophone and bass, upright that is. Emerging from Christian Coffee Houses all over the world are bands just like Jazzpel who are spreading the Word to thousands of people through unconventional means and measures. If you’re a Jazz lover I suggest you run out and grab this CD now, if you’re a Gospel lover I suggest you go get it, ease it into your CD player and listen to “Lasts Will be the Firsts” first (no pun intended since it is the last song on the CD) and then wean your way into the other tracks.
March 2008
The Creator of Gospel Comedy!
If you’ve never heard of Pat G’Orge-Walker maybe it’s because you know her as Christian Comedy’s First Lady of the “Ain’t Nobody Saved but Us-All Other’s Goin’ to Hell” church’s prayer circle, the ever so high and mighty, Sister Betty. Yes folks, the same Sister Betty who had a personal phone conversation with God in “Sister Betty, God‘s Calling You,” and “Sister Betty, God’s Calling You. Again!”
Pat G’Orge-Walker brings this witty, humorous, semi-righteous character to life once again in her upcoming book “Somewhat Saved.”
“Somewhat Saved” is the tale of Sister Betty, Mother Sasha Pray Onn, and Mother Bea Blister and all of their wild antics while in Las Vegas at a National Mother’s Board Convention. Believe me, they end up in a lot more than trouble! This book has everything that a story about saintly Church Mothers shouldn’t have. Arrests, murder plots, people who can‘t hold a memory but can hold a grudge, and let’s not forget the occasional cane-assault by Mother Pray Onn! As the chaos and comedy get out of hand, so do the questions about who is who, who did what to whom, and where and when, But despite everyone’s best --or worst- intentions it’s God who is ultimately in charge.
Even though she has been battling a serious cough, G’Orge-Walker was able to let us all in to her world and her creative mind during our recent interview. When I spoke to this Bestselling Author, I couldn’t help but ask: “Are these characters based on people you know or are they solely from your imagination?” While giving a subdued giggle she replied: “Both! Sister Betty is based on a woman named Ms. Lena from North Carolina. Ma Cile is based on my grandmother named Ma Cile.” Some were so true to form that people from her former church were telling her “we know who you’re talking about” when she first wrote about Mother Sasha Pray Onn.
LJ: “How did you decide to write this particular book?”
PGW: “I felt that it was important for Sister Betty to be knocked off of her high horse a little. I wanted people to know that a relationship with God is more important than titles. One of my challenges when I write is to not get too ‘preachy’ but to get God’s word across with humor.”
There is a new character introduced in this book named Zipporah Moses who has had somewhat of a hard life. She’s had to deal with the fact that she had no parents growing up, been beaten by her boyfriend, and abandoned on the cruel streets of Las Vegas.
LJ: “ What was your purpose for bringing Zipporah into the picture?”
PGW: “I wanted to show that everybody in a homeless shelter and down on their luck aren’t bad people. These are fighters. What’s thrown at you and how you handle it determines where you land in life.”
LJ: “Zipporah eventually finds her birth father. How did you come about the story line for this?”
PGW: “It’s reminiscent of my relationship with my own father. A lot of Zipporah’s feelings that she had for her father were the same feelings that I had for my father. I wanted to show my readers a different kind of father-daughter relationship in this book.”
The story of Zipporah and her father is the story of many young girls. They grow up without a father and in turn they grow up with a piece of themselves missing.
PGW: “I want fathers to understand that it’s not too late to get involved in their children’s lives.”
“Somewhat Saved” is a book with a book of age-old grudges, desperation, redemption, and new beginnings. Don’t miss this literary masterpiece April 1, 2008 everywhere books are sold! What’s next for Pat G’Orge-Walker you might ask? Well she is definitely keeping busy. Her novel “Cruisin’ on Desperation” has been released with a soft cover edition and on audio, the “Somewhat Saved” tour, “Holy Humor” pod cast, and FOUR new novels in the making! She’s introducing lots of new characters but you can rest assured that Sister Betty, Mother Bea Blister, and Mother Sasha Pray Onn will live another day to argue over another disagreement that neither of them can remember the true story of in the first place.
Visit Pat G’Orge-Walker and Sister Betty at:
www.SisterBetty.com
www.myspace.com/SisterBettyComedy
For booking and tour information visit:
www.upstagecomedians.com
Alyncia Mack loves the Lord, her family, and the music He put in her soul! Guided by the Pastoral leadership of her father, Rev. Dr. Delbert A Mack Sr. of the Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church in Beaumont Texas, Alyncia began singing publicly at the age of 10 years old.
Alyncia credits international Gospel promoter Ivy Taylor, and international musician / clinician / promoter Lawrence Ingram, and Mayme Gardiner (her Grandmother) with opening musical doors all over the world for her.
While her trademark lyrical soprano voice has garnered her many awards throughout the years, Alyncia remains true to her commitment to worship no matter where she is or with whom she shares the stage. Alyncia has had the opportunity to foster many musical relationships with some of her musical role models while remaining true to the call placed on her life. Biological Uncle Ronald Materre, Kathy Taylor-Brown, Rozalyn Brunswick-McDuffie, along with Shawn and Rhonda McLemore are a few of the artists with whom she has shared in ministry or the stage in various capacities. She has also been in a few theatre productions as well.
Embracing the concept of mission work has also given Alyncia the opportunity to minister to numerous members of the National Football League via their regularly scheduled Gospel brunches, members of the National Basketball Association via their NBA Moms events, and several music industry conferences and celebrity softball games!
Alyncia and her brother Delbert Jr. now attend Musicians Institute in Hollywood CA. She also attends Liberty Baptist Church under watch care where the Rev. Terry L. Brown is Pastor. She is also the founder and CEO of Worthy of Worship Ministries, Inc, and Weddings of a Lifetime (wedding planning).
Whether Alyncia was singing for them, singing with them, or simply sharing in worship, each of these persons have contributed to the unique voice that the Lord has blessed to be a blessing to others:
Donnie McClurkin, Stevie Wonder, Leona Daniels, Micah Stampley, Martha Munizzi, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Vickie Winans, Dr. Iona Locke, Rev. Timothy Wright & Sons, Dr. Bobby Jones, Kurt Carr & the Kurt Carr Singers, Byron Cage, John Legend, Yolanda Adams, Tremaine Hawkins, Lil’ J. Xavier, Twinkie Clark, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbitt, Kelly Price, Daryl Coley, Bishop Iona Locke, Judge Mathis, Lamar Campbell, Nikki Ross, Carolyn Traylor, Betty R. Nelson, Kim Burrell, Shirley Caesar, The Hollywood POP Academy choir and Gospel recording artists Zie'l.
You can look for her debut album due out this summer or get a few samples of her music at www.myspace.com/alynciamack. For booking information please send all email inquiries to lynclue@aol.com .
Let’s face it ladies, all of us have been on a diet or two (or three) and most of us have found them to be just as ineffective as a windbreaker in a tornado. We celebrate our five pound loss with a “well-deserved” slice of pie and then curse those five pounds for returning (sometimes with 6 friends).
Have you ever just stopped to think that maybe it’s not the food that is causing you to gain weight? Every calorie you count, carb you deny, and shake that you drink will never work if you don’t change your way of viewing food in the first place.
After years working in the secular weight-loss industry and yo-yo dieting, Wellness Coach Shannon Tanner heard the voice of the Holy Spirit. Tanner had been a self-proclaimed “overweight weight-loss counselor”.
Eating from emotions, turning to her food cabinet instead of her prayer closet in the time of trouble. Taking her burdens to the fridge instead of the cross. Losing consciousness due to starvation and owning every size from 8 to a size 24 had understandably left her depressed. It was during this “down” time that the Holy Spirit whispered “Stop,” in her ear “diets don’t work, but Jesus does.” That revelation changed the course of her life forever. This new revelation from God lead to a 19 day Spiritual fast and through the Word and scriptures, Shannon gave birth to Body Temple Wellness.
The Body Temple Wellness program helps you to focus on your Spirit and putting food back in its place. You should pray and feed you Spirit with the Word of God every morning before you feed your flesh. In doing so, your Spirit is full and you will only eat what you need to provide your body with energy and not eat to fill emotional voids. So many times in life we associate food with intimacy and therefore food becomes our fix. We end up focusing on the weight and not the overeating!
After losing a grand total of 70 pounds, Tanner decided to use her pain for a purpose, sharing her “God” idea with a group of 12 women in Los Angeles. Those humble beginnings have lead her to an abundant West Coast Ministry that is spreading across the nation. Teaching the hungry people who come to her workshops to hunger more for the bread of life ad living waters instead of carnal delicacies.
Body Temple Wellness will soon become the premiere choice for the Body of Christ when it comes to weight-loss. “our goal is to transform the Body of Christ. Church people are dieting and overeating needs to be dealt with on a Spiritual basis not with carnal weapons,” said Tanner in our candid interview. “We are on this tour to offer hope to people who have lost hope on the way to losing weight.” Women who have done this 12 week program all agree that the “bigger God got, the smaller they got.”
The cost for participating in the 12 week program is a mere $12 per week. We all know that $144 for a life changing experience pales in comparison to the hundreds of dollars we spend on diet pills, exercise equipment, and smaller (then bigger) clothing. Why not start your journey today? Learn more about Wellness Coach Shannon Tanner and Body Temple Wellness at http://www.BodyTempleWellness.com
February 2008
The Electrifying Kay Morris captivates her audiences, demonstrating her versatility & offering a fresh perspective in a variety of musical styles, allowing her to cross religious, cultural, and racial barriers around the world. Kay Morris has made appearances with Heads of States, Politicians, Prime Ministers, and Celebrities such as: Hollywood Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, YNR Actress Tonya Lee Williams, Dr. Rueben “Hurricane” Carter, Dr. Bobby Jones of BET, & Bishop Carlton Pearson.
She has shared the stage with great artists in the secular and gospel arena and has opened for artists such as: Kirk Franklin, Papa San, Fred Hammond, Jessie Dixon, Ce Ce Winans, Albertina Walker, Kurt Carr, Hezekiah Walker, & James Hall. Kay have been featured in the short film sound track “Sleeping Dogs Lie” which made its 2006 world premiere in L.A. at the Magic Johnson Theatres, the Pan African Film Festival, Hollywood Black Film Festival in Beverley Hills, the National Black Arts Festival - Atlanta, GA and in March 2007 at the Canadian Film Makers Festival to a sold out audience and in April 2007 had an encore screening at the Reel World Film Festival in Toronto. The film continues to premier at music festivals around the world.
Kay’s mission through KMF is to give a voice to the voiceless, to advocate for PLWAs (People Living With HIV/AIDS), Malaria prevention, orphans, refugees, and street children. In a 2004 & 2005 mission, she visited the Ghana AIDS Commission, UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) Liberian Refugee Camp & donated medicine and medical supplies to over 42,000 refugees. She donated medical supplies to the Ghana AIDS Commission and the Korle Bu Hospital - HIV Fever’s Unit in Accra. KMF donated over 1,200 books from the Mississauga Central Library to Elementary Schools in Ghana. She visited the Human Service Trust Orphanage in Cape Coast where she donated clothing, books and toiletries to the children. In 2004 Kay visited Lagos, Nigeria and partnered with the Bridge Boys Interlink Project (BIP) and provided hot meals to the children and troubled youths in the ghetto Apapa Railway Compound.
In August 2006 Kay Morris impacted Ghana, after presenting the first consignment of a $1.5million donation of ARVs (anti-retroviral HIV/AIDS drugs) to the Ghana Ministry of Health, brokered through KMF for people living with HIV/AIDS in West Africa. Kay also visited and made donations to the Village of Hope Orphanage and was invited to the United Nations office in Ghana to meet with UN officials to discuss collaboration with KMF Ghana. The King & people in the region decided to honor Kay for her humanitarian work in Africa, she was installed Queen Nana Sika of Berekuso, Ghana - benevolent Queen. In May 2007 Kay visited the United Nations (UNAIDS & UNDP) in Kingston, Jamaica to discuss the current HIV/AIDS crisis in Jamaica and offered support through KMF. Part of KMF future plans is to operate a mobile HIV/AIDS clinic in the remote areas of Ghana within the next three years.
Kay Morris an advocate for peace and unity recently organized a Peace-A-Thon dubbed “Message of Peace and Hope for Kenya”, in support of current the violent political crisis which erupted after the general elections. She collected letters of support from around the world and sent them via the Caravan of Hope to the Government of Kenya.
Kay’s music has been featured on many different Television productions and she has performed in several different countries.
I've personally had the pleasure of listening to several of Kay's songs and view some of her performances. I can truly say that this woman ministers from the heart. She has a soulful, "Reggae-Style", youthful sound to her that leaves a lasting impression on your Spirit. Every song has a message of hope for the hopeless and healing for the hurting.
To find out more about Kay Morris or to help her movement in Kenya please visit her website http://www.kaymorrisfoundation.com.
Survivor Exposes the Sin of Spousal Abuse in Christian Marriages
One woman’s true story of abuse, escape, and triumph
Countless Christian women sit in church pews every Sunday filled with dread about returning home to the dark secrets of abuse. The Battered Preacher’s Wife is a true story of survival and triumph. In this passionately honest account, Dr. Avril E. Wiggins shares her tragic experience of being trapped in a hopeless marriage with an abusive Pentecostal preacher. Wife battery is a taboo topic in the church. Most clergy encourage women to keep the family together at all costs and endure the suffering. That kind of counsel leaves women no hope, no help, and no escape. Children who grow up in these relationships assume that abuse is normal behavior, and the abuse continues from generation to generation.
The Battered Preacher’s Wife shines through the darkness and sheds light on a serious problem faced by Christian women across the nation. Wiggins gives you a down-to-earth glimpse of what women suffer in these abusive relationships. But she also delivers a strong message of hope-- even for the wives of preachers! “I know what it’s like to be a survivor of child abuse, rape, molestation, spousal abuse. Along with verbal and psychological abuse, and I am alive to tell my story,” says Wiggins. “With God, I came out victorious. I may have some battle scars, but thanks to Jesus, I’m still alive.”
Once I read this compelling page-turner, I had to speak to Dr. Wiggins and tell her how much I needed to read her testimony.
Talking to Dr. Wiggins was like having an overdue conversation with a long-lost friend. She is a strong woman with an even stronger anointing. If it weren’t for both of us having to get to church on time, we would have talked for hours. The Battered Preacher’s Wife isn’t just a book for the nosey, or the abused, she has a message that I feel every woman needs to hear. She candidly gives her readers a glimpse of her past and what it was like to live a double life. The very public life of the wife of an influential Elder and Prophet, and the ultra-private life of a battered woman.
We exchanged greetings and I expressed my gratitude for her being courageous enough to tell her story, then, I had to ask the burning question:
What made you decide that now was the time to tell your story?
“I was commanded (by God) to tell it…and be transparent!”
And transparent she is. Dr. Wiggins shines light on the deep dark secret that no one wants to admit is even happening. In The Battered Preacher’s Wife she tells of the signs of a potential abuser, the signs of an abused woman, and the dangerous generational curses that lead to both ends. Her story is the story of many women who don’t have the strength to leave or the courage to tell. She has endured so much, but she never gave up on God or His power to deliver her.
She found the strength to leave through the eyes of her daughters and her willingness not to subject them to be witnesses to anymore abuse. Though her eldest daughter has some recollection of it she was still spared the lasting effects because she has a praying mother.
Her message is conveyed during our conversation when I asked how does one totally become delivered from being an abuser?
“If you don’t allow the Lord to take that (Spirit) out of you, then you won’t be free.”
It’s simply a matter of surrender. God is willing to do the work, but we have to allow Him to do it.
I encourage you all to read this wonderful account of trial and triumph. Discuss it with your Women’s groups, friends, and your daughters. No one ever goes through something like the events described in The Battered Preacher’s Wife without it being used for God’s glory. Let the testimony of Dr. Avril Wiggins inspire you. God can and will deliver you. Just make the first step in His direction.
After reading this testimony one might ask exactly how did she heal from all this?
God has given Dr. Wiggins the instruction to complete her story in her next project. We will learn how she allowed God to heal her, how she was able to hold her head up, mother her children, and find love again.
Dr. Avril E. Wiggins, along with her wonderful husband Elder Joe Wiggins, started House of Rapha International Ministries Inc. in September 2003. Pastor Wiggins has been in ministry for nearly 19 years. She and her husband are the parents of Zipporah, Shekinah, Zithri, Josiah, and Micah.
The Battered Preacher's Wife (paperback, 978-1-60266-909-3) can be purchased online by visiting the following websites:
http://www.xulonpress.com ($9.99)
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.target.com
Please visiti Dr. Avril Wiggins and House of Rapha International Ministries at http://www.HORIM.info.
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