peacemakersGrahamMy Miracle Son ...

MY LEGACYby: Rich Wilkerson

Helping & Serving

Those in Need

Peace for Haiti

UpdATE

Walking into Our Future

Volume 3 Number 1

Rich & Robyn Wilkerson President & Founders

Linda Freeman, M.S. Executive Director

Kathleen Hardcastle, M.A. Ed Director of Education

Andrea Fletcher, MSW Director of Social Work

Klautrelle Long, CPA Financial Director

Liz Eden Director of Communications

Crystal Agnew Operations Manager

David McDermott Development Director

Production Team

Executive Publishers Rich & Robyn Wilkerson

Editor in ChiefLiz Eden

Copy Editor Kerry Phillips

Graphic DesignKerri Keith-Spitaleri Photo CreditsDavid DobsonKathleen Hardcastle

peacemakers M A G A z i n EPeacemakers MagazinePhone: 786-888-4770Email: peacemakers@peacemakers.comwww.peacemakers.com For more information about partnering with Peacemakers or booking Rich or Robyn Wilkerson for an event, please contact: iraida Hernandez Phone: 786-888-4750Fax: 786-272-5787Email: ihernandez@peacemakers.com Mailing Address:PEACEMAKERSP.O. Box 680100north Miami, FL 33168 Come visit us at Trinity Church17801 nW 2nd Avenue,Miami Gardens, FL 33169Phone: 786-888-HOPE (4673)Watch our services online at:www.trinitychurch.tv Trinity Christian Academy 655 nW 125 Streetn. Miami, Florida 33168Phone: 786-888-LiFE (5433) Peacemakers Family Center17801 nW 2nd Avenue,Miami Gardens, FL 33169Phone: 786-888-HELP (4357)www.peacemakers.com Follow us on Twitter@RichWilkerson@RobynWilkerson@PeacemakersCom@TrinityMiami@peaceforhaiti

Peacemakers Magazine is published by Peacemakers-Trinity Church Incorporated, a non-profit corporation, Miami, FL USA © 2011. Peacemakers Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

2 PEACEMAKERS.COM

ourstaffPeacemakers and Trinity Church

featured articles3 Walking into Our Future

4 FREEDOM SCHOOLS have Kids Singing, Dancing, and Learning with Joy

4 Q & A with Kathleen Hardcastle

6 Peacemakers Services Provided

8 The Children of inmates Programs Receives the 2010 Champions for Children Award!

9 Peacemakers Funders & Partners

10 PEACE FOR HAiTi Update: Q & A with Pastor Linda Freeman

12 GRAHAM: My MIRACLE Son … My LEGACY by: Rich Wilkerson

16 Rich & Robyn Wilkerson Resources & Upcoming Events

17 HOW TO CHAnGE THinGS When Change is Hard

18 THE vOUS: Christ & Community for Young Adults

20 LOvE is a Decision

21 HELPinG & SERvinG those in nEED

23 YOU CAn MAKE A DiFFEREnCE

PEACEMAKERS.COM 3

The beach is the perfect place for us to walk together. it was 38 years ago that we walked down the aisle, got married and began our lives together. in 1979 the Lord spoke to us to leave our “comfort zone” and launch into youth outreach. We did just that. it wasn’t too long before we were sponsoring youth rallies in America’s largest churches, public forums and in public schools. in fact, from 1980 to 1990 we spoke in over 1600 public schools to more than 1.5 million students. Approximately 250,000 people made commitments to Christ during those years.

As we worked with youth it became apparent that the cities of America carried the greatest influence in our culture, and yet the families of our inner cities were hurting the most. in 1994, we felt God direct us to invest our lives in “urban” America. We established “Peacemakers” which was supported by friends and partners like you. Over the next four years, nine “inner city urban” ministries were established in seven cities across the U.S.

As our experience grew, we worked inside many inner cities. needs were obvious, but the question loomed – how to harness our efforts and touch people spiritually, while also addressing their physical and social needs. We began to conceptualize a new model of ministry for urban churches. We foresaw that indigenous, established congregations could morph into expanded centers of hope by collaborating with local business, education, and government partners to rally resources for local neighborhood and community needs. Then in 1998, we were invited to assume the leadership of Trinity Church, located right in the heart of “urban Miami.” Here was the opportunity we had been looking for – to join the spiritual transformative ministries of church life, with the financial and services resources of government and business partners. it was a risky new idea … really only a dream … but we were walking into a new future to transform lives.

in July of 1998, we moved with our four sons to Miami. Trinity Church welcomed us and rolled up their sleeves to establish something truly life-saving and life-giving to the disenfranchised poor of the city. no matter what struggle we faced, God helped us! Quickly, ministries of every description began to develop. Government grants and contracts were written for funding. Universities and local faith non-profits formed alliances. Today, Trinity Church and Peacemakers has more than 50 collaborative powerful partners working with us to meet the needs in the people across our county. Our mission statement is: COMMiTTED TO OUR COMMUniTY.

Today, Trinity Church and Peacemakers is open 7 days a week to provide ministry for people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels, and education – for everyone to discover God’s plan for their destiny. EvERYOnE iS WELCOMED AT TRiniTY CHURCH! now, more than 5000 people weekly receive ministry through the doors of our faith center.

This year, Trinity Church celebrates 50 years! in the Old Testament the 50th year was celebrated as “JUBiLEE.” According to ancient Jewish tradition, the year of Jubilee terminated debt as property was restored to its rightful owner. Oppression and slavery was lifted from God’s people. The year of Jubilee was a new beginning of freedom, favor and prosperity for all. This is our “Jubilee Year” – we are standing in faith for all God’s Jubilee promises for us and for you too!

Thank you for your continued faithful prayers and support. With you we celebrate our victories of the past, but we as we walk into our future we are HOOKED On HOPE, as we continue in the work to win the lost, help the poor, and teach the abundant life!

Rich and Robyn Wilkerson

Winning the Lost, heLp ing the poor, and teaching abundant L ife

... we went

through fire and

water, but you

brought us

to a place of

abundance.

Psalm 66:12b

Delayed HOPE

makes one sick at

heart, but a

fulfilled longing is

a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

Walking into Our Future ...

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Freedom Schools ®

by Michael R. Malone

it’s their favorite part of the day, so when the first notes of the Harambee music sounded Derek, 9, and Julius, 8, leaped from their seats.

Today more than 80,000 children nationally have been “Freedom Schooled.” These programs are all Children’s Trust-funded.

As part of this highly structured program, college interns and AmeriCorps volunteers promote literacy by using books that highlight the accomplishments of African-Americans and other people of color. Community professionals visit the program; their stories and experiences instill personal and community pride. Harambee and other activities help to make learning fun, while teaching values that help children succeed in school and in life.

Pastor Linda Freeman, executive director of Peacemakers Family Center at Trinity Church, oversees the summer camp and after-school program. Freeman moved to Miami 11 years ago to join Trinity Church at its location in north Miami. She helped create Peacemakers, a vehicle to address the needs in the community. Peacemakers was also among the first group of providers in Miami to receive Children’s Trust funding soon after its creation in 2002.in 2009, Freeman was invited to visit

QFA

S

Q: What is Peacemakers?

A: Peacemakers is a non-profit organization located in the heart of inner city Miami. Peacemakers was born from the vision of Pastors Rich and Robyn Wilkerson, who feel a special calling to minister to the inner cities of America. Rich and Robyn had established nine ministries in seven cities across the nation, but felt there was still more they could do. in 1998 they came to Miami to pastor Trinity Church and they established “The Peacemakers Family Center,” a service center running alongside a powerful, multicultural inner city church – a prototype of what they hope to see built all across the country. Q: If someone is need, how can Peacemakers help? A: Our goal at Peacemakers is to

withKathleen

Hardcastle, M.A. Ed Executive Director

of Education

Have Kids Singing, dancing – and Learning – with Joy

They dance and twirl along with their after-school mates, jumping and singing “i am strong” and “Yes, i can” to the Hallelujah Song and others meant to teach them that all children are important and should be valued.

The Harambee tradition began hundreds of years ago in Kenya where villagers learned that communities thrived when everyone “pulled together” – the meaning of the word. Marian Edelman Wright breathed new fire into the tradition in 1995 when

the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) launched Freedom Schools.

enhance the quality of life by providing assistance in spiritual, physical, educational, and social areas. Our programs are designed to connect individuals and families with resources that promote stability, security, and self-sufficiency. We value each person and know that no matter what they are going through, they can make it. We are here to help them and believe that they can overcome. For Help call 786-888-HELP (4357). Q: Can I be a part of the work that Peacemakers’ is doing in the community? A: Absolutely! There are so many ways to get involved. visit our website, www.peacemakers.com or call 786-888-HELP (4357) to find out how you can be a part of what God is doing through Peacemakers.

Haley Farm, the CDF training facility, here she saw a presentation of the Freedom Schools that wowed her.

“The kids got great encouragement, and you could see how excited they were to learn – you can’t pay for that,” she remembers.

The schools follow a set model that encourages routine and helps maintain consistency in quality. The structure sows stability and safety in children who may lack it in their daily lives. Because the program is so focused on improving literacy, a large number of books are required as part of the curriculum.

in addition to literacy and academic enrichment, the Freedom Schools highlight parent and family involvement, civic engagement, nutrition/health and mental health,

PEACEMAKERS.COM 5

and intergenerational leader development.

Student leader interns serve as important role models and are pivotal to the program’s success. These high energy interns engage the children by

reading out loud to them, sitting beside them to do

their homework, and by dancing and singing with them.

The program is labor intensive. Freedom School standards require that the student-to-teacher ratio not exceed 10-1. in these small groups and through consistent interaction, teachers get to know their students and their learning styles; bonds of trust are built. Children at risk of tumbling from the education system are reengaged in the learning process.

“The kids see someone who’s gone to college, who likes it and who’s succeeding. They get an important role model,” Freeman

Q. How is Peacemakers making a difference in thenext generation? A: Peacemakers motto is: “To Provide Loving Christian Care for Our Children.” By pouring our lives into the next generation we are seeing children develop a positive self-concept and a love for learning. Through our educational programs we want to help build a creative foundation for a lifetime of learning. Characteristics such asself-confidence, independence, curiosity, persistence, and initiative are developed. All of our Children’s programs are interested in promoting and developing positive social skills and building trusting relationships with peers and adults. For more information call 786-888-LiFE (5433) or log onto: www.peacemakers.com.

says. The connections that develop have other benefits.

“We see improvements in attendance – kids don’t want to miss Freedom School sessions,” Freeman says. The program’s emphasis on the core message that “i can make a difference” appears to be effective, too, in altering how students see themselves and their own possibilities in life.

This last summer camp, Freeman explains that the 60 children enrolled in Peacemakers’ Freedom School were selected as follows: a third were from Peacemakers’ Children of inmates program, children whose parents are incarcerated; a third or so were children who’d been labeled as poor students or learners at school; and a third were honor roll students.

“They all learned and did well – you couldn’t tell the difference between groups” Freeman says. “The experience just emphasized that we’re all important, that we all have value – that’s the message of the Freedom School.”

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ServiceS Provided

pEACEMAKERS

Peacemakers Family Center Trinity Church established the Peacemakers Family

Center (PFC) in 2000 in response to the tremendous social needs of individuals and families in the Miami-Dade County community. PFC serves as a base for social services provided to more than 1,000 people per week through its north Miami, Miami Gardens, and satellite Out of School Program locations. AmeriCorpsAmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more

than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Trinity’s AmeriCorps Program places its AmeriCorps members in Peacemakers Family Center social service programs across Miami-Dade County. in the 2010-2011 AmeriCorps year, we have 26

AmeriCorps members providing social service assistance to the community. Department of Children & Families ACCESS NetworkPeacemakers is a member of the Department of Children and Families ACCESS network. As a member of the network, Peacemakers clients are able to apply for food stamps, Medicaid, and temporary cash assistance directly from the Peacemakers office.

Healthy Marriage Initiative**Trinity Church provides healthy marriage and family strengthening training to youth and their families in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. The youth curriculum, Relationship Smarts, is a lively, 13 lesson research-based curriculum that builds the skills and

knowledge necessary for healthy relationships. The adult curriculum, Within My Reach, is a research-informed program that seeks to help those in viable relationships to cultivate, protect, and stabilize their union. This program is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Job Development The Peacemakers Family Center is a South Florida Workforce Access Point and assists job seekers with preparing their resume and cover letter, as well as assisting them with on-line job searches through Jobing.com and Employ Florida. North Miami Neighborhood Resource NetworkThe purpose of the north Miami neighborhood Resource network (nMn) is to identify, mobilize, and coordinate resources and social service providers in the community to provide primary prevention and early intervention services to families. now five years old, the nMn has focused on grass-roots, community-based Disaster Preparedness. This innovative focus on Disaster Preparedness highlights economically vulnerable populations—those who live in survival mode every day—to prepare basic resources both pre- and post-disaster. The nMn has developed an active Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) that works closely with Miami-Dade County’s Office of Emergency Management. nMn has also developed the ADOPT-A-SEniOR program. The ADOPT-A-SEniOR program assists north Miami seniors prepare a personal disaster preparedness plan for their homes. Out of School Program* Our Out of School program provides children/youth, ages 5-15, with a variety of unique, year-round, multi-disciplinary enrichment activities, Monday through Saturday. Program elements include homework assistance, tutoring, FCAT preparation, sports, dance/musical theatre, visual arts, media workshop, and career/work preparation. Our Out of School Program uses The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools©

PEACEMAKERS.COM 7

program model. The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; nutritional, physical, and mental health.

Peacemakers Food Bank Peacemakers has revamped its food bank ministry through a partnership with Angel Food Ministries. AFM food boxes are available at $31 per unit. Each month's menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items, with an average retail value of $60. Generally, one AFM food box assists in feeding a family of four for about one week or a single senior citizen for almost a month. Everyone is eligible to purchase AFM food boxes in any quantity, using a money order, credit card, or food stamps. To order online for pick-up at Trinity Church, go to www.angelfoodministries.com Peacemakers Leadership CollegeThe mission of Peacemakers Leadership College is to empower students to maximize their God-given talents and abilities for leadership in the field God has called them to through the integration of academic excellence, leadership development, and hands-on ministry experience. Through our partnership with the School of Urban Missions we are able to offer a fully-accredited Bachelors of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. All classes and leadership experiences take place on the PLC campus at Trinity Church in Miami. Our Bachelor of Arts degree is available in a standard three year fast track sequence which focuses on academic preparation and real-life application. Service Network for Children of Inmates* The Peacemakers Family Center is one of seven founding organizations of the Service network for Children of inmates. Funded primarily by The Children’s Trust, the Service network for Children of inmates is a network of Miami-Dade area direct service providers that assist children who have a parent who is incarcerated. Peacemakers provides intensive case management, support group, videoconferencing and bonding visit services to these children and their caregivers. For in-depth information, please go to childrenofinmates.org.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention***Trinity Church was selected by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Adolescent Health to provide a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program for youth at public schools, churches, and through other community-based organizations in Miami-Dade County. Trinity Church will be utilizing the evidence-based programs, Becoming a Responsible Teen and Reducing the Risk, with junior high and high school students, respectively. Through rigorous research both of these curricula have been shown to be effective to combat the problem of teen pregnancy. Trinity Christian AcademyTrinity Christian Academy is Peacemakers’ on-site Pre-school, Daycare Center and vPK program which is operates under license with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Trinity Christian Academy has expanded to include a private school program for children in Kindergarten thru 2nd grade.

*Out of School and Children of inmates are partially funded by the Children’s Trust. The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of

revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. ** The Trinity Church Healthy Marriage initiative is supported by the United States Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #: 90FE0023. Opinions and findings of the program do not reflect those of the U.S. DHHS. *** The Trinity Church Teen Pregnancy Prevention program is supported by the United States Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #: TP1AH000007-01-00. Opinions and findings of the program do not reflect those of the U.S. DHHS.

For information, please call

786-888-HELP or visit www.peacemakers.com

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The Service network for Children of inmates received the 2010 Champions for Children

Award in november 2010. The Children’s Trust Champions for Children Award honors individuals and programs that have achieved greatness in their service to children

and families. This annual award has become one of the most coveted child advocate awards in Miami-Dade County and serves as an inspiration for others to follow in the path of the award recipients. The Service network for Children of inmates (COi), a collaboration of eight core agencies, has been providing much needed services for children of incarcerated parents who would not otherwise receive them from the state, county or Federal government.

As an evidence-based collaborative team, COi tracks its progress using research methods – constructing databases that account for each referral, child, care-giver, and parent and the types of services they receive. Trinity Church’s Peacemakers Family Center was a founding collaborative

partner of this one-of-a-kind Service network and is honored to be recognized with this prestigious award. Since its inception in 2007, COi has received 2,250 child referrals from incarcerated parents and other sources; located and contacted 1,625 of those referrals; and provided care coordination services to more than 900 children and their families. To strengthen the familial bond between the child and his/her incarcerated parent, the network has taken over 400 children to visit their parents at 8 Florida Department of Corrections facilities and the Miami-Dade County Jail since 2008.

videoconferencing Our program is pilotingthe use of state-of-the-art videoconferencing technology to host monthly 30 minute visitation sessions within two prisons and at our coordination centers. To date, all the families participating at Peacemakers Family Center are reporting very positive experiences. Pastor Linda Freeman recalls, “We were able to reunite one family who had not seen each other in years … for the entire

30 minutes, all they could do was stare at each other on the screen and sob. What a reunion it was!”

Through the success of our prison visitations and videoconferencing, COi has gained a foothold in the state, as the Florida Department of Corrections (FLDOC) has included COi in its re-entry plans with 8 correctional institutions. The Secretary of FLDOC and wardens at specific prisons have found that COi is creating cost savings for them. When children visit their incarcerated parents, not only have we found that the bond between child and parent is strengthened, but we’ve also found that the morale and attitude of the incarcerated parent has improved. Wardens noted that inmates participating in the program are less likely to have disciplinary reports (DRs). With a DR, an inmate may be placed in solitary confinement and lose good behavior credits, resulting in a longer sentence.

Children of inmates’ numerous successes have resulted in an increase in the number of child referrals and requests for visits and videoconferencing from Florida Prisons that cannot be fulfilled because of the lack of resources. And our waiting lists continue to grow. in order to accommodate

more children, we need to purchase

videoconferencing equipment.

THE CHiLdREN OF iNMATES pROGRAM Receives the 2010 Champions for Children Award!

PEACEMAKERS.COM 9

PEACEMAKErs’ CHIldrEn of InMAtEs

ProgrAM is an intensive labor of love:

REACHING OuT – doing whatever it takes to

make sure the children are safe and have their needs met.

REBuILDING – providing ongoing care

coordination, support groups, and meals for children of inmates.

RECONNECTING LIvES – reuniting families by taking

children on quarterly bus trips and providing video conferencing.

Will you consider ParTnering WiTh us?

HoW CAn you HElP?$2000 purchases videoconferencing

equipment needed to communicate with one prison

$100 sponsors one bus trip for a child to visit their parent in prison

$80 purchases school uniforms for one child

$50 sponsors a week of Freedom School for one child

($200 for the entire month)

Will you stand with us in prayer, power, and financial partnership?

100% of your tax-deductable donation will go towards the Children of inmates Program

DONATE ONLINE www.Peacemakers.com –

click on DOnATE nOW button DONATE BY MAIL

Make checks payable to Peacemakers PO BOX 680100 – Miami, FL 33168

DONATE BY PHONE786-888-HOPE (4673)

email: peacemakers@peacemakers.com

Peacemakers and the entire Service network for Children of

inmates is making a miracle difference in the precious Children of inmates…

W i T h y o u !

imagine Miami www.imaginemiami.org

Jewish Community Services of South Florida www.jcsfl.org

Jobing.com www.jobing.com

Justice and Security Strategies www.jssinc.org

MEDA www.meda.org

Miami-Dade County www.miamidade.gov

Miami Rescue Missionwww.miamirescuemission.com

Mission of Hope Haitiwww.mohhaiti.org

netString www.netstring.com

OiC of Broward, inc. www.oicofamerica.org

Port of Miamiwww.miamidade.gov/portofmiami

Reflections Wellness Center www.reflectionswellnesscenter.com

Seaboard Marinewww.seaboardmarine.com

Social Solutions www.socialsolutions.com

South Florida Workforce www.southfloridaworkforce.com

TBn and Smile of a Childwww.tbn.org / www.smileofachild.org

The Children’s Trust www.thechildrenstrust.org

University of Miami School of Medicine www.med.miami.edu

U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services www.hhs.gov

volunteer Florida www.volunteerflorida.org

Walmart www.walmart.com

World Relief www.wr.org

funders and partners

Please visit our website to read about each of these organizations: www.peacemakers.com

Agape Family Ministries www.agapefamilyministries.org

Alliance for Human Services www.alliance4hs.org

Americorps www.americorps.org

Angela M. Turner Consulting

Assemblies of God www.ag.org

Barry University www.barry.edu

Children’s Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org

Christian Family Worship Center www.cfwcfl.org

Convoy of Hopewww.convoyofhope.org Dade Community Foundation www.dadecommunityfoundation.org

Elijah network www.elijahnetwork.org

Eller-ito Stevedoring Companywww.ellerito.com

Early Learning Coalition www.childreadiness.org

Family and Child Faith Coalition www.fcfcfl.org

Family Christian Centerwww.familychristiancenter.org

Farm Share www.farmshare.org

Feeding South Florida, inc www.dailybread.org

Fit Kidswww.fitkidsclub.com

Florida Department of Children and Families www.myflorida.com/cf_web

Florida Department of Juvenile Justicewww.myflorida.com

Florida international University www.fiu.edu

Holy Cross Lutheran Christian Day School www.holycrossnorthmiami.com

Human Services Coalition www.hscdade.org

iLA Local 1416www.ilalocal1416.org

your tax-deductible donation helps us continue to grow Peacemakers.

donate at www.peacemakers.com or call: 786.888.hoPe or email: peacemakers@peacemakers.com

YOuCAn HElP!

WE NEED YOuR HELP! We never want to turn away one child. Do you? Wouldn’t you like to be a part of sowing seeds into the future of the next generation and reuniting families?

10 PEACEMAKERS.COM

Peacemakers has been committed to the restoration of Haiti long before the devastating earthquake took place on January 12, 2010. Pastor Linda Freeman, Peacemakers’ Executive Director, has led three missions trips to Haiti.

PM: how is Peace for haiti bringing peace to this desperate country? LF: Peacemakers’ Peace for Haiti initiative was a response to the devastation of the January 2010 earthquake. Peacemakers has had the opportunity to bring together a number of local and national disaster relief organizations, as well as the Port of Miami, to send shipments of medical supplies, water, food, clothing, and vehicles by ship from Miami to Port-au-Prince for the relief effort. Through this initiative, we also have partnered with the Mission of Hope Haiti to bring three medical and light construction missions teams to their site to serve the local population around Titanyin, Haiti this year. i believe that Peace for Haiti has been

UPDATEa weapon to fight against the devastation, desperation, and chaos that followed the earthquake.

PM: each year you recruited medical professionals and others to be a part of your missions teams – what type of medical work are they doing on the trip? LF: The need for medical assistance is great in Haiti. Our teams have consisted of pharmacists, nurses, doctors, paramedics, and translators who were able to provide immediate medical care to adults and children who came to the Mission of Hope Clinic and Hospital, as well as to children who live in orphanages in villages nearby. non-medical team members provided essential support in organizing and distributing medical supplies in the large medical supply warehouse tent at Mission of Hope Haiti’s site. On many days, non-medical team members were available to lend a hand to bring supplies from the warehouse to the clinic,

PEACEMAKERS.COM 11

Peace for Haiti Earthquake Relief humanitarian effort is the perfect collaboration of several organizations working together to provide continuous aid to Haiti. Our call to action with its urgent message for helping Haiti is summed up in three words:

PRAY, GIvE, and GO!Peace for Haiti’s primary focus is to contribute to the immediate needs of the Haitian people while finding solutions to help rebuild and sustain their communities. since January 12, 2010

Peace for haiTi has:

• Delivered over 11 million meals • Treated over 6,000 patients • Handed out over 10,000 tents

Will you helP?

To donate go to: www.peaceforhaiti.com or call 786-888-HOPE (4673)100% of your tax-deductible donations are used for this amazing relief effort.

uPdaTes Follow us on Twitter @peaceforhaiti

help bandage ER patients on site, and hold children while they were being examined by the medical team.

PM: Tell us about the partnership of Peace for haiti and Mission of hope haiti. LF: The Mission of Hope Haiti (MOH) has a unique, strategic ministry on the island of Haiti. Over the last twelve years, MOH has established a school that educates 1,200 children, ages 4-19, daily. They have an on-site medical clinic, as well as an orphanage that provides a loving home for 65 children. in addition they have a food warehouse that has supplied over 11 million meals to individuals on the island since the earthquake.

PM: The children especially are in critical need – what kind of assistance are we providing? LF: Our teams have developed a special compassion for the children of Haiti. We have been able to provide immediate medical care for many children who were on the verge of death had not God brought us to them. One baby, that we named Angelie, was abandoned at the MOH Hospital a few days before our May 2010 mission trip. She was seriously malnourished, dehydrated, and covered with sores. Our nurses cared for her and loved her to such an extent that before we left, she had the energy to smile. When we returned in August 2010, we were so thrilled to see her sitting up on her own, smiling, whining,

fussing – all the things that little one-year-old girls should do. i personally feel that helping these children receive adequate health care; an excellent education; a loving, safe home; and training in the word of God, the nation of Haiti will be transformed. PM: how can folks get involved in bringing Peace to haiti? LF: 1) Commit to PRAY for the people of Haiti and efforts going forth through Mission of Hope Haiti; 2) Commit to giving financially to Peace for Haiti. These contributions will support our mission teams and the work at Mission of Hope Haiti; 3) Consider joining the next missions team going to Haiti.

PM: When is the next missions trip to Mission of hope haiti? LF: The next trip to Mission of Hope Haiti is scheduled for July 6-13, 2011.

Pastor Linda Freeman, Peacemakers’ Executive Director, with Angelie.

Pastor Linda Freeman began her career as an environmental engineer, after completing her Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Stanford University. She joined the pastoral team at Trinity Church in 1999 and serves as the Executive Director for Peacemakers Family Center. She is a Fellow at the Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform. Married to her high school sweetheart, David, they have 2 children, zach and vanessa. The Freeman Family

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GrahamMy MIrAClE son ... My lEgACy

Graham at 6 months – two weeks before illness

By Rich Wilkerson Sr. Thirty-eight years ago i made the best and wisest decision ever i married my best friend and sweetheart – Robyn Marie Buntain Wilkerson and our love produced four amazing sons: Jonfulton, Rich Jr., Graham, and Taylor. i’m the proudest dad on the planet! My boys are my JOY and they have given us two gorgeous daughters, DawnCheré and Ashley. Our third son was born on December 29, 1986; little did we know that the birth of Graham would change our lives – forever. i’ll never forget the evening of July 2, 1987; i was speaking at a conference in Daytona Beach, Florida. it was late when the phone rang and Robyn was crying on the line. She was at the Emergency Room of Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, Washington with our 6-month-old baby, Graham, and he was in a coma. Graham had been stricken with spinal meningitis. Robyn was distraught as she told me that on the way to the hospital Graham had gone into a seizure. When she had arrived at the hospital she rushed Graham into the E.R. and the medical team screamed

“CODE BLUE.” Graham was dead. The nurses and physicians dashed into action to revive him.

They ripped off Graham’s clothing and performed cut-downs on his ankles and wrists as they inserted tubing to begin intravenous therapy. Another tube was inserted into his belly and another into his carotid artery in his neck. The team was intense and committed to bringing baby Graham back to life. Robyn prayed and cried as they worked on him. She said she could hear emergency team members screaming and yelling. Some wanted to quit, but the intensive care specialist, Dr. Martha McCravey, would not give up.

Graham was without oxygen for many minutes, but then miraculously he began to breathe!

Graham’s fever was high, and his infection was critical. The doctor told Robyn that although they had stabilized Graham, she should pray that he would die because he would most likely live in a vegetative state for the rest of his life. Their prognosis was that Graham would be deaf, blind, severely retarded, and unable to speak. i remember how broken Robyn was

PEACEMAKERS.COM 13

Wilkerson family – 1988 Preschool

Grade school

Brothers – 2003

Highschool graduation – 2005

that night. Praying constantly, i took an all night flight from Orlando to Seattle. now in critical condition in the iCU, Graham was again in a coma. Every hour we didn’t know if he would live or die. The infection was overwhelming. A neurosurgeon was called in to insert shunts into Graham’s skull to ease the pressure on his brain. After the surgery he remained in a deep coma for several days. A few days later in the iCU, i was standing next to Graham’s crib as he laid in a coma. A hospital orderly came in and accidentally dropped a tray of dinner plates. The resounding crash startled Graham and he began to cry. The nurse standing next to him started sobbing because she knew what it meant. Weeping she told me: “Your son can hear!” People around the world were praying for Graham. We stayed at the hospital for 16 critical days. Day by day, little by little, Graham improved. Finally, on July 18, 1987, Graham was released from the hospital. Little did we understand what was ahead for us. it was just the beginning of a life-time journey that we would experience together – we had become the parents of a

“SPECiAL nEEDS CHiLD.” Six months later we celebrated Graham’s first Christmas and his first birthday. Our baby boy was now officially considered “SPECiAL” He was so cute; i remember he had a full head of blond hair and cried most of the time. Thank God, he’s never had a seizure since that one in the car that day, and undeniably, to this day he is the healthiest child of the four. However, in our new journey as “Special needs Parents” we had to learn to adapt to the unpredictable. We never knew what would become of Graham or how he would react. His continual screaming and agitation impacted every family event. Don’t get me wrong, Graham did get plenty of loving discipline, but it was very difficult after his brain injury. i remember Robyn walking the halls at about three in the morning while he was crying. Sometimes she would go in the living room where we had a big rocking chair and turn the television on really loud because he would be screaming so loud. She

14 PEACEMAKERS.COM

Taylor and Graham – 2006

Graham a.k.a “G Money”

Graham with friend, Officer Paul Brilliant

Wilkerson boys – 2005

was trying to balance out the noise while she held him and prayed over him. This screaming went on for about a year and the doctor told us that Graham was screaming because he was experiencing unimaginably painful headaches. We always prayed and believed that God would take these headaches away from our boy. After a year his crying stopped and he has never, ever complained of having a headache since.

Through the years we all faced unusual challenges as a family because Graham’s behavior was chaotic. But little by little, he began to improve. The episode in Graham’s early life resulted in a brain damage that made every single developmental milestone an effort in perseverance for him and our entire family. Walking, talking, and speaking were tremendous hurdles for Graham.

next, “learning challenges” became apparent immediately. After being tested at the public school in our community, we were told in no uncertain terms that Graham would never learn to read. However, we were determined to defy the odds and we believed that our God was big enough to make the impossible – Possible!!

We researched and investigated all our options and we found a learning

specialist, Margaret Haskins, who was very encouraging and mentored Graham with the “right educational tools.” We set him up on a personalized educational road map. The power of FAiTH and speaking POSiTivE was invaluable here! Graham was taught to read by a mentor who believed in him and the greatness buried deep within him.

Graham successfully graduated high school and has even received certificates of merit. His story has been an inspirational case study for educators – his journey gave them strategies and skills to help students that are challenged to overcome previous educational failure and have a personal pathway to success. it took Graham years to fit into his own skin; he’s had years of speech and physical therapy and special education but Graham is a walking miracle. Today, at 24 years of age, our boy talks, runs, sees, and hears – in fact, sometimes we even believe he has bionic hearing because we’ll be talking softly at the table and from his bedroom you’ll hear him respond with things like, “not true, that’s

not true.” Graham has defied every prediction that every doctor and educator has made about him. This young man who goes by “G Money” has a driver’s license, dances, texts, e-mails, and communicates very well. He even has his own website: www.gmoneywilkerson.com. With Graham i can tell you firsthand that God is still in the miracle working business. Sometimes a miracle is only inch by inch or word by word. Graham is indeed our MiRACLE BOY! We knew that God could see us through anything!! instead of running from our pain and discomfort and questioning God, we decided to change our focus from what we thought was to be the amazing future and purpose God has always had planned for our family. We made a

PEACEMAKERS.COM 15

“Your choices and obedience to God are setting the stage for your future

generation’s success and blessing.”

The Wilkerson Family (L–R): Taylor, Jonfulton & Ashley, Rich & Robyn, Rich Jr. & DawnCheré, and Graham. Seated: John & Bonnie Wilkerson

Wilkerson men – 2011

life-changing decision to be joyful no matter what our current circumstances were. Our Miracle-son Graham is a testament to that, too. There are so many things that happen in life. if we can get through the death and rebirth of our son, then, by the grace of God, we can make it through anything! You may be facing a hopeless situation today and are further down in the dumps than you’ve ever been, but i want to remind you that: You Can Make it! You Can Recover! You Can Keep Going! i encourage you right now to Pray, Work, Believe – change your mind and get going again! Your choices and obedience to God are setting the stage for your future generation’s success and blessing. We’ve always believed that one generation stands on the shoulders of the previous generation. That’s why we believe that in our family we are experiencing exponential blessings. Already my sons are more blessed and prosperous than i ever was at their age and i was more blessed than my dad. We believe that as we honor our parents, speak well of them, and care for them, not only do we have long life (as the Ten Commandments promise) but we also have exponential blessings! This is the true meaning of legacy.

“It wasn’t me, Mom!”

Three generations of Wilkersons

I Am Legend A detailed study about King David’s

faith and legacy.

16 PEACEMAKERS.COM

RichWilkerson

RobynWilkerson

To invite Rich or Robyn to your church, convention,

retreat, or special event: contact iraida Hernandez at:

ihernandez@peacemakers.comor call: 786-888-4750

FOR YOUR nEXT big event

Where the Wild Things Are Discover what the

Word says about your future through this

powerful series.

Living Without LimitsWhat to do

when you just want to quit.

God’s action plan for your success!

March 20113/14 Rich Hosting TBn’s “Praise The Lord” Show Live from Miami April 20114/5 Rich @ “vision For A City” Conference in Shreveport, LA4/7 Robyn @ Church in the City in Rowlett, TX

May 20115/6 Rich @ Wave Church in virginia Beach, vA5/26 Rich @ The Dream Center in Los Angeles, CA5/27-28 Robyn @ Adore Women's Conference in Melbourne, Australia5/29 Rich @ Cornerstone Church in San Diego, CA

June 20116/9 Rich in Topeka, KS

July 20117/11-17 Rich with Jonfulton at Western Ontario District Family Camp in Paris, Ontario Canada

Rich & Robyn’sSpeaking Engagements

Fences Find out what the Word says about

protecting your mind, body, and soul.

Bump it!Learn how to

Bump your faith and share it with others.

Now or NeverElijah’s life will teach you that nOW is the time to walk in God’s

plan for your life.

How to Be RichDiscover the true

Get Rich Principles and the true

Joy of Giving.

victorious Secretsno matter how big or small your secret, with God’s help you can CHAnGE your

destructive patterns.

Celebrate – Because You are Worth it!

Learn how to be successful at being YOU!

Rich & Robyn have recorded many lessons they have learned from God’s Word. it is their desire that the following resources

will help strengthen your relationship with the Lord.

you can receive any of these resources for a donation to Peacemakers. for fast and easy ordering call: 786-888-4750

or email: peacemakers@peacemakers.com or use our secure website: www.trinitychurch.tv

robyn & I invite you to partner with us and become a Peacemakers vIP Friend. the power of our partnership makes it possible for us to Win the lost,

Help the Poor, and teach Abundant life. As a Peacemakers vIP Friend you will receive a monthly message that will encourage you; our daily devotional;

Quarterly Magazine; Blogs; and so much more. to partner with us email: peacemakers@peacemakers.com or call: 786-888-4750.

Visit us at www.peacemakers.com

partner with us

RESOURCES

PEACEMAKERS.COM 17

How to change ThingsWhen change is Hard!by Robyn Wilkerson Why is it so difficult to make lasting positive changes in our communities, our companies, our families … in our own lives? For things to change somebody somewhere has to start acting differently. Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s me.

Psychologists tell us that humans function with “double minds.” Part of us – our rational side – wants to get up at 5:45am – allowing plenty of time for a quick jog before getting on with our work day. The other part of us – the emotional side – hits the snooze alarm and grabs another few minutes of sleep. When we kick off a new diet, reorganize our closets, reach to reconcile or attempt to restructure – our built in “schizophrenia” can freeze us from breaking through our old behaviors to achieving permanent success.

The Apostle Paul revealed his private pain when he said, “I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another powerwithin me that is at war with my mind.” Romans 7:21-23

Knowing the right thing to do is easy. Doing the right thing – the right behavior – is hard.

So why bother to continue to push forward for change? Why? Because we all know the big benefits that await us on the other side of our needed change. However, we often give up our lofty goals when we “get stuck.” This is precisely the problem.

Change is hard for many reasons but often we blame our lack of self-determination for transformations

which never occur. But instead, changes are not sustained because people wear themselves out. What looks like laziness is often exhaustion! Self control is an exhaustible resource.

The bigger the change you are attempting, the more it will sap your self-control. Leading people through change mean that they need to be set up for success with a purposeful pathway strategized to successfully navigate them through their transition.

Problems can be overwhelming, and just knowing where to start may feel impossible. For me, i always begin my new plans with a simple prayer, “God, show me what to do, then give me the power to do it.” next, i open my mind to being ready to receive the strategy, the solution, or even just simple suggestions that might strengthen my forward movement.

Try these tips to bolster your breakthrough for permanent change: 1. FOLLOW THE BRIGHT SPOTS: investigate what’s working and build on that growing edge. Find when the “right action did happen,” and focus on why

it happened. Reinforce the positive action by recreating the atmosphere for it to occur.

2. FIND THE FEELING: “Knowing” something isn’t enough to cause change ...make people and yourself feel what the new positive outcome will create. Harness your emotions – whether negative or positive – to work towards your change, not against.

3. SHRINK THE CHANGE: Breakdown the change until it no longer is so unattainable. Find smaller action steps that can be done one by one. Perhaps what feels like resistance to your ideas for change, is a lack of clarity.

4. TWEAK YOuR ENvIRONMENT: When the situation changes your behavior changes. Eliminate the distraction that “tempts” you to give up. Turn off the voices – even on television – that reinforce the old ways. Shut out influences that hinder your efforts.

5. BuILD HABITS: When behavior is habitual – it happens without force. Recognize that as the new change reoccurs it will break down resistance and will emerge each time with less energy required. Habits are the muscles of positive permanent change.

6. RALLY THE HERD: Behavior is contagious! it matters who you spend your time with. People influence people. Find people who can support your positive change and keep them close.

Whatever your circumstances, goals or dreams might be, the bottom

line is that your life is in transition. Making changes is part of living. Big change is

possible. Transformation can happen. Stick with it – you are

worth it!

But my God–so great is His wealth of glory in Christ Jesus–will fully supply every need of yours. Philippians 4:19

Change i s inev i table; the ques t ion i s whi ch way i s the change in your l i fe going?

18 PEACEMAKERS.COM

By DawnCheré Wilkerson

How do you create true community within young adult ministry? This is the question Rich Jr. and i asked ourselves as we packed our bags three years ago in Tennessee and headed South to Miami. We felt the call to Trinity Church to work alongside our family and God had dropped a vision within our hearts of beginning a young adults gathering. We didn’t know how or who would be a part but we knew God wasprompting us to begin our journey in ministry. Rich Jr. and i began to pray for direction and the name “Rendezvous” (recently shortened to The vous) seemed to fit what we believed God would create. THE vOUS would be a “meeting place” each week dedicated to worshipping God and connecting with others. i will never forget the first meeting for THE vOUS leadership. We gathered with twelve friends (mostly our family) upstairs in a church office and prayed that God would bring hurting broken individuals from across Miami through our doors. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Cast the purpose of our gathering, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!’” Our greatest prayer for THE vOUS is that it would pick people up

and set them on the path of abundant life! Young adults are sadly absent in churches across the nation. Burned by broken families, minister’s public failures, church scandals and hypocritical friends, my generation chooses to trust in the safety of individuality rather than invest in community. Yet, we believe in our hearts that young adults are desperate for a real place to belong. not simply attend but belong. Creating community is different than creating a crowd. We have done plenty of big events but the true goal we are constantly striving for is to create a community that provides encouragement and accountability. We don’t have it all figured out but we work towards this goal whole-heartedly every week through many different pathways. Small groups, leadership classes, weekend retreats and conferences foster an atmosphere to grow, and yet, we have discovered that true community is birthed out of relationships, not programs.

How do we grasp the deeper relational needs of a society driven by technology, fame and money? in a time where people spend more time on facebook chatting than having real face time with friends, communication can seem shallow, impersonal and cold. How sad that many churches could be described the same way! Jesus gives an intimate look at the kingdom of God when He said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your

heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:21). To reach people of all

ages, races and backgrounds we must offer what all mankind is searching for: unconditional love. Our investment to love God and others must outweigh everything else we do in life. i’m reminded of the power of relationship each time i teach

THE vOuS: CHRiST AnD COMMUniTY FOR YOUnG ADULTS

membership class at Trinity and ask the question “How did you get planted at this church?” it is never the flashy lights, theatrical productions or catchy sermon titles but rather i hear story after story of a church member visiting them in the hospital, calling to pray with them during a difficult time, and reaching out with a smile and hug during service. These are intangible moments where the love of Christ is poured out through His vessels; the church. Community is natural if we simply make ourselves available to be the hands and feet of God. if we make ourselves available to be used, God does the rest. He melts cold hearts, pours life into lonely souls, and binds us together with the power of His love. Over the last three years God has done more than we could have ever dreamed. There have been nights that people had to sit on the floors because every seat was filled. We have seen creative art performances that have blown our minds, thrown fabulous parties, and promoted edgy series’. none of that means anything without the hands that are raised each week to surrender their lives to Christ and join the family. The message of THE vOUS is clear every Tuesday as hundreds of young adults gather to worship God and connect with others: This is our family of choice – and together we are the family of God.

Rich Jr. and DawnCheré Wilkerson lead THE vOUS at Trinity Church in Miami, Florida. They share a vision to encourage and inspire this generation to live for Christ through music, teaching, discipleship, and the arts. Their honest and

upfront approach brings a fresh viewpoint and clarity to life’s issues. You can watch Rich Jr. every week on JCTv as he hosts the talk show Top3 which features popular Christian personalities and round table discussions on current news. For booking info email cmcdermott@peacemakers.com. Follow on Twitter @richwilkersonjr and @dawnchere.

For more information about THE vOUS please visit: www.thevous.com.

PEACEMAKERS.COM 19

know it takes time and practice.

It keeps no record of wrongs.This has been one of the most difficult to practice. Love doesn’t allow us to bring up past wrongs if they are forgiven. We simply try to forgive each other the way the Lord forgives us.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. We understood this principle best by never allowing or condoning any form of manipulation in any area of our marriage.

It always protects.We love discussing this one with others because it doesn’t just deal with men physically protecting their wives … this is also huge for women. Wives (and husbands) must work to always protect their spouse with their words. it’s imperative that we never diminish or degrade the ones we love with our tongues ... even if they aren’t around to hear!

It always trusts.if we trust, then we believe what the person says and presents as the full truth.

It always hopes.For us this means that we choose to always believe the best about the other person.

It always perseveres. Love never quits trying and never stops working on the marriage.

This is why love is the greatest and why it is to be a constant and daily decision in every relationship. We have to remember that we, as humans, will constantly blow it but through Christ and His work in us ... Love will never fail.

Jonfulton & Ashley Wilkerson have recently relocated to Southern California where Jonfulton attends Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. Jonfulton is a gifted worship leader and speaker. For booking information go to: jonfultonwilkerson.com. Follow them on Twitter @jfwwilkerson and @ashleyleroy.

Love vs. Infatuationi’m not sure why we tend to look to secular media for our definitions of what love looks like. We, as the American society and culture, rely primarily on movies, books or other couples to model for us the “perfect picture of love” when typically what they are depicting is actually infatuation. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with infatuation. it’s incredible to feel those butterflies in your stomach or have your heart beat fast when the other person enters the room, but let’s call it what it is and never mislead by saying that those feelings are love.

So What is Love?The Bible tells us so clearly exactly what love is and what it looks like, but we seldom define love as such in our own lives. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 tells us:

Love is patient.This means that even when Ashley is making me late, love causes me to wait and not complain.

Love is kind.i had to learn this one the hard way. For me, it meant that i couldn’t talk to my wife the same way that i carried on with my buddies.

It does not envy. Love always celebrates each others’ victories and never allows jealousy or bitterness to have a hold in our relationship.

It does not boast.Love never allows me to say “look at what i’ve done.”

It is not proud. Love causes me to always admit when i am wrong.

It is not rude.This, for me, means that i have to be careful never to be disrespectful ... even in my tone, to my wife.

It is not self-seeking. in every situation, we always want to lift each other up ... not ourselves.

It is not easily angered.We are still learning this one. We

By Jonfulton Wilkerson

Just a couple of months ago my wife, Ashley, and i celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary in beautiful Key West, Florida! We had such an awesome time on our little vacation and spent much of it talking about the things we had learned about each other (and about ourselves) in our first year as a married couple. it was truly exciting to discuss all the lessons that the Lord has taught us about love and marriage in that one short year. We decided to put some of them down on paper to continue to come back to and study as well as to share with others.

The biggest lesson that we had to learn in our first year of marriage was to completely change our ways of thinking about love in general. We each had to learn that love is nEvER a feeling or an emotion. it is ALWAYS a choice. We must choose to love our spouse with every thought, decision and action regardless of their conduct toward us. That is what we promised in our vows ... to love each other for better or worse! it can’t be conditional!

Love

is

a D

ecisi

on

20 PEACEMAKERS.COM

morning. As arduous as it is, the walk is worth it because it’s the only way they can feed their children.

The words of Jesus have changed how i view my life as a servant to God. in Matthew 25, Jesus says, “For i was hungry and you gave me something to eat, i was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, i was a stranger and you invited me in, i needed clothes and you clothed me, i was sick and you looked after me, i was in prison and you came to visit me. i tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

As Christians we know that Christ has called us to share the gospel with everyone we can. Yet, when we read this passage we see it as a call to help or brotherly love, we don’t generally view it as instruction on how to spread the gospel – but that’s exactly what it is!

The gospel isn’t just a story that we are supposed to tell people – it’s way more than that. The gospel is a lifestyle of helping those in need – and from the way i look at it … everyone is in need.

Matthew 25 is one of those clear passages in scripture that we (including myself) as Christians have a tendency to forget (or at least try to). Whether we forget because we are lazy or because we feel guilty we just need to embrace that we are all called to help. i believe Jesus said these things because he is

PEACEMAKERS.COM 21

I’ll never forget the look in the little Indian girl’s eyes. She was one among thousands, tired, hungry, and in desperate need waiting in line for a meal. I have never seen such hunger and hurt. I can’t help but weep as I reflect on the moment … This year i spent my summer break in the heart of Calcutta, india. Every morning, i had to prepare myself mentally to be a part of one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far – what could easily be the most rewarding experience of anyone’s life.

By six in the morning, the men in the village had already been up for two hours preparing the meal of white rice with saffron and enriching vitamins and minerals. This meal would be the one and only meal that 25,000 women and children would eat the entire day. At home, we wouldn’t even think of this as a meal, but merely a side for an entrée. However, when feeding 25,000 people, it’s very difficult – physically and financially – to provide anything more, and a bowl of rice becomes a feast.

The crowds of people wait the restless hours. Mothers and their children walk anywhere between one and eight miles to get to this feast by six in the

begging us to understand one simple fact: Every man, woman, and child has immense worth and value in God’s eyes. Whether they are poor or rich, red, yellow, black or white, dumb or brilliant, handicapped or healthy, God wants us to share His love with every person.

The dilemma is much deeper than just trying to feed children. These children also need clean water, a place to sleep, clothes, healthcare, education… they need Jesus and they need you. if you don’t act who will? As Christians we believe that everything happens for a reason. i may not know you, but i do know that there is a reason you are reading this. The men and women of Calcutta Mercy Ministries have made it possible to provide all of these essentials to ensure a prosperous life for these children. Please log on to www.kidswithdestiny.org to sponsor a child and save their lives. Spending the summer in Calcutta, sharing God’s love and caring for the needs and hurts of others, has transformed my life in ways i could not have imagined. i understand like never before how i can spend my life caring for “the least of these” as Christ calls us to.

Taylor Wilkerson is a sophomore at Southeastern University double majoring in Theology & Church Ministries. Taylor feels a call to fulfill Jesus’ mandate in Matthew 25 to feed and clothe the poor and heal the brokenhearted. For invitations, contact: ihernandez@peacemakers.com. Follow on Twitter @tdwilkerson.

“I AM only onE, But I AM onE. I CAnnot do

EVErytHIng, But I CAn do soMEtHIng. WHAt

I CAn do, I sHould do And WItH tHE HElP of

god, I WIll do.”

EDWARD EvERETT HALE

22 PEACEMAKERS.COM

youcanmakeadifferenceit is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of problems facing our communities, our nation and our personal lives ... but we’ll never see change for the better until we make the choice to DO something nOW!. Each one of us has the power to MAKE A DiFFEREnCE – in fact, YOU are the solution to someone’s problem! The best part is, it doesn’t matter how old you are, what your finances look like or how much time you have – there’s something you can do to effect change and make a tangible difference in someone’s life. The question is, are you willing?

Here are a few things to try:

1. Sponsor a child for our Out of School Summer Blast Day Camp. Every year Peacemakers offers an enriching and creative summer camp experience for children in the Miami area. We host more than 1,000 children

throughout the course of the summer ... many of whom come from difficult situations at home and families with financial disadvantages. For only $50 you can sponsor a child for one week

of day camp where they’ll meet new friends, experience God, and take part in awesome activities and field trips. To sponsor a child, go to www.peacemakers.com.

2. Sponsor a family with a box full of meals.SPOnSOR A FAMiLY for only: $30 a week or $120 a month with BLESSinGS BY THE BOX. One unit of food assists in feeding a family of four for about one week, or a single senior citizen for almost a month. (Angel Food is available in a quantity that can fit into a medium-sized box at $30 per unit. Each month’s menu is different than the previous month and consists of both fresh and frozen items with an average retail value of approximately $60.) To sponsor a family or a senior citizen, go to www.peacemakers.com.

3. volunteer in the Peacemakers Family Center. As Christians, we’re called to minister to EvERY need – spiritual, physical and emotional, and at the Peacemakers Family Center we do just that! Every day we have the opportunity to offer counseling, groceries, job development assistance, drug and alcohol rehabilitation support, and a long list

PEACEMAKERS.COM 23

of other services to individuals and families in crisis. Help us help Miami, and experience the revitalization in your own life that can only come through service. To volunteer, go to www.peacemakers.com.

4. Bring your youth group or small group for a short-term missions trip. Join the PEACE BRiGADE for the Peacemakers Urban Mission Experience. We’ve got A LOT going on here in Miami and we’d love for you to come minister with us! We want to engage your team in everything from street evangelism to hands-on experience in our many outreaches. Bring your group for a fun-filled, life-touching trip in the great city of Miami! To bring a group for a short-term mission trip, go to www.peacemakers.com.

5. Support our PEACE for Haiti Earthquake Relief Humanitarian Effort. Support our Peace for Haiti Earthquake Relief humanitarian effort which is the perfect collaboration of several organizations working together to provide continuous aid to Haiti. Our call to action with its urgent message for helping Haiti is summed up in three words: PRAY, GivE, and GO! Peace for Haiti’s primary focus is to contribute to the immediate needs of the Haitian people while finding solutions to help rebuild and sustain their communities. Join our Mission Work Team! For more information go to: www.peaceforhaiti.com Follow us on Twitter @peaceforhaiti.

6. Intern for a semester. There is no better way to gain experience in your field than through an internship. Whether you’re

studying media, music, ministry or education, we have a place for you here at Trinity. Join us for an extended period and you can even receive school credit! To become an intern, go to www.peacemakers.com. 7. Start your own Peacemakers Family Associate Center. We know God has called Peacemakers to spread and fill the overwhelming needs across the country – come be a part of it! To start your own Peacemakers Family Associate Center, go to www.peacemakers.com or call 786-888-HOPE (4673).

8. Send a financial gift. Here at Peacemakers we have a strong vision to reach our community but we need resources to accomplish what God has placed on our hearts. Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who helps the poor lends to the Lord, and He pays wonderful interest on your loan.” We’ve definitely experienced God’s blessings as an organization and we challenge you to take a step of faith as you partner with us financially. God will bless you for it! To send a financial gift you may donate using any of these four methods:online: Go to www.peacemakers.com (click on a DOnATE nOW button). Phone: Call 786-888-HOPE (4673) eMail: Send an email to peacemakers@peacemakers.comMail: Make your check payable to PEACEMAKERS: PO Box 680100, Miami, Florida 33168 9. Apply to be part of our AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal program that allows individuals to spend one year

in full-time service. Peacemakers is blessed to have the #1 AmeriCorps site in South Florida, with more than 26 full-time members on our team. Serving in AmeriCorps is a large commitment but it is an

exceptionally rewarding program. Join our nationally honored team and dedicate this next year to service. To apply to become part of our AmeriCorps program, go to www.peacemakers.com. 10. Attend a Healthy Relationships class.

Of all the services we offer at Peacemakers, our Better Lives, Better Futures program is one of the most important. Our Healthy Relationships classes are taught in public high schools and colleges throughout South Florida, as well as weekly at Trinity

Church. We invite you to join the thousands whose lives have changed as a result of these powerful classes. To attend a class, go to www.peacemakers.com or call 786-888-HOPE (4673), or email Clari Balcon at: cbalcon@peacmakers.com. 11. Pray for Peacemakers. The Bible says that when we AGREE together, things are going to change … aren’t you thankful for the power of prayer? We appreciate the many families and individuals that take time to lift up Peacemakers in daily prayer. Believe with us today for a change in Miami – we can’t do it without you! 12. Give someone a copy of Peacemakers magazine. Do you know someone that would benefit from the services we provide? Or, perhaps someone who would like to join with our vision? We encourage you to share a copy of Peacemakers magazine with them! We want the word to spread about Peacemakers because we believe we’re called to touch as many lives as possible with an answer to every need. if we work together and rely on God – the impact is limitless! To order more copies of the Peacemakers magazine, call 786-888-4770 or email: peacemakers@peacemakers.com.

fully Accredited l financial Aid Available

Call: 786-888-4735 or email: plc@peacemakers.com

In partnership with:

• A call to spiritual excellence• gospel centered church growth• Challenging leadership development• Ethnically diverse global population• successful collaborations with state & federal government outreach programs• relevant effective Children’s, youth and young Adult Ministry• Equipping world changers• Building marketplace entrepreneurs

BIBlICAl studIEs l CHurCH PlAntIng l gloBAl MIssIons

PAstorAl MInIstry l youtH MInIstry

What makes PLC unique?

www.peacemakers.com

PO BOX 680100 MiAMi FL 33168

17801 nW 2nd Avenue • Miami Gardens, Florida 33169 786-888-hoPe (4673)

WinninG THE LOST, HELPinG THE POOR, AnD TEACHinG ABUnDAnT LiFE

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