Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 30 January 2003 — Page 3

The Muncie Times 'January 30,2003 • Page 3

Part of the City Wide Choir at the Service.

King Day Service continued from page 1. Jackson said that the evening was charged with high praise and unrestricted enthusiasm. “First of all, we are here to commemorate the dream,” Jackson said. “Secondly, we are here to validate the dream - it was of worth and merit then and now; thirdly, we have come to collaborate, the young and old, rich and poor, black and white, Jew and Gentile, Catholic and Protestant, we’re here tonight.” “Fourthly, we are here to dedicate ourselves to perseverance. And lastly, we are here to celebrate the richness of that which was birthed out of the black church - the civil rights movement,” concluded Jackson. Muncie Mayor Dan Canan read and presented a proclamation decreeing January 20, 2003 as Martin Luther King Day in the city. This was the 18th observance of the state and federal public holiday honoring the slain preacher and civil rights leader. A special highlight of the program was the debut of The African Connection, a group of African men and women who now live in Anderson, Marion and Muncie. According to spokesperson Dr. Mabala Nyalugwe, the group’s purpose is to share their heritage in song. The four sang in the South African Zulu language a song which

means,” the gates of heaven are open because we’ve been to the cross.” In another selection the community choir sang “Hosanna, Hosanna We Worship You.” At the same time, banners and ribbons were waved in the air, some worshippers danced and a runner carrying a large gold banner with the name Jesus in red letters ran through the aisles of the sanctuary with speed and fervency. Rev. Jeffrey Johnson, pastor of the 10,000 plusmember Eastern Star Baptist Church, Indianapolis, was the keynote speaker. Johnson thanked God for the dream, the wisdom, knowledge, jail and love for all people as expressed by Dr. King. He then invoked the Holy Spirit to manifest miracles and healings. Johnson prayed that the word (he would preach) fall on good soil. “We’re not here because of luck but because we are blessed,” said Johnson. “Whether you realize it or not, your life has been impacted by his (Dr. King’s) life.” Johnson said Dr. King opposed so much evil by choosing to take the path of love and peace. “I am glad to see so many youths here tonight,” Johnson remarked. “You’ll have the chance to do better because of learning how Dr. King lived his life,” Johnson said. “We’ll know where we’re going if we know

where we have been,” he said. The theme of the celebration, Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges “A Day On, not a Day Off” was part of Johnson’s message “The Final Chapter.” The text from Job 42 emphasized that despite the devastation which often comes in Life; God has promised that the future will be better than the past. Using the account of Jeb, whom he described as a holy and righteous man, Johnson said one’s character cannot preempt devastation. “Someone here may have suicide on their mind,” he said. “You can’t have an audience this size and that not be the case, but suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Hold on, because change will come, change got you where you are now and change will take you where you need to go.” Johnson illustrated his message through several examples, including one

about himself. “Understand, I’m not bragging on myself, but the greatness of God,” he said. Our church, the mother church is a $20 million building. We operate on an $11 million budget, with 120 paid staff members, an elementary school and a bookstore. “After graduation from Bishop College I decided I wanted to stay in Dallas. I couldn’t get a job or a preaching assignment. I didn’t want to return to Indy and was mad at God. “I found the experience very humiliating because I had to return to my parents’ home. People from my neighborhood had said I’d never amount to anything, that I’d end up like my father and I wouldn’t even finish college. But God had other plans. My church is just 3 blocks from where I grew up and those same people now have to ride by Eastern Star. When you are in trouble, wait on God.

There are no emergencies with God.” “God is not in a hurry and when he gets there, he is on time.” “When God receives you it doesn’t make a difference who rejects you” What God has for you is for you—stop listening to others,” he said. The Lord turned the captivity of Jeb when he prayed for his friends.” “There is something to intercessory prayer,” said Johnson. “Go home and don’t pray for you and see what God will do,” he instructed. “I’m talking about praying for those who misuse, abuse and accuse. He advised: “Don’t mistake money for blessing. There are those with money who aren’t blessed and those who are blessed without money.” “Pray for your haters. Whatever your situation, praise your way to deliverance - don’t walk away too soon because God is in the comeback business. continue on page 4.