On Friday, February 14th and 15th, 2003 we went to Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia.  Decatur is about 10 miles outside of Atlanta.

     The purpose of the trip was to learn about abstinence and how it can change your life.  We saw lots of things in Decatur and Atlanta, including Martin Luther King's grave site and even the church he spoke in.  We actually got to sit in the pews and listen to his "I have a Dream" speech.

     We went to classes at the conference. There were different classes including; Bad Boys of the Bible; How Far can I go? Sex and Music, and other “stuff” like that.   After it was over, we went to a mall and shopped for an hour and a half.

     The thing I liked most about the trip was being with friends and church family.  It was fun riding on the bus for so long.  The part I liked least about the trip was the fact that it was only two days long.  I would have liked to stay longer, if I could.  I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone else who wants to learn while having fun.

Jamison Bethea on the campus of Greenforest/McCalep Christian Academic Center

    

If this opportunity were offered again, I would change my attitude at the start of the trip.  At first I was angry and tired, but after a while, I was having fun again.  I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and bugging them by acting like I was about to take a picture of them.

     The most important lesson I learned from the trip was that sometimes things are not always as they seem. But there were plenty other life lessons crammed into this trip as well.

Submitted by: Jamison Bethea

 Fear Not

A Message From Our Pastor

Rev. Johnnie M. Bethea

 

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  Matthew 28:5-7 (KJV)

     

      The world today is in a state of confusion and fear.  We are afraid of a declining economy.  We are afraid of becoming a victim of violent crime.  We are afraid of terrorist attacks and war.  These fears are in addition to our individual concerns and problems which puts us into a nervous state of mind.  This causes stress.  Stress is not good for the body or the mind.  Many of us are subconsciously dominated by fear, worry, and anxiety.  According to current statistics, anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem in the United States.  One study showed that the odds of developing an anxiety disorder have doubled in the past four decades.

As we look at our scripture it is obvious that the women, who had come to anoint the body of Jesus, were nervous, confused and afraid.  The angel saw the fear in their hearts and wanted to reassure them.  The angel gave them hope, and sound advice.  This was the first Easter message.  The first Easter statement was given by an angel and the message was “Fear Not”.

As we approach the Easter season, let us realize that the same message is for us today.  Today God is saying “Fear Not”.  Like oil and vinegar, faith and fear don’t mix.  If you have constant fear in your life it is a good indication that you need more faith.  The recipe to remove fear is to add faith.

How do we add faith?  Romans 10:17 tells us how.  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Romans 10:17 (KJV)

To remove fear and increase your faith come to Sunday School, make it to Bible Study.  Make it to church on Sunday morning and your faith will increase.  As your faith increases the fear, anxiety and confusion decreases.  No matter what happens to you, remember what the angel said, “Fear Not.”

Let Us Love One Another!

Submitted by: Sis. Naomi Allen

      A certain man planted a rose and watered it faithfully, and before it bloomed, he examined it.  He saw the bud that would soon blossom and also the thorns, and he thought how can any beautiful flower come from a plant burdened with so many sharp thorns?  Saddened by this thought, he neglected to water the rose, and before it was ready to bloom, it died.

      So it is with many people.  Within every soul there is a rose.  The God like qualities planted in us at birth grow amid the thorns of our faults.   Many of us look at ourselves and see only the thorns, the defects.  We despair, thinking that nothing good can possibly come from us.  We neglect to water the good within us and eventually it dies.  We never realize our potential. 

      Some people do not see the rose within themselves.  Someone else must show it to them.  One of the greatest gifts a person can possess is to be able to reach past the thorn and find the rose within others.  This is the characteristic of love, to look at a person and knowing his faults, recognize the nobility in his soul and help him realize that he can overcome his faults.  If we show him the rose, he will conquer the thorns.  Then he will blossom, blooming forth thirty, sixty, a hundred folds as it is given to him.

      As Missionaries our duty in this world is to help others by showing them their roses and not their thorns.  Only then can we achieve the love we should feel for each other.  Only then can we bloom in our garden.  We must learn to look beyond others faults and see their needs.  As God forgives us, we must learn to forgive others. 

      Sis. Janet Smith joined the Senior Mission in January and we are so happy to have her.  We know that she will be a blessing to us.  We welcome anyone who will come.  All you need is a willing heart and a desire to do the work of the Lord.

 

 

This is my Commandment, That ye love one another,

 as I have loved you.

       John 15:12

 

2003 True Love Waits Conference

Submitted by: Joyce Bingham

I had the pleasure of going to the 2003 True Love Waits Conference in Decatur, Georgia on February 24-15 as a chaperon for the children. It was a very exciting and heartwarming conference and our children represented us well.  They were on their best behavior both in transit and at the conference.  We had representatives from several churches accompany us on this trip.

We arrived at the hotel about 2:00 in the afternoon. We had dinner and relaxed a little before heading over the church about 6:00 p.m. for the evening’s program.

The program opened with the Praise Team singing a beautiful rendition of “To God Be The Glory” followed by “Holy Spirit Move In This Place”.  The Praise Team was followed by a Mime who performed to “When Praises Go Up, Blessings Come Down”.  The Mime was followed by the Georgia DeKalb Music Ministry singing “My God is An Awesome God” with enthusiasm and vigor for the Lord.

The speaker for the evening was the Reverend Wayne Connors who brought the message from Romans 7:18-19, 21-22, 24-25 and Romans 8:1-2, 5-6.  He didn’t give a topic, but he spoke about this problem he has; the things he wants to do to make God happy, he cannot do, and the things he doesn’t want to do, he keeps on doing.  He stated misery loves company; we all have this same problem.  The problem is the flesh.  Paul believes the body are parts (we may have heard them called members of the body). 

The first member is flesh or sinful nature.  Flesh knows exactly what it wants and it wants it now. (Big old baby, me, me, and why, why). 

The second member is the, mind or inward many inner being.  This part balances the flesh; the intellect that reasons why. And ask what best for me.

The third member is the visitor or houseguest which is sin, evil.  He is the weakest link in the body, not thinking about God.  In most of us, the flesh is bigger and it won’t listen to the mind, therefore we listen to the visitor (sin).

The inner man loves God and wants to do right, but sin is always around and he hooks up with flesh and they take inner man captive, ties him up, blind folds him and covers his mouth; now inner man can’t see anything, hear anything or do anything.

So how do we help ourselves?  We thank God for Jesus.  When we decide to follow Jesus, we get a new roommate.  This roommate is the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit made us free from sin and death.  The Holy Spirit kicks sin to the curb, frees the inner man from captivity.  We don’t have to listen to sin, we can listen to the Holy Spirit; it shuts flesh up.  The flesh and the mind (inner man) never leave us but the Holy Spirit might.  It is up to us if we are going to do the right thing.  If we follow sin we are dead; if we follow the Holy Spirit, we live.  If we listen to flesh, the Holy Spirit leaves us and God Books, for He will not dwell where sin lives, and if He leaves, we lose the chance to be with God forever.

The service ended with a concert for the youth with several groups participating. 

The next morning, Saturday, we arose early, had breakfast and returned to the church for the workshops.  There were workshops for all ages, pre-teens, teens, young adults, peers leaders and parents.  I chose to attend the workshop on “Dealing With Anger in a Godly Manner,” which is something I don’t always do. I learned that when I am angry, I should vent it in the right direction (God), He can take it and he can do something about it.  The problem with anger is with God; he made me, he created me, so if there is a problem, take it up with him, he is the only one who can change it. When you get real with God, God will get real with you.  The worse thing you can do is to shut down and not communicate with God.

The workshops ended around 12:00 noon.  We boarded the bus and went to the Black owned DeKalb County Mall for lunch.  After lunch we boarded the bus to tour the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta where we toured the church his father preached in and we listened to a tape of his sermon (Martin, Jr.).   We toured the Original King Center and the New Center adjacent to the new church.

This was a wonderful conclusion to the trip.  A good time was had by all that attended.  I look forward to going again next year, hopefully for the entire event.

 

 

A Letter of Thanks

Dear Henderson Grove Baptist Church,

      I would like to thank you for allowing me to attend the “True Love Waits Conference in Decatur, Georgia.  I found out it was better to wait than it is to rush into things.  This conference gave me the opportunity to get answers to questions I have always had. 

      For example, I learned about teen suicide, and how more teens are committing suicide because they are either stressed or worried about something and they don’t want to go to anyone for help.  The conference provided statistics that showed the percentage of teen suicide has grown rapidly.  They also instructed us in how to talk to a person who is thinking about committing suicide.       

      I had a fantastic time and I hope that next year’s trip is just as good as this one, but maybe longer.

Sincerely,

Ashlee Hopkins

Olivet Missionary Baptist Church

The Annual Song Festival

 What A Worship Experience

Submitted by: Alberta Watts

Most things get old after a while and start to fizzle out.  But, that is not the case with Bro. Billy Turner’s Annual Song Festival.  This year the Eleventh Song Festival was held on Sunday, February 9th and it was awesome.  The Holy Spirit was present from the beginning to the end.  The groups, as well as the audience, came to praise the Lord.

I was blessed and honored with the privilege of being the Mistress of Ceremony for this worship experience and what a worship experience it was.  The entire service was a blessing, from the opening song by Bro. Fred Royster, the scripture by Deacon Leroy Meachem, the heartfelt prayer by Rev. Patricia Carrington, the warm hardy welcome by Sister Deana Allen, and the response by Bro. Fred Royster. 

Each group was a blessing.  Bro. Fred Royster blessed us with a couple of solos one being “God is Going To Separate The Right From the Wrong.”

 Our own Henderson Grove Male Chorus blessed our souls with “Leaning on Jesus,” “Heaven Is a Beautiful Place” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.”  Oh, we were ready to praise the Lord.  We were ready to go marching on into Zion.

 The blessings were not over The Gospel Angeltones, who were not feeling up to par, though we could not tell it, did an outstanding job.  By the time they finished with their rendition of “Hold to What you Got,” “Jesus Can Work it Out” and “When I Get to Heaven, I am Going to sit down,” nobody would have believed that they did not feel good.  God blessed them, and the Holy Ghost was truly in the room.

Our own Voices of Harmony, and yes we claim them as our own, because most of the members of this group belong to Henderson Grove.  They blessed our souls with “Striving, Show Me The Way,” and “I Must Tell Jesus" which is going on their next CD.  God just continues blessing this group.

Bro. Alphonza Jones, who is also one of our members, and his group, Plink Covington & the New Gospel Travelers, blessed us with “When the Dollar rules the pulpit, That’s When the Devil rules the Pews,” “Teach us How to Love one Another” and “Jesus, If You Want Me To Go I Can’t Refuse.”

The Souls of Calvary, who also has one of our members in their group, Bro. Billy Turner, blessed us again this year with “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,”  How Can You Say He’s The Captain of Your Life, If you Can’t Make It Through A Storm; and they dare not leave without my Mom’s favorite “When I Get Over There.  Needless to say they outdid themselves again.  The scripture says “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.”  Well even their musician’s fingers were in the spirit.  Praise God for seeing that verse come to light.

Last, but certainly not least, B.T. Green and the Christian Harmonettes blessed our souls like never before.  They started off with “No Matter What Happens, I’m Gonna Stay With Jesus.”  Sister Lois blessed us with her rendition of “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.”  Then we were blessed with “I Want to See God’s Face, He’s Everything To Me These Days,” and let’s not forget the powerful “Old Rugged Cross.”  Then when we thought they could not raise us up any higher they sung “You Brought Me Over The Rugged Hill You Did Not Leave Me, You Blessed Me Still.”   No they didn’t stop there they ended with a soul stirring testimonial song, “You Can’t Tell It, Let Me Tell It, What the Lord Has Done For Me.”  Praise God, the Holy Spirit had its way.  We praised God for a while in Henderson Grove.   When the Holy Ghost is in the building all you can do is Let Go, Let God, and Praise the Lord.

Thanks to Bro. Billy Turner and his wife Sis. Alice Turner for putting together such a soul stirring worship service.  Thanks again Bro. Billy, for allowing me the opportunity to MC this program.  Thank God, Thank God, Thank God.  To God Be the Glory for the things He has done.  Keep up the good work and keep on blessing us with these wonderful Song Festivals.

 

A Thought From The Usher Board

In His Footsteps

Written by: Helen Steiner Rice

Submitted by: Janet Smith

 

When someone does a kindness,

      It always seems to me

That’s the way God up in heaven       

      Would like us to be.

For when we bring some pleasure

      To another human heart,

We have followed in His footsteps

      And we’ve had a little part

In serving Him who loves us

      For I’m very sure it’s true

That in serving those around us,

      We serve and please Him too.

This poem is a prime example of how we as the Usher Board try to think of our responsibilities as an Usher: Walking In His Footsteps. Being able to please you here at HGMBC, also pleases God our Father.  I pray that He continues blessing the Usher Board as we strive to do his work.

2003 True Love Waits Conference

Submitted by: Caitlyn Carrington

     On Friday and Saturday the 14th and 15th of February, I went to Decatur, Georgia.  In Decatur, Greenforest Community Baptist Church had a conference called "True Love Waits Teen Conference '03". 

     The purpose of this trip was to explain why we should wait until after marriage to have sex.  I saw lots of teenagers from all over the country that believed in abstinence.  We had discussions about rape, how far you can go, how media portrays sex, and different reasons to wait.

     Friday night we had a regular church service and concert.  Then Saturday, we had three different seminar sessions of our choice.  I went to "Reasons for Waiting", "Rape: Why it happens/What to Do", and "Society's View on Sex Media, and Myths".

     What I liked most was the discussion we had in our sessions.  We had freedom to voice our opinions and ask questions.  What I liked least was that we only had one hour in each session. We were in the middle of a discussion and we had to stop.  I would recommend that they offer more classes. I would also change the amount of people going to each session. I would say half of the people who came would go to the sessions and the others do something else like have church service and then switch.  That way it won't be so many people in the hallway and classes won’t be too full. I would enjoy going again.

     The most important lesson I learned was basically what the whole conference was about.  If it's really true love, then you can wait.  I do believe and I've always believed, that it is best to wait until I'm married to have sex.  I know if I do have sex before marriage: (1) it's a sin, (2) it could lead to pregnancy, and (3) it could lead to STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

Congratulations!

      Sister Barbara Simmons has been nominated for the 13^th Annual Spaulding Award.  The Spaulding Award recognizes those who have made a significant difference in their community.   On April 10, 2003 the annual Elna B. Spaulding Founders Award banquet will be held at the Milestone Banquet and Meeting Facilities Inc. at Northgate Mall.

Barbara was nominated by the Alpha Theta Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.  Sister Simmons has served as president of the Durham County Library Association for two terms and now is serving her second term as president of the Alpha Theta Chapter.  With her busy schedule she also has time on Sunday mornings to minister to the youth of our church.   Keep up the good work sister Simmons.

Do You Know The Price Of Freedom?

Submitted by: James W. Laws

      Let us not forget that freedom is not free. Even in the darkest of night we must continue to fan the flames of justice so that the torch of freedom forever burns bright. We must never forget that there is a continuous price to pay for freedom.

      We have just concluded a very enlightening and successful month of Black History. This year we rode the train along the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was presented in four parts. The first Sunday gave a definition and explanation of just what it consisted of. On the second Sunday we met some of the “conductors” (people) that were involved in hiding the runaway slaves and the different routes that they traveled, and why.  On the third Sunday we learned about the quilt as a map. Finally on the fourth Sunday a dream realized, “Freedom’s End”.

      The Underground Railroad was really not a railroad, but a secret pathway organized by abolitionist, many of them free Blacks and Quakers. Its purpose was to help runaway slaves escape to freedom in the North and Canada.

      The slaves were aided by many “conductors” who used covered wagons or carts with false bottoms to carry them from one “station” to another. Escaping slaves were called “passengers” or “merchandise”. One enterprising slave really earned the nickname of merchandise, Henry “Box” Brown, had himself nailed in a wooden box and mailed from Richmond to Philadelphia, on a real train, where he arrived a free man        Slaves made coded quilts and then used them to navigate their escape on the Underground Railroad.  These quilts were hung in plain sight for all to see, but only the “dumb Negro” knew that the quilt was more than just a quilt (who is the smart one).

         In the North and Canada the runaway slaves had freedom, families (which they were denied before), homes, businesses, and towns. They were finally humans.  This was made possible by freedom.

         Special thanks go to Rion Bethea for his heart wrenching rendition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “I Have A Dream” speech, and Tracy Turner, Stacy Turner, Christopher Turner, and Jamie Bethea, our youth readers.

         Congratulations to Shaunda George and Reval Branch, top adult puzzle solvers; and Jamie Bethea, Angel Hart, and Quinton Torain; youth puzzle solvers.  More fun and games.  The “Black Smarts” quiz bowl was a big hit, lots of fun, prizes, and very educational. Many thanks to all who played the games, prayed, laughed, and participated with us.

True Love Waits Conference - 2003

Submitted by: Rev. Patricia A. Carrington

In February, I attended as a chaperone, The True Love Waits Conference in Decatur, Georgia.  It was an exciting and eye-opening experience.  Hundreds of young people from across the country were praising God in song and dance. The Spirit of the Lord filled the sanctuary.  Just seeing the commitment and devotion to God of these young people is a memory that I will always keep with me.  It was a blessing that so many of our own young people were able to attend the conference.  I am sure that they enjoyed being a part of this great joyous celebration.

Pastor William M. Blackford, IV did an excellent job presenting a workshop for adults which I attended on “Choosing God’s Best”.  The main focus was on dating and courtship.  Often times constricted personalities, shame, secrecy, and fear play an important role in the dynamics of choosing the best that God has for us.  I Thessalonians 4:3-8 tell us that living a holy life pleases God.  Self control is a must and realizing also that there are spiritual and physical consequences to our actions.

Pastor Blackford said that the primary difference between dating and courtship lies in the intent of the relationship.  In courtship the purpose to consider is marriage while dating lends itself to the engagement of each others company for the present.  Courtship has a long term end in view and is reserved for couples who are spiritually and emotionally ready for marriage.  The courtship process deals with levels of friendship from acquaintance, to casual, to close, then to intimate.  I found it interesting that in phase four of this process under friendship, physical commitment was limited to side hugs.  In intimate friendships side hugs and hand holding were permitted.  True Love Does Wait.    

While this particular workshop was interesting and thought provoking, I believe that in this day and time whether to date or to court is a personal issue.  Whether we call it dating or courting when two people of the opposite sex form a relationship, it should be bound physically, emotionally, and physically by God’s commandments and ordinances.  It is unlikely that dating, as we know it, will vanish and it is a certainty that we will not return to the days when our parents selected our mates. 

But, something may be said for parent–selections.   It worked very well for Isaac and Rebekah where Abraham sent his servant to get his son a wife.

 

Youth Mission 2003

Submitted by: Merion Bethea

      The Henderson Grove Youth Missionary Circle is on the move in 2003.  Having newly elected officers for 2003, the group has outlined several service projects, outings, and outreach opportunities for the year.

       Officers elected for 2003 are as follows:

               President: Darnell Waterman

               Vice President: Quinton Torain

               Secretary: Stacey Turner

       At our initial meeting in January, the group developed an inventory of activities that will keep them busy throughout the year.  They comprised a list of activities in the following areas:

1)    At Home Service Projects: These projects will assist in the development and care of our Henderson Grove church family and our church facilities.

2)    Community Service Projects: These projects will assist in the development and care of our community, city, and state.

3)    Fund Raising Projects: These projects will provide financial assistance in meeting our mission goals.

4)    Outreach Projects: These projects will include outings and travel opportunities to encourage Christian fellowship, and to provide witnessing opportunities.

       We thank those of you who have provided support in the past, and we are asking for your continued support as we move forward in 2003.

                                   

      

The First Aiders – Health Watch

7 Ways to Win the Desk Diet

Researched on Weight/Watchers.com

Submitted by: Alberta Watts

     

Desk-job dieters have a common concern: How am I supposed to lose weight when I'm sitting in front of a computer all day?

      It's a good question.  After all, "weight control is simply a mathematical equation--in order to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in." Sitting at a desk, you're sedentary and more likely to snack, so the equation you're shooting for can be thrown off-kilter.

      The answer, then, is to make the most of your desk's diet potential.

1. Plan lunch – Scheduling your lunch to protect against cravings is smart.  It's best to bring your lunch from home.  This will eliminate the temptation to order fast food.
2. Move! – "Even if it's just 10 minutes of exercise at a time, get up and move whenever possible."

7 Ways To Win the Desk Diet – continued on page 7

“Hats Off” To the Black History  

Month Committee

Submitted by: Joyce Bingham,

Black History Committee Chairperson

I didn’t think we could do it, top last year’s Black History Month Celebration, but we did. “Hats Off’ to the Committee Members who so diligently put in their time and effort in making this years celebration a success.

To Jim Laws, who so diligently did the research; to Barbara Simmons, who edited and typed the papers, designed the folder, and book covers; to Irma Ferrell who designed the bulletin board and display table, helped cut, paste and layout the book; to Nellie Bullock, for copying, cutting and pasting articles, and for feeding us the nights we worked, and to all the Committee for compiling and putting the book together.

      “Hats Off” to Rion Bethea for kicking off our celebration with his excellent “I Have A Dream” Speech. Thank you to Tracey Turner, Stacey Turner, Christopher Turner, and Jamison Bethea for their Sunday presentations, and a special thank you to everyone who provided the covered dishes for the last Sunday Celebration luncheon.

       The Committee’s goal this year was to focus and educate on the Underground Railroad; what it was, why it started and who participated.  We also wanted to let people know that all White People were not bad people during slavery and the part they played in helping slaves to escape to freedom.  I feel our goal was successfully fulfilled.

       I don’t know what next years celebration will be, but I am sure it will have to be something great to top this year.  I enjoyed working with the Committee and look forward to our next endeavor.  Again, I say “Hats Off.”

 

7 Ways to Win the Desk Diet – continued from page 6

3.        Exercise during off-hours – Get in exercise before and after work to make up movement lost to your computer. 

4.        Find help with friends – Get your co-workers in on the weight loss game. That way, you can encourage each other throughout the day, have healthy lunches together and exercise together on breaks.

5.        Keep a Journal of your food intake – Write down everything you eat each day no matter how insignificant you might think it is.  Every calorie adds up!

6.        Snack wisely – Keep healthy options handy so you don't rush off for an emergency visit to the vending machine.

7.        Drink up – Drink your six – eight - 8-ounces glasses by the end of the day.  When working, keep a bottle or glass full of fresh water next to your computer at all times.

 

Youth Ministries Travel to Teen Conference in Georgia

Submitted by: Merion Bethea

The Henderson Grove Youth Ministries traveled on Feb 14th and 15th to participate in the "True Love Waits Teen Conference 2003" hosted by the Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur Georgia. 

     This community outreach activity included pre-teens, teens and adults from Henderson Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Morrisville),   Apostolic Church of Revival (Durham), Community Baptist Church (Durham), Kings Park (Durham), Olivet Missionary Baptist Church (Durham),  Community Baptist Church (Raleigh), Mt. Peace Missionary Baptist Church (Raleigh), New Red Mountain Church (Oxford), and New Ellis Baptist Church (Shelby).

     Rev. Wayland Conner, Youth Pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church, Marietta, GA, provided the Keynote message on Friday night.  A concert followed the evening worship service that night.

     On Saturday, the teens participated in workshop and seminar sessions that encouraged abstinence until marriage, and provided a forum for open discussion on issues facing teens today. Courses for college young adults, singles over 21, married couples, and parents were also available. 

     As and added treat for Black History month, the group also took the opportunity to visit the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens in Atlanta Ga. One of the highlights of this stop was being able to sit in the sanctuary of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached. and hearing him give his “I have a Dream Speech."   What an awesome experience.

     While the trip was much too short, the fruits of our labor were rewarded...Several teens from our group went forward when the altar call was given on Friday Night. Some received Christ, others purposed to rededicate themselves to the Lord. To GOD BE THE GLORY for traveling mercies, saved souls, and a new zeal for righteous living among our teens. Everyone had a wonderful time, and many are looking forward to returning next year.

 Henderson Amey……I Found You!

Submitted by: Joshua Bethea

       Many of you may remember watching the miniseries Roots and Roots II.  They were television blockbusters which were based on the novel ‘Roots” by Alex Halley.  The book chronicled Hailey’s ancestor named Kunta Kinteh passed down from generation to generation of Kunta Kintehs story about his kidnapping by slave traders from the jungle near his village. With only a few African words and the name of a river passed down from generation to generation, Hailey was able to piece together his ancestry all the way back to Africa. In the climax of the miniseries in his joy and excitement, Hailey would exclaim the words Kunta Kinteh…I found you!” when he finally discovered that indeed his ancestor had been kidnapped, sold to slave traders and shipped in a slave ship to America.

     That is the best way I can explain my joy when it was confirmed that indeed Henderson Amey was buried in the graveyard just across Page Road. Yes, the same Henderson Amey who, as our history states, donated the acre of land on which the original Church was built. Yes, the same Henderson Amey for which the Church is named.

      Last year we reported that in the cemetery were two headstones with these inscriptions: Noami Amey 1860-1924 and Edna Amey 31 years.  Edna Amey was the wife of Henderson Amey.  Amazingly we now know that part of the Church legacy is resting in an unmarked grave a few yards from the Church.  I am always in awe when important facts such as these are discovered right under our noses. Think about this…Noami Amey was born in 1860...when slavery was still the norm. We just closed another Black History Month in which the Historical Committee did a great job educating us on the Underground Railroad.  In the year that Noami Amey was born, the Underground Railroad was still running.  We intend to keep the gravesites cleared of underbrush and growth. We must and will give this historic site our attention as it is part of our legacy. A legacy we must cherish.

      This Church is blessed with many legacies and quite a few are still living. Each Sunday I look in awe at our seniors. Great men and women who have paved the way for us by overcoming trials, tribulations and obstacles some of take for granted or do not even realize. To them I give thanks, because I gain strength knowing that they overcame and prospered trusting in their faith, They show that with God all things are possible.  We must pass their stories and advise from generation to generation.  If we do, then we will always see and know where we are going, because we can see and know where we have been.

There’s A Message In My Song

Submitted by: Shaunda George

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”  Romans 10:14

Traditionally, this verse has been interpreted as meaning the people believing in and gaining faith in God by hearing His word by God’s chosen vessel, the preacher.  I would like to reach a little further and challenge that this also includes anyone who sings God’s word.

Though the “preached” word is the meat and gravy of the service, the “song” word is the spice that adds the flavor.  Music is a powerful ministry.  Sometimes it can reach people, especially babes in Christ, far quicker than the preached word.  Though it’s not a substitute for the word of God, music serves to prepare them to be more receptive and to better receive all God has for them.  This is why those of us that sing God’s word have to be serious in what we do.  We have to know what we’re singing about, know that God is able to deliver, know that He’s been good, know that He’s a merciful God, mind regulator, heart fixer, and doctor in the sickroom.  When we know all of this, it comes forth powerfully in our songs and can touch broken hearts, help mend broken spirits, sooth lost souls, and make folks come running, crying “what must I do to be saved?!?!”

So, those of us who have been given this ministry, let’s take a step back and make sure our house is in order so that when we get up on Sunday morning, we’re not just singing empty words.  Let’s be the little light on the hill, helping the pastor lift God up, so that He may draw all men unto Him!

 

 

The Light of

 the World

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:15-16

True Love Waits Conference 2003

The following article was submitted by one of the children that attended the True Love Waits Conference in Decatur, Georgia February 2003. These are the words and the message she received from the Friday night message.  It is good to know that the children that attended the conference were listening and paying attention.  Glory Be To God!

Joyce Bingham

        

Scripture:  Romans 7:18-25 and 8:1-5

      The Speaker said he has a big problem that gets him in trouble a lot, We also have this problem. We have problems dissing our parents, but they have tripping problems, Paul thinks this is a part of all of us.  There is someone in us called the flesh.  Members are sinful in nature. There is another person called the inner being, the mind, inward man. There is another who sins and does evil.  The flesh hooks us up with the evil.  But, there is the devil, standing right there beside you.  The evil gets the flesh in trouble so they capture the inward man.  This person is the one that does right; then he can’t see anything or do anything.

      A question comes up in the mind, the flesh says yes, the evil says yes, go ahead and do it man.  Jesus came to earth to do miracles died on the cross for our sins, but he didn’t leave us. The Holy Ghost comes to free us from sin.  The person who is right does good things, but he leans to Jesus. When you want to do things you want to do, the Lord says stop. Who do you want to he with, Jesus or Satan?   Jesus.

No matter what you do, the devil is right there. When we sin, the Lord hacks up and lets you do what you want to do. If the Spirit is not in your house, you will be left behind. A lot of us say we are not going to have sex but we do it anyway.  Then there you are pregnant. Are we going to let the flesh tell us what to do, or the Lord?  You want to do something, but you do not do it, or you don’t want to do something, and you do it anyway.

      Say if Durham, North Carolina were to hook up with Texas and Texas with Florida and Florida with plenty of other States and the devil comes to attack, but he can’t attack because the States are joined together.  How awesome that would be.  So when the flesh tries to tell you what to do, don’t do it.  Satan is going to tell you to do something, just rebuke him in the name of Jesus.

      I learned; don’t do anything you don’t want to do.

      Thank you God for letting me see your Word.

 

By: Pearlie Turner

Jesus Saves The Day

Written by: Randy Branch

 

I stumbled in the dark

I found that I was lost

In the distance of the dawn

I realized the cross

 

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray

Jesus saves the day

 

God will beautify

The humble with salvation

And beauty is in the eye

Of the light and resurrection

 

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray

Jesus saves the day

 

The devil moves in darkness

For he’s the enemy

When Jesus shines his light on him

The devil has to flee

 

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray

Jesus saves the day

 

Jesus is my hero

Who knocks trouble down to size

He keeps giving me the victory

So Every morning when I rise

 

My soul says

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray

Jesus saves the day

 

Hanging Out At The Mall – Decatur, Georgia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003 – A time for serious reflection and decisions…

 

 

 

Christopher Turner at MLK Memorial Gardens – Atlanta, GA

Greenforest Community Baptist Church Sanctuary

Ten Commandments of

Human Relations

Submitted by: Nellie Bullock

1.       Speak to people. There is nothing so nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2.       Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, only 14 to smile.

3.       Call people by name. The sweetest music to anyone's ears is the sound of his own name.

4.       Be friendly. and helpful. If you would have friends, be a friend.

5.       Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure.

6.       Be genuinely interested in people. You can like almost everybody if you try.

7.       Be generous with praise – cautious with criticism.

8.       Be considerate with the feelings of others. There are usually three sides to a controversy: Yours, the other fellow’s, and the right side.

9.       Be Alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.

10.    Add to this a good sense of humor, a big dose of patience and a dash of humility, and you will be rewarded many-fold.

 

 

---Coming Events---

 

 

April 5 – Daylight Savings Time

Turn clock up 1 hour.  (2:00 A.M.)

Remember Spring Up – Fall Back.

 

Sunday, April 6– 3:00 PM

Pastor’s 2^nd Anniversary Celebration

Leggett Chapel will Fellowship with us.

 

Saturday, April 19 – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Easter Outing on the Lawn

 

Sunday, April 20

Easter Sunrise Service – 6:00 AM

Breakfast Served Following Service

 

Easter Program – 6:00 PM

 

Friday, April 25 – 7:00 PM

Church Conference

 

Saturday, April 26– 6:00 PM

Sunday, April 27– 3:00 PM

Male Chorus Anniversary

 

Sunday, May 11 – 11:00 AM

Women’s Day / Mothers Day

 

Monday–Wednesday – May 19–21 – 7:00 PM

Youth Revival

 

Monday, May 26

Memorial Day Observed

 

Friday, June 13 – 6:30 PM

Ladies Night-Out Fellowship

 

Sunday, June 15

Fathers Day

 

Monday – Friday, June 16-20 – 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Vacation Bible School

 

Sunday, June 22 – 11:00 AM

Youth Day