But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the minister of

Vol. 12 No. 3
September, 2013
“But
we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the minister of the Word”
Acts 6:4
Dear Fellow Believers of the Cross,
We are living during a precious and strange season. At the
very same time, it is the best of times and the worst of times.
On one hand, there are teenage girls being kidnapped on a
daily basis, people shooting others for no apparent reason,
there are nations using nuclear weapons on their own people,
new prisons are being built, colleges and businesses are
closing, the economy is weak, college costs continues to rise
annually, more single mothers are having babies than ever
before, fathers are missing in action, stress is up, gasoline is
high, young men pants are still down, our government can’t
agree on anything…and I could go on and on.
Today, the body of Christ has a golden opportunity to release their anointing within the earth. The
church can be a light and example in the midst of an evil and wicked world. With all the issues that we
face today, the church is the very element that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ left to keep harmony
in society. The Holy Spirit gives the church a variety of spiritual gifts to minister during times like
these. There are more churches and ministries than ever before, more revival services, more churches
are being built, more choirs and singers are singing on television, there are more bishops, apostles,
prophets, evangelists and preachers. We are flourishing within the building, but the community and
culture are collapsing around us. These times are the worst of times…and these times are the best of
times.
But Jesus has an answer for our situation; he calls the church (the people of God) to go into the world
(the unbeliever) and be a living witness…a living example and teacher, so the unbeliever will become
the church and a member of God’s family. The anointing draws those that normally would not come
and desire the things of God. So as the church ministers to the needs of the world, the anointing
changes the hearts and lives of the people. These times could be the best of times if the people of God
would use these times to allow the world see that God loves them so much that He would send the
church (His people) to meet all their needs. My brothers and sisters in Christ…these are the best of
times. During all things, we have an opportunity to allow the world to see the love and power of God.
Be a blessing—
May God bless you…and share the love,
Dr. Gregory L. Beechaum, Sr.
Little Zion Baptist Church
Pastor
Dear Lord,
I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this
morning. I am blessed because You are a forgiving God and an
understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing
me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was
not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe
from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and
plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my
mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept
all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.
And an renewed mind is the best response when I am pushed beyond my
limits. I know that when I can’t pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak...Keep
me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can’t
find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don’t know
You intimately. I pray for those that don’t believe. I thank You that I believe. I believe that God changes
people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers, and for each and every family
member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes, that they are out of debt and
all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or
situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be
received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
You never know when God is going to bless you! Good things happen when you least expect them to!
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not shouting that ‘I am clean living’,
I am whispering ‘I was lost, but now I am found and forgiven’.
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I don’t speak of this with pride.
I am confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not trying to be strong.
I am professing that I am weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not bragging of success.
I am admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not holier than thou,
I am just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace, somehow.
When you feel like you are drowning in life...don’t worry...
your Lifeguard walks on water.
You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How?
By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps
you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a
lifetime.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my commitment to being a lifetime servant and giver.
Growing up, I was taught the principles of tithing, so that’s always been a part of my life. When
opportunities arise for me to sow financially into non-profits to make a particular goal, I give. I
also try to serve in my community by volunteering with various organizations when time allows.
Over the years, I’ve even “gifted” my talents to others at no charge. (For example, I have assisted
in coordinating a talent show for the church, I have been an editor for my church newsletter for the
past 12 years. I am also editor (for 3 years) for the Compassionate Friends newsletter. This
newsletter is designed to reach out to each other with love, with understanding, and with hope, for
our children who have died at all ages and from many different causes. Our love for our children
unites The Compassionate Friends. We come together each month from all walks of life and from
many different circumstances as bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents; where we offer
support for each other who have experienced the death of a loved one. And I also sponsor an
outreach ministry called the HOPE Supper Table, feeding a hot meal once a month, without cost to
members of our community without discrimination. We ask no questions and welcome all who walk
through the door. However, a few weeks ago, I was completely blown away as I was listening to a
pastor ministering on mutual submission. When the word submission comes up in conversation it’s
in reference to Ephesians 5:22 when Jesus told wives that they are to submit to their husbands. His
lesson came from the verse before, Ephesians 5:21 says ”Submit to one another out of reverence for
Christ.” The pastor taught on learning how to leverage yourself, your talents and your resources to
help other people. He taught on learning to lean in to help others rather than pulling away. The
message in its entirety was incredible but there was one part that stood out in my head for the rest
of the day. He challenged us to ask someone (spouse, siblings, parents, children, co-workers,
neighbor, etc.), “What can I do to help you?” At first, I was thinking that’s a simple task and then
I really thought about it and fear took over. Let me explain why: I realized that while I do give, it’s
typically when I am pushed into a corner and feel guilty saying ‘no’. There are some exceptions to
that statement but I volunteer when I feel like I have free time. I support worthy causes financially
when I have extra cash and decide not to spend it on something for myself. But to randomly ask
others how I can help them on a consistent basis carries some risk. I may be called upon to do
some tasks that I don’t necessarily want to do. I may have to give up a planned lazy Saturday
afternoon. Or I may be pulled out of my comfort zone by needing to do something completely out the
norm. Yes, it’s risky, but it’s a necessary investment in others. It’s putting the true character of
Christ in action in our lives. It’s the demonstration of the statement, “actions speak louder than
words.” Asking this question means I no longer do what I think you need me to do but I actually
wait for instructions from you on what you need.
I refused to let fear keep me from doing any good thing, so I pushed fear of the unknown to the side
and have made it a lifestyle to ask others, “What can I do to help you?” And when I do, I truly feel
like a servant for God.
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose,
what you think and what you do is who you become.
As I reflect over my life, memories come of growing up in a family that imparted behavior and values that
helped me greatly as I grew into a young woman. But I do admit I also messed up, yes, the ‘church girl’,
‘daughter of a preacher’ girl! I was raised up around scripture, song, prayer, ministry, and the corporate
gathering of God’s people. At home, my mother’s “life-light” Jesus Christ, shined brightly. In spite of
her tears, disappointments, hurt and pain, the “life-light” continued to shine through. I would wonder,
“How does she do this?”
Her faith was so profound and strong. One example was when she prayed, trusted, believed, and waited
on God for fifteen years for my father’s salvation. I actually saw this process happen. I did not know her
faith was being passed down to me and I was being prepared for my faith as a young woman. One of my
prayers was that God would save my Daddy before I got married, and he did.
There is a young man in the Bible, Timothy, Apostle Paul’s son in ministry. His mother Eunice
imparted the character of faithfulness in his life, which was passed down to her from her mother, Lois. It
was this continuing legacy of faith that was passed on to him. Faith binds one generation to the next in
our experience of God. Shared moments of scripture, song, prayer, and teaching builds a common bridge
that spans generations, helping families to know God.
A mother should let her light shine, sowing seeds of faith in her family. It may take decades for a harvest,
but when the seed is being planted and watered, her faith is being seen and witnessed by her family. A
mama’s faith, a mother does shine her light on her family, sowing seeds of faith in her family. There is
nothing like a praying mama, that Godly faith that saves that child from destruction, and the darkness
the world can bring. My mama prayed for my father to be the man he is today instead of a man he once
was. The power of a prayer from mama… WOW! Unexplainable, but a true blessing from God to have a
faithful praying mama, and you know what? When you also have a praying dad or let’s say...praying
parents... Glory be to God! You have a double dose of God’s medicine. Today, I can say it’s true. How
do I know? Because I am that child, a mother myself, with faith just like my Mama’s!
The most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.
The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.
Lord, help me to stand in You. Give me endurance to run the race and not give up. Strengthen
me for the battle and help me to rise again if I fall. I look to you as my Healer and Restorer.
Make me the whole person You created me to be . Amen.
South Carolina’s Gospel Hi-Lites, led by Doc
McKenzie, are one of today’s most prominent gospel
artists and have been singing God’s praises for
many years. They have released more than a dozen
LPs through such labels as Savoy, Meltone,
Shurfine and First Lite. One of McKenzie’s most
popular selections is the trilogy of miracles in “The
Little Girl Fell,” from 1955’s Man in the Middle.
Relatively speaking for itself, they are loved by
many, followed by many and they lead many to
their level of Worship and Praise every time they
grace a stage. Down through the years they can
truly say God has been good to them and they have no need to complain. From their first hits to the
present day, each recording has been a blessing and still blessing so many.
Mary Mary is an American contemporary gospel duo, consisting of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell
(born April 29, 1972) and Trecina “Tina” Atkins-Campbell (born May 1, 1974). The duo often
credited along with Kirk Franklin
broadening the fan base of urban
contemporary gospel in the 2000s by
introducing elements of soul music, hip
hop, funk and jazz. Mary Mary broke onto
the music scene with their popular song
“Shackles (Praise You)” - which is
considered one of the pioneering songs of
urban contemporary gospel music. The
group’s name, as stated in an interview is
inspired by the two famous Mary’s from the
Bible, Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ,
and Mary Magdalene. In March, 2012,
they premiered their own television series,
Mary Mary, on WE tv. A second season
premiered in December 2012 and concluded in February, 2013. Their most recently released album
is their first compilation album, Go Get It (2012), with the hit single of the same name.
Sistahs on a Journey, Breast Cancer Survivors of
Little Zion Baptist Church, Powhatan, Virginia
Will be celebrating
Breast Cancer Awareness during October
Thursday, October 3rd at 7:00 pm
“Pretty in Pink” Night
Little Zion Drama Ministry will perform a skit
“Baby Shower Power”
There will be fun, fellowship, games and prizes.
Sunday, October 13th at 3:00 pm
“Worship in Pink”
Guest Minister: Rev. Catherine Huskerson,
Associate Minister, Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Richmond, VA
“Survivors will be recognized.”
“Come and enjoy a blessed time in the Lord.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of
the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a
plan to detect the disease in its early stages. We have made a lot of progress, but still have a long
way to go. An Early Detection Plan for breast cancer helps you to be proactive about your health by
reminding you to perform routine breast self-exams, and to schedule clinical breast exams and
mammograms, depending on your age and health history.
According to the National Cancer Institute:
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Over 220,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 98%.
Over 30% of women are diagnosed after breast cancer has spread beyond the localized stage.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) provides free mammograms to women who are in
need in all 50 states.
My name is Christy Q. Taylor. I am the daughter of Freddie and
Paulette Taylor. I live in Henrico County, Virginia. I attend
Bryant and Stratton, and a Junior at U of R College. My GPA is
3.75. My best subjects are Contract Law and Family/Juvenile
Law; and my hobbies are reading, writing, cooking and shopping.
I like to read and sit by the lake for relaxation. I don’t fall into
peer pressure, it’s just a matter of trying to fit in, don’t do
something that makes you feel uncomfortable. I think that a bully
is a person who is hurt and anger and do not know how to express
himself wisely. My favorite gospel songs are: “No Weapon” by
Fred Hammond, “Grateful” by Hezekiah Walker and “Hold Me
Now” by Kirk Franklin. My favorite gospel groups are: God’s
Image, Israel Haughton and New Breed. My favorite bible verse is Isaiah 40:29 “He gives
strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”. Determination and organization are
my strong points and failing on something that my heart is set on is one of my weak points.
I would like to attend a university in Manoa, Hawaii some time in the future. After college I
would like to be settled in a firm of my choosing. My advise to the young people is: To follow
your dreams, be who you are and never change for someone else. Only you can make it and get to
where you want to be in life. My role model is my mother, Paulette Taylor. I look to her for
inspiration because her life and goals she’s accomplished have showed me that I can be and do
whatever I want to as long as I set my mind to it, and keep my faith and stay prayed up. I love
her for giving me life and I intend to make her proud of me. My major accomplishments:
Graduating from High School. Not dropping out of college despite the hard work and making it
in a law firm. I am blessed and privilege! I can’t complain!
The difference between school and life?
In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test.
In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do.
SEPTEMBER
Tracy Brooks * Roshanda Cheatham * Earnest Goins * Nicole Gray * Juan Hardy, Jr.
Danielle Owens * Maxine Ross * Diane Simmons * Mary Simmons * Michelle Taliaferro
OCTOBER
Gregory Beechaum, Jr. * Evelyn Bell * Robert Brown * Nicole Brown * Latesha Gilliam * Ken Grubbs
Juan Hardy, Sr. * Glenn Hill * Pearl Hopewell * Kristi James * Alajurena Jones * Vincent McFarley
Odell Morris * Shelba Morris * Marvin Palmore * Ricco Palmore * Shirley Reavis * Alton Scott
Ebony Scott * Sidney Thompson * Maurice Smothers * Shamir Smothers * William Smothers
Jean Taliaferro
NOVEMBER
Nevaeh Ferguson * Rodney Ford * Justin Goins * Mae Hall * Norman Harper, Sr. * Stom Harper, III
Lawrence Hopewell * Geraldine Jackson * Kyanna Jordan * Ronald Mack * Carol Mayo
Sharonda Shepard * Maurice Smothers, Jr. * Mother Rosetta Smothers * Jasmine Taylor
Jermaine Taylor * Sharlene Tucker
DECEMBER
Brian Beechaum * Edward Brown * Randall Brown, Sr. * Roger Brown * Whitney Brown Chavis
WandaMarie Duke * Keith Ferguson * Susan Ford * Shirley Goins * Lawrence Harris, Jr.
D’Andra Hughes * Jennifer Jackson * Karen Jordan * Carla Mann * Antonio Morris
Annie Mae Palmore * Felicia Palmore
SEPTEMBER
Robert & Venita Bradley * Emmett & Yowanda Brown * Juan & Alicia Hardy, Sr.
Robert & Carol Mayo * Frank & Lisa Payne * Frank & Maczine Ross
Ervin & Rita Royall * John & Mamie Scott
OCTOBER
Robert & Susan Ford * Linwood & Margaret Gillis * Carlton & Shelly Gray
Lawrence & Pearl Hopewell
NOVEMBER
Kenneth & Cristal Grubbs * Vincent & Brenda McFarley * Roy & Mamie Palmore, Sr.
DECEMBER Ande & Lisa Boatwright * Norman & Marilyn Harper, Sr.
Roland & Priscilla Wilkerson
Brother James Bowen
Brother John Brown
Sister Earlene Jones
Mother Carol Mayo
Sister Annie Mae Palmore
Brother Kenneth Palmore
Mother Rosetta Smothers
Please pray for those who
are sick and for God’s
Healing and Recovery.
Prayers and blessings to
those who are homebound.
5680 Cartersville Road, Powhatan, VA 23139
Pastor’s Study: (803) 375-3300
Church: (804) 375-9404
Sunday School: 9:45 a.m.
Morning Worship: 10:45 a.m.
Bible Study: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
Intercessory Prayer: Saturday, 7:00 a.m.
Published by Little Zion Baptist Church
Dr. Gregory L. Beechaum, Sr., Senior Pastor
www.lzbcpowhatan.org
Mamie Scott, Editor
Staff:
Edward Brown
Wanda Marie Duke
ATTN. READERS: Tell us what do you think of your newsletter? If you have an idea for a
story, to share your life’s inspirations, motivations, and celebrations, what do you feel life
has taught you—share your wisdom with us, or just a spiritual joke.
E-mail: [email protected]. We need your support and participation to keep your newsletter
active. Thanks for your help. -Editor-