1st Quarter 2009
First Quarter, Volume 1, Issue 1, April 2, 2009
“And a little child shall lead them…” Isaiah 11: 6.
A general call went out to the youth of the Sabbath School Department earlier this year to design the front cover of our returning publication, Southeast Spirit. The only requirement was that the picture reflect family. Kenisha Baldeo, age 12, answered that call. Looking at this beautiful depiction of family, you cannot help but see the joy. She captured it. Family is a joy. Regardless of our shortcomings and differences …family represents life affirming joy.
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Southeast Spirit! This year we are celebrating family because next to God, family is the most precious blessing we have.
Southeast Spirit is about family. The family of God, the family of Man. All are included from our little ones to our senior ones. Pastor Hurst began the year stressing the importance of in-reach, as well as outreach. Dr. Carolyn Henry Hurst has also challenged us this year to “stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones” to include others who are not in our immediate
circles.
In this publication and the ones to come, we will always strive to reflect family—from the youngest to the oldest, all in the family are valued and cherished. The family is divine in origin. The Bible says, in Genesis, 1:26-27,” Then God said, Let us make man in Our image, according to our likeness. If we are made in the image of our Lord, we should reflect his character.
At the 2009 Women‘s Ministry Kick Off Brunch, Dr. Carolyn Hurst discusses the importance of “stretching ourselves and going beyond our comfort zone to include others in our inner circles.”
It‘s a Family Affair “Past, Present and Future” It is not by accident that we are drawn to the concept of family. I believe the Lord is clearly speaking to our hearts and minds to come together and embrace each other as family.
As you peruse the pages of this first offering, I pray that you will experience joy and gain a deeper appreciation of family. I also pray that you will see yourself.
Let us never forget that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ…as we look at each other, may we see Jesus.
Cecily Anitah Bryant, Editor
