- Created on 10 May 2013
‘The Sister Gospels’ Offer Comfort Food for the Mind And Spirit
'The Sister Gospels,' the first published novel of Vera Jennings, was 10 years in the making. It is a faith-based story depicting the intertwining lives of four close-knit African-American sisters as each embarks on her own tumultuous path to growth and self-discovery.
A tragic loss, a doomed relationship, substance abuse and adjusting to life after divorce are the trials that test the sisters' strength of character as they draw closer to God and one another.
The genre for The Sister Gospels can be summed up as urban, Christian fiction romance, which engages female readers in particular. However, the book also features secular themes and prominent male characters that create universal appeal and offers a compelling slice-of-life human drama. Though most of the main characters are African American, with several having a personal relationship with Christ, it is a story everyone can relate to.
The Sister Gospels is already enjoying rave reviews on Amazon.com.
"Engrossing. This book kept me interested from start to finish, and I truly enjoyed how each story was connected but also stood on its own," was Sharon Valentine's comment.
"Powerfully good. I really did enjoy this book. It touched a spot in my heart. I had to bring out the Kleenex," wrote Kendra Cheatham.
The author's objective was to foster introspection, she says. "It was written with the intention to inspire and stir the soul of the reader. I hope readers will find strong and engaging characters and that the exploits of the four sisters will entertain them."
Vera Jennings was born and raised in Chicago, the third of six children. She has previously had two short stories published and has written another faith-based novel titled The Way of a Heart, which is slated for future publication. Jennings now calls southeastern Wisconsin home, where she lives with her husband, Fred.
For more information on this creative writer, visit her website at: www.firstratefiction.com.
- Created on 08 May 2013
Mike Winans Seeks Donations After Ponzi Scheme Conviction
Michael Winans Jr., who was convicted in February for running Ponzi Scheme that left dozens of his victims in financial ruin, is now asking the public for donations to pay his legal team.
Fox 2 News Detroit reporter Rob Wolchek reports he watched Winans admit in court to stealing
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- Created on 06 May 2013
Mary Mary's Tina Reveals She Tried to Stab Her Husband For Cheating
Tina Campbell reveals in an upcoming issue of Ebony that she is all in for her marriage. She discusses that Teddy cheated.
We have seen the ladies through ups and downs. Now, comes yet one more story from our favorite ladies. Tina confesses that she nearly stabbed Teddy, removed him from her will and took his life. That sounds like a whole lot of hurt.
Tina on discovering her husband was having an affair:
"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. "
Erica on husband going into the ministry:
"I feel like my husband has been called to minister...Now I said, 'Lord, when I first started dating this guy he worked for Death Row Records, but he was from the church. That was a perfect combination for me: a little street, a little church.'"
The new issue of Ebony detailing this trying time in her marriage hots stands next week. The ladies have always been candid about their marriages and loves. Check out our exclusive interview with the ladies discussing what their boundaries are.
- Created on 06 May 2013
Energetic Church of God Volunteers Spruce Up Senior Center
More than 100 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) gathered on a rainy day last weekend to help The Lithonia Senior Center with a spring spruce up.
Welcomed with heartfelt thanks from Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, the WMSCOG members helped improve the look and feel of the senior center, located at 2484 Bruce Street. The group has the support of The Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-mart, and other local businesses that donated mulch, equipment and yard goods.
Over the course of a long day, the volunteers completed the following tasks:
• Removing all debris
• Trimming and laying mulch for all the bushes and trees to create a walking area
• Digging and laying 90 feet of stone tile (180 blocks) for seniors to walk on
• Fixing the pond area and adding gold fish
• Cleaning and painting all five benches that are located in the garden and cementing two more
• Adding bird feeders for bird watching
• Adding shading in some key areas
• Fixing five large pots and planting vegetables, plants and flowers in the 9' by 11' pots
• Replacing the existing sign that says "Community Center" with a newer sign that says "Senior Center."
- Created on 02 May 2013
Three Generations Team Up For Gospel Event
Three generations of gospel music's finest are teaming with McDonald's to give back to communities nationwide through the
McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour.
Headlined by Grammy-winning gospel sensation Smokie Norful, the concert series offers an assortment of soulful sounds through contemporary gospel with Tamela Mann, hip-hop with Lecrae and traditional/contemporary gospel with John P. Kee and Vickie Winans. McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour which kicks off May 9 and runs through Aug. 30.
The tour stops in Atlanta on June 7 at the Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church.
"I'm elated to again headline the McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour," said Norful. "From sharing some of my new music to introducing my son Ashton's career on the tour, this is a phenomenal season in life. And, I'm excited to share it with fans across the nation, all in an effort to give back."
Now in its seventh year, McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour emphasizes the importance of giving back. As a part of each show, concertgoers will learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and the important role it plays in helping families and children worldwide. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a love offering to support families served by the Charity, including those in their community.
"Giving back to those around us is crucial, especially with the recent tough times our families and communities have faced," said Winans, who will also host each concert. "Now more than ever, our communities need to know we are there for them, and that's something the McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour has set out to do. I'm honored to take part in the cause, and I look forward to bringing joy and laughter to everyone who attends the concerts."
"I'm humbled to share the stage with legendary gospel artists," said Lecrae, who won the 2013 Grammy for Best Gospel Album. "It's amazing to see a classic brand like McDonald's stand behind a message that's needed in communities everywhere. Gospel fans are in for an experience I believe they'll talk about long after the tour."
The multi-city tour will make stops in nine markets, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Louisville, Newark, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Concerts are free, with the exception of the May 11 show in Newark, which is part of McDonald's Gospelfest.
"For generations, McDonald's has continued its efforts to be deeply rooted — and invested — in the areas we serve, both in restaurants and in the community," said Rob Jackson, McDonald's U.S. marketing director. "McDonald's is committed to giving back and we're honored to bring messages of joy and hope to thousands of our neighbors."
