August 1, 2007 (Valley Forge, PA)—More than 13 million children suffer hunger, homelessness and illiteracy in the richest nation on earth. In response to this startling statistic and the Christian community’s increasing concern for our nation’s poor, Judson Press has released Hope for Children in Poverty: Profiles and Possibilities, edited by Ron Sider and Heidi Unruh. Ten percent of proceeds from sales of this book will support the Children in Poverty initiative of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA.

Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, sets our moral compass in her foreword for this important new resource. She writes “We all have a stake in improving the lives of America’s children, and for people of faith, this is more than just an opportunity: it is a mandate and a calling.” In Hope for Children in Poverty, Sider and Unruh respond to this mandate and calling by drawing together the expertise of academics, activists, pastors and social service professionals to consider the lives and special concerns—educational, physical, sociological and political—of children living in poverty.

But this comprehensive reader does more than simply analyze the issues. It explores real solutions through public policy and faith-based organizations. In its review, Publishers Weekly praised the book as “…a concrete starting point for those in government, social services and churches looking for solutions to these desperate problems.” A free online study guide complements the book and facilitates its use in small group settings.

About the Editors:
Ronald J. Sider is professor of theology, holistic ministry and public policy as well as director of the Sider Center on Ministry and Public Policy at Palmer Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. A widely known speaker and writer, Sider is also president of Evangelicals for Social Action, publisher of PRISM magazine and a contributing editor to Christianity Today and Sojourners magazines. His Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger was recognized by Christianity Today as one of the 100 most influential religious books of the twentieth century.

Heidi Unruh has researched and written extensively about church-based community ministry, including co-authoring the books Churches That Make a Difference and Savoring Souls, Serving Society. As director of the Congregations, Community Outreach and Leadership Development Project affiliated with the Evangelicals for Social Action, she serves as a trainer and consultant on faith-based community development.

Hope for Children in Poverty (ISBN 978-0-8170-1505-3, $16.00) is available from Judson Press, a publishing ministry of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA. Founded in 1824, Judson publishes Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of persons, congregations, communities and cultures. For a complete catalog of Judson resources, call 800-458-3766 or visit www.judsonpress.com.

Detroit Free Press recently called her "a marketing whiz on an almost immortal mission." Known as the "connector and PR coach," Pam Perry knows how to pull the right people together for the right project at the right time and garner the right publicity. Her public relations and advertising career spans over two decades.

Mastering print, radio and television, Perry has been employed at the Detroit Free Press, WNIC FM and Christian Television Network (CTN). She has even published a 40,000-circulation magazine, Soul Source. Perry has provided PR counsel to clients like McDonald's while at Hermanoff and Associates agency and provided fund development and public relations for Joy of Jesus, Inc. and The Salvation Army.

Perry is the founder of BART (Blacks in Advertising, Radio & Television), a nonprofit networking organization for African Americans in the media. Over a ten-year period, the organization hosted career conferences, award programs honoring African American heroes in the industry and organized professional development meetings. She is a past winner of the "One to Watch" Award from the American Women in Radio and TV – Detroit Chapter and jointly won an Emmy for her work as a producer for "The Edge with Jeffrey Miller.

"One of the nation's foremost experts in the African American Christian market, Perry is the chief visionary of Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc. The public relations and marketing consulting firm which opened in 2000. Some of her clients include authors Bishop Thomas Weeks, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Donald Hilliard, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, Dr. Pat Bailey and Pastor Bill Winston.

A consummate communicator, Perry has taught journalism and penned columns for the Michigan Chronicle/ Michigan Front Page and currently is a columnist for Keeping Family First online magazine and on the board of Inspired Living magazine. Her work has also appeared in Gospel Today magazine, The Detroit News, The Detroit Free Press, CBA Marketplace Magazine, Precious Times Magazine, Christian Covenant News and The Christian Communicator.

Her passion is Christian books and assisting writers become authors through the American Christian Writers Association where she is president/founder of the Detroit Chapter. As a book publicity coach, she hosts weekly teleconferences on various PR/marketing topics with self-published authors and provides PR counsel to ministries nationwide and trains church marketing staffs. She is also the author of: Quick & Easy Ministry Marketing Solutions – 115 PR tips to brand your ministry.

For information about publicity coaching, ministry consulting or Pam Perry's availability for speaking engagements or seminars, contact her office.

Website: www.ministrymarketingsolutions.com 

The conference is designed to equip individuals who work and aspire to be apart of the music and fine arts industry. Recording artist, Lance Williams and True Worship will host its annual True Worship Retreat, Thursday, September 6th through Saturday, September 8th, 2007. The site for this year's event is the New Hope Baptist Church located at 106 Sussex Avenue, Newark, NJ. The retreat kicks off Thursday, September 6th with a concert Featuring today's most popular national artists. Including Byron Cage, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, Dewayne Woods, Sheri Jones-Moffett and more to be added! These groups reflect the varied sound and style that gospel music offers.

The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM and it is guaranteed to be a packed house, so make your plans now to attend. Pastor Sheryl Brady will take the podium on Friday, September 7th. Pastor, speaker, recording Artist, Wife, Mother and Grandmother. Sheryl Brady does it all with grace, wisdom and inspiration. She has traveled extensively around the globe for more than 25 years as a psalmist, and speaker at conferences and churches including Bishop T. D. Jakes at his MEGA-Fest conferences. Musical guest for that evening will be the incomparable Ms. Kim Burrell. The retreat would not be complete without finishing it off with an outstanding Saturday line up of worship leaders, gospel artists and pastors to facilitate the days' workshops sessions and services. Instructors include Richard Smallwood, Kim Burrell, Donald Lawrence, Jonathan Nelson, Natalie Wilson and DeWayne Woods. Three general services are also scheduled throughout the day with presenters: Pastor Hezekiah Walker, Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr., and Bishop Liston Page. These heart-pounding expositors of the Word are sure to stir your heart, mind and soul. All-access invitations are being extended to the Press. Interview opportunities with any of the above mentioned artists or ministers can be scheduled upon request and availability. We invite all interested Press to contact True Worship Ministries at (732) 545-9301 or trueworshipsings@aol.com

Contact: Lox Entertainment Agency
Phone: (973) 351-1569
Email: Loxentertainment@aol.com
Website: www.Trueworship.org

Rebirth Clothing, an urban wear line, will serve as a sponsor for the BET Bobby Jones Gospel celebrity gift bags to be distributed at the signature Bobby Jones Gospel tapings taking place in Washington, DC on July 20 – 22 and July 27 – 29, 2007.

      The pre-taped Bobby Jones Gospel episodes are scheduled to later air on the BET network in the Fall 2007 season.

      The selection of Rebirth as a sponsor aligned with Bobby Jones Gospel's spirited theme of "inspiration and uplift through gospel music." Rebirth provides a collection, which blends bold colors and printed double entendre messages that include phrases such as: "I Ain't Mad At Ya…, Respect Me, and 4Given.

      Launched in 2005, Rebirth Clothing's mission is to combat the negative images often reinforced in fashion by creating a brand that is trendy yet offers an uplifting message to those who wear it and those who observe it. "I realized that there was a significant need for apparel that was fashionable and that combined today's culture with the word of God,' said Cyril Guerra Jr., founder and head designer for the company.

      As title sponsor of the Bobby Jones Gospel celebrity gift bags, Rebirth will provide apparel to be included in giveaway packages to show participants and select audience members.

      Viewers can also look forward to seeing Rebirth Clothing on other BET programs this year such as "Lift Every Voice," where show host Brother Gerard will be seen wearing the company's signature shirts.

      For more information, contact the Rebirth Clothing media relations at 1-888-2-Rebirth or visit online at www.rebirthstore.com.

25,000 women are expected in Orlando Florida, August 8 – 11, as Juanita Bynum presents the, 2007 Women On The Front Line Conference, which will be held at the Orange County Convention Center. Speakers and Musical Guest include Dr. Bridget Hillard, Darlene Bishop, Tramaine Hawkins, Myron Williams, Kierra "KiKi" Sheard, and The Clark Sisters, just to name a few.

Women On The Front Line is a conference that was started 5 years ago, by Juanita Bynum, the founder of Juanita Bynum Ministries, Flow Records and Flow Publishing. She has established herself as a chart topping singer, with the release of Piece of My Passion which made her the best selling female gospel artist of 2006, a New York Times best selling author of The Threshing Floor, No More Sheets, and The Matters of The Heart, and continues to speak to millions nationwide.

Dr. Bynum created Women On The Front Line as an intimate way of connecting women from around the world for 4 days of empowerment seminars, networking, and fellowship. This is going to be one of the largest women's conferences in history. Dr. Bynum is calling all women who have ever attended a WOFL conference to come together for a Frontline Reunion. Women will receive information regarding taking their careers to the next level, guides to healthy living, and tools to embrace their inner-beauty, strength and spirituality.

"I'm so excited to see everyone because God has made such provisions for so many new things that I will be able to share with them during our 4 days together," said Dr Bynum.

A new area that is being introduced this year is, Little Women On The Front Line. This is a new segment being offered for young girls from ages 12 to 18. Dr. Bynum feels that our girls are in crisis and as WOMEN, we cannot leave them behind. A separate mini-conference with workshops and general sessions are planned just for them, with chart topping musical guest Kiera "KiKi" Sheard, coming to share her testimony and discuss issues that are facing young women today.

Dr. Bynum states, "I have gone through many transformations in my life and overcome adversities that would have made many give up. There was a time when I was broken emotionally and financially. I could have allowed the pain, and all that happened to me throughout my whole life destroy me. Instead I decided one day that if I stayed pitiful, broken and sad, waiting for someone to come along and make me happy then everyone who had ever hurt me in my life would have won, and that's too much power to give any one person. What better word for me to share than, encouraging my sisters to take back their lives and to become Women of Authority."

Four-time Stellar Award winner Myron Butler and Levi follow up their critically acclaimed debut project Set Me Free, with their sophomore CD appropriately titled Stronger, which is scheduled to hit stores Tuesday, August 28.

Stronger maintains the vibe and lyrical relevance from the singer's debut album. Butler modestly refers to his sophomore release as a continuation of the first album with a stronger message. "It's what God has given me to give his people," adds the singer, "My goal as a songwriter and as a leader is to deliver a message that empowers people to do what God has called them to do."

Butler proves more than ever his ability to write meaningful & life-changing songs, while extending his take on an increasingly popular sub genre style of hip hop/ soft rock gospel music.

Myron Butler and Levi fans can expect exactly what the title suggests from the new album–a lyrically stronger and more inventive sound. The 10-track CD largely produced by Butler, features the group's harmonious style absorbed in the 70's funk guitar church driven song, "Jesus Saves." "I Live" is another stand out track that features a gospel-rock simulated sound and showcases the singer's edgy lead vocals. Additionally, the Dallas native rewrote his blueprint for a successful hit radio single with the album's title track "Stronger," which has all the makings of a universal mantra with a hint of hip hop flair.

"The album is a little bit of everything," explains Butler, "I really try to cover all the base …GOD is not just one thing and our music shouldn't be either. Everybody is at a different place and they may need something different to propel them into their destiny."

In addition to the release of the Stronger CD, the group will release their first ever full-length concert DVD of the same name, on October 2. The video features show-stopping vocal performances, compelling new age dance chorography, and special bonus interview footage. The Gospel Music Channel recorded the concert in front of an auditorium of adoring music lovers in Nashville, TN. The GMC programming executives plan to air the concert on their signature show Front Row Live, this summer. Check your local cable provider for listings.

Stronger, shows Myron Butler & Levi for what they will be perpetually known for – great musical talent, diversity, innovation, relevant lyrics and much more.

There is no stopping the Truth! Pastor Earl B. Hall, II, your host for “Let’s Talk Truth” is launching the first ever live call in gospel internet radio show. This show will be heard by thousands of people and you can participate in this ground breaking endeavor. This call in talk show is by invitation only! Go now and get your free invitation by going to www.letstalktruth.net. There you will be able to get your access code and pin number to be able to call into this worldwide controversial talk show. You can call in using any phone and even popular web based phones like Skype and Yahoo Pager!

Your participation in this ground breaking history making show is just a mouse click away. Go now to www.letstalktruth.net and complete a onetime registration that will enable you to call in and participate in this world wide talk show. We will have inspiring and engaging guest that will be there to answer the tough questions from a true biblical perspective.
This show will launch worldwide July 11, 2007 at 3:00pm CST (4:00pm EST) from the HolyRevialRadio Studio in Milwaukee, WI. For this and all other information, go to www.letstalktruth.net or www.holyrevivalradio.com.

Participants in the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Internship Program attended a reception held at New York Life Insurance Company on Friday, July 13, 2007. At the reception, interns asked a panel of young African-American executives from New York Life questions about their personal and work-related achievements. Seven of this year's 41 selected interns are pictured with the event's moderator and senior executive from New York Life Investment Management, LLC and a representative from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

    Pictured (from left to right): Sean Roker, from St. Albans, NY; Laurence Wilson, from Florissant, MO; Ralph Tyler, from Cleveland Heights, OH; Jefferson C. Boyce, senior managing director, New York Life Investment Management, LLC; Lynn Jennings, internship program manager, CBCF; Argatonia Weatherington, from Miami, FL; Elan Mitchell, from Atlanta, GA; Ashley Johnson, from Birmingham, AL; and Jermaine Alexander, from Jamaica, NY.

    This summer program allows talented undergraduate students to work on Capitol Hill with a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Mr.
Roker is interning for Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-6-NY); Mr. Wilson is interning for Rep. William Lacy Clay, Jr., (D-1-MO); Mr. Tyler is interning for Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-11-OH); Ms. Weatherington is interning for Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-17-FL); Ms. Mitchell is interning for Rep. John Lewis (D-5-GA); Ms. Johnson is interning for Rep. Artur Davis (D-7-AL); and Mr. Alexander is interning for Rep.
Charles B. Rangel (D-15-NY).

    This is the seventh year the program has been funded in part by a grant from the New York Life Foundation. Through its Nurturing the Children initiative, the Foundation supports organizations, programs and services that target young people, particularly in the areas of mentoring, safe places to learn and grow, and educational enhancement opportunities.

Domestic violence occurs in all cultures. It exists in every country of the globe. It occurs within every faith community. Yes, women in the church are abused. There was a time when believers dismissed all of this as something that rarely occurred in Christian homes. No longer can we maintain such naiveté. And, DV knows no socioeconomic boundaries. Rich women, poor women, black women, white women, Hispanic women, educated women, illiterate women, religious women, beautiful women –all women are potential targets of violence and therefore all are at some degree at risk.

And while domestic violence is generally viewed as “violence against women”, in reality, both men and women are assaulted, and it occurs in same sex (homosexual/lesbian) and heterosexual relationships. Statistics indicate that of those victimized by an intimate partner, 85% are women and 15% are men. In other words, women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to be victimized by an intimate partner.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, domestic violence is a serious, preventable public health problem affecting more than 32 million Americans, or more than 10% of the U.S. population. It should be noted that the figures referenced above are only a sampling of the true incidence of DV because many victims are reluctant to report the abuse.

During next month’s issue, “Domestic Violence –Part Two”, we will discuss the causes of DV, why victims stay in the relationship, and possible ways to address this concern.

( July 16, 2007) Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president, The Coca-Cola Company and Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation, awarded four $50,000 grants to Louisiana HBCU's Dillard University, Grambling State University, Southern University and Xavier University for students impacted by Hurricane Katrina at a press conference to kick off the Essence Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola and its return to New Orleans.

Pictured left to right:
Dr. Horace Judson, president, Grambling State University, Dr. Victor Ukpolo, Chancellor, Southern University at New Orleans, Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president, The Coca-Cola Company, Dr. Norman Francis, president, Xavier University, Dr. Marvalene Hughes, president, Dillard University and Maurice Jenkins, senior vice president, UNCF, were all on hand to receive this much needed support for students at their institutions