#IAmBethel -- This Is My Story

AFTER THE BENEDICTION…ENGAGE!  -  A few faithful friends-n-kin begin sharing the #IAmBethel story where they live, learn, work and worship. They know it takes a Whole Village to raise a child.  They know the Christian church will grow around the little ones Jesus valued most.  But putting faith to work means bridging the gap between generations and diverse people of faith. Oh, and IT’S GOT TO BE FUN FOR THEM.

By Eric Stradford, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

AMWS, June 23, 2015, Acworth, GA – Friends-n-Kin here and around the world are discovering America—this time with a new attitude about achieving “a more perfect union.”  Last week some 2.1 billion Christians worldwide awakened to a Kairos Event on their Chronos Timeline.    

At a time when family and close friends are hurting the most, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church, Charleston, SC is demonstrating 21^st Century Southern Christian Leadership.  Their intentional, prosocial behavior is galvanizing diverse people of faith and law enforcement to value and protect lives where Americans live, learn, work and worship. 

Last night, The Reverend Leela Brown Waller, senior pastor of the historic Bethel AME Church joined The Freedom Church's J.R. Lee to declare an end to racism where they live, learn, work and worship.  Waller called on her AME kinfolk from Youth Achievers USA Institute (YouthUSA), to help Bethel AME Acworth share its story, “#IAmBethel.”    

Originally established as a “beyond-the-church-walls” ministry at Ebenezer AME Church, Ft. Washington, MD, YouthUSA develops economic programs in support Positive Youth Development.  Since 1996, the YouthUSA brand has focused on engaging American youth, ages 7-24, as economic beneficiaries.  YouthUSA’s  @FutureCorps7 handle establishes a pro-social venue with program support for local AME Churches in developing future Class Leaders.   

YouthUSA co-sponsors the National Learn-2-Earn Partnership  as an economic response to a credible national security threat.   According to The President of the United States, a “gulf of mistrust” exists between some Americans and others.  The political assessment just begins to acknowledge a history of behavior where citizens of color are systemically valued as “minorities” -- one among numerous terms perpetuating a less-than-equal human capital value.     

In the American tradition of proportional response, the Charleston, SC attack again brings terror to Our Street, USA.   Nine murdered members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina underscores the urgency for an appropriate, sustainable response.   Add to this slaughter, the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, Eric Garner in Staten Island, Akil Gurly in NY, Tamir Rice in Cleveland, OH, Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Trayvon Martin in Sanford, FL and countless others, even children can see a pattern of behavior that needs to be changed.

“The AME Church will join with other faith communities to stress the need for the United States to face, discuss and meet head on the problem of race in this country,” said Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the AME Church.  Informed and engaged AMEs affectionately see Bryant as #IAmBethel’s “Rambo-n-the-Bush.”   His “boots-on-the-ground” presence models a story of servant leadership that is respected (or revered) worldwide.

Granting the troops unprecedented access through a variety of sources to include social media, @BishopJohn4th is tweeting a body of believers toward achieving the “more perfect union” envisioned by framers of the U.S. Constitution.  

This week, the #IAmBethel story presents national news reporting with its greatest challenge since Ben Franklin became wealthy publishing Poor Richard's Almanac.  CNN’s live coverage of Sunday’s worship service at Mother Emanuel in Charleston cut to commercial during some of the most significant elements of the service.     

The media’s insensitivity toward Christian values in their zeal to balance time and money will need to be bridged by some serious Christ-centered, Biblically based learning. Lifelong learners at one Vacation Bible School will investigate Colonial American behavior and its impact on 21^st century national security.  In 1787, Richard Allen, a former slave of African origin, started a conversation on Race in America.  When fellow Christians at Philadelphia’s St Georges Methodist Episcopal Church refused change, Richard Allen prayed.  Allen and his historically disadvantaged friends-n-kin got up off their knees and moved their conversation on race into a blacksmith shop.  Diverse communities of faith have since sweated through my-way-or-the-highway worship models with hopes of declaring once and for all, #WeAreOne.

 

Richard Allen’s vision of the future is evidenced by a lineage of 132 elected and consecrated servant leaders and local stations serving believers among 2.1 billion Christian friends-n-kin.   The first station was dedicated as Bethel in 1794 on a lot purchased by Allen in 1791 on the corner of Sixth and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia.  Today, Mother Bethel AME Church stands as the oldest parcel of land in North America owned by families of freed slaves.

Up to now, AMEs have taught future leaders through litanies and hymns with multi-generational messages such as, “This is my story, this is my song.”  But now, with so many angry voices demanding justice, emerging AME Class Leaders will need to apply two centuries of training to some “boots-on-the-ground” intervention.

#IAmBethel is not limited to the subject of race in America. It speaks to a culture of fear and intimidation, and parallels the story, #IAmAmerican.  It presents one immediate option for #HealingAmerica.   

The President of the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church invoked an American Dream Deferred on behalf of historically disadvantaged heirs on five continents around the world. “The arrest of Dylann Storm Roof, the assailant and alleged murderer does not end this matter. In fact this matter makes even clearer that race is a major problem in our nation that must be dealt with,” said Bishop Julius McAllister. 

Evidence-based outcomes are measured on five continents in regions like South Carolina, USA. “African Methodist in South Carolina are strong and faithful, we will not shy away or lessen our commitment to equality and social justice,” said Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of South Carolina. “This will make us stronger and more determined to advance God’s kingdom on earth. This tragedy will not weaken, but strengthen us. African Methodism will become stronger because of this tragedy,” Norris said.

“The nation can no longer live in denial and act as if it does not exist. Every week there is some incident which involves the negative consequences of race,” McAllister added.  In one voice, the Council of Bishops held true to historic values for #HealingAmerica.

Kairos Events on a Chronos Timeline



AME Church Senior Bishop John Bryant is all too familiar with threats to and attacks on historically disadvantaged Americans.  He is the 106^th elected consecrated bishop in a lineage of servant leaders dating back to colonial America.  

By Eric Stradford, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

AMWS, June 20, 2015, Acworth, GA -- News reporting is one modern day reality in the aftermath of an event such the murders this week in Charleston, SC.  But, modern day news reporting almost always comes up short in explaining Kairos Events on a Christian’s Chronos timeline.

Youth Achievers USA Institute Chief Executive Officer Stephanie A. Walker Stradford is one “angry black woman living in America,” according to a Facebook post.  But, on Father's Day, Stradford and some 2.1 billion Christian friends-n-kin must honor their Father by their love and not their anger.    The former AME Church business manager and founding member of the Black Public Relations Society of Washington, DC, awakened to unthinkable horror Thursday morning, learning of a terrorist attack at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church.

Most mainstream news outlets overlooked the fervent effectual prayers of believers and layers of mercy between the Willie Lynch experiment and Republican Vice President Dick Cheyney’s clean heart.

Likewise, few mainstream correspondents could be expected to connect the dots between the Charleston, SC attack and Main Street, USA.   But, one young congressional staffer, one Sunday morning, thought it not robbery to steal away for Sunday morning worship.   Young Mack Parnell  worshipped among a dwindling flock of believers at historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Acworth, GA.  The historically disadvantaged congregants did not know he worked for a republican.  They embraced him as one of their own.   

The Reverend Leela Brown Waller, senior pastor of historic Bethel AME Acworth, is a former Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader.  To some, she might be viewed this week as one angry Black woman who is on fire for Jesus Christ.   A sister in Christ, The Reverend Raushanah N. Butler received a special appeal this week to model faith-based infrastructure for #HealingAmerica.  Butler’s daughter Joi is one of some 80 corporate beneficiaries endowed with YouthUSA Money-n-the-Bank. They will need to set aside their own grief and anger to help counter threats to Our Street, USA. 

Rep Loudermilk of Georgia

Among the greatest barriers to #HealingAmerica is trust or the absence of it.  President Obama has been uniquely accurate in quantifying a national security threat as “a gulf of mistrust.”   Mack Parnell’s boss, freshman Congressman The Honorable Barry Loudermilk, R GA, has scheduled a Main Street, USA Town Hall Meeting for June 29, 2015 which may offer angry constituents a chance to rise above their problems as one resounding voice for America’s future. 

“Securing our national defense has always been one of my top priorities,” said Loudermilk .  “While threats to our homeland have always existed, America now faces a new wave of threats, such as cyber-terrorism, that seek to destroy our foundational principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Following the devastating terrorist attacks on 9-11, the House Committee on Homeland Security was established to provide Congressional Oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack.  Loudermilk also serves as a member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.

If the South Carolina attack, which killed nine American citizens is discussed as a Civil Rights issue, it will likely spur political debate.  The race issue or any issue within the context of Justice or Education will likely not suppress unspeakable anger boiling in the bellies of Black women since Willie Lynch first framed the conversation for a majority-minority America.   However, if one U.S. Representative stood before constituents and congress to declare in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, One Nation under God, a balm might be prescribed.  Of course, crucifixion is always the other possibility for the courageously outspoken Christian.

Billionaire Republican Candidate, Donald Trump is perhaps overly endowed with capital to run for president of the United States.  He could demonstrate leadership by flying his fellow republican candidates to a Barry Loudermilk Main Street, USA Town Hall Meeting.  Any vision by any candidate will need to be backed with provision for #HealingAmerica.  This is where we acknowledge the sins in our resumes along with a shared responsibility for securing blessings of liberty and ensuring the future of America’s Homeland.

A VISION OF THE FUTURE -- Having determined that the flying of the confederate flag in South Carolina and other states promotes interests deemed to be detrimental to the National Security of the United States of America, WE THE PEOPLE call on the Secretary of Homeland Security to engage U.S. Marines IMMEDIATELY in retiring all such symbols in any state of the union and ensure no flag flies higher than the official standard of the United States of America.  An Act of Congress perpetuates an order by the President of the United States to execute this required action.

The Obama Presidency might leverage enduring success by engaging an eventual Republican and Democratic nominee as partners for #HealingAmerica.   They might all share-the-ride on Air Force One and Two and listen rather than talk at the next Main Street, USA Town Hall Meeting. 

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III is no stranger to Kairos Events on a Chronos Timeline.  A veteran of the U.S. Army and a respected authority on ethics, Dr. Sydnor is the twentieth elected editor of The Christian Recorder, the oldest existing black periodical in America.  Published by the African Methodist Episcopal Church since July 1, 1852, TCR is the only news source in the United States whose existence pre-dates the American Civil War.  Sydnor and Stradford met during CONVO meetings in Philadelphia, where church leaders engaged church members and friends to exchange ideas about the church’s future.

Dr. Sydnor’s initiative to collected emails followed a report by The Reverend Dr. Raymond Bryant, St. Paul AME, San Antonio , TX, which introduced legislation for the church’s transition into the information age.   Since that time, the Stradfords and Sydnors have individually and/or collaboratively reported Chronos news events from a unique Kairos perspective. 

Sydnor’s  Zero Dark 30 wake-up call today, produced TCR’s most recent editorial.  It reads, “Like churches across America, the pastor, congregation and the members of the Bible study probably had many discussions about how to attract more people to the church and more people to Bible study. And, I suspect that they were excited about the young visitor who joined their ranks. They would not have been concerned about his color.”

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has “African” in its name, but the denomination does not discriminate against any race nor does it address race in its book of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

“The terror in Charleston brings us to a decision point,” said Sydnor. He remembers when churches remained unlocked and we took pride in saying “the church doors are always open.”  Unfortunately, we are living in a “different world” and have been living in a different world for a number of years. Church doors have been locked for many years. And, it is not unusual for churches to have security persons present during worship services.

The irony in General Officer Sydnor’s security assessment might be compared with the timeline between the Biblical books of Malachi and Matthew.  A similar threat ensued requiring a restoration of trust.   The Kairos events on the Chronos timeline between 1 and 30 A.D. are recorded in the Gospels of Jesus The Christ.  One enduring command for 2.1 billion followers frames “The Word” for future generations.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35.  It is as much a message to polarizing politicians as it is to potential deranged killers.

In contrast to TCR’s historically significant reporting, The Huffington Post published the less passive theme, “Yes, Seriously, It's About Race.”   Its author, Minister Leslie Watson Malachi is the director of African American religious affairs for People for the American Way and the People for the American Way Foundation. She is the former national policy director for the Balm In Gilead and served for nine years as the director of the Multicultural Programs Department of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

YouthUSA Celebrates 2015 Winner

Left to Right Pastor Mavis Morisseau (Parent), Ashonta Johnson (Community Asset Manager). Mylan (Beneficiary), and Reverend Stephanie Harley (Caring Adult Mentor) demonstrate value in a vision of America's future

By Eric Stradford, USMC, Retired and Stephanie A. Walker Stradford

AMWS, May 16, 2015, Land O Lakes, FL –  When the caring adults come together as the “whole village” it takes to raise a winner, “what’s next?” is the number one question for two percent of us.   In plain language, our presence adds value to a winner’s  vision of the future.  So,  20 caring adults now known as the Mylan Javeen Morisseau Fellowship are finding answers by jut stepping up.

Youth Achievers USA Institute announced plans for a 20-year celebration of winners to The Annual Youth Achievement Awards.  CEO Stephanie A. Walker Stradford joined caring adult supporters to honor Land O Lakes, FL, resident Mylan Javeen Morisseau, 11, as the newest YouthUSA corporate beneficiary.

As a beneficiary, Mylan begins a lifelong relationship with an American non-profit corporation and empowerment to "believe I can achieve whatever I believe I can achieve."  To qualify, Mylan and other Americans before her submitted written goals in seven key areas of their human development. 

"We first got the idea to honor youth for what they believe they could achieve at our local church," said Mrs. Stradford.  "My choir director, gospel recording artist, Reverend Dr. Donald Vails, expressed concerns about everyday challenges to disadvantaged youth."  

Vails learned first-hand about threats to African American youth through his work at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ft. Washington, MD, throughout the Washington, DC Metropolitan region and across the country through the Gospel Music Workshops of America.   Vails' "Gideon's Army" initiative resulting in 300 voice choirs inspired YouthUSA capacity building based on "the whole village" it takes to raise a child.

A whole village of 20 caring adults, required on each application since 1996, demonstrates local capacity to support a winner’s vision of the future.  "This is not a "gimmie" ministry.  It is intended to support youth and caring adults who want to LEARN-2-EARN," said Stradford.  "YouthUSA has qualified 86 corporate beneficiaries through the United States.  They win equal access to opportunities, awards and incentives available through the corporation.  Caring adult members of the "whole village" access these opportunities through the organization's cloud-based facility, "The Conference Center." 

As a national 501c3 corporation, Youth Achievers is identifying, qualifying and training leaders from within a corporate village of more than 1000 stakeholders to engage youth in securing "all rights and responsibilities" for themselves, their local community and a national fellowship of winners. 

A 3-day local Learn-2-Earn event invited economic beneficiaries and caring adult stakeholders to a 10-year strategic planning effort.  The event offered free technical assistance to any caring adult affiliated with the Mylan Javeen Morisseau Fellowship of YouthUSA.