Page 52
January 2005
The AC Phoenix
Fbrtal To Black Paris
My name is Lynnette Bush, and I am 24 years old
a Chicago native. I am now attending Global
Leadership Training Center in Winston-Salem, NC.
Before I came to the training center, I was an armor
bearer to my pastor, heavily involved in the
ministry...really sold out for Jesus. I have always had the desire to do
missions projects, and in this past year I had the opportunity to go on
a missions trip to Cali & Bogota Colombia. It was a life-changing trip. It
was pivotal in my life because I was actually in a place where I felt like
I was in my purpose. After that I just knew I wanted to be sent to the
nations. I actually thought I was ready to be sent out full time. Then God
spoke to me and said “you need training first.” And that sums up how I
came to GLTC. The imprint the school has left in me is one that I don’t
think I could have received anywhere else.
First, I came to North Carolina with nothing—no definite source of
income or any support system or family in the south. I just totally relied
on God. And I was positioned in a place that when things did happen
for me, such as my tuition being paid, no one could get the glory but
God. GLTC has put me in a place where I have to really KNOW God for
myself. And He is so faithful. As God begins to reveal His true charac
ter to me. He starts dealing with my character and how much it does
not line up with His. Now...I thought I was doing well. I mean I was the
pastor’s armor bearer. I wasn’t just on fire for God every conference; I
was there each time the church doors were open (and I was the first one
through the door). You name anything that had to do with God, and I
was involved. But the deep things, I did not know were even there, God
through the school were able to pinpoint it and root it out.
Now I can continue in my race. The message that has come
across strongly to me so far is that-WE ARE MINISTRY! We can’t wait
until we get overseas and say “now we are ministering”. No, we are it.
TADA!!! Ministry is the very essence of you. It is you when you wake up,
when you lay down, when you feel like you are not having a good day;
it is the very core of your being. It is not a switch you cut on or off. It is
always on. So in that I know God dealt with that part of me, so when I
go to other nations people see the character of God through me. Think
about it! You can go serve people to give them things or build them
things. But the very first thing they encounter, before they see the
manifestation of the gift or the building, is YOU. And you better believe
that what is inside (that God has not put there) will come out and show
(the enemy will make sure of that). So, when people see us they should
say “look at the manifestation of the sons of God!!” When God starts
dealing with those inner things, let Him work even though it may hurt.
Just know it comes to pass. Whatever it is. It has come to pass. The
work He began in you He will continue until the coming of Christ. So
have patience.
Global Leadership Training Center has taken me to levels in the
Father that some take years to attain to. So I now can take a Kingdom
message to the nations, and I know it’s real because I have experienced
the benefits and the hardships firsthand, and I know who my God is for
myself. In such a short amount of time God is revealing Himself quick
ly to a remnant group of people—His elect that He is choosing to take
this message to the nations so His Son can come back. And I count it
a privilege to be apart of that group of people.
Give Your Business a
Kick!
Advertise in the
(336) 727-1171
Paris, France
By Rodney Carmichael
It’s the destination people of all
colors and ethnic backgrounds the
world over romanticize about visiting.
African Americans, in particular, have a
special link with the City of Lights. It
was in the first half of the 20th century
that many black artists and intellectuals
from the U.S. first fought refuge from
the incessant racism that plagued them
in America.
From Josephine Baker and Richard
Wright to James Baldwin and Nina
Simone, there exists a rich legacy of
African American elite who were embraced by the Parisians. It
has perpetuated a continued fascination with Paris among
African Americans today. But most travel tours only mention
generic tourist sites like the marvelous shopping district Champs
Elysees and the iconic Eiffel Tower. But as is the case in every
corner of the world, the real cultural experience often exists off
the beaten path. This is what makes Cafe de la Soul
(www.cafedelasoul.com) a must-visit site for any African
American planning a trip to Paris or simply seeking a virtual visit.
The self-proclaimed “Black Paris Portal” is just that. The site is
literally full of news and views you can use.
The site’s “Black Paris News” link reports the latest informa
tion pertinent to Africans, black Americans and natives of the
Caribbean who, either live there, or are simply curious. Forums
on the site help black Parisians and Americans link as virtual pen
pals. And Americans who have traveled to the city post
reflections from their travels. There are also regular columnists,
like Priscilla Lalisse, who originate from America but have either
moved to Paris permanently or are residing there on an extended
tour.
The travel resources guide is full of great alternative touring
information and packages provided by sources like Kattrax Tours,
which takes travelers through black Paris, in addition to visiting
the traditional sites like the Eiffel Towel and Musee de Louvre
(Louvre Museum). The Spirit Tours, a guided walking tour, even
promises to “visit the haunts of James Baldwin, Richard Wright
and the legendary Josephine Baker,” whose former club still
stands.
Another site highlight—“This Month in Paris”—lists the hot
happenings for the upcoming month, like relevant film screen
ings, art exhibitions and concerts (Jill Scott, Archie Shepp, Zap
Mama). Also, recommended restaurants and accommodations
are listed. Then again, you could keep the money in your pocket
and just visit the site as often as you like. You’ll definitely feel like
you’ve died and gone to Paris.
“He dreamed for the black youth
of this country...
He dreamed for the poor of this country...
He dreamed for the peace of his people
in this country, and abroad.
Yet in 1998 his whole life has been
reduced to four words,
‘I HAVE A DREAM.”