Religion
Giant Among Giants
The community honored Bishop McMurray, the senior pastor at Renaissance Church of God in Christ of Grand Rapids, as a spiritual visionary who brings an array of theological, business, management and financial expertise to his ministry. As an Apostle, Bishop McMurray and his wife of 34 years, Dr. E. Jean Lackey-McMurray, and their 3 small children founded the Renaissance Church of God in Christ on August 22, 1992.
Discipleship and Disasters
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rains fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25, NRSV)
Cassandra Hankins, Ph.D., MA LLPC
A native of Detroit who now resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cassandra serves in ministry with her husband, Gary E. Hankins Th.M., the Senior Pastor of Resurrection Fellowship Church. They have been married for 38 years, and God has blessed them with five children-- ("The 5 Heartbeats") Maggie (32), Luke (30), Titus (29), Joel (26), and Talitha "Kumi" (24), a Son-in-law, Justin, and three grandchildren. Cassandra enjoys being a wife, mother, and grandmother, but most importantly, she is a Christian who seeks to glorify God via her God-given life. She trusted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 7 and has dedicated her life to serving Him.
Homegoing Celebration Of Reverend Willie Applewhite, Sr.
His service at various hospitals made him a recognized Chaplain at Spectrum North (Butterworth), Spectrum South (Blodgett), and Metropolitan Hospital. In addition, he visited many nursing homes, regardless of race, color, religious experience or beliefs. Rev. Applewhite used his "Hello… how is everyone I have not seen today", or "GOD loves you and So do I". These greetings would draw a crowd, and a smile.
All Disagreements Are Not Bad
For the first time, Barnabas wanted his own disciple. John Mark had been leaning into his apprenticeship with the man named encouragement. Mark was a good writer and an excellent listener. He learned fast. Mark looked up to Barnabas. Barnabas found someone he trusted. However, Paul believed Mark failed leadership 101. Be faithful was the first lesson of being a disciple. Being faithful was basic in Paul's book.
James Family Singers Release New Legacy Gospel Album
The last James Family Singers album was released in 1993 and was entitled "Holy is the Lord". JFS recently released their second album in 2022 titled "Legacy" which is a compilation of older and newly written Gospel music composed and produced by very talented family members and the expertise of Debra Perry (also a family member), CFO of Joint Heir Music Studios.