Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 May 2000 — Page 11

FRIDAY, MAY 26,2000 ■ PAGE B1

RELIGION

IN SI D E • B* SECTION • EDUCATION *SPORTS

Salt and

Light

By Bishop T. Garrott

Benjamin

“Sugar Daddy” makes a blast in Indy

A letter to the President

A few months ago, I received an invitation to the White House along with Dr. William Enright, senior pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, on behalf of Celebration of Hope to meet with President Clinton and other leaders from across the country foraconference on race and justice. Afterretuming to Indianapolis, I was led to write to the president and here is an excerpt from that

letter:

Dear President Clinton: I had the wonderful occasion to spend a hour and a half with you at the White House last Thursday, March 9, 2000, for the conference

on race and justice.

I was invited to attend along with Dr. William Enright to represent the Indianapolis Celebration of Hope Inc., an interracial, ecumenical, congregational movement in response to the call of Jesus Christ, to love our neighbor and to transform our city by building bridges of racial respect. As president of Celebration of Hope, we have worked with over-, ^ 40 congregations building bridges of racial understanding. We have also created focus groups which include dialogue on race, prayer groups and a children ’ s choir ministry out of this effort. It is an uphill climb, but God is showing us favor. I spoke with you In the reception line, and you are probably thinking, “Now how will I remember this gentlemen out of all the people I greeted?” Sir, I am going to make it easy for you. I am the one who reminded you that I was honored and privileged to attend your first Inauguration almost eight yearsago. It was at the Inauguration that a very spiritual and anointed worship service took place at the AME Church

in Washington.

It wa§ s at that service that I was able to discern this new president as a man of faith who had a great love forallofGod’schildren.Obviously, you had much input into the development of that service as you had invited some of your Arkansas Pentecostal friends to sing and to lead the worship. Dr. Gardner Taylor was the preacher. Two songs that ministered to all of us and brought showers of tears that watered our hopes were “You are standing on holy ground and I know that there are angels all around,” and “In the Presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace; Troubles vanish. Hearts are mended In the presence

of the King.”

We all wept and rejoiced as we celebrated the hope of your new administration of racial justice in America. I mentioned to you in the receiving line my overwhelming concern about the great danger our nation was in as a result of racism and racial injustice whether it is an Amadou Diallo, James Byrd, Rodney King, or Abner Louima. You and I have lived long enough to experience the shock of the racist killings of Emmit Till, Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King Jr., and so many unnamed soldiers of the

cross.

Sir, we are dying as a nation from the inside out, and as W.E.B. DuBois said of the 20th century which sadly is true enough for the 21st century and that is that the “color line” was and is our greatest challenge. Thomas McCauley, British historian, once said in essence. “It will

By ANNETTE L. ANDERSON Recorder Correspondent Savvy, sophisticated, poignant and entertaining, are just some of the characteristics that describe the new stage play “Sugar Daddy,” which played in Indianapolis last week at the

Murat Theatre.

“Sugar Daddy” is a play about single father Lenny who boasts about the money he gives to women for pleasure, much to the dismay of his family and loved ones. He scolds his four grown sons for not knowing how to handle women. “These knuckleheads just give away the money, and don’t have nothin’ to show for it,” Lenny said. “I hear you in here putting my grandsons down like you’re areal mack daddy,” answered Lenny’s father. “Listen, I ain’t never been no sugar daddy to your grandmother, and we’ve been sweet to each other (for 47 years).” One of the sons is heavy into the Bible, and is always referring to it, and trying to encourage his father to do the same. But Lenny had other ideas about his lifestyle. “While you’re upstairs reading your Bible, you need to ask Jesus for an address and a place to stay, (the sons were constantly asked to move away from home)” he

replied.

The message the play sends is that all good things come from heaven above, and that real

and honest love is free, without stipulations and/or consequences. Further, that there is “no charge, no price tag, and no bill to pay for the love you receive.” And the abundance of talent in this play makes it not only a pleasure, but also a privilege to see. Ralph Tresvant, formerly of the hit singing group “New Edition;” Bern Nadette Stanis, Thelma of the Black television show “Good Times”; Christopher Martin, half of the musical duo “Kid ‘N Play;” famed back-up singer Jamecia Bennett; and featured vocalist Quan Howell make up the extraordinary cast. They all courted the audience, and intrigued them with their abilities to bring to the stage real life situations. They gave remarkable performances, and were very deserving of the applause and standing ovation they received. According to press and background information, “Sugar Daddy” is intended to “reveal the deep-rooted conviction that is confirmed by God’s word in Proverbs 21:20,” and has played to sold out audiences across the United States. The Scripture reads: “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” The male cast members stirred up the emo

See SUGAR DADDY, Page B3

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A Chance to Testify

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A burden or a blessing?

By FAMILY LIFE MINISTRIES

bring us face-to-face with our own depravity. We want life to be easy, or at

1*51*;;

E3 he Indianapolis Recorder wants to hear about your Acts of Faith. ■I These typed two-page letters should reveal the role faith has played in helping you to overcome any trial or tribulation in your life. Please, provide your signature along with a contact phone number where you may be reached for potential follow-up questions. Send your information to: Via E-mail at: [email protected] ^, A. Holmes (Subject heading should read: Acts of Faith) Acts of Faith/RELIGION The Indianapolis Recorder OR P.O. Box 18499 Indianapolis, IN 46218-0499 Fax: (317) 924-5148

Tom Joyner grants Christmas in May

ByRONNETTAS. SLAUGHTER Staff Writer

See SALT, Page B3

Renitra Moore-Marion never imagined that her one page letter would actually reach syndicated morning-show host, Tom Joyner. Incidentally, the letter was read by Joyner, and selected as his show' s “Christmas Wish” winner. Joyner will grant $2,520 to Moore-Marion and Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church next Wednesday morning. As a member of the Little Bethel church, Moore-Marion partici-

pates in the annual summer day camp program. The church assumes all fees except a weekly $ 15 charge per household for the program. Children ages 4 to 14 receive meals, educational teaching and enriching field trips. After examining last year’s camp expenses, MooreMarion submitted a letter in November 1999 requesting assistance

with transportation costs.

“Last year, we had to cancel a few field trips. When I heard about the ‘Christmas Wish,’ I thought it would be a good idea to ask for help,” she said. “I think that the kids are looking for fun things to do in the summer,” recognized MooreMarion, who also has children participating in the church day camp. She hopes the money will increase transportation to field trips such as skating, swimming and baseball

games.

The Tom Joyner Morning Show

Renitra Moore-Marion wine a “Chlstmas Wish” for her church’s summer day camp program through the Tom Joyner Morning Show. (Photo/

Rod Ross)

encourages listeners in over 100 markets to participate in “Christmas Wish,” a weekly segment that grants one “wish” every Wednesday. Audience members compose and send letters to Joyner’s attention. After reading hundreds of letters each week, Joyner announces a

lucky winner.

“TTiis is Tom’s (Joyner) way of

engage in various activities including Bible study classes, kickball tournaments and academic tutoring sessions. Students are also placed in groups with teen-age counselors

and adult mentors. “When you consider

the statistics (higher summer crime rates), this is the very reason why we need a summer ministry,” said Candice McCutchen, a Little Bethel member and camp volunteer. “We’ve seen a lot of children change into some of the sweetest children that you’ll ever meet. The things that(students)leani

in the program are carried into the

school year,” she said.

The annual cost of Little Bethel’s day camp is $11,806, and provides for transportation, food, supplies and staff stipends. “Christmas Wish” will benefit this year’s summer camp students, ensuring continued positive influence through community efforts. Rev. Troy Ladd, senior pastor at

whose quiver is full of them. — Psalm 127:3,5 Many parents today feel like kids are a burden. That’s not what the Bible calls them. It doesn’t say, “Behold, children are a burden of the Lord,” or “Burdened is the man whose quiver is full of them.” Our views have become distorted. What we see as a burden, God sees as a blessing. Some of us need to knock the windows out of our corrupted views and let the spirit of God come into our homes and refresh our hearts and minds so we can see clearly again that children are a blessing. Don’t get me wrong. Barbara and I will be the first to tell you we are “in process” with our children. We have failed many times. And I have been so frustrated, after exhausting all rational reasoning, all reward systems and all “Biblical approaches,” that the only thing left for me to do was yell, throw a box of Kleenex at the floor, slam the door and walk out —just like my kids do. Which just convinces me that one of God’s greatest purposes for parents is to

to feehhay4M bfcrdf fl. 1 to realize what God makes clear— our children are gifts from God. God has given us our children for his glory and our good. When I speak at our Family Life Marriage Conferences, I’m always struck by how surprised couples are when I explain that our mates are gifts from God. Why are they so astounded? Don’t they know our God? He wants to bless us. He’s out for our best interests! In the same way, you need to receive your children as gifts from God. If you do, your whole attitude will change. No longer will you try to change your kids ... no longer will you consider , them burdens. Instead, you’ll view them as true blessings from God entrusted to you. Discuss: How do you view your children — as burdens or blessings? Pray: With your mate, acknowledge your children as gifts from God. Listen online to Family Life’s radio program. Family Life To‘ day, when you visit http:// www.familylife.com/fltoday

Marriage in Al-lslam

giving back tothecommunity. Some * Little Bethel Missionary Baptist of the people are in serious situa- Church, recognizes the importance

tions, and use (‘Christmas Wish’) as a last resort," admitted Kim NelsonIngram, “Christmas Wish” producer, who contacts potential “wish” benefactors for any additional information needed to make the final decision. Joyner responds to every letter, even those not selected for the

program.

Church members and volunteers organize the camp which runs from June 19 to Aug. 10. Over 150 children are expected to register, and

of developing the community and children ’ s character using a day camp

ministry.

“I’m very grateful (forthe ‘Christmas Wish’). We like to show children that there ’ s something more than just inner streets. It’s a powerful encouragement to us, to keep doing this kind of ministry. It causes the community to become whole again,’* added Rev. Ladd.

Marriage in Al-lslam is very natural. It is the institution that establishes social etiquette and wholesome environments for safeguarding individuals and society. Marriage is the cornerstone of family life. And family life is the cornerstone for community, or social life. Without the sacred bondsof marriage, family and society are threatened beyond our capability to help or defend. Allah says in Chapter 4, Verse 1 of the Holy Qur'an, “Oh mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single soul, created of like nature, its mate, and from them two scattered (like seeds) countless men and women. Regard Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” An essentia] focus in marriage is commitment. Not just commitment between husband and wife, but more importantly a commitment to serve G-d by striving to fulfill the mutual

Al-lslam in America By Imam Mikal Saahir

rights and needs of husband and wife. The husband who is properly fulfilling his husband duties to his wife is actually serving his Creator in doing so. Likewise the wife, properly fulfilling her duties as a wife to her husband is also serving G-d. In Al-lslam, marriage life is Structured with roles, responsibilities, and with certain terms to meet. Like unto any other contractual agreement, the marriage agreement also must be honored. In the Islamic marriage the dignified status of womanhood is stressed. 8m AL4SLAM, Page B3