August WZUpstate.com Newsletter

HEALTH COMMENTARY—BY JABECCA BANKS Do you know anyone who’s overweight? Do you know anyone that has more than average fatness, you know, an accumula-tion of body fat that has their health in danger? I’m sure many of

you answered these questions with more than one person in mind, and one of the persons you may have had in mind was you.

The shocking truth is America is the home to the most obese (health in danger because of excess body fat) people in the world, and over half of America’s adult popu-lation is overweight and more than a fourth are obese. Here are some additional aggravating truths related to obesity:

• 80% of type II diabetes is related to obesity

• 70% of cardiovascular dis-ease is related to obesity

• 42% of breast and colon cancer is diagnosed among obese individuals

• 30% of gall bladder surgery is related to obesity

• 26% of obese people have high blood pressure Wow! How do you change these statistics? I know. Let’s pray to God that He will heal our bodies while we continue to eat what we want and treat our bodies as if it’s unimportant.

Sounds harsh doesn’t it, but many times that’s the reality of what we do. WZUpstate family, I challenge you to get into position for God’s blessings and favor for your life- which includes your health.

Sometimes God heals people instantly; however, most often it appears He allows the body to heal itself through the natural mechanisms He has built into us to maintain our health and immunity to disease. If we’re suffering from poor health or chronic symptoms of disease it may be we’re simply not caring for our bodies the way God in-tended and we’re suffering the consequences of our poor choices, or should I say we’re reaping what

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WZUPSTATE.COM

NEWSLETTER DATE: AUGUST 2009 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5

W Z U PSTATE

SPRIRIT FEST LEGENDS 2009 FINANIST

2

MINISTRY AND BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

2

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

4

SPIRIT FEST 2009 SPOT-

LIGHT 5

UPCOMING EVENTS & MONTHLY EVENTS CALEN-

DAR

6

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS INFOR-

MATION—MIN GLENN WILLIAMS

7

PROJECT STRIPES 8

KINGDOM EMPOWERMENT MOVEMENT HOLY CONVOCATION

Favorite Scripture/Quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. All things are possi-ble to him who believes.

Travis Rice - Anderson, SC Church: Mt. Zion Baptist Church Pastor: Kenneth

Dean Admires Artists: J Moss, Fred Hammond, Shea Norman, Marvin Sapp and Brian McKnight Favorite Scripture/Quote: Prov-erbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

really flowed that day. The first Labor Day Weekend SongFest was a salute to the Late Fred Jenkins in the old Greenville Memorial Audito-rium. It was held the Weekend after Labor Day on September 8, 1991. This was truly a blessing because God helped us bring focus to an individual who made significant contributions to Gospel Music in the Greenville area.

Each year since then, we have made prayerful efforts “To create an envi-ronment where people can be spiri-

In the late 1970’s as I sat in the Greenville Memorial Audito-rium watching hundreds of people enjoy a gospel concert, God gave me a vision. He blessed me with the desire to create events where people can be joyfully fulfilled, and spiritually blessed. That vision became a dream and the dream became reality in 1990 when E.Ray Promotions was organized. The first concert involving a nationally known artist was held in Wood-ruff, SC in March of 1990 With TuTu and the Truthettes. Blessings

tually blessed and enriched through gospel music”, this is E. Ray Promo-tions' purpose. We are honored to have worked with some of the in-dustry’s top Gospel artists while developing relationships with great people in the process. The pictures on the Memories page of this web-site represent many of the artists that have participated on the Labor Day Weekend event over the years. Others include Kirk Franklin, Heze-kiah Walker, La Shun Pace, Slim and The Supreme Angels, Keith Wonder


SPIRIT FEST LEGENDS 2009 FINALIST

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT— E-RAY PROMOTIONS

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT—BISHOP SHARON OWENS the founding Pastor and Overseer of Abounding Faith Outreach Minis-tries in Piedmont South Carolina. She recently introduced a spiritual covering and mentorship program call Deborah’s Daughters. Deb-orah’s Daughters is for women of all ages, ethnicities, denominations, and faiths. It is designed to increase the wisdom, knowledge and power of those women who are determined to walk in their God given destinies. It has already reached out to three states and is willing to receive daughters from all over the world.

Sharon Owens-Hunter will bless you on the stage as dy-namic psalmists. She is known as the lead vocalist for The Anointed Henry Sisters. She has recorded many projects with her singing group. She has graced the same stage as many national artist. She has many spiritual sons and daughters. But her greatest ministry is the birth and spiritual growth of her three anointed ves-sels, Spencer “Junior Bishop” Owens Hunter, Prophet Cameron Owens


Sharon Owens-Hunter is a preacher, pastor, prophetess, recording artist, mother and busi-ness woman. Truly she is a woman who wears many hats. She certainly wears them well. Sharon was raised in New Hopewell Baptist church under the leadership of Pastor Donald Owens (no relation) where she accepted her call to ministry. Following the God given vision and with the support of her pastor, she went on to open Abounding Faith Outreach Center. Prophetess Sharon is now

PAGE 2

Delvin Choice - Greenville, SC Church: Camp-field Baptist Church

Pastor: Pastor Willie Choice Admires Artists: Kim Burrell, Jason Nelson, J-SOUL Favorite Scripture/Quote: Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the World.

Pearl Jones - Hartwell, GA Church: Faith Christian Center Pastor: Pastor L.V. Turman

Admires Artists: The Clark Sisters

Bishop Sharon Owens Abounding Faith Outreach

Ministries 320 Shiloh Church Road

Piedmont, SC. 864.367.3603

E-ay Promotions, LLC.

342 Crepe Myrtle Drive

Greer, SC. 29651

864.420.7973

www.eraypromotions.com

Ms. Miracle Williams - Brooklyn, NY now lives in Greenville, SC Church: Pente-

costal House of Prayer Pastor: Bishop Green Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Favorite Scripture/Quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Rashad Roberson - Seneca, SC Church: Mt. Sinai World Outreach Minis-

tries Pastor: Bishop Terry McCaskill Admires Artists: Kim Burrell, Daryl Coley, Karen Clark Sheard, Tonex, Nikk Rose Favorite Scripture/Quote: I Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

www.njproductionsllc.com

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Sponsor one of the most anointed music ministries repre-

senting the Upstate of South Carolina, Rafa Music Ministry and the Levitical Gathering.

Ministers Ralph & Faith Davis are looking for those interested

in “sewing a seed” into their Levitical Gathering 2009. If

God leads you, your business, your church, etc. to sew into this

event and this ministry, please do so by contacting Rafa Music at www.Rafamusic.com or by

calling 864.316.5698 or you can mail a check to:

Rafa Music Ministies, LLC

P.O. Box 884

Inman, SC. 29349

Sew a Seed into this event and this ministry and watch God add

the INCREASE!!!

HEALTH COMMENTARY—JABECCA BANKS (CONT’D)

bodies He has given us, we will reap the wonderful healthy life God in-tended for us to enjoy. Change happens one decision at a time. Steps to a healthy lifestyle happens one decision at a time and with the help of the Holy Spirit you can do this. Remember it’s all in your mind; just make the change one decision at a time.

Article Written by: Jabecca Banks

Edited by: April Evans of Words Well Chosen

Find Jabecca Banks on the web

at the following locations:

http://www.jabeccabanks.com/

http://www.myspace.com/jabeccabanks

And on Facebook (search for-Jabecca Banks)

we have been sowing.

Yes, I firmly believe in the healing power of God. Yes, God can heal anyone at anytime He chooses, and supernatural healings can and do take place; however, God honors your obedience to His Word and His will, which also includes His law of sowing and reaping- all of which will keep you in position for His blessings. So yes, the ultimate responsibility of our health lies with us.

In Galatians 6:9, the Bible says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” If we sow poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, lack of adequate rest, toxic chemicals, drugs, alcohol and tobacco, we will soon see that our returned harvest is diminished health. If we begin to realize that God has given us the re-sponsibility of caring for ourselves, and begin to be good stewards of the

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PAGE 3 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5

www.RAFAMUSIC.com

Jabecca is a member of Changing Your Mind Ministry where her Pastor is Wendall Jones.

Please take some time and checkout her Boot Camp and Personal Training Studio.

Email her at [email protected]

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39 This text reveals a great deal about how Christians should deal with the events of our lives. It truly gives us a pat-tern that if we follow will help us to reach our Godly purpose in life and to accept those things that are put before us. This text was taken from Jesus praying in the Garden prior to His betrayal and the events that lead to His death. Jesus, being the Son of God, knew what was before Him (whereas we typically don’t) and prayed about His situation to His Father, but got to the point where He knew what had to be. Many of us think when we become Christians we should be exempt from trials and tribu-lations (mom or dad shouldn’t have to die, someone close to us shouldn’t get sick, we shouldn't lose our jobs, our kids should act right), but its in those trials and tribulations where we grow Spiritually. Jesus was going through the biggest trial and

tribulation of anyone’s life in the history, for crimes that He didn't commit. He knew what He was going to have to endure (for sinners like you and me), but He was able to put his flesh in check and recognize that its not about His will, but His Father’s will. We have to remember as we go through these “minor” (in comparison to what Jesus endured) trials and tribula-tions in our life, that we have to be willing to accept what God has for our lives. The three He-brew boys got to that point where they refused to bow and told the king that if they die in

the fire, they believe that their God could save them. Daniel also got to that point as he was led into the lions den. You don’t hear about him struggling to get away or allowing himself to go against his God for his life. He accepted what God had put be-fore him and God made a way. The text gives us a good pattern to follow for when trials and tribulations come our way. First, we need to pray to God about those situations. Secondly, we need to be willing to accept God’s will for our lives. God’s will for our lives

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT PAGE 4

will add far greater rewards on our life. There is nothing wrong with praying to the Father for another way, but accept God’s way if His way is different. Don’t get discouraged and turn away from the Lord if His way is not your way. Romans 8:28 states that ”And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Remember that what-ever trial or tribulation you are enduring, its going to work for your good according to what God has for your life.


boy Johnson, and God's Property. Some of you have come every year to support this event and be blessed. Thank you for your kind involvement. Now please pray with me that God will continue to Bless the Labor Day Weekend event so that it may continue to serve the purpose for which it is intended. We hope you will become more spiritually connected with Christ Jesus and your fellow man as a result of experiencing this event. May God extend his most riches blessings upon you.

“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Ephesians 2:18 Elijah Ray President & CEO E.Ray Promotions, LLC


SPIRIT FEST 2009—The Year of Change Sunday, September 6, 2009

The Carolina First Center

Spirit Fest 2009—18 Years of the Greatest Music brought to the Upstate!!!

Thanks E-Ray Promotions

past and present members, choir members...EVERYONE. And of course, this event is open to the public. Tell a neighbor, tell a friend. Let's support the Greater St James Temple Annual Building Fund Cele-bration. A love offering of $5.00 is requested. COME, let's glorify the name of the Lord together!

If your church or ministry is having an event, or want to

have something posted here, please go to

www.wzupstate.com and post your event (FREE) on the

WZUpstate.com events page. This is a FREE service and open to all non-profit organizations.

Thanks!!!

E3 Worship Arts and Dance Conference

Dawain & Andrietta Atkinson invites you to their E3 Worship Arts and Dance Conference on Thursday, September 3—5, 2009 at the Greenville Hilton. There will be a number of guest speakers, classes, and vendors. Come get your share of the Worship Arts and Dance to take back to your church or ministry to further enhance your worship experience. EXALT, EMBRACE and ENLARGE his Kingdom through Dance and the Creative Arts.

Spirit Fest Legends Finale

Come be a part of the 2009 Spirit Fest Legends Finale on Saturday,

September 5, 2009 @ the Carolina First Center starting at 7:00 PM. See the Legend finalist worship the Lord through music. Also, you will be requested to VOTE for who you think should be the 2009 Spirit Fest Legend winner (announced during the Spirit Fest Concert on Sunday, September 6). Your vote counts and you need to be at the Carolina First Center to cast it for the 2009 Spirit Fest Legends candidates.

Spirit Fest 2009

Come be a part of the Spirit Fest 2009. One of the greatest gospel concerts of the year (across the

country). Come hear Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, the Canton Spirituals, the Gospel Four, Beverly

Crawford and James Fortune & FIYA. Five anointed artist coming

to the Upstate to help you give God the Praise and the Worship. Sun-

day, September 6 @ 5:00 PM at the Carolina First Center, Spirit Fest

2009.

The Greater Sound Concert Sunday, Sept. 20 @ 4:30 PM

Ralph & Faith Davis will bring it home to support the Annual Build-ing Fund Celebration with a Greater St James Temple Reunion Choir Concert! Our special musical guest will be the very popular and won-derful ministry of Bonnie Franks & the Nicholtown Community Choir. This is going to be a time you don't want to miss...a Homecoming for

UPCOMING EVENTS

PAGE 6

AUGUST CALENDAR OF EVENTS

We NEED your Upcoming Events!!! Email them to [email protected] or post them on WZUpstate.com or on our Social Network calendar. Thanks for sharing your events.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 2

3 Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Revival—7:00 PM


Revival—7:00 PM


Revival—7:00 PM

6 7 F.I.R.E. Conference

(Valley Brook)—6:30 PM

8 F.I.R.E. Conference (Valley

Brook)—9:00 AM

UGC Yard Sale (25 Brunson Street, Gville—8:00 AM

9 F.I.R.E. Conference (Valley

Brook)—9:30 AM

10 New Pilgram Baptist

Church Revival—7:00 PM







14 Lord Send Me Mr. Right

(play) (New Birth Spartan-burg)—7:00 PM

15 Pink Saturday Breast Cancer

Awareness(163 Brewton Rd; Moore, SC.)—9:00

AM

16 Women’s Day Program

(AFC Ministries)—4:00 PM

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 UGC presents Financial Planning Cornerstones

Seminar (Hyatt Place)—7:00 PM

26 27 28 Musical Appreciation for

Tony Bennett (Popular Springs Baptist Church)—

7:00 PM

29 Musical Appreciation for

Tony Bennett (Greenville Hilton)—6:00 PM

J-S.O.U.L CD/DVD Recording (Valley Brook) -

7:00 PM

Bridging Communities (Cleveland YMCA) - 2 PM

30 Pastor Appreciation for

Samuel White (AFC Ministries)—4:00 PM

31

The Principle of Servanthood

“There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” Robert W. Woodruff “So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” John13:4-5 (NIV) If we look at history in government, business, nations and even the Church, we can see a con-tinual struggle for power and con-trol of the systems, which operate in this area. A great man once said, “Power corrupts, and ultimate power corrupts absolutely.” This statement can surely be based upon a look at history, and today, at our world. They have even been taught this is the way to excel. Man’s natu-

ral tendencies, since the fall, have been to exercise control over others and his environment. The desire to control others for personal gain or to support some ideal or concept spans the course of history. Jesus did not teach or demonstrate this lifestyle or leadership in His life. He made outrageous statements such as, “…the first shall be last”, and … those that would be great among you must be the least. When John and James came to Him and wanted positions of power on His left and right, He said to them, “are you ready to suffer the things I must suffer? Jesus taught and lived a life of service to others. He preached Servanthood on a daily basis. Many people in business are scrambling to get to the top. They are seeking power, position and the things, which go along with them. Adam, at the fall, lost His “God’s” identity. Jesus, on the other hand, says the best way to the top is to work from the bottom. To lose

your life is to gain your life. The Christian worker and leader must have the same motive as Jesus – a motive of serving others that they may be successful and achieve God’s purpose for their lives. Servant is defined by Webster’s Dictionary to be an indi-vidual to perform services or an individual who serves another, while Hood is defined as a quality or state. Therefore, Servanthood is the state of being in service to another. Ser-vanthood is living a lifestyle where your focus and efforts are expended to cause others to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for themselves. The greatest example we have in the Bible is Christ Himself. In John 13:5 “Then he poured some water into a washbasin and begin to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. “ This example is usually very familiar to those who have studied the Bible at all. It represents the one who was the leader taking on the position and

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS INFORMATION


job of the house servant in those times. He demonstrated clearly the attitude of a servant leader. This attitude begins at the head of an organization. It becomes part of the culture of the organization. Re-member: God cannot raise you up any higher than you are willing to raise someone else. As you promote others, God will entrust you with greater abilities. Your willingness to assist and support others will allow you to rise higher in your own abil-ity.

To contact Glenn Williams with ECBE for speaking engagements,

workshops and seminars, or be apart of our TGIF, Today God Is First., daily devotional, please go to our website: www.ecbexcel.com or

contact us at [email protected] or (864) 236-1517. Also tune to

www.gospelimpactradio.com (Monday’s @ 2:00 PM) to hear

him speak on this and similar topics.

10 E. Sundance Drive Easley, SC. 29642

Phone: 864.356.2905 E-mail: [email protected]

WZUPSTATE.COM

African Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic’s beginning, and this disparity has deepened over time. Although African Americans are only 13% of the U.S. population, in 2007 they accounted for 49% of HIV/AIDS cases. Furthermore, more African Americans are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS and suffer more HIV/AIDS - related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S. Of these numbers, over half (51%) of African Americans are living in the South with South Caro-lina ranking 9th in the nation in the rate of HIV/AIDS. South Caro-lina’s three major metropolitan areas are among the nation's top 50 large metropolitan areas in the rate of HIV/AIDS. The state’s capital Co-

KEEPING YOU INFORMED WITH WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE BODY OF

CHRIST IN THE UPSTATE!!!

WE’RE ON THE WEB @ WWW.WZUPSTATE.COM

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lumbia ranks 12th in the nation; Charleston ranks 29th; and Greenville ranks 45th. In short, African Ameri-cans have been hard hit by HIV/AIDS in South Carolina as reflected in incidence (how often), prevalence (number of cases), and mortality (death rate). These trends present tremendous challenges to all of those involved in addressing the epidemic in South Carolina, particularly the African American faith community. The role of the church in the African American community has always been that of a compassionate caregiver. As more African Ameri-cans are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS at alarming rates and the death toll continues to rise, the church is called upon to take part in preventing the spread of the disease.

Let us encourage our loved ones to get tested: There’s a blessing in the testing. SC rankings by county for HIV / AIDS cases: (March, 31, 2007) - 1. Richland, 2. Bamberg, 3. Sumter, 4. Orange-burg, 5. Williamsburg, 6. Claren-don, 7. Barnwell, 8.Marion, 9. Charleston, & 10. Jasper (http://abfsc.org) Linda Pickens, MBA, BS, RN, FCN

www.pottersministries.net

…by His stripes, we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Saints Together Rendering Inter-vention, Prevention, Education and

Support

Hunter, and Evangelist Morgan Trinity Owens-Hunter. These three powerful vessels not only minister to the youth but also have an awesome singing ministry known as Heavenly Anointed. She is a devoted soccer, football, and cheerleading mom. Many wonder how she finds time to do it all effectively. January 2009, Pastor Sharon was consecrated Presiding Prelate of Kingdom Empowerment Movement. As the Presiding Bishop, she is determined to empower the Kingdom of God by creating a family of churches who will impact the nation by touching individual lives through the life-giving and life changing power of Jesus.


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August WZUpstate.com Newsletter