Ex-Creflo Dollar Church member claims preacher gave away two flat
Transcription
Ex-Creflo Dollar Church member claims preacher gave away two flat
Over 65,000 Readers LAS VEGAS VEGAS EDITION EDITION LAS Volume 7, Issue 10 May 2015 Ex-Creflo Dollar Church member claims preacher gave away two flat screen TVs in church after jet debacle, perhaps out of ‘guilt’ By Leonardo Blair Special to the Answer A former member of World Changers Church-New York, pastored by popular televangelist Creflo Dollar, claims the prosperity preacher pacified his congregation with two flat screen televisions after the backlash over his appeal to the public for $65 million to help him purchase a luxury jet for his ministry. “I’m one of those people that have said, I am not giving it to him; I’m giving it to the ministry because he does do good things around the world for other people. So when I’m giving, I’m giving to do outreaches and things like that,” began the ex-member, identified only as Theresa, in an interview with the Advise Show TV. “Trust me, I’m not defending him; because after I heard about this whole jet thing I was like, ‘this is ridiculous. Is he serious?’ I was upset because he came back from his so-called sabbatical ‘oh yeah, I ‘m well-rested’ but he didn’t even offer no apology for what he did,” she continued about Dollar’s reaction to the backlash over the appeal many onlookers found to be extravagant. “He just continued, ‘OK, let’s start this new series.’ ...[And then] he just turned around and gave away two flat screen TVs at the end of the service,” she explained. Theresa said she was surprised by Dollar’s generosity because she had never seen him give away anything in church before. “Never, never, there’s never been a raffle, nothing like that,” she said. Televangelist Creflo Dollar (left) and the luxury jet (right) he’s asking the public to purchase for his ministry. “That was his guilt. That was his money from and supposedly love, for your wrong. ...I’m not gonna unguilt. You couldn’t even come to and you want us to learn this and derstand that,” she said. your congregation who you get that. You couldn’t even apologize Theresa noted that the $65 mil- lion appeal for a new private jet wasn’t the first time Dollar had asked the church for an extravagant amount of money. She claims the preacher once had a dream to purchase Madison Square Garden which is valued at about $4.5 billion. “He told us he was trying to purchase Madison Square Garden and the people were looking at him like he was crazy,” she said. Dollar, claims the ex-member, also tried raising $81 million to build a church in Astoria, Queens, but she left the church before that campaign was completed and wasn’t sure if he managed to raise the money. Theresa said even though she likes the way Dollar preaches she didn’t like not getting the opportunity to shake his hand while she was a member. “He’s untouchable. First of all, (See Creflo Dollar, Page 10) Nevada Naturalist 2015 lecture series continues Looking for quiet places to hike around Nevada LAS VEGAS — University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s Nevada Naturalist program presents Hiking with your ears as part of the 2015 Lecture Series on May 14. The free, hour-long presentation begins at 7 p.m. Join Fred Bell as he discusses his search for quiet places around Nevada. There are many great places to see in Nevada, but with an inquiring mind and open ears, there are also great places to listen, as well. American Idol Finalist and Believer Clark Beckham See page 12 FRED BELL INSIDE Bell is a Nevada Naturalist graduate, hiker, camper, fisherman and photographer. He is now revisiting some of his favorite places and others long forgotten or overlooked during his 23-year residency in Las Vegas with renewed purpose and passion for discovering their remarkable sonic qualities. He has been quoted as saying that, “there are plenty of wonderful things to hear, but our modern world is full of unwanted noise, and that natural quiet may be the most unrealized extinction of our time.” The 2015 Lecture Series will be held at the Lifelong Learning Cen- ter located at 8050 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nev. For more information, contact Denise Parsons at 702948-5906 or email [email protected]. Nevada Naturalist, a Cooperative Extension program, focuses on giving a broad understanding of nature to participants interested in learning, volunteering, teaching and participating in conservation projects and issues. The program will also give participants the skills and confidence necessary to make a difference for environmental stewardship and conservation in southern Nevada. Dr. Bobby Trans Union honors workers ........................ Page 5 Jones retiring Facility for Human trafficking survivors Page 5 after 35 years Scholarship deadline approaches ............ Page 6 on BET Reach Beyond bringing aid to Nepal ....... Page 11 See page 4 Page 2 THE ANSWER May 2015 May 2015 THE ANSWER Page 3 MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR You can’t dodge the mirror By Toni Terrell Editor ‘n chief Lately I have faced the most difficult times ever trying to find “good help” to work in the restaurant. It seems like people want a pay check but would prefer not to perform the duties necessary to earn it. I have found myself mumbling under my breath, did she just call in and say her mother was “missing?” I know I didn’t just see an employee on camera give away two meals! My tolerance level for late, absent, short, lazy, texting, coming in under the influence, and talking ugly to the customers has risen to “not at all.” I would rather work open to close than to sign my name on paychecks for people and do their jobs too — Really? Then God slipped a mirror in my face. No, I can’t say that I’ve been that employee but I’ve certainly had my share of late, absent, short, lazy, texting and talking ugly to the saints of God in His house. Wow, did He have to go there? How many times have we shown up for church late when we were supposed to be on post? And Lord knows, it may not have been many times, but I have had to send that “I’m not going to make it today” text to one of the Deacons. And can we just skip being short on tithes, I really don’t want to discuss that one this issue. That topic warrants a column of its own. Of course, we never want to admit when we’re lazy. I know at least four out of five readers possess a gift that can be used for the kingdom but we don’t “feel like it” right now. We have some powerful excuses, but they are excuses nevertheless. It takes more effort to use the gift than it does to ignore the needs of our ministry and “let someone else do it.” We all have embraced technology, and we claim we’re using our phones to follow pastor when He’s referencing scriptures. But be serious, how many of us are texting saints two rows up to point out that fashion tragedy we just witnessed? Maybe not all the time, but we’ve done it at least once or twice a month. And all of us are guilty of talking ugly to the saints of God — and in the church none-the-less. We pack on some serious attitudes about the politics in the church and we get absolutely mean with one another, on Sunday, after altar call GOT DEBT Cut your debt (yes, that does include your mortgage) with —NO debt refinancing —NO increase in monthly payments —NO debt modifications www.worthunlimited.com/988037 [email protected] TONI TERRELL and during the message. Some of us are ready to fight — it’s going down! I can imagine God saying, it is hard to find good help. My people want the blessings attached to the job, but they don’t want to work. My tolerance level for signing my name to free blessings and then doing all the kingdom work myself is “not at all.” Thank God His tolerance level does not rank like mine does. Yes, I should have an expectation of employees doing the job they are being paid to do. And certainly, I should not lower my expectation of excellence in customer service, cleanliness and quality. But it is important to remember that no matter where I am, the same Godly principles apply — you reap what you sow. Sometimes, your reaping is not necessarily where you’ve sown. If I want top quality employees, perhaps I can sow quality time in my work in the ministry. If I want sharp, timely people to run my business, I need to sow more intensity into my time spent with God. If I want employees who can capture the vision for the longevity of the business and understand the importance of customer retention, I need to sow more energy into winning souls for the kingdom. It is apparent that everything has a spiritual perspective, even business. And just when you get to the point where you want to whine and complain about other people’s actions, God will show you a reflection in the mirror. It will undoubtedly change your way of thinking and force you to re-evaluate your own actions. Bottom line is — you can’t escape the mirror! Just be glad it wasn’t a brick upside your head because He chastises those He loves. Brenda Gayle Byrant (702) 308-5277 (800) 224-1053 Call now for a FREE analysis on how much money and time you can save! GET KNOWLEDGE! THE ANSWER Page 4 May 2015 FAMILY NEWS The show is the longest continuous running original series on cable ‘Bobby Jones Gospel’ series officially airing its last season on BET after 35 years By Christine Thomasos Special to the Answer Dr. Bobby Jones’ BET show “Bobby Jones Gospel” is ending it’s reign on the network after 35 years and maintaining the title of the longest continuous running original series on cable television. The long standing gospel music show will air for one more season, according to an announcement that was officially made recently at the BET Networks’ upfront meeting. Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams honored Jones with a tribute performance after the announcement was made, according to BET reports. For 35 years, the show has welcomed gospel music’s biggest names including Shirley Caeser, Vicky Winans, Dottie Peoples, Byron Cage, Mary Mary, Hezekiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin and more along with well known evangelists and people in and around the Christian community. Jones, 75, spoke to the network about the official end of his show. He thanked the show’s supporters, while speaking positively about the experience. “I would first of all like to thank them for being our fans and for Dr. Bobby Jones’ BET show “Bobby Jones Gospel” is ending it’s reign. hanging in there with us for all of these years—for those who were able to do that. It’s been a marvelous experience and I’m looking forward to a continued relationship, but [as for] Bobby Jones Gospel, it’s the end,” Jones told BET. “There’s a little sadness that goes along with that, you know. After 35 years, what am I going to do?” Last year, Jones spoke to The Christian Post about the challenges he had with the show. Since the show airs at 9 a.m. ET on Sunday mornings, many people who would tune in are attending their respective church services. For this reason, Jones hoped that his program would garner a prime time slot. “I think that’s a consistent challenge to ensure that we’re on at an appropriate time for all of the audience to be able to catch us other than being able to DVR it,” Jones previously told CP. “I’m not saying 9 a.m. is not prime time, but a lot of people are in church 9 a.m. I probably would like to see an evening show on Sunday.” Still, the host of two gospel television and radio shows who started on BET when the network formed in 1980 says his faith enabled him to continue his duties on “Bobby Jones Gospel.” “My faith has kept me there because I understand that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. I quote those passages and do that with an understanding, so I know that faith is essential for anything to develop,” Jones told CP. “In the Christian world you must have faith, so I understand that. That’s how it undergirds my ability to go forth in that manner.” The official air date of the last season of “Bobby Jones Gospel” has yet to be announced. THE ANSWER May 2015 Page 5 FAMILY NEWS New facility to open for human trafficking survivors The Samaritan Women offers therapeutic help, specialized long-term care to victims from across U.S. BALTIMORE, Md. — The Samaritan Women (TSW), a nationally recognized human trafficking recovery organization, will be opening its second facility for victims. The long-term care program, one of the first in the country, is a model for other organizations across the United States. The new facility, which will open in June, will serve as TSW’s intake and stabilization center and allow the nonprofit organization to care for women in need of specialized treatment. The 4,000 squarefoot home, located in a remote, undisclosed area, will accommodate up to six women. Women completing the program there graduate to the organization’s current facility, where they focus on therapeutic healing and academic, vocational and spiritual growth. Human trafficking is often known as a global issue, but each year an estimated 100,000 children and thousands more women are sold for sex in the United States. Traffickers frequently target victims and use violence, threats, lies, false promises, debt bondage or other forms of control and manipulation to keep victims involved in the sex industry for their own profit. National awareness of human trafficking in the U.S. is increasing, but the availability of established and qualified shelter programs is limited, with little relief in sight. The Samaritan Women, founded in 2007, is one of the few long-term, Christian restoration programs in the country that has recognized that need and serves referrals from any state. “What’s critical for the American public to understand is this expansion of our services to provide critical care to survivors has only been made possible because a handful of concerned citizens stepped forward,” comments Jeanne Allert, founder and executive director of The Samaritan Women. “These philanthropists became aware of the issue and mobilized the resources under their influence to make this new home a reality. This is the kind of citizen response we need in order to see similar progress replicated across the United States.” Three philanthropists donated funds to make this new facility possible. One of the donors was com- pelled to action after learning his minister’s daughter was trafficked, and his own life was touched by tragedy. “We are thankful that the most vulnerable and hurting victims of trafficking will now be able to have a safe and secure space for additional stabilization, adjustment and care,” said Allert. Additional information about The Samaritan Women is available at www.thesamaritanwomen.org. Demands safety culture at all transit systems have been killed trying to maintain aging equipment. “Just last fall ATU lost a brother, Jake Schwab, in Erie, PA, who died when an engine he was working on exploded in his face. Jake was working with the wrong tools on an unfamiliar bus from another agency in a garage that workers say has no safety culture. “The deafening silence coming from Pennsylvania about his death speaks volumes about the disregard and lack of concern they have for workers. To date there has been no official government investigation or explanation of the cause of the incident, which would seem to be necessary to prevent it from happening again. “What’s lacking in Pennsylvania and in a growing number of transit properties is the safety culture and training that’s essential to protect workers and riders from injury and death. “Mother Jones once said, “Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living.” And that’s exactly what we do today. We mourn and remember all of those who have been injured or lost their lives simply trying to provide for themselves and support their families. “And ATU is also committed to the goal of zero preventable accidents in the transit industry, and demands the adoption of an actively pursued and continually reviewed safety culture at every single transit workplace. “That is the least we can do to honor the memory of Jake Schwab.” JEANNE ALLERT Transit Union honors fallen on workers Memorial Day Washington, DC — Larry Hanley, international president of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) issued the following statement to mark Workers Memorial Day. “The Amalgamated Transit Union joins the labor movement today in honoring the fallen on Workers Memorial Day. “ATU was formed in 1892, when workers stood on open platforms exposed to the elements, driving horse-drawn streetcars up to 18 hours a day. Many froze to death at their posts, while others fell to their death collecting fares on the narrow running boards of the day. “There were no sick days, no overtime; no employer provided health care, no workers’ compensation; no occupational health and safety rules. Transit workers couldn’t even afford a decent burial. The horses, by contrast, were changed every four-hours. “Many believe that those days are well behind us. Unfortunately, they are mistaken. Too many transit employees are working under similar conditions today threatening the safety of all. “Operators and their passengers are dying in crashes as a result of poor bus and track maintenance, or because the drivers are too fatigued from long hours at low pay, and no overtime, to drive safely. “Workers have perished simply repairing rail lines, and mechanics THE ANSWER Page 6 May 2015 U.S. Conference of Mayors reissues community policing recommendations Washington, D.C. — As the situation in Baltimore continues to unfold, the nation’s mayors today are reissuing their recommendations on improving community policing, initially disseminated under the leadership of U.S. Conference of Mayors President Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson at the Conference’s 83rd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. in January. The recommendations were unveiled by Gary (IN) Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, who chairs the USCM Working Group of Mayors and Police Chiefs, following a fourmonth review of policies and bestpractices nationwide, during a session titled “Strengthening Community Policing in the 21st Century. Participants in that session included Mayor Freeman-Wilson, Director of White House Intergovernmental Affairs Jerry E. Abramson; Philadelphia Police Commissioner and President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing Co-Chair Charles Ramsey; George Mason University Professor and President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing Co-Chair Laurie Robinson; and U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services Office Director and Task Force Executive Director Ronald L. Davis. The session was moderated by Mayor Johnson and included an open question and answer period with hundreds of mayors in the audience. The Conference’s working group was formed by Johnson following the tragedy in Ferguson and an October meeting in Little Rock, AR where over 100 mayors and police chiefs met at the William J. Clinton Center in Little Rock, AR to discuss different community-policing strategies, lessons to be learned from the situation in Ferguson and ways to build trust between law enforcement and city officials. The group was charged with developing a series of recommendations for local and national actions intended to improve policing in America. The full report of recommendations, which will inform the work of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, is available at www.usmayors.org, but topic areas of focus are as follows: 1. Building police-community trust; 2. Improving police department practices; 3. Assuring timely and accurate communications; 4. Conducting independent investigations; 5. Addressing racial and economic disparities; 6. Providing national leadership. During the Community Policing session, Johnson said, “Mayors stand at the crossroads of their communities. We are the leaders best positioned to bridge the gaps in trust and understanding our residents, all of whom want what is best for our cities.” Johnson also participated in the first public listening session of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing on January 13 in Washington, D.C. Commenting on the work of the USCM Working Group, Mayor Freeman-Wilson said, “Mayors and police chiefs know full well that effective community policing is practiced in a constitutional manner by many police departments, and the vast majority of police officers have developed trusting relationships with the communities they serve. But, we also know there ought to be full confidence with the public in our law enforcement. ...If our quest is to achieve a sense of justice in our communities, we have a responsibility to address these issues whenever there is a police-involved death. ...This an opportunity for mayors to lead and we can choose to navigate around these issues, or we can create a new landscape in our communities to create a better future for our children.” Of the mayors’ recommendations, Chief Ramsey said, “We will use this document to help us in our work moving forward. We need the support of the nation’s mayors to help us meet our deadline.” The Task Force’s report to President Obama is expected by March 2, 2015. Executive Director Davis spoke of his office’s on-going work with The USCM saying, “The COPS office is tasked with supporting the work of the President’s Task Force. We know that trust is key to public safety and requires strong relationships. It is a great honor to serve in this capacity and we appreciate the work of the nation’s mayors.” During the Winter Meeting, mayors also released the public safety findings results of a Zogby poll, which surveyed public perceptions of local, state and federal government officials in late December. The poll (at usmayors.org) found that: —On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being no trust of local governments to provide public safety and 5 being the highest trust, 54 percent of Americans polled gave a “trust” score of 4–5, while only 19 perent gave a 1–2. —Cities’ police departments received even higher ratings in protecting the safety and rights of minorities — 62 percent high and 32 percent low. This was something — to vary- ing degrees — that all races and ideologies agree upon by majorities, though, minorities’ ratings are lower. Whites offer a 66 percent high to 29 percent low performance for the police; Hispanics 60 percent to 34 percent and African Americans 50 percent to 43 percent. Lib- erals offer 54 percent to 39 percent; conservatives 73 percent to 24 percent; and moderates 60 percent to 35 percent. May 2015 THE ANSWER Page 7 Page 8 THE ANSWER May 2015 May 2015 THE ANSWER Page 9 THE ANSWER Page 10 Creflo Dollar (Continued from Page 1) he’s surrounded by bodyguards. ...From what I’ve seen at the church, I know of about four. But I’m not sure how many he travels with, but yeah, he’s untouchable,” she continued. “My personal opinion is that he doesn’t want to deal with common folk because he has other people in place to deal with that. He likes to tell us that his schedule doesn’t permit him to be on a commercial flight or to do these other things that pastors actually do. Like maybe shake your hand, have a meeting,” she said. Theresa further explained that she left the church six times in tears prior to her latest departure but was convinced to return by friends. May 2015 When asked why she would go back to the church after being hurt so many times she said her friends encouraged her to come back and told her “God is gonna work it out.” As for what happened when Dollar faced his church for the first time after the jet debacle last month, Theresa said Dollar got a hero’s welcome. “When he stepped back on stage after that G650 jet thing, he received a standing ovation for about two minutes,” she said. THE ANSWER May 2015 Page 11 Reach Beyond bringing aid to Nepal quake victims, but also seeks to keep life-saving message of the Gospel on the air KATHMANDU, Nepal — While Nepal and the world at large are rightfully caught up in recovery efforts in the wake of Saturday’s lethal, 7.8-magnitude earthquake, Reach Beyond is evaluating the most effective ways to provide immediate aid, and also leading efforts to help ensure the gospel continues to be proclaimed via the airwaves in the region. After centuries of being closed to Christianity, and with virtually no churches, Nepal has begun to open up to the faith. By 2010 there were more than 850,000 Christ-followers in nearly 10,000 groups. Community radio stations planted by local ministry partners and supported by the international media and medical mission agency, Reach Beyond, have played an important role in bringing the “good news” to the country. Eight FM stations, most of which are located near the epicenter of the quake, are now being assessed for what is expected to be extensive damage. “We urge everyone first of all to pray for the suffering people of Nepal,” said Wayne Pederson, president and CEO of Reach Beyond. “During the past few years we have seen an increased openness to the gospel. We hope we can continue to reach those that need to know Jesus by providing for their physical and spiritual needs, especially during this devastating crisis.” As the situation unfolds, Reach Beyond will raise emergency funds for an assessment team to evaluate how best to provide help in the recovery. After those needs are met, the overall condition of the partner radio stations will then be evaluated. Extensive rebuilding is anticipated. In 2007, Nepal became more open to granting broadcast licenses to Christian community radio stations. Since then, Reach Beyond has partnered to establish eight stations, in addition to a birthing center in one community to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the people. Reach Beyond and its partners also have trained village health workers - especially in areas where no workers are available - to provide basic medical treatment. By demonstrating love for villagers’ physical needs, they have gained opportunities to care for spiritual needs and communicate the saving love of Jesus Christ. “Jesus’ word to the disciples referenced in Acts 1:8 said they would be his witnesses ‘to the ends of the earth,’” said Pederson. “As believers, and as a ministry, that remains our call and cause.” Donations to Reach Beyond to help those in need in Nepal can be made at www.reachbeyond.org/ nepal. Additional information about Reach Beyond and its efforts to plant radio stations around the world is available at www.reachbeyond.org. Local residents cheer the opening of one of Reach Beyond’s eight partner FM radio stations in Nepal. This station opened in 2010. For 83 years the passion of Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Global) (www.reachbeyond.org) has been to make disciples of Christ. Using mass media, healthcare and education and working with partners around the world, Reach Beyond has ministries in more than 100 countries. The gospel is aired in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers. THE ANSWER Page 12 May 2015 COMMUNITY NEWS American Idol finalist and believer Clark Beckham doesn’t want to be limited to Christian music, doesn’t think God wants singers to be isolated to one genre By Christine Thomasos Special to The Answer Each week Clark Beckham subjects himself to judgement and criticism in the music competition that made names such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson famous. Still, that’s a small price to pay for the up-and-coming Christian “American Idol” XIV hopeful who has plans of cementing himself as a secular music artist while being a light for God. Beckham, 22, is deeply rooted (See American Idol, Page 13) May 2015 American Idol (Continued from Page 12) in his faith as a graduate of the Christian college Lee University and underwent a life changing experience being touched by the Holy Ghost. Now that he has made it into the top five of the coveted American Idol competition, the singersongwriter and musician has showcased his range as somebody who can fit into multiple genres. For some time, he battled with the idea that a devout Christian such as himself must sing Christian contemporary music if he reached a level of success where his voice could inspire a multitude of people. These days, Beckham is confident in his calling and spoke to The Christian Post about why he decided he did not feel the need to THE ANSWER fulfill people’s expectations for the type of music he is supposed to sing. “I know through a lot of confusing years and prayer trying to figure things out, a lot of people said ‘you’re a Christian and you do music that means you sing Christian contemporary music.’ You lead worship,” Beckham told CP. “But I don’t think God wants us to be iso- Page 13 lated. I don’t think He wants such a distinct wall between church and secular.” The singer admits that the word secular can be “scary” for some people, but is looking beyond people’s expectations for him. “I want to write songs and sing songs about this world, about people, about this life that God has created through redeemed eyes. That’s what I want to do,” Beckham said. “I think He created music, and I think He likes good music. I don’t think we should be separated, I think we should go out into all of the world even musically.” Beckham’s decision to become a musician did not happen overnight. At the age of 18, he thought it was the right time to try out for “American Idol.” Page 14 THE ANSWER May 2015 May 2015 THE ANSWER Page 15 Page 16 THE ANSWER May 2015