Tavis Smiley In Action In Louisville

By: Angela Lee Price

Tavis Smiley was in action in Louisville on Tuesday, February 20th on the Covenant In Action Tour which ended Friday, February 23rd in Los Angeles. Covenant In Action is the new companion book to the New York Times No. 1 best seller, Covenant With Black America. About 800 people attended the two-hour town hall meeting a Canaan Christian Church.

Presenting a photo gallery of babies whose pictures are on the cover of the new book, Tavis said in Louisville, "Everything we do has got to be about the babies. If you miss that, you've missed the whole point of my being here." What resonated when Tavis spoke was his genuine love for Jesus Christ and people of color, and his deep knowledge of African American history, politics, and current events. Quoting Cornel West, who was supposed to accompany him to Louisville, Tavis told the audience, "Leadership is about love and service. You can't lead folk if you don't love them. You can't save folk if you don't serve them." He went on to tell attendees before opening the floor to a question and answer period, "A strong community doesn't need a leader...You are the leader you've been looking for."

Smiley began the Covenant In Action Tour directly off the heels of the State of the Black Union Summit 2007 on February 9th & 10th commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the place where African slaves first settled in America. More than 10,000 people* attended the day-long Saturday symposium at Hampton University, which drew 25 of the nation's leaders, policymakers and experts.

I was blessed to interview Tavis by phone on 1350 WLOU, Louisville's Praise and Worship Station last year in May (photo left) and again on February 19th. Tavis said Louisville was added to the 14-city tour, which included Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles, due to the overwhelming show of love we gave Covenant With Black America in 2006. I personally would love to see Louisville become a host city for an upcoming State of the Black Union summit. If we can pack Freedom Hall with 19,000 plus University of Louisville Cardinals fans, surely we can pack Freedom Hall with 19,000 plus State of the Black Union fans. We love him and what he's doing, and like he says, there ain't nothing he can do about it.

While in Chicago just before coming to Louisville, Tavis taped this video promoting Covenant In Action at WGCI Radio Station.

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

Additional Sources: The Smiley Group; *Jet Magazine, February 26, 2007 Edition, page 10; Youtube.com, February 19th video posting.

The New Hope Baptist Church Phenomenal Story

By: Minister Angela Lee Price

There's a gospel song that says, “I'm just a ‘nobody’ trying to tell 'everybody' about 'somebody' who can save 'anybody'." Well, the women and congregation of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Radcliffe, Kentucky really made this 'nobody' feel phenomenally special on Sunday, February 18th. There was a beautiful spirit in the sanctuary as we celebrated Jesus Christ, woman of color, and black history at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church "Phenomenal Women of Today" Black History Program.

The two-hour program was awe-inspiring. The youth choir sang, steppers stepped, four phenomenal women told of what it meant to be "Proverbs 31" women, and a sistah presented an awesome skit demonstrating God’s love for people of color. Panelists Minister Audrey Lee, LTC Active Duty U.S. Army, Aundrea Locke, Human Resources Director, Nelson County Kentucky Schools , Alicia Savannah Gibson, Owner/Director Commonwealth Medical Training Center, and myself shared frank testimonies and offered advice on careers, education, forgiveness, family, and relationships in answering questions from the audience of approximately 200. To my surprise, a fair number of men attended and listened attentively to all that was said.

To God be the glory for what He is doing through people of color and the Women's Ministry at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Radcliffe, Kentucky!


Upcoming Event:
Please join me for the Business and Professional Women of Louisville's Young Careerist Speak-Off Luncheon, Wednesday, March 7th, Masterson's Restaurant, 12:00 Noon-2:00 P.M. I will be serving as mistress of ceremonies for the luncheon. The program is open to the public; tickets are $25 each. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Weddie Pitts-Hill at (502) 574-4210 or Martyna Warren at mtwarr01@gwise.louisville.edu by March 2.

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

I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Last week in our lesson, I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, my Sunday school class, Learning About Jesus, and I discussed the troubled heart, the trusting heart, and the triumphant heart. How is your heart today? Are you troubled and trippin’ about your situation, relying on psychics, fortune tellers, horoscopes, crystal balls, and prosperity preachers for answers, or are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to be your burden bearer?

Jesus says in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.” There is no trouble too hard for God, no heartache, disease, nor difficulty. Study His Word and take your troubles to Him in prayer. He is able turn your troubled heart into a triumphant heart and set you free.

Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father but through me." Not only is Jesus Christ the only way to eternal life, He is the only way to abundant life. Salvation, deliverance, healing, and sanctification cannot be found in Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor the Jesus of the New Age Movement. Those things can only be found in Jesus Christ. He is the way.

Finally, Jesus says in John 16:33 what prosperity preachers won't tell you, "...In this world you will have trouble." Too many Christians are troubled today because they are falling for the distortions of prosperity preachers who say once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you won't get sick and riches are yours for the asking. "God's got a blessing with your name on it. Send us a special 'Get Back Devil' seed offering, and claim that thing!," they say charismatically. The next time you hear that lie, hollar back, "You made that up!," and rest on the conclusion of verse 33 where Jesus says, "...take heart! I have overcome the world."

Be sure to read these related articles posted on Jesus Saves Ministries Blog:
It's All About the Dollar: Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
Why Jesus Called A Man A Fool
Word of Faith Movement: Snakes On A Plane!
Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes Takes Survey On Black Church
I Fold At A Hundredfold!
Bishop Noel Jones: Word of Faith Theology Crippling the Black Church
Prophetic Or Pathetic
Are You Letting Yourself Down?
The 50 Most Influential Christians In America
Ease On Down the Road...to Heaven?

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

Jesus Saves Ministries Shares Love for Jesus Christ

By: Angela Lee Price

God loves you and so does Jesus Saves Ministries. Our mission is to share God’s love for the world by addressing topics of concern to the Black Church and African American community through a worldwide internet ministry, and by presenting workshops, seminars, forums, conferences, and Christian events that uplift God's Kingdom.

Also, our mission is to raise public awareness on aberrant and heretical teachings adversely affecting Christians and un-believers alike. Ephesians 4:14-16 says, "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ" (NIV). Our slogan is "Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves!"

In our inaugural year 2005-2006, Jesus Saves Ministries partnered with Louisville-area churches, schools, and agencies including St. Stephen Church, Simmons College of Kentucky, Cable Baptist Church, Hill Street Baptist Church, Corinthian Baptist Church, Spillman Memorial Church, Canaan Christian Church, Broadway Corridor LLC, Wesley House Community Services, Women’s Evangelical Network, Seven Counties Services, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and WLOU Radio to present a variety of events, a church school Bible trivia contest, honorary awards dinner, honorary awards gala, Christian play, women in ministry forum, career in radio workshop, and several gospel events. Additionally, Jesus Saves Ministries conducted radio interviews with nationally-known speakers, Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes, Tavis Smiley, and Dr. Julia Hare, Jean Claude LaMarre, Dr. Gary Gilley, local pastors, and community leaders.

On January 5, 2006, Jesus Saves Ministries launched this blog on the internet. The blog features articles by Angela Lee Price, Founder & President of Jesus Saves Ministries, and contributing writers, on topics of concern to the black church and Christian community. The blog makes it convenient for internet users to post comments to articles and sermons, link to websites, and e-mail the ministry. Articles published in Jesus Saves Ministries Newsletters are available on the blog, along with video and audio clips, links to other websites, and great research.

Jesus Saves Ministries thanks Rev. Syvoskia Bray, President & CEO, Women's Evangelical Network; Rev. Michael Lee, Associate Minister & Sunday School Superintendent, Joshua Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church; Rev. Vincent Bland, Artist N Residence, St. Stephen Church; Dr. Renee Campbell Mapp, President & CEO, Wesley House Community Services; and Raoul Cunningham, President, Louisville Chapter NAACP for contributing articles to the Jesus Saves Newsletter and this blog during our inaugural year.

For information on scheduling Jesus Saves Ministries for your next event, subscribing to the monthly newsletter, or to be added to the weekly e-distribution, please write the ministry at P.O. Box 1284, Louisville, KY 40201, call 502-495-0902, or e-mail Angela Lee Price at aleeprice@bellsouth.net.

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

New Hope Baptist Church Salutes Phenomenal Women of Today

In honor of Black History Month, the Women's Ministry of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Radcliff, Kentucky will salute "Phenomenal Women of Today" Sunday, February 18th at 4:00 PM.

Guest Panelists will include:

• Min. Angela Lee Price, Jesus Saves Ministries Founder, Human Resources and Member Services Director for St. Stephen Church, and radio personality (above)
• Min. Audrey Lee, LTC Active Duty U.S. Army
• Audrea Locke, Human Resources Director, Nelson County Kentucky SchoolsAlicia Savannah Gibson, Owner/Director Commonwealth Medical Training Center

These phenomenal women will share their testimonies in a panel discussion with a goal of inspiring young people to maintain Godly principles while pursuing career goals. There will be a question and answer period following the discussion. This event is free and open to the public.

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

Summit Empowers Daughters to Greater Destiny

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

Jesus Saves Ministries was in the house as Women's Evangelical Network hosted its inaugural Daughter's of Greater Destiny Empowerment Summit January 20th at the Fern Valley Road Holiday Inn, Louisville, KY. The day-long event included workshops for women, an awards presentation, luncheon, teen summit, and vendors, and drew about 150 women and teens. This year's summit theme was "It's More Than You Think" based on Ephesians 3:20, "Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding, abundantly about all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." I served as mistress of ceremonies.

Women's Evangelical Newtwork CEO & Founder Rev. Syvoskia Bray (photo left) thinks big with W.E.N., and I ain't mad at her for that, "Our mission is to 'Change the World, One Woman at a Time' through educating, empowering, and encouraging women to grow spiritually and intellectually in their relationship with Christ," she said during opening remarks. She added, "God has already told me that this will be more than just a women's conference. It's a call to your greater destiny."

Summit attendees feasted on a smorgesboard of great preaching and motivational speeching. Rev. Mary Frances Stiner, Founder and Director, New Community Bible Study lead the opening prayer. Singer, songwriter, poet and producer Julia Royston (photo left) lead Praise and Worship. Speakers for three morning workshops were attorney Denise Brown, "Work With Who You Are," Rev. Jacqueline Triplett, "How Do You Like Your Eggs?," and Rev. Tanya White, "What Do You Do When Life Knocks You Down."

Mona Page, Founder/Executive Director of Rhonda's Another Chance, Michele' Lawlis, Founder of The DIVA Institute, Nina Strum, Founder, Women of Vision and Purpose, and Rev. Tanya White, Founder of T.E.E. Time received Daughters of Greater Destiny Awards for their leadership and dedication to ministry and community involvement.

Three afternoon workshops featured Sister Cherie Guildford, "Leadership, It's More Than A Title," Rev. Alice Tamre (photo right), "Wise Up Woman," and Angela Carter-Lanon, "Kingdom Fitness." Closing session featured Rev. Nicole Barnes, "Restoration to a Greater Destiny" based on her new book, Restoration of the B.A.D. Girl.

The Teen Summit agenda consisted of three workshops, Zambia Nkrumah, Education Director of River City Drum Corp presented "I've Got A Brand New Bag," Minister Nina Strum, Christian Educator and Teen Summit Program Director spoke on "The Power of Love, and Pastor Kimberly Boyd-Lane, Tabernacle Church, Sr. Pastor and KY Works Program Coordinator closed with "Write The Vision." Attendees below walked away with "brand new bags" and a whole lot more.

WEN Ministries does indeed think big. In addition to the Daughters of Greater Destiny Empowerment Summit, the network is hosting several events this year as part of three ministry components, the WEN Mission Initiative, MinistryWorks Institute, Africa Missions Concert Fundraiser.

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

Keep Your Eyes On the Prize, Hold On!

By: Angela Lee Price

Sense it is Black History Month, I am revisiting a previous post entitled "Keep Your Eyes On the Prize, Hold On!" There is great Black history information available on the Eyes On the Prize website. This PBS website chronicles the story of the Civil Rights Movement from 1954-1985 with articles, pictures, and video clips. I pray that you will take advantage of this resource to educate your students, church members, and associates on our rich heritage.

Jesus Saves Ministries Blog: Keep Your Eyes On the Prize, Hold On!


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

Show Me the Money!

By: Angela Lee Price

Because some preachers are mishandling the Word of God, many Christians think God owes them riches simply because they accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They view God as a genie, butler, chef, maid, and ATM machine. We see them all the time with their hands on their hips, rolling their eyes, and pointing their fingers at God shouting with attitude, "Yo, Jesus! Show me the money!

Beware the prosperity preachers. Their gospel is a distortion of the Word of God. We can't just demand what we want, and expect Him to give it to us. If that were the case, we'd all be rich. Jesus doesn't "owe" us anything, except a beatdown when we're disrespectful. The book entitled When Cultist Ask: A Popular Handbook On Cultic Misinterpretations by Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes will help those truly seeking knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to properly interpret the Word of God. I highly recommend this book. I cited it previously in the August 2006 post, I Fold At A Hundredfold.

Below is how Geisler and Rhodes explain, on page 245, the misinterpretation of 2 Corinthians 8:9, the passage often use to prove that God purposed for you to be rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9 – Does this verse indicate that financial prosperity is in the atonement, as Word-Faith teachers argue?

Misinterpretation: Second Corinthians 8:9 says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that through he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich” (NIV). Word-Faith teachers cite this verse in support of their view that financial prosperity is provided for in the atonement.

Correcting The Misinterpretation: If Paul intended to say that prosperity is provided for in the atonement, he was offering the Corinthians something that he himself did not possess at the time. Indeed, in 1 Corinthians 4:11, Paul informed these same individuals that he was “hungry and thirsty,” “poorly clothed,” “homeless.” He also exhorted the Corinthians to be imitators of his life and teaching (1 Cor. 4:16).

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, it seems clear that Paul was speaking about spiritual prosperity, not financial prosperity. This fits both the immediate context in 2 Corinthians and the broader context of Paul’s other writings. For example, if financial prosperity was provided for in the atonement, one must wonder why Paul informed the Philippians Christians that he had learned to be content even when going hungry. (Phil. 4:11-12). One would think he would have instead claimed the prosperity promised in the atonement to meet his every need.

Don't let Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, and their prosperity croonies creep up on you and those you love. Add When Cultist Ask to your library today. This resource will help you to defend the faith.

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

Remembering Carter G. Woodson

By: Angela Lee Price

Carter Godwin Woodson Life Chronology

On December 19, 1875, Carter G. Woodson, known to many as The Father of Black History, was born in New Canton, Virginia. Had he not been sent to us, would we be recognizing the contributions African Americans have made to this country and to the world? We will never know. However, as insufficient as one month is, February, in celebrating the totality of Black contributions to society, we owe this formal time of reflection to God and Carter G. Woodson. As we celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us not forget our strong and noble heritage, and all that God has done through people of color like Carter G. Woodson.

In 2005, I was a recipient of the Simmons College of Kentucky Future African American Leaders Scholarship. The essay, The Courage of Our Past Gives Us Hope for the Future which recognized the accomplishments of Black intellectuals Frederick Douglass, Carter G. Woodson, and Langston Hughes was written initially to fulfill scholarship requirements. It was later published in the Spring 2006 edition of African American Journal.

Essay Excerpt:

Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Week, which later became Black History Month, often called a man ahead of his time, is another African American intellectual who, through his classic literary works, courageously offered hope for the future.

In his works, The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 published in 1915, and The Mis-Education of the Negro, published in 1933, Woodson gave diagnosis and prescription for that hope. Carter’s critique of white American institutions of higher learning as instruments of mis-education with regard to heritage and culture is powerful, and his 1933 remedies for correcting said educational injustices are relevant and worthy of 21st century consideration.

Throughout the book, The Mis-Education of the Negro, Woodson warned that African American attempts to imitate white American culture would harm them. Moreover, he emphasized that imitation would not only do harm, but ultimately lead to death.

Carter died in 1950, but left hope to present-day African Americans by encouraging them to learn their history, educate themselves through African American institutions of higher learning, own businesses, and give back to their communities.

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

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Tavis Smiley Presents the State of the Black Union 2007!

State of the Black Union 2007 is Coming February 9th & 10th Live On C-SPAN:
Jamestown — America’s 400th Anniversary:
The African American Imprint on America

Click on the link below for a complete list of panelists and more!
www.covenantwithblackamerica.com/State_of_the_Black_Union_2007_Panelist/

Above, Tavis Smiley posed with Angela Lee Price, WLOU Radio and Jesus Saves Ministries, after his thought-provoking keynote address in Louisville, Kentucky Derby Weekend at Destiny 2006: Creating An Agenda for Change, Canaan Christian Church.

Click this link below to hear Angela's May 4th interview with Tavis Smiley: www.jesussavesministries.blogspot.com/2006/05/angela-lee-price-goes-one-on-one-with.html

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