“Every time I finish a piece I’m always so completely aware of every single thing that’s wrong with it and how completely deficient it is,” he stresses, “But for some reason it is almost as if God is allowing people to see something greater in it than I’ve put in it.” -
Abdi Farah(Abdi Farah)
Navigation Bar
BRAVO! Penn Alumnus Wins 'Next Great Artist' Competition
For folks who missed out on Bravo’s latest reality TV series, Work of Art: Next Great Artist, for folks who watched EVER SINGLE SECOND! (ie. ME) and for those within the two extremes, my good brother Abdi Farah shares insight about his artistic journey before, during and following his recent win. Check the article in the look book below:
Posted by
Everett Aaron Benjamin
0
comments
Labels:
Abdi Farah,
Bravo,
Next Great Artist,
Philly area
Hillsong UNITED - Fire Fall Down (Fuego De Dios) ft. Joel Houston
Fuego De Dios Consúmenos
Looking to the throne.
Salutations, world! It's ya boy Joshua checking in for the first time as a contributor to the beautiful work going down at Christian Carpology. I'd been on the sidelines for a minute, and figured it was about time I got in on the Holy Ghost party jumping off over here. Pardon the delay. I have a heart full of testimonies to share, and God willing will post much more frequently in the days to come. He's too good to keep it under wraps!
Last week, I joined the budding disability ministry at my church in the UK, and cannot explain in words how excited I am to begin engaging more fully in the Lord's work while I am over there. I know in my spirit that God appointed me to be in Coventry at this time, but in all honesty have been struggling mightily these past few weeks with intense feelings of loneliness and doubt.
At first, I didn't understand why God would put me in the West Midlands, of all places. Why not somewhere where the gifts he had given me could shine? Why not London? Why not Cambridge, the school I originally wanted to attend in the first place (admittedly, for my glory and not His)? To be alone, and at the University of Warwick was a daily struggle. I knew I had to stay put, but didn't know why.
Then, as He always does, the Lord showed up and made me feel silly for ever doubting. After a brief conversation about how I had yet to find a church home across the Atlantic, my close friend and brother in Christ, Everett, put me on to the website for New Wine Ministries [CLICK New Wine]. A couple minutes later, I had found what I was looking for: a church within walking distance from campus. I attended church on Sunday, and was blown away by the worship. The students ministry meeting after service sold me on the place. Once I told folks about my research, which essentially deals with the intersections of disability and Black identity in literature and pop culture, it was suggested to me that I inquire about a few of the ministries (called "cell groups") that deals directly with issues of disability and neurodiversity.
Approximately 1 week later, and I am officially a member of the disability ministry! As I understand it, my specific group is currently working on 2 distinct endeavors. The first is that we go out into Coventry schools and have conversations with young people across the spectrum of disability about God's love. One of my central concerns as a member of this group is tearing down lies that the world has told these young people about how the Lord views them. I believe wholeheartedly that God's image is not one solely seen in the bodies and minds of nondisabled folks; teaching otherwise makes absolutely no sense. The discrimination, and utter lack of love that we have allowed to persist in the Church in regard to people with disabilities is a matter that pains my heart, and is something that I will fight against until the day I stop breathing.
One of the second endeavors of my cell group (and this is another passion of mine) is to work on helping churches in the UK become not only wheelchair accessible, but more theologically accessible as well. Often times, I hear metaphors used in Church that cast disability in a negative light (terms like "spiritual schizophrenia" for example) and feel that it is an issue far too often not brought to the attention of preachers. My desire is to have open discussions with local clergy that deal directly with teaching on/talking about disability in a manner that lines up more directly with God's desire that all be included. It's time for the walls to come down.
OK, I know that's a lot for a first post, so I'll let ya'll rest for now. Be encouraged!
Posted by
Joshua Bennett
1 comments
Labels:
disability,
Featured Testimonies,
New Wine Ministries,
UK,
United Kingdom
Tye Tribbett's New Album, "Fresh" Released TODAY!!
It's that time! In stores everywhere. Check out the gospelflava review:
http://www.gospelflava.com/reviews/tyetribbettfresh.html
Reverb Church - "He sets the tone, we reverberate"
There are some awesome things happening through www.reverbchurch.com.
This is a church that is serious about wholistic ministry in our generation and completely eliminates the traditional elements of church. Of course though, ministry, when spirit-led and done in excellence, can reach anyone who will receive, and I have been personally blessed by their online ministry. Here's one of their brief descriptions:
"Whether you are just curious about church and God or a committed Christ follower, you’re welcome here. Led and founded by Pastor Joe Wood, Reverb Church is a unique experience that meets you right where you are (this is not your grandma’s church – but she is welcome to sit with our grandmas). Join us for our high-energy, culturally relevant, life-changing experiences and you’ll never be the same!
You won’t feel like you’ve been sentenced to prison when you visit a Reverb Church experience. We are a new church for people who have given up on the traditional church but not on God. You’ll find energetic music, multimedia presentations, children church, infant child care, and real-life messages. So get rid of that ball and chain and come see how much church has changed!"
REAL-life ministry is happening here. Right now they have a series called "If You Really Knew Me" that offers testimonies and different struggles that many people face, if not all.
Synopsis: Sadly most church attendees don’t really know the people they sit next to every week, but have no problem judging them from a distance. Could it also be true that most people never get to know Jesus or the church because they’ve been to busy judging him and his followers? Join us and Pastor Joe over the next few weeks to learn more about who we are, the you few know, and most importantly the truth of who Jesus really is.
Part 1: http://reverbchurch.com/?p=137
I personally was very blessed by the video "...I struggle with sexual sins". I believe that Satan continuously tries to use our flesh to hinder our relationship with God. However, I am glad that God does offer a way of escape through every temptation, and that even when I've fallen short, His grace was sufficient enough to pick me up again, and His love is strong enough to keep me from going back!
Be blessed!
Kirk Franklin’s FREE Concert!
Praise 103.9 and Kirk Franklin want you to help us help the homeless. Please join us on Tuesday, October 19th for a concert starring Kirk Franklin at Enon Tabernacle Church (located at 2800 West Cheltenham Avenue in Philadelphia). In order to attend the concert, you MUST bring an item to donate to the homeless. Acceptable donations are:
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Soap
Lotion
Feminine hygiene items
Doors open at 5:30 pm and the concert will begin at 7 pm. This free concert is going to be packed, so get their early and don’t forget to bring an item for someone less fortunate. And thanks to Enon Tabernacle Church and Chosen 300 Ministries for helping to make the free Kirk Franklin concert at Enon happen!
Love Your Neighbor: Intercessory Prayer.
Beloved Savior, my Strength, my Reedemer, my First Love, Teacher, Healer, Omnipotent and Worthy to be Praised, Sacrificial Lamb, I come before you in humility hoping that what I speak is not of my own but is of your Holy Spirit working within me. I thank you for your Spirit Lord which enables me to do what I could not do by myself which is to live holy. I praise you and thank you. I ask that the words that follow touch lives and bring the "...peace of God, which transcends all understanding and will guard [people's] heart's and minds in Christ Jesus." AMEN
Brothers and Sisters. PRAY PRAY PRAY. But Kwame, I already do that so tell me something new. Ok, here's a message I recently sent to a community of praying believers I belong to:
Philipians 4:6-7 "do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God....." 1 Peter 5:7 "cast ALL your anxiety on him because He cares for you" and Psalm 55:22 "cast YOUR CARES on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." I see a predominant theme here which is to say cast any worry (nothing is too big or too small) on the Lord. I'm thankful to have this group and I pray we all make prayer a lifestyle.
Recently, my pastor preached on 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
PLEASE READ IT BEFORE MOVING ON.
Brothers and Sisters. PRAY PRAY PRAY. But Kwame, I already do that so tell me something new. Ok, here's a message I recently sent to a community of praying believers I belong to:
Philipians 4:6-7 "do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God....." 1 Peter 5:7 "cast ALL your anxiety on him because He cares for you" and Psalm 55:22 "cast YOUR CARES on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." I see a predominant theme here which is to say cast any worry (nothing is too big or too small) on the Lord. I'm thankful to have this group and I pray we all make prayer a lifestyle.
Recently, my pastor preached on 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
PLEASE READ IT BEFORE MOVING ON.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)