Author: William Wilberforce Was

The Greatest Social Reformer In History

BOOK RELEASED IN CONJUNCTION WITH MOVIE

By Tom Campisi

In 1789, William Wilberforce concluded his three-hour abolition debate in the Houses of Parliament by emphatically saying, “You may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say you did not know.”

And 200 years after Wilberforce helped end the slave trade in Britian, he speaks to us as loudly and clearly as ever, according to Eric Metaxas. The New York City author’s latest book,  Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery (Harper San Francisco),  will be released on Feb. 6.

The book will accompany the Amazing Grace movie, which opens in theaters nationwide on Feb. 23. The film—directed by Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Coal Miner's Daughter)—features Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down, The Fantastic Four) as Wilberforce and Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich) as John Newton, the former slave trader turned abolitionist who penned the “Amazing Grace” hymn. Romola Garai (Vanity Fair) plays Barbara Spooner, a “beautiful and headstrong” young woman who shares Wilberforce's passion for reform, and who becomes his wife after a whirlwind courtship. Amazing Grace is rated PG for thematic material involving slavery, and some mild language.

The release of the film and the book coincides with the bicentennial celebration of Britain’s ban on the slave trade in 1807. In the introduction to his book, Metaxas reflects on the impilications of that victory: “It paved the way for all that followed, inspiring the other nations of the world to follow suit and opening the door to emancipation, which, amazingly, was achieved three days before Wilberforce died in 1833. He received the glorious news of his lifelong goal on his deathbed.”

Metaxas is amazed that Wilberforce—whom he calls the greatest social reformer in history—is not a household name. So when Harper San Francisco approached him about writing a book to accompany the movie, he was honored for the chance to re-introduce the heroic Wilberforce into the American conscience.

“I hope readers will see that a single person, completely given over to God’s purposes, can literally change the world,” said Metaxas. “It doesn’t make sense that a mere politician could have done what Wilberforce did.”

While the movie focuses on the political battle to end slavery, Metaxas delves deeper into an exposition of the faith that made Wilberforce tick. The author said he sought to communicate the notion that helping the poor, or righting wrongs and fighting injustices, is an idea that comes not from us, but from God.

“If you look throughout history, you see our natural, fallen human impulses lead us into to a brutal, selfish kind of Social Darwinism in which we treat those weaker than ourselves poorly, and think of their sufferings as “God’s will,” he said. “Slavery is just the tip of that grim iceberg. But in the Old and New Testaments, we see that we have a responsibility to end injustice and to help those weaker than ourselves, those who are suffering. Wilberforce fought to get 18th and 19th century British society to see that, and it was an absolutely brutal battle.”

Metaxas is confident that Christians will find inspiration in the life of Wilberforce, not only because he helped end slavery, but because of his impact on society.

“Not only did he lead the battle to end the slave trade and slavery itself, but he also brought the idea of loving your neighbor into the public and political spheres,” he said. “The idea that Wilberforce was able to wade into that cultural muck and over a few decades turn it into the veritable rose garden that we now know as the Victorian era is stunning. To use his own words, he made ‘goodness fashionable.’

“Jesus turned him into a different human being and he was able to see things from God’s perspective. He was utterly devoted to the Lord and an amazing witness wherever he went. The Lord used him in such power. He speaks to our time. He was totally in the world, but not of it. That’s very rare today. Most Christians are not speaking into a sick culture.”

Metaxas, the author of Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (but were afraid to ask) and 30 children’s books, is the founder and host of “Socrates in the City,” a monthly event that offers “entertaining and thought-provoking discussions on life, God, and other small topics.” He is a former writer for Chuck Colson’s BreakPoint Show and the VeggieTales children’s video and book series.

Rev. Floyd Flake—the president of Wilberforce University, Senior Pastor of Allen AME Church in Queens, and a former congressman—called the Amazing Grace book “magnificent.”

In the forward, he writes, “Metaxas’ work will stand as a living landmark … because it artfully captures the essence of a spiritual strength, moral clarity, human frailty, and divine purpose that dwelled among men at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th. This biography allows us to put in crystal clear focus the life of a man born to comfort but discomforted by the dire conditions of suffering people.”

‘Racially Tolerant…But Not Reconciled’

Commentary by Tom Campisi

Our two cover stories in the February print edition are nice complements to this month’s celebration of African-American History month.

The first one—which previews the upcoming movie Amazing Grace and book of the same name—looks at the life of British Statesman William Wilberforce, who brought an end to the slave trade in his country in 1807. That legislation was the first step towards abolishing slavery completely in Britain; and Wilberforce’s exploits were also instrumental in the future emancipation of slaves in the United States.

The second story highlights Jay Sinclair and his 25-year tenure at Star of Hope in Paterson, NJ. There are several quotes about Rev. Sinclair’s passion for racial reconciliation. But in an exclusive interview with the Voice, he was very candid about our progress.

“I have spent my life serving the church and pleading for unity,” said Rev. Sinclair. “The world will know Jesus was sent from the Father when we are one. We are not racially reconciled.  Sunday morning is still the most segregated hour. We are racially tolerant, not racially reconciled.”

Bishop Donald Hilliard would agree. A couple of years ago, I had the privilege if attending the Dr. Martin Luther King Day service at his church, Cathedral International in Perth Amboy. The first thing I realized was how the holiday is such a huge celebration in the African-American community, while it is more of day off in the white community. Afterwards, I spoke with Bishop Donald Hilliard about race relations.

“I know we have made strides, but we still have a long way to go,” he said. “We’ll know we have come a long way when we start having dinner with one another and having Christmas together—not just worshipping with one another. More white pastors need to preach in black churches and vice versa. It needs to happen regularly.

“The walls of racism must continue to come down. If it it’s going to happen, it must happen in the Church. They can be torn down by us not emphasizing whether we are a ‘Black church,’ White church, or ‘Hispanic church—but that we are the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Amen. My prayer today is that you will ask the Lord what you can do to foster unity so that “the world may believe that [the Father] has sent [Jesus].” (John 17:21)

Bishop Hilliard is right. Maybe dinner with someone of another race is a good place to start. Or lunch. Or even a cup of coffee. 

Tom Campisi can be reached via e-mail: tristatevoice@aol.com.

World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine Raises Millions for The Poor

By Rachel Mari

“The war against hunger is truly mankind’s war of liberation.”—John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Youth groups in the Metro New York area are waging the war on hunger by taking part in World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine.

 Last year, nearly 18,000 local youth raised over $650,000 to feed hungry children around the world ($12 million was raised nationwide). The goal this year is to raise over $900,000.

“It’s fulfilling our calling as Christ’s disciples,” said Pastor Matt Poterbin of New City Gospel Fellowship. “It really is about saving the lives of children who would otherwise die—it’s that simple.”

Teens participating in the Famine go without food (consuming only liquids) in order to get a taste of hunger. Meanwhile, they learn more about the crisis through information, games, and activity ideas provided by World Vision, a Christian relief organization that helps children and families in nearly 100 countries tackle the root causes of poverty.

The youth also perform service projects and meet needs in their own communities. The participants raise funds from their congregations, schools, and communities. World Vision then directs these funds to areas of greatest need: places like Niger, Sudan, and Kenya.

Sharon Park, Metro New York Coordinator for the Famine and former participant, trains the youth leaders to hold a Famine. “Youth groups walk out of this so much closer with each other and with their communities,” she said. “We hope that kids will grow closer to the heart of God: how God sees the poor and how He wants us to serve them.”

Started in 1992, the 30-Hour Famine is a global effort, involving over 1 million youth in 21 countries. Statistics show that:

The 30-Hour Famine empowers kids to make an impact on the situation. “The best part is seeing kids’ lives transformed: at one point not knowing hunger, to then have them experience it, and believe that they can make a huge difference,” said Katie Roland, Director of Marketing and Communications at World Vision, “We are hoping to see 20,000 kids from the tri-state area involved this year. We want an increased awareness of how such a small amount of money can go such a long way.”

Pastor Danny Choi of Calvary Korean United Methodist Church agrees. He said, “Don’t ever underestimate the impact and awareness that youth can bring to situations which adults already seem to have given up on.”

Screwtape Letters Opens Aug. 3 in NYC

“The Screwtape Letters,” by C.S. Lewis, has been adapted for stage by Sir Nigel Forde and licensed to Corner Gate Productions by The C.S. Lewis Company Ltd. This fast-paced drama with a nine-member cast will be staged Aug. 3-26 at Theatre 3 (Mint Theatre Company), 311 West 43^rd St. in Manhattan.

“The Screwtape Letters,” directed by Ralph A. Irizarry, is set during World War II. In a dark corner of Hell's bureaucracy sits mid-level demon Screwtape scratching out letters to his nephew Wormwood that are filled with advice on how to corrupt a human soul. "Bring us back food or be food yourself," Screwtape tells his nephew, as he catalogues the list of human frailties upon which Wormwood is to prey. War, lust, debauchery, decadence and all sorts of wickedness are the tools that Screwtape gleefully displays for his use.

In “The Screwtape Letters,” C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good vs. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Through this gripping, fast moving and powerful production adapted for Stage by Nigel Forde, the viewer emerges with a better knowledge of what it means to live a good, honest life.

The cast includes Steven Wargo (Screwtape), Kevin O'Bryan (Wormwood), Jason Yachanin (Slubgob), Maria Bella O'Bryan (Grabslatter), Erinn Holmes (Wife), Joel Peterson (Husband), Holly Hurley (Geraldine), and Joseph Melendez (Subject).

CornerGate Productions is “an arts and media organization, committed to excellence, that seeks to advance the individual and collective voice of faith in the arts and entertainment industry.” Its mission is “To develop and produce quality art with an emphasis on new works that are relevant to contemporary society and that offer hope and truth from a Judeo-Christian perspective.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. (show starts 8 p.m.). Matinees on Sat. at 3 p.m. Tickets $25; seating assigned by www.smarttix.com.

Bill Wilson Hosts America’s Largest Kids’ Sunday School

By Tom Campisi

New York was recently named the United States’ most expensive city in a recent survey posted in Money Magazine. Nearly everything costs more in the Big Apple.

And no one knows that better than Rev. Bill Wilson, the founder of Metro Ministries in Brooklyn. In the last 25 years, Rev. Wilson has developed America’s largest Sunday school program, which reaches 20,000 urban kids each week. He’s been acclaimed by Christian leaders, the media, and government officials, who have said Metro Ministries has helped make the Bushwick section of Brooklyn both “livable” and “investable.”

To the casual observer and those looking for insight on how to duplicate this type of outreach, the methods of Metro Ministries look simple enough—each week, staff members (including Wilson) drive busses around the city and bring kids to innovative Children’s Church programs.

But a deeper examination of this journey will reveal a narrow, bloodstained road that few are willing to take.

“We have paid a price for it,” said Rev. Wilson.

That price-tag has nearly cost him his life on several occasions. Two years ago, he was robbed at gunpoint. One of the thieves stuck a gun in his face and when a struggle ensued, the trigger was pulled.

“It felt like my whole face exploded,” said Wilson, who drove himself to the hospital and resumed preaching a few days later.

One of his associate pastors wasn’t as fortunate. Kevin McDonald was murdered in 1989; Wilson said the gunman was aiming for him.

“I’ve been stabbed twice, thrown off a building, and hit in the face with a brick,” said Wilson, who has seen 22 murders and survived three plane crashes.

After getting hit with a brick, he lost his sight in one eye for three months. The attack—approximately 20 years ago—nearly made him quit.

“I bought a plane ticket,” he said. “The first eight or nine years in New York were really painful.”

But a bulldog faith and a “hell or high water” mentality have enabled him to persevere. It’s a determination that he tries to inspire when he speaks to believers all over the world and when he runs a “boot camp” training program in Brooklyn.

“Your commitment has to be stronger than your emotions, but for most Christians that is not the case,” he said.

Rev. Wilson will be the keynote speaker when New Jersey Christian Ministries holds its 46^th Annual Convention Oct. 27-28 at Hawthorne Gospel Church. 

‘WORST CITY IN AMERICA’

A native of Florida, Rev. Wilson came to New York City in 1980 after working with Pastor Tommy Barnett in Iowa. He quickly discovered that Brooklyn was no Field of Dreams: “Moving here was the hardest part.”

With the emergence of crack cocaine and the murder rate soaring and, New York City was well on its way to being named America’s most dangerous city, a title it has since relinquished.

“I came to New York because it was the worst place in America,” he said. “I wanted to be where people’s needs were the greatest. I knew that if the Gospel worked in New York, it could work in any city.”

He also knew that if God could do a work in his heart, he could reach anyone. As a young child, Bill was abandoned by his mother on a street corner. He waited for her for three days, but she never returned. A Christian man took him off the streets and his destiny was forever altered.

“I should have been an alcoholic like my mother,” he said. “When something like that happens, you can allow it to strengthen you or you can use it as an excuse to feel sorry for yourself.”

So instead of becoming one of the statistics, Wilson chose to be a catalyst for changing them. Many of the children who attend Metro’s Sunday school live in some of the worst inner-city neighborhoods and face hunger, gang violence, drugs and crime on a daily basis.

In 1997, Ted Koppel and “Nightline” cited Metro Ministries as one of main factors for the radical change in the Bushwick section. It’s a change that has not happened overnight. Wilson was in it for the long haul from the beginning and seeks to impact generations of kids.

“Most people want to see quick tangible results, but this takes a long time,” he said.

Metro Ministries conducts Sunday school programs for inner city children six days per week at 150 sites throughout New York City. They offer programs right after school each day, a critical time for juveniles. The program consists of “fun and games and with a positive message that encourages them to stay in school, to stay away from gangs and crime, and to dream big.” Metro presents Sunday school programs in several other countries and its model is being duplicated by organizations around the world.

In addition to providing Sunday school in New York, Metro also ministers to children and their families with summer camp programs, a school back-pack drive, and Thanksgiving and Christmas outreaches.

‘WON BY ONE’

Metro’s “Won By One” monthly sponsorship program links donors with children in New York City and in countries throughout the world.

Penny Hollenbeck, Metro Ministries’ Executive Director of Operations and Administration, recently shared the story of a Seattle family that sponsored a New York City boy for many years. The family and the boy, who is heading to college, have developed a close relationship.

There are other Sunday school kids who have gone on to college and achieved great things, but Wilson has a different measuring stick in defining success.

“I am not as interested in what they become as I am interested in what they do not become,” he said. “They are not all doctors, lawyers, journalists. A garbage man is a great job to have here.”

And when people ask him the secret of his success, he is quick to point out that without Jesus, nothing would be possible. It’s a message that often falls on deaf ears.

“When you start talking about Jesus people bristle,” he said. “It’s the Jesus factor. But the world just won’t get it. You can put someone in a new house, but unless they change their heart, it doesn’t matter.”

The mandate for Metro Ministries, said Wilson, comes from the Book of Numbers (16:46-48). He noted how Aaron stopped the plague by making atonement for the Israelites: “The Bible says that Aaron stood between the living and the dead and the plague stopped.

“Our mandate is that one person can make a difference,” he said. “That saying makes a good Sunday morning service, but not many Christians buy into it. They don’t believe it’s possible. But it is possible.”

It’s possible to produce lasting fruit, he said, if people are willing to the unglamorous behind-the-scenes work.

“People see the Sunday school program and think it is great,” said Wilson. “What they don’t see is the preparation it takes to get the kids to show up. That all happens through (mentoring) relationships. We visit every kid once a week; help them with their homework, or give food to their family. You have to earn the respect to speak into their lives.

“You have to be willing to pay the price.”

For information on supporting Metro Ministries “Won By One” Sponsorship Program or to participate in its upcoming backpack drive, visit www.metrominitries.org.

REV. WILSON TO SPEAK

AT NJCM CONVENTION

Rev. Bill Wilson will be the keynote speaker when Jersey Christian Ministries hosts its 46^th Annual Convention, Oct. 27-28 at Hawthorne Gospel Church, Hawthorne, NJ. The conference also features worship by Jericho Falls, workshops, panel discussions, and exhibits. Visit www.ministriesconvention.com or call (800) 363-4410.

New York Appeals Court Rejects Same-Sex Marriage

On Dec. 8, The New York Appellate Division in Manhattan upheld the state's marriage laws in a 4-1 decision and reversed a lower trial court ruling. The court said it is not the role of judges to redefine the terms "husband" and "wife" and also said it was troubled that the lower court "proceeded to rewrite [the statute] and purportedly create a new constitutional right."

On February 2, 2005, Judge Doris Ling-Cohan had issued a decision in Hernandez v. Robles declaring New York's marriage laws unconstitutional. Judge Cohan's decision came on the heels of three separate New York state court decisions, which upheld the state's marriage laws.

The appeals court chastised the lower court ruling, stating that the trial court's ruling "was an act that exceeded the court's constitutional mandate and usurped that of the Legislature."

The appellate court granted Liberty Counsel's request to file a brief in defense of the marriage laws on behalf of the New York Family Policy Council, state Senators Ruben Diaz Sr. and Raymond Meier, state Assemblyman Daniel Hooker, business owner Michael Long, and City Action Coalition, a large coalition of pastors representing numerous religious denominations.

“This decision shows the power of prayer and unity in the Body of Christ,” said Dr. Joseph Mattera, Founder of City Action Coalition.

Liberty Counsel also filed a brief in the Hernandez case before the trial court and had filed briefs in each case that upheld the marriage laws.

Rena Lindevaldsen, Senior Litigation Counsel for Liberty Counsel, stated she was pleased with the Dec. 8 ruling: "This decision now means that every court in New York has upheld the state's marriage laws. This is a clear victory for the family." In another New York case, Lindevaldsen recently argued before the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, located in Albany, in the same-sex marriage case of Hebel v. Village of New Paltz, New York. On September 11, 2005, the Hebel court also upheld the marriage laws and ruled that Mayor Jason West and any other Village officials are prohibited from solemnization of same-sex marriages.

Pastor’s Will Seek His Face at Prayer Summit

Pastors, Ministry Leaders, Church Planters, Youth Pastors and Prayer Coordinators are encouraged to start 2006 in prayer and fellowship with hundreds of other leaders from across Metro New York at the 15^th Annual Pastors’ Prayer Summit January 23-25 at Tuscarora Inn & Retreat Center in Mt. Bethel, PA.

The event, with the theme “Seek His Face,” is sponsored by Concerts of Prayer Greater New York. 

“Together we will meditate on Psalm 27 which speaks of King David’s deep longing and devotion to the Father.  He speaks of waiting on the Lord and seeking His face,” says Rev. Mac Pier, President of Concerts of Prayer.  “It is our prayer that God will refresh and renew leaders as they spend extended times of prayer in His presence at this retreat.” 

In addition to regional gatherings and a women’s tea, the summit also features time set aside to address the needs of Youth Pastors. Church parents and church planters also will meet to discuss the vision for collaborative church planting in Greater New York.

Register online for the Pastors’ Prayer Summit at www.COPGNY.org or by calling (718) 721-2626. Room rates are $350 for married couples and from $110-$200 for individuals.

Northeast Clergy Group Sponsors Leadership Retreat

Pastor Marc Rivera and the Northeast Clergy Group will sponsor a Leadership Summit March 29-30 at Tuscarora Inn and Retreat Center in Mt. Bethel, Pa.

“The purpose of this summit is to nurture and empower the ‘now’ and ‘next’ generation of leaders,” said Rev. Rivera, Senior Pastor of Primitive Church. “Together, we will explore elements of leadership that will enhance each leader’s effectiveness in ministry and society.”

The Leadership Summit, which begins at noon on March 29 and concludes with dinner on March 30, features several intensive sessions with expert urban practitioners. Rev. Rivera said the Leadership Summit is ideal for ministry and marketplace leaders such as pastors, elders, deacons, ministers, business professionals, entrepreneurs, and senior executives.

“This event should not be missed by anyone interested in making a difference in their communities and those who are focused on building God’s Kingdom in the urban context.”

Dinner Benefits Steve Green Founders Fund

Prior to its Steve Green Christmas Concert on Dec. 3 at the Bergen Tech Auditorium, Christian Concert Ministries hosted a Fundraising Dinner for the Steve Green Founders Fund, established to underwrite the costs for overseas concerts. In 2005, Steve Green, the son of Missionaries to South America, ministered in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Peru, and Uruguay.

Over the past few years, Steve and his brother David have considered expanding the area of international ministry, but one of the realities they deal with is the high cost of an international concert. Many of the countries they visit have weaker economies than the United States, which creates a greater financial burden for the sponsoring local churches and organizations. In the past, Steve Green Ministries has absorbed most of the expenses through a significant budget surplus. Their current goal is to fully fund all of their international concerts each year.

At the concert that evening, Steve Green played favorites than spanned 20 years of ministry and a collection of Christmas songs. Another highlight was when he performed with a children’s choir, comprised of local youth. The children’s choir was coordinated by local artist Laurie Jeron, who recently released her “Time’s Running Out” CD.

For more information on the Steve Green Founders Fund, visit www.Stevegreenministries.org.

SALT OF THE EARTH

Christian Corps USA Are on the Front Lines

By Rachel Mari

Alonzo Herran, a former military drill sergeant and former devout Muslim, is now the commander of Christian Corps USA (Urban Soldier Association). His ministry focus is “to meet needs and tell the story.”

This Thanksgiving morning, he’ll be at Newark’s Penn Station, serving a hot breakfast to some 60 cab drivers, homeless people, and travelers. Herran and volunteers will be on the street at 7 a.m., presenting the Gospel, and inviting guests to church luncheons later that day.

The Penn Station breakfast outreach, also held on Christmas and Easter mornings, is just one of the methods Christian Corps USA (CCUSA) uses to reach men, women and children in local urban cities.

Herran said he believes in bringing the church to people.

“In most projects, they’re all there—drug addicts, alcoholics, and the abused,” he said. “We use the same tactics that Jesus did--meeting the needs before preaching.”

Raised in the inner city of Newark, NJ, Herran grew up in a housing project, sold Muslim newspapers, and publicly spoke out against Christians. As a teenager, he abused his girlfriends, ran with gangs, robbed people, dealt drugs, and became a single parent at age 17. Shortly after, Herran quit high school and joined the army.

After getting out of the army, Herran became a Christian at a Men’s Network lecture with Dr. Edwin Cole, and started attending and serving at Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ. He said God led him to establish Christian Corps USA in 1996.

“Through my life experiences, God was preparing me to be able to render care, and share His Gospel boldly, honestly, and understand the plight of those whom I serve,” said Herran, “I gave up everything to allow Him to fully use me, including my job, hobbies, and other distractions. So God’s vision and purpose are the focus of my life.”

The ministries of CCUSA are varied in scope. Three days each week, Herran takes his mobile food truck—named “The Comforter”—to places like Penn Station and housing projects. Equipped with a full kitchen, tent, PA system, and generator, Herran is able to feed 50-100 people per day from his truck, especially during hours that churches are closed.

The ministry’s CHURCH (Christians Helping Unbelievers Reach Christ’s House) Brigade targets six urban cities –Newark, Irvington, East Orange, Elizabeth, Rahway, and Union. Every Saturday, 12-3 p.m., believers stand on downtown street corners giving out Gospel literature, praying for people, and referring them to local churches. “The goal is to make Christ unavoidable,” said Herran, “Our desire is to be more faithful than the mailman for at least one year.”

CCUSA also runs the Cadet Club, a class for youth 5-years old through high school age. The Cadet Club is held in Newark at World Impact, Central Assembly of God, and Vailsburg Assembly of God. Taught by Herran, a fifth-degree black belt, the class incorporates karate, drill team exercises, etiquette, and life skills. Scriptures are also taught at each karate level.

CCUSA has also helped plant churches overseas in Liberia and Jamaica, and though he regularly attends Times Square Church, Herran has started his own congregation recently in Newark. CCUSA provides evangelism training through its Evangelism Boot Camp and CCUSA’s open-air crusades where Herran uses illusions, clowning, and painting to deliver the Gospel.

“Our whole goal as a Christian is to be Christ-like,” he said, “When you give a non-believer food, it’s a miracle to them.”