Your Black World Reports.

Anita Wooten-Francis, a 52-year old Assistant Special Education Teacher claims she was fired and ridiculed by the principal at her school because she liked to pray. Wooten-Francis says that she worshiped in her class when the students were not in the room and read her bible during her lunch break. She also led other teachers in a prayer group and would play gospel music.  Click to read more.

MLK National Memorial Dedication and Online Ticket Lottery

Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation announced in this week's Louisville Defender Newspaper plans for the August 28^th dedication of the MLK National Memorial, in West Potomac Park, in Washington, D.C. The official dedication is set for Sunday, August 28, the 48^th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. The new Memorial, visually positioned between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, will feature more than a dozen King quotes in granite and four recurring themes of his legacy -- democracy, justice, hope, and love. I am not sure if this quote is there, but it is one of my favorites, "The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool."

And as the tribute does for the men and women of the Bible who walked with God that is the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews, Chapter 11, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will stand as a testament of the life of a mighty man of faith who trusted God, dreamed big, and changed the course of history. It, too, will serve as a reminder that King’s dream of freedom, equality and justice for all, the substance of things hoped for, was not fully realized in his lifetime.

If you'd like to receive tickets, you have until 11:59 on May 31st to place your name in the online lottery on the official website to receive up to six free tickets for special seating at the official dedication. Lottery winners will be notified by email on June 15th.  Faith-based groups may request tickets here.

St. Stephen Church Nurses Guild First Annual Celebration
Theme: Yes, We Can Continue to Grow: Honoring the Past, Claiming the Future
Sunday, May 22nd
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Louisville Campus, Sanctuary, 1018 So. 15th Street, Louisville
Speaker: Rev. Dianne Brown, St. Stephen Church
Refreshments in Chapel immediately following program
Check out radio interview with Nurses Guild President, Mary Thornton and members of the program committee Thursday, May 19th, 11:00 a.m. on Krystal Goodner's Show on PraizePower 1350 WLOU, Louisville.

The Nurses Guild is one facet of the Health & Wellness ministry at St. Stephen Church.  It is 85 years old.  In this, their first annual program, members will honor past and deceased members in a pre-Memorial Day tribute, recognizing the oldest living and a founding member of the Guild, and a past member now residing in a nursing home.  Standing on the promises of Scripture such as "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established (Prov. 16:3), and "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23), the Guild will claim its future as a 21st century evangelistic health and wellness ministry as part of St. Stephen's newly created C.A.R.E. (Christians Actively Reaching Everyone) Division.

Post Your Church and Ministry Events on the Jesus Saves Social Network!

Extra!  Extra!  Read all about it!  The church has left the building!  Spring is here and many ministries are gearing up for revivals, special programs, outdoor and outreach events. People are encouraged when that see God in their neighborhoods because they know soon He will be on their street knocking on their door! Isn't God good?!

This is just a reminder to post your church, ministry, and public service events, and announcements on the Jesus Saves Social Network. Let us help you spread the word in telling people in our communities, region, the nation, and the world was great and mighty things God is doing in our churches, communities, and in our lives. Post your events before the Memorial Day holiday weekend, and we will blast them out to the entire network at no cost to you.

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves! Jesus Saves Ministries celebrating five years of lifting up Jesus Christ.

Stars Shine On Our Youth Derby Eve

Derby Eve students will participate in a college fair that will help direct and encourage pursuit of their educational careers and personal goals. They will be inspired by motivational speakers, as they relate sports to life, education, and the importance of character/integrity. The youth will meet Kentucky Black Sports Hall of Fam Inductees, as well as former players from the Universities of Louiville, Kentucky and various state colleges.

FREE with High School/College ID

Lunch will be served immediately following.

Opening Prayer: Min. Angela Lee Price

Keynote Speaker: Hassan Davis, Deputy Commissioner Operations, KY Dept of Juvenile Justice

Welcome: Dr. Raymond Burse

Special Guests: Judge Ola Stevens, Judge Erica Williams, Rod Burbridge, Bias Tilford, Sr.,

Entertainment: Jason Clayborn, Voices of Total Praise featuring Jesse Williams
Kenesha Anderson, FOX 41 Idol Winner,
Djuanm Trent, Miss Kentucky 2010

Stars Shine On Our Youth Day Schedule

Each year the Kentucky Black Sports Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significantg contributions to the world of Kentucky sports, while simultaneously inspiring and assisting economically disadvantaged and at risk students. The foundation is dedicated to perserving black history and promoting cultural awareness throughtout Kentucky and other parts of the nation.

Black Church Studies Consultation Begins Sunday May 1st

Pastors and ministers, you are invited to a time of worship, study, dialogue, critical reflection, and fellowship. The 2nd Annual Black Church Studies Consultation, The Black Church in Tension, in conjunction with the Festival of Theology & Reunion, May 1-4, Louisville Seminary.

Participate in group discussions with leading pastors and scholars; to worship with fellow pastors, scholars, students, alums, and guests, to attend panel discussions moderated by a Black Church Studies faculty member; and to break bread in a local church and soul food restaurant. We invite you to attend a used theological book sale in the library, May 2-4.

Speakers Include:

Dr. Lewis Brogdon, preaching, Sunday, May 1st

Teresa L. Fry Brown, Ph.D., preaching and lecture, May 2nd and May 3rd

Dr. Brad Braxton, Ph.D., lecture and preaching, May 2nd, and May 3rd

Rev. Angela Cowser, preaching Wednesday, May 4th

Miss Kentucky Plus America Pageant Happens This Weekend

You are a daughter/son of The King! Yours is a testimony of suffering and victory.  Scripture tells us that we are going to suffer just as Christ has suffered (Romans 8:17).  The good news is trouble don't last always.  If God be for us, who (or what) can be against us.  I'd rather have Jesus with me in the sick room, than to be without Him in the board room.

Queen Esther was called to her crown "for such a time as this."  God is already moving in your life, and using you to accomplish His will in ministry.

All eyes appear to be on Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding, but as Christians we have been wedded to Jesus Christ. We are bride to The Bridegroom. We need to remind OURSELVES that we are seated for Jesus in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).  That is the point of this give-away.  No matter your size, God loves you. Hold your head up! Trust in Him.

God has reminded me that in the same year I receive a man-made crown, He gave me an eternal crown.  The eternal trumps the temporal any day. And oh, yes, the storms have raged in my life.  People may see my glory, but they don't know my story.  But through it all, God has kept me and it does not yet appear what I shall be.  Just as I have suffered with Him, I shall be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17).  Not only I, but you, and all Christians also.

Win tickets to the Miss Kentucky Plus America Pageant. I will be the mistress of ceremonies.  These tickets will make a great Pre-Derby or Pre-Mother's Day gift for a special woman in your life! Three pair of tickets given away Friday morning, April 29th!

1. Tell us about your crowning moment, the moment God called you daughter/son, co-heir with Jesus Christ.
2. Who is your favorite queen in the Bible or in life and why, The Queen of Sheba, Queen Esther, Queen Vashti, or maybe you have another queen in mind, tell us why she is your favorite? 

Listen to my 15-minute interview with pageant director Cynthia Elliott and her daughter, Miss Plus America Elite Eve Bailey. 

Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves.  Jesus saves!

Rahab: From the House of Shame to the Hall of Fame!

Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “Especially Jerico.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute name Rahab and stayed there….Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you…Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family because I have shown kindness to you.” …

Then the Israelites burned the whole city and everything in it….But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jerico – and she lives among the Israelites to this day. Joshua 2:1, 8-9, 12; 6:24-25.

All Christians have a measure of faith and I am glad about it. Ephesians 2:9 says we are saved by grace through faith and this not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works, so that no man can boast.

Some of us, however, have a greater measure of faith. Abraham, for example, obeyed God when the Lord told him to leave his country, and the Lord made him the father of many nations (Gen. 12:1-4). The woman with the issue of blood had great faith (Mark 5:25-34). She went to extraordinary lengths to touch the hem of Jesus' garment because she believed He could do what no other doctor could do. Jesus rewarded her for her tenacity. He told her it was her faith that healed her.

I have made an interesting observation about faith while teaching spiritual gifts. Faith is both a spiritual gift (1 Corin. 12:9) and a spiritual fruit (Gal 5:22). Do you know the difference between a spiritual gift and a spiritual fruit? The first has to do with process and the other has to do with results of process.

Faith, interestingly enough, too, is one of the pieces of the armor of God (Ephesian 6:16). Scriptures says it is with faith that we quench all the flaming arrows, or fiery darts, of the enemy. I see faith in action on the cereal commercial where the guy is eating his crunchy cereal at his desk and a guy, his boss no doubt, walks up to him and tells him he's fired. The cereal is so good to the worker that he joyfully continues to munch and crunch, and he doesn't hear a word that his boss is saying. Finally, when the man stops eating and asks, "What did you say?," the boss says "Never mind!" In my Holy Ghost imagination, that man prayed before he went to work and asked God to protect his job, and career, and He did!

In this faith discussion, it is Rahab who intrigues me. She went from the House of Shame to the Hall of Fame! No respectable woman wanted to be in her presence. She was not on the "A" List at the Derby party, but the Black List at every party. Rahab was a prostitute, but more than that. She ran a whore house. She was a business woman. And in working her deal to save the Israelites and herself, she made sure to save her whole family. I call it the "I got you" clause in the contract. I can respect that.

Rahab lied in hiding the Israelite spies in Joshua chapter two. It would appear that it is okay to lie since God blessed Rahab, and even the Midianite midwives who lied to Pharoah.  However, the midwives were blessed with families not because they lied, but because they feared God (Exodus 1:17 and v21). And Rahab and her family were spared not because she lied, but because of God’s grace toward her and her faith in Him (Hebrews 11:31) and (James 2:25).

Rahab put her faith in God, and she went from the house of shame to the faith Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11:31). How is your faith? Are you trusting in God because He is God all by Himself? Or are you putting your faith in people, your career or your finances? People are fickled. They won't let you forget your sins oftentimes. Careers and finances come and go.  But, the Bible says, "If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The Bible says, "Now, if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may share in his glory” Romans 8:17. Like Rahab, you, too, can go from the house of shame to the Hall of Fame. Put your faith not in your house, car, career, degrees, people or your bank account. Put your faith in God!

Join the Jesus Saves Social Network and join us in lifting up Jesus Christ to a dying world.  Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves.  Jesus saves!

T.G.I.F. And It's Good Friday!

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price





Guardians Tag MinistryA bad thing happened to Jesus on Good Friday, so what makes Good Friday so good? Jesus was falsely accused, scorned, rejected, whipped, humiliated, and nailed to the Cross on Good Friday. He suffered an agonizing death that day at the hands of the Jewish and Roman authorities. What happened on Good Friday definitely was not good, but the results were very good for you and me. Scripture tells us that because Jesus endured the suffering of the Cross, Christians can shout, T.G.I.F.!, thank God I'm forgiven and it's Good Friday!
Good Friday is good because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Isaiah 53:5 says, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisment of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." What can wash away are sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Good Friday is good for another reason. Jesus defeated Satan and his evil forces at the Cross. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them at the cross." Hebrews 2:14-15 says, "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil-and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."

Finally, Good Friday is good because it proves to us that when you put your faith in Jesus, it ain’t over, as Maurette Brown Clark sings, until God says it’s over! A lot of conversation occurred up on the Cross that day. Jesus prayed to God. One thief taunted Jesus. The second thief rebuked the first thief. The second thief asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. Finally, Jesus promised the second thief that he would spend eternity with Him. In lst Peter 3:8 we read, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body, but made alive in the Spirit." Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Good Friday is good because our sin debt was paid, Satan was defeated, and it proves that through faith in Jesus Christ there's hope for eternal life even in our darkest hour. For these reasons, you can say, T.G.I.F.!, thank God I'm forgiven and it's Good Friday!

It is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!

HEALTH, WEALTH & BEAUTY EXPO MAKES ITS DEBUT AS A PRE-DERBY EVENT

(Louisville, KY) Each year, a new event is added to the roster of Derby events. This year, there’s an event that will focus on health education, spiritual empowerment, economic development and fashion etiquette. Derby Plus presents the Health, Wealth & Beauty Expo held on Saturday, April 30th at the Kentucky International Convention Center. It all takes place at 11:00 am in rooms 207 and 208. Vendors will be on display showcasing their products.

This year’s featured guest speaker is Millionairess Jewel Tankard from Murfreesboro, TN. She is an Ardyss International Platinum President, the author of Millionairess Lifestyle “Understanding the Price and the Process”, and Co-Pastor of Destiny Christian Center with her husband Dr. Ben Tankard, who is a Stellar Award winning Gospel Jazz Musician. Tankard travels throughout the country determined to change lives through personal development, entrepreneurial mentorship, invoking new ideas and inspiring people to dream Gods way.

Along, with the guest speaker there will be a fashion show coordinated by two thriving small businesses Impeccable Shoe Fetish and Derby Plus-Body Magic garments. The fashion segment will also feature various designers and accessories from regional boutiques. This year’s mistress of ceremony for the event is Jessica Taylor, President of Red Carpet Events and Co-host of the View from the Ville television program. Taylor is currently penning her first book entitled STEPS, (Starting The Essential Phases to Success).

Others featured are: Miss Plus America Elite-Evelyn Bailey, Louisville based music group Voice Official, Gospel artist Pat Mathison, Young Diamonds dance team and Comedian Thee Mario. Kingdome Come Ministries’ choir will also perform during the expo.

Tickets for the Health, Wealth, & Beauty Expo are only $5 in advance and $10 at the door. They can be purchased at Sole Foundation, 8076 New LaGrange Road; GQ Unlimited, 728 W. Broadway; GQ Unlimited, 5743 Preston Highway; Head Lockx Salon, 3200 Dixie Highway; A STEP ABOVE Boutique, 3811E. Indian Trail. Ten percent (10%) of the ticket sales will be donated to local 501(c)3 community development centers.

This year’s inaugural Health, Wealth & Beauty Expo was made possible due to the following sponsors: Wendy’s “Now serving breakfast at 27 Metro Louisville locations near you!” Body Magic System-drop 3 sizes instantly. T.A. Creative Designs, Essence of Passion, Impeccable Shoe Fetish, TheWheat Report and Mogul Magazine.

If you would like to be a sponsor, and/or exhibitor contact Jackie Bailey, President of Derby Plus by calling 502-338-4470 or by email at Derbyplus@gmail.com.

If you would like to setup an interview with Jewel Tankard, Bailey and/or anyone on the Derby Plus team contact VIPP Communications at 502-295-0435 or by email at info@vippcommuncations.com.

For additional information on the Health, Wealth & Beauty Expo with millionaires Jewel Tankard held on Saturday, April 30th at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville Kentucky go to: www.derbyplus.com.