All is well today Dear Lord as I feel your presence and Your love. You are a magnificent force in my life. Father I ask Your forgiveness as I so often take Your many blessings for granted. No matter what is happening on the outside I know that You dwell deep within my soul. I am forever grateful to have come to know You early in my life. Father, You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are fresh air and sunshine. You are the wind and You are the rain. You are with me in joy and in pain. I cannot imagine my life without You.
Even during these difficult times I know that it will all be ok. My heart hurts for the devastation and loss so many are experiencing. My soul is unsettled with the climate of the day. Even so, Dear Lord, as I place it all in Your hands I am comforted beyond measure. I know that this too shall pass.
I walk with You, my Lord. Each step is a blessing. Thank You for this day. Thank You for this precious moment in time. - AMEN
PUBLISHER
Sandy Walker
Publisher’s Prayer
Sandy Walker
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Sommer W. Davis
EDITOR
Jamil Rivers
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Robert Walker
My Father, My God:
Father, in the Name of Jesus:
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Moderator Johnny L. Barber
Anika Madison
All is well with my soul as I focus my attention solely on You. I am thankful as I breathe the air You so graciously provide to me each day. How wonderful it is to be Your child. How wonderful it is to know that You are in charge. I am thankful Dear Lord for the blessings You continue to bestow. Father I know that I am in no way worthy of all that You give to me. You give me peace and love. You give me food to nourish my body. You give me all that I need to survive. Your blessings are so much appreciated as You place the right people in my life and in my path each day. I know Father that You are also placing me in the path of others so that I might do Your will in being a blessing as well. Keep my eyes open, Dear Lord, so that I might see those in need.
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I am eternally grateful for the love You continue to bestow upon me. You love me unconditionally with all of my issues and all of my faults. You love me, Father, in spite of myself. I thank You for being with me always. I am comforted by the knowledge that You are with me every moment of my life.
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Lord as I navigate this wonderful journey called life I am eternally thankful for the love you continue to surround me with. I am thankful for the love and support of my amazing family. There is nothing I have done or could ever do to earn the blessings You continue to bestow upon me. Father I pray to be a blessing to others as you so generously bless me. You, my Lord are so worthy to be praised.
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Father I pray for peace during these uncertain times. As much as we try to figure it all out, Lord You already know. When I find myself pondering the circumstances of the day I take comfort in the fact that You are in
Father I pray for all of Your children who are feeling
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Florida AKAs tackle rural voter turnout, and push early voting
Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
By Jodi Yonder
Florida is famous for its razor thin statewide election margins. And for the last twenty years, the nail-biting phenomenon has been the only certainty voters and candidates are assured of when all the ballots are counted. In Election 2020 the Florida chapters of the nation’s oldest African American Greek sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha has launched an effort to increase Black voter participation in rural counties with significant Black voter population.
Around 50 rural counties have made the difference in the outcomes of major races. In 2018, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum lost to Governor Ron DeSantis by just over 30,000 votes. But for US Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat, the loss by around 10,000 votes to former Governor Rick Scott, after a recount, was stunning. In both races, Black turnout in the overlooked rural counties could have made the difference.
Capitol City Connection Chairmen Gayle Andrews of Delta Kappa Omega and Gina Henderson of Chi Upsilon Omega were guided by the sorority’s national mandate “AKAs LEAD” to the Polls to develop virtual rallies, Florida
AKA’s Stroll to the Polls. Florida Connection Coordinator Veronica E. Phillips and Florida South Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Connection Committee Sylvia Sloane Jones provided leadership in the mobilization of 37 chapters that have adopted rural counties for phone banking during early voting in Florida from October 19 –November 1.
“The Alpha Kappa Alpha mantra is “Service to All Mankind.” That has not changed in 112 years. Our focus on humanity equates to improving quality of life. Participating in democracy achieves that end. Participation in the democratic process is the path to progress. And we will LEAD in 2020,” according to South Atlantic Regional Director Carolyn Gause Randolph.
The Florida AKAs are planning two virtual rallies. The Old School on October 17 and the Hip Hop for millennials on October 24. The Sunshine State sorors also produced an infomercial on voting early by mail. The Florida AKAs are the first black Greek sorority to initiate a coordinated campaign effort in Florida, a major battleground state.
Teachers, The Miami Herald, Clergy and Others Endorse
Dennis C. Moss for School Board
The Miami Herald recently announced their runoff recommendations for the Miami-Dade School Board. Commissioner Dennis C. Moss was their strong recommendation for the Miami-Dade School Board District 9.
The Miami Herald endorsement is added to a list of other endorsements for Commissioner Moss including: U.S. Representative Donna Shalala, Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, the United Teachers of Dade, AFSCME, local Clergy and Community Newspapers.
According to the Miami Herald, veteran Miami-Dade Commissioner Moss is the top vote-getter in the primary. “Moss himself is a seasoned elected official, with years of experience on a dais. He knows what it takes to get things done, and he has,” stated the article in The Miami Herald . “Moss, term-limited on the County Commission, has run an alternative program to
help minority students in South Dade who were suspended from school, helping them return to the classroom.”
Additionally, the Miami Herald article stated, “Moss says the district should have had a plan to deal with cyberattacks that crippled its pandemic online-learning program last month. He says the School Board was left out of the loop. The School Board needs to be more engaged. Moss also says churches should be brought into the education fold to help parents with struggling students. He proposes a summer session at the end of this school year to shrink the learning gap that is occurring. Both are good ideas.”
The article ended with their official endorsement of Commissioner Moss stating, “Ultimately, Moss has the heft the district needs at this time, for instance, knowing his way around Tallahassee when it comes to working with lawmakers to bring home benefits. For
School Board District 9, the Herald Editorial Board recommends DENNIS MOSS.”
In addition to the Miami Herald, U.S. Representative Donna Shalala, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, Mayoral Candidate, and the United Teachers of Dade (UTD), which represents more than 30,000 Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) employees, have also announced their Miami-Dade School Board Endorsement for Commissioner Moss.
“I am proud to support my friend and colleague Dennis Moss for School Board. He combines visionary leadership with real results and a heart of gold, and will be a welcome voice on the School Board,” said Commission Cava. “He cares deeply for South Dade families and will lead with the same passion on the School Board we saw on the County Commission. There is
no better champion for families than Dennis Moss, which is why I am excited to campaign together over the next 60 days.”
The union’s endorsed candidates, all newcomers to the school board, have been chosen based on their strong track record as public education advocates and community leaders in Miami-Dade County. M-DCPS currently has three open school board seats on the November 3 general election ballot.
“UTD is proud to endorse...candidates who through their leadership, advocacy and passion for public service have shown a true commitment to providing our community and our children with the high-quality public education that M-DCPS and its educators have been nationally recognized for,” said UTD President Karla HernandezMats.
“It’s an honor to be endorsed by and work with the United Teachers of Dade as we push for the changes our MDCPS students and teachers need to succeed. The UTD shares my passion for District 9, its schools, students, and residents. During times like this, where we are facing a Coronavirus pandemic, social unrest in our streets, and safety concerns in our schools, I look forward to working with the UTD to bring the experienced leadership that parents, students, and residents can trust”, said Commissioner Moss. “As a School Board Member, I will work alongside the UTD to ensure the physical safety of our schools, ensure that our students are safe from the COVID-19 virus, save traditional and challenged neighborhood schools, refine online distance learning, and implement life preparation skills in our curricula such as employability, entrepreneurship and coding skills.”
Additionally, Dennis Moss is supported overwhelmingly by the faith community as a public servant who gets the job done. Pastors are sensitive to and aware of issues that impact the lives of people on a daily basis. “Com-
missioner Moss is a proven leader who cares about the people he serves. We trust his leadership, we respect his wisdom, and we value his good judgement,” says Apostle Carlos L. Malone, Sr. of The Bethel Church.”
Because of his concern for young people from challenged neighborhoods throughout South Dade, Commissioner Moss made it his life’s work to dedicate his time, energy, and resources to help them avoid harmful situations. For 36 years, he has worked with an alternative education program he created to positively impact the lives of those who come from areas with few options for a productive future. The program allowed students who were suspended from school to serve out their suspensions in a safe environment and off the streets, where they were likely to get into even more trouble. The students were able to continue their studies to avoid falling further behind academically. Through this program, Commissioner Moss hired many teachers, administrators, safety personnel, custodians, and other education professionals. The students received breakfast and lunch, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools provided bus transportation to attend the program. The program Commissioner Moss created complied with FTE, FCAT, and other school administration requirements and steered students away from the school to prison pipeline. The program, which was created in 2002, was the forerunner to the school district implementing its countywide student suspension program “Student Success Centers” in 2015. Their program mirrored the program Moss created in many ways.
Commissioner Moss retired from the organization in 2018, but volunteered his services for the last seven years of his tenure. Many of the young people enrolled in his program have gone on to have successful careers.
Commissioner Moss served the youth of South Miami-Dade while also serving as a County Commissioner. He was
equally committed to both endeavors. The high profile nature of the commission never caused him to waiver in his commitment to the young people he was committed to helping find a positive path for their lives.
Elected just after Hurricane Andrew, Commissioner Dennis Moss led the effort to rebuild South Dade. Resultantly, FEMA designated $73 million for the Moss Plan. Many projects benefiting from the Moss Plan included business expansion and development, street paving and road improvements, affordable housing, community centers/recreation facilities, redevelopment and expansion of parks, crime prevention, and homebuyer’s counseling.
Dennis Moss has been serving MiamiDade County’s Commission District 9 since 1993 when he was first elected to the Board of County Commissioners. Moss is known, respected, and admired for making promises and keeping them. Throughout his career, Commissioner Moss has always advocated for our youth.
Commissioner Moss’s commitment to South Dade has brought Jackson South Medical Center to South Dade, built South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, assisted in bringing thousands of affordable housing units to the area, brought FedEx and now Amazon to Naranja, is building the Larcenia Bullard Plaza in Richmond Heights, has struck a deal to bring the Miami Wilds Water Theme Park to Zoo Miami, helped hundreds of small businesses through his Mom and Pop Small Business Program, and served as a trusted and effective advocate for his district.
Dennis Moss is a graduate of Grinnell College in Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He is married to Margaret Hawkins-Moss and has three children, all of whom are graduates of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
The Power of Faith
Jhoni-Gail’s Testimony
You are about to read a powerful testimony. My prayer is that you see something we need now more than ever. The power of faith. Allow me to introduce you to a strong woman of God named Jhoni-Gail McKenzie-Johnson.
Born in Jamaica, Jhoni-Gail lives among 4 generations in a loving home. Her grandmother and mother help her raise the fourth generation which includes small children. Her incredible testimony was originally shared by longtime Gospel Truth supporter, Vallery Martin to Gospel Truth’s Publisher, Sandy Walker. Here is that testimony.
The beginning Jhoni-Gail’s life’s story begins in Jamaica. However, when she was a toddler her family moved to the United States. She and her family moved back and forth from the States to Jamaica while she was in school. In High school, Jhoni-Gail fell in love with the practical nursing program. She graduated with her nursing license and got a job at the age of 18.
God’s Plan?
She married Richard right after graduation and his desire was to have two children while she wanted three. Unfortunately, she would suffer four miscarriages. Jhoni-Gail felt helpless and became deeply depressed. She asked her husband to take her to Disney World. Unbeknownst to him at the time, she was suicidal and had written suicide notes to her family. During their trip, she stopped for food several times which was out of the ordinary. Suspicious of this activity, her husband asked her to get a pregnancy test. Stunned at the positive results, she threw out the suicide notes and said a prayer. Her simple prayer to God was “Save me.” God would do just that.
Jhoni-Gail gave birth to a beautiful baby girl at the age of 22. A week later the Army deployed Richard to Iraq, and he was gone for the first year of their marriage. After two more miscarriages, she had two more beautiful baby girls a year a part.
After each of the births of her now 8, 7 and 6-year old’s, her grandmother cared for the children while Jhoni-Gail returned to work her 12-hour nursing shifts which sometimes took her long distance to the Miccosukee Indian Reserve from Homestead, Florida. She was in school during her third pregnancy while working a full-time job and caring for her other two small children. Her hard work paid off and she became a registered nurse in 2016. She has no idea how she finished. She said it was “like a fever dream”.
The End?
Imagine you are home with 3 small children, and you begin to hemorrhage terribly. Your oldest is 6 and she must get her two younger sisters ready because you have fainted 4 times and unable to do it yourself. This was Jhoni-Gail’s reality in 2018. Her mother took her and her daughters to the Emergency Room where she suffered another miscarriage. She suffered a total of eleven miscarriages! The thought of having more children was over until…
The Unexpected Miracle
December of 2019, Jhoni-Gail became pregnant. She was happily working in Maternity at Northshore Medical Center. However, feared loomed every day. What if she miscarries again? She was shocked by what she saw during an ultrasound. She was having twins!
Although happy with the news, things took a bad turn during her entire pregnancy. For the first time, she became severely ill due to Hyperemesis gravidarum which is a pregnancy complication that causes severe nausea, weight loss and dehydration.
In March of 2020, her husband had to leave due to Covid. His job was to set up testing sites and provide security. Jhoni-Gail lost quite a bit of weight because she could barely eat and was throwing up 20 to 30 times a day. Thankfully, her grandfather was able to take care of her. One day shy of a full-term pregnancy, the twins were born at 4 and 5 pounds.
God’s favor
For their first doctor’s appointment, she had to rush to the ER because one of the twins had jaundice. They were on their way to Baptist, when Jhoni-Gail saw a billboard for hospital she knew called Nicholas Children’s. They quickly called and drove there instead.
Due to Covid, there was an issue because when the baby was being admitted, Jhoni-Gail was advised her mother could go to the room with her, but her older twin could not. Eventually they allowed the baby to sleep in her car
seat. Dr. Reyes who was the attending doctor said that was unconscionable. He got her a larger room, admitted the baby to monitor her and provided a crib. Dr. Reyes said, “in this hospital, children come first.”
By the next morning, the baby who was initially admitted got better, however the other twin’s bilirubin levels spiked and she had to be put under the blue light. This would not have been discovered had Dr. Reyes not admitted her for observation. If he had not, the child could have ended up with brain damage. Bilirubin is a condition where the red blood cells burst and float around in your system which is usually filtered out through the liver, but the babies were so young, this was not possible. Jhoni-Gail knows that was truly God’s favor.
A
surprising answer and great advice
When asked if she would consider having more children, Jhoni-Gail said she would if money was not an issue and she had the time.
You may also be surprised to know that Jhoni-Gail does not plan her days. She knows her three older children must be ready for home school at 8:30 am on zoom. Then she feeds her twins and puts them to bed. After school, her 8-year-old helps her with the babies.
She is now on maternity leave and will be a stay at home mom for a while to care for “the greatest gifts God has given her.”
When asked about advice she has for women who have gone through their own miscarriages, Jhon-Gail says, “Don’t underestimate what you are going through. Surround yourself with spiritual people that will speak into you, pray for you, and mean you well. It can be really isolating, and you need to speak to someone. Get therapy if you need to.”
Jhoni-Gail says, “Being a mom is a gift, a privilege and provides a purpose.” After our interview I realize that her testimony is a gift, it was a privilege to speak to her and I pray this article will serve a great purpose for readers.
Writer and Interviewer, Anika S. Madison, Freelance Contributor to the Gospel Truth Magazine
Thanks to telehealth, the doctor will see you now.
Our main priority at Jackson Health System is keeping our community healthy. In addition to in person visits, we’re also offering telehealth consults to anyone who needs to see a doctor. Our team of doctors are here to continue preventive care and medical attention remotely.
To schedule a telehealth appointment with one of our Jackson Medical Group doctors, call 305-585-4JMG (4564) and a member from our staff will schedule a telehealth video appointment for you.
Learn more at JacksonMedicalGroup.org.
Election day is November 3rd.
DO YOUR PART. SAVE LIVES.
Help protect your family and our community against COVID-19.
Simple ways to be safe:
Wear a mask Wash your hands frequently Practice social distancing
Carry hand sanitizer when going out
Chi Recognized as Health Center Quality Leader With National Award
Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) achieved gold status as a “Health Center Quality Leader,” a prestigious national award given by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). CHI received this award in recognition of ranking among the top 10% of health centers for best overall clinical performance.
“This award shows that we are making progress in reducing health disparities,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr., President/CEO at CHI. “Our team managed to exceed national quality benchmarks and achieved top tier results providing greater access to high-quality care and we continue to address critical issues such as improvements in cancer reduction and the increasing need for behavioral health services in our community.”
HRSA awarded CHI based on a comparison of CHI’s clinical quality measures to more than 1,400 other health centers throughout the United States.
HRSA recognized CHI as one of the highest performing health centers nationwide linked to significant quality improvements from the previous years. CHI increased access to comprehensive care and made strides in pediatric immunizations, cervical cancer screening and coronary artery disease prevention.
About Community Health of South Florida, Inc.
Since 1971, CHI has been a beacon of hope providing access to high quality healthcare for all regardless of insurance status, income level or background. The non-profit federally qualified health center offers comprehensive healthcare services including
primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, dental, urgent care, behavioral health, vision, radiology, pharmacy, transportation and more. CHI has 11 health centers and 35 school-based sites. CHI is a recipient of the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award. It is accredited by the Joint Commission and is also designated as a patient centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. CHI is also designated as a behavioral health medical home. In addition, CHI is home to the Brodes H. Hartley Jr., Teaching Health Center, providing residency training for the next generation of doctors in the specialties of Family medicine and Psychiatry. CHI recently broke ground on the first Children’s Crisis Center in southern Miami-Dade County this month. It will service kids with severe behavioral health problems from Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties.
Historic Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Celebrates 125 years.
Historic Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church located at 3515 Douglas Road, Coconut Grove extends an invitation to the community to join us as we celebrate 125 years. Our re-dedication festive celebration will take place on Saturday, October 24th at 10 am. The day will begin at Macedonia (3515 Douglas Road, Coconut Grove) with a Goombay (Junkanoos) style parade as we march/ride through the Grove and celebrate our historic landmarks. A bazaar with food vendors, gift items and games for the kids(bounce house) following the parade. Take a tour of our Church gallery for an informative and unique experience on the history of West Grove. Come out and bring the family for a day of fun and festivities.
The organization of Macedonia plays a pivotal role in South Florida’s history because it was the first African American church on the South Florida mainland organized by blacks in Miami-Dade County. The history of this great religious institution is as varied and complex as a well-defined tapestry that has been woven with many designs and colors.
Our humble beginnings and lineage however, date back as far as 1887 when Isabella Peacock, wife of the owner of “Peacock Inn” was determined that the children of Cocoanut Grove (original spelling) settlement would be
taught the Bible. Donated land for that purpose on McFarlane Road is where the new building was erected and was named Union Chapel (currently Plymouth Congregational Church). All races and denominations were privileged to worship together at Union Chapel during that time in Coconut Grove.
Down through its history, Macedonia has been a vital part of the life of the West Grove community and continues to be a reservoir of hope for many as she continues her community advocacy and social civic action; advocating community and equitable economic development, social justice, feeding ministry, after-school and summer literacy programs.
Preservation of the culture and history of West Grove, community collaborations and “Getting out the VOTE”! is Macedonia’s current focus as we address political challenges that have threatened the core of our democracy. Macedonia’s roots are like that of a redwood tree; intertwined throughout the nation and Miami-Dade County. Macedonia does not bend when the strong winds of life come but holds on like a tree planted by the waters. By the Will and Grace of God, our roots shall not be removed.
For information contact: Carolyn Donaldson - Macedonia MB Church cell (305) 519-7100
