PRAISE
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so …” (Psalms 107:2)
Power,
Redemption,
Affirmation,
Inspiration,
Sanctification,
Exaltation |
|
Volume 3 Issue 3
October 2002 |
|
Hands Up Ministry
PHILIP MORRIS,
THE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE
The
Servant Team – Leaders:
Tom
Meadows, Ruth Johnson, Richard Hatcher, Delois Maddox, Ralph Brown,
Julia Candia and Jackie Hager
The
Twelve Disciples – Prayer Team
Tee
Williams, Karen Page, Deborah Whitener, Ivan Pope, Janet Taylor,
Juanita Langley, Margie Jasper, Deedre Dickerson, Pam Barden, Pam
Jeter, Sandra Smalls,
and George Foreman.
Love
Fund Coordinator:
Mary
Tinnell
Newsletter Staff:
Zynobia
Gibson, Norma Hall, Sandra Witherspoon
PRAISE
the Lord!!
The Newsletter staff is always looking for roving
reporters, writers and publishers.
Anyone interested in serving God through this publication,
please contact Zynobia Gibson 274-6401, Sandra Witherspoon, 274-3097
or Norma Hall, 274-3155.
If you would like a copy of this newsletter, contact Tom
Meadows and give him your home and/or e-mail address. |
FROM THE EDITORIAL STAFF:
This
edition of
PRAISE
is
dedicated to some of our fellow Christians that have crossed
Teresa was a light that shined in everyone's life.
Last summer, she inspired and taught the word in Powhatan at
an off site meeting.
Her message and testimony lifted me to another level in my spiritual
walk. She spoke about
staying strong in faith through good and bad times.
She had everyone in the room spirit-filled and on a cloud of
joy and hope.
I
came to the MC, 2 years ago and Jerome was one of the manager's I
supported and the person who helped me get acclimated to the MC
world. His words of
encouragement and patience helped me to understand how to find my
niche in the CM department.
Whenever I needed to vent or find a solution to an issue, he
was always willing to lend an ear.
His smile, wisdom and wittiness always brightened my day.
I shall miss our lunch crew and the non-verbals at meetings.
J
J
911,
well, this hits home for me because it is the day my best friend
died (my father). Last
year, during the collapse of the towers, I asked God and my father
to welcome those people to heaven.
So many people lost loved ones on this day, but through this
tragedy, people came closer to our Lord and Savior.
We as Christians must continue to encourage our fellow
man/woman to love each other despite our differences.
Last year, we were all one nation under GOD.
We must keep this love and togetherness going.
As
you read this publication, please remember to show/tell your loved
ones, co-workers, neighbors and even your enemies
how much you love them and how much Jesus loves them.
Our love for Christ is only as real as our love for our
neighbor. "Exhort
one another daily " - Hebrews 3:13
Enjoy
and be blessed - Zynobia Gibson
|
WHERE WAS OUR GOD ON
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001?
?
?
Dear
Friends and Family,
I had a
very dear friend question my faith in God right after the terrorist
attack on
“Where
is your God today?”
She was
very hurt, as all Americans were, so I tried not to react
defensively. Since that
moment I have prayed and grieved over the disastrous events.
However, I believe I have the answer.
I know where my God was the morning of September 11,2001
He was
very busy.
First of
all, He was trying to discourage anyone from taking these flights.
Those four flights together held over 1000 passengers and
there were only 266 aboard.
He was
on 4 commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to
stay claim. Not one of
the family members who were called by a loved one on one of the
hijacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the
background.
On one
of the flights He was giving strength to passengers to try to
overtake the hijackers.
He was
busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the
He was
holding up two 110-story buildings so 2/3 of the workers could get
out. I was so amazed
that the top of the towers didn’t topple when the jets impacted.
Although this is no doubt the
worst thing I have seen in my life, I can see God’s miracles in
every bit of it. I keep
thinking about my friend and praying for her every chance I have.
I can’t imagine going through such a difficult time and not
believing in God. Life
would be hopeless. |
Comfort For Grieving
Co-Workers
Submitted by Melva Jones
If
you're not sure what to do or say when a co-worker suffers a
personal loss, follow these guidelines:
1. Offer
your condolences in person. Even if you've already sent a note or
signed a card, take the grieving co-worker aside and say "I'm so
sorry for your loss. Please let me know if I can do anything for
you."
2.
Follow the person's lead. If the co-worker wants to reminisce about
the deceased person, pull up a chair and sit down, so you can listen
more attentively. If
the co-worker starts to cry, offer him or her a tissue and say
something such as "It must be very difficult to think of Todd
without becoming emotional" or "I can only imagine how you must
feel."
Note: Don't say "I know how you feel" to a grieving person. Even
if you have lost someone close, a statement such as that focuses
attention on you, not your grieving co-worker. But if your
co-worker asks, "How did you handle it when you lost someone,"
feel free to recount your experiences and offer advice.
3.
Follow up on your offer to help if your co-worker politely declines.
People still steeped in sorrow often don't have a clear idea
of what kind of help they may need, so suggest some ways you can
pitch in. Examples:
Offer to run errands or complete reports.
4. Stay
supportive over time. In the immediate aftermath of a loss, some
people appear to hold up well. But they may feel worse six or eight
weeks later. Continue to offer your assistance ... and your
attention.
5. Don't
shy away from mentioning the deceased during subsequent
conversations. Your co-worker will appreciate hearing you speak of
the lost loved one in a positive way. Example: "I always enjoyed
seeing
Office Professional's Forum
Editor: Marissa Gandelman
officeprof-owner@briefings.com
September
20, 2002 |
Have
you ever noticed the Honor Guard pays meticulous attention to
correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought
it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something
new every day!
Flag
Folds
The 1st
fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of
the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives
for the defense of our country to
The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens
trusting in God, it is to
Him we turn in times of peace as
well as in times of war for
The 5th
fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur,
"Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be
right; but
The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces,
for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and
our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or
without the boundaries of our republic.
|
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one
who entered into the valley of the
shadow of death, that we might
see the light of day.
for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The
11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and
King
The 13th
fold, or when the flag is
completely folded, the stars are
uppermost reminding us of our
nation's
motto, "In God We Trust."
After
the flag is completely folded and
tucked
in, it takes on the appearance of a
cocked
hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General
George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under
Captain John Paul Jones, who were
followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces
of the United States preserving for us the rights,
privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
|
September 11, 2001
A Day To Remember
By Norma
Hall
Where
were you when the world stopped turning?
The most asked question before September 11th, was
“Where were you when Kennedy got shot”?
But that question has now been replaced with “Where were you
on 911”?
As we take
the time to reflect back on that date, one year later one can only
think of the good that did come from these tragedies.
This great nation that we
are blessed to live in was under attack.
However, more good was done than anything.
We can only give all honor and glory to God.
We can
thank Osama for bringing our nation back together.
I know he never excepted that to happen.
Osama said he did this to our nation for “religious reasons.”
In this nation under ONE GOD, God gets the praises for all He
did for us. God was
with each passenger on those planes, and was holding up the tower so
people could get out alive, He held the hands of people calling home
to say good-bye to their loved ones, that they would only see in
heaven again. God was
next to you and me.
Could you feel His presence?
I know that I could.
God made sure that people did not get to work on time.
People missed their flights.
And as flight 93 was getting ready to hit yet another
building the passengers stood together and stopped even more
tragedies from happening.
The words “Let’s Roll”, where quoted after the passenger had
called a 911 operated.
That operator and passenger quoted the Lord Prayer and the 23rd
Psalm. God gave those
people courage to do what had to be done.
As we
gathered with our neighbors that we never knew in churches, praying
together, holding each other up, we became that nation that we once
were, the nation that was founded because people wanted to be able
to serve our Risen Saviour.
So, we once again put God our Father back in charge of this
great nation. After all
we are “ONE NATION UNDER GOD.”
|
We carry
God in our pockets every day we
put
money in them.
“In God
We Trust!”
It has
become more and more evident that it is ok to praise God.
Churches were packed from front to back on those days to
follow. People standing
next to you that you never knew before became a new friend.
There were no dividing line as to color, and language we were
all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Yes, we
can see the facts on paper as to the number of people that died that
tragic day, but what we don’t know is how many of those people found
God in their last breath of life.
God met people for the first time in the stairwells on their
way out of the towers.
God was still trying to reach others, but some turned from Him one
last time. We were
willing to give money to strangers on Tuesday, that on Monday most
of us kept in our pockets, telling that person on the street corner
to get a real job. We
gave blood that was much needed, the sad part is the blood is still
needed and people have gone back to their old natures.
We stretched out our hands for the days to follow, but why
did it have to take a massive tragedy to do so?
God had His Hands on the entire situation.
We should all be thanking the Lord for His mercy and
goodness, after all it could have been you or I in the towers, or
planes, or even on the ground.
So, as we
look past September 11th, let’s us be reminded to always
thank God for His Son, His Love, and Grace.
We are blessed to live in a nation that is able to serve a
Risen Saviour openly and freely.
So the next time you look up and see an airplane over head,
say a little prayer for all those that are in the plane, but most of
all pray for this great nation daily.
Remember September 11th as a new beginning for
many people, including yourself.
September 11th, was not the day that the Lord
chose to take you home.
There
will be a day that He will come for you.
|
IN LOVING MEMORY
JEROME C. SHEPPERSON
SEPTEMBER 15, 1953
-
JULY 14, 2002
Jerome you are truly missed - your presence at PM gave us all a
sense of belonging. I
started my career at PM with you in Bay 5 - You told me - "Dwayne
you can't always guarantee the results - But you can always
guarantee the effort."
Words to live by - Rest well my Friend!
~ Dwayne Farmer - Staff Purchasing Specialist
|
A Wise
Man Speaks
(For
Jerome)
Person
One:
But I
don't understand the mixed messages and collusion here…
Be
patient
Person
Two:
Why do
folks pretend they don't know what is happening When it is obvious
that they do True strength is grounded in one's character "Pretence" is worn by the weak Yet what is the worth of your own strength If your choice is not to disrobe "Pretenders"?
Person
Three:
If I
speak, no-one will listen objectively I will be questioned and
doubted
I am listening and so is
"He" You do a disservice to all with your silence Professional recanting is a gift "He" has given you
If you
choose not to use your gift "He" will give it to someone who will
I smile
and smile and smile and smile
Person
Two:
I work
and work and work and work
Person
Three:
I am
silent, am silent, am silent
Persons
One, Two & Three:
I am
tired, am tired, am tired, am tired Wise Man:
Your
fatigue is a result of your unwillingness to
give your
woes to "HIM"
Your
rewards are not realized because you depend
on the
system
The
system works because of the humbleness of
You were
not meant to soldier here
Your
humbleness must only be for Him Your silence must only be heard by "HIM"
Your
rewards will come only through Him And then you will smile a smile from "Him"
~ Frances
Vaughan |
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
By Phil
Redman
What do
you say when you lose your BEST FRIEND?
When you
lose a HUSBAND?
A FATHER?
A BROTHER?
A FRIEND?
A SON?
What do
you do?
What do
you say?
When you
lose someone so close,
You feel
you can’t face today?
I’m not
going to talk about our life at PM
But, I
know, dear Brother, if it were not for you,
I would
not be Who and Where I am
Our
friendship transcended our work life together,
We
committed to try to make things better
What do
you say when you lose your Best FRIEND?
I wrote a
few words,
So, let
me begin…
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
Can you
make a choice?
Is the
Choice really yours?
The loss
of my BROTHER
From this
secular world,
It’s
trials and tribulations,
Is like
no other
As we
shed tears of Sorrow,
The
Heavens’ rejoice,
The rain
that day were tears of Joy
Removed
from the stress’ of this hard life,
My BEST
FRIEND, My Brother, Jerome
Has been,
too soon, called Home
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
Tears
like rain,
What are
your tears for?
In our
pain, shock and disbelief
Our tears
flow and stain our grief
It’s the
shock,
It’s the
pain,
My GOD,
it’s the disbelief!
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
Can you
make a choice?
Is the
Choice really yours?
|
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
(continued)
Tears of
Sorrow
Tears of
Sorrow
I’m going
to miss you
What else
can I say?
I’m going
to really miss you,
Everyday
That
smile, that handshake, that hug
We always
shared
Our
Friendship was boundless,
And
unconditional, nothing really compared
I’m going
to miss you
What else
can I say?
That
smile, that handshake, that hug
That I
got from you
Just the
other day
Twenty-six years of countless
One on
one conversations
Ranging
from Religion, to the Ridiculous
To the
affairs of the Nation
I’m going
to miss you,
Let me
tell you why,
When
times got tough,
You
weren’t ashamed
To let me
comfort you,
If you
had to cry
I’m going
to miss you
What can
I say?
Today?
That can
make you come back
And take
our pain away?
We are
going to miss you
In more
ways than one,
The
Husband,
The
Father,
The
Brother,
The Son
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
Can you
make a choice?
Is the
Choice really yours?
Tears of
Joy
Tears of
Joy
To have
known you
Now that
was and always will be
A
Blessing! |
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
(continued)
Your
Smile,
Your
words of Encouragement,
Your
Confidence, Your Strength,
Your
Humility, Your Courage,
Your
Desire,
Your Love
for Family,
Your
Dedication, Your Commitment,
Your
Insight, Your Manhood
Your
ability to navigate the many obstacles of this life,
How you
set an example of how to be a Strong Black Man,
In this
too often unkind world
Your
Kindness, Your Gentleness,
Your
Determination, Your Success,
Your
Faith,
Your
Belief in GOD,
Your
Love,
Your
Spirit,
YOU
Tears of
Joy
You ARE
my Best Friend,
Let me
tell you more,
You
Challenged me,
You
Questioned me,
You
Listened to me,
You
You
Inspired me,
You
Counseled me,
You
Comforted me,
You never
Judged me,
That you
did not show
You cared
about ME
And all
that I am,
All that
I know
I LOVE
you Jerome
In this
life we were “Partners in Crime”
Now we
will forever be,
Partners
in TIME
Tears of
Sorrow, Tears of Joy
Can you
make a choice?
|
Reflections from Bay 2
By
Shelia E. Bloomfield
From our
point of view, Jerome Shepperson was a man of great character.
As stated by Pam Crouch, “He was a man who never forgot where
he came from and he never moved so far up the ladder that he didn’t
come down to be a part of the factory that he managed.”
Bob Hodges says, “He was a very personable man who went out
of his way to assist and encourage others to be the best that they
could be.” Pete Fogg says, “He was a fair man. He exhibited a lot of
integrity among all of his peers.”
Jerome was a fun loving person who set an example to be “who
you are and let the others deal with it.”
He was straight forward and to the point, forever standing up
for what he believed in.
One of the things I learned from Jerome is never to despise
small beginnings.
Although life’s circumstances were not in his favor he overcame the
odds and made great accomplishments and touched the lives of
hundreds of people. He went from the mailroom to the “Throne Room”!
I’ll never forget Jerome. He was a mentor and a great
inspiration to me.
My
Friend, My Friend
Evangeline Mines
How I
miss my friend, walking fast, smoking,
Dressed
in a white starched shirt, black pants
Head down
walking, Moving fast
Smoking,
loud laughter
I stop
him sometimes and ask, “how are you”
He never
complains - I do
I tell
him to slow down
He says,
“I can’t"
I miss
him
He said
speak up – Speak up for your self
How I
miss him
We talk a
minute
I tell
him a little about my daughter
He talks
about his grandma
I miss
him
We talk
about the job
We talk
about life
I miss
him
My
friend, My friend
|
REFLECTIONS
Gwen Payne
Jerome
Shepperson was a kind-hearted man. I met Jerome in late June 2001 at
the start of my COE Program here at PM. I took on the
responsibilities of handling CM Highlights, which are done
bi-weekly. Jerome was always the last one to turn them in. But no
matter how late he was he always wore a smile saying," I'm going to
get those highlights to you Gwen". He always had a bright smile to
brighten anyone's day. He would acknowledge any and everyone. Never
sad or worried it seemed. I will truly miss Jerome. He was a great
person.
Sheronn Fox & Beth Ashburn
The
last time we spoke with Jerome was the Friday before his accident.
He sauntered down the hallway (white shirt and cigarette in
hand). He asked me if I
had a lighter and I joked with him about not having his own lighter.
I remember instances where he had issues and didn’t have a
problem coming right to my desk and asking, “Where is Craig
(Schwartz)?” If Craig
was in his office, Jerome would walk right in (with confidence) and
state his issues. He
was always a no-nonsense kind of guy but very genuine.
We miss him dearly.
Phil
Word
"He
always instilled in me to do my best at
whatever
I was doing."
"Be
strong, all you people of the land"
says the
Lord, "and work; for I am with
you."
Haggai 2:4
If God
gives you a task, follow it through.
Don't
make excuses or settle for half-hearted
work.
The same rule applies for your daily work. |
For
those of us at the MC,
We saw
this on Jerome's door everyday
If 99.9 percent is "good
enough, " then ….
Two
million documents will be lost by the IRS this year
811, 000
faulty rolls of 35 mm film will be loaded this year
22,000
checks will be deducted from the wrong bank accounts in the next 60
minutes.
1,314
phone calls will be misplaced by telecommunication services every
minute.
12
babies will be given to the wrong parents each day
268,500
defective tires will be shipped this year.
14,208
defective personal computers will be shipped this year.
103,260
income tax returns will be processed incorrectly this year.
2,488,200 books will be shipped in the next 12 months with the wrong
cover.
5,517,200 cases of soft drinks produced in the next 12 months will
be flatter than a bad tire.
Two
plane landings daily at O'Hare International Airport in
3,056
copies of tomorrow's Wall Street Journal will be missing one
of the three sections.
18,322
pieces of mail will be mishandled in the next hour.
291
pacemaker operations will be performed incorrectly this year.
880,000
credit cards in circulation will turn out to have incorrect
cardholder information on their magnetic strips.
$9,690
will be spent today, tomorrow, next Thursday, and every day in the
future on defective, often unsafe sporting equipment.
55
malfunctioning automatic teller machines will be installed in the
next 12 months.
20,000
incorrect drug prescriptions will be written in the next 12 months.
114,500
mismatched pairs of shoes will be shipped this year.
$761,900
will be spent in the next 12 months on tapes and compact discs that
won't play
107
incorrect medical procedures will be performed by the end of the day
today.
315
entries in Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the
English Language will turn out to be misspelled.
|
Calendar of Meetings Oct 03, 2002
Oct 10, 2002 Place – OC/A2E1
Place – MC/MPR Time : - 12:15
Time: 12:00 Oct 17, 2002
Oct 24, 2002 Place – OC/A2E1
Place – MC/MPR Time : - 12:15
Time: 12:00 Oct 31, 2002
Nov 07, 2002 Place – OC/A2E1
Place – MC/MPR Time : - 12:15
Time: 12:00 Nov 14, 2002
Nov 21, 2002 Place – OC/A2E1
Place – MC/MPR Time : - 12:15
Time: 12:00 Nov 28, 2002
Dec 05, 2002 thanksgiviing
Place – MC/MPR no meeting
Time: 12:00 Dec
12, 2002
Dec 18, 2002 Place – OC/A2E1
Place – MC/MPR Time : - 12:15
Time: 12:00 mpr – multipurpose room
(All
Changes will be announced)
hatyilytilyajly
Has
anyone told you
i love
you
today
i love
you
and
Jesus
loves you
|
Update on "THE LIGHT" An Outreach Ministry of Hands Up
FROM
DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
Ronnie Waddell
Park
500
Dedicated
to Teresa Jackson
12/15/1954 to 09/02/2002
Teresa Jackson and I relocated to Park 500 and held our first “Light
Ministry” meeting on 6/27/00.
She believed that as Christians we must do His work so
through Him we can glorify the Father. Teresa embraced Ephesians
5:8-11; “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the
Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists
in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases
the Lord.”
The morning I received word that Teresa had cancer, I was at the
hospital with my daughter, son-in-law and wife on the birth of our
first grandchild. All I
could do was cry. And then the age-old question crept into my mind;
Why Teresa? Cancer affects every family member, as well as the
Christian family. Together, our families sought God’s wisdom,
encouragement and guidance during Teresa’s illness.
Trusting God does not mean we do not experience fear and /or pain.
It means we believe that God is at work through the occasion of our
fear and pain for our ultimate good. We believe totally, “The prayer
of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). We have
told Teresa and her family how we have specifically prayed for them
and have welcomed their prayer requests. We asked the Lord to direct
scriptural promises to us that would give Teresa encouragement as
well as her family.
Teresa made her trip to Tennessee on August 28 and the glorious trip
to meet her Savior Jesus Christ on September 2. We will all miss her
and that beautiful voice she had to sing praises to the Lord. We
have placed our beloved Sister in the hands of the Lord. We love you
Sister.
|
Memories
To me, Teresa was the epitome of the word "Respect".
She continually showed respect to all but Teresa was one that
through her actions and demeanor gained the respect from others (so
rightfully deserved).
At the service for Teresa, this was once again reinforced when her
children and others spoke of Teresa and shared personal memories, I
remember hearing many referring to her as a respectable lady.
On a personal note, our Purchasing group had the opportunity
to work off-site one-day in which we managed to incorporate some fun
and Teresa sang for us - she sang, coincidentally,
"R-E-S-P-E-C-T" by Aretha Franklin.
I am blessed for having had an opportunity to know Teresa and
for her being a part of my life.
Teresa's light still shines on - because, for me, Teresa has
certainly put a different light on the words "living the PM values"
especially one . . .
R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
~ Nancy Sinclair
Teresa and I did not have frequent interaction...she was in one part
of the department and my duties were in another.
But on one occasion, we did work with each other on a
project. I remember
that we needed a report and that it was going to have to be created.
Teresa had the knowledge and went about the task in almost
silent confidence. She
knew what had to be done and did it.
The rest of the team was so astonished at her results.
Not only had she created the report in just a few days but
the results were presented in a way that was clear and effective.
I personally spoke with her while she was working to create
this report. I can
still see her face...filled with the energy, confidence and a
positive attitude.
~ Greg Huelsman
|
She was a strong-willed woman and I know she fought this cancer as
hard as she could.
~ Pam Jeter
I didn't know Teresa very well before
Creating the Future.
We were on the same Animal Team.
Our first activity was the Trust Fall.
Teresa told us up front that she didn't trust us to catch her
but she fell
anyway. And we caught
her. When we got to the
Climbing Wall, she again said that she really didn't think we would
be on belay for her but she climbed anyway and we watched her back.
All day long she remained skeptical but she accepted every
challenge and went as far as she could with everything that she had.
Teresa became an inspiration to all of us and a real leader
on our Team. She has
had a special place in my heart ever since and I will miss her
dearly.
God bless and keep you, Teresa.
~ Peggy
Kosco
I had the opportunity to meet Teresa in the hospital with a dear
friend of mine, Deborah Whitener.
Since I had heard about Teresa, my desire to see her became
overwhelming. One day
Deborah mentioned Teresa was still in the hospital and asked if I
wanted to go and visit her.
Boy, did I jump to that opportunity.
You know, sometimes, we just have to have that nudge, but God
knew that my desire was to go, see and pray over Teresa and that is
just what I got to do.
When we went through the door to her room, there was such a calming,
soothing, tranquil atmosphere.
I went to her bedside and our spirits immediately attached.
She was exuberant.
Her eyes had so much light that they looked like dancing
exclamation marks. She
touched my hand, and I asked if I could pray over her.
She held my hand tightly.
After praying for Teresa, such a joy arose and a beautiful
smile came forth like a new dawning, and we just looked at each
other and hugged and laughed out loud. We knew that we knew
~ Lou Dalton
|
I,
along with Lou Dalton, had the privilege of visiting Teresa at
Johnston-Willis the week before she was released from the hospital.
I'm so thankful for that opportunity because I can now
remember Teresa's smile.
Not once did she mention doubt, not once did she mention
pain. She just smiled
and praised the Lord. I
felt that we were in the presence of angels.
I couldn't see the angels with my earthly eyes, but they were
there. And the peace
that they brought was reflected in that beautiful smile.
~ Deborah Whitener
My
thoughts and prayer reach out to Teresa’s friends and family.
~ Debra M. Copeletti
Teresa
Jackson
Stepping
Up in 2002
- God Has A Plan
The
date is Saturday, March 16, 2002, the
place is Towerlight Faith Center in Powhatan,
and the event is Hands Up’s Fellowship
Breakfast. The theme
God had given us for
the meeting was “Stepping Up in 2002 –
God Has A Plan”. The
presence of the Lord was so powerful during the entire four-hour
fellowship. The
testimonies, the scriptures, the songs, the sharing and the sermon
all melted together is such a way that everyone could see that God
was demonstrating His divine hand on this meeting.
Teresa actual brought the scripture for this meeting:
Isaiah 65:24
– “And it shall come to pass, that
before
they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will
hear.”
At the close of the service an altar call was given that anyone who
wanted to “step up in 2002” and be in God’s plan should come
forward. Every soul in
the church came forward.
Teresa was one of those who chose to step up in 2002 and
fulfill God’s plan. In
retrospect, no one would have thought that God’s plan was to have
Teresa step up to Glory in 2002.
The other point that the Spirit would have me share is that
God’s plan in Teresa’s life was to affect those in her life that God
could work His plan in the lives the lost souls touched by Teresa.
~ Tom
Meadows
|
Teresa
Jackson
Angel
Flight
On
Monday, September 2, 2002, I received a call from Grace Jackson
(Teresa’s daughter-in-law) while they were in Tennessee.
Grace needed me to help find an air ambulance that could fly
Teresa home to be in Richmond.
I was working through a group called Angel Flights and we had
a plan for them to contact Grace on Tuesday to arrange an Angel
Flight to bring her home on Wednesday.
God’s plan was arranging His own Angel Flight crew on the
early morning hours of Tuesday and He sent them to Tennessee and
Jesus came to take her home to Glory.
To paraphrase an old Impressions’ tune,
“People get ready there is a plane coming, you don’t need no
baggage you just get on board”.
When Teresa left this world of strife on Tuesday, she left
all her baggage (sickness, mortality and corruption) and she boarded
the Good Ship Zion. As
she boarded, the Lord Jesus said Sister here put on this gown of
incorruption, this robe of immortality and this crown of eternal
life. Then Jesus said:
(Matthew
25:23)
“Well
done, good and faithful
servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee
ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
~ Tom
Meadows
What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so
limited . . .
It cannot
cripple love
It cannot
shatter hope
It cannot
corrode faith
It cannot
destroy peace
It cannot
kill friendship
It cannot
suppress memories
It cannot
silence courage
It cannot
invade the soul
It cannot
steal eternal life
It cannot
conquer the spirit.
~ Source
Unknown
|
I’m
Free
Submitted by Sandra Witherspoon
Don’t
grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and
left it all.
I could
not stay another day.
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my
parting has left a void,
then fill
it with remembered joys.
A
friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Oh yes,
these things I too will miss.
Be not
burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish
you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s
been full. I savored
much. Good
friends,
good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps
my time seemed all too brief.
Don’t
lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up
your hearts and peace to thee.
God
wanted me now; He set me free!
~ Author
Unknown
When I think of
Teresa
Jackson, I think
of a person
who was faithful
to her beliefs
and had a love of
family. The
inner light that
touched us all
has not been
extinguished.
Her light will
forever shine in
our memories and
our hearts.
Rest in peace
Teresa.
Sharlee Melvin
09/10/02
|
Teresa
Jackson
Memorial Church
Several members of
Hands Up will go on a
Work & Witness trip in April
2003 to build a concrete block
church in the community of Aguas Blancas
(White Waters).
Tom Meadows, Sr. recently
distributed the following information:
“After
conferring with the family of Teresa Jackson, we are pleased to
announce the church we will build in the Dominican Republic will be
dedicated as the
Teresa Jackson Memorial Church
in honor of her Christian
legacy and to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Please check the Hands Up web
site if you are interested in obtaining more information
I’m There Inside Your Heart
Right now
I’m in a different place,
And
though we are apart,
I’m
closer than I ever was . . .
I’m there
inside your heart.
I’m with
you when you greet each day
And while
the sun shines bright.
I’m there
to share the sunsets, too . . .
I’m with
you every night.
I’m with
you when the times are good
To share
a laugh or two,
And if a
tear should start to fall . . .
I’ll
still be there for you.
And when
that day arrives
That we
no longer are apart,
I’ll
smile and hold you close to me . . .
Forever
in my heart.
~ Author
Unknown |
MISSIONS
AT WORK
INVESTMENT FOR AN ETERNITY
By Tom Meadows
Teresa Jackson Memorial Church Aguas Blancas, Dominican Republic April 5 – 19, 2003 To date we have raised $200 cash through
donations and we have pledges totaling an additional $1020.
I know that in God’s time we will have all we need.
We have three Hands Up members committed to going on the trip
with another six considering the trip.
Our co-sponsor, Chester Outreach Church, has several
commitments from their congregation plus others from other churches.
Our goal is to take thirty people on this trip.
If you have checked the HUM Website lately then all of the
most current trip information is available.
If you do not have access to the web then you can contact Tom
Meadows for all the details.
We need your help.
Plant some seeds today. Abraham built an altar called Jehovahjireh to
remind us that God provides for what He ordains.
Moses built an altar called Jehovahnissi to remind us that as
long as we keep our Hands Up the enemy cannot prosper against us.
Gideon built an altar called Jehovahshalom to remind us that
there is peace in the midst of the storms. Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please
remember to lift
The following
people up in prayer
PMUSA
Management
Fellow
Co-workers
Hands Up
Staff
Family
Friends
Everyone in
the Armed Forces overseas
|
HANDS UP UPDATES
USA Today is taking a vote on whether the words "Under God" should
be removed from the pledge of allegiance.
NO!!!! You can
vote by going to the following web site:
www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/06/27/pledge-hold.htm
"Silence Speaks" a new book written by our own
Mission Trip 2003 update:
We have $200 in cash and pledges totaling $1020.
We only need $4780
We have possibly two more people interested in going.
This brings our possible list to six plus our three committed
team members.
Some people far less fortunate than any of us are praying and that
is why we are believing God for what seems impossible.
Hands Up Christmas gathering will be prior to shutdown.
Margie Jasper is our coordinator.
If you would like to help please contact Margie.
Date, time and place to be determined.
Weed & Seed Christmas project to sponsor three families will be
starting soon. We have
our Christmas Mother but only two helpers.
We could use four more.
The holiday season is rapidly approaching and marks a time when we
start thinking about being with family, going on shopping trips,
cooking huge feasts, and sharing special moments with loved ones.
This is also the time of year that makes us think of others
who are less fortunate than we are, and how we can help them have a
brighter holiday season.
Hands Up is again sponsoring three families through the
Christmas Mother project, and I am excited to lead the event this
year. Some "helpers"
have already volunteered, but more are needed to support this worthy
cause. I'll need
shoppers, gift wrappers, and drivers to transport the gifts once
they are ready for delivery.
This year we will collect funds first, followed by a group
shopping session based on each families' "wish list", and then the
group will wrap and deliver the gifts according to the instructions
from the Christmas Mother organization.
I hope you will want to be a part of the project this year.
Your generous giving of time and money will return as a
blessing to you. If you
are interested in helping or giving a donation, you may contact me
at x43208, via e-mail, or via company mail at the OC T2-E.
Connie W. Smith |