Atlanta's #1 Christian News Source Volume 1 Issue 2
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February 2014
Dr. Teresa Hairston
Read Cover Story.....pg 4-5
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Celebrating 100 Years! “You’re listening to WERD Radio 860 AM” . Those words were first spoken over the airwaves in early October 1949 when WERD in Atlanta, Georgia became the first radio station owned and operated by an African American. WERD was founded by Jesse B. Blayton, a university professor and accountant. Programming was marketed toward the black community and served as an important means of media exposure for Dr. Martin Luther King, who was headquartered in the same building. Blayton purchased the station for $50,000 and hired his son, Jesse Blayton, Jr., as the station’s first program director. The younger Blayton hired four black announcers, Joe Howard, Roosevelt Johnson, Jimmy Winnington, and veteran “Jockey” Jack Gibson who by the early 1950s had became one of Atlanta’s most popular radio personalities. Gibson read daily news that was relevant to the black community and often conducted on-air interviews of Atlanta University professors and other prominent black leaders to comment on the leading stories of the day. During the 1960’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference gained prominence. It has been said that Dr. King would bang on the ceiling with a broomstick when he wanted to make a public statement, and the WERD disc jockey upstairs would lower a microphone from the window above. Blayton, Sr. sold WERD in 1968 upon his retirement. In 1995, he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. Today, the station is known as Love860, WAEC: Atlanta’s Inspirational Talk Radio (www.love860com). The station serves the community with a diverse brand of programming including ministries, health, motivation, and entertainment and is currently under the ownership of Beasley Broadcast Group. Founded in 1961, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. (www.bbgi.com) is a radio broadcasting company that owns and operates 43 stations (27 FM and 16 AM) located in eleven large- and mid-size markets in the United States.
Negro History Week to Black History Month Negro History Week was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week. This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The first Negro History Week was met with a lukewarm response, gaining the cooperation of the Departments of Education in various states. Despite the non-acceptable nature of the event; nevertheless Woodson said “this is one of the most fortunate steps ever taken by the Association," and the plans for an annual event continued. By 1929, various states, teachers, and churches played a significant role in distributing official literature associated with this event and Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades. Woodson contended that the teaching of black history was essential to ensure the physical and intellectual survival of the race within society. He said, "If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” Because of Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Black History Week is now known as Black History Month. It was first proposed by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February, 1969. The university celebrated its first Black History Month one year later, in February, 1970. In 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial, the informal expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S.goverment in 1976.
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It's Up To You! Your Choices Determines Your Future One evening during the late 70s, I attended what I thought was just a gathering of friends but it turned out to be an Amway presentation. Amway meetings were like pep rallies—high energy, positive and upbeat. The facilitator motivated everyone to dream big! He said, “Think about what it would be like not to have any bills! How would you spend your money?” “What would you do if you had all the money you wanted and no longer had to work. How would you spend your time?” One question which really piqued my interest that night was, “If…[God forbid], you died tomorrow, What legacy would you want to leave behind?” It was now my turn to respond, I said, “I want to leave some type of written legacy that will positively impact others.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but probably for the first time in my life, the facilitator got me to focus on my extremely blurred vision, and to put it into words. It was a pivotal moment, and turning point in my life. I had become “conscious” of my dream/vision. But the next day I went back to work. And I kept going back to work, month after month and year after year - until I hit the wall.
Dr. Teresa Hairston
In 1988, I suffered a painful, emotionally and devastating divorce. I thought my life was falling apart. But instead of giving up, I realized that I had to make new choices. I decided to get that old vision off the shelf, dust it off and do something with it!
In 1989, I started a four-page newsletter. At the time, I was at one of the worst financial junctures of my life. I was divorced, working two jobs, and, a single mother with three young children. I was really struggling, but I knew I had to live my dream or die trying!
I wrote a book, “How to Pursue Your Purpose” and now, a second book “Stop Waiting, Start Winning!” that helps people make their dreams a reality. Here’s the point:
All I could put together to invest in my “dream/vision” was $300. I had to make a decision: move past fears and walk by faith; or make excuses and play it safe. I took the plunge! The water was deep but I didn’t drown! That four-page newsletter grew into Gospel Today magazine, which became the longest running and most widely distributed Christian Lifestyle magazine in history. I went from $300 to millions. In 2011, I retired from Gospel Today magazine and passed the legacy to my son. After Gospel Today, I began to focus on ministry. I had already started a non-profit organization (in 1994) called The Gospel Heritage Foundation, which celebrated and educated regarding the great legacy of Gospel and Worship. It was a great vision, but Gospel Today had been its main source of funding. Now, it had no stream of funding. Again, I had to choose whether to fight forward or rest on my laurels. I chose to fight!
I continue to move forward. It’s not easy, and it’s definitely not convenient. I seem to always be going “against” the flow of the status quo and living in a state of “uncertainty”. But, I dare to dream and I dare to “do.” Here are a few things I have learned that I hope will help you on your journey: Never let past failures dictate future victories. Patterns, habits and results can change--if you choose to change them. It’s up to you! Your words shape your world. How you choose to think is reflected in how you choose to speak; and how you choose to speak will impact what you choose to do! Choose Negative or Positive! It’s up to you!
Today, Gospel Heritage is expanding by developing regional branches that sponsor worship seminars and conferences in local cities. It has given the organization a major upsurge in attendance and financial support.
There are positive lessons in the worst situations. When you choose to focus on the “why” of a situation, you stay in the past or present; when you choose to focus on the “what” of a situation, you can use the lesson(s) to move into your future. It’s up to you!
I never stop growing, climbing, dreaming or visioning! I went to seminary, was ordained as a church elder, and, began preaching., I completed the John Maxwell Coaching Program and started formally mentoring others.
Never give up! Every day in every aspect of your life (financial, physical, emotional, spiritual) you get the opportunity to make choices. If it’s only an inch, if it’s only a small step, JUST DO IT! It’s up to you!
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20th Annual Gospel Heritage Praise & Worship Conference Gospel Heritage Founder, Dr. Teresa Hairston, hosted and produced Gospel Celebrations at the White House and around the world. On February 20th - 22nd 2014, Gospel Heritage Praise & Worship Conference will return to Atlanta, Georgia. Thousands of gospel music fans, gospel artists, songwriters, musicians and pastors, from all over the country will be in attendance; to celebrate Gospel Heritage and perpetuate its legacy of nineteen years. The event will be held at Changing A Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church located at 3350 Greenbriar Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA 30331. Hosting this life changing event will be Bishop Paul S. Morton, a worshipper in his own right, recording artist, author, founder and presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. For two and a half days, worshippers will come and immerse their mind, body, and spirit in a charged atmosphere that will challenge them to focus on their call from God. The Gospel Heritage Worship Conference is recognized by many as the #1 educational setting of its kind. The daytime presentations, classes, seminars, showcases and workshops are essential for growth. The nightly services and special presentations (concerts, etc) will help release you to new levels of excellence in ministry. Dr. Hairston says, "Gospel Heritage is more than a conference…..it’s an Experience!" “Those who take part in the Gospel Heritage Worship Conference will witness a plethora of culturally enriching celebrations to help the masses gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenal contributions made by African-Americans.” Dr. Hairston is declaring that it’s time for change. “The culture has changed and it’s time for the Church to change as well, embracing “Worship.” Dr. Hairston is a leader, trailblazer and trendsetter in the Gospel industry. She is leading an initiative to champion a philosophy that moves people beyond Gospel music. So, come and connect with other worshippers. “Worship is a lifestyle, not just a musical style,” says Dr. Hairston. For more information contact: gospelheritage.org 770.866.2427
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Bishop Paul S. Morton "Enough is Enough" For years, African-Americans have voted overwhelmingly for any and everybody on the Democratic ticket. However, due to the recent “direction” of Democratic leadership, Bishop Paul S. Morton is taking a stand. “For the first time in my life I’m coming out as an independent!” he states. “I have been a Democrat since I started voting in America, but this party is getting farther and farther away from what Kingdom people believe. For too long, Democrats have taken our vote for granted but kingdom people have rights too, and don’t want to be taken for granted. We will not just accept anything. And to be fair, it’s not just Democrats but Republicans too. Both sides are becoming too extreme. American culture is treating Jesus like He is the President of The United States—like we have the “right” to vote for His agenda! People act like, if they like God’s word, they can vote “for” it or if they don’t we can vote “against” it. But the truth is that Jesus is not a President! He is the King; in fact, He’s the King of Kings. What the King says goes. Real kingdom people don’t vote on the Kingdom agenda. Real kingdom people know that what the King says goes. We must obey the King whether we like it or not. The problem is that today’s politicians—both Republican and Democrat—are refusing listening to the King. Many conservative Republicans don’t want to help the less fortunate but want to focus more and Bishop Paul S. Morton more on the rich. The bible says ‘we must help the poor.’ . I am honored to work for the King! It is my job to let people know that we These Republicans are also antagonistic toward women who find must not condone sin. My job is to preach about a choice that offers a themselves in emotionally devastating situations as a result of rape. better way to live—the Kingdom Way. And before you say that I’m not I don’t believe a woman should be forced to bring a child into the operating in love, please know that it is precisely because of love that I world if she has been raped by her father, or suffered the violent take this stand! I don’t condemn any person, I only stand up and speak molestation of her body by a complete stranger. There are even times when a woman must decide to terminate because bearing a child would out for what God stands for and what the Bible says. put her life in danger. By no means am I supporting abortion! I’m In the upcoming 2014 and 2016 elections, I’m looking for someone who definitely “pro-life” but there are certain situations that require careful will bring balance to these serious issues that are facing our country. It examination and adjudication. You can’t “blanketly” decide! That’s doesn’t matter if the person is Independent, Democrat or Republican. I going too far and it’s not the Kingdom way (God’s way). believe that many Kingdom people are ready for new choices. We have already chosen “whom we will serve”—our Kingdom and His agenda is At the same time, Democrats have become too liberal. Nothing is sin not up for election, re-election or amendment! anymore! If nothing is sin anymore, “WHY” would we need Jesus? We still acknowledge that it is Jesus who forgives us when we repent I’m a citizen of God’s Kingdom. The mandates of His Theocracy of our sins. supersede those of America’s Democracy. I will continue to honor the democracy of the United States, but the United States should honor and America has become arrogant! We ignore God’s Word, and we reject not violate the principles of my faith. I will continue to pray the words of biblical morality. I can’t support what God condemns! God does not our King—“Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done In Earth As It Is In condone sexual sin. God does not agree with same sex marriage, Heaven.” adultery, fornication or polygamy. While I understand that people have the right to make these choices; We need elected officials who believe in the Kingdom agenda and and while I agree that it is NOT my job to force anyone to stop Preachers as well as Kingdom people who will fight for the Kingdom anything, I do fully embrace my assignment to preach the Kingdom agenda like others fought for theirs." message! Bishop Paul S. Morton
Submitted by Worship 360
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Joseph and Sarah Caring for Veterans Transitional House Homeless Veterans Road to Recovery
50th Birthday Celebration for Co-Pastor Vanessa Hall (Atlanta, Ga.) Rhema Christian Fellowship presents the 50th Birthday Celebration for Co-Pastor Vanessa Hall on March 7th from 8:00pm - 12:00 am. Come join us for a night of elegance to honor a woman of God who has dedicated her life to the gospel industry. This event will be filled with love, family, and friends. With Special Guest, R&B Artist Glenn Jones in attendance, the “Here I Go Again” singer will host the red carpet and take the crowd back to 1992 with his #1 Billboard single. Co-Pastor Hall is one of God's selected gifts to the Body of Christ. She is an anointed, prophetic teacher of the Word, who specializes in guiding not only women but young adults to a more intimate relationship with Christ. She has been the host of many Women’s Conferences and Retreats that ministers to women from around the country with a restored mantle of love, great expectations, and healing. Co-Pastor Hall is also the Founder and Publisher of Elect Lady Magazine, a national faith-based women’s magazine founded on Christian principles and Godly standards of excellence.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of the homeless veterans in our community. Starting with transitional housing programs offered by nonprofit community based organizations such as Joseph & Sarah Caring for Veterans (JSCV). Since 2010, JSCV has continued to be a valuable presence in the community. Located in the historic Vine City, JSCV has a 100% veteran transitional housing program. The men that go through this program are provided safe and sober housing, case management, and other supportive services to help them down the “Road to Recovery’ and regain their self-sufficiency. Denise Leak, the Executive Director and Founder whom is a retired veteran of 23 years of service states that “the words ‘Homeless Veterans’ is an oxymoron” she states that “ every veteran has known a stable lifestyle if nowhere else but during their military service” and JSCV strives to help them return to stability. If you are looking to get involved, JSCV offers programs like “Adopt a Room/Veteran” where a group, club, company or church can Adopt a Room/Veterans and have the opportunity to sponsor the room for one year to support a homeless Veteran in the process. For more info contact Denise Leak @
[email protected] or visit www.JandSHouse.org Article by Denise Leak
The Rhema Nation and the city of Decatur honors Co-Pastor Hall for her dedication to the church and the communities. The 50th Birthday Gala will show the appreciation from those in the gospel industry that has been touch by Co-Pastor Hall. This event takes place Friday, March 7th, 2014 from 8:00 pm- 12:00 am at the Legendary Biltmore Atlanta.
Check Your Love Life! - happy valentine's day! Valentine's Day is one of the most romantic days of the year. This love day is celebrated by the exchanging of gifts of affection or friendship. Far too long people have confused and twisted the understanding of love with emotion and lust. Love is not a feeling or a physical desire. Love is much deeper and far more powerful than that. Many people don’t have a clue what real love is or what it feels like. Here we will explore briefly (3) types of love.
EROS LOVE 1. Eros love relates to us as physical beings. This love deals directly with the outward appearance of man. This type of love is selfish. It’s usually all about “me” and what makes “me” happy and feel good. Physical attraction is good for obvious reasons, but it’s important to understand that for a healthy relationship to last you need more then an outward appearance.
PHILOS LOVE
AGAPE LOVE
2. Philos love generally starts with a type of friendship. One can become more involved with a person on a much deeper level. Friendships are ordinarily built through bonding and a mutual respect for one another. This type of love isn’t selfish like Eros. This love has some give and take. Philos love is better than Eros but still not the greatest.
3. Agape love is far deeper than selfishness, emotions, happiness and much greater than a love which gives and takes. You may have heard of it as “unconditional love” (Agape). This love gives and expects nothing in return. It comes from God. Itis the greatest of them all. In understanding Agape love, we must evaluate and understand the true love of Christ and the choices we make. You choose!
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