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T he P ortland O bserver • J une 14, 1995
P age B5
^¡¿w Life Community Choir Jeaturituj Ri
In this day and age, it is not
n o t --------------------------------------------- -- —
unusual to find young adults topping
the charts and gaining fame in the
music industry. It is rare, however to
find those who opt to solely use their
talents in the field o f gospel music.
New Life Community Choir is a group
o f individuals who fit the latter cate
__________ ____________________ ____
gory. I hey are young people dedi
cated to making a positive impact on
society through the anointed minis
try o f song.
Reverend John P Kee. the
choir s founder, believes that Show
Up!, New L ife ’ s first Verity Records
release wi 11 be a message o f hope and
encouragement to their listeners. "W e
wan, to touch the masses. We don’t
wan, people to jus, sa> You did a
good project’ . We want to touch peo
ple and make a difference in their
lives.”
According to Kee, the central
message o f Show up! can be found in
one o f his favorite cuts, “ I Surren
d e r.” "The emphasis is on surrender
ing totally. A ll we need to do is live
and serve the Lord. This song is very
personal to me, because I wrote it as
a message to aloved one who loves
my music, but remembers my past.”
The past that Kee speaks of, is
his former life as a cocaine dealer
and addict. Many members o f the
choir share sim ilar and equally pow
erful testimonies o f deliverance. It is
their liberation from what could be
termed as “ impossible” situations
which causes them to minister with
New Life C o m m u n ity C h o iiïè à tù r^
sincerity and conviction. “ People
appreciate realness” Kee says. “ We
don’t try to impress people. We are
free from other’s opinions and that
enable us to really minister. It’s what
makes New Life so special.”
The choir, which consists o f over
30 members, was formed in 1981
Their initial years were spent lending
their vocal talents to projects for
well-known gospel artists. In 1987,
New Life recorded their first album.
On Marriage
by
L. R on H i bbard
o f a potential marriage partner; it is
entitled Yes Lord on Tysco, Records
While response to the album was
favorable, nothing could have pre
pared them for the tremendous pop
ularity o f their 1989 release. Wait On
Him. Thisalbum, propelled thechoir
into the forefront o f the industry and
attracted the ty'pe o f follow ing usual
ly enjoyed by secular performers.
Wash Me and We Walk By Faith,
their following releases were received
by critics and fans al ike with an equal,
i f not heightened sense o f enthusi
asm and excitement.
Despite their commercial suc
cess and widespread respect among
industry peers. New L ife ’s members
still find their greatest satisfaction in
watching the effect their lives, testi
monies and music have on people
across America. For many o f these
young people, the choir has been a
family, encouraging them to pursue
and realize their dreams. Individuals
who were once labeled as “ products
o f their environment” are now hair
dressers, songwriters, recording en
gineers and managers o f businesses
Their vision is to help others break
free from the chains o f poverty, ad
diction and oppression which once
enslaved them
New Life and Kee’s comm it
ment to effecting change is not only
seen in their music ministry It is also
evident in the businesses and social
programs they have started in order
to raise the standard o f living ofthose
in the Charlotte area and round the
country They are investing in others
the same faith and support Kee in
vested in them I hey believe it is not
enough to say that Jesus Christ can
change a life, Christians must also
help to provide the avenues that w ill
assist others in improving their lives.
Maintaining contact with their
audience is very important to New
Life. “ You can’t save them i f you
don’t know them.” Kee states, "Y ou
have to be in touch with society'and
know what s going on. We believe in
becoming all things to win souls.”
Reverend Kee’s By any means nec
essary approach’ to evangelism, has
been wholeheartedly adopted by the
choir Whether it be through street
m inistry’, feeding the homeless, or
challenging inner-city youths to a
game o f basketball, they are deter
mined to find a door that w ill open
the opportunity for them to introduce
others to the God who changed their
lives. In fact, Kee consistently states
that the choir’s music which thrills
audiences in both America and Eu
rope is merely an "attention-getter”
that enables them to go across the
country spreading the good news o f
Jesus Christ.
I he music certainly accomplish
es its purpose and Show Up! is guar
anteed to broaden their appeal. This
recording has something for every
one Selections such as “ Show U p !"
and "Made Up M in d" which have
been exciting concert goers for the
past six months, are sure to please the
contemporary lover. W hile, foot-
stomping cuts like “ He li Welcome
M e" and "God Has Been So G ood"
are sure to take listeners back to the
ole’ days when the anointing fell so
strong that it felt like the air condi
tioner blew hot air Rounding it out
are a few soulful ballads, which are
guaranteed to inspire refreshing prais
es and worship.
This album is more than just
catchy lyrics, accentuated by inno
vative music. It is more than a collec
tion new o f songs which can be
learned for choir rehearsal. I t ’ s an
in v ita tio n to share the v is io n o f
over 30 young people w ho have
made up th e ir m inds to p ro c la im
to others the d eliverance and jo y
they have found in Jesus C h ris t.
Regardless o f what the gospel
listener is lo o k in g fo r, it is g u a r
anteed to Show U p! on N ew
L if e ’ s latest release.
A L T E R N A T I V E
not so easy to gauge their capability
Communication is the root o f
regarding sex, fam ily or children, or
marital success from which a strong
b \ M. I saacs
**--
• ■ — The
.........................
*
their sanity.
that night
descriptive language
bor in vain to rear their children or
union can grow, and non comm uni
parents, foster parents and others
In the past, efforts were made to
used should not be included in adult
the children for whom they are re
have, it seems, tried every alternative
cation is the rock on which the ship
Most people know there are sev
establish sanity with inkblots, square
vocabulary; and these were school
sponsible. A ll efforts to place foster
w ill bash out her keel.
in caring for children, except the
eral types o f profanity and several
blocks and tests with marbles to find
children. What shocked me the most
children in homes are in vain i f the
instructions
as laid down in the B i
In the first place, men and wom
methods o f profanity o f which we
out i f anybody had lost any. The
was, some adults sat and smiled at
adults in that home do no, believe
ble
The
incident
mentioned is one
en aren’t too careful “ on whom they
become occasionally aware during
resulting figures had to be personally
this behavior. It makes you wonder i f
and teach godly ways.
up and marry In the absence o f any
among
many,
that
makes
it apparent
our daily activities, and it never fails
interpreted with a crystal ball and
these kids have any adults responsi
The behavior seen on this bus
basic training about neurosis, psy
that
all
such
efforts
have
failed.
We
to shock and distress us.
then reinterpreted for application.
ble for them; or i f anyone love them
cannot be purged without the teach
chosis, or how to judge a good cook
must
stop
rearing
“
fools”
who
de
I found myself, after several
In Scientology, there is a test for
at all, especially enough to teach
ings o f Christ being instilled in the
spise instructions and bring shame
or a good wage earner, that tricky,
years, riding a number 10 bus to
sanity and comparative sanity which
them that this behavior is not accept
children. Without honor and respect
treacherous and not always easy-to-
on
us and their parents. The love o f
North Portland It was a trying and
is so simple that anyone can apply it.
able anywhere
a man is nothing but a fool laying
identify thing, called “ love,” is the
God
must be taught and reproof must
shameful experience, for I found my
What is the “ communication lag” o f
Even i f there is no religious up
open his folly. It is an unhealthy
be
given,
in order for any child to be
sole guiding factor in the selection o f
se lf bombarded with vile, profane
the individual? When asked a ques
bringing in the home, some sort o f
opinion that says these children
“
swift
to
hear”
, “ slow to speak” , and
mates. It is too much to expect o f a
language and observed coarse, loud,
tion, how long does it take him to
guidance on behavioral traits should
should not be disciplined; an opinion
“
slow
to
wrath”
. Children must be
society above the level o f ants to be
obnoxious behavior issuing from a
answer? When a remark is addressed
be evident by the time children reach
that w ill lead these children to death
taught
to
be
wise
in deportment and
entirely practical about an institution
group o f teen age boys and girls.
to him, how long does it take for him
their teens. Are these the soon to be
or behind bars, in adulthood. The
conduct
“
Better
is
a poor and wise
as basically impractical as marriage.
From the moment they boarded the
to register and return?
adults who w ill be giving birth to
Bible says “ spare the rod and lose the
c
h
ild
than
and
o
ld
and fo o lis h
Thus, it is not amazing that the
bus at Lloyd Center and at 33rd near
The fast answer tells o f the fast
children o f their own. and what kind
child” .
k
in
g
,
who
w
ill
no
more
be ad
misselection o f partners goes on with
Broadway, peace and tranqui Iity were
mind and the sane mind, providing
o f human beings w ill they rear?
God has said, “ H onor they
m
on
ish
e
d
”
.
(E
c
c
le
s
.
4
:1
3 ). In
such abandon.
destroyed. There was no consider
the answer is sequitur; the slow an
There are just no alternatives
Father and M oth er that thy days
O
rder
For
C
h
ild
re
n
To
Be
Em
There are ways, however, not
ation for the bus driver (who hap
swer tells o f downscale (into a state
better to instill in children than those
may be long upon the land w hich
b
ra
ce
d
In
T
h
e
C
o
v
e
n
a
n
t
Of
only to select a marriage partner, bu,
pened to be a woman) nor for other
ofdecreased awareness; into the low
expounded in the Word o f God, for
the L ord thy God g ive th thee;.
Grace,
They
M
ust
Be
B
ro
ug
ht
also to guarantee the continuation o f
passengers on the bus. Teenage girls
er level emotions, such as apathy,
rearing concerned, sober controlled
(E xod. 20:12). “ A ll the c h ild re n
To
God.
“
For
the
prom
ise
(
o
f
that marriage; and these ways are
were calling each other “ bitches” ;
anger, etc.) Marital partners who have
human beings. “ There is no wisdom
shall be taught o f the L o rd ; and
grace)
is
unto
you,
and
to
yo
u
r
simple. They depend u niform ly on
boys were fond I i ng them se I ves open
the same comm unication lag get
nor understanding nor counc i I against
great shall be the peace o f thy
c h ild re n , and to a ll that are afar
communication.
ly and making remarks about which
along; where one partner is fast and
the Lord” . (Prov. 2 1:30. Unless adults
c h ild re n .” (Isa. 54:13).
o
ff, even as many as the L ord our
There should be some parity o f
“ whore” they would “ get it on w ith”
one is slow, the situation w ill become
fo rtify their beliefs in God, they la
Schools, Children’ s Agencies,
God
shall c a ll” . (A c ts 2 :39).
intellect and sanity between a hus
unbearable to the fast partner and
band and wife for them to have a
miserable to the slow one.
successful marriage. In Western cul
...T h e su bject o f m arriage
<
ture, it is expected that the women
co u ld not be covered in many
8138 N Hudson
shall have some command o f the
chapters, but here is g ive n the
Portland, OR 97203
humanities and sciences. It is easy to
(503) 283-3558 ‘ Church (503) 283-0169 • Home
basic clue to a successful m ar-
Ms Evelyn Collins founder-of the Grace Collins Memorial Center
establish the educational background
Elder Tom Moore, Pastor
riage — C om m un ica te !
and better known as Miss Collins is presently recuperating from a skin
graft to her leg.
We would like to solicit your prayers for this long-time community
Sunday School 9:30 A M.
activist.
4224 S.E. 62nd Avenue
Sunday Morning Worship 11.45 A M.
A ll questions may be directed to 2 8 1 -6930, ask for Irma or LaRan
(between Powell & Foster)
Spiritual Bankruptcy: What Heritage Have We When Our Children Go Astray?
Lighthouse Church Of God In Christ
Coffins Recuperating
FAITH TEMPLE CHURCH
Portland, Oregon 97206
SU N D AY
Sunday School 9:30am
Morning Worship 10:45am
Evangelistic Service 7:30pm
Tuesday Pastoral Teaching 7:00pm
F R ID A Y
Evangelistic Service 7:00pm
D A IL Y
Prayer 12:00pm & 6:00pm
Tuesday Prayer/Bible Band 7:30 P.M.
Friday Worship Service 7:00 P.M.
"Come Unto Me All Ye That Labor And Are Heavy Laden,
And I Will Give You Rest. Take My Yoke Upon You
And Learn Of Me." Matt. 11:28-29
We have a place for you. Come fellowship with us!
(503) 774-5470
PASTORS: Bishop Robert Simpson, Jr.
Dr. Ida M. Simpson
d\/[anfi IBafztiit Chuidi
103 NE Morris St., Portland, OR 97212
•
•
•
•
•
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Sunday Evening Worship 7:30 P.M.
Sunday School - 9:30am
Sunday Morning Worship Service - 1 1 :00am
Sunday School Teacher’s Meeting Tues - 6:30pm
Bible Study Wednesday 6:00pm
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Church Phone Number
287-7457
We invite You To Come And Worship With Us.
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Dr. Joe S. Hardie, Pastor
A Welcome Is Awaiting You!
Mt Olivet
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8501 N. Chautauqua Blvd.,
at Willis Blvd.
'/(fifa (fine o j a '/C nc/ ?/
( '/to n
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Worship Services 8:00am & 11:00am.
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JO: O O am - 6 : O fftn t
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Dr. James E. Martin, Senior Pastor
(503) 240-PRAY
2808 M .
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t/u e V .AliMayJnr/M.H (508) 2 8 8 -5 2 )0