MATURE • MENTOR • MINISTER • MAINTAIN • INVESTING IN BLACK FUTURES THRU STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Wuzzup, Hep!

Ministry web site: http://www.yubm.org - email address: hep@yubm.org

Greetings in the wonderful Name of our soon-coming King and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Back at ya with another update on what's been doing here in this little but awesome part of the Lord's vineyard. Again, I trust the Lord Jesus will bless you somehow some way with something from the following material and that you'll pray for some one!

PARTICULARS PERTAINING to PRESENT PURSUITS:

CENTER for URBAN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES ( CUTS )  I’m done with teaching two spring semester courses: Teachings of Jesus: Gospel of Luke and Foundations of Christian Thought. We had a grand time in God’s Word. The classes were highly interactive and a genuine delight to participate in (I've been tagged by one of my students with the moniker, Professor Hip-Hop).  C.U.T.S has seen 800 church and community leaders come through its doors for educational training, traveling from 53 cities in Pennsylvania, 23 in New Jersey, 6 in Delaware as well others around the U.S., along with some from other countries.  The Baccalaureate and Graduation were held on June 3rd and 4th -- Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller preached Friday night (his message and style reminiscent of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Rev. Barbara Skinner spoke Saturday morning, and Rev. Bill Pannell spoke to us at the faculty luncheon after Saturday's ceremony.  Lined up for 4 classes in September (Gospel of Luke, Postmodern Urban Culture, Foundations of Christian Thought and Introduction to Youth Ministry) which make for a full teaching schedule this semester. This is my 5th year of teaching at CUTS.

T.E.B.C.Youth Choir in 1998.  We're fewer now, but still pressin' on.
Check out Kev with the football helmet action.  I like it.

CHURCH MUSIC MINISTRY HAPPENINGS The Youth Choir at Third Eternal Baptist Church presses capably on. The Lord Jesus continues to bless this dynamic group of young people, delighting and amazing both us and the church with their ministry of musical encouragement. It's an exciting group of young people to watch grow in their faith and develop in ministry (e.g., Christina and LaVeta have developed a powerful interpretive praise and signing ministry).  But we also had 2 other musically gifted sisters in the choir who made some musical career decisions that I ask you to "go to war in prayer for." Why? Third Eternal is the church that Left Eye of the Grammy Award-winning female R&B group TLC grew up in, and these two sisters hope to make it big as Lisa Lopes (one of TLC’s members) did. As a church, we also solicit your prayers as we continue to look for a pastor. At present I’m seeking the Lord’s will regard a couple of invitations to minister musically at two other churches. Blessed to see a number of former youth choir members who attended a recent funeral service at T.E.B.C., and looking forward to carrying out the ministry the reconciliation with several people. The T.E.B.C. Youth Choir sang at a youth service at Antioch Baptist Church in Camden, NJ on July 30^th. We had a great time and very much appreciate their hospitality and warm reception of our singing ministry. We, in turn, were bowled over by their young people’s interpretive praise ministry.

NIGERIA LDC 2000 TRIP POSTPONED - In light of Kelvin Jackson's inability to go with me to Nigeria (see below) May 15-30^th, I made the painful decision to postpone my participation in the conference as well (not without a great struggle), and look forward to re-scheduling the trip at a later date.  Thank you, Evangelist Valentine Egbudiwe, for your great patience and understanding in dealing with me in regard to this trip.  May the Lord Jesus continue to bless you in your good ministry there in Nigeria as we look to seeing this trip become a reality soon.  And a very special debt of gratitude Kelvin and I owe to all of you who supported us in this endeavor.  We'll be in touch with you to ask what you'd like for us to do with your support.  The process has not been without value, though, as I have gotten to know a number of Nigerians here in the U.S. (James and Daniel, who are at Westminster Theological Seminary, Christian (who loves in CA),  Pastor Daniel (a Cameroonian ) and his family, Mary Gray and others.  I also found out that there is a Nigerian church located 3 blocks form my house!  Thank you all for not giving up on us and this trip!  By the grace of God we still would like to go -- possibly next year -- and are waiting on the Lord accordingly.

The Challenges & Opportunities for the Gospel in Hip-Hop Culture Are Immense

PEOPLE to PERSONALLY PARTNER in PRAYER for:

"Lacking prayer, we employ substitutes.  We work, we war, we worry and we wilt instead of praying ... Back then to the place of prayer, and you will soon have wings again and your feet will be swift and unwearied in the service of our Lord."  J.C. Macaulay

INTERCESSORY PRAYER REQUEST: Please pray for Joseph, Demetrius and Brandon, three young teenagers living in Chester, PA, whom Dedot and I had the honor of meeting.  We visited with them briefly at the invitation of their grandparents, who are very much concerned (and frustrated) about the direction their grandsons' young lives are taking.  The visit was a "cold call" at first, but Dedot and I both sensed a warming up by the time we had to leave.  PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE GUYS -- THEY GOT SO MUCH GOIN' FOR 'EM, AND THEY GOT SO MUCH WORKIN' AGAINST THEM.  I'm excited about the final outcome, but it's definitely not gonna be without some drama.

Kim G. has been working with Impact (a ministry of Campus Crusade) at several HCBU's in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area.  She came to Philly for several days to investigate doing ministry here and is very excited about moving here to get started here.  Talented vocalist Chris W. has a tremendous vision for doing youth ministry in Southwest Philadelphia.  Been working on a couple of musical projects with him, and he graciously gave a song he wrote to the youth choir at Third Eternal. David E. is doing well (he is one of the most conscientious and diligent young adults you'll ever meet and he never ceases to amaze me with his depth of integrity, character as well as his well-thought-out game plan for life).  Good friend Dedot B. got his driver's license and after that got a car for his family.  Hallelujah!  (A true overcomer, he passed the driving test even after taking lessons at "Hep's Driving School.")  I've also been working with LIFE, eminent Christian rap producer, doing some sampling/recording for his solo album.  

Keith shoots over Kenny's block attempt.

Spent a good part of the summer spending time with "adopted" son, 18-year-old Kenny -- on basketball courts, cycling around Philadelphia, working out at a couple of gyms and basements, traveling on the road, playing drums for the youth choir at T.E.B.C., working through some parts of several songs on the keyboard (bro's got a lot of potential!), checking out Cabrini College, shopping for school stuff, concerts, etc. All that plus I have the inestimable privilege of meeting a lot of his friends, family members, coaches, etc. On the way back from orientation at Cabrini College (a small Catholic school in Radnor, PA), he told me he senses he's being called to pastor. Whoa! He’s on a number of pages throughout the YUBM Ministries Web site, along with two audio samples of his drumming and a video of him doing a drum stick drill routine. This young man is very gifted in a lot of areas. He was among the top scorers in high school basketball in Philadelphia last year, is one of the most talented teenaged drummers I've ever met, and just recently demonstrated a knack for playing the keyboard, as well as having a really good singing voice. He is a tremendous encouragement to a whole lot of people. That's why we gotta pray for him.  I continue to be amazed at the number and breadth of relationships he has all around Philadelphia, as well as his occasional suggestions like "you should teach at Cabrini (not likely) coaching a post-high school basketball team (not very likely), or hooking up with a Gospel choir (more likely). I do ask you to really pray for Kenny ( as well as his dorm roommates, Mike and Jim. Personally, I feel that college "freshman-ship" is usually the "default" American rite of passage for young people (our culture doesn’t seem to offer any other significant option) that usually tests (in a severe way) the foundations of one’s faith. Kenny’s in a strategic Daniel chapter 1- type situation. Pray he’ll rise up ‘stead of bein’ dragged down ’n be the faithful leader God’s called him to be, standing true for the Savior while living in Xavier (dorm). You can write him care of Box 1038 / Cabrini College / 610 King of Prussia Road / Radnor, PA 19087-3698. 

I've also had lots of "face-to-face" time with a number of other young people at our church, and have also been on the phone a lot of late doing some counseling regarding some situations with a ministry I'm connected with.  One standout encounter l had a short while back was a wonderful (but initially hostile and difficult) conversation with a very deep and articulate young man (with very strong and obvious Black Hebrew Israelite / Muslim / Five Percenter influences in his life).  We went back and forth for about 2 hours with 3 or 4 others mostly listening, and he became surprisingly receptive to the things of the Lord by the end of the conversation.  Do pray for Rick.  He's a very gifted young man with a lot of potential.  I really am looking forward to getting back with him in days to come.  

A mother from West Philadelphia called, requesting prayer for a 14-year-old son she fears losing to the streets.

June was the season for graduations: Third Eternal Baptist Church high school graduates were: Kenny (above), LaVeta (now at Temple U.), Rodney * (now at Penn State), and not to forget Chris from New Life Bible Fellowship (who's now at Lancaster Bible College).  James, Robert, Brandon, Alfonso all graduated from middle school, and there are probably a few others I'm not aware of.  Also, my 11-year-old godson Jon graduated from elementary school.

I'm grateful and indebted to the Lord for the hook-ups the Lord’s given me with drummers Kenny, Anthony, Calvin, Preston and Kevin (Tyree must have moved to Maryland?), some highly-motivated high school athletes (Kenny, Kevin, Chris A. and Edwin), aspiring keyboard players and a number of people with the gift of pastor and youth leaders. The marathon challenge continues!  Chris has been singing with the Former Central High School Gospel Choir and is really growing in the Lord.  Edwin continues to gather swimming medals -- 3 gold and 1 silver at a competition at The College of New Jersey in Trenton during the last week of August.  We're all real proud of you, E!  (click here for picture).  Other shepherding-style relationships maintain -- hooked up with a whole lot of people with similar gift mixes — encouraging, nurturing, exhorting, admonishing and empowering them in their Christian lives and ministries. Finding myself winding up at sporting events (never seen the Penn Relays until Kevin competed for Mastbaum H.S.), at basketball scrimmages ("no, I don't feel I can take you up on your request to coach a college-bound basketball team") and practices and at rehearsals of up-and-coming music groups ("yes, I'd be glad to come to a rehearsal to check y'all out"). Thank You Lord Jesus for this awesome privilege!  Click here for more pictures.

The Hepburn family got together July 29th to celebrate Dad and Mom's 50th wedding anniversary at Merlino's Restaurant, and before that my brother Ed and his wife Nicole hosted a celebration dinner in honor of their 6-month-old daughter, Emily Aurora Hepburn at the Black Bass Hotel.  What an absolutely wonderful time we had that day.  Earlier in the year my Mom was wonderfully delivered by the Lord Jesus through her cancer surgery January 27th. She recovered remarkably well (her plastic surgeon was very surprised and jokingly said "from now on I’m only going to operate on people over 60").  She had yet even more major surgery on April 17th and recovered wonderfully from that one as well.  Whew!  I do thank you all for continuing to pray for her and for my dear Dad.

I’ve been meaning to hook up with Jermaine G., and was finally able to do so at his house in Camden, NJ. Don’t mean no harm, but here's a 28-year-old friend we really need to pray for. I’ve mentioned him in earlier prayer letters, and the street drama in his life continues. He's wrestling with things before the Lord Jesus and knows he's at a crossroads. Frankly, I am concerned for his well-being both spiritually and physically. He's intrigued with the teaching style of the Black Hebrew Israelites and disillusioned with the church and several Christian friends. I'm grateful for the opportunity just to get to see him after a painful parting of the ways about 2 years ago, but this meeting wasn't particularly encouraging. Please pray 4 J!

Please do continue to pray for 18-year-old twins Jewel and Sam, and their 17-year-old brother, Tim (pictured above), as well as their Dad and Mom. They're mentioned in the last update, and again, I just want to ask those of you who are prayer warriors to continue in prayer for them.  Sustained spiritual warfare such as they are facing demands sustained spiritual intercession -- I have do doubt that something big is up with these young people. I bless and thank the Lord Jesus for them, 'cause as they continue seekin' the real, they're keepin' all those who know real.  Please pray also for two of their neighborhood friends, Eric and Rick (see above). Great to know, isn't it, that Jesus is real.  More translating work needed on our part!  Personally partner with us in prayer for them.  Thanks!

THE CROSS MOVEMENT Had the good opportunity to hear Duce (aka The Ambassador from the Cross Movement) preach the Youth Sunday 11:00 a.m. sermon at Eighth Street Baptist Church in Wilmington, DE (where Rev. Stacey Townsend is the Pastor).  Duce plans to start his studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and will be moving his family (wife Michelle, Jeremiah and Trinity) down to Texas July 8.  In the meantime, The Cross Movement is working on another album ("Human Emergency") which is slated for release in October or November, 2000. They've been working in The Studio here in Philadelphia over the past month and are looking at an October 31st release.  While at Eighth Street I had the grand opportunity to become better acquainted with another Christian rapper, T.R.U.T.H. (Emanuel Lambert, Jr.) who preached the 7:30 a.m. service (pictured above right conversing with Pastor Townsend).  Here's a young man with a tremendous vision for ministering to urban youth and has awesome lyrical and oratorical gifts. (in the picture below he's emceeing at The Ambassador's album release party)  They're traveling around the country quite a bit these days (Florida, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, Washington, D.C.) and even a trip to Jamaica with a ministry team from Lancaster Bible College.  Their song "House of Representatives" was nominated for 2 Dove awards.  These brothers are having quite an impact, but it's not without struggling!  So please do remember to lift them up in prayer: Duce, Brady, Wells, enocK (he and his wife Crystal had a baby girl, Genesis and their entire family recently moved out to Ohio) and Cleve (he and his wife Melissa were blessed with a baby boy, Cleveland Albert III, on March 9th).  Thank you for praying for their families.

Emanuel Lambert, Jr. (T.R.U.T.H.) emceeing at The Ambassador's "Christology" album release party.

J. Kelvin Jackson's mother, Queen Magee (now residing in Jackson, MS) had to undergo two major cancer surgeries, which changed his plans to go to Nigeria for the Youth Leadership Development Conference during the last 2 weeks of May.  The doctors were amazed at what they found when they operated -- it was a very different picture from what showed up on the x-rays -- and the Lord Jesus has amazed the doctors treating her.  Please continue to pray for her as she  undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  

And once again, I’ve been truly blessed to hear from several more brothers I haven't heard from in a long time: Good friend Gerald Dial called from Newark NJ -- haven't heard from him for several years.  He and his wife Regina are about to move down to South Carolina.  Gerald graduated from Fordham University with a law degree. Had breakfast with Pastor Charles Hart (Germantown Christian Assembly) to catch up with things going on during the past year or so.  I was also blessed to have lunch with Pastor Jimmy Johnson, Sr. (pastor at New Life Baptist Church).  Also met up with Jeffrey Banks, Sr., a youth minister here in Philadelphia who also has a neat job/ministry working with troubled institutionalized 14-18 year-olds.  It's been about 3 or 4 years since I last saw him at a youth retreat up at Streamside.  (James) Reggie Schofield (pictured below), serving with the U.S. Army was stationed in Korea and reportedly is now stationed in Germany.  Prince D.A. Brown continues to serve in the U.S. Navy (he’s out in the Persian Gulf at present). Pastor Raymond D. Timms of Faith Chapel Reformed Church in Paterson, NJ is about to launch a cable ministry broadcast.  Heard from Patersonian twins Keith 'n Kevin Frey who recently released a Christian rap album.

Reggie S's leadership ability: - now stationed in Germany (?).

PAST PERAMBULATIONS:

LABOR DAY WEEKEND RETREAT - Stroudsburg, PA - September 1-4 - Again, another wonderful retreat hosted by Ed and Ellen Carwheel (Directors of BCM International’s Philadelphia Area Ministries). This was the 19^th anniversary of the L.D.W.R. and saw people in attendance from as far away as Nigeria (Westminster Theological Seminary student, Samuel), Kenya (W.T.S. student Dickson and his wife Margaret) and even Swaziland (BCM worker, Assiena). A special treat (a wonderful surprise!) was seeing retired AIM missionary Dorothy Miller back at the retreat, as well as Tom and Joyce Sacher (former directors at the camp). Pastor Hal Hopkins preached powerfully on the theme, "Learning to Discern." He’s the former Pastor of Third Eternal Baptist Church and now is planting a church in the Willow Grove area. For me the highlight of the retreat this year for me the Sixties Coffee House on Saturday night, which showcased some absolutely incredible talent (poetry reading, a powerful soloist and 2 side-splitting comedy routines. I was also able to catch up with a lot of people I don’t get to see that often, and even more blessed to be able to talk at length with a good number of them. I had the privilege of being the worship and praise leader for the retreat.

Travis with André at Mountain View Bible Camp - August 24, 2000

HELPING UP MISSION BIBLE CAMP was a children's camp put together by Pastor Paul Baker that ministered to 60 Baltimore, MD youngsters (ages 9-14) at the Mountain View Bible Camp in Manchester, MD (August 20th to the 26th).  Paul pulled together an impressive staff including assistant director Doreen along with teenaged counselors Erica, B.J., Tiffany, Patrick, Loria and André.  The speaker for the encampment was radio personality Regina Malloy (600 am in the Baltimore area), who was outstanding.  Also ministering were Carolyn and Jean as well as cooks Maurice, Barbara and Ty, and lifeguard /college student Corey, who's looking at a career in physical therapy.  For me it was a very challenging time of ministry (I don't view myself as a children's worker) and nevertheless rejoicing and encouraged at the way the Lord moved during the encampment.  I learned afresh that being out of your element doesn’t mean you're out of God’s sphere of activity. If anything, it probably indicates that you are in it.  I worked in the music area along with helping out with the drama presentations.

WEDDING DAY! Congratulations to good friends Kyle Canty and Pam Carwheel, who got married on May 13th at Grace Baptist Church in Germantown. A wonderful gathering of family and friends from all over were on hand for this joyous occasion, which included a poignant remembrance of Kyle's younger sister, Darchelle, who passed away last October. They make a wonderful couple and now live in Norristown, PA. I had the delightful privilege to serve as one of the groomsmen

KINGDOMWORKS CONFERENCE - Valley Forge, PA - March 12, 2000 - OK, I admit, we weren't registered for the conference, but Brady Goodwin (from the Cross Movement) and I stopped by late Saturday afternoon to visit some people we rarely get to see.  This is THE premier urban youth workers conference, capably hosted by Bart and Marty Campolo and there were some 1200 in attendance.  ( Thanks, Bart & Marty for letting Brady and me pop in for a couple of hours. )  Blessed to be able to catch up with a lot of people. (Click here for 2 pictures) Who was there?  J. Kelvin Jackson, Pastor Arlen Palmer, Amy Westra and other members of the ministry team he's affiliated with in Grand Rapids, MI; Laura Carpenter (also from G.R.), James Parker (from VA) Joyce Jackson, Mary Brown and Bernice Gilmore (all from Paterson, NJ), Tim Merrill and Tom Gazaway (from Camden, NJ), Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Alex B. Wright and and Elder from his church, Kevin Penceal, Sr. (thanks for letting us carry on that intense discussion in the hotel while you were trying to sleep) :-)  -- René Rochester (from TX), and of course, the Philly crew: Cruz Cordero (from the Cross Movement), Ron Tinsley (of StreetWizdom.com), former CUTS student Wayne Gibbs and his wife, the youth ministry crew from The Calvary Baptist Church of Philadelphia (among them Shelton Mercer III, Gene Washington, Kenny, Kate, James), Urban Young Life team members Cynthia Haynes and Charles Harris (who both served on the intercessory prayer team during the conference), members of the youth ministry crew at Christian Stronghold Baptist Church (among them Norm Williams), and Tree of Life Bookstore Manager, Sis. Darlene Henderson.  Also blessed to meet Tywone Thomas (from Atlanta, GA), Matthew Abraham (of CMN Records in NJ).  Also gained grace at the place to see Chicagoan youth leader, Phil Jackson's face (for a space) to touch base.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of HIGHLAND PARK (Landover, MD) YOUTH RETREAT  - Skycroft Retreat Center, near Middletown, MD - February 25-27, 2000  Rev. Nat Obey and his wife Regina put together another knock-out retreat with 200 kids from 5 churches (from MD, VA and Washington, D.C.), who in turn were powerfully ministered to by Steve Fitzhugh (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), Rene Rochester (Urban S.E.T.), Rev. Keith Battle, Min. Shawn McBride, Rev. Wayne Mitchell, and Cheryl Brooks.  Drew Baynard and I had the privilege of serving in the capacity of leading in praise and worship. A spectacular time with some spectacular young people and spectacular youth workers and speakers. The whole time we were there we were caught up in the clouds – literally!  The mountain we were on was enveloped in clouds for the entire weekend. Very wonderful and very interesting.  Also, we want to give a special shout-out to Doug (don't know his last name) who directs the Skycroft facility.  Thank you for your awesome ministry of hospitality to us all during that great weekend. Justin: I'm still praying for you, man.  You too, James.  Want to see some pictures form Sunday at the retreat?  Click here. 

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS - I've been given grace and the grand opportunities to speak at Third Eternal Baptist Church at the Men’s Breakfast on January 8^th, preaching the February 13^th morning worship service, and doing one of the seven last words of Christ from the cross on April 20^th.  Thank you, Pastor Calvin Kelly, Sr.!  Also had the wonderful privileges of speaking at the Sunday School of Willingboro Christian Assembly's Youth Sunday and preaching during their morning service (thank your, Hiawatha Kennedy, and all the saints there for your encouraging reception and gracious hospitality!  Add to that a wonderful time speaking to the young people at a Bible Club Overnight on February 11^th. Thank you, Christine Wigdin and Lorraine Stirneman, for that wonderful privilege!

I had the good opportunity to hear Dr. Michael Eric Dyson speak at the Iron Gate Theatre of the University of Pennsylvania on January 24th.  Rasool B. was the first to step to the open mic during the Q & A session following Dyson and another speaker's presentations, and near the end a young brother (who later reminded me that he was in one of my workshops at a youth conference at Christian Stronghold Baptist Church) also challenged Dyson with a question. (Click here for a picture)

PRAYER PRE-VIEW:

CUTS FALL SEMESTER Luke, Postmodern Urban Culture, Foundations of Christian Thought, Intro to Youth Ministry

BETHESDA BAPTIST MISSIONS CONFERENCE - Washington, D.C. - October 21-22

MANNA BIBLE INSTITUTE RETREAT - Quarryville, PA - October 27-29

CROSS MOVEMENT'S ALBUM RELEASE PARTY - Calvary Chapel (N.E. Philadelphia) - October 28

THIRD ETERNAL BAPTIST CHURCH MISSIONS CONFERENCE - Philadelphia - November 4-5

Please pray with me in regard to two critical matters: 1) decisions regarding my church "home" here in Philadelphia (where does the Lord want me?), and 2) my AIM support level – it has not kept up with the cost of living. I’ve been with AIM International for 20 years and the Lord Jesus has indeed been wonderfully faithful to me, as have so many of you. 

Thank you for your faithful love, prayers, patience and support,

His ‘n yours, with much love ‘n respect,

HEP

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