Sept./Oct.

2003 1
 2003 SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING TRIPS
Heavenly Tours is a Christian based & operated motor coach/tours bus company. Along with providing
bus contracting for your group transportation needs, we will be sponsoring the following tours/trips &
recreational Christian activities for you to enjoy & fellowship with other saints in September thru De-
cember 2003.

September 13, 2003 September 19, 2003

The Tabernacle - $60 Fishing on the Sandra Marie - $90
Lancaster, PA Wynne, MD

October 11, 2003 December 6, 2003

Sight & Sound-3:00 p.m. Show-$95 Sight & Sound – 4:15 p.m. Show - $100
“Abraham & Sarah – A Journey of Love “The Miracle of Christmas”
Lancaster, PA Lancaster, PA

Trips will be leaving from the Washington, Metropolitan area. Cost for all Heavenly Tours sponsored trips
include: transportation, event, meal, gift bags & prize drawings. Contact us for more information at 301/
602-7536 or visit our website at www.heavenlytours.us.

Check out our website for our upcoming trips in 2004. Some places we will be going to are: Fishing, Sight
& Sound, American Music Theatre, Atlanta, GA, World Harvest Church - Dominion Camp 2004 & the
Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, PA for the kids next summer

2 Sept./Oct. 2003
P.O. Box 6177, Largo, MD 20792-6177 Phone: 301/602-7536 Fax: 301/341-1338 WWW.HEAVENLYTOURS.US
 Table of Contents
Cover St
Cov ory: Soul o
Story: off a Prosper
Prosper ous W
osperous oman
Woman

8
Mary Grate-Pyos, Financial adviser/Personal Finance
writer/Financial Wellness Coach/Author and Columnist
tells readers how to deal with their financial frustra-
tions...
by L.C. T ar
Tardy
ardy

TESTIMONIALS world... 17 THE EFFECTS OF FEAR:

b y Linda C. Tar
Tar dy
ardy BE ALL YOU CAN BE
YOU
5 DON’T HIT DELETE
How one man didn’t allow fear Part Two
Tw
to stop him from doing what 23 ENERGY EFFICIENCY Many are afraid of failure, embar-
God had set in his heart for him AND Y OUR CONGREG
YOUR CONGREGAA- rassment, being hurt, and many
TION other negative things that one may
to do...
encounter, but some are also scared
by Peter Colwell The importance of saving energy in
your congregation and an affordable of the positive side of life...
by Athena Thomas
5 THE GREA TEST TESTI-
GREATEST way to do it...
MONIES ARE BIR THED
BIRTHED by Sterling Henry
30 TALK T
TALK O THE P
TO AST
PASTOR...
ASTOR...
OUT OF P AIN
PAIN Pastor Sheritha Bowman answers
How one woman’s faith pulled 25 I’M TALKING “SOUL
TALKING
TIES” questions from readers.
her through a most tragic
by Past
Past or Sheritha Bo
astor wman
Bowman
event... What happens to you spiritually and
by Min. P atricia McQueen
Patricia emotionally when you lie down with
someone one way and get up
another way. I’m talking about ‘Soul
POETRY CORNER
FEATURES
FEATURES Ties’... 18 “MY MORNING PRAYER”
PRAYER”
by Nikki Jones by Joe Floyd
6 THE SOUL OF A PROS-
PROS-
PEROUS W
PEROUS OMAN
WOMAN 36 IT’S JUST A PENNY-OR
PENNY-OR 18 “BEING SINGLE IS A
In managing your finances God’s IS IT? BLESSING”
way, wisdom is so essential in How we ignore the small and simple
by Allison Gregory Daniels
understanding the heart of God things that God blesses us with
and knowing His purpose for everyday...
your life as it relates to money by J.R. Stovall 18 “TREES”
matters.... by L.C. Tar
Tar dy
ardy
by Mary Grate-Pyos 37 “UNCERTAIN RICHES”
“UNCERT
Pastor Shirley Johnson had a calling
on her life, and she answered the
BIBLE STORY OF
STORY
13 ARE YOU W
YOU ORKING
WORKING
F OR THE RIGHT REA
REA--
call and discovered her purpose... THE MONTH
b y L.C. Tar
Tar dy
ardy
SONS? 32 ““A
AT HOME IN THE G AR
AR--
GAR
Your work should not become
DEN”
your God, nor should it consume
so much of your time that you COLUMN/SERIES by Dawn Bible School
Association, A Dawn Publication
have no time to share with those
who love and need you...
16 GO TELL IT ON THE
b y Deacon Curtis OO.. Gill MOUNT AIN
MOUNTAIN Upcoming Events...(inside
Hearing the testimonies of those who cover)
14 INTIMACY WITH GOD
INTIMACY trusted God to bring it to pass can
God’s love and grace are so make a world of difference in the
lives of those of us standing at the 42 WORD FOR T
FOR OD
TODAY...
ODA
much deeper than the relation-
ships we encounter in this crossroads...
by P ast
Past or Sheritha Bo
astor wman
Bowman 43 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER...
www.visionschristianmagazine.com e-mail: advertise@visionschristianmagazine.com
Sept./Oct. 2003 3
 Visions Christian Magazine
L.C. Tar
Tardy Publisher
ardy Publisherss
President/CEO is available through
subscription.
Executive Editors
Penelope White
Please give us a call at
Managing Editors
202-398-2317
Chauntika Broggin
Linda Tar
Tardy
ardy VCM is also available online at
visionschristianmagazine.com
Columnist
Pastor Sheritha Bowman Revelations 2:1-5
Athena Thomas Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus
write: These things saith he that
holdeth the seven stars in his right
Writers/Regular Contributors
hand, who walketh in the midst of the
Peter Colwell seven golden candlesticks;
Allison Gregory Daniels
Joe Floyd
I know thy works, and thy labour, and
Deacon Curtis O O.. Gill thy patience, and how thou canst not
Mary Grate-Pyos bear them which are evil: and thou hast
Sterling Henry tried them which say they are apostles,
Nikki Jones and are not, and hast found them liars:
Patricia McQueen
J.R. Stovall And hast borne, and hast patience, and
for my name’s sake hast laboured, and
Graphic Designers hast not fainted.
Cody Beasley
Nevertheless I have somewhat against
Fred Booker thee, because thou hast left thy first
Chauntika Broggin love.
Athena Thomas
Eresa T
Eresa ar
Tardy
ardy Remember therefore from whence thou
art fallen, and repent, and do the first
works; or else I will come unto thee
Print Coordinator quickly, and will remove thy candlestick
TCG Printing/W ashingt
Printing/Washingt on Times
ashington out of his place, except thou repent.

Layout/Production
Chauntika Broggin

Bible references are from the KJV and NIV

Main Office
Visions Christian Magazine, Inc
P.O. Box 7066, Largo, MD. 20792-7066
202-398-2317

www.visionschristianmagazine.com
e-mail: advertise@visionschristianmagazine.com

Copyright 2003 Visions Christian Magazine, Inc

4 Sept./Oct. 2003
 Te s t i m o n i a l s
Don’t Hit “Delete”


by Peter Colwell
D
uring my senior year in college, I was working
the midnight shift as a toll collector. I wondered
what I was going to do with my life. I was
stuck in an unfulfilling and negative
relationship. When I shared my dreams with my
girlfriend, she would say, “You don’t have any money
or connections. You’re just a big dreamer. There’s no
substance to your goals!”
After a while, I started to think that maybe she was
right. One day, things turned around for me, though, when
I stumbled upon a book entitled Live Your Dreams by
Les Brown, a world-famous motivational speaker.
I spent many nights in that tollbooth, getting inspired by
Les’s message. A few months later, I attended one of
his seminars, which gave me the courage to end that
relationship and to begin writing a book to change people’s
lives, a book called Spell SUCCESS in Your Life.
Halfway through writing the book, I came down with a
case of the “Who am I” syndrome. “Who am I to
write a book at such a young age and to inspire
others?” That evening, I came close to saying
“goodbye” to my dream of becoming a published
author. Fortunately, my wife didn’t think that was a
good idea. She said, “Peter, you have a message that



people need to read. Don’t hit that ‘delete’ button.”
by Minister Patricia McQueen The greatest testimonies are birthed out of pain.
On February 12, 2002. I was abducted at gun point in a
restaurant parking lot waiting to go through the drive-
thru when two men threw me in the back of the car
and drove me to a dark street in a back alley. At
gunpoint I was raped and cut 28 times with a razor
blade on my legs. After the rape I was kicked out of
the car and left to die in the middle of the street. I do
not know how long I laid there in the middle of the
street. But the second I realized that I was still
breathing and that God had gave me a second chance
Minister McQueen is a senior at the Jericho City of Praise Christian Collage, where she is a praise team leader and a
student. In 1999 she began preaching the word of God and setting the captives free. Her purpose is to heal the
broken hearted and to bring forth restoration to a dying world.
I took her advice, and
clicked “save” instead of “delete.” Every
day, I thank the Lord that I did!
Two years later, I met Les Brown at a Toastmasters
conference. I told Les how much he had inspired me,
and asked if he would endorse my book when it was
done. He smiled and said, “I’d be glad to.” A few
months later, he called me at home, and said he would
be honored to write the Foreword to my book. A year
later, my book was published – a dream come true!
God has moved mountains for me – I am now a
publishing executive, a professional speaker, and my
book is being translated into six languages, and
counting!
My book never would have been published if I had given
up and decided to hit the “delete” button. So remember:
when you are overwhelmed with self-doubt or paralyzed
by fear, I encourage you to remember that you have a
special God-given gift that the world needs. Never, ever
give up! VCM
Peter Colwell
Author, Spell SUCCESS in Your Life
PETER COLWELL MOTIVATES OTHERS TO MOTIVATE
THEMSELVES!
Visit http://www.PeterColwell.com
Toll-Free: (866) 337-6800
at life. Every breath that I took was putting the devil
on the run. God had to restore me and open me up
and do surgery on me. He had to give me peace of
mind. God specializes in restoring the wounded heart.
Every tear that fell from my face he dried, every scar
that was on my body disappeared. He restored my
entire being in one year’s time. The Lord has
commanded me to go forth and minister to the broken
hearted. VCM
Sept./Oct. 2003 5
 The Soul o f a
Prosperous
Beloved, I wish above all things that you would
prosper and be in good health, even as your soul
prospers.

Woman
-3 John 1:2

T
he Word of God says that wisdom is the by Mary Grate-Pyos, MBA
principal thing. In managing your finances
God’s way, wisdom is so essential in
understanding the heart of God and knowing His
purpose for your life as it relates to money matters. It area of finances. His Word is so explicit in how we
is so important to exercise wisdom in managing our are to manage our finances and how we are to
money matters and to seek God’s face to grow into a conduct business affairs. As a matter of fact, the
divinely inspired prosperous woman. We must Bible is one of the best references in getting your
exercise discretion to wisely use the resources that finances in order. Sometimes we tend to overlook the
God provides to build His kingdom and to grow into the obvious in God’s word as it relates to money matters.
abundant life We are to honor
He has for God with all of our
us. God’s
word says
“A t the core of a prosperous woman is the desire
wealth, but
typically many only
that He daily to be obedient to the true treasures of God. “ honor God with 10
loads us with percent.
benefits. As Sometimes we
a prosperous woman, we must know in our inner being neglect to realize that God is our source and resource
that these benefits empower and encourage us to live and He requires that we acknowledge and honor Him
a life of peace and abundance on a daily basis. in tithes, offering and especially the remainder of our
wealth. His Word says to honor Him with all of your
It is God who gives us the power to get wealth. Every substance and with the first fruits (tithes). When we
promotion that you receive is from God and not based start honoring God with all of the resources that He
on your intellect or who you are. Yes, your education has provided and recognize that He is the giver of
and experience are preparation steps that you have every good gift, we then become free to worship God
been blessed with as you walk through the open doors without financial constraints and concerns.
that God has prepared for you, but it is God who
makes the promotion possible. Your wealth is God’s At the core of a prosperous woman is the desire to be
doing and based on His love and wisdom operating in obedient to the true treasures of God. In the area of
your life. One of the financial truths for a believer is money matters, the soul of a woman understands that
recognizing that we are given wealth so that the to get to her wealthy place in God, she has to be
salvation and word of God is spread throughout the obedient and disciplined to the mind of God. She must
earth, both at home and abroad - in Judea and in become the business-minded virtuous woman who
Samaria. conducts her business with discretion as she listens to
God. She is a tither. She honors God by not becoming
The soul of a prosperous woman is a life of wisdom, a servant to the financial institutions of this earth. She
discretion, and discipline, especially in the area of counts the costs before engaging in any financial
finances. It is also a life of obedience to God. God transaction. The soul of a prosperous woman is in
wants and requires our obedience, especially in the tuned to the words and guidance of God.

6 Sept./Oct. 2003
I love the scripture in Jude that says, “Beloved I wish
above all things that you prosper and be in good health,
even as your soul prospers.” These are powerful
words! As you grow spiritually, you will grow
physically and financially. The goal is to seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness. Once you
have diligently done that, all the other things, including
prosperity and abundance, will be added to your life.
These are added benefits of living a godly life. As you
Proverbs 4:7, 8 – Wisdom is the principal thing;
therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get
understanding.
Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the Lord with your wealth,
and with the first fruits of all of your income.
1 Peter 5:7 - Cast your cares (anxieties) on God,
for He cares for you. VCM

get closer to God by spending quality time with Him,
He draws close to you to give you the very desires of Mary Gr ate-Py
Grate-Py os is the author o
ate-Pyos off Wealthy W
ealthy oman –
Woman
Wise Choices
Choices.. She seeks to empower individuals to be
your heart. God wants to bless us in our finances! wise stewards of God. Her purpose is to help others to
His word says that He takes pleasure in the prosperity move from frustration to financial freedom in their
of His servant. In case you have forgotten, those money matters. Her web presence is
words apply to you - the powerful prosperous woman www .financiallyf
www.financiallyf ocused.com
.financiallyfocused.com
that you are!

It is only when we are committed to God at a soul

level that we can be trusted with the financial riches in
this life. We must bear in mind that we are given the Cover the Laps of God’s Leading
financial riches to spread the Word of God throughout Lady with Heavenly Care - 1Tim
the earth. When you seek the face of God just 2:9-10
because you love Him, He listens intently to your
wants and desires so that He can be a blessing to you. Pamela Brown, Owner
And yes, He blesses! He shows up and shows out PO Box 6177
just for you! Sometimes we forget that our relationship Largo, MD 20792-6177
with God is directly related to the peace and Phone: 301/341-1338
abundance that we experience in our lives. His word Email: inheavenslap@hotmail.com
says: what good does it profit a (wo)man to gain the
entire world, yet lose her own soul? Our relationship
with God is at the core of a prosperous woman.
When you grow in the power of God, you realize more
and more that God is your source and resource. You
can rely on Him for all of your needs, including your
finances.

Remember, prosperous living requires knowing and

applying God’s word to your life on a consistent basis.
Struggle is optional. When we struggle financially, we
are working against the will of God and we need to
seek His word to get answers to our money situation.
Yes, you will experience financial challenges on this
journey called life. As a prosperous woman, in every
situation you need to be able to see the hand of God at
work, working on your behalf to bring about His
perfect will for your life.

Scriptures to Ponder:
Deuteronomy 8:18 - Remember the Lord your
God, for it is He that gives you the ability to create
wealth.

Sept./Oct. 2003 7
 Cover Story
SOULOF A
PROSPEROUS

WOMAN by L.C. Tardy
O n July 12, 2003 I was invited to a “Women In
Business Conference/Tradeshow where Mary
Grate-Pyos, Financial adviser/Personal Finance
writer/Financial Wellness Coach/Author and
Columnist was one of the motivational speakers. While
listening to the speakers, there were several subjects
discussed, but what caught my interest was the subject on
“Finance.” Many of us struggle with finances today, and
learn only the basic fundamentals of saving our money.
However, Mary Grate-Pyos brought us to a whole new level
of what finance truly means, and how it’s impact on our lives
can be a negative or positive outcome, depending on our
education in this area. Mary Grate-Pyos is a dynamic,
powerful, spirit-filled Christian woman and motivational
speaker. While observing Mary as she spoke, I discovered
something very powerful about her that truly blessed my
spirit, and gave me a better perspective on dealing with my
own future finances. My first discovery was the faith,
confidence, strength and endurance of Mary Grate-Pyos,
how her spirit flourished across the room while she spoke on
our ability to get wealth, and how we are all created with the
power to be prosperous. Her spiritual strength is an asset to
the Kingdom of God, and an inspiration to those who are
searching their souls to find the power within. Mary Grate-
Pyos touches your inner man, and shows you how we were
created with a purpose in God’s mind; Mary brought out that
every inch of our spirit man has a richness and grace about it,
so that we can be more than conquerors, wealthy conquerors
in our lives. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Grate-
Pyos, and here are some of her powerful answers to dealing
with financial frustration today:
8 Sept./Oct. 2003
8 Sept./Oct. 2003
Interview with Mary Grate-Pyos
What would be your advice to the Christian who believes
that all money belongs to God, and working in your purpose
would finance your future? Whether we realize it or not,
everything that we have and everything that we own
belongs to God, including all the money that He has
provided for us to enjoy. It all belongs to God and blessings
come when we acknowledge and realize that truth. The word
of God says that we should honor the Lord with our wealth,
and with the first fruits of all of our substance. Our reason-
able service as children of God requires more than tithing. It
also requires that we pray about and honor God with the
remaining money after the tithes and offering. It all belongs
to God.
As you honor and give glory to God in your finances, one of
the greatest blessings is working in your purpose and
knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God has gifted
you with a purpose to be a blessing to His people. As you
walk in the will and divine purpose of God, your future is
financed because out of the abundance of your heart, you
are doing God’s perfect will by living and working in your
purpose. I really believe that many people have financial
difficulties because they are doing work that does not honor
God, thus the wasted time and energy grumbling and
complaining instead of seeking God’s face as to what He
would have them to do. Oh what needles pain we bear – all
because we do not take it to God in prayer.
The Christian who is working in his/her purpose, has his
own business, money is coming in slow, struggling to pay
(continued on p. 10)
10)
“Whether we realize it or not, everything that we have and everything that

we own belongs to God, including all the money that He has provided for us
to enjoy. It all belongs to God and blessings come when we acknowledge

and realize that truth.”

-MARY GRATE-PYOS

Mary Grate-Pyos,
President of Financially Focused, Inc. and
Author of Wealth yW
ealthy oman - Wise Choices
Woman
Read her article “The Soul of a Prosperous Woman”
Sept./Oct. 2003 9
p. 6
his/her bills, and having a difficult time finding employment -
What would you suggest they do to increase revenue?
The first thing I would suggest is that you look again at the
vision that God gave initially when you started the busi-
ness. I look at my business as God’s business that He has
allowed me the opportunity to manage for Him here on earth.
You must see the vision clearly and ask God to direct your
paths as you follow the steps that He initially placed in your
heart. If there is a struggle in your finances, there is a
definite source that it can be traced back to. And sometimes
we create the struggle by not following what the word says
about our finances. The word of God says that we are to
meditate on the word day and night and then we will have
“good success.” God brings about “good success.” Now
as for increasing revenue, I would look for creative ideas to
grow your business. I would consider forging strategic
partnerships with others who have like-
minded goals and vision. In this way, you
can meet the needs of each other’s
clients. I would look for ways to create
multiple streams of income by focusing
on different ways to market the same
product in a different way. You can use
the same product and market it to appeal
to different clients. The goal is to
increase your visibility and publicity.
Think outside of the box and focus on
using different forums to reach more
clients and gain their confidence in your
product and services. Finally, always
remember to share what you bring to the
table. You will never know who needs
your service if a potential client does not know what you
can provide.
What do you mean when you say all money belongs to
God, and how can we honor this? Get into the habit of
praying constantly about your finances. All that we own
belongs to God and we honor and reverence God when we
return what belongs to Him by returning the tithes. We do
not give the tithes because it never was our own. We
returned the tithes because all of the money that we have
belongs to God. He merely asks us to return to Him ten
cents out of every dollar. We are also to give an offering to
God. The offering is any amount that you purpose in your
heart that is over and above the tithes. The offering means
very little if you have not honored God with the tithes first.
Many people feel that if they give there money to the
church, that the Pastors are eating it away, and they are not
seeing any blessings in their lives. How would you advise
them? We are all held accountable for how we manage the
money that God has entrusted to us and we cannot focus on
the material lives of our Pastors. You cannot always fathom
what they have gone through to reap the material blessings
that we see in their lives. I am assuming that we are talking
about Pastors who are doing the will of God. I agree that if
10 Sept./Oct. 2003
souls are not being saved; the word of God is not reaching
those in the surrounding area and abroad; and if the love of
God is not shown in the lives of the Pastor, yes, there is a
problem. As Christians, we are in the business of winning
souls to Christ, and our finances play a major role in
accomplishing this mission. Many look at the lives of
Pastors, and I agree that many have lavish lifestyles. And
yes, I believe that many of these Pastors are doing the will of
God. The word of God says that we should prosper even as
our soul prospers. As your inner man grows and is sub-
jected to the will and divine order of God, you will always
see the external signs: abundance; wealth; healing, even
wonderful homes and cars. The word also says that God will
not withhold any good thing from us when we live accord-
ing to His purpose and do His will. God also takes pleasure
in blessing us when we have done His perfect will. I also
believe that if these individuals are true
men and women of God, they will not
hesitate to give those same material things
to another if God told them to do so.
When you murmur and complain against
the man or woman of God, you block your
own blessings. Our blessings are in our
mouth. You either curse or bless your own
life by what you say. And even if you sow
your seeds and the man or woman of God
does not “do right” with it, you have still
done your part and have been obedient to
God. We should all keep our eyes on God
and leave the discipline of others to God.
What is tithing, and why should we
Tithe? A tithe is 10 percent of your earnings. It is also that
part that is set aside to be returned to God. Should we tithe?
Absolutely! It is our reasonable service.
Give me five powerful reasons why I should save my money
1. We should save money because the word of God says to
do so. In Proverbs 21:20, the word of God says, “a wise
person saves for the future, but the foolish spends whatever
he/she gets.” The word says we should.
2. We should save money to handle the financial challenges
that will arise. You are not operating at your best when you
are worried about how you will pay for a financial debt.
3. We should save money to secure our financial future.
The word of God says that we should “count the cost” of
our actions. We do that spiritually, but we also should
“count the cost” financially. Saving for our financial future
means saving for retirement, our children’s education, and
purchasing a home. Yes, God will provide, but He also says
that we should be wise with the resources that He has
entrusted to us.
4. We should save so that we can be a blessing to others
and the people of God. It takes money to operate Churches
– buying Bibles, sending missionaries around the world,
electricity, telephones, and the list goes on.
5. We should also save money to pass on the wealth to the
next generation. The word of God says that a good man or
woman leaves an inheritance for his/her children’s children.
God believes in generational wealth building. You must save
for your children, as well as your children’s children.
My credit is in terrible shape; I can’t find a job; and I
haven’t worked a steady job in three years. What do I do? I
would definitely start with prayer and seek the face of God
as to what He would have you do. Maybe you have not
worked a steady job in three years because God wanted you
to start a business and create jobs for others. I would also
volunteer at organizations where I can be a blessing by
sharing my gifts and talents. We are connected to God and
to His people. He will not withhold any good thing from us
and He takes pleasure in our prosperity. If you are not
prospering and prospering well, then inquire of God. Then I
would do some soul searching to explore the reasons within
why you have not had a steady job in three years. The credit
being in terrible shape is a product of not having a steady
job. When you start lining up with God’s word and what it
says about your prosperity, all of these things, like terrible
credit, will fall by the wayside.
After interviewing Mary Grate-Pyos I learned that it is truly
the work of the Lord, that gives us power, and without the
strength of the Lord we are nothing. We are earthen vessels
created with a purpose. The Bible says, (2 Corinthians 4:7),
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
There is prosperity already in the Kingdom of God, and we
are the Kingdom, citizens of the Kingdom of God, the temple
of the Holy Spirit, which dwells in us. If that kind of
indwelling power is in us, there is no reason why we should
be struggling financially. However, it is important that we
build our wealth based around the doctrines of God,
because the Bible says, (Proverbs 13:22)“A good man
leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the
wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” The Bible says
that we have access by the faith of Jesus Christ. Ephesians
3:11-13, “According to the eternal purpose which he
purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: “In whom we have
boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
During our struggles financially, we must not forget what the
Bible says,” Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my
tribulations for you, which is your glory.” It is faith that
pleases God, and without faith we cannot achieve our
highest goals, work in our purpose, or achieve financial
freedom.
Hebrews 11
6
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Mary Grate-Pyos, a child of God, exercised her faith building
techniques, and indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to show
us that it is God’s wishes for us to be prosperous and
wealthy stewards of God, for us to understand that all money
belongs to God, and ten percent of our wealth should be
returned to God.
3 John 2:1 – Beloved, I wish above all things that you would
prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.
Biography of Mary Grate-Pyos
Mary Grate-Pyos, President of Financially Focused, Inc. and
Author of Wealthy Woman - Wise Choices, is committed to
empowering others to move from frustration to financial
freedom by making wise choices in their money matters. Her
dynamic style as motivational speaker, personal finance writer
and author enables her to deliver an urgent financial message
that empowers others to claim their financial freedom.
Ms. Grate-Pyos earned a Master’s in Business Administration
from Syracuse University, and has a Bachelor’s of Arts in
Mathematics from Newberry College. Her web presence is at
www.financiallyfocused.com.
She is a Contributing Writer for Woman by Revelation, The
Magazine; Black Women’s Health website; One Heart
Journal; In Focus Magazine; and Acts of Faith Newsletter.
Her writing has appeared in: The Capital Spotlight Newspa-
per in Washington, D.C. (Columnist); Today’s Christian
Woman Magazine; Ebony Magazine; Milwaukee Times
Newspaper; Coalition of Black Investor’s Newsletter and
website; Christianity Today website; and has been featured
in Financial Woman Today Magazine.
Mary Grate-Pyos is a member of Greater Little Zion Baptist
Church in Fairfax, Virginia. Mary also provides individual
financial help as a Financial Wellness Coach as part of the
Staff at Baraka Christian Counseling to assist clients to move
from frustration to financial freedom to experience joy in
managing their finances from a biblical perspective. Mary
Grate-Pyos, a woman after God’s own heart.
Mary Grate-Pyos Professional Affiliations:
• Member, Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Financial Women International
• Member, National Association of Women Business
Owners
• Member, National Association of Female Executives
• Member, Greater Washington Women’s Network
• Member, Women’s Business Center, Washington, DC
• Member, eWomenNetwork VCM
Linda C. Tar
Tar dy is a F
ardy Frr eelance Writer/A
Writer/A uthor
uthor.. She is the
riter/Author
Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine.
Sept./Oct. 2003 11
12 Sept./Oct. 2003
 T his question might seem strange to some of
you, but think about it for a moment, just why
are you working and are the things you are
working for, will they last? You get up early every day
and hurry the children to get dress and ready for day
care or school so you will not be late for work. Many
times you don’t even check to see how the children
are, what they are wearing or have they properly
prepared for school.
After a long day on the job, you pick up the children
from the after school care provider and check to see if
their homework has been completed. After dinner and
a little TV, you put the children to bed and began your
ARE YOU WORKING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS?
Only what you do for Christ shall last!

by Deacon
Curtis O. Gill A closer walk with God yields revelation, knowledge, and wisdom.
preparation to repeat all you have done today for
tomorrow. Again I ask you, “What are you working
for?”
Are you working to pay bills, buy food, clothing, a
house, a car, a new TV or to go on a trip? Just why
are you working so hard and so much? You spend so
much time on the job you hardly have time for your
children and any time for God who is the giver of
every good and perfect gift. Don’t get me wrong; I
realize that the Bible tells us that man should live by
the sweat of his brow. The Bible also tells us, “. . . If
anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thess.
3:10 NKJV)
What I am saying is that your work should not
consume all your time! Your work should not become
your God, nor should it consume so much of your time
that you have no time to share with those who love
and need you. Your work should not take up so much
of your time that you forget to give God, who created
heaven and earth some of your time.
When you spend all your time working to fulfill your
earthly desires and wants, you have gone against the
direction of God, for the Holy word tells us that “God
is a jealous God and thou should place no other God
before the Lord Thy God. It also tells us that if we
have . . . food and clothing, with these we shall be
content.” (1 Tim 6:8 NKJV)
Again I ask you, what are you working for? Are you
content and do you always give thanks? I look at all
the hustles and bustles of life and ask why all the
hassles? God has promised to provide for your every
need, but it’s your wants and desires which get us in
trouble. Often, our desires to keep up with the Jones
and to impress others cause us to spend long hours on
the job and short hours with our
children and even less with God.
Because of a lack of time being spent with the
children, drug use is up, gang violence is spreading to
every community and crime is out of control. Also,
grades are down, the truancy rates are up, school
dropout statistics continues to rise, the AIDS
population continues to increase and teen pregnancy
remains a constant concern for every echelon of
leadership. There is hardly a day that passes that
you don’t hear or read about some child being
sexually molested, and this is all because we are
working and have no time for the children.
I ask you again, “What are you working for” or better
yet, my Bible asks the question, “ . “What is a man
profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for
his soul? Are you working to gain the whole world or
are you working to save your Soul? (Matt 16:26
KJV) You alone know the answer to those questions
and you alone must decide what is most important to
you, to save your soul or gain the whole world. Our
(continued on p. 19)
Sept./Oct. 2003 13
 “ Intimacy wi
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is
not in him.”
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father,
but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the
lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for
ever.”
1 John 2:15-17
G
od’s love and grace are so much deeper than
the relationships we encounter in this world.
His love for us is sufficient enough. You
can’t pretend that those feelings of loneliness and
depression don’t exist, because they do. But you see,
“...the loneliness, rejection, hurt, and pain you feel in your
God has a more excellent plan for your life. Just
having faith in Him, knowing His presence, His love,
and the treasure that’s laid up for you is a part of that
plan. His level of intimacy far exceeds the kind of love
that you and I have experienced in our lives. You need
to get to know God, draw closer to Him, and let Him
dwell within you at all times. Some of us didn’t grow
up with a father; we were raised by single mothers.
Therefore, we don’t have any idea what it’s like to
have a father. But I say to you sisters and brothers
who may have been reared without a father, to count it
all joy, because an earthly father’s love can’t ever
compare to the love of God, the real Father of Love
and intimacy.
The world taught us that if we didn’t have a father in
the house, we would grow up not being whole men
and woman, lacking the require love of both parents;
which would lead to unhealthy relationships and
marriages. Well, let me just tell you sisters and
brothers; ”The devil is a liar, and the father of them.”
14 Sept./Oct. 2003
John 8:44. There are many people who are
married, saved, unhappy, grew up with both parents,
graduated from college, beautiful children and the
whole nine yards, and the white picket fence to go
along with it, who share the same downfalls as
someone who is fatherless. You see, that was not the
problem. The problem is that we were taught to
worship the wrong “father.” Therefore, we grew up
worshipping the men in our lives, which lead to the
wrong kind of intimacy. This is deep. We were
created to praise and worship God, the true “Father.”
So the things we praise and worship are not in line
with what God has planned for our lives. True
intimacy is with God. Our marriages are supposed to
be based on the covenant with God, a real union with
God. In essence, we tend to worship and value our
families, but here is the command that we should
follow according to the word of God: Matthew 19:29
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or
brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife,
or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall
receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit
everlasting life.
Instead of us following God’s command we do just the
opposite. We value and worship our families, and as a
result we are caught up in intimacy that God did not
plan for our lives. So when we lose our love ones we
don’t know how to deal with the emotional trauma that
comes along with it. You need to first know who God
is and how do you fit into God’s plan. Then to
understand why you were created and your purpose.
As I stated earlier, you were created to praise and
worship God. So the loneliness, rejection, hurt, and
th GOD
pain you feel in your so-called relationships is actually
your lack of intimacy with God. You were not created

by L.C. Tardy

is no intimacy with God, there is no recollection of what

to have a boyfriend or girlfriend. These relationships
were created by the world as a result of sin when we
turn our backs on God, forget who the real creator is,
and the purpose of being created. The purpose of our
creation is stated clearly in God’s word:
Genesis 1:26
Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the
fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth,
and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
God actually put His creation in our hands. This is the
purpose of creating you and me. He even made us a
little lower than the angels. He said it in His word:
self is, and all humanity would self-destruct, which is
primarily happening in this present day and time. It is
imperative that we first know who God is, and how we
fit into the perfect plan that He has for our lives. We
need to know that there is no way to the Father accept
through His Son, Jesus Christ. We must know that Jesus
died for us to save us from our sins. We are saved by
the blood of the lamb. We are called out of darkness,
place into God’s marvelous light released from the
bondage of this world because of Christ, and now we
can have true intimacy with God. You need to know
that your life was predestinated, purposed, called,
justified, and that you will be glorified with Christ when
He comes back. So be ready!

so-called relationships is actually your lack of intimacy with God.”

So when you are feeling down and out, lonely, looking

Hebrews 2:7-8 for a boyfriend or girlfriend, thinking that your
“Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou biological clock is ticking, and that you need to hurry
crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over up and get married, and have children, or you’re just
the works of thy hands. Thou has put all things in subjection
getting too old to date; just know that you have fallen
under his feet.”
away from the true intimacy with God. God will take
you back anytime you ask. He is a forgiving God who
God’s purpose for us today is to be conformed into the
said that He would never leave you. God cannot lie
image of Christ. Our physical bodies are made by God
and He never breaks a promise. He is faithful to His
to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. You see, we are
word. Besides, you are His child. He’s your true and
more than just some thing to be tossed to and fro, giving
only Father from the beginning of time, and before the
away our precious pearls to a counter-fit intimacy. We
world began.
were created in love, and God is love. Our intimacy
with God was created before the foundation of the
To God Be All the Glory! VCM
earth.
Linda C. Tar
Tar dy is a FFrreelance W
ardy riter/A
Writer/A uthor
uthor.. She is
riter/Author
Now, since God done all of this for you, why would the Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian
you give yourselves to a lesser god, (world) or cast Magazine
Magazine.. Ms
Ms.. T ar
Tar dy curr
ardy ently liv
currently es in LLando
lives ando
andovv er
er,,
your pearls to swine? Who is God? The Creator of all Maryland and attends Jericho City o off Praise-85
Praise-85
aise-85001
Spectrum Driv e- LLando
Drive- ando
andov ver
er,, Maryland.
creation. Without Him there will be no intimacy. If there
Sept./Oct. 2003 15
 Columns
PASTOR SHERITHA BOWMAN’S COLUMN

GO TELL IT ON THE
MOUNTAIN!
“And they overcame him by the blood of the our stories and tell them boldly. Somebody NEEDS to

pastor
Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and hear it. Somebody WANTS to hear it. Somebody
they loved not their lives unto the death. HAS to hear it. Your testimony may make the
Revelation 12:11” difference between a sister or brother giving up or
pressing on.
Hearing the testimonies of those who trusted God to
bring it to pass can make a world of difference in the
lives of those of us standing at the crossroads.
Wondering which way to go. Where to turn. To hear
that in spite of the weariness and dreariness, A testimony is more than your salvation story. We

sheritha
somebody prayed. In spite of standing alone,
somebody trusted. In spite of wanting to give up,
somebody waited. Then miraculously, the money
comes in for the mortgage payment. The medical exam
comes back normal. The rebellious teenager repents
and walks up to the altar. After hours of praying and
crying in the hospital waiting area, the doctor peeks
her head around the corner and says, “It looks good.
experience testimonies everyday. A meeting. A
conversation. Holding the tongue. Walking in
forgiveness. Making a decision and trusting God.
STANDING. WAITING. BELIEVING.
What’s your testimony this week?
Do share. VCM

bowman
He’s going to make it.”

Our testimonies reflect hope, inspire change and exalt

the glory of God. One telephone call from a friend
telling you she finally got the job! Everybody else told
her that her lack of a Master’s was the reason for the
closed doors. However, the whole time girlfriend
proclaimed that she would trust God. And as always,
God shows up! “They that wait upon the Lord shall
renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and not be weary’; and they
shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31.) God is LIKE
that!
We know that everybody’s testimony isn’t for
everybody. However, it’s not up to us to determine
who may or may not receive it. Somebody,
somewhere is bound to be blessed. We MUST tell
16 Sept./Oct. 2003
Copyright 2003 by Sheritha Bowman
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An excerpt from the book, “E-mails for the
Christian Soul: 102 Messages of Praise, Hope and
Revelation by Sheritha Bowman” Books are
available online via iUniverse.com. Sheritha
Bowman is senior pastor of Soul Inspiration
Church Ministries in Germantown, Maryland. To
learn more about the ministry, please visit
www.soulinspirationchurchministries.com or call
301.353.0602.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 special series/column
THE EFFECTS OF FEAR


by Athena Thomas
Part Two
BE ALL YOU CAN BE
In our last column, we discussed how fear of the
unknown or fear of failing could make people do
destructive things to either themselves or to people
around them. In this column we will explore another
aspect of the effects of fear that probably plague a lot
of people in their business or professional lives.
Fear encompasses a lot of areas in our lives. Many
are afraid of failure, embarrassment, being hurt, and
many other negative things that one may encounter,
but some are also scared of the positive side of life.
Succeeding! For some the realization that being
exceptionally good at something is frightening. What
most of us don’t realize is that this talent is a gift. But
even before it is recognized as a gift some people are
still aware of it and realize that if used professionally
that they could be successful beyond measure. This
type of success can be intimidating which could keep
some people from moving forward with using their
gifts, although it is a positive move.
Things have always come easy for me. I never
struggled with my schoolwork and in high school I
realized that I had a natural talent in English. I never
had formal training in writing past high school, yet I
found that I was a good writer. It took years for me
to realize that this was one of my gifts. I always
wanted to write a book but was always scared that I
wasn’t good enough. When I finally accepted my gift
then I became scared of using it because of the
possibility of success. I know it sounds crazy but I
was scared because of the scrutiny that some
extraordinary people are subjected to and because the
closest person to me at the time was intimidated by
my talents.
But after much prayer and guidance from God and my
Pastor, I soon realized the power and importance of
such a gift. God gave me this gift for a purpose, to
assist with the building of His kingdom and in the
process I would become successful. My inspired
work would touch the very heart of people. So who
was I to deny it?
Poet Marianne Williamson put it in perspective by
saying “Our deepest fear is not that we are
inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are
powerful beyond measure. There is nothing
enlightened about shrinking so that other people
won’t feel insecure around you.”
We are unique individuals and God has given each of
us something that will make us stand out in the crowd,
a special gift that he plans for use in the Kingdom.
We must not allow fear to keep us from using those
gifts to edify and glorify him who has blessed us.
I thank God that I can finally say that I am an
extraordinary person, unlike any other. I can do many
things well and I am not sorry or ashamed of it. For
those who may feel intimidated by it I simply say to
pray and ask God to show you your exceptional gift
and allow him to teach you to appreciate it, and the
gifts of others. VCM
Athena Thomas is a writer currently working on her first
book. She is also the owner o
owner off W
We ess
ess,, a w
e Host U 4 LLess eb
web
hosting company in Maryland. She can be reached at
aptenterprise@yahoo.com
Sept./Oct. 2003 17
 Poetry Corner
“My Morning Prayer words by Joe Floyd “TREES” words by L.C. T
words ar
Tardy
ardy

I just finished saying my morning prayer

And my prayer included you I stand tall by the streams of water
I prayed that you will do very well
In all the things that you do in the midst of the garden

I prayed that God would give you strength with my roots planted firmly
To meet the challenges today
And to give you courage and confidence in the breast of the earth, nurturing me
To overcome all in your way.
but my seed
I prayed that God will protect you
And keep you out of harms way comes from far above
May his powerful hands shield you
And keep the devil at bay. when it’s time for harvesting

I prayed that God would give you a blessing I become the branch of the Vine
which you would return with love
And may God always be with you and the fruit that I bear
As he watches you from above
is produced after it’s own kind
When ever I say my morning prayer
I include you when I pray which is God. VCM

Take care and may God bless you

I hope you have a nice day. VCM

“BEING SINGLE IS A BLESSING”

words by Allison Gregory Daniels, Author/Poet

I found out that being single is a blessing

Society had me believe that being single was a crime
But I found out in time
That being single is a blessing
Being single gave me a chance
To learn more about God and His plan for my life
Being single gave me a chance
To get to know myself
Being single gave me a chance
To know who and what I wanted out of my life
And it even gave me an opportunity
To see what God wanted out of my life
Being single gave me a chance
To be able to recognize the distinction of God’s sweet voice
Being single gave me a chance
To recognize the faults in my life
Being single gave me a chance
To ask God to clean up what I messed up in my life
Some old habits and some bad habits
Being single gave me a chance to grow in God’s wisdom and grace
Being single gave me a chance to strengthen my walk with Christ
I found out that being single is a blessing… VCM
18 Sept./Oct. 2003
(Are Y
(Are ou W
You orking...continued fr
Working...continued om p. 13)
from
children are suffering all across America because
people have turned their backs on the God that created
Heaven and earth, and made their work their god!
Once again I ask you, “What are you working for”?
My Bible tells me that “We should not lay up for
yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and
steal: But lay up for yourselves’ treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your
treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
(Paraphrased Matt 6:19-21 KJV) Where is your
heart?
You can work to lay up treasure here on earth, but
someone else will enjoy it! For we brought nothing into
this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
(1 Tim 6:7 KJV) Only what you do for Christ will
last. Lets try spending more time working for the
Lord; that our labor shall not be in vain, and our
children suffering might be reduced. “Blessed is the
nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom
he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalms
33:12
Father God, we pause to give you the praise and the
Glory. We thank you Father for all you have done and
all that you are doing and all that you will do if we
place our trust, hope and faith in you! Father, we
realize that we have not always done all the things that
you would have us to do. We know that we have
strayed from your Commandments and failed to keep
your statutes. We confess of our sins and ask that in
the Name of Your Son Jesus that you forgive us. We
pledge this day to submit to your will and to choose
you as our Lord. We want to be the people you have
chosen and those who will receive your inheritance.
Father, we ask that you grant us peace and bless our
children and this Nation, which have chosen you as
our Lord and Savior. In you we place our trust and
rely on you to provide for all of our needs. We know
that you are not like man that you should lie, and that
you will never leave us nor forsake us. Bless us and
we will continue to give you the praise and the Glory.
We ask it all in Jesus Name.
Amen VCM
Sept./Oct. 2003 19
20 Sept./Oct. 2003
Sept./Oct. 2003 21
22 Sept./Oct. 2003
 o two people are alike! The same is true for
N African American Churches, each Church is
different, they differ in the size, differ in
church budget, length of the church services and
number of members that attend during the week.
There is one thing that all churches in America get
every month, something that every minister wish
would never appear!
It’s the bills from the Gas & Electric Company!
Most U.S. churches pay between 7-10% of its monthly
overhead in gas or electric utilities bills. If the church building
is older, the cost could be even higher. The head of every
AME Congregation has asked the question at one time or
another, “How can I reduce this monthly cost!” This unfixed
cost drains resources of the church, and adds nothing to
mission of the congregation.
Saving energy saves money, money that can be used
on your congregation’s mission. Saving energy also
prevents pollution! Another reason to reduce energy
waste is the environment. Our faith teaches
stewardship of natural resources, as well as of
money. Every time a light, a computer, or an air
conditioner is turned on, a power plant consumes
fuel to generate electricity. All fuels cause
environmental impact, burning fossil fuel releases
emissions that causes acid rain, smog, and that can
even change our climate. Climate change directly
affects human health, food crops, water supplies, and
certain diseases, as well as nature’s life-supporting
ecosystems”. Many congregations have come to
agree with the vast majority of scientists that global
warming, or climate change, is one of the greatest
threats to the planet.
Most AME Congregations ideally would like to take
low-cost steps to reduce there
over-all energy usage, therefore reducing that
monthly energy bill.
ENERGY STAR For Congregations can help you
achieve your goals for reducing your church buildings
energy cost, by providing your congregation with
information on making your church buildings more
energy efficient.
The program can help arrange an energy audit for
your congregations building, provided information for
grants and other usefully information to make your
upgrades a reality.
ENERGY STAR IS a free service program that
promotes energy-efficient, it’s a partnership between
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR
delivers the technical information and tools that
organizations and consumers need to choose energy-
efficient solutions and best management practices.
ENERGY STAR has successfully delivered energy
and cost savings across the country, saving
businesses, Congregation, non-profit organizations,
and consumers more than $5 billion a year. Over the
past decade, ENERGY STAR has been a driving
force behind the more widespread use of such
technological innovations as LED traffic lights,
efficient fluorescent lighting, power management
systems for office equipment, and low standby
energy use.
Using the information within ENERGY STAR For
Congregations Program can save your church
money, help make facilities more comfortable,
functional, and attractive, as well as helping the
environment. THE PROGRAM will provide your
congregation, at no-cost to you, with information
to produce a low-cost savings strategies to make
the necessary changes to reduce those energy
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND


YOUR CONGREGATION
by Sterling Henry
bills, also will show you how to get
grants to finance those
improvements your church buildings
need to be more energy efficiency.
The ENERGY STAR For Congregations (http://
www.epa.gov/congregations/) web site will
demonstrates 20 examples of congregations that have
saved between 20-30% on their energy bills.
Save your church money and join ENERGY STAR for
Congregations.
I encourage all AME Churches to participate in ENERGY
STAR FOR Congregations. AME Congregations may join
ENERGY STAR online at (Join ENERGY STAR for
congregations), or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES. There is
no cost for participation, materials or support, and no
specific actions, or any reporting are required. If you have
any questions, please call or E-mail Sterling Henry at 202-
347-9151 (SterlingHenry@QMRI.net) or Jerry Lawson
Director of Energy Star for Small Business and
Congregations at 202-564-9314(lawson.jerry@epa.gov). VCM
Sept./Oct. 2003 23
 Writing for the Lord ® Ministries
Presents:

Give God the Glory!…the series

Kevin Wayne Johnson
Offering free and low-cost writing seminars, “how to get published” workshops, and book discussions to
churches, Christian organizations, corporations, Christian book clubs, libraries, and community groups. All
seminars, workshops and book discussions designed for the specific audience in mind.

Topics include: - Why should I write to glorify God? - Understanding the book industry
- Publishing options - Distribution options
- The truth about promotion and marketing - How to select an editor
- Typesetting and printing options - Valuable resources to help you

ISBN: 0-9705902-0-2 ISBN: 0-9705902-1-0

Price: $10.99 Price: $14.95
© 2001 © 2003

Coming Soon (2003 through 2005):

Give God the Glory! Let Your Light So Shine! (A Devotional)
ISBN: 0-9705902-2-9
Price: $7.95
Pub Date: October 30, 2003

Give God the Glory! The Godly Family Life Give God the Glory! Your Role in Your Family
ISBN: 0-9705902-3-7 ISBN: 0-9705902-4-5 (A Devotional)
Pub Date: March 31, 2005 Pub Date: October 30, 2005

www.writingforthelord.com

To order books: (877) 323-4550; To schedule a seminar/workshop: (443) 535-0475

Writing quality books, articles, and devotionals that glorify God and enhance the lives of our readership.
24 Sept./Oct. 2003
I’m talking about “ oul ies”

by Nikki Jones
S T
W hat happens when two in-experienced
immature people get together and enter
concept of a soul tie, the first story I recall is in
Genesis 34, the Dinah incident. The first thing that took
into a sexual relationship? I would be willing to say that place with Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, was
some type of catastrophe at some point in the relation- that when he saw Dinah, he had a desire for her
ship will take place. Is it not bad enough that our young because of her physical beauty. This attraction, due to
people live in a society jam packed with mixed mes- Shechem’s inability to control his emotions, caused him
sages about everything they will ever experience in to rape her. The story goes on to tell how he took her,
life? What is unfortunate is that the society we live in, laid with her and violated her. Shechem raped Dinah
really seem to believe that we are doing our part by because his desire to have her physically took over all
providing information about “safe sex” to our youth, of his sensibility and therefore led to his death and the
when what we are truly doing is giving them a two for death of his family. The story does take the time to
one ticket to spiritual and often times physical death. point out that his soul clave to Dinah. His attraction
We tell our young people to practice safe sex for Dinah grew stronger after he had sex with her. In
when they should not be having sex at all! We give fact it grew so strong that he wanted to marry her, not
them an array of sex education classes, pamphlets and knowing anything about her character, and he was
condoms and willing to be
expect that they circumcised
have somehow
become equipped
“I literally felt so heavy that sometimes I could not to have her.
Was this
to make those get out of bed and walk around without feeling normal or
types of deci- pained. This is what the doctor called depression. “ acceptable
sions. Some of us behavior?
even go so far as So now,
to feel accomplished because we have told the young let me try and make this more personal and up-to-date
people that God disapproves of sex before marriage, for all those who have problems with Old Testament
unfortunately somehow disregarding that although bible times. I started having sex when I was about 12
many of our youth attend church, they may not have years old. Yes, I said twelve. The partners that I had
the kind of relationship with Christ that will lead them far exceeded just a few. There were multiples, many
to a place of conviction about any type of behavior that of which I couldn’t remember their names or faces if
contradicts God’s word. you held a gun to my head. Now for all of the sancti-
I was thinking of the classic example that is given fied and fried, pew-hogging churchgoers that have the
in most sex education settings that goes something like swift gall to act like you haven’t any past demons and
this; when Mike has sex with Sally and Jessica, then are offended by such things; this is a time you may
Jessica has sex with Ron and Sally has sex with David want to put this down. I can’t tell you how many men
and so on; we are setting up the scenario for how we that I have had sex with, but what I can tell you is that
spread sexually transmitted diseases and many people for years I suffered from depression trying to figure
are obviously therefore infected. But what about what out who I was. Who was I? I am glad you asked. I
happens to you spiritually and emotionally when you lie was a walking conglomeration of every man I had
down with someone one way and get up another way. been with and all the people they had ever been with
I’m talking about ‘Soul Ties’! and all the people those people had ever been with and
What is a soul tie? When I think about the on and on. I was a “hot mess” as the old folks used to

Sept./Oct. 2003 25
say.
So let’s break this down a bit more. If I started
having sex when I was twelve, which was around the
time I had given my life to Christ, until the time I was
29, when I really gave my life to Christ, and I had at
least two partners a year; ok you do the basic math.
That is a whole lot of souls to be tied to. I literally felt
so heavy that sometimes I could not get out of bed and
walk around without feeling pained. This is what the
doctor called depression. Manic depression is what I
was consistently diagnosed with. What they didn’t
know was the real root of the problem. I was sup-
pressed by all of the demonic possession that I had
become tied up with in the bedroom. What I needed
was a purging that only God could do.
The scary part is, for years the devil has tried to
use those spirits to make me literally loose my mind. I
had to contend with layers of demonic spirits that no
one seemed to know how to help me get set free from.
These demons had me doing all kinds of things like
slamming my head into walls because there was so
much noise and confusion in my head, yearly suicide
attempts, demonic sexual promiscuity, violent outbursts
which there are still people today that won’t deal with
me, and many other self destructive behaviors.
Many of you may say, you know Nikki, you were
just crazy and that is the bottom line. That’s because
you don’t understand the power of soul ties. Just look
at the news and what is going on today. Look how
many relationship related deaths there are everyday.
With the married and the unmarried. I’m talking about
soul ties. It’s just like an AIDS epidemic, except we
have a cure, and that cure is having a real relationship
with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Having a soul tie with someone means you take
on the persons mind, the persons will and the persons
emotions. So whomever I had sex with during that
time period may have been dealing with depression,
with aggressive behavior tendencies, or maybe they
were dealing with the devil directly. I have no idea.
What I do know is all the things that cause them to
have these issues are now intertwined and added to
the arsenal of destruction that the devil has laid out
with the intent to kill, steal and destroy our youth. Why
do you think kids have sex earlier and earlier these
days? He has to get them early; the devil knows how
important timing is. Do you ever wonder why after
people start having sex, they begin to take on some of
the characteristics of the other person, even when they
were nothing like the person they are having sex with?
Even when the relationship ends, those ties are still
26 Sept./Oct. 2003
there.
So it is not enough to just tell the young people
that God says don’t have sex before marriage. We
have to take the process of understanding to another
level, which always begins with prayer. We have to let
our youth know that having sex before marriage is
violating spiritual law, and stop sending them the
confusing message that states, “sex before marriage is
wrong, but if you are going to do it then make it safe.”
What does this statement say to our youth? That it is
ok to break God’s law so long as you just protect
yourself from the natural things that will happen like
pregnancy, which is one of God’s intentions for sex.
Our youth need to understand the concept of
courting someone, and building healthy, lasting relation-
ships that God honors. In order for them to gain a true
understanding of that, we as mature adults have to set
the example. Our words will never impact our youth if
there are not any visible actions standing with those
words.
We as adults must make the commitment to do
whatever it takes to win the souls of our youth over to
Christ. We have a great responsibility as stewards
over the lives of our youth. How can we continue to
go on with our lives allowing our youth to walk around
like spiritual zombies? When we are not being the
stewards that God purposed us to be over the young
people, we are not honoring God’s word, and by
teaching or knowingly allowing them to enter into these
relationships, relationships of which they don’t even
understand the purpose for, we are literally giving them
over to the prince of this world; the devil.
We must come together first as a household, as a
church, as a community, a state, and a nation. All this
begins with prayer and the faith that those prayers will
be answered. Let’s stop teaching our children to be a
generation of straddling the fence churchgoers, and
start teaching them to be the kind of people that God
has called them to be. The kind of Christians who have
a fear and reverence for God. The kind of youth that
will set the pace for future generations to come. Let’s
start showing our children and youth the “absolutes” in
God’s word rather than showing them ways to try to
get around God’s word and make it fit to what we
want to do. Yes adults, this means you too must
change. Let’s raise up a new generation of people that
will break the back of the devil by truly getting on fire
for Christ! VCM
Sept./Oct. 2003 27
28 Sept./Oct. 2003
Sept./Oct. 2003 29
TALK TO THE PASTOR.... by Pastor Sheritha Bowman

Question:
Now that I am saved, I have not dated anyone for four years, but sometimes I feel lonely, and want to go out on
a date. What should I do as a Christian woman? Should I wait on God, or ask God to send me a helpmeet?

Pastor:

pastor
Sister, if you are asking if you should wait on God to send you a help meet so that you may share your love, your
spirituality, hopes, dreams and laughter, to compliment your life, I say, YES. Petition God to your hearts’ content
for a heavenly, help meet. However, if you are asking if you should petition God to send you a help meet to cure
your case of the “lonelies” I say, it’s not necessarily a help meet that you need right now.

Loneliness is a feeling that every person, Christian or non-Christian, Black or White, rich or poor, married or

sheritha
single will experience from time to time. As much as we would like to believe that another person can cure our
loneliness, we must get to a place, marrieds and singles alike, where the Spirit of the Lord becomes so
prominent within, that we begin to train ourselves to seek a spiritual indwelling during these times. We must
learn to yearn for the presence of God and embrace the opportunities and mysteries that God often chooses to
reveal only through times of solitude.

Never believe that a help meet will cure your case of loneliness. Know this sister: There are plenty of married
sisters that are lonely! Loneliness is a state of mind where we allow the spirit of insecurity to set in, if only for a

bowman
moment, and we forget our self worth and how full life can be even if we’re forced to go it alone.

Discovering and moving in your purpose is the best case of curing loneliness. What is your gift? What is your
purpose? What has God called you to do with your life? Once you know your purpose, whenever you feel
lonely, discouraged, bored - move in your purpose. And you will find that as you move in your purpose and line
up your desires with God’s desires, that He will bring those feelings and your desires to pass.

What to do while you wait for Mr. Heavenly? Get together with family, sisterfriends, volunteer, attend church
fellowships, cultural and historical activities and more importantly, continue to grow ever so intimate with the
Lord as He has the overwhelming power to conquer any feeling that threatens your joy, peace and contentment.

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight
thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord;
trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:3-5)” VCM

Sheritha Bowman is senior pastor of Soul Inspiration Church Ministries in Germantown, Maryland. To
learn more about the ministry, please visit www.soulinspirationchurchministries.com or call
301.353.0602. Send your questions to Pastor Sheritha Bowman at admin@visionschristianmagazine.com

30 Sept./Oct. 2003
Sept./Oct. 2003 31
 “Bible Story of the Month”
At Home In the Garden
YEARS and years and years
ago there was just one person in the
whole wide world. He had only one
name, and a very short name at
that—it was Adam! This was a very
long time ago, before there were any
automobiles, or trains, or
telephones, or radios. or television sets. It was so long
ago that no houses had been built. In fact, there was
no one to build houses, and no one to live in them if
they had been built. Why, Adam didn’t even have a
bed on which to sleep! Perhaps you would like to
know how long ago it was that Adam lived all alone. It
was more than six thousand years. That is a long time,
isn’t it?
Now, just because Adam had no house, we must not
think he didn’t have a nice place in which to live.
Before Adam was made, God planted a beautiful big
garden which he called Eden. There were ever so
many wonderful flowers and trees in that garden. They
were the most beautiful flowers and trees
that anybody has ever seen. There were plenty
of nice vegetables, and all kinds of fruit.
And God put Adam into this perfect garden to take
care of it, and to enjoy it forever.
While there were no men or women or children to
keep Adam company, he was not all alone, because
the Bible tells us that there were many
birds and animals in Eden. God, who
made Adam, asked him to give names to all the
animals.
32 Sept./Oct. 2003
Dawn Bible Students Ass.
A Dawn Publication
And what a task that must have been!
If you don’t think so, the next time you go to a zoo or
to a circus and see all the animals, try to imagine what
you would call them if they did not
already have names. You would look at
the giraffe and I guess you would call
him Mr. Longneck; or maybe you
would just call him funny. So Adam
had to settle down to real business and
think up very good names for all the
animals. And he did it well, too.
Of course, it wasn’t necessary for Adam to hunt all
over the garden for the various animals in order to see
them and to give their names. The Bible tells us that he
was made a king, or a ruler over them, so they all
obeyed him, and would come right up to him when he
called them, just as a dog will do for us today.
Even a dog won’t do that, though, unless he has been
treated well. If you kick a dog and throw stones at
him, he will probably run away, whenever he sees you
coming, or he will watch his chance and give you a
good hard bite, just to get even.
Well, Adam was not only kind to all the animals, but
he was friendly with them, even with those which now
are wild. He treated them just as we do the pets we
have in our homes. Since that time many people have
been so unkind to animals that they have become
frightened, and some of them are very ferocious and
dangerous.
When Adam had finished naming the animals, and had
become acquainted with them all, he made a very
important discovery. He found out that there were no
animals with which he could talk in the way we talk to
each other. The animals were very nice, and he was
glad to have them in the garden with him, but he really
needed a companion who would be more like himself.
Yes, Eve was deceived by that serpent, and ate the
Imagine how lonesome you would be if there were no and then we don’t want to eat, or if we do eat, we
other girls or boys around. get very sick and wish we hadn’t eaten.

The best dog in the world cannot take the place of a Suppose God had made us in such a way that we
brother or a sister. would never want to eat, or that our stomachs would
always be upset. I guess we couldn’t expect to grow
Well, that is what Adam discovered. Of course, God very much then, could we? Well, that’s just it. We
knew this all the time, but he wanted Adam to find don’t understand how God made us with good
out for himself. God didn’t plan that Adam should stomachs, and eyes, and ears. We just know that he
remain all alone in the Garden of Eden forever, but he did, and that he made Eve; and that Adam was very
wanted Adam to understand how much he really glad to have Eve for a companion.
needed company. In this way, you see, he would be
more thankful for what God did for him. But there was one thing about Adam and Eve that
was different from the rest of us. They had never
And what did God do? been children. Can you imagine that? While we are
You have guessed it already! Yes, he created a real children and growing up, we learn a lot of things,
friend for Adam, who also became his wife. Her don’t we? We learn that certain things are right, and
name was Eve. Pretty name isn’t it? It means life- that other things are wrong. We learn that if we
giver, always do what is right we will be much happier than
because she when we do
wrong.
was the first “If mother or father tells you not to put your hands
woman. God on the hot stove and then you do so, you suffer for Well, Adam
wanted Eve
to be very
your disobedience; but you do learn that the stove is and Eve had to
hot, so you don’t put your hands on it any more. “ learn this lesson
much like as grown-up
Adam, so he persons,
made her in a very wonderful way. because they had never been children. God knew
He put Adam to sleep, and while he was asleep God they needed a lesson like this, so he told them not to
took one of his ribs away from him, and with that rib eat the fruit that grew on a certain tree in the garden.
he made Eve. It was called the “tree of the knowledge of good and
Wasn’t that wonderful? evil.” And God made it very plain to Adam and Eve
that it was really wrong to eat the fruit of this tree,
In this way, you see, Eve was just like Adam—just and that if they did eat it they would surely die.
like another part of him, yet she was separate—and
they could talk together and be real friends to each Now there was a serpent in the garden, and being
other. God is certainly very wise and can do tame it probably played where Eve could watch it. In
wonderful things! some way this serpent made Eve believe that it
would be all right to eat the fruit of that forbidden
There is no use for us to try to understand how God tree. The serpent may have eaten some of the fruit
did such a wonderful thing as that. He has done many just to prove to Eve that God was not telling her the
great things that we cannot understand, but they are truth when he said the fruit of this tree would kill her.
true just the same. We cannot even understand what
makes us grow, can we? “Oh,” you say, “It is Of course, the serpent wasn’t really smart enough to
because we eat good, nourishing food.” But that is do this all by itself. Satan caused the serpent to act
not all there is to it. If our stomachs do not work that way. Satan, as I have already told you, was an
properly we will not grow, no matter how much we enemy of God, and that is why he made the serpent
eat. Sometimes, perhaps, our stomachs get upset, deceive Eve.

Sept./Oct. 2003 33
forbidden fruit. And what was even worse, she you will meet Adam and Eve, and can ask them a
lot of questions that I wouldn’t know how to
answer, such as what they did at night without a
house in which to sleep. VCM
coaxed Adam to eat it also. Thus they

AT HOME IN GARDEN

both did what God told them not to do..

QUESTIONS

Now the Lord had told Adam and Eve that if they Who was the first man, and where did
disobeyed him they would die. This meant that they he live?
couldn’t live on forever and ever enjoying all the
wonderful things in the Garden of Eden. instead, Who was the first one to give names to
sooner or later they would become feeble, and finallv animals?
die.
Who was the wife of the first man, and
Death is a terrible thing, isn’t it? where did she come from?
And just think, it is because Adam and Eve did as
Why did Adam and Eve have to leave
God told them not to do that people all over the
world are dying! If it had not been for this, there the Garden of Eden and will they ever
wouldn’t be any sick people in the world. return?
Well, Adam and Eve learned a lot in that way, didn’t
they? If mother or father tells you not to put your
hands on the hot stove and then you do so, you suffer
for your disobedience; but you do learn that the stove
is hot, so you don’t put your hands on it any more.
Now that is why God let Adam and Eve do what
they did. He wanted them to learn for themselves that
they would suffer if they did what he told them not to
do.
BIBLE REFERENCE
The Bible tells us that some day God will use his 7
great power to make Adam and Eve alive again, and Then the LORD God formed man
then all that they learned will be a great help to them, of dust from the ground, and
won’t it? And even better than this, the Bible tells us breathed into his nostrils the breath
that all Adam’s children who have died will be made
of life; and man became a living be-
alive again, and by and by the whole earth will be just
like the Garden of Eden. You see, that is what God ing. Genesis 2:7
really planned to do. He wanted Adam’s family to
keep making that garden bigger, until it covered the 22
The LORD God fashioned into a
whole earth.
woman the rib which He had taken
God doesn’t change his mind, and he has plenty of from the man, and brought her to the
power to do everything he wants to do; so the whole
earth will be like the Garden of Eden some day. Then man. Genesis 2:22

34 Sept./Oct. 2003
 CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORES
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(301) 572-0700

Plan Of Salvation
If you have not confessed Jesus Name, now is the time to do so, and see what this walk
with Christ is really all about. To be born again simply means to accept the Lord Jesus
Christ as your personal Savior.

Your mouth is your Creative Force: Just repeat these words:

Romans 10:9-10

9 - If thou shall confess with thy mouth, the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God
raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 - For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, but with the mouth confession is
made unto salvation.

Matthew 5:16 –

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Sept./Oct. 2003 35

IT’S JUST A
PENNY-
OR IS IT?


by J.R. Stovall
I Thessalonians 4:16-18 (KJV) 16 Rejoice
evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In
everything give thanks for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
A s we go about our daily task it is amazing
how we ignore the small and simple things
that God blesses us with. We tend to thank
Him for the big things, like our homes, cars, and jobs.
But, yet we forget to thank him for the small things.
We need to give thanks for those things as well.
We should thank Him for the air that we
breathe; for the food that we eat; for the water that
we drink; for waking us up each morning and for our
health. We tend to take those things for granted:
especially when it comes to our health.
I was in the beauty shop a few weeks ago
one Saturday morning, when a lady came in and said,
“she has just been blessed.” I said, “How?” She
went on to explain that before coming in the beauty
shop, she looked down on the ground and found a
penny. Now I started thinking, how is this a blessing?
So I stopped for a moment and begin to look at this
situation with my spiritual eyes and was able to clearly
see the blessing in finding a penny. Well let me share
with you what I learned from that experience:
36 Sept./Oct. 2003
„ First of all there are many people that
cannot see a penny on the ground because
of eye problems.
„ Second, there are others that cannot bend
over to pick the penny up because of
various body aliments.
„
Third others are bedridden,
confined in nursing homes, and/or
hospitals, which prevent them from
walking freely to even see the penny
on the ground.
After looking at those above situations, I
could see that it is a blessing to be able to
walk around to see and pick up the penny that is on
the ground.
So the next time you are going about your
daily routine, take a moment to stop and “smell the
roses” so to speak. Go for a walk in the park and
listen to the birds chirp, watch and enjoy the beauty of
a butterfly and the other things of nature. Stop and
enjoy the little things of life that God put here for us to
enjoy. Remember there are people that cannot see,
touch, smell, hear, or have full use of their body limbs
to enjoy the little things of life.
Thank God right now for your five senses and
the full activity of your limbs. Please don’t take these
things for granted. Know when you see a penny that
is on the ground remember it is a something to be
thankful for.
Psalm 136:1 Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for he is
good: for his mercy endureth forever. VCM
J. R. Stovall is a freelance writer and the author of
“Answering the Call, Discovering Your Purpose.”
She is currently working on her next project to be
released soon. J. R. Stovall resides in the metro
Atlanta, GA area. She can be reached at
jrstar358@yahoo.com or at 404-274-1383
“Uncertain Riches”
by L.C. Tardy

t is not about the material things in the church, being taught the word of God. At
I life. Our purpose is not to pray
for the lavish life, the finer things
the age of fourteen, she asked Christ to
come into her life as her personal Savior. It
in life, or to labor for riches, but to answer was at this time that Pastor Johnson was
the call of God, and to discover the pursuit saved and filled with the spirit of God.
of God’s purpose for our lives. Pastor At age seventeen, she preached her first
Shirley Johnson had a calling on public message and from that day on she
her life, and she answered the call has been serving the Lord. With a
and discovered promising career
her purpose. with the U.S. Postal
Now God is “ Pastor Shirley Johnson is the prime example of Service, her family
using her to help someone who understands true labor. She settled in the suburbs
bring about the understands that material things are just fringe of Maryland.
manifestation of
the sons of God. benefits, yet temporal and not eternal. “ Pastor Shirley
Johnson could have
The bible says, (Proverbs 23:4-5) “Labor not to be lived a comfortable and peaceful life, yet knowing
rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set that just miles away there were hundreds of men and
thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches women who did not have such comforts - some of
certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as whom were homeless, addicted to drugs and alcohol,
an eagle toward heaven.” or victims of domestic violence and street crime - she
could not rest. Using her own resources and
Pastor Shirley Johnson is the prime example of someone whatever time she had between work shifts, she
who understands true labor. She understands that material ventured into one of the most crime - ridden,
things are just fringe benefits, yet temporal and not eternal. devastated areas of the District of Columbia.
Pastor Johnson gave up her promising career with U.S.
Postal service to become a servant for God. Responding to her heart’s call to serve those in need,
Pastor Johnson’s ministry developed into House of
The bible says, (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Charge them that Helps/City, a faith based ministry to provide
are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, assistance to children of families, single men and
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living GOD,
women, single parents and children who need help to
who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do
make their lives whole. As well as meeting the needs
good, that they be rich in good works, ready to
distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for such necessities of food, clothing, shelter, and
for themselves a good foundation against the time to medical care.
come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
House of Helps/City of Hope provides Bible Study,
BIOGRAPHY OF PASTOR SHIRLEY internal guidance, career counseling, narcotics
HOLLOWAY JOHNSON anonymous meetings, parenting classes and life skills
to allow residents to return to society as whole
Pastor Johnson is a native of the state of New York. productive citizens. House of Helps/City of Hope
As a young child, Pastor Johnson spent her years in has reached over five thousand individuals since it
started in 1997.
Sept./Oct. 2003 37
 THE BIRTH OF A SAINT:

I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with a young lady who joined Pastor Johnson’s Ministry in January
2001. Her name is Gloria Jean Williams. While talking to Gloria I felt the anointing in her. She has a kind-heart,
and a lovable spirit, she is also very hardworking and obedient. She is an anointed child of God. Gloria shared
her testimony with me, and expressed how Pastor Johnson shows those who enter her ministry so much love,
and teaches them how to stand in the evil day, by showing them how to deal with spiritual warfare in the world,
through studying about the Christian armor in the word of God.

After reading Gloria’s testimony, and seeing how God had literally transformed her life; it brought tears to my
eyes, and joy in my heart. When I received the picture of Gloria in a dance stance, her picture spoke to my
spirit. It said, “I am free, my spirit is free, and I belong to God, I am no longer held in bondage, I have been
called out of darkness and placed into God’s marvelous light, I am free.” The following is Gloria Jean
Williams’s testimony:

TESTIMONIAL:

When I was a little girl I remember getting long beatings with my sisters and mother by my father. My
mother left my father numerous times. My mother shot my father and he had to wear a colostomy bag
the rest of his life. I believe the spirit of fear got in me then. Anyway I made it through school (I was
most talented; mainly dance) I had about four abortions before my daughter made it here, then a son
five years later. Yes, I was smoking crack cocaine during both pregnancies. I quit twice, each time
lasted four months. I had gotten to the point that I would sleep until I had something to smoke, not
wanting to do anything but smoke. After smoking, I felt very creepy and paranoid. I would be dead
broke and stay up for 3 to 4 nights ripping and running the streets without any food. I would pray to
stop, I would wonder how could I be so stupid. Anyway being evicted a couple of times brought
Evangelist Gloria Berger to my door and she brought me to Holy Ministries. I came on the New Year
of 2001, and been here ever since. I love the ministry very much. Pastor has shown me how to love
others and myself. Apostle Shirley Holloway Johnson gives us so much love. She teaches us
everything that she knows about Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Apostle Shirley Johnson makes sure
that we have some spiritual weapons to fight within the spiritual world. So I have been delivered from
lying, stealing, cursing, fornication, drugs etc. Now I dance for God, the ministry and the church; I am
also a secretary. I thank the Lord that I have studied these things in school and now I am using them
for the glory of God. I look forward in helping others that come to Christ. VCM

For information please contact: Apostle Shirley Johnson at (202) 889-87688 or Rachel Brown (202)
610-3116.

Linda C. Tar
Tar dy is a F
ardy Frr eelance W riter/A
Writer/A uthor
uthor.. She is the Publisher o
riter/Author off this magazine
magazine,, Visions Christian
Magazine.
38 Sept./Oct. 2003
Sept./Oct. 2003 39
 It’s God’s Choice Christian Bookstore
Walker Mill Square Shopping Center
1454 Addison Road South
Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743
301-499-5799 – store number
gcchristianbooks@yahoo.com
www.geocities.com/gcchristianbooks

Christian Comic Night

“A Merry Heart Maketh A Good Medicine”

Featuring
Royal Comedians of the Gospel
On Saturday, October 11th, 2003

From 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

(Doors open at 4:00 p.m.)

at
The Meeting Place
1442 Addison Road South
Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743

Tickets are $15.00 per person

**Patrons can pay $20.00 for one ticket and to be listed on Patron list.**

For further information, tickets and directions contact:

Thelma Lee at 301-499-5799 or Yvonne Brown at 202-398-3663.

Sponsored by It’s God’s Choice Christian Bookstore and

Gray-Brown Flower Arrangements
40 Sept./Oct. 2003
Sept./Oct. 2003 41
WORD FOR TODAY...
Matthew 18:10-20
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
10
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell
you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in
heaven.
12
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of
them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and
go to look for the one that wandered off? 13And if he finds it, I tell
you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the
ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14In the same way your Father in
heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

A Brother Who Sins Against You

15
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just
between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your
brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along,
so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or
three witnesses.’ 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church;
and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would
a pagan or a tax collector.
18
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19
"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything
you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For
where two or three come together in my name, there am I with
them.”
42 Sept./Oct. 2003
 Visions Christian Magazine is
published bimonthly.
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Visions eceive your subscription today!

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published bimonthly.
Start your subscription now!
To subscribe, make your check
payable to:
Visions Christian Magazine, Inc.
P.O. Box 7066
Largo, Maryland 20792-7066
(202) 398-2317

1 year subscription for only (6 issues) $27.95

Individual copies are $7.95

44 Sept./Oct. 2003
Sept./Oct. 2003 45
46 Sept./Oct. 2003