

AllAroundTown
The Praise ship has launched once again. Our first landing was in Brooklyn to the Greater Stephen United Church of God who hosted the Eagle Christian Fellowship International, Inc., where the Bishop Marvin D. Williams Sr. is presiding Prelate. The first night was so appetizing with Bishop Kenneth Moales of Bridgeport, Conn. that we just had to return a second night to hear the Princess of the house Evg. Celeste Washington. She encouraged us to look to the future, while dealing with your present state of being.
One thing that Dr. D and I really enjoyed was the Eagles, a horn section made up of young men. Directed by Elder Jerome Williams, I asked him where did the name come from; and he said every time his family got together they would say the eagle has landed, referring to the Spirit of God. The Eagle represents a spiritual symbol. It was a time where they sought spiritual direction and guidance. These young men, from the ages of 5-19 could give some of our great Jazz artist a run for their money. I look for great things to happen for these young men.
Our next stop was in Manhattan at the United Nations for the 60th Anniversary celebration of the modern state of Israel and Jerusalem Prayer Banquet. Sponsored by Robert Stearns and Eagles Wings Ministries this leadership event draws people from all over the country and nation. The Special guest speaker was Ambassador Asaf Shariv Counsel General of Israel in NY. It was a wonderful evening to behold on the roof top overlooking the Hudson River, giving us a wonderful backdrop for pictures. We were in the room with distinguish guests such as Mr. & Mrs. Pat Boone, Pastor Paula White, Pastor & Mrs. Roderick Ceasar, Pastor & Mrs. Starks, Pastor & Mrs. John Hagee, Robert Stearns, Ambassador Uri Bar-Ner, senior advisor to the President and a host of many other guests. The UN was the perfect place for this event because it represents peace and love for all people.
While in NYC, our next stop was at a play called Roommates. Written and directed by Alicia Mitchell Foxworth, this stage comedy about a man who expires while placing the last bet of his life on a golf game. As a result of his demise, he leaves his wife of 30 years at bankrupt doorway. It also tells about a young lady who is left by her boyfriend whom's career she has supported, has left her for another woman and career move. The play evokes emotions, such as, anger, humor, jealousy, prayer, forgiveness, and love. This is the type of play that should be on Broadway to enlighten and brighten up our lives.
The next place we landed was unfamiliar territory. While hovering over Manhattan, I had the upmost pleasure to be invited to ETA Jewish Synagogue for an artist CD release concert. We arrived early and I was introduced to Neshama, a warm and talented young lady who greeted me with a brilliant smile, along with a hug and a kiss, as though we were friends for years. This one action set the tone for the whole evening. Neshama means “Soul,” her father, Rabbi Carlebach, scholar, composer, has written over 5,000 songs. After his passing 14 years ago, Neshama picked up the mantle and has been singing ever since. She mostly performs for Jewish audiences, but believes her gifts should be shared with the world. Neshama also feels that we are all one in music for it brings hope and faith especially in a time when this world is in such turmoil looking for answers. Neshama normally records in Hebrew, but she decided her father’s music should be shared with everyone, so she recorded in English and will be doing another CD later this year in New Orleans with Pastor Roger Hambrick & the NY Bronx Mass Choir. They are singing background on her latest CD and they also performed background for her that evening. Neshama along with the Bronx Mass Choir brought such a feeling of peace and joy in the synagogue, until the audience wept with joy. One statement that sticks out more so than anything is when Neshama said “When you sing you are praying twice,” a quote she took from her father.
With half a tank of gas left our next stop was in Queens at Christ Tabernacle where Pastor Durso is Senior Pastor, hosted 20/20 Vision. Dr. Tony Evans was there to explain his new 20/20 vision proposal. This is a program that shows how a church through social programs can transform public schools within a single generation of students. When asked why he thought this was important Dr. Evans replied “The family has broken down, and instead of learning we have replaced it with violence.” Dr. Evans said the program is faith based but we do not go into the schools preaching religion we go in filling a need. He also stated we seek the welfare of the city without compromising our stance. A church adopts a school and works with them to meet the social needs of the children and school. “It cost more to incarcerate a child than to educate a child, so one would think you would rather educate them.” Dr. Evans equated people as salt with substance relating to the book of Matt. 5:13, "when Jesus stated that salt has lost its savor." Dr. Evans said the churches have lost their power and they do not go outside the salt shakers to mingle with others that are not in the shaker. Jesus said for us to go to the highways and by-ways to compel man, not to stay in the confinement of your church but reach out to the community.
Our final stop was back to Brooklyn at the live recording of our good friend and brother, Demetrius Robert Griffin & the Griffin Experience. His event was held at Pleasant Grove Tabernacle where the pastor is the honorable Bishop Albert Jamison. The House was packed full of family, friends and spectators, who were in for a special treat. Everybody and anybody was in the place. Demetrius is the type of person who helps everybody, for this reason people came out of the wood work to pay him homage. It was a wonderful recording and when this album drops you can rest assure, we'll be spinning this on my show. His three sisters are a part of this group and his mother came up on the stage and blessed the people of God in song. The special guests in the audience was Dr. Demetrius. Griffin's father, Bishop Brian Moore, Pastor A. Wilcots, Pastor R. Glenn, Pastor Rawls, Pastor L. Lucas, Pastor C. Daniels, Natalie Wilson, Lucinda Moore, Dr. Kevin Bonds, Prof. James Hall, Larry McCollough & Chosen Generation, Evg. Monique Walker, Evg. Rubinstein McClure, Evg. Newman, Bishop Sam Williams, Overseer Williams & Evg. Celeste Washington & many others. This CD will be a blessing to the body of Christ, and Demetrius we look towards God for your continuous blessing.
I would like to give thanks to our editor, Edith Stranges who has the ability to make you feel, believe and know you are as important as anyone you encounter, at any place, at any time.
All Photo Credits: Dr. DRE