Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 August 2003 — Page 9

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SALT AND LIGHT This is our time: Claiming our inheritance PART 2 By REV. BILLYE P. BRIDGES Rev. Billye P. Bridges is director of Christian Education, Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church of Indiana (Disciples of Christ), and a member of Light of the Woi Id Christian Church. “.. And these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever. ” (Joshua 4:7 KJ) We are actually writing tomorrow’s history today. Have you had an opportunity to contemplate what it means to move to the City on a Hill? Have you unselfishly consecrated “all of me” to the call, commitment and challenge that still lie before us? Myron L. Hardiman, chairperson of the Building Committee, states: “Moving to the City on a Hill is the realization of a dream come true. It is the fulfilling of God’s vision for our church. It is the completion ofone journey and the beginning of another. We are leaving a legacy not only for our children and our children’s children, but also for the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and the country. The City on a Hill will allow us to expand our ministries and impact the greater Indianapolis community. It has truly been a blessing to work on. the City on a Hill project. I look forward to making the next phase a reality.” Myron Richardson, chairperson of the Stewardship Committee, says: “ I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve on the Capital Stewardship Campaign Committee. Not only has it allowed me to do something tangible in the building of God’s kingdom here on Earth, but also it has caused me to grow closer to him. As a result, I have had to re-pri-oritize what is important in my life. I could not even think about how I could support such a project as the City on a H ill without God’s help and provision. So the City on a Hill project has taught me that . through all the ups, downs, challenges and issues to depend on God, my provider. In addition, the City on a Hill represents the future. My wife was baptized at Second Christian on 29 ,h and Kenwood. Both of my children were baptized at Light of the World on 38 th and Audubon and grew up in the church. The City on a Hill project is a statement to the world and a testament to God that our congregation will remain faithful to the work that God would have us to do.” Wilbert A. Buckner III, president of the congregation/chairman of the Church Council, shares: “Moving to the City on a Hill for me means the beginning of a new era in the life of the church. Our bishop’s emphasis on excellence, enthusiasm and entrepreneurship, coupled with the new facilities creates a powerful, life-changing atmosphere for our community. It is providing me a chance to get more involved in outreach through the various ministries that we have and even new ones that we will establish focused on youth and young adults. Moving to the City is an opportunity for my family and more specifically my sons, and somedaythcirehildrentoexperience the worship of Christ in an environment of love in a r' class temple. I am so excited about the impact that I have an opportunity to have not only on my family and friends, but in the community as well!” This is our time: Claiming our inheritance. “... The Lord said to Joshua, Now choose 12 men, one from each tribe. Tell the 12 men to take 12 stones from where the priests >■ St* SALT, Page B3

Order of Service • Sports Religion A ministry Thai goes beyond The walls

By TASHAWNA WILLIAMS Recorder Intern Prisons are viewed in many ways. Some view them as undesirable places where awful people deserve to go. Some view them as the scariest place on Earth. But Jesus Inside Prison Ministry views prisons as saving stations - a platform where an individual’s life can be changed forever. “The truth is the gospel will change anyone,” said Evangelist Juanita Bumphus co-la-borer of JIPM. PastorWilliam Bumphus founded the ministry in 1981, inspired by an encounter with Jesus Christ. “I had been arrested 23 times,” stated Bumphus. I met Jesus (while) incarcerated and I got saved, and I’ve been serving Jesus for 24years,” said Pastor Bumphus. The ministry started off small. William and his wife Juanita corresponded with alist of prisoners that he had met while incarcerated. They begin setting up services at local institutions. “My husband and I would travel to juvenile centers, Marion County Jail, and the Guardian Home,” stated Mrs. Bumphus. Today the ministry is national and at interview time Pastor Bumphus was ministering in a Florida State Prison. He and his wife also train others on how to effectively serve the inmates. “Women can be vulnerable,

so we help keep them from getting too involved,” said Mrs. Bumphus. She also explained that they go to the prisons often, to keep the prisoners encouraged. Besides ministering to inmates, JIPM also helps inmates’ families. “We have taken in some of (their)children and raised them," stated Mrs. Bumphus. “We raised

one for three years, one for four years and one for eight months.” While inside, the services are similar to traditional Sunday morning services. “When we go in (the inmates) have their own choir and sometimes we may take different singers in. Then my husband or I will preach. We give an altar call, and pray with people

who desire prayer,” shared Mrs. Bumphus. She further explained that they take literature, books and Bibles in upon request. They also hold bi-weekly Bible studies, which teach inmates how to apply the Scriptures to their lives. ► See WALLS, Page B3

ACTS OF FAITH t 1 Put your life in the hands of Jesus, he'll set you free

By EVANGELIST JUANITA BUMPHUS I gave my life to Jesus when I was very young I didn’t have a problem giving up earthly fun. I was only nineteen Glory to God my soul has been totally redeemed. Before that happened in my life no future could be seen Jesus came to seek and save us, I know for I was so lost. I didn’t serve God, so Satan had to have been my Boss. Jesus died to save you and me Arose again so we might be free. You ought to stop sleeping around with all those different so called men. Spreading your legs for any ole thing. For a smoke, pint of wine, even just a quart of gin. That’s nasty, child, that is sin.

There’s other ways to make your day You need Jesus, woman! Get real! You need to get Saved. Singing that same old crazy song. It’s out of date, you’re all out of tune Get Jesus in your heart; make room and do it, I mean real soon. You think you’re the only one having it hard; Things are so bad This whole world is gone insane and it’s a shame, it is so sad. We must keep on praying in hopes that Jesus continues his delay; There is going to be a payday. So many folks need to get saved, Just look at the way they behave.

► Set FAITH, Page B5

IN THE SPIRIT

The Choral Choir of Christ Temple Apostolic Church is shown Brent Bacon loohs at a biblical Members are shown reading during Its BB'" Annual Convention. passage during the convention, the Bible.

Last Saturday Puritan Missionary Baptist Church held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new neighborhood resource center located on 872 West 27 ,h St. (Left) free haircuts were offered during the church's festival day. (Photos/C. Guynn)

B SECTION FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2003 AL-ISLAM IN AMERICA The Islamic funeral By IMAM MIKAL SAAHIR

When one comes into the religion, or way of life ealled Al-Is-lam, one readily beeomes familiar with new ways of fulfillinglife’sobligations. This week Al-lslam in

America will seek to share some insights into the Islamic funeral. It is an obligation upon the family of the deceased and upon the Islamic community to assure that the deceased Muslim receives a proper Is-

lamic funeral.

In many regards the Islamic funeral is different from most other funerals in America. It is this reason that we feel it important to share with our readers information on this sub-

ject.

The Islamic term for the Islamic funeral service isjanazah. There are clear guidelines for burial of Muslims, which include proper preparation (washing and dressing) of the

body.

As with most events and rituals in Al-lslam, they are simplistic in action and deed, yet far reaching in importance and benefit; likewise with the Islamic funeral. The utmost respect for the deceased is obligatory. Every care is made to ensure that the burial is done correctly in a timely manner without spending extraordinary amounts of money for the funeral. The body is washed, scented, and wrapped according to the tradition or practice of Prophet Muhammed of Arabia. This should be done within 24 hours of demise. The body of the deceased should be buried as soon as possible, no later than 72 hours after death. Embalming, cremation, or any other act that alters the natural return of the body to creation is forbidden in Islam. Unnecessary autopsies are also forbidden. The human body is a creation of the Creator; therefore, it is not to be unnecessarily damaged. Incase of suspected foul play or other needs for an autopsy, then only that which needs to be explored should be performed. The actual f uneral service is a brief serv ice. The body is positioned to be face towards Mecca, kind words about the deceased are shared by a family member or one who was close to the deceased. An Imam l. Islamic minister) may perform the funeral also. A traditional prayer that includes words for the deceased as well as for the liv ing is then silently shared. Al-lslam is not an extravagant religion. The funeral service focuses on properly burying the deceased. Any and all extra items, espcciallv those that hinder the natural process of returning the phvsical body to creation arc shunned. Therefore at a proper Islamie funeral there is no casket. The body is wrapped according to Islamic t radition in white material; Glean white sheets are often used for this special wrapping of the deceased. I’his met hod ofbury ing t he deceased is verv economical, thus leaving money for supporting the lamilv of the deceased, loo often monev needed hv the tamilv is laid to r i v\ith the deceased In Al-lslam the simplicitv of the jana/ah vluneraU allows the familv to utilize that monev for more important needs. Funerals are sail occasions. Theshcddingoftcars is a natu ► See AL-ISLAM, Page B3

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