Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 July 2001 — Page 4

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2001

Let the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) help clear your path toward homeownership.

Oliver’s testimony inspires ^ Indianapolis congregation >

By RONNETTA S. SLAUGHTER Staff Writer Gary Oliver has made a name for himself. Many people relate to his testimony detailing how to praise God in the midst of trials and tribulations. He transforms his voice for songs and a heartfelt ministry, which reach diverse groups of people. While in Indianapolis, he led revival services at Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This psalmist and pastor has made national headlines for his musical abilities including last year's "More than Enough” CD release. This pastor is also known for praising God’s greatness at the Tabernacle of Praise, located in Ft. Worth, TX. "My praise has to manifest (God’s) goodness in my life,” said Oliver. "Your praise is not supposed to be like anyone else’s. No one knows what you've been through.” The entire country watched

Oliver go through a devastating tragedy in 1998 when he lost his son in a car accident. “I thought I understood pain. I couldn’t eat. I'couldn’t sleep," he said. “I had to be a husband to my wife and a daddy to my other two kids.” He remembers seeing a vision of his son in his bedroom shortly before the telephone rang, telling the Olivers that their son was dead. “I was in a state of praise already,” admitted Oliver, noting how he started to pray when he saw his son’s image, which told Oliver that something had happened to Brandon. “When I praise God in the midst of my situation, then I’m telling God that I know he’s bigger (than my problems),” he said. At Brandon's funeral, 300 children accepted God, says Oliver, showing God greatness at a seemingly tragic moment. He encouraged the congregation to trust God through discouraging times and continually pray for guidance. “A part of your journey is extreme darkness. If you never go through a dark moment, you’ll never know how to trust (God)," he

said. He referred to pain as guardrails on life’s highway which prepare ' you for something better. Oliver’swordsandinspirational - testimony speak to anyone facing' • discouraging situations. His message is clear and stands by looking to God no matter how ' ; hard things become. According to Oliver, “one of the ' greatest blessings in the life is to go through something and survive.” ' - After sharing his personal expe- • riences, he ushered people who - were going through painful situa- '* tions to come to the front. i 7 - He placed his hand on each" person’s forehead and told them to • let God in. Oliver knows that he was called 1 . to minister to people in need of an encouraging word. *■. His message of God’s goodness travels far and beyond his Texas 1 -! home. I.: “I want to thank you for when I - thought it was for my worst, you i. showed me it was for my best,”i.; said Oliver, speaking to God. “He trusts you in the middle of it to say ‘thank you.’” I.' ..... i.:

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APARTMENT

parenting, reading and job readiness classes. A converted, three bedroom apartment is now Jones's office. A computer lab is housed upstairs in a former bedroom. The office sits in an area that was once known as the "worst” court in the complex, but that’s not the case anymore. All residents — youth through seniors — are benefiting from the new center. A summer job program for teens was implemented. Also, teens in the summer youth camp learned apartment maintenance technology through Goodwill Workone. “This is just the beginning.

Continued from A1 Hopefully, next year will be better. And Sutton Place won’t have such a negative name,” Jones said. Jones would also like to dispel negative images of the apartments. She points out that in the 360-unit complex more than 70 percent of the residents are employed. While most of the residents living there are between the ages of 18-30. many seniorcitizensalsocall Sutton Place home. Also, many of the residents would like the opportunity to gain skills or improve skills. “When I first started, 1 put out sign-up sheets for GED and computer training. And I got tons and tons of people,” she said.

i.t i.: ■ i.' Jones said she is working to , raise the standard at Sutton Place. . As a way to reach this goal, resi- , dents have participated in a prayer march around the complex and , Bible study for children and adults. ■ A neighborhood association was developed to empower residents. -, Sutton Opportunity Center is part of the community-based initiative. Neighborhood Networks, created by HUD to move residents of government assisted housing , from welfare to work. Sutton Place is the 14th Neighborhood Networks , center in Indiana.

Know the symptoms of stroke. Call 911. Get help immediately.

“ It was almost quitting time. Suddenly, everything was blurry. Then, my left arm was weak. Luckily a friend knew the symptoms of stroke and called 911 immediately. V\fe caught my stroke in time. The IU doctors at Wshard told me that getting here within 3 hours prevented more serious damage. So know the symptoms.

That was the longest day of my life. But thanks to my friend and the emergency medical care I received, it wasnt my last.”

The IU Stroke Center at Wishard offers comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services for stroke patients in one convenient location.

IUSTR0KE CENTER —-— at Wishard WISHARD HEALTH SERVICES

KOI WesMOh Street Indtanapofe, IN 46202 666-2256

Know tbe symptoms: • Sudden blurred vision • Sudden trouble speaking • Sudden dizziness • Sudden confusion • Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg

• Sudden severe headaches

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