Plus, 100 Black Men challenges churches
By Jolanda Brown
For the St. Louis American
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of East St. Louis recently held a conference at the Holiday Inn in Westport Plaza. The conference concentrated on empowering women spiritually. It was organized by a women’s organization called Women in the Word Taskforce.
Topics and speakers included: “Knowing the Voice of God” by Dr. Claudia Fowler, “Guide to Spiritual Warfare” by Dr. Lillie White-Shaffer, “Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit” by Dr. Marjorie Thompson, “Purpose Driven” by Willett Criggler and a keynote speech by Michelle McKinney-Hammond.
McKinney-Hammond opened by singing a few gospel selections. She is a talented singer as well as a gifted public speaker. In her informative and down-to-earth speech, she talked about the power and beauty of a woman who places her family first.
She suggested there is nothing wrong with a woman having a career, because in today’s society there is a need for mothers to work, but when we as women put more energy and time into our careers rather than our families, then society suffers – and the evidence is in the way our children are today.
She said there is honor in being a mother and a good wife in the eyes of God, simply because a good mother contributes healthy people to society. She said older women have a responsibility to teach younger women how to support and run a household.
She also talked about giving to men and helping a husband to feel confident and loved. She said that women often make men feel bad, and when we do that it affects his overall performance on the job.
She talked about women recognizing what season it is and being prepared for that season, a “season” being various times in life that present challenges; we must be prepared for those things just as we prepare by dressing properly for the weather.
McKinney-Hammond stressed the need for women to be in tune with God. They need to be plugged into a power source.
After the speech, Marilyn Parker, owner of the Christian Classified Publication called Sparkman, said, “She articulated what is going on in many households. She gave good instruction and refreshed the ideas of the old school. She was encouraging.”
McKinney-Hammond was born in London and had a successful career in advertising when she received divine inspiration to share with others the love of God. Heartwings Ministry is McKinney-Hammond’s vehicle with which she shares God’s message.
Yvonne Stewart is the chairperson of Women in the Word Taskforce, and Brenda Gardner, Gloria Johnson and Doris McGilberry are among the women who serve on the taskforce. It has held a few retreats in the past few years, but this was its first conference.
Dr. John H. Rouse is the host pastor representing Mt. Zion M.B. Church.
100 Black Men challenges churches
The 100 Black Men organization is challenging local churches and their congregations to enroll participants in the 3rd Annual Prostate Cancer Survivor and Awareness Walk. The church that shows with the largest number of congregants will receive a plaque from 100 Black Men, giving thanks for their involvement and support.
Last year, Friendly Temple Baptist Church brought the most members to the walk. It will be presented with a plaque at the start of this year’s walk, to be held Saturday, August 20. Registration is at 7 a.m., warm up at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m. at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mo. building, 1831 Chestnut. It will end at the Missouri Black Expo at America’s Center. The one-mile walk is free to all participants.
A late diagnosis of prostate cancer could lead to death. That’s why this is so important that everyone come out to support this event and for men to get screened.
For more information, call (314) 385-2100 or visit www.Prostatecancerwalk.com.
