Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a purely human point of view. No, even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now we have such knowledge of Him that we know Him no longer in terms of the flesh. Therefore if any person is in Christ the Messiah, he is a new creation altogether, the old, previous moral and spiritual condition has passed away.
Behold the fresh and new has come.
II Cor 5:16-17 AMP

Have you ever thought about how well you know someone and then discover that you really don’t know them at all? That is the case so many times when we know a person from a fleshly point of view only. Paul at one time thought he really knew everyone. But he only knew them by human standards. He didn’t know them from or by their spirit. He even at one point estimated Christ from a purely, worldly, fleshly point of view as mere man. But he was wrong. He became a new creation in Christ and from that point on he no longer viewed Him as mere man but as the Lord of Glory, resurrected. He knew Him in the Spirit. if anyone is a new creation in Christ it is from this standpoint that we must know them. If we don’t know each other in spirit we will judge many times from the flesh. Get to know God in Spirit and in truth. Get to know the family of the new creation in spirit, in the new man, not merely from the flesh.

If then you have been raised with Christ to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead, aim at and seek the rich eternal treasures that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God and set your minds and keep them set on what is above, the higher things and not on things that are on the earth.
Colossians 3:1-2

Life on earth is brief. Though we may live many years it is but a vapor when compared with eternity. Our new life in Christ is everlasting. While we are here on the earth, as temporary residents, we are instructed from the Word of God to seek eternal things. We are preparing for the next life while we live in the here and now. The above passage does not suggest that we live in a bubble, unaware that life must be lived while we are here. It simply instructs us to change our mind set and live according to the new rules of the new government that is within us. Seek the higher life, no longer follow the concepts of the world which are brief and passing away. We are in training to reign with Christ. Practice it daily. Be ready!

I was introduced to June and her husband, Pastor Gene Evans in the late seventies when they ministered in conferences for Full Gospel Business Mens Fellowship International. What wonderful days they were. We would not have missed a regional or national convention. It was in many of these gatherings that June was a speaker for the ladies luncheons and other services. Gene led the Regionals in the S.E. for a period of time. An excellent teacher himself he is also a great blessing in my life.

I have been present and blessed at many Christian Believers United and Women of the Word Conferences sponsored by Rev. Jim Jackson when June was a speaker. She is the author of five booklets, one of which, “Women in Ministry,” has been adopted as the official statement of Christian Believers United.

June has held firmly to the strength and grace of God when tragic circumstances touched her family. She walked in the power and peace of the Lord. Not so long ago people across the nation were alerted to pray and believe for her son and his family when they were involved in an accident. The Lord brought them through. They are all recovering and returning to a normal life.

June was born again as a teenager in the Methodist Church. In 1977 she and her husband entered full time ministry. Their joint ministry is known as “Meet the Believers, Inc . an organization dedicated to helping God’s people mature through sound, basic Bible teaching. Her husband Gene is pastor of Believers Church in Douglasville, GA where she is Minister of Education. She is also a board member of the church. She was ordained in 1979 by Rev. Don Arnold of Revival Tabernacle in AL. She is also a member of the Ministerial Association, Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministers International of Irving TX. For eight years she was on the faculty staff of Christian Life School of Theology which is under the leadership of Dr. Ron Cottle in Columbus, GA. She taught “The Christian Family,” and “Survey of the Old Testament.”

A highly sought teacher and speaker, June continues to travel throughout the nation and overseas, teaching in seminars, conferences and churches.

Possessing a kind and gentle spirit, June blessing countless numbers in the Body of Christ as she presents the Word of God with boldness. If June comes to your area make the time to go and sit under her anointed teaching.

Thank you June. You have influenced my life and ministry and you continue to mean much to me. You are one among many of us who started out together and Praise to God we are still here!

Patricia Cross caught my attention a few years ago with an announcement made in our Sunday school class. She invited the class to attend a dance recital performed by a small group of children to whom she had become teacher and mentor. The children live in an impoverished area of our city. As time went by more announcements were forthcoming and I was getting to know Patricia and her mission quite well. The more I learned about her and Rejoice Ministries and her endeavor to make a difference in the lives of this small group of children the more impressed I became. She truly is an awesome lady. One who merits my deepest respect.

When I think of Patricia and how Rejoice Ministries began I am reminded of the account in the book of Exodus when God called Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egyptian bondage. Moses’ response to the appointment was “I am not qualified, what can I do? I have nothing to give.” In turn, God asked, “what is that in your hand?” Moses said, “a staff, a shepherds staff.” God said, “I can use it.” He then performed a demonstration. To the natural eye it was just an old stick. A most unlikely instrument through which God would work throughout the assignment. That old stick became the “Rod of God.” It became the symbol of His mighty, miraculous power. What a difference it made when God would speak to Moses to “stretch forth the Rod.” It proved over and over that God accepts and uses what you have. None of us have anything that we did not receive. We gave ourselves nothing. Whatever we possess, God gave it and He will use it for His glory and purpose here in the earth. Wonderful things happen when the ordinary is used by God to create the extraordinary.

Patricia has taught ballet for many years. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of the underserved and impoverished. Especially children and young adults who seemed hopelessly trapped in the clutches of social injustice. She had nothing to offer except herself and the gift of dance which she was so willing to give. As she looked at the different situations around her it brought sadness because of the inequity of it all. Ballet and all the other fine arts was not available to low income families. Only middle class and up could provide their children the advantage of participating in any of them. Realizing this she offered herself and her gift to God, hoping He would accept and use it. He accepted it and is using it mightily She was now a lady on a mission. God was on her side and the wind was to her back. There would be no retreat.

In 1998, Patricia offered to do a free praise dance workshop for a small church in an impoverished area of Nashville. Ballet would be the base of the workshop. Twelve children from low income families signed up. We can only imagine the excitement and giddiness of those children as the time for the workshop drew near. All were well disciplined, talented and loaded with potential.

Patricia knew when the workshops ended there would be no place for the children to go. At that time she began Rejoice Ministries. Specifically for the underprivileged population of children in East Nashville. With a borrowed room in one of the larger churches in the area and later a borrowed room in an elementary school she began holding classes. Thirty two students filled the classroom the first year. This was, no doubt, a beginning for the fulfillment of dreams held by these youngsters. All children have hopes and dreams of someday achieving an important role in life. Ask any child what they want to be when they grow up and you will get answers such as “policeman, firefighter, nurse, doctor, teacher, scientist.” The list goes on. They dream of being someone who makes the world a better place because they made a difference. Sometimes children go through as many as six career changes in their mind by the time they are twelve. That is unimportant. The important thing is that people be in their lives who will coach, direct, guide and mentor them in a positive way toward reaching their goal. They need someone who will provide a commodity that gives motivation and meaning in their lives, Every child needs acceptance and a place to belong. This is what Patricia Cross has offered for several years.

Week after week Patricia has made the trek from her home to the classroom filled with eager children. She has set boundaries and made rules for them which will continue to serve them in a positive way in the future. It is not likely that we will ever see any of her students on the evening news because of their involvement in juvenile crime. They have an established connection with God and are living with a noble purpose. Without Patricia many of the students might have become victims of their circumstances, giving the enemy an opportunity to steal, kill and destroy. She has held firmly to each one with her very life.

Several adults have come alongside Patricia to help her in a number of ways. She needs all this help and more since the enrollment now stands at seventy two. Patricia’s mother, Mrs. Muriel Hove who is eighty eight and Cathy Meyer are two great helpers. A Bible teacher holds classes every other Saturday for Rejoice students and their parents. In the classes they are learning the fundamentals of the faith. Out of this a Praise and Worship dance class has been established. They are learning the powerful place of praise in God’s order and the difference between performing and using their gift of dance to worship God. Praise and worship in dance opens and closes the class. They are learning about God. Growing in understandig as their little hearts connect with Him through teaching and praise dancing. They are learning to draw from His wisdom and to be led by His Spirit. In a chaotic world filled with uncertainty this troupe of children has found a safe haven in Rejoice School of Ballet.

Rejoice also has an Activities Director, a Costume Mistress, a Memory Work Leader and an Athletic Director. Activities and sporting events will be organized and supervised by steadfast Christian people who so admire what Patricia is doing in the giving of herself and her gift. They want to do likewise to help in making a better life for the students. A generous Keystone Grant from the Junior League of Nashville has been an enormous blessing for Rejoice.

Rejoice students have been honored in the past year to dance in several events, including:

1. Three large churches in Metro Nashville.
2. Safe Haven Family Shelter.
3. McNeilly Center’s “Black History Month” Celebration of Friendship.
4. Schermerhorn Concert Hall for the Metro Arts Commission, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Nashville Business Committee luncheon.
5. Ten Rejoice studenst danced in the Nashville Ballet “Nutcracker” at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Events in the coming months for Rejoice students include:

1. Rejoice School of Ballet recital “Like a Rose” at Warner School.
2. Recitals at Fellowship Baptist Church and Christ Church.
3. Rejoice School of Ballet Awards Banquet.
4. One dance at Rejoice School of Ballet Smart Steps recital at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Much is owed to people like Patricia Cross who work quietly, unannounced, without fanfare, seeking no notariety. Their good deeds just spill over into the most unexpected places that God prepares in advance. He is at work in it all. People somehow find out and it gets their attention. The legacy that Patricia leaves will live on through her students. She sowed one seed, “herself with her gift.” That seed will never be smaller. It will continue to increase as it sprouts into an on going harvest. Yes, God has been dancing through students at rejoice Ministries for several years. With the current enrollment of seventy two students God is dancing through one hundred forty four little feet. I think He likes it!!!!

If you would like to make a donation of time or finances to Rejoice Ministries it will be greatly appreciated. No gift is too small. Patricia did not make a request concerning this or any part of the article. (She read the rough draft before this last paragraph was tagged on) You may send your gift to “Rejoice Ministries, 700 Russell Street, Nashville, TN 37206. If you want to give your time you may E-mail Patricia at patriciacross64@hotmail,com If you have a comment for Patricia concerning her ministry connect with her at her E-mail address. I would also like your comments on this article.

I had never met this lovely lady before. I was aware that she was first lady of Temple Baptist Church pastored by her husband, Dr. Michael Lee Graves though I had never seen even a picture of her. Somehow I knew that we were destined to meet again at some point in time. Ten years went by before our next meeting. As I was looking over the list of potential speakers for the Mother’s and Father’s of the Faith Mentoring Clinic which was soon coming up I saw her name and knew she was the one. She was happy to come and bless us at that event.

It goes without saying that Eleanor knows how to get and keep the attention of her audience. She admitted right away that she was not the best teller of jokes, but she did get in a couple to our delight. She made everyone feel so special as she talked about the many ways we can please God.

Eleanor is a lady of many talents and has had many careers, including a Consultant, Editor, Writer, College Administrator, Counselor, Author and Teacher. She most recently served as Professor at Middle Tennessee State University and Vol State Community College. Currently she operates the H.O.P.E. and Wellness Center at the Temple Church. She gave her life to Christ at age eleven and has taught in the church since the age of eighteen.

In the late seventies, she and her husband Dr. Michael L. Graves not long out of college pioneered and pastored Temple Baptist Church, just the two of them. It has since grown to a church of several thousand, ministering to the community and beyond. Dr Michael went home with the Lord a few years ago. He left a legacy that will continue to the end of time. Eleanor will not cease to be totally involved in seeing the legacy preserved. Those who are coming along behind her will speak of the great things God has done.

Eleanor has taught pastor’s wives on a national level and can readily identify with them in all circumstances.She has conducted workshops in the United States and Canada. She is a highly sought motivational and Women’s Day speaker as well as a Diversity Training leader. In 2000 she was selected by the Tennessee Board of regents to be a Geier Fellow. Her spiritual and educational experiences well equip her to serve. She has learned to make her spiritual life a high priority. This makes all other aspects of her life flow more smoothly.

To all the above she has the added joy of being the Mother of three, the Grandmother of four.

Dr Eleanor has influenced my life in many ways. I admire that she is articulate in all she does.She is kind and strong. She believes that excellence can be achieved if pursued. She asked me “do you know the definition of excellence?” I replied, “I think so.” She has a very simple definition with which I can agree. Excellence is “paying attention to detail.” That is what the Mother’s and Father’s of the Faith team had done in readiness for her coming. They had decorated the meeting room paying attention to every little detail. Eleanor noticed.

Dr. Gruits, who is most often referred to as “Sister Pat” was born and raised in Michigan. Her mother, Rev. Myrtle D. Beall founded and pastored Bethessda Missionary Temple in Detroit in the forties. The church grew from a store front mission to more than 5,000 members in just a few years. Rev. Beall, affectionaely known as “Ma Beall” was also a pioneer of the Latter Rain Revival. She continued pastoring at Bethesda until shortly before her death in 1979.

Through the years Sister Pat was actively involved at Bethesda as Minister of Education, writing curriculum and helping to establish many major departments within. Spiritually hungry people began to attend a Monday night prayer meeting held at the church. Out of these meetings a Minister Candidate School was birthed, the focus being on learning to hear, understand and respond to the Holy Spirit in the ministry call. Lessons written for the students challenged them to totally commit their life to Christ and to have a meaningful relationship and fellowship with Him. The school continued at Bethesda for twenty three years under the direction of Rev. Beall along with Sister Pat.

During this time Sister Pat was married to Dr. J. Peter Gruits. The years went by and they became the parents of four sons. Together they forged ahead in ministry. Soon the Lord called them to pioneer a missions project in Haiti. There were many obstacles to overcome as they pursued the call. The sudden death of Dr Peter in 1989 left Sister Pat to continue the mission they had been called to do. Part of the mission was to build a hospital in Haiti. Several years before, God had dropped into her heart these words, “I want you to build a hospital for me in Haiti.” No small task for one who knew nothing about medical facility operations. Neither did she know any of the terminology.

More years passed and one challenge after another presented itself. Haiti was under the rule of a dictator and Christians were the last thing they wanted to see, especially one who said God told her to build Him a hospital there. Sister Pat pushed on. After a long time of waiting, donations of medical supplies, along with many other necessary things and permission to be there was granted. The Gruits Memorial Medical Clinic in Bocazelle became a reality. The poor in this area of Haiti travel long distances for medical care. A maternity hospital has been completed and in operation. Women can now go there to have their babies in a clean environment. The death rate among new borns will be radically reduced. They have clean water and a sterile facility where mother and child will be well cared for. All who go to this medical facility receive care that has never before been available to them.

Back in Michigan, Sister Pat was led of God to open a Minister Candidate School in Rochester, a quaint town some sixty miles north of Detroit. She also began an annual seminar/school, teaching from her book, “Understanding God” with the addition of two other books she has written, “Understanding the Masters Voice” and Understanding Yourself.” Students from around the U.S. attend each year. I was blessed to attend in 2003. It was there that I was introduced to Joy Gruits (daughter in law) who is a very gifted instructor and Dr John Romine who taught several sessions on Christian Counseling using methods that brought the point home.

When I was in Michigan in 2003 Sister Pat asked me to have dinner with her. She said to me that evening ” I am eighty and I will continue as long as I can, no quitting.” She travels back and forth to Haiti for first hand inspections, visits with the staff and graduation of the students from Minister Candidates School and with the medical staff who are responsible for the oversight of the medical facility.

Today, at the age of eighty six, Sister Pat’s determination burns as brightly as it did the day I met her more than twenty years ago. Her ministry has touched the lives of thousands through the years and continues on today. What a lady. To say that she has lived and continues to live a life filled with adventure would be an under statement. There is much more to be said about her. Log on to her website and read all about it. www.rhemainternational.org

Billye was among the ones who in 1967 attended a meeting in Tulsa, OK in Brother Kenneth Hagin’s ministry headquarters where Sister Clara Grace was the speaker. This meeting proved to be prophetic for Billye and the fulfillment of her Divine destiny. I have a tape of that meeting and occasionally I listen to it again.

In 1980 Billye began traveling in ministry. One of the first doors of opportunity that opened was travel to Russia with Jim and Kathy Kaseman.On these trips she smuggled Bibles past the KGB and preached the gospel in underground places. A pioneer filled with courage and bravery!!

Billye has a beautiful spiritual heritage. I was privileged to know and be in the company of her mother and father, the late Mr Willie and Mrs.Marie Combs on several occasions. They were people of strong faith, They were humble people who loved the Lord. They taught their children to be strong in their faith.

After a long season of going in and out of Russia a door to Israel opened and she began a ministry there which has grown to gigantic proportions. When Billye’s husband Kent went to be with the Lord several years ago she bravely moved to Israel for a season to learn the Hebrew language in preparation for the ministry to the beloved Jewish people.

I had the privilege to host Billye’s first meeting in Nashville, TN. What a glorious three days it was. People came from surrounding cities and filled the large room. She has been in Nashville many times since and I have been present every time she came.

On one occasion I was with Billye in a meeting in St Louis. It was there that I was introduced to Rachel Teafatiller, Gertrude Lake Reidt and Dr Pauline Parham, all pioneers from another era. Strong prayer warriors. We all stayed in the same hotel and met in Billye’s room for prayer more than once. What a privilege to sit at the feet of these women who truly possessed a deep fellowship with God. They spoke volumes into my life. (I will be writing an article on a couple of these ladies in the future) On a Suday afternoon as we prayed together, Billye spoke a word from the Lord to me, one that is still unfolding.

The teaching on Love and the Glorious Church are among my favorites that Billye has done. They are rich and deep. I still listen to the tapes I got from one of her early meetings.

Since the early days of ministry, many doors have opened for Billie on an international scale. She has met with heads of state and other officials in many places. She handles all assignments with much grace and kindness. She is received wherever she goes and the favor of God and man rests upon her. Her kind and gentle spirit draws her to all people.

Her bravery and obedience to God led her to move to Branson, MO and establish Prayer Mountain in the Ozarks. She actually bought a mountain and built ministry headquarters and prayer cabins where people can come for an uninterrupted season of prayer. What great things God has done and continues to do through one woman’s obedience and faithfulness. I am blessed to have Billye for my dear friend.

If you want to know more of the great things God has done and is doing in her ministry you can log on to Billye’s website www.billyebrim.org Take a look you will be blessed.

“I leave you peace, my peace I give you, I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27″

The peace that comes from the world is fragile. We have all observed that it can be here today and gone tomorrow. Peace treaties are broken or trouble flares up in another area. Jesus gave a promise that is secure and never will He renege on that promise. If only we could only believe that He has come not to condemn but to save, not to bring confusion, but order, then peace would be a constant companion. We would know deep within that tomorrow will be better than today. Our sorrow would turn to joy in His presence. God is for us, not against us. He has given us His Spirit, the great Helper to see us through life in a world that is troubled. God has our best interest at heart. If only we would learn to trust Him and
rely on His Word.

Now to Him, Who in consequence of the action of His power that is at work within us, is able to carry out His purpose and do super abundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think, infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, AMEN, so be it!
Eph. 3:20-21 Amp.

When you feel unworthy to ask anything of God because you have made so many mistakes and wrong choices and you have seen yourself as a failure, meditate these words from the Holy Scriptures. God is not limited to our finite thoughts and actions. He has the ability to perform far beyond what we could ever imagine in our whole life time. His power is at work in us. If we dare to believe Him what a difference it will make in our lives. He receives glory in His Church through Christ Jesus. You are member of that special Body called the Church because you are in Christ Jesus. Stretch your faith in what He said and in His ability and willingness to perform it in your life. He is a big God and will perform His plan and purpose in you until the day He comes to receive you to Himself. Just believe it.

“I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.”
Psalm 40:1 AMP

What a wonderful thought. God leans toward us and His ear is so close He can hear our faintest prayer. If you think God doesn’t hear you or doesn’t want to hear you when you speak to Him, read and embrace this Word from Him. You’ll be glad you did!