Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 January 2004 — Page 9

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SPIRITUAL OUTLOOK

Gelling pasl our pasl By PASTOR OLIVER D. WALKER “Not as though I hail already attained. either were already perfect but I follow after. Ifthat I mayappre-

hend that for Christ also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus Brethren. I count not myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those

things which are behind and reaching forth unto those thine which are before. Ipasstoward the maskforthe prize of the high calling of God in

Christ Jesus."

- Philippians 3:12-14 2004 is a time that God allowed us to witness. Please know that you are here for a reason and purpose. God has specific designs and special

duties for you.

Our Bible study series called Word Explosion is on ‘The Purpose Driven

Life.”

It is not about you or me, but about God. Our mistakes, our misfortunes, our sins and shortcomings can never derail God’s plan for our life. Detour and even derails are never denials. We call them delays, but I sense that God uses all that happens to us for his glory. Romans 8:28 teaches us that “all things work together for good...” Philippians 3:12-14 gives us a clear step for moving past our past and progressing in 2004. Notice: We must maintain honest> (Verse 12). We have not attained. We are thankful for what God has given us, yet we are dissatisfied with where we are.Weareaimingforimprovement. I want to gfthold of the purpose God has for me. So watch this. I keep studying, praying and working. All our purposes must be singled to one purpose (Verse 13). The word sajs‘This one thing I do.”Toget past our past we must refuse to rely on past virtues or vices, success or fail-

ures.

Being distracted by our past will destroy efforts in the present. Stop sitting on tire dock of the bay. Now not by all means, but stop wasting time. Forget about the coulda’s, shoulda’s, woulda’s. Get busy. To get past our past take the high road (Verse 14). Pursue your purpose. The goal is Christ likeness. We really have no time for mess. Always take the road ofexcellence...the high road. Peace. Oliver D. Walker is pastor of Phillips Temple C.M.E. Chureh.

Order of Service Religion

B SECTION FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2004

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY Nation of Islam defies stereotypes

By SHANNON WILLIAMS Recorder Editor As Minister Damon Muhammad made final preparations for the recent grand openingofthe new Muhammad Mosque 74. located at 2248 E. 38 th St., he not only discussed the contributions the mosque plans to make to the community, but he also addressed common misconceptions that plague the Nation of Islam. Twenty-nine-year-old Muhammad, who has been minister for the last eight years, initially addressed rumors that claim the Nation of Islam excludes itselffrom non-Muslims. “Regardless tow hat religious or political perspective, we don't see our people as a separate entity, just another organ in the

body trying to do something different for the advancement of our people. (TheNation) doesn't have tunnel vision to the point that we are blinded to the significance of other people that believe in other ideas.” Believing that actions speak louder than words, Muhammad hopes that the various senices offered at the new mosque will attract some of those naysayers who doubt the mosque’s mission. ► See MUSLIM, Page B3 The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan will speak via satellite on Feb. 29, at Arlington High School, 4825 N. Arlington Ave. Donations are $10, high school students with a picture ID will be admitted free. Doors open at 1p.m.

Ir >

Above: Minister Ishmael Muhammad, assistant to Min. Louis Farrakhan spoke at the recent grand opening of local Mosque #74. Right: He also praised Indianapolis Minister Damon Muhammad for his dedication to the Nation of Islam. (Photos/J. Hurst)

Local cafe and church work together to build hope among distressed

By BRANDON A. PERRY Staff Writer For some people Unleavened Bread Cafe and Greater Faith House of Prayer are bright, shining stars in an area of Indianapolis that has otherwise been darkened by poverty, the drug trade, deteriorating buildings and a sense of hopelessness among youth. For over three years the two entities have w orked together in a special partnership designed •to offer encouragement to individuals who must deal with the above issues daily. When a person from this near Northside neighborhood walks into Unleavened Bread Cafe, for instance, they immediately discover that it presents a warm,disarming environment that runs contrary to the difficulties encountered on the streets. Of course Unleavened Bread Cafe, which is located at 3003 Central Ave., has tables, chairs and a serving counter just like apy other eating establishment. But one also quickly notices the biblical Scriptures that adorn the south wall, Christian music playing in the background and a large, colorful banner that reads “Unleavened Bread Cafe... nourishment for the stomach and

IN THE SPIRIT

Rev. Joseph L. Reeves and Elease Womack have enjoyed a fruitful partnership in ministry. (Photo/J. Hurst)

Cross Movements Idlest CD is spiritual outreach for urban hip-hop fans

soul.” “Our goal is not just to feed people, but to also give our community hope and life,” said Elease Womack, founder and owner of the cafe. “We are here for those who might be downtrodden and need a safe, peaceful place to come to.” Womack added that she and her volunteers have a desire to reach out to those who have been on drugs, dealing with poverty, or bound by prostitution and alcohol by offeringthese people hope. This effort is achieved, in part, by some of the outreach efforts that are spearheaded by Unleavened Bread Cafe. The cafe has hosted appear-

ances by social workers, counselors and attorneys from the Christian Legal Clinic, who steer people to places where they can go to get help. The business has hosted segments called “Empowerment Mondays" where speakers from institutions like the Dayspring Academy discuss such issues as troubled teens, parenting arid other topics. Financial experts also appear occasionally to offer advice on financial recovery and taxes. All of this information is offered at no charge to guests and ► See UNLEAVENED, Page B3

By BRANDON A. PERRY Staff Writer “If you love the Lord, lift yo‘ hands in da' air!" I remember the December 2002 night that nearly 1,000 teen-agers jumped and danced to the music of Christian rap quintet, the Cross Movement. This group was performing on the stage of the Washington. D.C.. Hilton I lotel. w hereyouth from all over the nation had gathered for the Impact Conference. About r.O teen and young adult delegates from Indianapolis (including myself) were among those who listened

to these four disciples skillfull) freestyle their message For several years members of the Cross Movement (Phanatik, the Ambassador, TRU-LIFE. the Tonic and DJ Official) have sparked fresh energy among young Christiarrs all over America with four off-the-chain albums including, “Heaven's Mentality" (1997). “House of Representatives" (19.9b), “Christology: The I hymens Terms” (19.99) and "Human Emergency" (2000). Anyone who has heard just one song from any of these albums would be happy to hear that the ► See URBAN, Page B3

Christ Missionary Baptist Church recently hosted the 60th Annual Emancipation Day Celebration, which observed the 141st anniversary of the day President Abraham Lincoln freed slaves by issuing the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Left: Featured speaker, State Rep. Bill Crawford (left) enjoyed the event with Rev. Rayford Brown, president of the Missionary Baptist Minister's Alliance of Indianapolis.

Right: Rev. Melvin B. Girton Sr. (right), host pastor and program chairman of the event joined Rev. Michael J. Bluitt in presenting the Ministerial Alliance's Community Service Award to Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Health Department. The Emancipation Day celebration was sponsored by the Interdenominational Minister's Alliance, Missionary Baptist Minister's Alliance of Indianapolis, Foresight Ministers Alliance and Christ Missionary Baptist Church. (Photos/C. Guynn)

Left to right: Rev. Thomas M. Hughes, Michigan's North District Presiding Elder; Rev. John L. Lambert, pastor of Indianapolis' Bethel A.M.E. Church; Bishop Philip R. Cousin; Indiana Governor Joe Kernan; Rev. Michael C. Carson of Historic Wayman Chapel, Kokomo, Ind.; and Rev. Lenore G. Williams, pastor of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Anderson, Ind. General Conference A.Mi. bishop meels wilh Indiana governor

Special to The Recorder Remitly Alliean Methodist Episeopal Chtueh (A.M.E.) Bishop Philip R. Cousin Sr. and a number of other A.M.E. Chureh leaders met with Indiana Gov. Joseph Kernan to diseuss an event to take plaee in Indianapolis this summer. Thousands of individuals are expected to attend the 47 11 ' Session ofthe General Conference of the African Methodist Episeopal Chureh. eon veiling June 29 to July 7 at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome. Bishop Cousin, who led the A.M.E. delegation in its meeting with the governor, is the 9<>"' bishop ofthe A.M.E. Chureh and bishop ofthe Fourth Episeopal District. The Fourth Episeopal District comprises the Canadian, Illinois, Indiana and

Michigan conferences. Indianapolis is the host city led by Indiana South District Residing Elder Robert Kirk Sr. Bethel A.M.E. Chureh, the city's oldest AfricanAmerican congregation, will sene as the host church. The Central Indiana A.M.E. Church Ministerial Alliance will play a great role in helping to lead and guide this meeting. Rev. Robert E. Haney, pastorol RobinsonCommunitv A.M.E.Chureh in Indianapolis, is president of that organization. Tor more information eoneerning the General Conferenee eall (773) 373-6587, (202) 371-8700 or log on to 200 tGeneralConferenee([i ameenational.org or \\"\\"\\.ame-ehnreh.eom.