Spring-Summer 2006 Newsletter

M.A. in URBAN STUDIES / YOUTH LEADERSHIP - Are you a professional serving the needs of youth? The urban site of Eastern University will begin offering an awesome Master of Arts degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in Youth Leadership beginning in the fall of 2006. It is designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults. It is an excellent opportunity to advance your career and your life. 

Location: Eastern University; 990 Spring Garden Street, 6th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Visit www.eastern.edu/urbanma for more info, or call 1-800-732-7669, ext. 5039, or e-mail kdavis3@eastern.edu. to Indicate that you are interested in the MA in Urban Studies (Youth Leadership) program. 

Were U looking to find out what happened with YUBM Ministries during the fall-winter of 2005-06?  Click here.

Construction site dumpster fraught with social commentary

"The Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have begun thinking less of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you get neither."   C. S. Lewis

PRESENT PURSUITS and PAST PERAMBULATIONS
( listed in reverse chronological order )

Early Sunday morning in August: hidden in a backyard tiger lily plant, a praying mantis keeps
its wary eyes on the photographer, reminding me of the need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.
Click here to see this water-droplet-encrusted insect from the right side, lookin' at the camera.

August afternoon sunflower

For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
Isaiah 61:11 NIV

Grant H. guides Hummer down the Delaware near the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge — September 3

The entire M.A. in Urban Studies Residency 2006 class
Photo courtesy of Eastern University

CAMPOLO COLLEGE, SCHOOL for SOCIAL CHANGE of EASTERN UNIVERSITY - Philadelphia, PA - taught one of the M.A. in Urban Studies Residency 2006 courses ("Christ and the City") August 30 through September 1, 2006.  Blessed to have the opportunity to interact with 11 students from around the United States, each one involved in urban ministry.  Also blessed to have a few special presenters come in: Sandra Rivera (a former student of mine at CUTS, who is a trial coordinator for the FMV [Families of Murder Victims] program here in Philadelphia), started off by playing a 911 homicide-related call and stepped us all the way through the trial process.  It was rough and shook us up a bit.  The next morning, Duce (The Ambassador from the Cross Movement) came in and did an overview of hip-hop culture with a missiological emphasis.  He was followed by M. S. (another former CUTS student) who did a presentation on the mind of a Muslim.  Overall, it was a rather intense 3 or so days (there's a lot of reading and writing that has to be done before, during and after the course), and I am truly grateful for each one in the class who has committed him or herself to the serving the Lord Jesus in the city.  And again, my thanks and all our kudos to Dr. K-lee Johnson who coordinates the program and this 1st residency.

GREAT COMMISSION CHURCH - Roslyn, PA - We're gearing up for the launch of Great Commission Institute on October 15, 2006, focusing in on equipping the saints in both the church and beyond for the work of the ministry.  We've also started rehearsing the church's adult choir after a brief summer hiatus.

CENTER for URBAN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES - Philadelphia, PA - Summer Session III - finished up teaching the three-week intensive "Postmodern Urban Culture" (HUM 212C).

YOUTH SUNDAY at COSMOPOLITAN MISSION SERVICE BAPTIST CHURCH - Philadelphia, PA - July 30, 2006.  What a time, what a time, what a time we had.  The high heat, haze 'n humidity were no match for the enthusiasm and receptivity of the saints at this dynamic church meeting at 10th and Westmoreland in the heart of North Philadelphia.  Pastored by Rev. Calvin Kelly, Sr. we had a grand time together as we looked through at some of the dynamics of faith in a small portion of Hebrews 11.  The Lord Jesus truly blessed our time of fellowship together, and I even had the opportunity to jump on the keyboards along with Calvin Kelly, Jr. in accompanying the young adult group in an Israel and New Breed song.  Thank you, saints at C.M.S.B.C. for your ministry of encouragement and refreshment of my heart with your testimony.  Lastly, a hearty congratulations to Calvin K., Jr. and Dana Polk who had just announced their engagement the day before.  Praise the Lord!

Morning plenary session of the O YES! Conference at Eastern University, July 29, 2006

Audience participation during a Q & A session at the conference

O, YES! CONFERENCE ( Our Youth Enlightened about Sex ) - Eastern University. St. Davids, PA - July 29, 2006. www.eastern.edu/oyes   This was O YES' 2nd annual conference and was attended by some 300 young people from around the Delaware Valley.  Spearheaded by Dr. K-lee Johnson (who was recovering from surgery as the conference was going on) featured plenary sessions, workshops, dance performances and hip-hop artists.  Among the workshop presenters: Sam C. (see below)

"Hummer" ( the boat I built during the last 10 months ) on the western shore of Somes Sound on M.D.I.

MAINE VACATION - Mount Desert Island and Deer Isle, ME - July 17-26, 2006.  Had the good opportunity to get away and go camping and boating (in "Hummer," the boat I built over the past 10 months).  It'll take a few more days before I can get the journal posted, but it was a grand and glorious time.  My Dad was able to come up and spend 5 days on M.D.I. as well, and both of us got out into Somes Sound (on M.D.I.) and Eggemoggin Reach (in Penobscot Bay) in Hummer.  Nice.  Photos can be found here.

TRUE LIGHT CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP YOUTH CONFERENCE - Philadelphia, PA - July 12, 2006.  Met with a group of teenagers for a seminar on discernment ("Looking through the Visibles") as a part of their "Eyes On the Prize" 2006 Youth Conference.  Discovered afresh the critical need to establish rapport with one's audience before launching eagerly into one's presentation.  Big ups to some really patient young people and to TLCF youth minister Duane Pinnock for the opportunity to speak with 'em.

CENTER for URBAN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES - Philadelphia, PA - Summer Session I 2006 - taught the nine-day intensive "Foundations of Christian Thought" (BIB 300C).  Had a great class with some really great students, probing world-views along with theological, sociological and philosophical constructs 4 hours a night, 3 days a week for 3 weeks.  Everyone persevered and judging from the feedback, all benefited from our time together.  Tim H. (see below) came through on the next to last day of class and contributed some street-side perspectives and recent experiences, confirming the class objective for having Christians develop critical thinking skills.  Among the students in the class were a Philadelphia policeman, a high school worker, a retired Pastor, a correctional officer and a Mom who's got a 16-year-old son who's already become something of a critical thinker in his own right: a sharp street-intuitive level apologist.  I'll argue we gonna need more of his tribe in the coming days.

F.B.C.H.P.'s 2006 AWANA Camp young people help lead the worship and praise at R.M.C.
Photo by Anthony Moore, Sr.

AWANA KIDS CAMP ( First Baptist Church of Highland Park, MD ) - Refreshing Mountain Camp, Stevens, PA - June 23-25, 2006.  Ever been on one of those getaways where it seems everything just comes together to remind, teach, encourage and delight?  Such was this kids camp run by the saints at FBCHP.  There were some 120 kids (from kindergarten through the 7th grade) along with 60 teen, college student and adult leaders and as usual, what a fantastic time.  Refreshing Mountain Camp has certainly undergone a number of significant changes since the last time FBCHP was there (sometime in the early '90s) — what an impressive and yet homey facility!  The kids had a fantastic time with Dave and Animal Alley Ministries, the pool, the rope courses, the zip line, etc.  I had the awesome privilege of leading the crew in praise and worship and the singing was fantastic (and animated)!  I never cease to be amazed at the commitment of the adults and teens who return year after year to minister to the young people at this remarkable camp.  Thank you, Bro. Anthony Moore, Sr., for puttin' me in the mix again this year, and to all the saints involved in the AWANA ministry at FBCHP.

A few personal notes: A snowy white chinchilla, born without eyes (one of the animals in the Animal Alley Ministries presentation on Friday), left me reeling when, with its back facing me, turned its head to face me when I made some noises to get its attention.  This little thing has no eyes, yet turns to "see" where the sounds are coming from.  What an amazing Creator God Who would have such a humbled humble little creature grace the planet to teach us humans a thing or two.  Man, that encounter rocked me.  Shortly after that I faced my dread of tarantulas, holding one on a piece of bark and putting my finger on its back (that's as far as I would go).  The next day the Lord gave a set of us the strength and grace to work our way through the high wire course (some 30 feet off the ground) and scoot down the 800 foot long zip line.  What a blast!

Tony Moore and Jehovah's Chosen at Penn's Landing — June 16, 2006

Drummer Lil' John of TMJC ( since he was missing from the previous photo )

BLACK ROCK RETREAT SUMMER PRE-CAMP STAFF TRAINING SESSION - Quarryville, PA - June 10, 2006.  Good friend Dave Bouffard, director of the summer camping ministry at Black Rock, had me come in to do a session regarding hip-hop and street culture with his college and high school aged staff of about 40.  We had a bangin' time and I really enjoyed meeting and interacting with this eager and enthusiastic crew.  Good to meet the sister who's a middle school teacher near Indianapolis, Andre Smith (from South Africa), Ben (from Nyack College) and Joe R. who's thinking about becoming and urban missionary in Paris, France.  Talk about a "small world": after mentioning to the group that one of the pastors at my church (Larry Anderson) was on a school-related missions trip to Paris, Joe pressed for further details because his parents are working as missionaries in Paris.  I said I'd investigate further and it turns out that Pastor Anderson had dinner with them the next night (in Paris) after Joe and I talked (in Quarryville, PA).  Ain't that somethin'!

Center for Urban Theological Studies faculty at graduation 2006
Photo by Andrew Tolliver

CENTER for URBAN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES - Philadelphia, PA - Spring semester 2006 - finished teaching 2 courses: "Youth Ministry" (MIN 240C) and "Introduction to Philosophy" (PHI 110C).

CHRIST LIBERATION FELLOWSHIP YOUTH GROUP - Philadelphia, PA - May 19, 2006.  Thank you again, Sis. Pat Little and the young adult leaders and especially the young people for another opportunity to do and interactive presentation titled, "My Life: The Movie" (and thank you all for your patience).  Y'all are one keen group of teens 'n young adults!  Thanks, Charles, for your testimony and the insights you got from the movie you saw earlier in the day, and Julius for your earnest searching spirit.

WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CLASSES - Philadelphia, PA - Spring semester 2006 - done with the 2 courses I took this semester: "The Doctrine of God" and "The Apologetics of C. S. Lewis."  Taking a bit of a rest (lack of time and resources), postponing 2 D. Min. modules until next year.

LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TABLE TALK - Philadelphia, PA - May 9, 2006.  I was glad, grateful and greatly encouraged to see Ack Davis (Sam Harris III) sitting on the bench just inside the L.T.S. campus entrance off of G'town (Germantown) Ave.  A week or 2 ago I had invited him to attend a lunch hour meeting to do a presentation on the Gospel in the street context.  This was Sam's and my first time on the L.T.S. campus and we met with a group of students and professors over lunch.  It was an interesting time indeed.  Thanks, Terry, for having us in. 

Pastor Duce, Gueshill 'n Manny at Epiphany Fellowship — May 4, 2006

EPIPHANY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH - Philadelphia, PA - May 4, 2006.  Nice to finally get to see what's goin' on at this Bible study/church plant being done by Pastors Eric Mason and William Branch (at the corner of 17th and Diamond in North Philadelphia.  They hosted a concert of prayer, did some worship and then Duce led us in a review of what they've been covering in all of 1st Corinthians and then focusing specifically on chapter 16.  Great to see the Cross Movement fam re-gathered from far and wide ( Eric's family, Duce's family, the Tonic's family, DJ Official's family, Zack Ritvalsky, Mom Du, Steve the Levite (from Redeemed Thought), Shai Linn and his fiancée, Cruz Cordero, Kim Gordon, Gueshill (sorry we didn't get a chance to chop it up, G.), Da TRUTH's family — and "Generation Next" cats: Tim H., Sam C. Deon H., and so many more: Bishop Freeman Miller, Sis. Martina Lambert, Christine Wigdin, Lorraine Stirneman and Pastor Alonzo Johnson.  Got some photos posted here.  

Had the good opportunity to hear Sam 'n Deon rap the next night at Montco Bible Fellowship in Lansdale, along with a message brought by Alonzo Johnson and have the privilege of meeting a brother named Philemon from Pakistan who has a ministry to persecuted Christians all around the world.

E-pistle, Darnell, Ack Davis and Kevin after the L.B.C. youth meeting — April 29, 2006

LOVELY BAPTIST CHURCH YOUTH GROUP MEETING - Philadelphia, PA - April 29, 2006.  Ack Davis, E-pistle and I headed down to South Philly do do some stuff with this newly-started youth group, led by Sis. Barbara H. and a really encouraging number of other adults.  Had a great time with some really great young people: Ack 'n E did a few spills and then we looked at the issue of integrity as seen in the life of Daniel (chapter 1).  One of the many things that blessed me and others was to see a group of young brothers get some extended "face time" with Ack 'n E. after the meeting.  Thank you, Pastor Crew, for your ministry through the years at this Snyder Ave. church and for the obvious impact you've been having on your young people.  

RE: G. CRAIGE LEWIS - In response to the stuff this fire-brand Texas minister is doing around the country (in particular his anti-Christian hip-hop crusade) and the slanderous material he's posted on his Website (www.exministries.com), I've posted the beginnings of an apologetic here.  Ain't trying to be a hater, but I strongly  feel something needs to be said.  I'll gladly pull the page down when he retracts some of the stuff he's posted. 

GREAT COMMISSION CHURCH MASS CHOIR'S INAUGURAL REHEARSAL - Roslyn, PA - April 23, 2006.  After a 4-year hiatus, I'm getting back into rehearsing and preparing a choir for doing music ministry.  Been a while, but it's a bona fide blessing to be back in it again.  

Nathaniel B., The Ambassador, Cruz Cordero and Shai Lynn backstage before the DVD shoot. 

The Ambassador & Al ( from The Process ) at The View on Broad Street — April 14, 2006

AMBASSADOR's DVD SHOOT - Philadelphia, PA - April 14, 2006.  Nathaniel B. and I rolled down to The View on Broad Street to gathered with the saints from Philadelphia's Christian hip-hip community for the Ambassador's DVD recording.  Privileged to catch up with and talk with a whole lotta people I haven't seen for a while: Bahdru M., J-Silas, the Phanatik, Missie B., Kim G., Theresa C., Mom Du, Chris n K.K. J., Pastor Eric Mason, Justin H. (along with a number of saints from Montco Bible Fellowship), Pat Little and members of Christ Liberation Fellowship's youth group, the Tonic, Eric, Cruz Cordero, DJ Essence, LIFE and Duce. 

UNION LEAGUE BIBLE STUDY - Philadelphia, PA - March 3, 2006.  Was a little bit shocked to be invited to teach this lunch hour study with business and professional people at this historic and venerable organization in Center City Philadelphia.  The class is taught mostly by Westminster Theological Seminary staff and students.  We took a look at Romans 2:12-16 from a legal process perspective (figuring there would be some attorneys present).  I was not made aware of the League's dress code when I walked in (workin' a sweater and a tie), so I must have been perceived as a delivery man (which is exactly all I was).  Thank you, Sis. Viola, for your hospitality ministry to us during the luncheon.  My 2nd opportunity to conduct the study came April 21 when we looked at Romans 3:25-26.  Photo courtesy of www.unionleague.org 

HUMMER 2006 - I've built an 11' 7" dinghy, figuring I'd need something to do with my hands during the winter months to help offset some of the academic pressures of school.  The wood originated from Gabon in West Africa (okoume mahogany), was produced into marine plywood (1088 grade) in France, was pre-cut in Annapolis, MD (Chesapeake Light Craft), was assembled in the Downeast Boat Shop and launched off the Mount Desert Island and then Deer Isle regions of the Maine coast during the summer of 2006.  Photos of the work in progress may be found here.  Photos of Hummer in action may be found here.

PEOPLE to PERSONALLY PARTNER in PRAYER for

ROBERT B., the 20-year-old Penn State University soon-to-be junior, called on a Sunday late afternoon and filled me in on all that's been goin' on in his life.  He's been holdin' his own academically with a 3.1 GPA (praise the Lord) and is presently working the 2nd shift with his Dad (good friend, Dedot) at a box manufacturing plant.  He got an offer to do an internship at a New York media outlet but was unable to take it, but that to me is only a beginning indicator of all that's in store for this journalism major.  We talked for about 3 hours and must say I'm very proud of him and tremendously encouraged by his wisdom, life and testimony.  Being a young Black brother at a prestigious secular university is not unlike being a Daniel in Babylon.  Do lift him (and his family: Dad, Mom and younger sister) up in prayer.  It's really amazing what God's been doing in all their lives!  Praise the Lord!

WALTER S., the 39-year-old former Paterson, NJ neighbor of mine, called shortly after I got back from Maine.  His Mom, Vermel, passed away on March 24, 2006 and his living situation has become more difficult and was wondering if he could make the move to Philadelphia.  Has me really wondering what the Lord Jesus has in mind concerning this matter.

Recent Temple graduate Mark L. came through for a quick visit.
He's now working on a Masters degree in Business Administration.

Tim H. 'n Pat L. at the end of an 8-hour flow encompassing discussions about the Christian life 'n life, 
Christian philosophy 'n philosophy, Christian hip-hop 'n hip-hop, pizza & 2 movies ( one being Tsotsi ).

TIM H., the 23-year-old strategically-street-positioned pastor-prophet-poet ( brilliantly disguised as a security guard working in Center City ) was on the phone with an urgent request: "Could you talk with Jonathan?  I just wanted him to be sure that he knows that he's really asked the Lord into his life."  "Tim.  Tim.  Tim.  I'm amazed at the way the Lord uses you.  It's not a matter of me bringing any confirmation to Jonathan, but what the Lord's doing."  Tim put Jonathan on his cell phone ( they were out on the street in the Mt. Airy section ), and I had the honor and privilege of talking to this 23-year-old former newly-birthed believer in Christ for a little while.  We talked through a few verses in the Gospel of John and 1 John, and it seems the Lord has done a genuine work inside-a this younger brother's life.  He was a Muslim-turned Black Hebrew Israelite-turned Muslim again, and now ( not according to Tim's or my words, but God's Word ) has been received into God's eternal family.  Turns out he'd been coming across Tim time and time again while riding the bus from Olney over to Mt. Airy, and on this particular night ( Sunday, April 23, 2006 ), he approached Tim, got into a convo and came to know the Lord.  Wow.  Tim called a little while after he and Jonathan parted ways, sounding kind of stunned and bewildered ( that would make 3 of us: him, Jonathan and myself ) and asked if we could pray.  Sure, son.  Thank You, Lord Jesus for Who You are and the incredible work You do inside-a our lives.  Do pray for another young man who was in on the convo between Tim and Jonathan named Jason.  The fear of the LORD is a good thing — all the way around — no matter how long you've known Him.

Sam C. leading his workshop, "Sex & How It's Done" at the O YES! Conference, July 29, 2006

Sam C. ( in blue cap at left getting his diploma ) graduates from Frankford High School, June 16, 2006
The Lord willin', he starts in at Philadelphia Biblical University in late August

Sam with his back to the cam at Duce's video shoot

Sam on the mic
photo via UFC

SAM C., an 18-year-old aspiring rapper, called on October 6th and was asking about possibilities for being discipled.  Wow !  He's already being discipled by with his youth pastor (they meet weekly), but the youth pastor told Sam he oughta look into an additional discipleship process in order to help him further along in hip-hop ministry.  Wow again.  I suggested a few possibilities regarding members of the Cross Movement and other lyricists I know, and found myself very impressed with both Sam and his youth pastor.  Pray for this young man.  He's got an amazing testimony and he's looking toward going to Bible college when he graduates from high school next year.  Thank You, Lord Jesus, for what You're doing in the lives of young brothers such as these.  Update: Sam recently led one of his peers to the Lord and was also able to have a conciliatory convo with someone close to him.  He was invited to go with the Urban Family Council to do a presentation at a Youth Rally in Freeport, Bahamas from December 8-10, and was a presenter at the O YES Conference at Eastern University on July 29th where he did a workshop entitled "Sex: How Its Done" (which went very well).  Sam also did some ministry at a day camp in north Philly.  He's on his way to Philadelphia Biblical University at the end of August.

Cerrone B.

CERRONE B. had a fantastic and enjoyable spring semester at Westminster Theological Seminary, becoming quite the scholar (fascinating to watch and hear him translate directly from the Hebrew text after a breakfast meeting in mid-September).  Unfortunately the heavy academic demands of school and its somewhat limiting schedule (up at 3 or 4 a.m. to study), working 50 hours a week as a security guard job in a Germantown store and not being able to spend any quality time with his wife and young daughter led him to put his education on hold for now. 

PRAYER PRE-VIEW

CENTER for URBAN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES - Philadelphia, PA - Fall semester - teaching "Foundations of Christian Thought" (BIB 300C) and "Contemporary Apologetics" (PHI 340C).

WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - Philadelphia, PA - Fall semester - taking 3 courses (church history, systematic theology and urban missions courses), ever so slowly plodding my way through 2 programs.

MONTCO BIBLE FELLOWSHIP: EVENING of PRAISE & WORSHIP - Lansdale, PA - October 1, 2006.

MANNA BIBLE INSTITUTE STUDENT / ALUMNI RETREAT - Quarryville, PA - October 27-29, 2006.

J.A.M. YOUTH RETREAT - Skycroft Conference Center - Middletown, MD - February 7-9, 2007.

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

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

HEP