|
"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and glory!"
So sang the AASAC Community Church choir
when Betty spoke there last month during a most enjoyable and successful
trip to Columbus, OH. In that service, and in several other events on
the tour, the spirit the choir sang about was present in a powerful way.
Many hearts were touched and many lives were changed.
The African American Spiritual Awareness Crusade Community Church is a
small but growing church that uses Embraced by the Light as one
of their most important teaching tools. Its beloved minister, Pastor Yusef
Weston, is a dynamic man who cares passionately about the community and
diligently seeks the fullness of God's truth. Pastor Weston and his congregation
gave Betty a wonderful welcome when she spoke at a Saturday morning worship
service that was a real treat for everyone's spirit. The congregation
truly does know how to make "a joyful noise unto the Lord!" By the time
Betty finished sharing her message of God's unconditional love, there
were smiles and hugs and tears of joy all around.
The following Monday held another treat in store for Betty, as she went
to a local grade school to watch an assembly conducted by the J.J.
Brothers — the authors of the special children's book, The
Adventures of Caterpillar Jones. The J.J. Brothers (Joe, Jim and
Jon) have a special calling to help kids see life (and reading) as an
adventure instead of something to be dreaded. A J.J. Brothers assembly
is a special event; Joe, Jim and Jon were a big hit with the young students,
as well as with Betty.
The high point of the Columbus trip came on Monday night, when Betty spoke
at East High School in an event sponsored by AASAC. The sweet, joyful
presence of the Spirit was again evident throughout the evening, which
featured high-energy performances by a delightful children's choir, a
rafter-raising Gospel choir, and an inspiring drum and dance ensemble.
During her impassioned talk to the audience gathered in the auditorium,
Betty challenged everyone to expand their hearts and minds to receive
deeper truths about life and death. She exhorted them to reject judgmental
attitudes and create positive ripples in the lives of their families,
their church, and the community. Each of us, Betty explained, are eternally
connected to each other as children of God, even if we chose to come to
earth as different races. The presentation was one of Betty's most moving
and insightful talks; the audience gladly received the message she was
inspired to share. Many eyes and hearts were opened that night, and person
after person sought Betty out after the event to say how her words had
changed their lives. Only God knows how many healing ripples of love and
understanding were started that night, but it was obvious that many positive
ripples had been set in motion. It was a fitting close to a trip that
was filled with love and light.
We encourage you to support the worthy efforts of the AASAC Community
Church with your prayers. If you would also like to make a donation, you
can send it to:
AASAC Community Church
2490 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus, OH 43219
|
 O n behalf
of AASAC Community Church, I'm happy to take this time tonight to welcome
all of you to the effects of the "Ripple" as it pertains to Columbus,
Ohio. Like many of you, I first became aware of Betty Jean through her first
book, "Embraced By The Light". Affected by her refreshing spiritual
material which confirmed and answered many of my own personal questions,
I was eager for more. "The Awakening Heart" did just that. As
spiritual truths leaped off the pages, I cried, I laughed and I prayed,
and the Spirit of God within me began to expand, much like that "new
wine" spoken of in the Gospels.
Unable to keep
such inspirational and life changing information to myself, her books became
our texts alongside of the Bible for Bible Study. Not satisfied with "rippling"
only within our congregation, the Spirit prompted me to contact her in hopes
she would consider coming to Columbus and spreading God's message of unconditional
love to a larger and far more reaching audience.
With our community
in disarray in regards to accusations of racial profiling amongst the police
department, discrimination within our school system and nation against nation
on the global scene, I believe Mrs. Eadie's visit will have a tremendous
impact on the spiritual attitude of our city. I believe our city is hungry
for this message from a woman of God of Betty's magnitude.
My hope and prayer
is that Betty's presence will cause a fresh ripple throughout Columbus.
Our church is located in the north Linded McKinley area where it is not
uncommon fo find a .38 calliber slug outside the church walls. Tonight my
brothers and sisters, I ask for your help. We must understand that there
is no me with you, and no you without me. We are not just a reflection of
each other, but of God. How we treat each other, in reality, is how we are
treating God.
Tonight during
our intermission, it is needful for us to lift a love offering. Our admission
fee only offsets the expense incurred in bringing Betty to us. Through your
love offering, a vision will continue for your fellow brothers and sisters
in the North Linden area who don't know or haven't experience the love in
a "Ripple Effect". As AASAC I am proud to say we are changing
the face of our community, but there is still so much more to do. Your needed
assistance will help us in our pursuit of a vacant hardware store adjacent
to our current porperty, which we will use as a community cultural arts
center. This center will be a key focal point, allowing us to "ripple"
every day versus two days of the week. Perhaps some of you may have an expertise
or experience which could benefit the yout and old. Volunteers are needed;
it's not always about giving money.
Tonight, I humbly
ask you for both. In turning to God I was turned to Betty, in turning to
Betty, I was also turned to you. Columbus, Ohio, your presence tonight opens
the door to tremendous opportunity to create our own awesome "ripple".
I know we will not fail; there is too much love here.
A special thanks
to Mrs. Eadie, her son, Tom, AASAC Community Church and all of you for taking
time out from your busy schedules to come. |
|