1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/5/05 3:45 PM Page 1 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:28 PM Page 2
IN THIS 2005 HOLIDAY SEASON OF
CHRIST THE KING,
AND THROUGHOUT THE
COMING NEW YEAR,
WE PRAY THAT THE
POWER OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT
ELEVATES YOU TO A
RENEWED MINDSET,
A PROFOUND
SENSE OF PEACE,
UNSHAKEABLE FAITH,
AND AN AMAZING LEVEL
OF BOLDNESS FOR THE
ALMIGHTY FATHER AND
HIS KINGDOM. We love you. Bishop Eddie L. Long AND Elder Vanessa Long 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:34 PM Page 4
LIVING A SAVED LIFE As a new Christian, you become aware that you need to learn to walk all over again. You now have a new spiritual fam- ily that you must develop a relationship with.
CONTINUOUS NURTURING Developing an ongoing relationship demands quiet time (I John 4:13-15). Each day, you must find the time to be alone with Christ who is your spiritual source of power. Discipline yourself to: (1) have a specific time and place to be alone with God; (2) be consistent; (3) read your Bible daily; (4) begin with prayer; (5) ask God for direction and power for the day ahead.
NEW VS. OLD NATURE Your very body houses both your old nature and your new nature. The challenge comes when your new nature tries to evict the old, comfortable sin nature that has dominated and controlled your life. As your old nature continually challenges your new nature, you occasionally may revert back to your “old ways” and sin. The new Christ nature that is within you convicts and points to the sin that has taken place. Once you confess the sin and ask God to forgive you of the sin, your old nature has been defeated again. Your new nature will take control as you embrace the Word of God by hearing and applying the Word to your life. The minute you do not allow the new nature to function in your life, the old nature will take control.
YOUR SPIRIT, YOUR SALVATION When we speak of a person’s ‘spirit,’ we are speaking about everything that person is: thoughts, motives, impulses, desires and actions. The old nature expressed itself through sin; the new nature expresses itself through the Holy Spirit. Read: Romans 8:5-11 Galatians 2:20 Colossians 2:9-10 Romans 6:1-6, 23 Galatians 5:13-18 Ephesians 6:12 Did you know that accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior did not make you perfect and without sin for the rest of your life? Many Christians struggle with the concept of becoming a “new creature in Christ Jesus” (I Peter 5:8; II Corinthians 5:17). Jesus promised that when you became a Christian, the Holy Spirit would come to dwell in you and be with you, for the purpose of teaching and guiding you in your everyday affairs. As you continue to grow in the Word of God, you will experience new victories over sin in your life. You must never give up, turn back or question your salvation. Your salvation is based on your faith in Jesus Christ, who has redeemed you from all sin.
SIN STOMPERS Utilize these steps to maintain spiritual freedom to overcome sin in your life and walk in spiritual authority and victory: Recognize the problem. Use discernment. (Hosea 4:6, Hebrews 5:14); responsibility—take the responsibility to deal with it; repent—ask God (and others) for forgiveness. (Acts 3:19); renounce—turn away from it. Announce to Satan and others that you are no longer in agreement with this sin, lifestyle or attitude; and, resist—now that you have sub- mitted yourself totally to the Lord, you have POWER to resist the devil, and he will flee from you! (James 4:7) For more practical ways to live a saved life, attend any of the following classes offered by the Christian Education Ministry. Course Day Time Location/Room Adult Sunday School Sunday after 1st Service W114 Young Adult Sunday School Sunday after 1st Service W112 Genesis Bible Study Sunday after 1st Service W111 Sunday School for the Deaf Sunday after 1st Service W118 Kingdom Marriage Learning Hour Sunday after 1st Service W121 Kingdom Possessors Bible Study Wednesday 10 am-12 pm W105 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:36 PM Page 8
year in review
On Jan 2, 2005, “Kingdom Adjustment, Kingdom Alignment” is the message that Bishop Eddie L. Long Alive...delivered for the New Year. Over the next 12 months, and New Birth would be inspired to Come Alive in 2005! PHOTOS BY BEN BROWN well
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8 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:36 PM Page 9
taking the Counseling Ministry into new new successes. Having previously worked with New Birth's Project counseling Destiny and other social service agencies in the Atlanta metropolitan Still Head area, Dr. Head says he feels “blessed and honored” to become a part of In January 2005, Elder the team and expects the counseling Growing... Otis B. Head was named ministry to continue the great things Senior Director of Pastoral of the past, while enhancing present By the end of October Counseling. performance. Head—who is licensed for “Kingdom Counseling is our 2005,New Birth had taken Christian counseling and therapy, and goal,” Dr. Head says, “and we honor in 4,532 new members! a doctor of religious philosophy in God through our efforts as we offer clinical Christian counseling—now support to our spiritual father and leads Cheryl Weems, Assistant the great ministry he leads here at Director of Counseling, and Elder New Birth and across this world.” Louise Cage, Intake Counselor, in
At this year’s Nation of Jesus Men’s Conference, Stampley and others. held May 5-7 at the Cabarrus Thousands of men came from near County Convention Center in and far seeking to line up with God’s Charlotte, N.C., men were charged will—in their hearts, in their homes to “Man Up” in every area of their and on their jobs. lives. This year’s gathering carried the theme “Men, man Come Forth.” Imparting God’s word, along with Bishop Eddie L. Long, were Pastor Deron up! Cloud, Pastor Terrell Murphy, Dr. Richmond McCoy, Pastor James Meeks, Minister Byron Prayer, fellowship, unity: The 2005 Cage, Psalmist Micah Men’s Conference held in Charlotte.
[ COME ALIVE IN 2005 JOHN 11]
>State of the Black >Third Annual 5K JAN Union with Tavis Run/Walk >“Kingdom Adjustment, Smiley mar>Resurrection Sunday Kingdom Alignment” at the Georgia Dome feb apr 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:38 PM Page 10
Collectively, more than 2,000 pounds have been loss Dr. Kenneth Harper, a board-certi- since Bishop Long announced the idea of Project fied family medicine practitioner, ChangedKingdom Health on June 7. joined his wife for the Commit to Fit As the first group of participants embarked upon this wellness journey, titled challenge and is pleased with their “Commit to Fit,” the goal focused on participants taking action to significantly progress. He advises participants to reduce their risks for serious health problems through responsible weight loss, make smart decisions about their lowering of blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. health even as it improves. There are many individual success stories, including weight losses in excess of “It is very important that you do 40 pounds, elimination of headaches, improved self-esteem, and overall not make medication changes with- improved senses of well-being. out discussing them and getting DeSiree Watkins, Commit to Fit Team approval from your doctor,” he says. doctor’s orders Captain, is a nurse who has lost more than “If you have been able to discontinue “Develop relationships and 20 pounds. As a direct result of her hypertensive, diabetic, or other med- support groups that you can go involvement with this initiative, she has ications, please continue to follow up to when your exercise classes been able to eliminate two of three med- with your doctor.” through New Birth end,” says ications for her diabetes, and now only As the first-ever New Birth Dr. Kenneth Harper. “Use these needs 1/2 of one pill. Commit to Fit health challenge groups to encourage you through DeSiree has also taken the class comes to a close, preparation has the sweet potato pies, red velvet “Kingdom Health God’s Way,” already begun for the next Project cakes, and all the other offered through the L.I.F.E. Institute by Kingdom Health challenge, slated to temptations you will face over Health Services Ministry instructors who start in January 2006. the holidays. We can always find help participants become more spiritually Additionally, plans are underway for someone to help us break a grounded in their quest for better health. the next New Birth Health Expo for dietary or exercise lifestyle “Although I have gone through nurs- Saturday, May 20, 2006. It has been change, but can we find some- ing school, the class taught me how God five years since the last New Birth one to support us?” actually planned it for us,” says DeSiree. Health Expo. The 2006 Health Expo “I have learned the way I should eat, and promises to be even greater than the it is not a long drawn out plan. The class first. It will include various health played a big part in helping} me learn how to use God’s plan, not man’s plan.” screenings; educational seminars; Sonya Spearman, BSN, RN, health coach and class instructor, teaches the health specific, gender specific and importance of short- and long-term goals, and how to break the barriers to family oriented materials and informa- achieving divine health. Sonya uses biblically based principles, referencing tion; and health related vendors. appropriate scripture to help participants get their lives in balance, according It is our desire to help manifest the to God’s Word. vision of Bishop Long in his heartfelt M Super Saturdays are held each month to bring the participants together to desire to have a healthy congrega- weigh-in, receive gifts and prizes, have their journals checked for completeness, and tion, free of preventable and chronic hear from professionals who provide health wise information and encouragement. diseases.
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year “After completing the Odyssey, I expect in that when an Elect Lady enters the room, review everyone recognizes there is something special about her,” Elder Long explains. “Not an arro- gant presence, but a year godly presence filled in with humility and a heart to serve and review change the world.”
June 6 – July 29, nurtured girls ages 11-15 with devotionals, current First Lady, Elder Vanessa events, an academic skills lab, health Long, presented 40 and recreational exercise, empower- Elect Ladies to the world at the ment sessions and social skills. On a end of an 8-week summer program weekly basis, they participated in designed for them to explore their leadership development training, a God-given potential—socially, spiritu- speakers’ bureau, community service, ally and educationally. The first-ever bi-weekly field trips, and unique arts, elect ladies Elect Ladies Summer Odyssey, held crafts and beauty activities.
On July 10, Bishop Long 1986. announced the dedication As the chairman emeritus of the the of the New Birth Chapel in honor deacon board, serving as chair for of founding members Dr. MC 30 years, Dr. Norman is a personal Norman and his late wife Bobbie witness to the significant changes Norman Jean. and the many tremendous years The Normans were among the experienced by New Birth in its Chapel first 150 founders of New Birth early days. Missionary Baptist Church, and “I was very honored that Bishop to do whatever we could to assist were among the first to help get the Long named the chapel after me the vision that Bishop had for the ochurch’s roots planted before and and my late wife Bobbie Jean,” said direction of the church, the growth after moving to 2778 Snapfinger Dr. Norman. “We are blessed to of its congregation, and its power- Road, just prior to then Reverend have been a part of this wonderful ful, spiritual impact around the Eddie L. Long becoming pastor in ministry all these years, and we tried world.”
[ COME ALIVE IN 2005 JOHN 11] >Project Kingdom >2005 Ordination MAY >Re|present Youth Conference Services >Bishop’s Birthday >Elect Ladies Summer >Hurricane Katrina relief efforts begin >Nation of Jesus Men’s Odyssey begins jul>4th of July Conference Celebration >Memorial Day Family & Friends Festival jun aug 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:39 PM Page 12
re|present all aspects of their lives,” bigger& says Elder Velez. “Whether it’s their perception of who God is; how they interact with their families and com- better munities; their willingness to dream and have vision for their lives; and for the list goes on. We see it getting God’s bigger and better for God’s glory!” The fire from the youth confer- glory ence carried on throughout the rest of the year with the Re|present engaging about this year’s gather- LIVE monthly gatherings, which ing held June 20-23, which attract- feature interactive messages, live per- ed thousands of young people ages formances, and a variety of recre- 9-18, is that it was only the begin- ational activities that Elder Velez ning of what Elder Velez calls a new says “give our kids a place to cool “It was the most effective youth movement. He and Minister out, which is safe but still crunk!” Jr. and influential youth con- Milan Ford, Re|present high students meet every first Friday ference that New Birth has Coordinator, say they wouldn’t be and high school students meet every put on to date,” are the surprised if this conference changes third Friday. sentiments of many about Re|pres- the face of youth ministry. What’s the focus for next year? ent 2005, including Elder eDDie “Re|present is a state of mind that “Worship!” he says. “Get ready for Velez, Senior Director of Youth we are boldly imposing on our Re|present 2006 Da’ REMIX, going Development. But what’s most peers, that they constantly need to down June 19-22!” year in “We’ve had a constant monthly enrollment averaging 60 students, which have been divided into 4-6 groups of review Excellence classes. The students have continued to be excited and delighted at what God is doing through our ICE program. It has been reflected in their lives, and the students continue to speak of the life- in ICE changing, mind-transforming experience that ICE continues to provide. “Individual characters have been changed from the inside. Within the The International College of faculty/staff and student body we have had testimonies of how homes have been Excellence (ICE), Christian changed, families restored, and how businesses have been increased by great multi- Education’s program that equips tudes. We have seen Divine Healing take place—physically, spiritually and mentally. saints for the work of the ministry, “We had the privilege to share info regarding our Theological Institution on a stepped out on faith in February with local TV show, and we are now at the stage of launching our Distant Learning their very first class titled “Principles Program so that we can share this great learning experience with those near and far. of Faith.” Since then, the ICE pro- “In October we launched the Christian Counseling Certification program, and gram has continued to flourish. we are preparing for our December graduation, in which we will honor our S Program Director Elder Lynette T. very own Bishop Eddie L. Long as one of our doctorial graduates, along with Dandridge gives an account of the six other doctorial candidates, and other degrees, diplomas, and certificates to year’s progress: be awarded. What a year!”
12 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:41 PM Page 13
was recorded that 125 students had OnCollege been admitted since its inception! What’s to come in 2006? Ground In June, to address the teacher shortage in Georgia, a new bache- October 2005 marked the lor’s degree program in elementary one-year anniversary for education (K-6) will be offered with the New L.I.F.E. College—New concentrations in history, art, math- Years Birth’s higher learning program, in ematics and Spanish. The College 18 partnership with North Carolina expects to admit an additional 50 The Dekalb County Sheriff’s Department Central University, which offers students in the elementary educa- honors Bishop Eddie L. Long with his courses toward bachelor’s degrees in tion major during the summer very own Sheriff’s badge on his 18th various disciplines. semester 2006. pastoral anniversary. Thrilled, Bishop The College’s goal for the first Also, seniors will participate in Long reaches to flash his new badge to year was to enroll 100 students. At graduation exercises in Durham, any and all “perpetrators.” the one-year anniversary mark, it N.C. in May and December. the reign of [Spirit&Truth ] < [ COME ALIVE IN 2005 JOHN 11] SEP >New L.I.F.E. College >Marriage one-year anniversary Conference >Spirit & Truth 2005 nov>Holiday Outreach Conference oct dec 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:41 PM Page 14 < a heart full of a heart full of kenya Carrying out one man's God-ordained vision, New Birth missionaries converge on the streets of Nairobi, Kenya before heading back to Atlanta, July 2005. the vision to change a nation by DR. SAMUEL CHAND PHOTOS BY MINISTER RICHARD COLEMAN AND LETITIA JACKSON 16 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:43 PM Page 17 that the recent G-8 Summit focus hen it comes to > The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was solely on the African continent. Africa, Bishop of Kenya is considering an unprece- He prophesied that “…today is dented move to appoint Bishop Kenya’s day!” Long as an official Consul General Long has a fervent In a formal dinner with high- for Kenya in the United States of > mission: to challenge and America with diplomatic rights and ranking government and civic lead- ers, Bishop Long reminded them Wmobilize African- responsibilities. that they have to accept their God- > The hospital in Nakuru, Kenya’s American resources in the given leadership responsibilities and third largest city, was renamed be good stewards of their role as Motherland—beginning Bishop Eddie Long Women and gatekeepers. Children’s Hospital. Bishop Long’s Hundreds of businesspersons with Kenya in particular. vision is to build a state-of-the-art, > came to hear Bishop Long at a Great strides took place 400-bed hospital to serve as a pro- totype for other cities throughout formal banquet, in which he chal- during his latest trip to this the country. With Bishop Long’s lenged them to understand and assistance and New Birth catching respond to their role as “kings” East African country in the vision, much of the existing hos- and to support the vision of the July 2005. Read these pital has been renovated to provide “priests.” In a “what would it be safer births and heightened like” moment, Bishop Long reports and see why there sanitation with the is no doubt that Bishop Department of Health and Medical Services allocat- Eddie L. Long’s divine ing substantial resources. vision to change a nation The renaming and dedi- cation ceremony was will find favor with the elaborate with tribal singers, community people of God every- choirs, a military band, where: and community and senior government offi- > President Daniel Aarp Moi, cials participating in Kenya’s immediate former this historic occasion. President, hosted Bishop Long at Bishop Long is the his residence for a breakfast meeting only pastor with a and appointed him as an hospital named after International Board Member to the him. This $6 million Moi Africa Institute and hospital will be com- Foundation. This world-class group pleted in 6-8 years. is comprised of international persons (See “Hospital of of influence who negotiate interna- Hope,” page 19.) tional conflict and address issues of > Bishop Long peace, poverty, economical develop- challenged hun- ment and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. dreds of bishops > The Evangelical Churches of and pastors in a A Kenyan girl (left) gets a Kenya—an association of all major variety of settings denominations and independent to seize this lot of New Birth love during churches in Kenya—appointed Divine moment of Bishop Long as Goodwill favor toward mission team clinic visits. Ambassador-at-Large for Kenya in the Africa. He United States of America. reminded them DECEMBER 2005 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE 17 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:44 PM Page 18 In a “what would it be like”moment, Bishop Long postured the possibility of a coordinated effort between African- American and Kenyan businesspersons in manu- facturing, retailing and economic development. postured the possibility of a coordinated effort between African-American and Kenyan busi- nesspersons in manufacturing, retailing and eco- nomic development. This was greeted with other conversations including a private Christian Bank. A possible Christian businessperson’s trip is being discussed for Spring 2006. > Bishop Long made a substantial “down- payment” to the Africa Inland Church (A.I.C.) for completion of a Christian radio Kenyans line the streets outside a tower and television station that will reach the entire east-African continent. A.I.C. is clinic awaiting vaccinations frim Kenya’s and East Africa’s largest denomina- the New Birth missions team. tion with more than 4 million members. United States of America, or in the When Pastor Becomes Ambassador United Nations. The position means he can also issue visas to people Dr. Benson Karanja, a native will be an ambassador-at-large wishing to visit Kenya. Kenyan and President of Beulah representing the interest of Kenya in the United States of America. NBV: Will it come with any politi- Heights Bible College in Atlanta, cal responsibilities? What exactly will his respon- explains the meaning of Bishop NBV: sibilities be in this position? BK: It has no direct political respon- Eddie L. Long’s recent appoint- sibilities. However, if requested, he BK: They will be very general, such ment as Ambassador of Kenya: can represent Kenya in the White as attending meetings as requested House or with the U.S. State NBV: Our pastor and spiritual by the Government of Kenya. Department. daddy, author, teacher, and NBV: Is he one of many renowned fighter for Kingdom NBV: Is the position recognized by Ambassadors in Kenya, and what reign is now Ambassador to an East the United States Government or does this position mean to the people African country. What exactly does only in Kenya? of Kenya? this mean? BK: This position is recognized any- Dr. Benson Karanja: Bishop Long BK: He will represent Kenya in the where in the world. 18 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:44 PM Page 19 Hospital of The Bishop Eddie Long Women and Children’s Hospital in Nakuru, Kenya There is hope at last for hundreds of women in the low class areas of Nakuru after the only maternity hospital in the area received $100 million. The dilapidated Bondeni Maternity In Nakuru, Bishop Long holds Hospital, run by the local municipal council, will be repaired and supplied with equip- newborn baby Eddie, whom a grateful ment from America. More health workers will also be posted to the facility. Kenyan mother names after him. The hospital’s sponsor, Bishop Eddie L. Long of America, conducted a ground- PHOTO BY DR. SAMUEL CHAND breaking ceremony last Saturday and work will start immedi- ately. The maternity hospital, which has been renamed Bishop Eddie Long Women and Children’s Hospital, will be built in two phases, says the Bishop. to the poor. Bishop Long was touched by the women’s plight when he first visited In the past, the maternity used to Kenya in 2002. The proposed hospital will bring hope to hundreds of record more than 50 deliveries per women who have been forced to deliver at home or at the Rift Valley day. But with leaking roofs, an Provincial General Hospital, the only alternative. un-maintained drainage system and The three-story building will dwarf the other buildings built during the broken delivery beds, the hospital colonial era. The council has already approved an architectural plan by now records at most five deliveries Teotec Shelter Consortium, and it is only a matter of weeks before construc- per week. tion starts. The hospital will include a 50-bed general ward on the eastern Most people in Nakuru were wing and another 50-bed ward for children. There will be 20 delivery rooms delivered at this facility, which stands fitted with modern electronic equipment, some of which have already been on a 10-acre plot near the Menengai shipped into the country from the U.S. It will also have a 10-bed ward for Social Hall. traumatized women and adjacent rooms for counseling. The new outlook The hospital, which was estab- will include an outpatient. lished in the 1950s, is so deserted Today, mothers from Bondeni, Kisulisuli, Kambi Somali, Paul Machanga, that a visitor to the area may not Kivumbini I-IV, Kaloleni, Shauri Yako, Flamingo, Kimathi, Abongolowea, realize that there is a maternity Ojukaa, and Lumumba deliver at the hospital. Others from as far as Bahati, around. Ndundori, Njoro, Kiamunyi and other low-class areas also deliver there. The rapid population increase in Nakuru forced some mothers to seek Stepping Up antenatal and postnatal care at the Rift Valley Provincial hospital because The American evangelist mobilized Bondeni could not cope. The hospital will be expanded from its current 75- his congregation and friends to raise bed capacity to 400 beds. Also, the hospital will offer affordable health care money for the hospital when he DECEMBER 2005 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE 19 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:48 PM Page 20 returned to the United States. Bondeni, the oldest maternity hospital in Nakuru, has been neglected by the council for more than two decades, hence its sorry state. Some of its old structures will be demolished and an ultra-modern facility built, says Nakuru Mayor Benson Mwangi. “It will be the biggest in the province if not the country,” says Mwangi. Bishop Long, who is Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, GA, com- missioned the expansion of the maternity over the weekend. Bishop Mark Kariuki of Deliverance Church accompanied him. The construction will be a joint venture between the American missionaries and the Municipal Council of Nakuru. A memorandum of understanding has been signed. The Director of Medical Services, Dr James Nyikal, also attended the ceremony. Nyikal said the Government would support the proj- ect. Internal Security Assistant Minister Mirugi Kariuki, who is also the Nakuru Town MP, praised the new initia- tive. The Bishop says his congregation and well-wishers in America had pledged to transform the facility. Counselor Sabina Owiti, who initiated negotiations with the American church, says the refurbishment is the best news for the area residents in a long time. She says the Bishop invited a delegation to the U.S. to convince friends and his congregation to participate in a fund raiser to help reconstruct the hospital. Owiti says she accompanied the then Nakuru Mayor, Silas Wachira Ngoru, to America to present the case to Bishop Long’s friends. The first phase of the hospital will be complete by January 2007, says Bishop Long. He says the church will post more specialists to the hospital and train others who are already working there. Reprinted with permission from the East African Standard, as pub- lished August 1, 2005. Change is coming:Bodeni the current hospital. 20 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:48 PM Page 22 22 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:49 PM Page 23 Share my family and I have been in Atlanta spend more time away from home for 1 year, but we are having a hard and travel endlessly to preach to time adjusting to America. The peo- everyone who invites him. He should the Load sell everything he owns in order to ple, the customs, the food—every- BY MINISTER RICHARD help everyone who has material COLEMAN thing is different. Can you come visit needs. That’s what he should do, our home and teach us how to sur- right? Wrong! UGANDAN STUDENT: “Bishop Long, vive in America? Bishop Long is the Senior Pastor of I have no money for school fees. My New Birth Missionary Baptist father died of AIDS, and my mother KENYAN BUSINESSMAN, MEXICAN LAWYER, Church. His role is spelled out clearly does not make enough money to LIBERIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: in Ephesians 4:11-13. Part of this role send my siblings and me to school. “Bishop, can you help me?” is to prepare God’s people for works Please help me.” of service. As Bishop teaches, preach- On a daily basis, Bishop Eddie L. es, and demonstrates, the people of Long receives numerous e-mails, let- INDIAN PASTOR: “Bishop Long, the New Birth are supposed to respond ters, and calls requesting financial churches here have a great need for by putting into practice what they assistance, prayer, and/or a personal Bibles. Can you buy 1,000 for us to have learned. New Birth has an esti- visit. Since he is only one person, he mated membership of 25,000 people. distribute in the villages?” is not able to meet all of these needs. Can you imagine what kind of impact Shame on him, right? He should SUDANESE REFUGEE: “Bishop Long, we could have on the world if every work harder and longer. He should believer in our local body were to get DECEMBER 2005 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE 23 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:50 PM Page 24 involved? Can you imagine what The face of New Birth Missions is would happen if we took the burden the 67 New Birth members, who in off of Bishop Long and got involved The Face of 2005 traveled on short-term mission with the work of the ministry? We trips to Kenya, Ghana, New Zealand, would change the world. New Birth South Africa, Peru, Mexico, Fortunately, the “lights have been Dominican Republic, Guatemala, coming on” in the heads of many Missions Nigeria, Benin, Mali, New Zealand, New Birthians. They have grasped Jamaica, Crete, Egypt, Haiti, Nova the truth that they are to be involved BY VICKY SKELTON Scotia and Honduras sharing the love in works of service. One of the great- The face of New Birth Missions is of Christ through work done in med- est examples of this can be found in Bishop Eddie Long. He takes the ical missions, evangelism, teaching, the steady increase of New Birthians gospel to the world through radio, children’s ministry and construction. involved in international missions. By television and the web. He travels The face of New Birth Missions is the time 2005 comes to a close, extensively, personally taking the the more than 50 missionaries and approximately 70 people from our gospel to many countries all around mission organizations that New Birth local congregation will have gone on the globe. supports financially reaching out to almost 15 missions trips to more than The face of New Birth Missions is over 50 countries all over the world. 20 countries around the world! This the 3 full-time missionaries that are The face of New Birth Missions is is the greatest amount of participation members of New Birth. Minister YOU. When you give financially to that New Birth has had in short-term Sherry Thomas, Lawanda O’Neal and New Birth Missionary Baptist international missions trips in any Greta Woods serve in Mali, Ghana, Church, You are involved in given year (the 2003 Kenya Crusade Croatia and Liberia. Missions. When you pray for Bishop was not solely a missions trip). Has New Birth “arrived” yet? Of course not; but we are well on our way to becoming a missions-minded church. We are getting there, as the Kenyans would say: “Pole, Pole,” or “This is Why I’ve slowly, slowly. In this year alone, more New Birth Come to Perú...” members have been involved in mis- sions than ever before. Whether it has A Missionary’s Memoir been through giving, going, sending, BY VANESSA BURKE praying, or receiving, New Birth has definitely risen to a higher level of The first night at hotel Kuelap in San Juan de Lurigancho, while preparing involvement. At the beginning of this for bed and getting to know my roommate, Jacqueline, she said to me, year, the congregation gave very gen- “You are an intercessor.” I thought, “Hmm. I gue ss I am.” Often, I pray erously toward tsunami relief. Now, privately at God’s leading for all types of people, but I have never officially just 9 months later, the congregation classified myself as an intercessor. has responded again with great gen- The next day, armed with my new title, I felt a strong urge to volunteer erosity toward Hurricane Katrina to help Lois Zangara, who was designated to pray for the people after they relief. New Birth members have also received medical treatment. After all, with no medical background, I had to worked with refugees, donated do something non-medical. So, Lois and I became the prayer team, and clothes and toiletries, and volunteered everyone who received treatment would be offered prayer before leaving. countless numbers of hours in the So, I thought. This is why I have come to Perú… to pray…and little did I missions department. know, through praying for others, I’d experience the highest level of prayer Pole, Pole, New Birth members are anointing I had ever experienced in my life… beginning to see that “Missions is not just the job of Bishop Long and the One of many memorable experiences Missions Department staff. It’s the Alison Lusted, Vice President of New Covenant Creation Ministries, work of the whole church.” which sponsored this Peru trip, warned us that some of us would have the 24 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:50 PM Page 25 Long or the missionaries or the tutoring program, block parties and care and hope for the needy. Alongside nations, YOU have a part in fulfilling Kid’s Bible Club. Kenyan medical professionals, they saw the great commission. When you over 5,000 patients and vaccinated ■ Children in a needy rural Georgia area share with refugees or other people over 200 children. in need, YOU are spreading the were blessed by a team helping with a ■ gospel of the kingdom throughout Vacation Bible School. Ghana was touched by Patricia Sims who spent the summer there teaching the world. We invite you to be the ■ From one New Birth members’ generosi- Face of New Birth Missions. and being “Grandmom” to over a ty, a home was built for a 67-year old Highlights of The Face of New hundred orphan children. widow and her young grandson in Birth Missions in 2005: South Africa. ■ Peru was touched by 5 New Birthians ■ Our shipment of 13,000 pounds of involved in medical missions, evangel- ■ 30 people received training through the medical supplies arrived at the Bishop ism and women’s ministry, particularly Introduction to Missions class under the Eddie Long Bondeni Maternity Hospital ministering to abused women. L.I.F.E. Bible Institute. in Kenya. ■ South Africa, Nigeria, Benin, Mali, New ■ Clothes were donated clothes and med- ■ We responded to the tsunami disaster Zealand, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, ical supplies were disbursed to the in Asia and partnered with others to Mexico, Guatemala, Crete, Egypt, Haiti, needy through New Birth members in send 13,000 pounds of food, water, Nova Scotia and Honduras also received their travels around the world. clothing and medical supplies to India. the blessings of work done by short-term ■ Kenya was touched by 18 New Birth New Birth missionaries involved in med- ■ Refugee children’s lives in the Clarkston members who worked in hospitals, ical missions, evangelism, teaching, area have been enriched through clinics and orphanages, sharing health- children’s ministry and construction. our involvement in an after-school After one of our missionary speakers for the evening finished, she asked us to come to the front and spread across the altar, and then she asked the audience to come up if they wanted prayer. Hundreds of women were there, and we all had huge prayer lines. Needless to say, I lost count of the women in my prayer line who were slain in the Spirit under the power of God’s anointing. I mention this only to give witness to the awesome move of God in Perú. Many of the other missionaries experienced this same powerful anointing for the first time. Healing Missionary Vanessa Burke prays for a broken heart in Lima, Perú. and demonic deliverance went PHOTO BY BETSEY GIBBS forth, and God’s Peruvian daugh- ters were set free! This happened all experience for the first time of oth- Lima, and at this church, I felt as if three nights of the conference, and ers being slain in God’s Spirit when I were at New Birth, only every- by the third night, men showed up we pray for them. I thought, yea, thing was said in Spanish! The to be blessed and prayed for also. that’s awesome. I wonder who praise and worship was awesome, Please pray that all those who were that’ll happen to. the people proclaimed the Lord’s delivered and healed in Rios de One night, I was assigned to a goodness with power and excite- Agua Viva would continue to grow conference held at Rios de Agua ment, and the leaders served us in Christ and walk in their God- Viva (Rivers of Living Water) in with humble excellence. ordained destinies. DECEMBER 2005 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE 25 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:51 PM Page 27 Love and Support for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Meet Katrina—the largest disaster responded to by the Red Cross in its his- tory; a hurricane that is estimated to cause more than $200 billion in damage to the Gulf Coast areas it ravaged in Alabama, Mississippi and BY VANESSA BURKE Louisiana on August 26, 2005. President Bush has pledged over $60 billion in government assistance, sparking political debates DECEMBER 2005 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE 27 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:52 PM Page 28 New Life at New Birth [cont. from page 27] over the source of the funds, and President Bill Clinton as he and the answers. Certainly, everything the nation is in debate over whether President George H.W. Bush rallied that happens in this world cannot the city of New Orleans should even hurricane relief efforts. Over 400 be easily explained, but as for be rebuilt, given the fact that flood- shelters spread across the nation Christians, they rest in the fact that, ing, as deep as 20 feet in some have been set up, and more than a come what may, God remains in areas, submerged 80% of the city million people have been forced to control. under water for weeks after levies change their address, often in far failed to hold back Katrina’s huge away places. Many have no desire to storm surge. To date, over 30,000 return to their homes, realizing that National Guard troops have been they have no jobs, homes, cars, and love deployed. Hundreds of thousands in the case of New Orleans, no conquers all of homes, owned by both rich and “fully functioning” city to return to. When asked what he thinks God is poor, were destroyed all along the In addition to uprooting millions doing through Hurricane Katrina, hard hit areas of America’s Gulf of people, this disaster has affected New Birth’s Chief Leadership Coast, which saw a combined death many industries: real estate, banking Officer, Elder Tommy Powell, says, toll of more than 1,000. And and oil to name a few, which in turn “I think Bishop [Long] said it best when he said that we are going to rebuild, but not rebuild the same way.” Powell says “rebuilding” here refers to both buildings and people. “God is creating a second chance to rebuild things the way He wants them rebuilt; the people, the system, everything,” he says. New Birth has pledged to help resettle more than 400 evacu- ated families who were initially staying with New Birth members. Although this task is difficult, says Powell, mainly because many Servant leader Linda Evans (left): “We have it all...perfume...detergent...new suits... of those families have Coach bags...neckties...Pampers...kid’s clothes.” PHOTO BY AUGUSTUS T. BURKE now moved on, New Birth is committed to Americans were joined by people affects Americans as a whole. Like it doing as much as possible to help around the world in shock of the or not, it is a tragedy we all share in secure homes and jobs, among slow response by the United States some way, shape or form. Just as other needs. “We just picked up 20- Government to rescue its own from tribulations often strengthen charac- 30 beds,” says Powell, for those the horrors of a Category 4 storm ter, analogously, tragedies force who indicated that need. with peak winds of approximately change. On an individual scale, Additionally, a much larger relief 150 miles per hour. tragedy can be, well, tragic; howev- effort is going strong on New “One hundred percent of the er, on a worldwide scale, could Birth’s campus. A few days after people recognized that the govern- tragedy be necessary for a higher Katrina introduced herself, Bishop ment failed the people,” said purpose? Many turn to religion for Long mandated New Birth leader- 28 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:53 PM Page 29 although not officially a New Birth “My husband and I have not slept member, faithfully served at the Center every day until he had to in our bed since Katrina; we return to his home in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Velez, a bi-lingual accountant, have been on the floor so that just happened to be in Atlanta look- ing for work. Familiar with New we could honor our elders,” Birth through television broadcast- ing in Puerto Rico, he felt right at says Elder Lynette T. Dandridge. home worshipping there and attended while in town. When Katrina hit, Velez readily volun- ship to set up a resource center to with family and friends.” She says teered at the Center. He could aid the inevitable influx of people, many met others at the Center relate to the evacuees, having gone and Powell got the ball rolling. A whom they knew in New Orleans through a devastating hurricane in meeting was called, and the result but had no idea they were in Puerto Rico himself, literally seeing was the opening of the Hurricane Atlanta. Although not all of Katrina large objects fly around in the air. Katrina Family Resource Center. evacuees are poor, for those whose Although Velez is no stranger to Located in New Birth’s Family Life poverty never changed in New ministry because he helps feed and Center and open since September 2, Orleans, Evans says they don’t teach the Word of God to many on the Center has served more than know how to take what they see at the streets in Puerto Rico, he says 4,000 so far. Servant Leader Linda New Birth. They are overwhelmed volunteering at the Center “was the Evans, who calls Baton Rouge, LA, by the love, support and free greatest experience.” He recalls lov- home and was born in New resources provided. They realize ingly encouraging one elderly lady Orleans, says word has gotten out they are being given a new life—one in a wheelchair, telling her that the all over Atlanta about the Center, better than they had. latter days would be better. “She and people often come from far The Center is being compared to even allowed me to give her a kiss away areas of the city. Says Evans, a department store, with New Birth on the cheek, just as if I were her “One lady said, ‘Everybody says to members having donated numerous son,” says Velez. go to New Birth.’” quality items, many with new tags About volunteering at the Center, Once people arrive at the Center, still on them. Bishop Long and Evans says, “It’s not something we they are first registered so that New Elder Vanessa Long have donated have to do; it’s a desire and compas- Birth may collect appropriate infor- clothing. Recording artist Usher has sion within us that we must move mation from them. Then a volun- donated clothing. “We have it all,” into the area God called us to. It’s teer clerk escorts them to various says Evans. “Perfume…detergent… not about money. It’s about love.” sections to select items needed, new suits…Coach bags… neckties… remaining with them the entire pampers… kids’ clothes.” She says time, even loading their selections they had to ask people to stop my home is into the car. Volunteer monitors bringing clothes because they had organize merchandise and also assist such abundance. The Center also your home with selections. Evans says people gladly receives financial donations Yet another major outpouring of love consistently tell her how surprised and available housing registration. from New Birth is from its members they are at the amount of love they Center volunteers have heard who are sacrificing their resources receive at the Center. In addition to countless heartwarming stories from and homes to house many evacuees. providing free merchandise, during evacuees. One young man said he had “My husband and I have not slept in the first month, the Center served to keep his diabetic mother lifted our bed since Katrina; we have been hot meals daily. Now meals are above the water so that her feet would on the floor so that we could honor served on Sundays after second not get wet as he carried her all the our elders,” says Elder Lynette T. service. The Sunday dinners, says way to the roof of a building so that Dandridge, Dean of New Birth’s Evans, offer comfort and encourage she could be rescued by helicopter. International College of Excellence evacuees “to come and fellowship One volunteer, Milton Velez, and a member of New Birth since DECEMBER 2005 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE 29 1263_Voice_NovDec05 12/1/05 1:53 PM Page 30 New Life at New Birth [cont. from page 29] 1992. At one point the Dandridge Birth is such a big place, they have lives, this world, the United States, family housed as many as 26 family never seen people so loving. They Atlanta, as a huge game board. members from her hometown of New said other places they had gone to Imagine God looking at the game Orleans. She has been chauffeur to were chaotic, “but here it was a board and simply picking up pieces many of her family members, going sense of peace, and it was very here and there, turning them, back and forth to the Red Cross, the Social Security office, DEFACS, Wal-Mart, and many other places. Despite being pulled in many different direc- tions, says Dandridge, “I enjoy what I’m doing because that’s my family; they are first.” Dandridge says her fami- ly expressed that New Birth’s hospitality has been Christ-like; there is a sense of peace here; and the organization is outstanding. When asked why she joined New Birth by a friend from New Orleans, Dandridge’s cousin Schurilynn Willis said, Hurricane Katrina Aftermath: Cars lie crushed underneath eighteen-wheeler trailers “This church has been after overturning like toy trucks on Poland Avenue in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. too good to me. Why PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER A. BIRCH would I go anyplace else?” Willis was the first among many organized.” Because this experience removing them and adding them, of Dandridge’s family from New has totally changed her life—her wherever and whenever He needs, Orleans to join New Birth. personal history has literally been to accomplish His purposes on Dandridge’s mother, Margie G. wiped away—Dandridge has a new earth. Some moves create 180 Thompson, says she has no desire to perspective on the term “suddenly.” degree turns. Others result in small return to New Orleans because there She reminds us that God’s Word directional changes. Everyone is nothing left there for her. She even- never said all things would be good, affected by God’s visitation in the tually plans to return just for closure, but that they would work together form of Hurricane Katrina is but says Georgia is now her home, for our good. encouraged to simply ask Him, and she is enjoying her new church “Where is my game piece headed?” home at New Birth very much. Furthermore, when you get the Dandridge is very grateful that answer, follow that path; make New Birth has been an abundant one thing every move count; ask direction at source of riches and love to her fam- is certain every junction; receive the love and ily, who are from the Lower 9th Some say Katrina is a result of support from fellow game pieces; Ward area that received the worst of God’s judgment. Regardless of your and make it through the strategy— the flooding in New Orleans, and interpretation, you have to admit your strategy—that God has already indeed was flooded a second time by one thing for certain: Katrina has planned for the timeline of your life. Hurricane Rita. They have literally brought change. Perhaps for many, cried at the fact that although New change for the better. Consider our 30 THE NEW BIRTH VOICE DECEMBER 2005