What a joy it is to lead someone to Christ! I had that honour last Saturday. I've been helping this couple to sort out some things in their lives and relationship but the young lady did not come on Saturday as previously planned. I was left with the young man alone so I took the time to ask him why he was not a Christian. After a few minutes of discussion around the topic and me outlining the costs of following Christ, he surrendered his life to the Lord. What joy that brings! I will be keeping in touch to see how he grows from here on.
Then, what joy when you see the Lord open doors to expand the vision He has given to you! Much of last week Rev. Teddy Jones, Jude Hector and I worked on a proposal for a national mentoring program in schools in Antigua. We finally got it done on Friday last and it is now with the respective persons in Antigua. Please pray that the Lord gives favour and buy-in at the highest levels and bring the finances to get people trained to begin the process there.
I was sharing this with Rev. Bryan Peart (from the Missionary Church in Jamaica but now residing in St. Kitts) and a friend via Skype on Saturday night - that I had sent in a proposal to someone in Antigua to have the mentoring program there. In the conversation Bryan's friend said, they had just been talking earlier about mentoring and that his brother runs a mentoring program in St. Kitts. Well, I got excited and we discussed it some more and then they asked me to send them a copy of the proposal we sent to Antigua. So, I sat at my computer and edited the proposal which I sent to them, so now two (2) islands are examining proposals sent by RENEWED Ministries to mentor at risk children, students and youth in their country. To God be the glory GREAT things he is doing. Please pray that they get the funds to train many persons and to implement the program over the next year or so, so that many, many lives will be impacted for the kingdom and glory of God. And pray that God will raise up godly, caring and loving persons in His church to mentor these young people!
Please also pray for Jermaine and me as we travel to neighbouring St. Vincent on Thursday and then to St. Lucia on Saturday. We will be doing some follow up in St.Vincent to our recent ministry there and attending Zifus James' installation as a pastor in St. Lucia. Zifus is one of my mentees from the Seminary who attended JTS years ago and just returned to his native St. Lucia to fulfill the vision God has given to him. God has called him to develop a Christian University in St. Lucia! Please pray that this be realized with great impact in the years ahead!
Jermaine and I will stay in St. Lucia until November 8 so that he can initiate his school outreach there. As you have previously heard, he shares his testimony (5G testimony of: gangs, guns, ganja, girls and God) with High School students to win them to Christ. It is powerful and effective. So, we will visit a number of schools in St. Lucia where he will speak to the students and also challenge them about contemporary issues like the music they listen to. Here in the islands Jamaican dancehall music (if you can call it that!) reigns supreme and Vybz Kartel and Mavado dominate and corrupt the mind of the young people. So, we have a great challenge to confront the negative influence of sex and violence that are portrayed in much of the music that these young people listen to. PRAY FOR US! FOR ANOINTING, WISDOM, DIVINE AUTHORITY, PROTECTION AND COVERING. AND PRAY THAT GOD SPEAKS POWERFULLY AND WITH GREAT CONVICTION TO HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF THESE STUDENTS AND YOUTH SO THAT THEY SURRENDER THEIR LIVES TO CHRIST AND THEN IMPACT THEIR GENERATION FOR CHRIST!
May God continue to bless you and expand your borders as you partner with us for His kingdom and glory. Please remember we also depend on your generous gifts and offerings to get us to and around these islands to preach the gospel in our unconventional way and to mentor and train persons who will disciple and mentor others! We trust that God will lead you to give to our ministry to help us fulfill our calling to the people of these islands!
Our mailing address in N. America is: RENEWED Ministries, P.O. Box 1229, Mishawaka, IN 46546, USA and in the Caribbean it's: RENEWED Ministries, C/O Rev.Teddy Jones, The Missionary Church in Jamaica, 9 West Avenue, Kingston 8, Jamaica, W.I.
Thanks for your prayer and financial support.
Yours for Christ and His kingdom,
Courtney
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Truth On A Scaffold
Truth On A Scaffold
Truth On A Scaffold
Article Published: Sunday, May 16th, 2010
(Open letter to the Prime Minister)
As pastors and citizens we cannot any longer be silent publicly about the social reality of Jamaica. Right now we see truth on a scaffold and justice in the gutters.
Confessedly, we have been for too long slumbering as Evangelical pastors. But as the ugliest of criminal event invade, surround and threaten to destroy us physically and socially and spiritually we had prayed and hoped for years to see dramatic, positive and practical action from the political leadership.
However, Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding last Tuesday in Parliament stirred us deeply. After listening carefully and intently to him we have come to see that his understanding of truth and justice are not redemptive for Jamaica.
When many saw him as returning to his senses and so to his party, they considered him qualified in a time of crisis to lead his party and to lead the nation. Some Jamaicans were surprised at his election to highest party office and then to highest national political position. Many, even a significant number, while not enthusiastic about his leadership capability and democratic snippet victory, were willing to ‘wait and see’.
However, for most of even those conservative voters — the waiting is over. What is seen now is at best disappointing. What is the problem that causes so many to be disenchanted? The issue concerns justice and truth.
The words of our National Anthem rightly put these issues foremost and forcefully — “Justice, truth be ours forever. Jamaica, land we love”.
We who love Jamaica, which must always come first —above political party — the perspective of most Jamaicans — the vast majority — this resolution, at this time, would have national support — ‘crime must not reign over us’.
In this resolution is the challenge to make justice and truth’ triumphant in our beloved land. We cannot, and ought not, and must not, Hon Mr. Golding, any longer endure the rape of justice and truth in our beloved Jamaica by our foremost political leaders, empowered to act rationally and decisively.. Truth is much more than giving convenient information.
Truth is much more than toeing the line so that one may claim with legal precocity that one has done nothing (legally?) wrong.
Truth is much more than legal correctness — for one may win a case legally and by winning at the same time reveal shameless moral bankruptcy.
The country needs a new qualitative dimension to political leadership. This ought not to be something we hope for in the long term — for if the current trend continues we will become a ‘failed state’ and so there might not be any such time.
Please appreciate that we are not asking that political leaders, or leaders in any other field of service be perfect, only that they will make a genuine effort to lead with standards of justice and truth that give substance to the concept of integrity. Only then can there be hope for current recovery from moral decadence and a legacy, which goes beyond personal, parochial and partisan agenda.
These moments have got to be for every patriotic Jamaican a time of serious national soul searching. Clearly, if we fail carry out at least such a needed inward exercise then we will have to very soon tear up the national anthem, rubbish the pledge and leave Hugh Sherlock to turn in his grave.
Pastor Napoleon Black
markpraze@gmail.com
Rev. Teddy A Jones
ghettopriest@gmail.com
Truth On A Scaffold
Article Published: Sunday, May 16th, 2010
(Open letter to the Prime Minister)
As pastors and citizens we cannot any longer be silent publicly about the social reality of Jamaica. Right now we see truth on a scaffold and justice in the gutters.
Confessedly, we have been for too long slumbering as Evangelical pastors. But as the ugliest of criminal event invade, surround and threaten to destroy us physically and socially and spiritually we had prayed and hoped for years to see dramatic, positive and practical action from the political leadership.
However, Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding last Tuesday in Parliament stirred us deeply. After listening carefully and intently to him we have come to see that his understanding of truth and justice are not redemptive for Jamaica.
When many saw him as returning to his senses and so to his party, they considered him qualified in a time of crisis to lead his party and to lead the nation. Some Jamaicans were surprised at his election to highest party office and then to highest national political position. Many, even a significant number, while not enthusiastic about his leadership capability and democratic snippet victory, were willing to ‘wait and see’.
However, for most of even those conservative voters — the waiting is over. What is seen now is at best disappointing. What is the problem that causes so many to be disenchanted? The issue concerns justice and truth.
The words of our National Anthem rightly put these issues foremost and forcefully — “Justice, truth be ours forever. Jamaica, land we love”.
We who love Jamaica, which must always come first —above political party — the perspective of most Jamaicans — the vast majority — this resolution, at this time, would have national support — ‘crime must not reign over us’.
In this resolution is the challenge to make justice and truth’ triumphant in our beloved land. We cannot, and ought not, and must not, Hon Mr. Golding, any longer endure the rape of justice and truth in our beloved Jamaica by our foremost political leaders, empowered to act rationally and decisively.. Truth is much more than giving convenient information.
Truth is much more than toeing the line so that one may claim with legal precocity that one has done nothing (legally?) wrong.
Truth is much more than legal correctness — for one may win a case legally and by winning at the same time reveal shameless moral bankruptcy.
The country needs a new qualitative dimension to political leadership. This ought not to be something we hope for in the long term — for if the current trend continues we will become a ‘failed state’ and so there might not be any such time.
Please appreciate that we are not asking that political leaders, or leaders in any other field of service be perfect, only that they will make a genuine effort to lead with standards of justice and truth that give substance to the concept of integrity. Only then can there be hope for current recovery from moral decadence and a legacy, which goes beyond personal, parochial and partisan agenda.
These moments have got to be for every patriotic Jamaican a time of serious national soul searching. Clearly, if we fail carry out at least such a needed inward exercise then we will have to very soon tear up the national anthem, rubbish the pledge and leave Hugh Sherlock to turn in his grave.
Pastor Napoleon Black
markpraze@gmail.com
Rev. Teddy A Jones
ghettopriest@gmail.com
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Going Legacies of Rev. Courtney Richards, Dad, Pops, Uncle Courtney
Download the original attachment
The Going Legacies of Rev. Courtney Richards, Pops, Dad, Uncle Courtney
2 12” Standing Fans $ 1,800.00 each
1 12” Desk Top Fan $ 1,300.00
1 wooden Table TV/Magazine Stand $ 2,500.00
2 Folding Chairs $ 1,000.00 each
1 Sitting Chair $ 800.00
4 Wooden Folding Tables with Chairs $ 1,200.00 each
2 Wooden High Stools $ 1,500.00 each
1 Side Lamp with Shade $ 1,500.00
2 Side Lamp without Shade $ 1,200.00 each
1 Iron $ 700.00
1 Iron Board $ 600.00
1 Wooden Towel Rack Stand $ 1,500.00
1 Book Shelf $ 3,000.00
1 wooden Side Table $ 4,000.00
1 Sharp Microwave $ 4,000.00
1 wooden Entertainment Center $15,000.00
1 27” Panasonic TV Set $10,000.00
1 Sony Amplifier with
15” Fisher Speakers $ 6,000.00
1 Convertible Sofa/Queen Bed $25,000.00
1 5 pc Dining Table Set $ 5,000.00
1 Magic Chef 4 Burner Stove $18,000.00
1 Frigidaire Refrigerator $19,000.00
1 Desk Top Hurricane Computer
Pentium 4 $25,000.00
1 Hp 3420 Printer $ 2,500.00
1 Wooden Coffee Table $ 8,000.00
1 Wooden Trestle Table $ 2,000.00
2 Medium Suitcase $ 2,000.00
1 CD/Cassette Radio $ 3,500.00
1 Bedroom Set :
Double Bed, Linen Trunk,
6 Drawer Dresser, 2 Bedside
Tables, Mini-Wardrobe with
2 Drawer & Shelves $50,000.00
In Pieces:
1 Double Bed $18,000.00
2 Bed Side Tables $ 5,000.00 each
1 6 Drawer Dresser $15,000.00
1 Mini-Wardrobe with
2 Drawer & Shelves $18,000.00
Book Table on JTS grounds from April 19 - 24
All Music CD’s ($300.00-$600.00 & Books (MUST GO)
Items are going FAST so place your order now!
All household items CANNOT be collected before August 2010!
Contact Numbers to call: 539-6291, 554-2981, & 826-1500.
Appointment dates to look at items and purchase are April 22nd - 24th between the hours of 11am – 2pm sharp.
Please call to make appointments on or before April 20th .
Persons ready to purchase will be given first preference.
The Going Legacies of Rev. Courtney Richards, Pops, Dad, Uncle Courtney
2 12” Standing Fans $ 1,800.00 each
1 12” Desk Top Fan $ 1,300.00
1 wooden Table TV/Magazine Stand $ 2,500.00
2 Folding Chairs $ 1,000.00 each
1 Sitting Chair $ 800.00
4 Wooden Folding Tables with Chairs $ 1,200.00 each
2 Wooden High Stools $ 1,500.00 each
1 Side Lamp with Shade $ 1,500.00
2 Side Lamp without Shade $ 1,200.00 each
1 Iron $ 700.00
1 Iron Board $ 600.00
1 Wooden Towel Rack Stand $ 1,500.00
1 Book Shelf $ 3,000.00
1 wooden Side Table $ 4,000.00
1 Sharp Microwave $ 4,000.00
1 wooden Entertainment Center $15,000.00
1 27” Panasonic TV Set $10,000.00
1 Sony Amplifier with
15” Fisher Speakers $ 6,000.00
1 Convertible Sofa/Queen Bed $25,000.00
1 5 pc Dining Table Set $ 5,000.00
1 Magic Chef 4 Burner Stove $18,000.00
1 Frigidaire Refrigerator $19,000.00
1 Desk Top Hurricane Computer
Pentium 4 $25,000.00
1 Hp 3420 Printer $ 2,500.00
1 Wooden Coffee Table $ 8,000.00
1 Wooden Trestle Table $ 2,000.00
2 Medium Suitcase $ 2,000.00
1 CD/Cassette Radio $ 3,500.00
1 Bedroom Set :
Double Bed, Linen Trunk,
6 Drawer Dresser, 2 Bedside
Tables, Mini-Wardrobe with
2 Drawer & Shelves $50,000.00
In Pieces:
1 Double Bed $18,000.00
2 Bed Side Tables $ 5,000.00 each
1 6 Drawer Dresser $15,000.00
1 Mini-Wardrobe with
2 Drawer & Shelves $18,000.00
Book Table on JTS grounds from April 19 - 24
All Music CD’s ($300.00-$600.00 & Books (MUST GO)
Items are going FAST so place your order now!
All household items CANNOT be collected before August 2010!
Contact Numbers to call: 539-6291, 554-2981, & 826-1500.
Appointment dates to look at items and purchase are April 22nd - 24th between the hours of 11am – 2pm sharp.
Please call to make appointments on or before April 20th .
Persons ready to purchase will be given first preference.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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