Repentance, Restoration & Dr. Earl Carter

In the most recent turn of events within the Church Of God In Christ, Dr. Earl Carter, who was formerly anathematized by previous COGIC leadership, openly displayed his willingness to repent of past statements which fanned the flame of discord within the church. 

Dr. Earl Carter

Taking the opportunity to reset his relationship with the church at the side of Presiding Bishop J Drew Sheard, Dr. Carter openly stated his regret for having said things out of anger in times past and has asked the church to enter into renewed relationship and understanding with him. 

In short, this renewal and reset is A GOOD THING! But what of his ECHO CHAMBER???

Remember, many of the most bombastic statements, including those stating that our former Presiding Bishop Blake was a homosexual and potentially engaged in homosexual relationships, and further, that many, if not most, of our leaders where also engaged in nefarious, ungodly and even sexually and spiritually deviant activities were ECHOED by many claiming themselves to be members and associates of the Church Of God In Christ. 

COGIC Presiding Bishop
J Drew Sheard

'SPEAKING TO DR. CARTER'  ~ The Dunamis Word 12/23/2015

Early on, as I state in the above referenced POST, Dr. Carter was seeking to use and distort every bit of information for his purposes of destruction and defamation. At the time, as I point out, he attempted to distort information that he had gained from this blog and use it against COGIC leadership. In that error of ungodliness he was promoted by many individuals, some of whom I can name along with receipts of their statements. In other words he had an audience who felt similar to himself and wanted that confusion to continue. 

Repentance is good...but what about RESTORATION? 

Restoration is a principle of repentance and even an obligation towards them who have committed evil. In a Facebook post by Pastor Carey Gidron Sr. Pastor Gidron Sr encouraged Dr. Carter to not only make a repentance in general, but to also go directly to the one, Bishop Charles E Blake (and others), and make his appeal of repentance to them as they were the object of his offense. Pastor Gidron Sr. wrote the following:

"Bishop Sheard, as our Presiding Bishop, is right to lead with grace. I stand with him in that. He has handled this matter not with personal bias, but in the wisdom of his office. However, we must be clear: this is a matter that deeply wounded Bishop Blake, his family, West Angeles , and the very moral fabric of our denomination.

Therefore, I appeal to the saints and to the leadership of this Church: if Dr. Carter is truly repentant, then the path to restoration must mirror the public weight of the offense. He should humbly and directly seek open forgiveness—not only from Bishop Blake, but from the Blake family, the General Board, and the saints at large. He was direct in his public accusations; his apology must be equally public and sincere.

We cannot look at the Blake family and say, “Just get over it.” We cannot say to West Angeles, “Move on.” No, No, No!!!—true restoration must go through the ones who were wounded, not around them. We do not get to dictate the timeline of another person’s healing. If someone publicly tears down a father, the sons have every right to be part of the redemptive process." (Facebook: 'Appeal To The Global Body Of Christ'

Will the faithful HATERS repent too??? 

Although that remains to be seen, one thing is certain, as we enter into this time where we celebrate the RESURRECTION of Jesus and the certainty of the  of the faith upon which we stand, which is encapsulated in love and forgiveness, there is no better time for repentance, forgiveness and restoration of all things pertaining to Christ. 

I bid Dr. Carter well and prayerfully the Grand Old Church will continue to heal, not just over this, but over other things that have hampered the ministry over the years.

Blessed!

Read more!

Sexually Abused Within The Context Of The Church? We'd Love To Hear Your Story

All abuse is devastating. Church related abuse is especially excruciating due to the fact that not only have boundaries been crossed through the act of abuse, but very nature of the abuse itself undermines confidence and understandings regarding the nature of God.

Are you a sexual abuse survivor, or do you know of someone walking through this path? Please know that there is HOPE and HELP. Many have found that sharing their story is therapeutic. We would like to hear how you survived. 

Please complete this confidential contact form at I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council. If necessary and if requested someone will reach out to you for prayer and as always a confidential interaction. 

Remember...THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD!
PLEASE CLICK THE PICTURE

Read more!

The DIRTY MAN...Is Not Hidden, Can't Stop God & Will Be Judged

As I look back, I see that having embarked on the ministry of sexual abuse was very timely and continues to be life changing and eye opening. 

It seems that the message was certainly not overlooked. God gave me a message that would sit right at the dinner table with many of the most vile abusers. I receive information, many times after the fact, of what was done and the impact of my work in helping to bring attention to the issue of church related abuse, and healing of those who survived. I am proud, in Christ, to say, THANK YOU JESUS for the opportunity to serve in this capacity! 

While the young lady, whom I will bring focus to in this post, and I have never crossed paths in the City of Chicago, interestingly, her abuser and myself did. Unfortunately, we served in the same Jurisdiction, and at least on one occasion, even ate at the same table. As I reflect, God sent me to the right place at the right time with the right message. My last interaction in that jurisdiction, I was invited to this predator's church in the guise of a Jurisdiction function. I am proud to say, that I told my former Bishop, the Late Bishop Robert Sanders of Il. 3rd Jurisdiction, that I REFUSED to step foot in a known predator/pedophile's church. Although Bishop Sanders has gone on to his eternal reward, to this day, I haven't step foot in, not darkened the door of that church.  

Now, you can say what you will...doesn't matter to me...nobody has paid my bills but me/us and to God be the glory!!! I wish that as a church we could make such a bold stance to put these sexual abusers out of business. Yes, they are everywhere, in every denomination and seemingly around every corner. Yes, they need to be in church...I would say on their face getting delivered, but they do not need pulpits, and no matter how vocally acrobatic they can be, they need to SIT DOWN and get saved and stop their abuse and molestation and REPAIR the damage that they have done by abusing, misusing and mishandling God's children. It is NOT a "special gift", as pedophile, serial abuser and demon filled Evangelist Tony Levya once said...He abused and sex trafficked over some 700 boys in his ungodly lifetime. It is a damnable, despicable, pathetic sin worthy of the deepest and lowest parts of hell, and those who do not wish to part from their sins, can't go there fast enough in my opinion. 

OK...I got that out...let's get on to the real story at hand...

In 2020, GerVaise Sarah Guyton, at one time, the alleged God-daughter of this particular pedophile freak minister, whom she calls "DIRTY MAN" and "DDM Sr" and titled her book after, was thankfully able to enter into her deliverance and expose the sins of this rejected and clearly unrepentant minister.

In an explicit and no holds barred manner, Mrs. Guyton reveals the truth and goes in depth to the nitty-gritty of the rape and molestation that she experienced and into the depts of the sins that she survived. In this book, "DIRTY MAN A MEMOIR OF HEALING AND DELIVERANCE FROM SEXUAL ABUSE" Mrs. Guyton uncovers this serial pedophile minister who preys on young girls, seeking to defile them, while telling them he is "teaching them" how to have sex and be a good young lady for their future husbands. 

One may say...why isn't this person in jail? While he did go to jail for other offenses, these offenses somehow escaped the statute of limitations in Illinois somehow and he was acquitted of the charges similar to the other alleged pedophile, abusive Bishop I have featured both on this blog and in various related podcasts. Click HERE for the links to that information. 

The amazing thing to me is that after having advocated for survivors of this terrible sin for years, and seen offenders exposed and judged by God, is that some offenders somehow yet believe that they will escape judgement. They believe that their acts of abuse will never be rehearsed. In other words, they are PULPIT ATHEISTS, who DO NOT BELIEVE GOD, nor do they believe that God's word is true, and that he will stand for the least of them, his children! These fakes seek to present themselves as heroes for one reason or another, but are really the scum scraped off the bottom of commercial garbage heaps. 

Some say, "you don't sound like a preacher of redemption"...maybe not...but they didn't sound or look like preachers of redemption when they were raping, abusing, sexually violating and defiling these young ladies and boys now did they??? None of them, including the defiled, illiterate, ungodly and demonically bound parents, and church folk who knew the whole story, but stopped nothing, failed to sound the alarm, and supported these abusers neither sounded or acted like anyone "of redemption" did they???

We seem to offer more excuses for inaction, and tend to resist them bringing deliverance and re-abuse those who have survived these horrific acts of Godless men and in some cases women.  

Victim's Advocacy Is Not Dead

While we get ready for yet another election in COGIC, I do need to remind you, that even though I know of no candidate who has undertaken a serious look at victim's advocacy, or taken serious action  in support of survivors of church related abuse and sexual abuse, VICTIM'S ADVOCACY IS NOT DEAD YET!

What we will see from this blog, as long as it continues, is continued advocacy for those who have been hurt and abused and continued support for those who have suffered and survived this sin straight from the pit of hell. 

Families, sons, daughters, wives and husbands need freedom from what sexual abuse and molestation has done to them. It has shaped some ideals that seem inescapable, some passions that seem to be to great to overcome and some depression that seems to be too low to move through from day to do...All I would say and continue to say is LOOK UP...because your REDEMPTION DRAWS NEAR!!!!

God WILL make a way for you. He will and can take the seemingly destroyed pieces that you have received, and build the most glorious place of refuge for you and your family...GOD CAN...AND GOD WILL!

Closing Prayer:

FATHER, I pray for all them that read this and participate in this blog, that you will strengthen them by your power and might. I pray that you will heal the pain of the soul that some have experienced with your stripes of redemption, and that you will lift hearts above and through the sin of abuse, rape and molestation and help these survivors find higher and greater hopes, aspirations and abundant life...I pray that you will activate the gifts of those holding, receiving and ministering to those who have been hurt, suffered and drained from these egregious sins. I pray that like a mighty  DUNAMIS wind you would use us to charge, energize and call souls back to life and let them live free as never before! Replace despair with hope, strength, love and isolation with vibrant community. Let them know that God's children are blessed...that God's children shall be blessed and strengthened and God's children are in your hands, and you are a very present help and healer in this time of need...Heal them, love them, care for them, and raise them up again...and blaze a bright path of freedom and we enter into a new day filled with joy, laughter, freedom and PARAISE...We will be careful, to give you ALL praise, for YOU are the author and finisher of our faith and in you we are never alone. To you, all praise and honor. 

IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY!

AMEN!!!

Heal SOMEBODY today!!!

Blessed!!! 

Read more!

Your Invitation To Watch Night 2022

This year (2021) has been a year more than most that has taken us as a community of citizens and believers to places that many of us never thought that we would have to venture. It has been a challenge for many, with pandemic/endemic regulation, vaccine regulation, loss of jobs, inflation, social and political unrest, abortion revision, rise in crime and violence and many other things. 

WHAT TIME IS IT?

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” – Hosea 10:12

Welcome to New Year Celebration 2022...It is TIME to seek the Lord for those who didn't already know.  Join us tonight at 11:00PM CST for a WORD from the Lord as we leave 2021 into the great, many, and manifold blessings that the Lord has prepared for us in 2022.

Here is the link to the ZOOM Invitation:

Pastor Harvey Burnett is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: New Bethel COGIC Watch Night 2022 "The Battle Is The Lord's"

Time: Dec 31, 2021 11:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/97095859718?pwd=c3p5ZlNyQWFzZWVodS9WZmJlazUwQT09

Meeting ID: 970 9585 9718

Passcode: p8FUyt

Read more!

Family & Community Restoration, Leandria & Her False Prophetess, and Much More...

After witnessing 2 young ladies on my street nearly come to blows over a young man that wants neither of them, I simply had to say something. And while I was speaking, I decided to speak of some other things, I've been holding as well...

Read more!

IMBKCAC Restoring The Lost & Healing The Broken

Clergy and church related sexual abuse is a devastating plague that according to one insurance company effects over 160 youth per year for over 2 decades. That is over 3,200 youth that have been used, molested or otherwise inappropriately engaged in the context of the church. Where do we go when the institution charged to heal us, becomes defiled and shirks its responsibility and command to love, protect and restore?

I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council exists to bring dignity back to the fight for restoration, justice and the walk of faith. We announce, we're not finished...we've only just begun to fight!  

Read more!

Mary Mary, Overcoming Adultery & TV

In a June 2013 Ebony Magazine article we learned that Tina Campbell, one half of the dynamic music duo, Mary Mary, had been effected by marital infidelity when her husband Teddy chose to have an affair as Tina traveled ministering and making money through the music group. In the Ebony article Tina Said this:

“Once I became aware [of the affair], I initially wanted to kill my husband,”...“I was considering adjusting the will, the living trust and all that kind of stuff. I did physically try to stab him. Several times…I never got to the point of physical harm, not really, but my words…My words hurt.”

Read more!

Does Reconciliation Exist For Jamal H. Bryant?

One of the first things to do is define the term in the title of this post:

Reconciliation: Reconciliation comes from the Greek family of words that has its roots in allasso [ajllavssw]. The meaning common to this word group is "change" or "exchange." Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man or man and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul says that before reconciliation we were powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies; we were under God's wrath (v. 9). Because of change or reconciliation we become new creatures. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ( 2 Cor 5:17 )...Reconciliation is also subjective in that the sinner is spoken of as being reconciled. It is a relationship that comes between man and wife as well as Jew and Gentile. If a person is about to offer a gift at the altar and remembers that he has something against his brother he should leave his gift and be reconciled first to his brother and then come and offer his gift. Reconciliation is something done by the one who offers it; it is not just something that happens to the estranged people. ~ Baker's Online Evangelical Theological Dictionary

Many in ministry today view it as an "inconvenience" when they fail. It is merely a disruption in things that must be "managed". There are PR firms and image management consultants that are hired and go to work to manage and minimize "damage" that has occurred due to sinful behavior.

When all is said and done there is a difference between restoration and reconciliation. There there is a difference between changing because one was "caught" and changing because one is truly sorry. Some instances of reconciliation may take a lifetime. Although we may never know the difference from God's perspective, one thing is for sure, God knows. Certainly we've all made our share of mistakes and committed our share of personal sins, but when one never knows what one is really giving up and what it will take to actually reconcile or be reconciled to God as a result of sins and personal behavior.

Although I will deal with the issue in greater detail in a future post, I wanted to take the time to listen to what Jamal Bryant is actually saying in this video. Is he real? Has he really changed? Did he truly repent or did he repent at all? Please speak on this in the comments section if you can, I am interested to hear commentary on this.    

Remember Jamal's missive to Ebony Magazine regarding their March 2013 "scandal issue" in which he and this incident was named:

"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)

Check Out my post from 2008 that also includes what we know know was accurate information regarding Jamal:  Parlor Tricks & Magic 

Read more!

Marriage & Forgiveness: What That Means For The "Other Woman" (or Man)

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.

Read more!

Mary, Mary, Forgiveness & Restoration

Essence Online presented a statement regarding forgiveness from the Sunday Best judges, none other than the dynamic gospel music duo Mary Mary (Erica & Tina Campbell). Here is what they said:

"Forgiven Me" is my theme song. It really is! I’m harder on myself than I could ever be on others and I need a lot of forgiveness – so I’ve got to constantly remember that when I confess, God forgives. If I’ve hurt someone, broken someone’s heart, made a bad decision, failed to keep a promise -- I’m always sick about it. I can beat myself up for a long time over a mistake I’ve made, so I have to keep preaching to myself, “Tina, God forgave that one. Let it go.”

Of course, whatever I can “naturally” remedy, I do; apologizing, confessing to the person I’ve wounded, but there’s a part of the forgiveness equation that only God can do. And I’m so thankful that He’s faithful to forgive me, when I come up short. God says we’re to forgive others “seventy times seven” in the same generous, not-keeping-score kind of way. But too many times we say we believe God forgave us, and then we refuse to forgive ourselves! Do you see how wrong that is? Listen, if God can forgive me, then I must forgive myself. I can’t keep dragging up the past. If I truly believe the Word of God, which says, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," then you are cool.

You know what eventually happens when we hold and rehearse past sins and mistakes? We convince ourselves that we deserve to live a miserable life -- that no one’s going to love us, that nothing’s going to go our way, and that God will never bless us again. You see what’s wrong with that kind of attitude, don’t you? It completely counts out God’s grace! Sure, it’s good to claim your mistake. Own it. Say, “Yes, I did that. I committed the crime. I told the lie. I hurt innocent people. I hurt myself.” Then, do what Jesus told the woman caught in adultery to do -- the one caught in broad daylight and dragged out onto the street to be stoned for her sin. Go and sin no more. And then agree with God and forgive yourself.

Read more!