Discover How and Where the Gospel Means Business

Mom Spreads Sweet Optimism

2009-02-12T18:56:00.001-08:00

Delicious Chocolate Roses are Available from Simply Gourmet Fundraising

Caren Dawkins countless hours working with parent and teachers organizations has long helped sweeten the lives of families in her community. She made attending PTA meetings a priority. As a concerned mother who raised a special needs child, she knows all too well about the need to have financially viable children’s organizations.

Now she makes it her business to help parent and educational organizations get a sweeter taste of success. The optimistic Dawkins is taking the leap of faith into online business with a tastefully developed fundraising website entitled www.SimplyGourmetFundraising.com.

The obvious recurring theme in Caren's life is patience and optimism. When she was encouraged to place her son, a child with special needs, in an institution instead of nurturing him with her love, she chooses to do the latter and has no regrets.

There is no mistaking that Caren Dawkins' optimistic approach to life is inspirational. "I thank God, that I was young and had the energy to be a positive, motivating force in my son's life."

Dawkins is referring to the challenges she faced raising her son who was born with Down's syndrome. Working nights gave her the opportunity to be with her son during the day, taking him to various therapeutic programs and actively participating in school organizations like the PTA.

It was her involvement with the PTA which allowed Dawkins to see the profit potential in providing fundraising products to schools, sports teams and other organizations. Ms. Dawkins offers high quality gourmet treats as fundraisers for childrens and educational organizations.

She also features sugar free delights and delicious products for important holidays like Valentine's Day, Easter, Chanukah, and Christmas. Take advantage of her tasty selections and treat someone special in your life at: Simply Gourmet Fundraising Products

Manage Business Related Stress with Prayer and Meditation

2008-09-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hi GIB family, this is the last in a series on
dealing with business related stress with prayer
and meditation. You may ask what is the difference
between prayer and meditation?

While I don't consider myself an expert or guru on
either one of these subjects I will give you my 2
cents on the difference. Prayer could be described
as communicating or talking with the Lord.

When we pray we tell God all about our life, goals,
challenges, wants, needs, etc. May be some of us
thankful ones will actually thank the Lord for all our
blessings. People tend to ask Jesus for a lot of
stuff with our prayers (me included).

While on the other hand with meditation we focus
more on experiencing the love of Christ. You don't
ask for a lot of stuff -- you simply focus on a
phase or chat like God is Love. You try to let
the love of the Holy Spirit imbue you on a deep
spiritual level.

If you are really stressed out and can't go to
sleep at night try meditating to take your mind
off your problems. Meditation and Prayer gave me
peace of mind when my doctor told me I had one
and possibly 2 forms of cancer.

Have a Blessed and Prosperous Day,

Kamau

Bio: Kamau Austin enjoys sharing business
funding tips. For more insights visit...
http://www.RaiseCashFast.com . Austin is
also a well regarded search engine friendly
design expert. You can order his eBook at...
http://www.AlwaysOnTopBook.com/ams.htm
or visit http://www.SearchEnginePlan.com
For Web Design go to...
http://www.eBizbyDesign.com .

Let Faith Inspire Your Business

2008-09-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hello GIB Family, I realize in yesterday's email
I strayed from my usual business finance and online
marketing focus. Why did I write from an inspirational
and spiritual focus instead?

The truth be told I did it for no other reason than
I was moved spiritually to do so. The spirit told
me someone needed to see what I was moved to write.

Since I received a lot of thanks and positive feed back
I will explore faith and business for two more emails.
This email will be the 2nd of 3 on business from a
spiritual perspective.

To be in business (especially these days) you have to
have faith because...

- 80% of businesses fall within a few years

- The divorce rate among entrepreneurs is very high

- entrepreneurs experience high stress and health
related challenges

Being in business takes vision, inspiration, and
a lot of preparation. There will be lonely days
and short nights.

If you don't have faith, belief, and a passion
that this is your calling in life you will be
swimming against the tide of success. Take my
advice and arm yourself with help from the
higher power the Holy Spirit.

Have a Blessed and Prosperous Day,

Kamau

Bio: Kamau Austin enjoys sharing business
funding tips. For more insights visit...
http://www.RaiseCashFast.com . Austin is
also a well regarded search engine friendly
design expert. You can order his eBook at...
http://www.AlwaysOnTopBook.com/ams.htm
or visit http://www.SearchEnginePlan.com
For Web Design go to...
http://www.eBizbyDesign.com .

Pray and Meditate to Survive this Economic Down-Turn

2008-09-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Family, don't let the economic downturn
get you all stressed out. Losing sleep about your
business or financial situation isn't good for your
health.

I know it is hard to not to be totally on edge when
things are challenging economically. Especially with
your business and personal life at stake.

Believe me I can feel your pain. Recently I have
faced some of the most challenging issues in my
life time (this recession pales in comparison).

This is how I made it -- Prayer and meditation.
These are some ways it helped.

(1) Prayer keeps me connected to Christ.

(2) The upliftment from prayer enhances my mood.

(3) Meditation at night clears my mind

Prayer and meditation can clear your head and allow
you to focus on solutions and not be fixated on
problems.

Look into them both they can change your life.

Have a blessed and prosperous day,

Kamau

Bio: Rev. Kamau Austin enjoys sharing
business funding tips. For more insights visit...
Raise Cash Fast . Austin is also a well
regarded search engine friendly design expert.
You can order his eBook at... Always On Top
or visit Search Engine Plan. For Web Design go to...
eBizByDesign.com .

Who will Bail Your Business Out?

2008-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Christ-preneurs, who is going to bail us out? Big
business (primarily mortgage and financial markets)
gets bailed out after causing a major economic slow
down.

But with a recession now clouding the country -- who
is going to bail you and I out? Don't hold your
breath.

No one is going to bail us out but ourselves. Now
may be the time for you to try something new.

If there is a new marketing plan, sales campaign
or partnership you have been thinking about
implementing -- now may be the time to try it.
It may also be time to familiarize yourself with
organizations and institutions which can help
fund the growth and expansion of your business.
Try something new in your business to bail
yourself out.

Have a blessed and profitable day,

Bio: Kamau Austin enjoys sharing business
funding tips. For more insights visit...
http://www.RaiseCashFast.com . Austin is
also a well regarded search engine friendly
design expert. You can order his eBook at...
http://www.AlwaysOnTopBook.com/ams.htm
or visit http://www.SearchEnginePlan.com
For Web Design go to...
http://www.eBizbyDesign.com . He is also the
publisher of tech biz site: http://www.eINfoNews.com

Step toward Business Finance Success

2008-09-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

In business there are basic steps I feel you
should take.

(1) Have a vision of a viable product or service
you can sell to others.

(2) Do research to find out if there is a good
market for what you have to sell.

(3) Develop the product or service perhaps as
a prototype.

(4) Look for major trade shows, partners, or
may be a website (after doing search engine
research) to market your products.

(5) After getting some preliminary sales or
orders consider doing a business plan.

(6) Look for options to raise capital with
your business.

(7) Learn How to Cultivate relationships with
financial institutions to fund your business
and consider owning Raise Cash Fast

When you order RaiseCashFast you discover the
secrets of How to...

- Find nonprofits with a passion to fund small
businesses to the tune of 12.9 Billion Dollars

- Uncover secret online sources like angel investors
VCs, and receivable financiers

- Tap hundreds of financial sources and find out why
top business leaders and experts endorse
RaiseCashFast at: http://www.RaiseCashFast.com

P.S. Grab a copy of RaiseCashFast now at today's
low investment offer (it's guaranteed -- so you
can't loose ) at: http://www.RaiseCashFast.com/

Have a blessed and profitable day,

Kamau Austin, Author of RaiseCashFast.com
Are you having cash-flow problems?
Increase Your Customer Traffic and Profit.ability
with a Search Engine Friendly Web Site Design.

Find out how at: www.SearchEnginePlan.com or...
www.eBizbyDesign.com

Let Us -- "Show YOU the Money!"

2008-04-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am very proud to announce the release of my new eBook...

Raise Cash Fast

It is the faithful culmination of years of research and personal experience raising capital to grow a business. You need a keen insight, strategy, and knowledge of various forms of financing to grow your business.

If you feel God is calling you to run a business to serve customers or minister to others you should pick up a copy of this book at...

Raise Cash Fast

Also if you want to see a quick preview of the types of information covered visit my...
business finance crash course

"Study to Show Yourself Approved" Dr. Stephen Jones Shows You How

2008-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Bible definitely puts emphasis and a premium on studying or working hard to master a concept. Moses, Solomon, and Paul (just to name a few)
were men of higher learning. Jesus of course exuded great knowledge and wisdom.

To be competitive in a global economy, based on technology, will take life-long study to be a viable participant. It is becoming increasingly necessary to take study seriously on an on going basis.

If you are intimidated by all the study necessary to stay a head in the global economy -- all is not lost.

Dr. Stephen Jones, BA, MA, MBA, and EdD is also a minister with a call to help us all reach our highest potential academically. Dr. Jones has a real commission to help young people (especially Black men) go to and graduate from college.

I feel this is very important also because studies show that college graduates (on average) will make more than a million dollars more in their life time than non-graduates.

He goes after his goal to help us succeed academically with evangelistic zeal. Dr. Jones is accomplished in higher education but his higher calling is to inspire others. He shares very doable ways that we can achieve in any subject.

All we have to do is master some simple ways to study and apply ourselves.

Dr. Stephen Jones shares with us some very simple techniques and strategies for studying at any level. You can read about his insights at: Seven Secrets Books

Raise Grant Money for Your Church or Religious Organization

2007-10-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to find out the truth about finding grants for your Church or religious organization? Do you find most ebooks and CDs about grants online seem to be questionable -- at best?

There are many questionable grant information sources online. Most play on your emotions and anxiety to find financing to help your church expand its community or economic restoration ministries.. Much of the ebooks on grants online seem to primarily be hype.

"Get Beyond the Grant Hype "

Beyond the hype there are really faith-based grants sources for grants if you qualify. But you really need to learn from someone who is a leading authority on raising millions of dollars in faith-based grants from the US government and even some foundations.

The truth is getting grants are challenging and you will have to have the proper documentation and paperwork to get one. Essentially there seems to be a few basic types of grants.

Learn from the Leading Authority on Grant Funding

Dr. Beverly Browning has raised over 100 Million Grants and has a book out on raising faith-based grants.

This is why you would be well advised to invest in learning from the leading recognized expert in the field Dr. Beverly Browning.

Dr. Beverly Browning is the "go to person" to learn the real deal on grants having raised over 100 million dollars in grant financing for organizations and institutions. She as also authored over 10 books on grant fundraising with major book publishers.

Furthermore, Dr. Browning is a sought after keynote speaker with some of the leading organizations in her profession of the grant writing field. She has two books which you can obtain from this site that I highly recommend...

Quick Review: "Aligning Your Church to Receive Abundance -- Faith-Based Grants" gives you all the info you need to truly understand one of the greatest financial opportunities for religious organizations of our time.

It conveys in no nonsense and clear language how religious organizations like churches or other institutions of worship can properly position themselves to help their surrounding communities with government help.

If you belong to a church or religious institution that is looking to help your surrounding community this book is a tremendous resource of information. Order the Faith-Based Grant book Click Here.

Line of Jean Clothing Targets Christian Market

2007-09-06T07:53:00.000-07:00

by Kamau Austin

Women of a darker hue have always and a problem with fitting the traditional Europian fashion cuts. Many of them have fuller figures especially around the hip area. This is an issue for darker women and more curvacious women even if they are fit. The following designer may have figured out a way to remedy this situation.

Below is an overview of a new company called Bel-fom. Check them out...

Bel-Fom Designs has launched the "Curve Appeal" line designed exclusively for women with curves

Bel-Fom Designs has launched the "Curve Appeal" line designed exclusively for women with curves.

This designer denim line offers a comfortable yet fashionable alternative for the mature, fashion conscious, professional woman on the go, who wishes to show off her curve appeal. Order a pair of the inaugural style; Denim Slacks.

Bel-Fom Designs specializes in providing a "fabulous fit" for today's curvaceous woman with the "Pear" and "Hourglass" figure with a patented apparel design construction. Designer, Dionne Hill, began augmenting standard sewing patterns to suit her pear-shaped figure thus creating her patented design to accommodate all women with the classic pear-shape. The fit is phenomenal!

Bel-Fom Designs appeals to a diverse group of women sharing one common interest; a desire for jeans to fit their curves without creating a gap in the waistband. With "Curve Appeal" you no longer must compromise fit for comfort.

Bel-Fom Sizing

Bel-Fom sizing is the latest edition to women's apparel sizing charts. Bel-Fom sizing is available to all designers desiring to fulfill the demands over the overlooked market of curvaceous women around the world. First there was 'Plus,' next came 'Petit,' now we have Bel-Fom. Request Bel-Fom size editions from your favorite designer clothing.

Request to get put on the mailing list and receive Preview sales information at:
info@Bel FomDesigns.com.

Click here to place your order today!

Bel-Fom Models

Interested in becoming a Bel-Fom Model; send full body photo (tasteful & fully clothed) to:
ModelSearch@BelFomDesigns.com. No experience necessary, if you have the desire, we will train you.

Designers interested in creating their own designs with the Bel-Fom sizing may inquire about manufacturing information and lease options at:
info@BelF omDesigns.com.

Wholesalers

Wholesalers interested in carrying the BFD "Curve Appeal" line should request wholesale price information at: info@belfo mdesigns.com. Please include your shops demographics and current designer denim lines currently sold in your store.

CONTACT:

Dionne Hill

Owner/Designer

Phone: (630) 440-8405

Get Investors for Your Business Idea

2007-08-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

The following business finance and angel investing event for minority business seems very promising. I don't know if it has a track record or is worth the $195 investment but I hope it does. It is a business plan competition which aims to put the winners and noteworthy in front of angel investors.

If you don't already know angel investors are usually individuals with high net worth who are willing to invest in your company with a partner or equity position. They are called angels because they are less into traditional issues like credit score, collaterial, or your personal net worth in evaluating whether or not to invest in your company. Unlike banks which look very closely at this criteria, angel investors are more driven with a promising business idea and if you or your management team can carry the company's vision out.

Usually the goal and exit strategy with an angel investor is to help you build your company to the point of going public, being bought out by a major corporation, or becoming super successful where you can buy out their equity position with a very lucrative profit made on their end.

On of the most overlooked benefits of using angel investors is that they are usually wealthy individuals, successful entrepreneurs, or executives of major companies who have the experience and connections to make your business a success. Check out the business competition below.

Virginia Housing and Community Development Corporation (VHCDC) continues its pioneering initiatives to facilitate the flow of capital to Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with the announcement of the 2007 MBE Capital Call Conference, Exhibition, and Venture Forum – September 20 & 21 in Hampton, Virginia. The MBE Capital Call presents entrepreneurs with innovative and marketable business ideas the opportunity to secure capital, and other essential resources, by “Pitching” their business plans to active, accredited investors. This event invites Entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, Investors, aspiring investors, and College/University Students to Hampton, Virginia for a rewarding two day conference aimed at facilitating investment in minority- and women-owned businesses.

VHCDC created the MBE Capital Call to expose and connect MBEs, particularly African-American, Hispanic, and Native American entrepreneurs, to capital (funding) to start and grow or expand their business. This year, twenty-one (21) entrepreneurs will be selected to pitch their business plans to active, accredited investors. A team of active investors and business development professionals will select the presenters from among registrations received thru August 24th, 2007. Presenters will be judged on several criteria and may pitch plans for virtually any industry/business sector.

Registration is easy, and there’s no additional cost to enter the competition. Business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, lenders, and students may register by visiting the MBE Capital Call website: www.mbecapitalcall.com now for complete details, registration, and terms and conditions.

The 2007 MBE Capital Call is sponsored the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise, and supporting sponsors Virginia Active Angel Network; Creative Investment Research, and P&L Group, Ltd.

About Virginia Housing and Community Development Corporation (VHCDC): Virginia Housing and Community Development Corporation is a privately funded, non-profit organization based in Portsmouth, Virginia. The Corporation is organized as a 501(c)3 charitable corporation. The empowerment-based mission of VHCDC is being realized through its support of entrepreneurship and its innovative approach to making a difference, both here in Hampton Roads and throughout our nation. VHCDC is working to promote and support entrepreneurship, to advance entrepreneurship education and training, to promote entrepreneurship-friendly policies, to connect disadvantaged small businesses to capital and credit, and to facilitate the commercialization of new technologies and services by small, women, and minority-owned businesses which have great promise for improving the economic welfare of our region. For more information, visit VHCDC online at: www.vhcdc.org

About Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (VDMBE): The Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (VDMBE) has the unique responsibility to assure that minority, disadvantaged and woman-owned businesses are an integral part of the communication with other Commonwealth Departments to promote the inclusion of Virginia's diverse population to access capital, receive small business assistance, and provide minority certification procurement opportunities. Among its many activities, VDMBE provides for the Certification of those businesses that wish to achieve the benefits of participation in the Commonwealth's minority business programs. For more information, visit VDMBE online at: www.dmbe.virginia.gov

Are You Angel Material?
Register now to win a spot to pitch your business plan, hot idea, or new invention to accredited investors during the 2007 MBE Capital Call - coming September 20 & 21 to the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia.

Visit www.mbecapitalcall.com and put an angel on your side!

2007 MBE Capital Call is hosted by Virginia Housing and Community Development Corporation. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY August 10, 2007, 11:59 PM, EST. Limit one entry per registration. 2007 MBE Capital Call Business Plan Competition is VOID where prohibited by law. See www.mbecapitalcall.com for additional terms and conditions.

Vickie Winans New Web Site

2006-11-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

If you're ready for an inspiring treat, visit Vickie Winans brand new website at:
www.vickiewinans.com

This one takes patience; however, as the site takes a great deal of time to load. It's a throw back to "dial-up" days. Shame on her web designer for not designing a site that will load quickly (even with a high speed connection!). Most people will not wait around to view the site. You definitely need broad band for this one!

An Evening of Inspiration

2006-10-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

The SuperBowl Gospel Celebration

Today's Top Artists and NFL Players perform and give life changing testimonies!

Save the Date: February 2, 2007
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: James L. Knight Center - Miami, Florida

Purchase tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

For more information visit:
www.superbowlgospelcelebration.com

Blackchristian.com Revitalizes Online Community

2006-10-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

LOWELL, MA – Brother Brent announces a brand new look and improved features at BlackChristian.com (http://www.blackchristian.com/), a leading faith-based online community. Launched in 1999, BlackChristian.com has been instrumental in setting standards for Internet-based Christian media.

"Our new streamlined look reflects the feedback that we’ve received from our members. Since our early days, we’ve always offered far more content than other sites catering to Christian and Gospel audiences. However, we needed a more refined, easy-to-navigate interface. Our new layout truly simplifies the user experience."

The site has also broadened its content offerings to include new Kids Content (Bible stories, easy prayers, etc.), Health and Wellness (women’s health, personal finance, etc.), and fully narrated MP3 Audio Bible.

Longtime members and new visitors will appreciate the new navigation menu and simple search tools located on every page. "No matter what you’re browsing, Bible content, daily news, or discussion forums, you can easily switch to other parts of the site, such as account management, e-cards, games, online stores, and so on."

"Our search tools have always been popular and respected. In keeping with our ‘user-friendly’ goal, we’ve integrated our eight major search tools into one section found on every page. It’s like using Yahoo and Google. You can search Black churches, Bible verses, Christian stores, Gospel radio broadcasts, news archives, weather forecasts, and more from one spot on a page. It’s nice. It’s easy. It’s ours!"

About BlackChristian.com
Founded in 1999, BlackChristian.com (www.blackchristian.com) is an online ministry developed to celebrate the faith, heritage, and people of the world’s Black Christian community. The site attracts well over 500,000 monthly visitors and remains the most comprehensive Black Christian destination on the World Wide Web.BlackChristian.com is also home to Brother Brent’s renowned Black Church LocatorTM, the Internet’s first online directory of predominantly black churches searchable by city, state, and/or zip code.

Contact Information:
Telephone: (978) 590-4609 World Wide Web: http://www.blackchristian.com/

New Release from Anointed Author: Apostle Clifford E. Turner, Ph.D.

2006-10-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Ministry & Myth of the First Lady

Apostle Clifford E. Turner is a progressive and trend-setting leader whose bold and convicting messages of salvation, healing, deliverance, and restoration have torn down the barriers of religion while building up the lives of the people in this nation and nations across the world for nearly 30 years. Apostle Turner founded Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church and World Outreach Ministries on March 14, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois; the church started with two members, with Dr. Turner as Pastor. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, Apostle Turner became the trailblazer of an apostolic movement in which the City of Chicago had not seen.

By 1985, Liberty Temple had become one of the fastest growing ministries of its time, outgrowing three locations in three years.Always concerned about quality more than quantity, the hallmark of Liberty Temple and the ministry of Apostle Turner is its effectiveness in changing lives, tearing down strongholds, and reforming mindsets. Despite ridicule, opposition, and religious backlash, Apostle Turner dared to obey God and became one of the first to introduce innovative ministry concepts, including: husband and wife team ministry, prophetic dance, drama ministry presentations, and the acquisition of a retail mall.

In 1987, Liberty Temple moved its World Headquarters to Chicago’s Auburn community. The main sanctuary sits on a two-square block campus that includes the Logos Ministerial Training Institute, television and radio studios, Liberty Academy, banquet facilities, administration office building and executive offices. He has helped build the foundation of true Outreach Ministry throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area, always reaching out to the underprivileged and taking the ministry beyond the walls of the church.

Some of Apostle Turner’s outreach efforts included a GED Literacy Outreach to the Robert Taylor Homes residents; Love In Action – a food and transportation outreach provided to housing development residents; Liberty Temple Prison Outreach, which holds Bible studies in various correctional facilities in Illinois, and involvement with over 60 other outreach ministries.

In an effort to continue to assisting the hurting, hungry and homeless, Dr. Turner established the Denise M. Turner Foundation, in honor of his late wife, who devoted her life to philanthropy and providing assistance to the underprivileged. Clifford E. Turner also established the Liberty Temple Network, a consortium of Apostolic/Prophetic churches, ministries, businesses and individuals with a mandate from God to demonstrate the character of God in ministry, municipalities, and the marketplace. He presently oversees churches throughout the United States of America and abroad. Besides Chicago, Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church houses 15 Locations, including churches in Waukegan, IL, San Diego, CA, Orlando Florida, Philadelphia, PA, and Los Angeles, Ca. Dr. Turner also organized an international consortium of pastors called OPERATION P.R.E.A.C.H., which mentors pastors and networks outreach ministries globally.

Apostle Turner also oversees several covenant churches which are located all over the United States and are also part of the Liberty Temple Network. Internationally, Apostle Turner has pioneered over 40 churches in some of the world’s most needy countries: India, Pakistan, Jamaica, Liberia, China, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Always a believer in reaching out to those most in need, in honor of His late mother, Dr. Turner established and continually supports the Deleia Turner orphanage in India. In 2002, God has given new direction to the ministry of Apostle Turner with the launching of Clifford E. Turner Ministries – a newly created ministry that is specifically dedicated to the continuance of the apostolic mandate and kingdom building charge placed on Apostle Turner’s life to set the captives free.

Clifford Turner is also an avid film producer, director and writer. He founded HOLYWOOD Studios, a Christian owned Media Company that produces several hundreds of dramatic works. His most accomplished work, The Awakening, began as a short film and evolved into the longest running Christian mini-series. The Awakening received a Midwest Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement for an Entertainment Program Series. The Awakening also won four Angel Awards. This series continues to be seen across America and around the world.

A living demonstration of the entrepreneurial spirit, Apostle Turner and his wife Darlyn, created their own publishing company, Cedarlife Publishing. His first book entitled Recovery, deals with understanding and coping with life’s traumas. This book has helped thousands deal with turbulent events in their lives and brings healing to their emotions. Apostle Turner’s new release, "The Ministry and Myth of the First Lady" addresses the call, position, and authority of leading ladies in ministry.

Several books are scheduled for release in Fall 2006, including "Gifted, With No Character" and "Recovery II".

Apostle Turner has become a respected leader in both the Kingdom of God and the community. He has visited the White House on several occasions and has met with the President of the United States of America while serving on the Religious Liaison Committee in an effort to communicate the needs of inner city churches.

Apostle Turner has served on numerous boards and committees with the ongoing focus to not only be an effective minister, but to help others become effective leaders who initiate change and challenge the status quo. Apostle Turner is also a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Darlyn, reside in the Chicago area with their nine children.

New Book by TD Jakes

2006-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

NOT EASILY BROKEN
A novel by T.D. Jakes
Hits the bookstores today, Oct. 11!

Author of Woman Thou Art Loosed and Cover Girls
In his new novel NOT EASILY BROKEN best-selling author Bishop T.D. Jakes tells a powerful story of disappointment, temptation, pain and restoration.

The problems have been there for a long time. Dave and Clarice Johnson's marriage is slowly being wedged apart by misplaced independence and separate dreams. Dave has noticed Clarice pulling away emotionally and physically, but he doesn't know if it's because she feels that he hasn't been supportive enough of her career in real estate, or because she obviously disapproves of his choice to own and run a janitorial business. Clarice's fierce independence threatens to drive them completely apart as she endures a hard recovery from a leg injury suffered in a car accident. Rather than let Dave support and take care of her, Clarice finds that she is more frustrated than ever with Dave, and with herself. As Dave faces temptations from an unexpected source during Clarice’s darkest days, the couple eventually learns the importance of promises made and kept, and they find that God speaks to them in the most unlikely places.

The film based on NOT EASILY BROKEN is currently set for theatrical release in 2007. The film version of Woman Thou Art Loosed grossed an impressive $2.5 million in its opening weekend in 2004. Jakes' writing is both challenging and encouraging, and reminds us that with God integrated into our lives—even a relationship on the rocks is not easily broken.

PRAISE FOR "Not Easily Broken"
"You'll definitely want to put this book on your 'books to pick up' list! This fictional story mirrors reality."
—Gospel Today magazine

PRAISE FOR T.D. JAKES’ PREVIOUS BOOKS

“T. D. Jakes takes his trademark theme of empowering and ‘loosing’ women from their spiritual, emotional, and psychological bonds into a new realm—that of a novel....Jakes explores challenges to which many of his readers...will relate.”
—Black Issues Book Reviews

“Fans of Jakes…will likely enjoy the PG-rated urban flow and rich inner dialogue created by an adept spiritual counselor who has heard it all before.”
—Upscale magazine

“The book will sell well because of the author’s name but will do well because of the author’s talent.”
—Charisma magazine

“A plausible story with well developed, stirring characters...[Jakes] gives us humor, truth, and honest guidance...quite refreshing.”
—MyShelf.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
T. D. Jakes (www.tdjakes.com), one of the world’s most widely recognized pastors, is the bestselling author of Woman Thou Art Loosed and sixteen other popular books. He has inspired millions through his speaking tours, and his television show, The Potter’s Touch, airs weekly on Trinity Broadcast Network. The senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a multiracial, nondenominational church, Bishop Jakes lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and five children.

NOT EASILY BROKEN By T.D. Jakes / author website: www.tdjakes.com
Catagory: Fiction; Hardcover; Publication Date: October 11, 2006; PAGES: 256
ISBN: 0-446-57677-8 / REVIEW COPIES FOR MEDIA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST, EMAIL pamperry@ministrymarketingsolutions

Oprah to Appear on New BET Show Meet the Faith

2006-05-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

As you know African Americans are by and large God fearing people (despite the fact the media will have you think otherwise). Oprah Winfred is certainly a living example of an Inspiring African American woman who is using the power of the media and her tremendous wealth to make a change in the world.

Whether empowering women with information or helping young people in South African Oprah must be a women moved by the hand of God. She will be featured this week on BET's new provocative show "Meet the Faith".

I didn't catch TD Jake's entire Interview last week (just a few minutes) but I hope to catch Oprah this week. Let's try to support this show even if that means recording or TiVo-ing the show.

We don't have many Christian talk shows dealing with African American Issues and let's work to keep this one going. Find out about the shows below.

BET'S MEET THE FAITH CELEBRATES MOTHER'S DAY WITH OPRAH

TV's Top Talk Maven Makes BET Appearance on Sunday, May 14 at 11:00 A.M. ET/PT

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) - Oprah Winfrey will make her first-ever interview appearance on BET's new dynamic Sunday talk show MEET THE FAITH on Sunday, May 14 at 11 a.m. ET/PT, it was announced today by Reginald Hudlin, President of Entertainment for BET.

Ms. Winfrey will discuss her widely-publicized Legends Ball, a 3-day celebratory event that honored 25 African American women whose impact on our culture and world is unparalleled. During her interview, Oprah shares the idea that sparked the event and why she selected these women. She also talks about what grounds her spiritually and how these Legends have influenced her life.

"Everybody wants to know what Oprah is like in person," says Hudlin. "I can tell you firsthand that what you see is what you get. She's as open, warm, intelligent and insightful as what you see on TV. I was very proud of our host, Carlos Watson, as he masterfully interviewed the master of interviewers."

Hosted by Carlos Watson, one of the brightest stars and most dynamic and versatile news commentators, MEET THE FAITH is a dynamic new Sunday talk show that offers a fresh and provocative take on world events through moral discussion, a surprising and unexpected blend of guests, and unconventional topics. The half-hour weekly show features a cutting-edge look and feel, as well as smart and provocative substance. In unprecedented fashion, this show will inform, entertain and stir the larger American conversation.

Julie Anderson and Carlos Watson are Co-Executive Producers of this BET series. Reginald Hudlin, Byron Phillips and Nina Henderson Moore are the BET executives in Charge.

Fantasia Lends a Beautiful Spirit of Alms from Her Gospel Roots.

2006-05-11T15:02:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has seen the young and vivacious American Idol winner Fantasia sing you know she hails from deep Gospel roots. I like her pleasant personality and inspirational demeanor.

Fantasia also has a great testimony about her rise from humble beginnings to become one of the world's most recognized young singers. I feel the Lord definitely has a plan for this young lady's life and tremendous talent.

This American Idol winner is using her fame and influence to help the American Red Cross in its efforts to help those who have been victims of a record number of catastrophes last year. If you are in Washington DC today attend the following benefit for the American Red Cross tonight.

FANTASIA TO PERFORM AT AMERICAN RED CROSS 125TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Washington, DC - J Records award-winning and multi-platinum recording artist and 2004 American Idol winner FANTASIA will perform at the American Red Cross 125th Anniversary Gala this Thursday, May 11, 2006 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Fantasia will kick-off the evening by performing the National Anthem for an audience that will include acclaimed actor Jimmy Smits as Master of Ceremonies, celebrated actress Jane Seymour, who will highlight the historical significance of the American Red Cross, and more than 1,300 Governors, Members of Congress, Corporate Executives, Philanthropists, Washington dignitaries, and Red Cross leaders and friends.

The 125th Anniversary Gala is a tribute to the organization, their employees and volunteers, and their partners, for their countless sacrifices and dedication to ensuring that the Red Cross will always be there in times of need.

Fantasia will also perform her critically acclaimed debut single, "I Believe" which made her the first artist in the history of Billboard's Hot 100 Chart to debut at #1 with her first solo record. Since the release of her debut album, FREE YOURSELF, she has received 20 award nominations including four Grammy nominations, as well as recognition from the American Music Awards, BET, Vibe, Teen Choice, Soul Train, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train "Lady of Soul," and the Billboard Awards. With incredible radio play and critical acclaim, Fantasia has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting new artists in music. She is currently in the studio recording her sophomore album to be released later this year.

American Idol has partnered with the American Red Cross by donating a portion of their profits on American Idol single CD's and digital downloads. RCA and 19 Entertainment donated to the American Red Cross $0.50 for every CD sold and $0.21 for every digital download sold.

The American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their neighbors for 125 years. Last year, victims of a record 72,883 disasters, most of them fires, turned to the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross for help and hope. Through more than 800 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people each year gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Almost 4 million people give blood-the gift of life-through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of more than 180 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

Young Black Sister Takes Gospel Promotion into the Internet Age!

2006-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

By Searchpreneur and Internet Evangelist Rev. Kamau Austin

Today I get a chance to tell you about a young woman who is a visionary black entrepreneur. Actually I would call her a netpreneur in that she has produced the most successful email newsletter and website for Gospel Promotion in my opinion.

Her name is Veda Brown and she has built the Black Gospel Promo email promotion and website www.BlackGospelPromo.com into a promotion powerhouse. Veda is one of the new breed of Christian movers and shakers taking the Internet by storm.

I keep telling Christians and especially those in Gospel music and entertainment that we really have to get a handle on this medium and use it to further God's kingdom here on earth. I am glad that sister Veda is taking advantage of the Internet to help Christians in business become more visible and successful.

Some of you Christians may feel that you have no talent or skill that God can use to build a business and economic freedom. But if you read the following story on Ms. Brown you will see how she built a business from a hobby that she enjoyed.

When it became apparent to Veda that God had an Internet business in her future she was open minded enough to answer the call. Read her inspiring story below, and stretch out on faith on God's vision for your life -- whether in business or some other sought of ministry.

PHILLY NATIVE TURNS HOBBY INTO CAREER

Philly Native Veda Brown Turns Hobby Into Quarter Million Enterprise Celebrates 5th Anniversary in May

Philadelphia, PA - Over 150,000 people receive Veda Brown's daily Black Gospel e-mail blasts. The colorful, slickly designed emails promote everything from inspirational greeting cards and Kirk Franklin's latest gold cd to books by televangelists and movies that are suitable for Christian audiences.

Music producer Steven Ford says, "Black Gospel Promo has become the CNN of gospel marketing and communications...and with God's direction [Veda Brown] has developed her company into the mainframe of the Gospel Media Industry." In less than five years, Black Gospel Promo has revolutionized the way that the black church community spreads the word about its new products.

A native of Philadelphia, Brown holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Moore College of Art and Design. She has worked in the media industry for well over a decade with firms such as CGI Records and Gospel Today Magazine. Brown worked with AOL's Net Noir Black Gospel Chapel site for six years and began compiling a list of email addresses while working there in the 1990s.

After AOL sold Net Noir, Brown went to work for a prominent minister for a few months before they had a falling out and she was left unemployed. Prior to her exit, she had sent out several email blasts on one of the pastor's projects. To her surprise, she then got a phone call from gospel star Fred Hammond's brother who asked her to send out an email blast on the Commissioned Reunion concert in 2001. "I had no other job at the time," Brown says. "So, I said, well, let's try this for a little while."

Brown didn't see this as a long-term enterprise and wasn't even operating under a business name when she launched this company in 2001. "After a while, I had too many names to send the blasts through AOL," she explains. "Because at a certain point, they consider it spam mail." So, she then secured space on a server and they asked her what her company name was. She hadn't thought of a name, so she just told them to use her AOL email address which was blackgospelpromo and the rest is history. Today, the firm has a large office space and employs four people in-house, three consultants and a host of subcontractors.

Now that the foundation of her business is firm, Brown has branched off into other areas of media by launching a publicity division that has represented gold-selling artists such as Kurt Carr. Amid all of her other duties, Brown is a caregiver for her 19-month old niece and the 80 year old aunt who raised her as her own daughter. "That's my personal amusement," Brown says. "Especially when I'm in the mall with the baby in the coach and my aunt with her cane and they are both pulling on me at the same time.."

Well, some of Brown's famous friends such as gospel star Vickie Winans, E TV celebrity journalist Jawn Murray and BET personality Dr. Bobby Jones will be pulling on her as they gather to salute Brown's fifth anniversary in a spirited celebration at Jones' International Gospel Industry Retreat on May 9th in Hollywood, FL at the Seminole Hard Rock Cafe. For more information, visit www.blackgospelpromo.com/bgp5years/

Support the 5 year anniversary of www.BlackGospelPromo.com and let's share in the blessings.

BET Produces Promising Gospel Talk Show

2006-05-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

By Internet Evangelist Rev. Kamau Austin

It is really exciting to see how far Black and Urban Gospel Culture is being accepted by the mainstream entertainment industry. They can't stop God's blessings and so they will just have to acknowledge the rise of this industry with new movies - plays and TV programming.

Although BET is known and sometimes criticized for its primary focus on Young Urban Hip Hop as its bed and butter programming, it has always produced and perhaps profited from Gospel programming albeit primarily on Sundays. I understand BET this weekend is to start the Meet the Faith Program.

I am anxious to see the first episode featuring TD Jakes. Let's pray that this talk show helps us to reason together. Check out the 411 below.

MEET THE FAITH is a dynamic new half-hour Sunday talk show that offers a fresh and provocative take on world events through deep moral discussion, a surprising and unexpected blend of guests, and unconventional topics hosted by news analyst Carlos Watson.

This week's premiere episode includes a one-on-one discussion with Bishop T. D. Jakes to discuss his latest ventures including his brand new book and a panel discussion with Reverend Eugene Rivers; comedian, rapper and entertainer Joe Clair; and conservative strategist Tara Setmayer.

MEET THE FAITH premieres at 11:00 am ET/PT with an encore 8:00 pm ET/PT Sunday, May 7 on BET.

Dr. Bobby Jones Produces The Gospel Promotional Event You Don't Want to Miss!

2006-05-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bobby Jones is the ambassador of Gospel Music like no other. He has really been a force behind Gospel Music's widespread acceptance into popular culture.

I feel Bobby Jones seems to give good exposure to up and coming Gospel artists. And he has made the popular BET station a platform to promote God inspired Gospel music to young urban young people giving them an option of faith and hope.

Bobby's gospel shows on BET have some what counter balanced the rap and hip hop music which is so heavily consumed on stations like BET and MTV. Although there are some naysayers about Bobby Jones I think one day the church will really appreciate the great contribution this visionary prophet has made to Christianity in general and Gospel music in particular.

Therefore if you have the time please support the Bobby Jones International Retreat. See below for more information.

Hollywood, FL - The Bobby Jones' International Gospel Industry Retreat is stepping it up a notch this year with its first ever Red Carpet Event! The Bobby Jones' International Gospel Industry Retreat, The Word Network, and BlackGospelPromo.com have teamed up to bring you a fabulous, star-studded extravaganza. This will definitely be the Gospel Industry Event of the Year!

Join us Tuesday evening, May 9, 2006 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL to see your favorite gospel artists strut their stuff. Lexi, Jonathan Slocumb, and Jawn Murray will be conducting interviews live from the red carpet. It will be aired on The Word Network.

Media don't miss this opportunity to gather gospel music content for Black Music Month in June. Over fifty of the industry's top gospel artists will be available for interviews and photographs. This gospel parade of stars includes: Vickie Winans, Kurt Carr, Shirley Ceasar, Cheryl "Coko" Lemmons, Reuben Studdard, Papa San, John P. Kee and New Life, Smokie Norful, Martha Munizzi, Karen Clark Sheard, Kiera "KiKi" Sheard, Kim Burrell, Tye Tribett, Men of Standard, Donald Lawrence, and a host of others.

Come out and meet the movers and shakers of the gospel music industry. Please visit www.blackgospelpromo.com/bgp5years to download a media registration form or contact Danyelle Y. Haley at 615-232-2560. Forms can be submitted to Danyelle at Danyelle19995841@aol.com.

The Bobby Jones' International Gospel Industry Retreat is a bi-annual event that brings together the key players in the Industry. In addition to gospel artists; gospel record executives, attorneys specializing in gospel music, Christian mimes, Christian comedians, songwriters, promoters, public relation reps, and theatrical producers will be attending the Artist Retreat.

Has Adversity and Self Discovery Lead You To a Path of Faith?

2006-05-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Has Adversity and Self Discovery Lead You To a Path of Faith?

Check out the story of Dr. Valerie Opher and see if you can relate to how adversity can lead you to Faith. Many of us who have worked in corporate american and been exposed to its subtle but strong institutional racism know how it can test your faith and belief system.

When I was growing up we had to brave race riots and the Hell Angels to go to school in JHS and High School. But it wasn't just other racial groups that challenged us but there were tough inner city gangs too that challenged our faith to go to school.

Those challenges and many others taught me how to live prayerfully. This is why I am including her book and story on this site. It shows us how our adversities shouldn't be viewed as some thing bad they can actually make us stronger in our faith.

No one wants adversity but when it meets us prayfully we can rise to the occasion with God's help. Take a look at Dr. Opher's story and consider buying her book.

HOW THE PRACTICE OF FAITH IN THE WORKPLACE CAN REDUCE FEAR, PRODUCE REMARKABLE RESULTS, AND GENERATE LIFE LESSONS

Pittsburgh, PA - Valerie Opher, BSN, RN, MAS, DM, an African American woman, who has worked in not-for-profit as well as for-profit organizations in Corporate America, has a testimony.

While Dr. Opher does not suspect that her professional experiences and associated challenges, in general, are very different than those of other African Americans working in Corporate America, she does acknowledge that her Scared to Faith approach is unique. What she realized over the years is that she has been able to produce remarkable and far-reaching positive results in the workplace each time that she was scared; scared into believing in a higher power that she calls God.

Through her spiritual self-help book, entitled Scared To Faith that was recently released, she shares some of her most profound work experiences, which are ultimately life experiences.

Dr. Opher's practice of ©traveling to self, or listening inwardly for spiritual guidance, and then obeying the messages afforded her job opportunities that required, on paper, many more years of work experience than she possessed at each of the different time points. Early in her career, Dr. Opher was offered and accepted several professional positions requiring 10-20+ years of work experience when she had less than 5 years [experience] in related jobs in the healthcare industry.

To be the only and sometimes first African-American woman in several leadership and management positions presented Dr. Opher with many racial and political challenges. Dr. Opher experienced a racial attack by Caucasians that was mentioned on Fox 45 Ten O'clock news in Baltimore, Maryland. She was called a refugee by an African-American woman who was her boss in Charlotte, North Carolina. A Vice-President of a hospital asked Dr. Opher the following question: Who do you think you are the Rosa Parks of Wilmington, North Carolina? While employed as a CEO of a community health center in North Carolina, Dr. Opher's life was threatened.

In the late 1990's while employed by a Fortune 500 company, Dr. Opher was asked to tell the other four Black members of a team of 100+ persons not to sit together, because "it makes the rest of the team uncomfortable". One of the many questions that Dr. Opher addresses in her book is: Even though we often rationalize that our inclusion is simply tolerance, how do persons of color in Corporate America maintain and honor our identity when we are fewer in number and are continually challenged to demonstrate acts of respect for White colleagues?

Her story is inspirational, enlightening, and definitely worth sharing. In addition to sharing some of her most profound work experiences in Scared To Faith, Dr. Opher includes a Lesson Learned section at the end of each chapter that focuses on how she chose to practice faith in her quest to overcome her many challenges instead of focusing on what happened to her.

Each of the Lesson Learned sections includes discussions on aspects of the study of knowledge, such as beliefs, knowledge claims, and truth-if it exists! The topic of truth is discussed in detail and in the context of socially constructed realities, which is a characteristic of a postmodern environment.

Discussions about beliefs, knowledge, and truth in the context of work-related experiences especially those of a racial or discriminatory nature are garnering attention from not only Corporate America, churches and other faith-based organizations, but also from philosophy departments at academic institutions throughout the country.

Each of the experiences shared in the book, Scared To Faith, demonstrate Dr. Opher's determination to acknowledge a higher power that she calls God. Each time that Dr. Opher was faced with a challenging work experience, she traveled to self, or communed with her spirit. She learned the importance of acting on the spiritual messages, because they yielded remarkable results every time! Scared To Faith is about being scared to the point of believing in a higher power. Valerie Opher learned to become scared to faith and very little else.

Visit www.travelingtoself.com for information about Scared To Faith, and to read Dr. Opher's poem Traveling To Self, which received an Editor's Choice award.

The Economic Development of the Black Church Comes to the Attention of Black Enterprise

2006-04-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have been preaching and teaching that the Black Church needs to reclaim their commitment to community and economic development today. The Black Church was once the bastion of Black self help and economic development.

Of course I was considered nuts when I started making these claims.

Although mainstream Christianity taught Black people that they should accept their lowly slave status and not challenge the system the Bible's testimony of Moses delivering the children of Israel and prophets standing against injustice inspired a Gospel of deliverance and justice.

When many blacks moved up north after slavery some of our Churches (like Pentacostalism) began to focus more on personal salvation (because of urban problems like drugs and personal vices) and less on community development. Now the African American Church has become more assertive on the economic front similar to the early Christian Churches.

Thank God for visionary prophets like Rev. Floyd Flake, Bishop TD Jakes, Pastor Kirby Jon Kaldwell, and others who are running God's business with view to helping lift up the least of God's Children in their communities. Black Enterprise is doing a cover story on the business of faith Please read their press release below.

BLACK ENTERPRISE EXCLUSIVE: THE BUSINESS OF FAITH

Publication's May Cover Story Examines the Proliferation of the Pastor/CEO

New York, NY - For a growing number of modern-day clergy, preaching from the pulpit is only half of the job. A rising number of profitably managed black megachurches are turning pastors into high-profile CEOs of multimillion-dollar enterprises. In the May issue's special report, "The Business of Faith," BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) conducts exclusive interviews with cover subjects Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell and Bishops T.D. Jakes and Eddie L. Long-religious leaders who have embraced business in a big way-often facing criticism-to further their church mission, spiritual message, and entrepreneurial aspirations.

The combination of church and business is booming as ministries grant pastors oversight of both for-profit and nonprofit ventures. A prime example is Bishop T.D. Jakes. As head of the Dallas-based The Potter's House-one of the nation's most prominent non-denominational churches with roughly 30,000 congregants-Jakes, 48, is adept at juggling projects. He successfully serves as the chief spiritual leader of his vast number of parishioners while simultaneously pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams. His $15 million for-profit media empire, T.D. Jakes Enterprises L.L.C., includes books, plays, a record label, and motion pictures, including Woman, Thou Art Loosed!

"The pastor oversees two kingdoms divided by a carefully constructed firewall," says BE News Editor Nicole Marie Richardson, who co-wrote the feature and spent months researching black megachurches. "The ministry has a compensation board that determines Bishop Jakes' salary and approves all budgets, including last year's $15 million MegaFest. This solid financial infrastructure has enabled the church to fund nearly 100 charitable ministries ranging from grief management to debt consolidation." To secure the flow of revenue for his far-reaching endeavors, Jakes employs what he calls the three Ps: partners, corporations that help fund programs and initiatives; products, items sold to the public for proceeds that go to the church; and people, congregants who make significant contributions.

To avoid conflicts, Bishop Jakes employs two staffs and uses different accounting systems and financial institutions for The Potter's House and T.D. Jakes Enterprises. He also has two sets of accountants perform separate compliance audits. By embracing entrepreneurship and sound business practices for both his church and his companies, Bishop Jakes says he's answering God's call. "(Our) compliance audits are so thorough that if I bought you a Coca-Cola on my church card, it would show up in the audit," says Jakes. "We are pastoring to the equivalent of a small city. If you're going to be here for longevity's sake, you have to do things right."

In 2005, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Bishop Eddie Long, minister of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA may have violated IRS regulations by accepting compensation totaling $3.07 million in the use of property and salary from a charity he helped oversee. "They are baseless allegations," maintains Long. "When you grow and become this kind of power base, a lot of things are done to discredit you. There is no indictment. The IRS is fine with us." Long says his woes are partly due to a misunderstanding that many people have about the role and function of the modern day megachurch. "The megachurch is a new thing," says Long, who manages an annual budget of $30 to $40 million. "When you talk to Bishop Jakes, Bishop Charles E. Blake, and Kirbyjon Caldwell, you will find that we have entered into something there is not a lot of history about, but at the same time we collaborate with one another to realize that we have a great power base economically, and we have a great voice in our community that has to be heard. One of Dr. King's legacies is economic empowerment, but the message that is getting out is that we ministers are trying to chase money and that is not the case."

Additional features in the current issue:
"How to Hold Your Church Accountable" (pg. 114)
"Secrets of Successful Investment Clubs" (pg. 87)
"Shopping for the Right Mortgage" (pg. 94)

The May issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE is on newsstands now.

Maranatha Community Church celebration of their 26th Anniversary.

2006-04-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Dr. Billy Ingram, founding Pastor of Maranatha (Maranatha Church LA), is an Icon in the South Central Los Angeles community. Under his leadership, Maranatha has become reconized as part of the Black Triad (West Angeles, FAME, and Maranatha) of church social activist in Los Angeles. Whether you're talking about the LA Riots or Immigration Reform, Pastor Billy has always stood for Righteousness, Justice, and Equity (Prov.1:3) in the Black community.

This year, in commemoration of its 26th Anniversary, Maranatha will be hosting a gala concert extravaganza headlined by music giant Earth, Wind and Fire, popular gospel recording artists J Moss and Tony Terry and jazz great, Cal Bennett. The spectacular merging of musical styles, top name entertainers and guaranteed high time of celebration and spiritual enrichment is certain to make this an historic happening.

Philip Bailey, Earth, Wind and Fire lead singer and long time friend of Pastor Ingram for over 30-years, has called Maranatha his spiritual home since first joining as one of the founding members. He is extremely excited about his group’s participation in this rare Los Angeles appearance. “This is a unique opportunity to bless my church, give back to our this neighborhood and honor Dr. Billy Ingram’s faithful leadership and service to our community. We are going to sing, praise, dance and shout with gratitude for just how wonderful God has been to us. This is going to be an event to remember and I really pray that you don’t miss it.”

The Maranatha Community Church complex, has become a landmark in the South Central community. Located at 3800 Martin Luther King Blvd., in the famed Lemert Park area of Los Angeles. Pastor Ingram and the Maranatha congregation have been essential in the redevelopment and economic revitalization of the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw business community.

Strong advance ticket sales and the unprecedented level of interest in this event have demanded two performances. They will be held at 3:00pm and 8:00pm on Saturday, April 29th in the church auditorium at 3800 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Los Angeles. Tickets for each of these benefit concerts are priced at $30 for general admission and $60 for V.I.P. seating.

This will be a "Can't Miss" community event! A night of celebration, honor, and joy. For more information about the weeks schedule of events, contact Maranatha Community Church at 323-295-4044.

This New Gospel Comedy May Be Worth Seeing

2006-04-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am glad that Christian art forms like movies, TV, plays, and now comedies are making inroads into mainstream media. Until now if you were to look at the mainstream media you would think that most Black and Hispanic Americans are basically young street thugs and gangbangers.

Quiet as it is keep the overwhelming majority of Blacks and Hispanics are hard working, law abiding, and in countless cases God fearing and Church going folk. I am therefore not surprised about the success of Christian marketing of rap, music, books, film, and comedy.

The Christian marketing of various forms of media is a multbillion dollar market that will continue to grow and gain widespread acceptance. Hopefully the following Christ comedy will follow in those footsteps.

LAUGHALUJAH PROVIDES UNIQUE, QUALITY COMEDY EXPERIENCE FOR ENTIRE VALLEY

Phoenix, AZ -- Laughalujah "They So Crazy" Comedy Experience is recognized across St. Croix, Philadelphia, Memphis, Baltimore, and many, many other cities as "The Funniest Live Gospel Comedy Show Ever!" The show comes to Phoenix on May 1, 2006 at Symphony Hall located at 225 East Adams with doors opening at 6:30 pm and show time starting at 7:30 pm.

Entrepreneurs and promoters Duvale Murchison, Founder of Duvale Murchison Entertainment and Patrick Porter, Founder of Smoove (no th) Connections, both agree that it is important to bring quality shows to the valley. "I would put Laughalujah Comedians up against any other comedians out today," indicates Murchison.

Laughalujah's hilarious upcoming Phoenix comedy show includes four talented Comedians, Marcus Wiley, Rod Z, Vanessa Fraction and Sean Sarvis. The valley is in for a treat as the four deliver true quality humor fit for the youngest to the eldest.

Laughalujah tickets are available at: Orpheum Theatre 602-262-7272, Mezzo Records, 16th Street and Southern Avenue, and Ticketmaster. Visit www.smooveconnections.com for additional information. Group Tickets also available through Orpheum Theater box office.

Join in this awesome experience of bringing people of all races and ages together through laughter.