Index

CAMP CUSH ‘99 | Member Highlight - Marvin Hamlin | Becoming Women of Faith | Two Became One | Proclaimer Ends Break | The Pastor’s Desk

Monday, July 26, 1999 marked the beginning of another year for Camp Cush. The first day of camp was a sunny and hot 81 degrees. Campers slowly arrived between 8:15 and 9:30 am. I asked the campers how they felt that early morning. Many of the teens answered with "sleepy and tired," and some said "happy." The younger campers said "happy, because I’m with my friends," and even some of them said "sleepy." Through everyone’s sleepiness, they still showed excitement to see their friends and to be staying in bunks. However, the Hamite girls had a slight problem with their bunks. Their rooms had an appalling smell, but by the grace of God, the smell slowly abated. The campers’ spirits were high and their excitement was great, as they looked forward to a week of fun trips, activities and games, guest speakers, and good fellowship.

The campers spent most of the first day at Six Flags. We rode the roller coasters, played games, and played in the Water Park. The main attraction in the Water Park was the Wave Pool. Not only did the campers go to Six Flags, but they also went Baltimore Harbor on Tuesday, a pool party on Wednesday, and went skating at Laurel Skating Ring on Thursday.

The view of the Harbor was breathtaking and the shops were unique. The aquarium captured the beauty of sea creatures along with the dazzling Dolphin show. Along with the beauty of the Harbor, was also "Port Discovery," which is similar to "Chuck E Chesses," only larger and filled with many games. On Wednesday, the younger campers swam at camp, while the teens went to the Pastor’s house for the annual pool party. The pool party was filled with excitement, games, and just plain chillin’. We played pool, watched TV, swam, and had a watermelon-eating contest. It was Dwane’s idea to have a watermelon-eating contest, and it was a big event. It was also his idea that the contestants had to eat their piece of watermelon without using their hands. From the girls division, there were Keyona Davis, Monique, and yours truly, Jaime Gillard. From the boys ‘ division were C. J. Moody and David Nutt. We all grubbed away on our almost half size pieces of watermelon, but only the best grubbers would become the finalist. The grubber from the girls was Keyona and the grubber from the boys was David The campers were filled with anticipation and could hardly wait until Thursday, when the final watermelon-eating contest was held. When Thursday came, everyone gathered around to see who the winner would be. Keyona emerged as the winner, showing the rind of her watermelon piece. While they enjoyed watching the watermelon-eating contest between Keyona and David, the campers also enjoyed listening to the great sounds of a live band.

Later that Thursday evening, the campers went to Laurel Skating Ring. Many fell, and others showed off their skating skills, but one thing that everyone had in common was that we all had a great time. The Gospel music that we skated to was really great. We skated for about three hours. All the trips seemed to be enjoyed, but the Baltimore Harbor and the Pastor’s pool party, seemed to be enjoyed the most.

Not only did we have fun on trips, but we also had fun with activities and games we played at camp. We had picnics on Monday and Tuesday, and swimming on Wednesday and Thursday (thanks goes to our special lifeguard C. J. Moody). We also had competitions throughout the week on, clean bunks, first group to the flagpole, and knowing the bible verses and theme. All activities gave the campers and counselors the chance to socialize with each other and to get acquainted with their environment. Along with picnics, swimming, and contests, we also had arts-&-crafts and more competitions. However, the teens had one disappointment. Our annual water fight was canceled after the boys had soaked the girls with trashcans of water, super soakers, and water balloons. The Hamite girls obtained the boys’ guns, filled our trashcans with water, and captured a hostage (David Nutt). The boys tried to capture a hostage, but failed. The girls still won because of their leverage over the boys, and the experience was still fun.

Besides all the fun and games, Camp Cush also had four dynamite guest speakers. Our first two guests were Jerome and Nicole Redman. They spoke to us on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Their message was entitled "The Black and White Lie." "The Black Lie" means that Blacks are superior to Whites, and the "White Lie" means that Blacks are inferior to Whites. The Redmans also spoke about the Egyptians, who are noted philosophers, the originators of chemistry and math, and builders of the great pyramids. The Redmans also spoke about the Egyptians true skin color, which is Black and about Nimrod and how he started his own religion. Finally, the Redmans talked about scriptures John 14:6, Genesis: 11 and 17, and Revelation 17.

Reverend Curtis Staley, our second speaker, spoke about "Drugs, Alcohol, Sex." He explained different ways a person can be found guilty of handling and using drugs and alcohol and various sentences a person can get if found guilty. He also talked about fornication, sexual activity before marriage, and that it isn’t Godly. Our last speaker was William Gilbert Emanuel, and his message was entitled "People of Color in the Bible." Emanuel discussed the fact that many places’ names can be traced back to the Bible and Africa. He also explained to the teens that their roots started with Adam and Eve and that Africa is the cradle of mankind.

So as you can see, Camp Cush 1999 was a very fun and educational experience. Some campers even told me how they would try to change their way of living, so that it is pleasing to the Lord. Clearly, Camp Cush touched many of the campers’ hearts. I hope this article will inspire those who attended, as well as those who did not attend Camp this year, to participate in Camp Cush 2000. God Bless!

Back to the top

Deacon Marvin M. Hamlin was born in Florence, South Carolina on December 26, 1958, the youngest of nine children-- five girls and four boys. He is the only living son of Isiah and Isabella Hamlin. Marvin attended the public schools in South Carolina.

During his adolescent years young Marvin was always a discipline problem in school. He was not a very disciplined student and consequently was an average student in high school. However, he excelled in math and business courses. In his senior year he took a business math class and his teacher noticed his ability in math. She encouraged him to go to college and major in accounting. She also told him he could make a good life for himself by studying accounting. "That was some of the best advice anyone had ever given me."

Marvin also excelled in sports as he played baseball, football and basketball in school (which he still does when he can find the time). He won an athletic scholarship to Norfolk State University, then Francis Marion University. After many struggles and tribulations Marvin earned a degree in accounting from Francis Marion University.

Upon graduation he came to visit one of his sisters who lived in the DC metropolitan area. In the local newspapers he noted many job opportunities for accountants and decided to relocate to this area. He landed a job within one week, worked there for a year and has since been climbing the ladder of opportunity, working for various other companies. Desiring to increase his marketability, he sought to become a certified public accountant. Persistence, determination, and hard work paid off, and after five attempts he passed the CPA exam in 1993.

Marvin says his mother was very instrumental in his life because she insisted he attend church while growing up. He stopped going to church when he was twelve years of age and did not attend again until he committed his life to the Lord.

"I praise God for my mother who insisted that we attend church. When I was really struggling and looking for answers to life, it was the word of God I learned in church early on I remembered." A friend, who had been praying for Marvin’s salvation for nearly five years, led him to the Lord in 1986. In that same year he was introduced to the Washington Christian Center through an invitation from Pauline Minor, and he has been attending WCC ever since.

In 1991, Marvin began to take notice of a demure young lady, whom he had been seeing at various church functions. The young lady was Datiya Gunter who had been attending WCC since 1982. Marvin says he began talking to Datiya after church one Sunday as they just ended up in the same spot. For the next three Sundays he and Datiya would end up in this same spot. Before that time, he had never had a conversation with Datiya. One year later, on June 20, 1992, Marvin and Datiya were married.

The two of them have been blessed with three children, Amanya, 6 years, Isaiah, 4 years, and Marvin II, 2 years. Marvin also has two older daughters and one grandson. He is delighted that all his children have committed their lives to the Lord.

Marvin has put his shoulder to the gospel plow at WCC. In 1990 he put his financial expertise to work by teaming up with the Stewardship Committee. He has since become the church controller. He became a WCC board member in 1994. In 1997 he was appointed a deacon. Marvin also serves as a primary CLC teacher on Friday nights.

Deacon Hamlin believes the WCC is where God has placed him and his family. He ascribes to the vision and teachings of the WCC. "I praise God so much for the WCC because it was here I learned who I was and it was here I became a man." His hope for the WCC is that it grows, but more importantly, it is his desire that the church will continue to meet all the needs of body. He also desires that individual members would catch the "WCC vision" so that God can work through us to ultimately reach our communities.

Back to the top

In two recent Titus II events, Ruth, the biblical woman of faith, was used to inspire single WCC women to develop a deeper relationship with God, before they attempt to develop a relationship with a man that will lead to marriage.

Both the Titus II Mother/Daughter Banquet and the new Titus II Ladies in Waiting Bible Study group have used the story of Ruth to challenge single women to trust God more and to seek His plan for their lives, instead of pursuing their own desires.

To reiterate the story, Ruth was a Moabite woman (a Pagan) who married into a Jewish family. She had a sister-in-law Orpah, who was also Moabite. When their husbands and father-in-law died, Orpah, at the suggestion of their grieving mother-in-law Naomi, went back to her family. But Ruth was so impacted by the lifestyle of the godly family she married into, that she decided not to go back to a heathen nation. God used the death of the three men to produce a woman’s faith.

Ruth observed Naomi dealing with grief and a famine and could not leave her mother-in-law. Through her faithfulness in providing for and taking care of Naomi, Ruth attracted the eye of the godly and wealthy Boaz. And by obeying her mother-in-law, even though she did not understand the instructions, Ruth later became the wife of Boaz. Relying on this story and its lessons, the Ladies in Waiting Bible Study group, now in its sixth week to teach single women to seek their fulfillment in a deeper relationship with the Lord, not in a relationship with a man. As the book states, "No man, not even a husband, can fill the need you have for secure love. Only Jesus, who is the same, yesterday and today, yes, and forever, will never disappoint or fail you." The Bible study’s guide book states in its preface: "Lady in Waiting is not about finding the right man, but being the right woman. Thus it focuses on ten qualities of a godly woman that are found in the Book of Ruth. These qualities will not only enhance your love relationship with your heavenly Bridegroom, but also guide you as a single woman, guard you while you date, support you in marriage, and comfort you if you are ever widowed or divorced. As you read you will see these characteristics beautifully displayed in the life of Ruth. She recklessly abandons herself to the Lordship of Christ, diligently uses her single days, trusts God with unwavering faith, demonstrates virtue in daily life, loves God with undistracted devotion, stands for physical and emotional purity, lives in security, responds to life with contentment, makes choices based on her convictions, and waits patiently for God to meet her needs. And the book emphasizes that being obedient and faithful does not guarantee a woman will get married — because it may not be God’s will for their life. They must trust the Lord, just as Ruth did in leaving her family and staying with a bitter mother-in-law who followed the God of Abraham. The result of Ruth’s faithfulness was a second husband who was more godly and richer. Using the exact same story in a slightly different manner, Mother/Daughter Banquet speaker Glenda Spence explained that God was perfecting a woman after His own heart, Ruth could have left Naomi, Glenda said, but Ruth’s spirit woman would not let her.

"When we feed the spirit woman, at the point of fire, we can do what God wants us to without even knowing it," she said. In Ruth’s case, "the faith woman stood up and the flesh woman took a seat."

What Glenda said she wanted her listeners to get most from this story was that:

1. Ruth was a woman whose faith caused her to obey, even when she didn’t understand; her obedience positioned her for a blessing by God’s perfect will for her life — marrying Boaz.
2. Because Ruth submitted to him, Boaz showed lordship authority — Ruth’s feminine influence brought out the man’s protective nature.
3. And finally that this story is a clear picture of Christ and his protection. Ruth is the bride and Boaz is the church.

Back to the top

Back to the top

Some of the articles and pictures in this issue may seem a little out dated. That is because due to our "small" staff missing some deadlines and the realization that we could use a break, the paper missed its July/August edition. For those who feel cheated by missing an issue or that the contents is old, we regret that, but feel that everything in this issue "edifies and encourages."

For those who have contributed over the last year since Michael (and Sharon Hart), Dawne (Gibson) and myself have been working with the paper, we thank you.

For those of you who have contributed articles of general encouragement, we save them and fit them in as space allows.

Back to the top

By the time this article is published Father's Day will have passed. However, it is not too late to remind us of the importance of emphasizing the role of fathers in the home, church and society. On the Saturday before Father's Day the men of W.C.C. planned a Father/Son, Mentor/Mentee Picnic at Leesylvania State Park in Virginia. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and a renewal of our understanding of what characterizes Father/Son relationships at different stages of development. Bros. Eric Mitchell and Sylvester Davis orchestrated a time of sharing from fathers and sons who were at different stages on the continuum from birth to adulthood. In addition, Bro. Arden Prather led the men and their charges on a historical and spiritual tour of the park that was very educational. Bros. Milton Artis and Arden Prather grilled some delicious hotdogs and hamburgers. It was a very fun day.

Activities such as this provide fathers and mentors the kind of experiences that encourages bonding and development of close meaningful relationships. The fathers get to know their sons and the sons get to know their fathers at a deeper level and in a way that improves their communication and their ability to understand one another.

I am convinced that many of the problems that plague our homes, churches and society stem from the faulty relationship between fathers and their children, especially among boys. It is God’s design that fathers provide the leadership and oversight in their homes that will produce godly children. Ephesians 6:4 states, "And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." If this is to happen he must be sure to allow the word of God to permeated his whole being so that he can instruct his children. He cannot give what he does not have himself. That is why God tells us in Deuteronomy 6:6, "And these words, which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart."

Since the home is the foundation of the church and society, it is essential that the home be in order. This is why Timothy instructed those who are to be leaders in the church that they should rule well their own house and his children be in subjection with all gravity. If he can’t do this he can’t rule in the house of God (1 Timothy 3:4,5). If we are to make an impact in society we must accept God’s order for the role of fathers. We get a clearer picture of how this looks when we consider God as our father. He is our example. The child has the right to expect that his father will love him and express that love in tangible ways. God expressed His love toward us by giving us His Son who laid down his life for us (John 3:16). The child has the right to expect his father will supply his needs. Philippians 4:19 states, "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 5:8 states, "But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." A child should feel that his father would protect him. Proverbs 30:5,6 states, "He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him." Yes, fatherhood is an awesome responsibility. But it is not one that we should run away from, but to the contrary should embrace. For in doing so we cooperate with God in bringing about an ordered home, church and Society.

Back to the top