Kermit Gosnell...Douglas Karpen...Sorry, but I don't have words.
Late term abortionist Dr. Robert Tiller was killed years ago. Do you think his murderer knew this was happening in his practice too? I think so. I am reassessing my position on his murder if he was the type of man to do this without conscience. The ECLA and America itself will stand before God. HERE are pictures of Karpen's atrocities.
Daniel 5:25-27 ~ 25-And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26-This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27-TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
CNN recently reported that Toru Hashimoto, the Mayor of Osaka, Japan claimed that, although it was "a tragic result of war", that sex slaves, known as "comfort women" used by Japanese soldiers during WWII, were "necessary" in order to help the soldiers relieve their stress and tensions pertaining to war and military battle and conquest. In fact the last surviving members of the over 200,000 women that were forced into serving as "comfort women" have never received retribution or compensation from the state for their plight.
This has led many of them in Korea to protest at the Japanese embassy demanding acknowledgement and retribution for the horrible atrocities that were imposed upon this class of unwilling prostitutes and ultimately their families so many years ago.
What Does Any Of That Have To Do With The Church?
Initially, one would would ask that question. What do "comfort women" in WWII have to do with anything going on in the church? How about asking this? Does the church or certain individuals within the church have their own form or version of "comfort women" or human trafficking operations? I would say, unfortunately, for some, YES they do. I will go into that but at this point I would like to first state that I will make attempts to speak with these ladies (victims) in effort that they may tell their story in their own words and at that time I will reveal all details associated with this, including the ministers name and church. I will do this IF there hasn't already been a gag order (legal agreement to silence) set in place upon the victims. We'll see.]
Here Are The Preliminary Details:
I received credible information that a certain Illinois clergyman in a church that will go unnamed at the present, had received a woman's 2 daughters in exchange for and as a condition of her employment. In other words, this "mother" had given her daughters to a particular preacher, who (by the way) also has a reputation for sexual immorality especially perpetuated upon young girls. This particular pervert was not only given authority to raise them, but obviously to do with them sexually as he pleased over a period of time and from a very young age. This woman (the supposed mother) was and is a member of this man's church and is still employed by the man and to date wonders why her "daughters" don't communicate with her. In other words she is a reprobate and an apostate in the mind as well. She is as sick and twisted as the man (a supposed preacher) that took these girls in and used them and abused them over the years.
Needless to say, when the young ladies became of age, the last thing they did was remain in the home as continued sex slaves. Quite naturally of course, the last thing on their minds was the church or anything that had to do with the church. It is an impossible stretch of the imagination and mind to expect that their views of God would be intact or in accordance with the bible in any fashion after having experienced some of the worst possible atrocities at the hands of supposed "men and women of God"...They (the daughters) certainly can't be blamed for their attitudes and sentiments.
The thoughts of these ladies having endured a twisted environment of sexual abuse and abominable clergy sexual sins at the hands of apostate and reprobate minded individuals sickens one to the core of their being. Similar to the atrocities perpetrated by Ariel Castro who held 3 girls hostage, in chains and under deplorable conditions for at least 10 years. HERE This incident is at least as sickening if not more psychologically twisting, when it is thought that in this case folk were supposed to be representatives of Christ and all that si supposedly "good" within society itself.
The criminal in this case (as I will call him) had a wife and a church, performed these actions in the home with a church community surrounding them but yet all of those around remained silent. This is yet another abomination on top of the already abominable acts and actions of the physical and psychological abuse and manipulation itself. So not only is the reprobate minister (the criminal) guilty, all of them that sat around silently and continue to sit silently, are guilty as well. Although I can't even find words adequate enough to describe how I personally feel about these terrible actions or the individuals behind them, one thing is for sure; without a doubt there will be a PAYMENT due in JUDGEMENT for all of these terrible actions and that payment will not be able to be made by these individuals. They will be judged and I am sure they shall be found wanting.
Victims Need An Advocate, A Help And A Way Out
In Nov. 2012 Jada Pinkett Smith went to congress to speak up and out on behalf of those who have been victims of sex slavery and human trafficking encouraging congress to enact legislation to both prevent such atrocities and to provide law enforcement greater power in dealing with such abuses. In fact she has appeared with Katie Couric to discuss the problem at length. One of the things that she focuses on is that sex traffikking is not something that poor people or persons that live in third world countries are experiencing. It is happening right here in the good ole USA and in neighborhoods that are affulent and well off.
One would think this sort of thing is limited to the world or them outside of the church environment. As Jada describes things however, one can readily see that what she is saying most certainly encompasses the religious community as well. What about the wealthy apostate and heretical minister? You think it can't happen? Well, it is and as Jada describes, it is a problem with seeming indistinguishable characteristics. Take a listen to Jada in these 2 interviews:
Then listen as she expounds on the problem even further:
Other church traffickers and abusers aka: The WALL of Shame and Perversion!
Evangelist Tony Leyva
I often take time to remind people that the late evangelist Tony Leyva who was the father of the psychomanipulation phrase "touch not mine anointed" (in efforts to scare people into silence and keep them from talking about him) He himself trafficked hundreds of boys through the Southeastern part of the United States for a number of years, until the Lord reigned him in and he eventually died in shame, in prison of an aggressive cancer.
In the book, "Brother Tony's Boys", [W.M. (Mike) Echols, Prometheus Books 1996] we find that Tony claimed that the oral sex that he was performing on children and that he was having performed on him by the children, was "God's special way for his people to love one another"(Pg.23), Tony was said to have taken children placed in his care by willing parents, across state lines to various preachers and ministers for their perverted sexual pleasure for over a period of 25 years. It was said that he himself molested over some 700 children.
James Cleveland
Then the church yet hails, music mogle James Cleveland as the "king of gospel" even though he was a pedophile and a molestor of young children even reportedly transferring HIV to some of his victims. In fact in an article entitled "We Don't Want Another James Cleveland" GCMwatch reviews the story of Christopher Harris, on of Cleveland's former "foster sons" (under-aged prostitutes bought by Cleveland through the legal system) who had sex with Cleveland for over 5 years. In that story Harris describes a predator who lived a secret lifestyle associating with an underground network of perverts who ultimately gave him HIV.
One thing is for sure, HELL will be frozen over before I honor Cleveland in any way or receive any honor in his name. And those having received an honor or an award with his name attached, should cast it and everything associated with it back into the Lake Of Fire from whence it came!
Conclusion:
They have gone from dropping off their children to pedophiles, to selling them for jobs, money, fashion and fame. In a day where even the most holy has become profane, and the family has been so disillusioned the words of Jesus come to a starling reality...upon his return, will he find faith upon the earth? The church has become ripe ground for human trafficking That is to the shame of those charlatans who have decided to use and abuse the sheep and those who remain gutless by looking the other way and saying and doing nothing when they could do something.
Of a certainty, those abusers and criminals do not know Christ. of this we are confident. They are not a part
of the true and living church of Jesus Christ. They are impostors perpetrators and criminals who will face the prison bars of hell for their conscious decision to subdue the weak and deceive the masses.
Some say, "well they were abused and that is the product of it." Well, there were and are a lot of people abused everyday, and they do not in any wise take on the criminal behavior of these and other criminals and pedophiles. So there is no excuse. There is no genetic or environmental pressure that makes these people do what they do. The problem is simple and it is singular... SIN
That is the problem and until it and the results of it are addressed from the pulpit to the back door, we have no help or chance of a brighter future. If you or someone you know is facing and or suffering from this type of abuse or even human trafficking and that abuse is church related, be a part of solving the problem and delivering hope into the middle of what others could be a hopeless situation. Pick up the phone and call I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council (IMBKCAC) today at (800)827-7279. We are waiting to hear from you today!
Blessed!
Find out proposed laws within your state on Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery at The Polaris Project
Revelation 22:12 ~ "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
It's really no secret, nor has it ever been one. even Nicodemus came by night to Jesus because he had some questions and beliefs that he didn't want others to be aware of.
Before his death in 2006, the leading Jewish Cleric Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri claimed to have personally met the Messiah at age 108. Before he passed, he delivered a note to his sons to remain sealed for 12 months. 12 months later...Well, just watch the video:
Ariel Sharon has been in a coma-like state since 2006. Here is the most current word on his condition:
One thing is for sure, we don't need notes, messages and the death of any individual to know that Jesus shall return, but it is interesting to note all of what is happening and what has been revealed to people even though it seems that they are kicking and screaming in denial of it.
Ready or not, believe him or not JESUS is coming back! Will you be ready?
Isaiah 8:19-20 ~19 - And when they shall say unto you, Seek
unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that
mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20- To the law and to the testimony: if
they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no
light in them.
It seems that since Amanda Berry has been found alive that people have taken the time to examine many of the "predictions" from the psychic community that were delivered regarding her condition and potential demise.
At the top of the horrible scrap heap of "peep and mutter" is the daytime deceiver and favorite of the former Montel Williams TV talk show, Sylvia Browne. It seems that in 2004 Brown claimed that according to her spirit guides and messages from the great beyond, that Amanda was dead. During the height of the search for her daughter and dealing with the pain associated with a missing person, Sylvia stated the following to Amanda's now deceased mother Louwana:
"She's not alive, honey,"..."Your daughter's not the kind who wouldn't call." ~ Sylvia Brown 2004
Sylvia also stated in 2003 that the body of the kidnapped and missing youth Shawn Hornbeck, would be found between "two jagged rocks" of course, dead as well. Well Shawn was found alive too.
Currently, headline news is that Amanda Berry, her daughter, and 2 other captives have been discovered after at least 10 years of being imprisoned by 3 male captors. I don't think that there is any sane or rational person that believes that any of what she or her fellow captives experienced was or is normal in any way, however by all reports on the outside everything appeared to be a "normal" situation in a "normal" home in a "normal" neighborhood.
Thank God for Charles Ramsey, unafraid to help when he saw something wrong!
In fact according to Charles Ramsey, when Amanda cried out for help, as he noticed her, she was dressed "normally" and even looking as "normal" as anyone else. Ramsey, a neighbor that lived next door, describes what he witnessed both that day and previously:
Ramsey said that had he known what was going on next door, that he would have killed the captor and caught a case of "triple murder" because he would have gotten involved.
Looking back we should ask, what is the reason that pedophilia and kidnapping of children appears to be on the rise? Is this the new trend or what we can expect in the future? Is this another "sexual diversity" (perversion) that is seeking a place within society?
The question is, what will society do to address the issue? Is this just another fledgling sexual diversity on the rise or is this a perversion that should be condemned? Further, how and on what basis should it be condemned?
The reason I ask for the basis upon which these atrocities should be condemned, is because the captives in most of these incidents don't speak up and out right away. For whatever reason, there is usually a time or a period of silence, or even a period where people discontinue a struggle to be free.
What held Amanda so long and why she stayed can only be discovered in the future and over time. Why was it acceptable to run in that particular moment as opposed to others over the last 10 years? I am sure that there were other times that she was alone in the home. Even in this, we don;t see that the other ladies tried to escape with Amanda at all. We don't know, at this point, actually what happened.
The only thing that it appears that we can do is pray for the full recovery of these ladies and that justice will be imposed against their captors. For sure, the answers to these and more questions may open many eyes.
Blessed!
Pray for Charles first that he be saved and secondly that his strength doesn't fail with this media rollercoaster.
1 Cor. 6:18 ~ "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a
person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against
their own body."(NIV 2011)
I have previously written a post on the biblical position and basis for divorce and remarriage. In that post I specifically dealt with the biblical instructions regarding the institution of marriage and the permissibility of both divorce and remarriage under certain circumstances. While divorce is only a last option when all other forms of reconciliation have failed it is a reality for many and a path that some have had to cross.
I will primarily address how Christians should best respond to the "third party" or the character involved in marital infidelity. This person is usually called "the other woman", and in a growing number of cases it is called "the other man" who now becomes and is the "third party". In some cases it is a whole or complete institution, such as a strip club or some other form of entertainment. I will not deal with the latter in this article.
The Dunamis Word unites with the rest of the country and even the world in prayer for all of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. May the grace of the Lord and continued strength be upon all.
The Hunt Is On!
One thing that President Obama can't be criticized for is the fact that when he says, "we will find you and bring you to justice", you can count on it! Yesterday, the FBI released the following video of the suspected Boston Marathon bombers (as they have become known)
Overnight, suspect 1(the one in front) was allegedly killed in a firefight with police that included handheld grenades and an extreme shoot out with certain "unknown" police. Boston.com reported the following of the eventst:
"The suspect is Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19, a government official told the Globe. The Associated Press reported this morning that the suspects came from the Russian region near Chechnya, which has been plagued by an Islamic insurgency.The Globe has also learned that the dead suspect is Tsarnaev’s brother.
An MIT police officer was killed and an MBTA Transit Police officer, Richard H. Donahue Jr., was wounded. Ten police officers were being evaluated at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton early this morning, according to a source, who said the officers said they were hurt from grenades being thrown from the window of a car during a car chase. The source did not have information about where the officers were from or the nature of their injuries"
So it seems that the terrorists responsible for this activity are cornered and will be brought to justice either by the government or God himself.
Could There Be 3 Or More?
In cases such as this, rarely are things confined to one or two individuals. Although his 26 year old brother is dead, the 19 year old remains on the run (see below for additional info) Usually there is a network of persons and people who have provided input and assistance. I believe that a possible 3rd person is right before our eyes in the video as well. It appears to be a woman with a yellow jacket, with a backpack across both her shoulders, holding a cell phone and following the 2 alleged suspects from somewhat of a greater distance. Do you see her in all the frames of the video? I do. There even could possibly be 4 persons outlined. Until now, I have heard no one mention how 3 individuals following one another in such close company, who primarily have the same equipment, may all be suspect in this case. The focus has been on 2 men, who were initially thought to be Black or of Saudi Arabian descent.
City On Lockdown, Guns Drawn & Helicopters
Although the President has already made a visit to the city, some say way too prematurely (a sentiment to which I agree) officials in Boston have already told their residents to stay in their homes and that the city is basically closed for business. According to current reports, the younger of the two murderers is trapped in Watertown, MA and may have planted bombs and be ready to fight to the death. The police have responded as swiftly as they could. Yet, terror fills the streets of not only this city, but countless cities all over the country. Could this be a signal to others to step up their efforts? Or could it be a diversion? have you heard of North Korea since this began?
Test Run?
Since the actions of these individuals evidently passed the ramped up efforts of the Dept. Of Homeland Security and every other agency placed in charge of American overall domestic security and safety, I began to wonder is this was some sort of a "test run" for the new terrorists.
In a test run of domestic terror, I would believe that criminals such as this would simply test to see how far they can go and what they could get away with and to what point would their actions be stopped. In this case, creating the incident is one thing, watching how officials respond is another.
What We Have Seen In This Case?
We have seen a President far to eager to come into a hot crime scene to personally encourage victims. This is a problem. Not one criminal had been apprehended when he arrived and nobody knew who was responsible for these events. What if there was a second "sleeper cell" ready to make a play and attempt to kill the President and officials? As stated, we have seen a Homeland Security Dept. that had no idea that a threat was eminent. So this establishes a pattern for other to follow. How did they do it? What devices and systems did they use to bypass all efforts to intercept terrorist activity? We have seen the public deliver misinformation initially claiming that the suspects were Black men or dark skinned Arabs. We have seen local police deliver conflicting and in some cases wrong information. We have seen a time frame of piecing together evidence so extended until any potential criminal could have long been gone from the scene and region IF they didn't want to get caught or reach more havoc.
There is suspicion that these individuals also laid low in small town USA. On the same day in Quincy, IL. there was a raid on a home in which pipe bombs were being manufactured and this was reportedly after someone had set a bomb off in an open area of town. Could terrorists be testing the method of delivery of their terror and a way to byass authority to deliver their evil directly to the public?
The Trust & Rising Faith Of The Saints
Ps. 91:5 ~ Thou shalt not be
afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by
day;
Terrorists are enemies of righteousness and even more enemies of God. They are spineless cowards that must hide behind threats and destructive actions, living a fake and pretend life to be successful. They are inspired of the devil himself. It is evil men that have allowed themselves to be used in this manner. Plain and simple.
Of a certainty, these are the times and days in which our soul is being tried. These are perilous times. However, as believers, our trust must remain in the Lord. He and he only he is our keeper and is a very present help even in the face of terror and terrorism. God and trust in HIM is the antidote to all fear. Yes, we may walk "the valley of the shadow of death" but HE is with us with a rod and a staff that comforts us.(Ps. 23).
Saints and believers around the country can unite with those in Boston in an even greater way. Unite in prayer, because in spite of what the critic thinks, prayer changes things. God yet responds to believing prayer and petition. Survivors must be comforted and encouraged that this life is not the end of things. That there will be an ultimate justice and ultimate price that every terrorist will pay to a just and upright God. In God's eyes, ever life is important and every one means something. If there is no God, then everything is all meaningless. but because HE lives, we can all face tomorrow.
Criminals will get caught, Boston will heal and we will get better in the name of the Lord and with the help of Christ. I know that to be truth!
Recently BAR magazine delivered the teachings of Dr. Bart Ehrman to light as he did an expose on how Jesus the man became venerated as deity.
Building on and reaffirming his self proclaimed "agnosticism" the American New Testament scholar, currently the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, took about 45 minutes to make his case, beginning with a 2 minute presentation of a parallel called "One remarkable Life" based on the life of Apollonious of Tyana, who was said to have many of the same appellations of Jesus, claiming that there were "many" son of God myths during that time, flying around the pagan (non-Jewish) world.
In his diatribe he claims that Apollonious of Tyana was an incarnation, born of a virgin, was a miracle worker, suffered at the hands of Romans, and experienced resurrection...in other words, Apollonius's life was parallel to Jesus life during the same historical time, therefore the recorded events of Jesus life and even Jesus himself was not specially unique for the time. The peanut gallery asks: Is any of this true? Well some is and some isn't, and what isn't makes the total difference.
Unraveling The Tangled Web Of Deception
Unfortunately, Dr. Ehrman continues to persist in partial and half truths to make and promote whole and complete lies. In the Facebook group In Defense Of The Faith, I took the time to outline Dr. Ehrman's flawed starter argument in the following manner:
"In this discourse Dr. Ehrman sets out to prove how Jesus became the "Christ" or how he became divine. He, like Robert Price, are building off a discredited hero thesis by English folklorist Lord Raglan who claimed that all hero myths of antiquity shared 22 traits. Price claims that Jesus had all 22 and therefore was nothing more than a hero myth.
As comedian Arsenio Hallused to say...in life there are some "things that make you go Hmmmmm" This is simply one of those things...
In a recent interview with EEW, from rags to riches preacher, entrepreneur and HOLLYWOOD MOVIE PRODUCER Bishop T D Jakes said the following regarding the "Hollywood spirit":
“I am so sick of this Hollywood spirit that has overtaken the church!”...
“We do not have to have big names to have a big move of God.”...
“I was saved for years and didn’t see anybody who was on TV,”...
“We gotta put this Hollywood spirit out of the church and go back to moving in the power of the Holy Ghost."
What Bishop Jakes refers to as the "Hollywood spirit" is the star and super important mentality that he has in part been responsible for delivering to the doorsteps of the modern church. I'll speak more on that later, but this is also the same "Hollywood spirit" that Juanita Bynum (now Juanita II) declared to be dead in 1999 at the last Soul Winner's Conference held by the late Bishop G E Patterson in Memphis, TN. (before she became all the way Hollywood oriented herself)
The Meta-Ethical Foundation For Morality
In his writings and debates, and to the disdain of many atheists, Dr. William Lane Craig has rightly, aptly and correctly stated the following:
"Are the values we hold dear and guide our lives by mere social conventions akin to driving on the left versus right side of the road or mere expressions of personal preference akin to having a taste for certain foods or not? Or are they valid independently of our apprehension of them, and if so, what is their foundation? Moreover, if morality is just a human convention, then why should we act morally, especially when it conflicts with self-interest? Or are we in some way held accountable for our moral decisions and actions?
Today I want to argue that if God exists, then the objectivity of moral values, moral duties, and moral accountability is secured, but that in the absence of God, that is, if God does not exist, then morality is just a human convention, that is to say, morality is wholly subjective and non-binding. We might act in precisely the same ways that we do in fact act, but in the absence of God, such actions would no longer count as good (or evil), since if God does not exist, objective moral values do not exist. Thus, we cannot truly be good without God. On the other hand, if we do believe that moral values and duties are objective, that provides moral grounds for believing in God." ~ Dr. William Lane Craig "The Indispensability of Theological Meta-Ethical Foundations for Morality"
In 1994, shortly before his own murder, NBC's Stone Phillips sat down with the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and his family (Mother & Father) to discuss and try to uncover the cause and details of Jeffrey's sick and sadistic criminal acts and murders that he perpetuated on individuals since he was approximately age 18.
At the time of the crime, Jeffrey was a materialist, an atheist. What is interesting is that at the time of the interview, Dahmer himself alluded to the fact that his worldview was sufficient foundation for his actions. Here is some of what he said:
"...I always believed the lie that evolution is truth..the theory of evolution is truth...that we all just came from the slime, and when we died, y'u-know, that was it. There's nothing. So The whole theory cheapens life"...
First: I wish to thank ALL of the readers of this blog for your ongoing support, readership and encouragement. Whether you agree or disagree with my assessments and commentary, I hope that you find this blog a place to share, expand and grow your thoughts. I appreciate YOU!
"The concern is that redefining marriage as a genderless institution will sever its abiding connection to its historic traditional procreative purposes, and it will refocus..refocus the purpose of marriage and the definition of marriage away from the raising of children and to the emotional needs and desires of adults...of adult couples." ~ Attny: Charles J. Cooper
This week the United States Supreme Court heard arguments on the Constitutionality of California's Prop 8 which banned gay marriage in that state, and the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) which defines marriage within the United states as a gender specific union between a man and a woman. These are two powerful arguments with far reaching implications for all Americans and not only Californians or Hawaiians, (the venues from which these issues arose) and those individuals in states in which gay marriage is also the law. The Court's decision, estimated to be announced in June or July 2013, is set to be interpreted as the standard on the issue of gay marriage for the country, and of course, has sparked a renewed debate between those who hold views of traditional marriage and others who claim that the fight for gay marriage is a civil right's fight and specifically a fight for marriage "equality".
To be clear, the ONLY arguments that the court can consider are legal arguments. Explicitly moral arguments cannot be considered by the court even if the subject has moral implications as both of these issues obviously do. With that said, what is being legislated and promoted is a secular sense of modern moral relativism or relativistic thought regarding the issue of homosexuality in general and the acceptance of the practice or behavior as "normal".
What amazed me, as I listened to the banter from the Justices and the responses from the lawyers, especially them in favor of the homosexual right to marry, was the need to make the assumption that homosexuality and homosexual marriage was publicly accepted. In fact in the DOMA argument, Attorney Ms. Kaplan, claimed that the American opinion of homosexual acceptance had undergone a "sea-change" since 1996, when these issues began to arise in the court of public opinion. Although she was hard pressed to provide evidence of her assertions, (especially in light of the fact that over half the country has through referendum and legislative acts, rejects the homosexual definition and version of marriage) she at least argued like she really believed it.
Almost 5 years in the making, IMBKCAC was created to address the needs of victims of church related abuse and clergy sexual abuse. As noted in our article on the John Jay College Report to the College of Bishops of the Catholic Church, the numbers say that within the Catholic Church there has been slightly over 6,100 priests responsible for the sexual defilement of slightly over 16,300 people since 1950. Although protestant churches have never been polled as a group, according to news reports and insurance company statistics, the numbers of individuals affected quickly add up to indicate that there is a moral value ethic lacking among Christian leadership and churches as it pertains to dealing with some of the more vulnerable persons associated with the church.
Ephesians 5:3 ~But fornication, and all uncleanness,
or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Biblically, the moral value ethic that the believer was supposed to embrace was clear. Abstinence from all evil was the standard and the expectation. A purity of lifestyle and conduct was what the church was to follow. However, as we can readily observe, we've come up short. The problem is not so much the "shortness" by itself. Even though that is bad enough, we can be forgiven. The problem is the criminal activity that has come along with it and the denial of dignity to victims who have suffered. In many cases it's simply just throw money at the problem and it will go away. These are ungodly sentiments and are not worthy of the saints and those that call themselves children of God. We must must do our best to reverse the trend. Some feel it may already be too late. Then others are not really convinced that there is a problem. However, the following is for certain:
Insurance Companies Don't Lie About Claims
One way to know and understand current trends is to look at insurance tracking reports. These reports can tell us what is happening. While insurance companies may try to get one not to file a claim, they certainly don't lie about the claims that they have paid or that have been filed. According to the IMBKCAC website from a 2007 insurance company report
"Three companies that insure the majority of Protestant churches in America say they typically receive upward of 260 reports each year of young people under 18 being sexually abused by clergy, church staff, volunteers or congregation members."
Another company, Brotherhood Mutual, says that they have received in excess of 60 claims from churches per year for the last 15 years regarding clergy sexual abuse of minors. Many churches don't have insurance to cover the situation. Some churches are still seduced to live in the past, thinking that enough offering can be raised across the table to meet the needs if these sort of cases arise.
Within COGIC there are some pastors and elders of some jurisdictions that must raise special reports to pay for the financial fallout from these atrocities of sexual abuse or misconduct. While these claims represent a small portion of the overall insurance company annual claims, to say that this is not a serious situation is to say that one is totally ignorant and inept to make any determination as it pertains to the issue. In other words, open your eyes, be quiet, listen, and learn (with all due respect)...
Then, What Of The Victims?
Part of the problem dealing with this issue in general, stems from the stereotype and preconceived notions that victims only want a monetary award. That is NOT necessarily the case. I would hold that there is nobody, not one victim, that has ever contacted my office that has ever wanted money as a primary method of relief or resolution regarding a sexual abuse issue. What people want is to be heard, taken seriously, and be assured that the church, whatever church, is addressing the issue at all levels.
Let me be a little more personal, I can testify of assurity, that within COGIC, too many victims have been denied access to confront their victimizer and have not been given any serious plan of restoration to help them reestablish their lives. Some have been given money, but all have had to endure a culture that caters, in many cases, to abusers who are situational generalists and in some cases pedophiles, as I have pointed out in this POST. The damaging part is that some of them have been allowed to continue, under the auspice of "forgiveness", "love" and "restoration" without any organizational correspondence with or plan of action delivered to those who have been victimized. In other words, the same "love" and enthusiasm for "restoration" has NOT been extended to victims by far and large. these dignities and courtesies have only been extended to them committing the ungodly acts and sins. In essence, there is some sort of twisted allegiance to some of those who have done wrong at the expense of those who have been victimized. These actions and attitudes are ATROCIOUS and indicate a culture that is in total disconnect with the needs of those who have been hurt within our own ranks.
Special note: If you are an official of this church, (COGIC) as I know that certain monitor my efforts even if but discreetly, and you believe that a background check or a sexual harassment policy is a victims advocacy plan, then please follow the instructions in the last line 3 paragraphs previously. You have been misinformed.
IMBKCAC Is For All Churches & Ministries
Some erroneously have stated that we are fighting churches. That is the greatest LIE from hell that has been told regarding our efforts. Of course it is like the devil to not want the environment of the church to be a safe and wholesome one for ALL individuals. Independent ministries and churches or organizational or institutional churches and ministries, if your organization does not have a victim's advocacy plan, then you or your officials need to contact IMBKCAC. You simply cannot function without a plan to address the needs of victims and potential victims, should trouble arise. Your reputation, status in the community and sincerity in dealing with these issues in favor of the hurting, are all in question without an adequate plan. If you have a plan, I will personally review your current plan and make recommendations for improvement free of charge.
If You've Been Hurt or Suffered, You Have An Ally
On a personal and individual level, if you have been victimized in any way by your church or other religious organization, or by anyone in or representing those churches, regardless of organizational affiliation or denomination, contact IMBKCAC for help and a personal plan of restoration. Suffering from church related abuse and sexual abuse is like suffering alone. Do not let title, position or fear of how others may perceive you stop you from gaining the valuable deliverance and help that you need and that is essential to your life and living....THE STORM IS OVER...come in out of the rain!!!!
How Can I Help?
First, you may wish to click the Paypal link and provide a donation for the support of this ministry. There is much that must be done to get this message out and as they say, "it takes money to buy land". In this case it will take resources from individuals willing to promote this message to make the message available to all. Secondly, IMBKCAC would like to establish a network of individuals and churches in all parts of the country who will help deliver this message of restoration to those who come forth in their community. Please contact me for details so that you can discover how you can personally be responsible for lifting those who have been abused in your area and turning the tide of disgrace away from an issue that has impacted the lives of millions of Americans and millions of individuals within the Christian church itself.
Recently, in performing some additional research for I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council, I came across a 2011 report from the John Jay College Research Team, which did one of the most comprehensive studies in recent times into the nature of clergy sexual abuse and misconduct within the Catholic Church.
The results of the study were amazing and the information and suggestions that arose from it will be examined for years. There were some interesting notions, which I thought are apropos to our time and efforts in both understanding the mindset which has facilitated abuse within the church and understanding the urgency of delivering restoration of those who have been victimized and are hurting. one thing is for sure, if we look at this as simply a "Catholic issue", then we have missed the boat. This is a Christian faith issue and no matter what church one may attend, there are problems, whether one is aware of them or not.
Well this is a scandalous day to say the least. it seems that every week something new is being revealed or coming to the surface regarding certain persons and those who you thought were your "greatest" ministry personality. There are numerous reasons for this. first, God ALONE is the only one due worship and allegiance. God is certainly reminding us that all "flesh is as grass" (Isa. 40:6, 1 Pet. 1:24), no one is to be worshiped or exalted but HIM.
With that said, and speaking of "scandal", in a story carried by none other more rigorously than Mr. Obnoxious himself, William G. McCray, it seems that the often worshiped founder of Empowerment Temple, Jamal Bryant, has made an open confession in response to a March 2013 editorial of Ebony Magazine. In the article Ebony set forth an examination of modern day scandals referring to the event which allegedly dissolved Jamal's marriage. Reportedly, Jamal not only committed adultery with a younger member of his church, he also fathered a child with her. She was later reportedly escorted out of the sanctuary when confronting Jamal about the issue in front of the church.
In a statement (below) the "Alpha Pimp" confesses to "participating" in an affair (what does that mean???) and doing most of the damage, but also claims that Ebony and others are doing even more damage. Well, yes, he did it, and nearly everything else. EXCEPT that, according to him, there were ever any other "minors" involved other than his own children. So that whole incident can be put to rest. (OK...yea, right...)
The Confession
Here's his statement and confession:
For 67 years, Ebony Magazine has been the drum beat for culture in the African American community. John Johnson its beloved founder dedicated his life to safe guarding our image with great integrity. The March 2013 edition has left a hole in my heart. On page 124 they published that it’s alleged I impregnated a 17-year-old member of my church. This accusation is categorically and completely untrue. To publish this with absolutely no source lends itself to reckless endangerment to my children, my congregation and my community. Ebony is not the National Enquirer. A higher standard is required and the statement jeopardizes my ministry to the youth in my church and community. So it is on moral grounds that a retraction is necessary. In 2007 I participated in an extramarital affair that resulted ultimately in the termination of my marriage to my incredible wife Gizelle. NO minors were involved but my minor children have been affected. I don’t want them to have to live through any further unnecessary pain. Matthew 18:15 say’s if your brother has sinned against you go and tell him his fault. I solicit your continued prayers for my family, forgiveness for myself and accountability from Ebony magazine. Flawed but faithful. I remain, Jamal- Harrison Bryant (A Father and Pastor)
So what Jamal is saying (or not saying) is that all the reports were accurate except for the report of him impregnating a 17 year old member. he also suggests that anyone making inaccurate statements are lending to the hurt and stability of his family and all involved.
Now Isn't That A True Pimp Move?
To try to convince YOU that YOU are the cause of the problem for having and formulating your own opinions based on what he did?
Now, don't get me wrong, there is a whole host of internet conversation on what happened and all of that. I am not in that and never been to Empowerment Temple, am not nor have ever been "blessed" by Bryant's ministry and have not and do not care to meet him personally except that he is willing confess, pray and repent. No one who was there, has ever called or emailed me to share their personal story, and I am not looking for such verification, but I (and we) can look at what he said for himself.
The Real Issue
The problem is NOT forgiveness or the ability to forgive. Neither is the church to blame nor is anyone else looking on as "Mr. Alpha" seems to suggest. The problem is the attitude that anyone else can do more damage to him and his family than he has already done, and the utter lack of accountability, correction and redirection.
Yes, this is tough. It's not easy when sins are dragged out before the world. It's even more tough to realize that you have failed and disgraced God, family, the church and community...but it is down right arrogance that blames those who see and know it for making you feel "uncomfortable" or for telling what they know.
This leads to what the modern minister feels is "good enough" so far as repentance is concerned. For them, anyone "talking" (at least those not saying what they want to hear) is "negative" and is not being godly. The onlookers and the ones who have paid their tithe, and faithfully and diligently served, are at fault when they demand a full accounting and a better standard. These are tricks of the "alpha pimp" trade. under the theme that the "mission" is greater than any sin that one can commit, those seems to expect to simply go on, bypass an accounting for self and sin and blame those that are disturbed by the sins claiming that they are somehow at fault. This type of response is almost as big of, if not even more, of a lie than the original sinful and dastardly acts that led to the incidence.
Now, Jamal claims that those talking are making it difficult for his family, when the truth is that he didn't care about any of that at the time he looked over his congregation and chose an illicit lover. There is absolutely no one that will have a greater concern and care for his children than he does. evidently he didn't care, why and how does he expect Ebony, McCray or anyone else to care?
The problem is not failure. Certainly we have all sinned in one form or another. The problem is the arrogance in dealing with it and blaming others for our sins. It seems that if others don;t tell the story, we will tell it ourselves, because the TRUTH simply must be told. One thing is for sure, the word of God is right:
Luke 12:2-3 ~ 2-For there is nothing
covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3-Therefore whatsoever ye
have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have
spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
May the LORD have mercy on us all as we kneel down, bowing our soul and seeking HIS face!!!!!
Ephesians 5:11-12 ~ 11-And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove
them. 12-For it is a shame
even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret
Like my friends on Sesame Street taught me a long time ago...one of these things belong here and one of these things do not...
The nations top selling gospel music artist, Dr. Marvin Sapp recently hooked up with business mogul and star of "The Real Housewives Of ATL", Kandi Burress to produce a song called "Prayed Up" which seems to have taken the I-tunes, gospel music world by storm.
Well, if that were all there was to the story, that would be the end of it. However, the problem is that it seems that two individuals have come together to "praise the Lord" that have two diametrically opposing lifestyles and understandings of God and godly standards all together.
One one hand there is this:
"I wanna thank @Kandi for sharing her heart through song in a different genre and asking me to be apart of that process..."(Dr. Marvin Sapp)
Pastor Dr. Marvin(I guess a little gospel is better than no gospel) Sapp, pastor, gospel singer, formerly of the gospel group Commissioned, one that generally has a good reputation as it pertains to lifestyle and belief system. One could clearly call him a Christian by the fruit that he bears and his confession of faith and purity of lifestyle.
Then on the other hand there is this:
"I knew when I decided to do it that I would be criticized. That's to be expected,"..."I am honest about who I am. My great grandfather and my grandfather were Bishops in The Church of God Holiness. I believe in God but I have always struggled with the rules of the church, just like a lot of people." (Ms. Kandi Burress)
Kandi Burress, daughter of a bishop, entrepreneur, secular singer, secular record producer and secular song writer, formerly of the secular group Xscape, never been married, one child and currently lives with a man to whom she is not married ie: SHACKIN'-UP or what can be called "playin' house". One more thing, as you know, Kandi, also owns an internet company that sells, of all things, items geared to enhance one's sexual performance and or pleasure. These things are often called "sex toys".
Controversy & Criticism, Separating The Issues:
"I took the saying that we say" ("stay prayed up") "and made my testimony with it"
In an impromptu interview on Am 1690, WVON Chicago on Thursday Feb. 21st, Ms. Burress explained her surprise at the recent criticism, primarily from the church, over the fact that she endorses prayer, and claims a spiritual life while she continues in her sins. In the interview Kandi endorsed writing and singing her new gospel single "Prayed Up" as expanding her influence by using her "worldliness" to give her the ability to "reach" more people than those who are less "worldly" or that just sing gospel. In other words her "worldliness" becomes the power of her witness, not the holiness or the power of God.
If you've been sexually abused or victimized or are trying to overcome the burden of clergy or church related sexual abuse, call I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council (IMBKCAC) at (800)827-7279 or email us at Imbkcac@gmail.com for a confidential assessment of your situation and prayer. We know that there is a Balm in Gilead.
Surprising as it may seem, advocating on behalf of victims of sexual abuse can be a challenging task. Educating the public that there is a problem and that sexual abuse has a significant and ongoing consequence is more than half the battle. Why? It is because victims of sexual abuse appear to be and function like everyone else. They are Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, Pastors, Teachers, Professors, Bus Drivers, Deacons, Politicians, Business Owners and almost anything else you can name in society. They are religious, non-religious and even atheists. They are gay, they are straight, they are even celibate. They are the highly educated, they are self-driven, they are the educationally illiterate and the most slothful. they are children and in many cases grown folk who have trusted individuals even to their own hurt. There are no distinguishing marks, characteristics or boundaries by which their experience can be known, distinguished or determined. They are those who don't fit the "mold" whatever that "mold" is or might be.
Distinguishing who they are or who has been abused is one thing. Assessing the damages associated with the abuse is another. For example, recently, I had a conversation with an attorney who has a substantial practice dealing with recovery from auto accidents and product negligence. When I explained a certain situation relating to victims needs as a result of sexual abuse, the first thing they asked was what were the damages? When I explained the mental and emotional trauma and the unwanted sexual advances and the crime in general, the attorney was still hard pressed to see the "damages" that would result in an award. You see, even though this person was trained in legal issues, in their mind, in order for their to be a recovery, there had to be an ongoing physical or visible damage in order to make the claim that one has been harmed.
Unless one knew their stories, one would hardly associate any of these people with sexual abuse of any kind because they are the "beautiful people" as the world accounts it. They are popular, successful, rich and famous. Certainly they have no problems, or at least not common problems right? Yet all of them have experienced abuse or some form of sexual crime perpetrated against them. All of them have felt at the end of their lives at a certain point in their life, prayed, and asked why this horrible crime of sexual abuse was done to them. All of them have dealt with feelings, inclinations, and emotions that they didn't ask for, and had to work their way through. Some of them, turned to promiscuity, some turned to homosexuality, some became religious, spiritual, and even highly versed in secular matters. Many others handle this sort of abuse in many different ways. Thank God, that all of these people survived, but stop and ask yourself for a minute, how many didn't make it? Yes, these have all survived, and become highly successful, but what they went through was nothing to envy by anyone not having their experience. To suggest that they hadn't been "damaged" by the actions of their aggressor would be an insult to any intelligent human being and especially to any Christian in touch with Christian moral values in view and in light of the fact that rape is a crime.
We stop to mourn the loss of a bright and beautiful teenager who's untimely death unfortunately represents a reality for many of our families and today's youth. Ms. Hadiya Pendleton, like so many youth, was doing what she was supposed to be doing when tragedy came and sought her out and took her young life.
Changing The Culture
Chicago has suffered over 43 homicides this year and most of those have been among Black youth. This is a tragedy repeated over and over in our city streets. It simply must stop.
I have heard that many sociologists believe that when something is believed for about a 25 year duration of time (a generation by many accounts) that there is a paradigm shift in the culture itself so far as beliefs and subsequent behaviors are concerned. The Black community has been subject to the message of "no snitching" and "silence" for so long that there is a new standard of morality that believes that people should simply endure the abuse of criminals in the name of being "Black" and remain silent.
Let it be clear, people that hurt, harm and endanger your family, neighborhoods, and communities don't care about YOU. They care less about your well being no matter how well you know them or their family. Like Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, they are PUNKS and further, Community Terrorists, that need to be placed in jail or taken off the streets As we will note, there is something that we must do as church to redeem these before they passed the point of no return.
Community Hero
Some years ago, I developed the Community Hero program. Community hero is designed to do one thing, combat the message and image that fighting for our community and turning in criminals is a bad thing and makes one a "snitch". Riding the neighborhood of community terrorists makes you a HERO, not a snitch. You are a HERO for fighting for what is right and sharing the information necessary to liberate your family and community.
The "no snitch" message has been successful because it was first delivered in 2004 by the gang and drug sales culture through hip-hop music and the hip-hop culture. This is why it has such a stronghold on our youth and on our streets. This message has existed for years based on mistrust of the government and authority.
The problem is that authorities left plenty of evidence for why the community can't trust them. The "war on drugs" we all know now was no more than a war on Blacks...and that is simply the ugly fact...That so called war, destroyed the family for multiple generations in the Black community removing the men and we can all see the results. So YES...there is a distrust of authority that cannot go overlooked and should be addressed if the intent is to overcome the problem and renew this generation.
The Community Hero message needs to be delivered to children first and needs to continue to be perpetuated so that our youth can be affirmed that doing the right thing for others, is the right thing for them as well.
Responsibility & Accountability
In addition, authorities, have an obligation to protect those who come forth with information. As we mentioned, the business of crime is what it is. A business and there are both clients and managers of it. However, as community advocates we must strive to make our police departments tow the line, no matter how difficult or touchy it may be. Yes it takes some "in your face' conversations in order to help the community as a whole. That we must be committed to do.
The Sleeping & Self Serving Church
Thank God that we can have a "good time" in fellowship and service with the Lord. However, if we want our neighborhoods delivered of crime and violence, the institution of the church must first become involved and engaged in what is going on in the neighborhoods. Unfortunately, in many of these crime ridden neighborhoods, the church is a sleeping, money collecting giant. Much of the crime occurs wight in the church neighborhood. Some stick their head out to prop up a tent for a few days, feed a few folk every now and then, or may offer clothes or direct towards shelter and bill pay, but what about the more enduring and substantive issues?
A Real Gospel Centered Moral Message
Rather than giving them what they are trying to rid themselves of, like more hip-hop music and worldly personas, what about changing the minds hearts, and attitudes of the individuals most likely to perpetrate crime and violence and subsequently spend their life in prison or tied to the system? It is certainly more convenient to pass them along and allow the same government, that we distrust, to effect change, but what are we really doing? Beyond Sunday AM, is the church engaging and challenging the community, advocating for better services, speaking to our young men encouraging and teaching them to be Fathers and speaking to our young ladies supporting them that all is not lost, that there still is a bright hope for the future? Are we challenging political leaders or simply making as many friends with politicians as we possibly can?
No, challenging and holding folk accountable, is not profitable monetarily. It won;t make the church overflow with members either. However, it is rewarding to see lives change for the better, but it takes some laborers. It takes some individuals dedicated to the cause, willing to deal with the same ignorance that once entrapped themselves. BUT it is worth it! Lives will be saved and communities can change as a result.
Conclusion
Someone along the way could possibly have been the catalyst that saved, if not Hadiya, countless other young ladies and men. Being the one that is in touch with the community may stop some young person or aged person for that matter, from doing something as stupid as shooting in a crowd of people killing and taking an innocent life. That is foolishness, stupidity and WE, the truly empowered church cannot rest. We must do something about what we face and believe me, we will.
Please pray for Hadiya's family and for the many other countless lives that have been left to suffer in the wake of this modern crime spree. This young lady was much greater than any tragedy and I believe that in her death, she will live on as a motivating force for those of us left to do more than what we have done.
Pray that those who know who did this will be a HERO and come forward with information to help this family heal. It is time for a change, and it must begin with someone, it may as well be with YOU!
We believe God can turn around any situation. I still yet trust that he will.
Health Insurance For All Needs: Traveling? Student? Foriegn National? Temporary Needs? Click Banner:
Business Leaders, Pastors, Ministers, International Missions Leaders, Those On Mission Who Will Reside In The US Or Elsewhere, Click One Of The Banners Below:
Major & Temporary Medical Insurance ~ Get Quotes Online Illinois & Texas Residents
What Are The Primary Prohibitions Against An Obama 2012 Re-election?
What Are The Greatest Challenges To The Modern Church? (Please choose any 3)
Results Of Previous Polls
Can A Minister be A Homosexual Or Lesbian & Remain Anointed?
Yes ~ 6% (16 votes)
*No ~ 89% (231 votes)
Only God Knows ~ 3% (10 votes)
It depends Upon The Level Of Struggle ~ 0% (2 votes)
In Your Opinion Can A Homosexual Truly Be A Christian?
Yes ~ 12% (33 votes)
*No ~ 83% (213 votes)
Honestly, I Don't Know ~ 3% (9 votes)
Yes, Because I'm One ~ 0% (1 vote)
Are TV & Media Ministries To Blame For The Current Condition Of The Church?
Yes ~ 24% (52 votes)
No ~ 15% (33 votes)
*Not Totally, But They Haven't Helped ~ 46% (98 votes)
Our problems Are Beyone The Pulpit ~ 19% (42 votes)
What Do You See As The Biggest Threat To Modern Christianity?
Clergy Sexual Abuse ~ 20% (43 votes)
*Homosexuality ~ 46% (98 votes)
Atheism ~ 13% (29 votes)
Humanism ~ 34% (73 votes)
Other ~ 21% (46 votes)
Is The Gospel Music Industry In Trouble?
2009 Poll closed In 2010
Yes, FInancially ~ 7% (4 votes)
*Yes, morally & Spiritually ~ 86% (45 votes)
No ~ 3% (2 votes)
No More Than Most Of The Music Industry ~ 9% (5 votes)
Can The Gospel Music Industry Be Reformed?
2009 Poll Closed In 2010
*Yes, It Should Be Reformed By The Artists Themselves ~ 48% (23 votes)
No, It Is Beyond Repair ~ 14% (7 votes)
As An Industry, It Should Not Exist Anyway ~ 36% (17 votes)
Should Gospel Music Ever Be Presented Without The Preached Word?
2009 Poll Closed In 2010
Yes, Music Is An Effective Witnessing Tool ~ 17% (9 votes)
*No, Music Should Only Be Used In Conjunction With The Gospel Message ~ 71% (4 votes)
Everyone Doesn't Need Preaching All The Time ~ 7% (4 votes) I Will Study This Topic More Indepth ~ 3% (2 votes)
Should Gospel Artists Subscribe To A National Ethics Statement?
2009 Poll Closed In 2010
Yes, Any Help Would Be A Plus ~ 22% (10 votes)
*No, The Only Ethic Should Be The Bible ~ 52% ( 23 votes)
It Depends Upon What Type Of Standards Are Set Forth ~ 6% (3 votes)
That Would Be Another Futile Effort ~ 18% (8 votes)
Do You Believe that A Christian Can Have Or Be Posessed By A Demon?
2009 Poll Closed In 2010
Yes ~ 35% (15 votes)
*No ~ 59% (25 votes)
It Depends Upon How Bad Their Actions ~ 0%
What Else Could Explain The Behavior? ~ 4% (2 votes)
Do You Belive That Homosexuality Is A Demonic Spirit? 2009 Poll Closed In 2010
*Yes, and it should be cast out ~ 59% (29 votes) No ~ 22% (11 votes)
It depends upon the level of struggle or temptation ~18% (9 votes)
[Many over 200 votes per poll were lost and unable to be recovered by the system in the most recent polls.]
ARE YOU VOTING IN THE 2012 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION? (Closed 11/4/2012 open approximately 1 year)
Yes~ 75% (240 votes) No ~ 13% (43 votes) Yes, but not for office of the President 10%(33 votes)
Should faith shape who we should vote for? (2012) No, politics & faith don't mix ~ 33% (73 votes)
Yes, faith determines how we should vote ~ 66% (143 votes)
Does President Obama deserve to be re-elected? (2012)
Yes ~ 44% (319 votes)
No ~ 39% (281 votes)
Maybe not, but I'll take him over the alternative ~ 16% (120 votes)
Evangelist Tony Leyva
"Are the values we hold dear and guide our lives by mere social conventions akin to driving on the left versus right side of the road or mere expressions of personal preference akin to having a taste for certain foods or not? Or are they valid independently of our apprehension of them, and if so, what is their foundation? Moreover, if morality is just a human convention, then why should we act morally, especially when it conflicts with self-interest? Or are we in some way held accountable for our moral decisions and actions?
Kandi Burress, daughter of a bishop, entrepreneur, secular singer, secular record producer and secular song writer, formerly of the secular group Xscape, never been married, one child and currently lives with a man to whom she is not married ie: SHACKIN'-UP or what can be called "playin' house". One more thing, as you know, Kandi, also owns an internet company that sells, of all things, items geared to enhance one's sexual performance and or pleasure. These things are often called "sex toys".
A Real Gospel Centered Moral Message 
