contents

---

Visions of Glory

www.newbindy.org

Volume 1 / Number 30 / October 2015

1

2

Visions of Glory

CONTENTS Creative Ideas

8. Kingdom Expansion

Congratulations! 2015 Scholarship Recipients

6.

Father’s Day 2015

7.

Writer’s Workshop

10.

Health Fair

11.

Guiding Light Ministry

12. 14.

Back to School Youth

15.

Thunder on Thursday

Missions Trip: Zimbabwe

Visions of Glory

Dr. James A. Jackson, Sr. Pastor

G

reetings Family! I pray this letter finds you all doing well and enjoying the bountiful blessings of our loving God. I am so excited to share and reminisce with you all. God is doing some amazing things at our church and we have had an amazing year so far. This year we declared 2015 as our year of Kingdom Expansion. We asked God to help us expand in all areas of our lives. As a church we wanted to expand as well. Our goal was to expand the structure of the church to allow us to be able to better serve the needs of the people. Well, I am so happy to witness what is taking place on the grounds of New B. God has been faithful and the expansion is taking place. Just a few weeks ago we were able to break ground for our new wing on the church. This addition will now begin to take place and it will be a struc-

ture that adds classrooms and facilities that will help benefit our youth as well as allow us the space to do more ministry for the community and the congregation. I cannot express how happy I was as we broke the ground symbolizing the actual groundbreaking and construction that will take place. I want to thank all of you for your hard work, sacrifice and most of all obedience to God in helping make this addition possible. As I have said before, if we just obey God at His word, our obedience will be honored. With the building of this new addition to our church, it will allow us to be even more effective in reaching the needs of the people in this congregation and community. The youth wing will allow our children to have a safe, state-of-the-art facility to learn more about God and help them develop

into the fine Christian young men and women God has designed them to be. In addition, the expanded chapel and community rooms will allow us to host events that we have had to rent space for in the past. I cannot wait to see what all takes place in the new building. Family, again I want to encourage you to stay focused on this year of Kingdom Expansion. We are witnessing what God can do when we stay faithful and obedient as a church family. Now just watch what He can do in your personal lives if you keep the same faith and obedience. I truly believe God has His hand on this ministry and the people connected to it. I look forward to hearing the testimonies of how He “expanded” you in some areas due to your faithfulness. Let ‘s finish strong and continue to serve our almighty God. May God bless you and keep you! That is my prayer.

3

4

Visions of Glory

H

ello family! Fall is upon us and we are coming to the end of a wonderful year at New B. I have been so amazed at the wonderful things that are taking place at our church. The Community Day and Health Fair we had in July were incredible. It was so pleasing to see our church family and the community having fun and getting needed resources for the children to start back to school. Now we are starting our building project to expand our facilities to serve our youth. It is wonderful to see how we have focused some of our resources to better equip the children to succeed. That is truly the way God wants us to go. I want to take this time to make a plea to each one of you to really examine how much time, effort and resources you put into our youth. The youth are our future and too many times we

From the First Lady do not take that seriously enough. It is imperative that we prepare a strong foundation for our next generations to be able to soar and succeed to even higher heights than we were able to achieve.

them will not receive the encouragement that is needed to continue to excel. Family, let’s make sure that the children of New B, are prepared and encouraged to go as far as their imaginations can take them.

As a parent of small children, this issue of pouring into the lives of our children is near and dear to my heart. As I look around New B, I am so encouraged to see the many young people we have that are eager to serve God and do His will. As the elders, we must ensure that this youthful passion is encouraged and cultivated to grow to even higher heights.

With our new building and facilities, we will have the resources to do some great things with our youth. However, it will take a united effort of adults to help make it a success. Family, I ask that you join me in preparing our youth. If you can, help with a youth ministry or simply speak to and encourage some of the youth you come in contact with around here. Do everything in your power to make sure our young people get what they need to succeed. I will be out in front doing all I can to help the cause. Will you join me? I know that together, with God’s help we cannot even imagine all that He can do. Get involved! It is crucial to our future. May God bless you and keep you!

I ask that each one of you who reads this, takes it upon yourself to mentor, coach or simply encourage our youth. We need them to be able to pick up and carry on after our time is done. However, if we do not train and equip them now, I am afraid that some of

Lady Tara Jackson

Visions of Glory

A Note From The Editor “Commit to the Lord everything you do. Then your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3 NIRV).”

G

reetings in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that this summer has been a joyous summer for all of you. Proverbs 16:3 talks about committing our plans to the Lord. In my Bible it states that “We must maintain a delicate balance: trusting God as if everything depended on Him, while working as if everything depended on us.” That’s what New Beginnings have been doing. In our trust in God and work in His Kingdom, God has blessed us to break ground on a new building project, a Youth Community Center. This community center will allow us to provide additional classroom and activity space for our youth in addition to jobs and economic development for our community! Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Helping our community helps society solve problems, create solutions, enhance safety and have a positive affect on all involved. During this quarter, New B had several community events such as our Back-to-School Community Outreach, a Community Youth Health Fair, and our dedication ceremony for the new Youth Community Center. All events were well attended by the community, brought several organizations with resources and tools for our youth and adults, offered activities, giveaways, food and fun at no cost to anyone. What a blessing for our community. See the articles and photos inside. This quarter we were also blessed by guest Pastor Arthur Jackson III from Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Miami Gardens, Florida and Guest Art-

V.O.G. Section Writers Contributors

Angela Daniels Francine Dash Mark Davis Whitney Davis Brenda Ellis Annette Hollins Carolyn Jones Tawanna Lewis Fulljahan Morin Darnesha Riffe Nichole Smith Troy Tyson Andrea Wilson Kendra Young

Photography Carl Williams Andrea Smith Stephanie Bowens Harvey Brooks Elwood Reams Michael Mays Cedric Merritt

Graphic Designer Tuane Hearn

ist, Jekalyn Carr during our Thunder on Thursday event on August 6th. We also recognized our graduates this quarter, provided scholarships to our students, and hosted a kingdom expansion ministry expo in a continued effort to connect our members with ministries. During this ministry expo, over 200 additional members decided to share their gifts and talents with a New Beginnings Ministry. Hallelujah and thank God for Kingdom Expansion! We hope that this edition is inspiring to you and encourages you to share or continue sharing your blessings as well. Thank you for your support to New Beginnings and the Visions of Glory Ministry! Blessings...

Alma J. Phillips Burrus, Managing Editor

5

6

Visions of Glory

By: Mark Davis

“…But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

T

hat was part of the scriptural reference for the powerful Father’s Day message, “Dad, The Buck Stops with You”, given by New Beginnings Fellowship Church’s Senior Pastor, Dr. James A. Jackson, Sr. The central theme of the message was asking men “What are we passing down to our children? Are we passing on a love for God?” This was a message admonishing this generation of men to stand up so that the generations that follow us will prosper. Pastor Jackson acknowledged the difficulties faced by men today, by using the biblical example of Joseph as one that overcame those with the intent of destroying him, and was able to flourish. Pastor Jackson noted that todays’ church is ministering to the first generation of people that did not grow up in the church culture. This has made it even more challenging for some of the men of today because they themselves lack the foundation provided by the church. Pastor Jackson’s message was a reiteration of the discussions and themes from the Father-Son program, “Breakfast

with the Boys.” Speakers Brian Dinkins and Robert Jackson gave strikingly similar testimonies of overcoming difficult pasts, setbacks, doubts, and having their dreams of being professional athletes derailed by injury. Both Mr. Dinkins and Mr. Jackson have become successful as professionals and family men. A poignant moment occurred when the speakers and attendees sat in a circle and talked through obstacles that they are facing now, and how they can overcome them. Mr. Jackson challenged the men to stop making excuses and take responsibility for themselves and the community. The Father’s Day weekend of inspiration was brought to a powerful conclusion by Pastor Jackson calling all of the men of New B to the altar and praying over them. It was a prayer for change, a prayer of hope, a prayer asking God to give the men the strength and the desire to start the change in our community. Pastor Jackson told the men they must be the agents of change for our community.

Visions of Glory

By: Troy Tyson

D

ozens of New Beginnings members turned out for the Visions of Glory (VOG) August ministry meeting and writer’s workshop, held on August 11th at the New B East location. The meeting, featuring food, learning, and fellowship, was attended not only by veteran writers, photographers, and editors from the VOG staff, but also by many newcomers and members interested in using their journalistic talents in ministry. Visions of Glory is the official magazine of the New Beginnings Fellowship Church. The evening began with light refreshments and “meet-and-greet” time, allowing the attendees to get to know each other. Established VOG workers shared stories of their time and experiences with the ministry, while newcomers had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group, and give some insights into their respective talents. After introductions and some administrative housekeeping, attention turned to the primary focus for the evening, which was the writer’s workshop. The workshop was facilitated by Vernon Williams, a local writer with decades of experience in numerous areas of journalism. A seasoned journalist, author, editor, and administrator, he is currently the commentary columnist for the Chicago/Gary Crusader Newspaper, and he also serves as the Assistant to the Chancellor for Communications at IUPUI. Mr. Williams brought his substantial training and real-world experience to

what turned out to be a highly informative session. Working first through the basics of news and entertainment writing, Mr. Williams then moved on to more advanced concepts of journalism, such as style, voice, and vision. He also offered solutions to problems that writers commonly face, such as dealing with writer’s block, and finding reliable sources. Throughout the seminar, Mr. Williams challenged the participants to dig deep and explore their true motivations for wanting to develop and share their journalistic talents. The workshop also included a written exercise portion, where VOG team members tested their impromptu writing skills by picking a random subject, and writing three paragraphs on it in a short period of time. All participants walked away with a ton of new knowledge and skills, which they will be able to use to expand their talents and further their individual ministries. VOG’s next writing workshop will take place on Tuesday, November 10th at 7:00 PM, and will be held at the New B East location. If you are interested in participating, or would like to contribute your talents to the Visions of Glory Magazine, contact VOG administration at [email protected]. Of course, don’t forget to grab the next issue of Visions of Glory Magazine, and keep up with all of the great things happening around New Beginnings!

7

8

Visions of Glory

By: Mark Davis

T

“We’re still growing!!”

hat is the refrain you will hear on any given Sunday at the New Beginnings Fellowship Church as new members are welcomed into the congregation. Well, on Sunday, August 30th, New B was not only growing numerically, but also physically as ground was broken on the new Youth Center at the East campus. Excitement, happiness, and joy were in the air as members walked to the new site. This expansion will provide an opportunity to minister to not only New Beginnings members but also to our community. This building will offer classroom space as well as room for many other youth activities in a safe and Godly environment. Participating in the ground breaking ceremonies were not only Pastor James A. Jackson, Sr. and First Lady Tara Jackson, but also New B board members as well as representatives from the principal contracting firm Davis and Associates, the lead architect, and Pastor, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. of the Eastern Star Church. It was Pastor Johnson’s obedience to God’s vision that was responsible for the planting of New Beginnings out of Eastern

Star. Pastor Johnson said that it is evident that the favor of God is upon Pastor Jackson and New Beginnings because most churches in America are not blessed to build anything. Glory to God! This will be New Beginnings second major building project. That is incredible for a church that is only eleven years old!! Pastor Johnson also said that this project is a blessing as it will not only provide space for training and keeping people healthy, but it will also bring jobs and economic development to the community. Pastor Jackson closed the ceremony in prayer asking God for His continued wisdom and guidance so that we will remain in God’s will for our future and continue to be obedient to God. This Kingdom expansion project represents our goal of developing and nurturing our children in our community, who indeed are our future.

Visions of Glory

9

10

Visions of Glory

By: Darnesha Riffe

New Beginnings kicked off its annual back to school community extravaganza by hosting the Youth Health Fair on Thursday, July 23, 2015, in partnership with Community Health Network, ranked among the nation’s most integrated healthcare systems. This health fair provided health screenings and sports physicals, along with information on fitness, diabetes, dental treatments and healthy eating to those in attendance. There were a host of fun activities for everyone. Indiana Pacers guard, George Hill, stopped by to sign autographs. Chiro 1st offered free massages. The YMCA provided face paintings and there was a coloring station for the little ones. The movie “Facing the Giants” was shown in the sanctuary with unlimited popcorn available. Several other organizations participated this year as well: The Martin Center: A Human Service Agency founded in 1969 by Rev. Boniface Hardin dedicated to providing a “holistic approach” to clients battling the effects of Sickle Cell and associated disorders in our community. Minority Health Coalition of Marion County: A local affiliate of the statewide Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Inc. A non-profit organiza-

tion that exists to eliminate health disparities through research, education, advocacy, and access to health care services for minority populations. Hamilton Center : A not-for-profit Community Mental Health Center serving central and west central Indiana with quality mental health services for over 40 years. Drug Free Marion County: An antidrug coalition whose work is aimed at preventing and reducing the impact of substance use on crime, health and individuals in our community. Other participants included the Indianapolis Fire Department, Priority One Medical, Anthem Health Insurance, and LA Fitness. The northeast community was blessed by this health fair. New Beginnings look forward to this health fair each year. We hope to continue to partner with these organizations and to attract even more organizations to serve our community next year. It is our goal to ensure our community has the educational material and health experts available to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Visions of Glory

By: Darnesha Riffe

In August, the Guiding Light Ministry held its annual Senior Enrichment Day at the New B East Campus. This event provided information and resources on selected topics to enrich the lives of individuals 50 years and over. Invited speakers and vendors included: The Marion County Prosecutors Office who discussed and provided information on fraud and identity theft; CICOA an aging and disability resource center, provided infor-

mation on services available for seniors and caregivers; And, a representative from the Crown Hill Cemetery, Lisa Cosby, a New B member, to discuss and answer questions about funeral planning. Side Street Catering of Indianapolis provided the meals for this event. The Guiding Light Ministry is designed for individuals, members and non-members of our congregation who are 50 years of age and older. The Guiding Light Ministry addresses the

spiritual, physical, mental, emotional and social needs of seniors. The Guiding Light Ministry events are free and open not only to the members but also to their guests and citizens in the community. See the photographs highlighting this event. For more information about this ministry, please email [email protected].

11

12

Visions of Glory

By: Francine Dash New Beginnings Community Day Celebration, on July 25, 2015 was a collaborative effort between the church and various community organizations to provide free school supplies to children, and to create a festive atmosphere for the whole family. All of the food prepared and served by New B was provided at no cost to anyone attending, including activities and giveaways. Several organizations were participating for the first time. Alex Gagheart of Hoosier Care Connect commented, “We want to be a part of events like this to promote healthy living and to let people know that it pays to be healthy.” Candice Jackson, Student Recruitment Specialist, with Andrew J. Brown Academy stated, “This event works hand in hand with the type of school that we are. We are a bit different because we have a character-based curriculum, and we are just down the street. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be here today.” A long time participant, Terri Madden, with the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP), mentioned that

events like this are what help them to stay connected to the community. “I’ve participated for several years, and a lot of what we do is word of mouth. We are always glad to be a part of New B to support the community and be a partner in teaching loan readiness.” Volunteer and long time church member, Peggy Finkton, served up free hotdogs and burgers. During the course of her day, she paused to share her impressions. “It is such a blessing to volunteer and be a part of the community. People are having a good time, and get to see what we are about as a church. They know that we are here to help and be a part of their lives. Everybody can’t afford what we have been blessed to share with them. It just feels really good to be here.” Karen Lightbourne, Mayor’s Liaison, with the City of Indianapolis shared while handing out school directories; “Community building and connecting with people is what I love to do. As liaison, my role is to connect people with resources that positively affect their lives. This event is perfect for that.”

Carl Lindell, of Indiana State Parks, agreed with Ms. Lightbourne. “We are here to promote resources available to families in our parks. We feel like being here is a really great place to introduce people to all that the state parks have to offer, particularly Fort Harrison, since it is the only state park in the Indianapolis area.” Station 45 was also in attendance with their fire engine. They allowed children and adults to get into the vehicle, shared fire safety tips, and encouraged families to create a family safety plan. “We go to events like this a lot and use these times to talk to kids and their families about what to do, what not to do, and how to stay safe until we arrive. It’s all about saving lives,” said firefighter, Ibn Akbar. There were so many in attendance, that the parking lot overflowed to Stonybrook Middle school where New B had a bus waiting to shuttle people to and from the event. New B plans to continue having this event, and looks forward to even more participation in the coming years.

Visions of Glory

13

14

Visions of Glory

Fulljahan Morin,

New B Member, in center

Editors Note: In the spring of this year, a member of New B had the opportunity to be a part of a missions trip to Mberengwa, Zimbabwe. Below is her story of how she was able to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ and share it with people literally on the other side of the world.

By: Fulljahan Morin

T

he question of “Why are you sending me there?” kept crossing my mind as I tried to fit a tent, sleeping bag, and clothing into a bag that could weigh no more than 44 pounds, and a carry-on that could weigh no more than 15 pounds. Total time to actually get to the campsite, after 2 plane rides, a bus shuttle, and dirt roads was about 19 hours. Looking at the green grass and hills made me think that I was home, but seeing the stars in different positions, and finding the Southern Cross told me that I was way below the Equator. A popular young group “Celebration” started each morning of the clinic with praise and worship songs to remind everyone of the reasons why we serve a great God. This medical/gospel outreach, through JVMI, Jewish Voice Ministries International, brings medical, dental and vision services, and sometimes eye surgeries, to needy people who will walk for hours with their walking sticks, then stand in line for hours in the hills, in the hot sun, just to see a doctor, get a tooth pulled, get a pair of eye glasses, or receive medications. Children will beg each day for more candy. Some are pushed through the hills

in wheelbarrows, in carts pulled by donkeys, or carried on someone’s back. An ambulance is an SUV. They wear their best dress clothes, but they lack vitality. A thirty-six year old looks sixty-six years old. There are no smiles on their faces, just apathy, and maybe desperation. Domestic abuse is at a high point. It is so sad that a baby with a lacerated eye will lose the eye because he won’t get the surgery needed that could not be done at this time. There is no running water, no power lines for electricity, or shopping malls, although some cell phones could be seen. Many have their own gardens to provide their food, others have jobs like interpreters, the Zimbabwean nurses, and doctors hired to work the clinics. Many local people were hired to supplement their income by helping to maintain the clinic and the camp sites. JVMI serves ALL the needy in Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Ethiopia and India, including needy Jewish people of the Lost Tribes of Jacob. In Zimbabwe, it is the Tribe of Levi. They have been DNA tested and found to be related to the high priests of Aaron. They are outcasts of their own society because they have continued the old traditions set by Moses. During

this outreach, young Messianic Jewish leaders were trained to go out and fulfill “The Great Commission”. They will be spreading the “Gospel of Christ” to the locals and beyond. Hallelujah! Once the residents finished in the clinics (over 7,000 were seen) they were directed to the Prayer Tent, where, if requested, there was an awesome team to pray for them. Over 600 accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as their savior, several were baptized, many healings occurred and many filled out cards for Messianic leaders to visit at their home. I am blessed to have been able to join this outreach, and help in the Vision Clinic. I see that His Kingdom is greater than I could ever have imagined. We, in America, take for granted all that we have been blessed with, but these needy people only have us to look forward to. JVMI uses medical and non-medical volunteers. The next clinic was not held because of lack of volunteers, and these needy people have to wait until next year to be seen again. Now that JVMI has left Mberengwa, please pray that those who have accepted Jesus continue to trust in Him.

Visions of Glory

Pastor Arthur Jackson

Jekalyn Carr

FAITH GIVES BIRTH TO FAVOR. TRUST AND OBEY, FOR THERE’S NO OTHER WAY By: Brenda Ellis

T

hunder is defined as a loud, rumbling or crashing noise. Many people cringe when they hear thunder. But this was not the situation for the blessed congregation who made their way to New B’s Thunder On Thursday on August 6, 2015 featuring Pastor Arthur Jackson III of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Miami Gardens, Florida and Guest Artist, Jekalyn Carr. Jekalyn Carr filled the sanctuary with the roaring sounds of thunder through a variety of songs that praised God for who He is. Heartfelt, emotional and thankful praises went up to our God when the New B family, friends and guests joined in to speak to God through music. What a welcome Pastor Arthur Jackson III received when the congregation was left with the feeling of “Something Big is About to Happen!” Pastor Arthur Jackson referenced two scriptures, Hebrews 11:7, by faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house. He condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness by faith. The second scripture was from the book of Genesis 6: 5-8 with special emphasis on verse 8 citing Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Pastor Jackson spoke on the topic “Faith Gives Birth to Favor.”

Pastor Arthur Jackson stated that the story of Noah teaches us that there are three types of faith; Radical, Responsive and Resilient faith which gives birth to favor in the eyes of the Lord. Radical faith challenges the norm, stands out,appears to be strange, and goes against the grain. God told Noah that it would rain and instructed him on what to do. He pointed out that

Noah did not know what rain was and had not seen rain before. Because Noah obeyed God’s command by believing what He said would happen, and knowing that God would prepare him for what was coming, sight unseen, he found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Noah also found favor in the eyes of the Lord because he moved and acted on the words God spoke to him, without knowing or seeing what was on the other side. He was motivated by the fear of the unknown. This is Re-

sponsive Faith. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he believed what God said would happen, moved with fear and followed God’s command. Lastly, we were taught about Resilient Faith. Noah was commanded by God to build the ark, which was the largest of all the tasks and at first it appeared to be larger than his ability to complete and could not be completed on his own. This story exhibited Noah’s faithfulness to God by sticking to the task before him. He did not give up nor did he start the assignment and quit because he was overwhelmed. The ark did not have windows for Noah to see where he was going nor did he have the ability to stop the ark because the end of the destination was known only by God. By trusting God’s word, even though he could not see where he was going, did not know where the journey would end,or know how long it would take to complete the task, Noah found favor in God’s eyes. Pastor Jackson wanted us to know that some assignments from God may appear to be overwhelming. The longevity of the task and the final designation may be unknown to us, but rest assure that faith in God’s words will lead to favor in His eyes. Favor is the gift from God for being faithful, something He exclusively has for us that we cannot earn nor buy.

15

16

Visions of Glory