PRAISE

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so …” (Psalms 107:2)

Power, Redemption, Affirmation, Inspiration, Sanctification, Exaltation

   Volume 4 Issue 1                                                                           March 2003

Hands Up Ministry

PHILIP MORRIS, USA

THE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

The Servant Team – Leaders:

Tom Meadows, Ruth Johnson, Richard Hatcher, Delois Maddox, Ralph Brown, Roy Campbell and Jackie Hager

The Twelve Disciples – Prayer Team

Deborah Whitener, George Foreman, Ivan Pope, Janet Taylor, Juanita Langley, Margie Jasper, Denise Warren, Karen Page, Pam Barden, Ronnie Waddell, Tee Williams, and Pam Jeter

Love Fund Coordinator:

Mary Tinnell

Newsletter Staff:

Zynobia Gibson, Sandra Witherspoon, Lou Dalton

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:

        PRAISE the Lord!!

2003 ~ A Year of Opportunites

Welcome to the first 2003 edition of PRAISE!  I believe this year will be one of many opportunities, not only for members of Hands Up, but for all employees throughout the company.  As you know, several members of Hands Up will travel to the Dominican Republic in early April.  I am excited that I will be among them!!  As the team began to prepare for the trip, we began learning more about the Dominican/Haitian culture.  To my surprise, the women are not encouraged to perform manual labor, but instead are encouraged to support the men who build the church.  I began to think, “Hey! I like this cultural difference!,” but then I learned (much to my dismay) dresses are the preferred attire for women, although pants are allowed.  What a shock since I had been planning to wear shorts every day!  Although temporarily discouraged, I realized by committing to this mission, I had willingly accepted temporary submission to a culture very different from my own.  Rather than focusing on the temporary inconveniences including lack of electricity and indoor plumbing, I am looking forward to this opportunity provided by our hosts to become immersed in their culture.  

As I thought more about this topic, I began to see parallels between the cultural differences our Missions Team would encounter while in the Dominican Republic and those facing our New York colleagues who will soon make decisions regarding their careers, families, and futures.  Many decisions will be made in the next 15 months that will impact the lives not only of the NY workforce but the company as a whole.  I encourage each of you to reach out to those around you.  Expose yourself to cultures that may not be as familiar as your own.  Invite others to share in your culture.  In the words of Gene Griessman, “I believe that diversity brings new solutions to an ever-changing environment, and that sameness is not only uninteresting but limiting.”                   

~ Sandra Witherspoon

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 Lou Dalton, 274-2120.

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS'

HOW TO WORK IN A HOSTILE INVIRONMENT

By Bishop T.D. Jakes

1. Understand that God anoints you for trouble.  Be sure you are a Christian.  Put on the armor of God before going to work.
2. Don't expect to be appreciated.  Your only expectation should be to get a paycheck.  Don't come to work to have personal relationships.  Don't allow what you do to affect who you are.
3. Do your job well, but remember your mission.  God put you there to be a light.
4. Seek opportunities to change the atmosphere without commenting on the problems.  You have a God to talk to.  You're on an assignment.  Quietness and competence shall be your strength.
5. Don't let your environment get inside of you.  You should influence it, not let it influence you.  Stop going to work to be fed - you didn't come to receive, you came to give.
6. Increase your capacity to work with different personalities.  God will often bless you through people you don't even like!
7. Remember where you are does not define where you are going.  This will deliver you from frustration.  God has a plan for your life.  Keep your eye on the prize.  When Peter did this, he was able to walk in what other people sank in!
8. Get the optimum results with minimal confusion.  Be effective without making the environment worse.
9. Don't be associated with one group or clique.  Labels limit your usefulness.  God wants you to work with everybody but be labeled by nobody.  Use all your gifts.
10. Always keep your song near you.  Keep a consecrated place in your soul.

Standing In 2003

God Has A Promise

February 22, 2003  7:00 PM

First African Baptist Church

Pastor:  Reverend Dennis Thomas

Hands Up Ministry would like to thank Pastor Dennis Thomas and the congregation of First African Baptist for extending the right hand of fellowship to our ministry and our service to Jesus. Special thanks to Margie Jasper and Sandra Johnson for hosting us at their church.

We had a wonderful time of fellowship with the Saints of Hands Up Ministry and The First African Baptist Church.  A total of about 35 of God’s children met to share the praises of our Lord.  Tee Williams from the BL Plant was our service director.  Servant Team leader Ruth Johnson set the tone of the meeting as our worship leader.  We were blessed with Praise Dancers Tanya Blowe and Theresa Johnson from the M/C “C” Shift ministry.  Roy Campbell, leader of M/C “B” Shift ministry, brought the scripture to us. Our Twelve Disciples Prayer Team leader Karen Page interceded for the blessing of the service.  Servant Team leader Rev. Ralph Brown brought the bread of life from II Corinthians 4:3 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.”  God confirmed His word as evidenced by three different people who referenced text from II Corinthians 4. 

We have what the world needs but if our gospel be hid, it is of no use.  We “are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).  Turn on your light.  I challenge you to not only step out into the water but step into the fire.

We hope to see you at the next Hands Up Ministry off site meeting to fellowship with Brothers and Sisters in the ministry.  Plan to be there and bring your family and friends.  If you would like to host a future fellowship breakfast or evening service please contact one of the Servant Team.

Bumper Sticker Wisdom

§ "Pray for me: I need the help; You need the practice."

§ Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

§ For all you do, His blood's for you!

§ God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

§ Prayer - Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!

§ To be almost saved is to be totally lost.

§ Watch your step carefully!   Everyone else does!

 ~ THOUGHTS OF GOD ~

§ God can heal a broken heart, but he has to have all the pieces.

§ Sometimes God calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.

§ We are like trees.  We must create new leaves, new directions, in order to grow. 

§ Sow good seeds.  You will reap good deeds.

§ Your past is your teacher - your present is your opportunity - your future is your friend.

Wisdom has two parts:

1) Having a lot to say.
2) Not saying it.

Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue:

DIVERSITY

I believe that diversity is a part of the natural order of things -- as natural as the trillion shapes and shades of the flowers of spring or the leaves of autumn.

I believe that diversity brings new solutions to an ever-changing environment, and that sameness is not only uninteresting but limiting.

To deny diversity is to deny life -- with all its richness and manifold opportunities.  Thus I affirm my citizenship in a world of diversity, and with it the responsibility to . . .

Be tolerant.  Live and let live.  Understand that those who cause no harm should not be feared, ridiculed, or harmed -- even if they are different.

Look for the best in others.

Be kind in my dealings with the poor and rich, weak and strong, and whenever possible to defend the young, the old, the frail, the defenseless.

Live the examined life, subjecting my motives and actions to the scrutiny of mind and heart so to rise above prejudice and hatred.  Care.

~ Gene Griessman

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 $1,855 cash through donations and we have pledges totaling an additional $1,650.  Our grand total is $3,505. To think that God would entrust us to help purchase and help build a church for Him on the mission field is a humbling thing.   While the enemy would like me to be discouraged, I think it is awesome that God has moved upon His children to give $3,505.  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 and I would ask that you start praying for them and the entire team.  It would be great to know that many are praying daily for our protection and for our ministry while on this trip.  The team leaves on April 5 at 8:00 AM from Richmond International Airport and we will be returning on April 12 from Newark, New Jersey via a charter bus. If you are not doing anything come see us off.  The HUM team members are Sandy Witherspoon, Tom Meadows and April Pearce.  April is the daughter of former PM employee Temple Pearce and also Tom Pearce who works at the M/C.  I can tell you how wonderful God works his plans.  April played softball for me in 2000 when I coached the Meadowbrook Junior Varsity softball team.  April now attends Richmond Christian School and she feels a call on her life to be a missionary and on top of that she has taken four years of Spanish, which is the native language of the Dominican Republic along with some French Creole that is spoken in the Haitian Bateys.

Our co-sponsor, Chester Outreach Church, has several commitments from their congregation plus others from other churches.  Our goal had been to take up to thirty people.  It appears now that we will have a team of about 15-18 members.

Aguas Blancas church was destroyed by a hurricane four years ago.  The local church has been trying to rebuild but they have very limited funds.  The church is growing and working hard but their limitations are economical.  The church has more than 55 members and is located in a Haitian community known as a Batey.  It is a very poor community where the church is doing a wonderful job of bringing hope to many lives.  The people of the church are very willing to work but they don't have the needed funds to do it by themselves and that is why it is so very important that we give and go to raise the banner for our Lord Jesus Christ.  The church at Aguas Blancas knows that God has answered their prayers through this trip.

While on the trip we will participate in worship services with local churches where we can fellowship with our Brothers and Sisters of the Dominican Republic.  If you play an instrument please bring it.  Be ready to serve the Lord with your talents in singing, testifying, sharing, preaching and praying

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.

NOTE: As we go to publish this newsletter our portion of the Mission church is paid in full to the glory of God.

HANDS UP UPDATES

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember to lift

The following people up in prayer

PMUSA Management

Fellow Co-workers

Hands Up Staff

Family & Friends

New York Colleagues

Everyone in the Armed Forces overseas

1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on him,

 because he cares for you"

 You're a Real Angel!

Emily Matthews

Submitted by Lou Dalton

IF AN ANGEL IS SOMEONE

WHO'S SO FILLED WITH LOVE,

IT'S A GIFT

THAT THEY CONSTANTLY SHARE,

IF AN ANGEL IS SOMEONE

WHO LOOKS OUT FOR OTHERS

AND GIVES THEM A NUDGE

HERE OR THERE,

IF AN ANGEL IS SOMEONE

WHO TOUCHES YOUR LIFE

WITH A HEART

THAT'S BOTH JOYFUL AND WISE,

THEN EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T HAVE

HALO OR WINGS,

YOU'RE AN ANGEL

IN HUMAN DISGUISE

“Some people are angels without any wings who spread joy around and do wonderful things!" ~ Emily Matthews

Update on "THE LIGHT"

An Outreach Ministry of Hands Up

FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT

Ronnie Waddell

Park 500

        Over the past quarter it has been our prayer and desire to lift up the name of Jesus higher.  Whether through our words, actions, deeds and card ministry- our desire is to share Jesus Christ with the lost. Across the nation, as well as at Park, we have grown more aware of the need to be fervent in prayer, to “shine our light” to those who do not know Him, and to live each day in greater dependence on Him.

We (employees) have a variety of problems that affect our job performance and our lives. We have made a request to ER at Park to offer the concept of a Chaplain program to upper management. This program would allow the employee who is facing personal problems to talk to a Christian minister. There would be a Chaplain available face-to-face, 24 hour-a-day, 7 days a week. We ask that you keep this in your prayers.

We, as Christians, must do His work so through Him we can glorify the Father. “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 (Ephesians 5:8-11).

Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Ye are the light of the world.

Hand’s Up Meetings

Tuesdays:

   United Christians of Alleghany Warehouse Company:  12:15 PM – 1 PM

   “The Light” at Park 500:        12 PM –  1 PM

Wednesdays:

   M/C “C” Shift:  2 AM – 3 AM

   M/C “B” Shift:  7 PM – 8 PM

Thursdays (Noon – 1:00 PM):

   Alternates between Operations Center and Manufacturing Center

                   March 13 – Operations Center

                   March 20 – Manufacturing Center

   Gateway Centre

Coming Soon:  Hands Up West Broad

hatyilytilyajly

Has anyone told you

i love you

today

i love you

and

jesus loves you

GOD'S WORD … IT'S STILL STANDING!

Pastor Sheritha Bowman

Soul Inspiration Church Ministries (SICM)

Germantown, MD

Praise the Lord Family,

As you begin your weekend, I want to leave you with something that I believe will encourage your heart and lift your spirit. If you feel led, pass it along to someone who could use a little inspiration.

        I remember when I was believing God for my husband's salvation, it was all that I could eat, drink, hear and smell. If you weren't talking to me about how to get my husband saved, then be gone my child, please.

        Even if you don't have a mate, you know what I'm talking about. I'm referring to those prayer petitions where we look to God to fix it now or else. Where we challenge God and proclaim a one-month fast until we have nearly shriveled up and think that because our cheeks are sucked in and our pants are sagging that God will have mercy and like a genie, presto, chango, after the month is up - it's ours.

        O, surely our God works miracles and He does grant us the desires of our hearts, but our God will not be forced to answer prayers according to our prescribed time and constraints. "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy." (Romans 9:15-16).

        God impressed upon my heart and eventually I accepted the cold, hard truth that no scheme, plot or ploy of mine was going to reel my husband in and cause him to accept the salvation of Jesus Christ.

        Oh, I was famous for getting Christian brothers to call the house and invite him to play ball. Or drag him to church, where he would sit next to me and fall asleep midway through service. Or taking him to those so-called 'Gospel' plays that told more jokes than preached Jesus. Anything that I could think of. Did you catch that? Anything, that I - I - I could think of.  In the end, I was left incredibly frustrated, physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Sure enough, ready to give up. Playing God had soon played out.

          So you sit on your couch, your bed, the bathroom floor, wherever you end up after the enemy has sucker-punched you to near spiritual death, tears streaming down your face, making way down your neck, you then hear a voice that can only come from the Great, Mighty, and Living God that asks, What about My Word? WHAT ABOUT MY WORD? My word is truth.

"Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces." (Jeremiah 23:29).

READ My Word!

SPEAK My Word!

PRAY My Word!

BELIEVE My Word!

LIVE My Word!

It is My Word that will break up the biggest rock or boulder in your life!   My Word is stronger, mightier, and greater than any situation that you are facing or will ever face! Remember My Word and trust My Word! You will never get him or anything else to change!  IT IS MY WORD!  IT IS MY WORD!  IT IS MY WORD!

God's Word had been written, spoken and planted in my heart. I knew His Word. Sunday after Sunday, week after week it was being deposited into my spirit. All that was left for me to do was to believe that the Word of God was truth.

I had to believe that God was able to save even my hard-headed, stubborn husband. I had to believe that God could redirect the path of even my teenager. I had to believe that God could indeed be a lamp unto the feet of my loved ones and give them direction, goals, purpose and protection even when they looked like they were on a surefire road to hell.

        And I had to get to that place where my motives were pure and right before God. Understanding that whatever God did it wasn't for me, it was for Him.  For His glory. It wasn't about stopping my headaches and heartache (though these were blessed rewards that were granted), the reason, the intent, the whole deal was that I trust and believe, live right before our God and allow Him to change, correct, convict, and do the drawing.   God's Word does the drawing and changing. It's God's Word that delivers and transforms. It is God's Word that cancels and destroys any plot or ploy of the enemy.

READ My Word! SPEAK My Word! PRAY My Word! BELIEVE My Word! LIVE My Word!  Saith the Lord GOD of hosts!

Family, keep praying for that spouse, that child, that family member, that friend, that enemy, (oh, yes, let us not forget to pray for our enemies) and believe that God's Word shall not return unto Him void.

        When all else falls and fails, know that it is the Word of God that shall continue to stand and conquer the most wicked and rebellious heart.

And remember through it all...God's Word will remain standing.