NOTES OF INSPIRATION

Notes of Inspiration welcomes Dr. Cecelia A. Yopp from Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.A., North America

Please enjoy this feature story but check back periodically because we will be adding more. Dr. Yopp’s life is amazing!

SIMPLY CECELIA

BIRTHDAY:  August 16, 1972,  Gainsville, Florida, USA

HOBBIES:  ABSOLUTLEY LOVES taking pictures, reading, and journaling, traveling

FAVORITE COLOR: Green and all earth tones

FAVORITE QUOTE:  ”Your negative opinion of me is none of my business”

EDUCATION:   1990 graduate of North Marion High School, Sparr, Florida, USA

                               1991 graduate of Central Florida Community College, Ocala, Florida, USA(Associates of Arts in Journalism)**I was able to graduate with my 2-year Associate Degree in one year because I was a dual enrolled student in high school and had one year of college completed when I graduated from high school**

                               1993 graduate of University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida, USA (Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications: Broadcast News)

                               2002 graduate of National Louis University, Chicago, IL., USA (Online campus, Masters Degree in Adult Education)

                               2007 graduate of Logos Christian College and Graduate Studies, Jacksonville, Florida, USA (Online campus, Doctorate in Religious Philosophy: Christian Counseling)

Dr. Cecelia A. Yopp

Dr. Yopp is a 1993 graduate of University of Florida, Gainsville, Florida, USA (Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications: Broadcast News)

Dr. Yopp is a 2002 graduate of  National Louis University, Chicago, Illinois, USA (Masters Degree in Adult Education)

Dr. Yopp is a 2007 graduate of Logos Christian College and Graduate Studies, Jacksonville, Florida, USA (Doctorate in Religious Philosophy: Christian Counseling)

Dr. Yopp is the CEO and Founder of BrandonWill Enterprises

This excerpt is from her website http://www.brandonwillenterprisesinc.com/Dr–Cecelia-A–Yopp.html

     Since 1997 Dr. Yopp has been the spouse of an active duty officer of the United States Navy.  Since then, as a result of her husband’s duties, she and her family had to relocate more than 8 times.  During that time Dr. Yopp completed an online Master’s degree program and a Doctoral degree in Christian counseling via distance education programs.  She was able to complete her academic goals because of the efficiency and convenience of the World Wide Web and the telephone. In 2002,  after her fifth move, God revealed to her that just as online colleges and universities provide an effective venue for individuals to balance their everyday lives with continuing their education, distance counseling can prove to be just as effective for those individuals who may find it difficult or inconvenient to go to an office for counseling. Dr. Yopp felt that clients would be more inclined to open up through electronic mail or online posting than they are during face-to-face sessions, because many people feel freer to express themselves via written words when they are not feeling judged in a face-to-face meeting.  And for others who do not have a problem with talking about their problems, the anonymity of over the telephone counseling will be of great comfort and safety for them.  If travel plans and vacations can be made via technology, groceries can be bought without leaving your home, or a father in the middle of the Iraqi desert can see the birth of his newborn thousands of miles away via technology, then so too can Christian counseling be done efficaciously via technological means.

At the time Dr. Yopp began her graduate studies she was suffering from deep sadness as a result of losing her son at his birth.  She was 5 1/2 months pregnant when William Brandon died inside of her the night before she gave birth to him.  Although she did not seek counseling outside of the Holy Spirit and the required textbooks for her Doctoral degree program, Dr. Yopp began cogitation about the people who need counseling and for reasons beyond their control or because of  inconvenient reasons, could not make it to a place outside of their homes to receive counseling.  Dr. Yopp stated, “Personally, had I sought counseling, I would have had to change counselors at least six times as a result of my life as an active duty military officer’s wife.  What kind of progress would I have made? Would I have been likely to seek counseling after each move? These were questions I began to ponder as I continued to study the Christian counseling program.  Also, how likely would I have been to continue my education if I had to change advisers and instructors and schools for each of the moves I mentioned above? Not likely.”

Dr. Yopp also pondered, about the person who is dysfunctional and emotionally unhealthy and that the probability of a person suffering from cognitive disorders and emotions which debilitate him and prevent him from setting and obtaining life goals, continuing with follow-up counseling with so many changes, is highly unlikely.

Feeling the passion and calling from God to minister to God’s hurting people without concern about her geographical location or the individual’s geographical location, Dr. Yopp knew she had to birth the counseling ministry God placed inside of her.  And in memory of the beautiful angel He placed inside of her, the ministry would be named for her son William Brandon.

BrandonWill Enterprises, Inc. (BWE, Inc.) was developed in December 2002 and is the sister corporation to the Skill Day Center, Inc. (founded by Drs. Calvin and Catherine Jones of Ocala, Florida) – an academic tutoring and learning institution for children.

Dr. Yopp is creative as well as very beautiful.

In Earlier Days….

Newly weds

Dr. Yopp is a Navy spouse and is married to Commander Stacey Yopp.

As a Navy Spouse…

Dr. Yopp is presenting her husband, Office Stacey Yopp with his new cover.

Dr. Yopp is a devoted mother. The Yopp daughters, Chaney and Catherine attend the pinning ceremony of which Officer Yopp becomes Commander.

Living in Bahrain

“On Fridays the Grand Mosque in Bahrain was open to non-muslims for tours and information about the mosque and the muslim faith; in this pic I had the opportunity to sit and talk with a Muslim brother and discuss the Qu’ran and our differences in beliefs as Christians and Muslims; amazing opportunity.”

 ”I was inside the grand prayer room during a tour of the Grand Mosque“

“Me with my wonderful tour guide”

 ”Me in the Tree of Life”

“The mighty Tree of Life: ”A desert mystery: Far into the desert stands a broad, shady, mature mesquite tree in solitary splendor. The lone tree in a sea of sand almost seems like a mirage. To this day, the tree’s source of water remains a mystery. Some believe it gets its nourishment from an underground spring but that doesn’t explain the complete lack of vegetation in the vicinity. Local lore dates the tree in millennia but botanists say it may be several hundred years old.”

“Stacey and I are dressed to USS Curts’ attend the holiday party(love getting dressed to attend these functions!“

 ” My youngest daughter, Chaney receives an impromptu private basket weaving lesson from a master basket weaver”

“Me with the friendly master basket weaver in a “black flag” area: areas that were supposedly too dangerous to go to”

 ”The girls and I with the basket weaver”

“Me outside the Arad Fort just before going in to tour it”

 “My daughters and I inside a prayer room at the Grand Mosque, resting while our henna dried on our hands…during the Eid holidays, I would take Catherine and Chaney to the Mosque so they too could ask questions and learn about the beliefs of many of the friends they were making in school in Bahrain; priceless experiences…”

Dr. Yopp is top notch and at the top of her game. She absolutely loves and is excellent at the

art of photography

Relaxing and having fun are important

Patrice Tankard and her wonderful Notes of Inspiration always seem to reaffirm the positive attitude I endeavor and determine to instill in others. Each time I read a NOI, it serves as a “nudge from God” for me to continue to help others heal through my counseling and believe in positivity. It is as if Patrice and NOI serve as a “counselor for this counselor” at times. Thank you for your inspiration, Ms. Tankard; not only to me, but on behalf of all the others around the world you inspire, I thank you!Most sincerely, 
Cecelia Yopp

FEATURE STORY

Allow us to bring  a piece of the world to you today as we explore the culture of India through music, ministry, and purpose.

Notes of Inspiration, United States of America gives a warm and hearty welcome to India! 

Today our special guest is Sam K. Jebaraja from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India! 

Sam K. Jebaraja

My Culture

India, my country, has got amazing cultural diversity throughout the country. All the states in India from south, north and north-east have their own distinct cultures and almost every state has carved out its own cultural niche. That’s why we call it “Unity in Diversity”. The state which I live in is “Tamil Nadu” which is in the southern most part of India. One of the oldest civilizations, in the world, Tamil Nadu has a great tradition of heritage and culture that developed over two thousand years ago and still continues to flourish. Tamil is the language of our state, the literature of which is considered to be one of the most endowed literatures in the world.

Music played an important in the past centuries and still plays a pivotal role in culture of Tamil Nadu, with a number of genres of Tamil music, still kept alive in the different regions of the state. Popular genres of Tamil music are “Naatuppura  Paadal” (country folk music) and “Carnatic Music”(a form of Indian classical music).

 About me

I’m the fourth child of five children to my parents and the only son too. My mom was a prayer warrior, now she’s no more and Dad (82yrs old) is a Hindu convert and still with me. Those days when I was born, people preferred to have sons than daughters because when girls get married parents had to give the groom’s family a huge amount of cash as Dowry, a lot of house-hold things and also Gold ornaments. If failed to give birth to a boy child, wives or the daughter-in-laws were ill treated. So, after four daughters (first one died immediately after birth) my mom had to fast and pray hard to give birth to me and so christened me Samuel! I was dedicated to do God’s ministry when I was born but I had been into worldly affairs doing things on my own. But still, the time I spent most was in Sunday schools, church meetings and crusades. I learned to play the guitar at the age of 13, went for classes just 3 months and after that into ear music only.

Music

God gave me the knowledge to play bass just one year after playing guitar, with good guidance from my friends John Sitther, David Rajaselvan and James Vasanthan(find him in Wikipedia). I started my music career in Sunday schools, churches, then in school and college. I did my Bachelor degree in Commerce but most of the time spent my days in playing bass and guitar in meetings, crusades, radio programs and recording Gospel Albums. After graduation I got a Government job where I worked for 16 long years. The burden God put inside me to use my talent for Him started to work slowly. I started praying over that again and again for days. I used to cry whenever I watched Bro .Ron Kenoly’s and Bro. Don Moen’s DVDs. I too wanted to be a part of such a praise and worship band of my own language. When I resigned my job, I had been to Chennai (the capital city of Tamil Nadu State) I attended an unknown church where a street evangelistic group from South America.

Experience a sample of the cultural and rich Indian flavor of music of this band. In this video watch for Sam’s Bass Guitar Solo. It’s spectacular! ~NOI Staff

My Ministry

El-Salvador had taken over that church service that morning. Before entering into it a friend who accompanied me asked me 3 questions “1.You’ve left your job, 2. You’re coming to a new place & 3. You’re leaving your old Parents and what are you going to do in Chennai?” Moreover I had one more question in my mind that who else will recognize my talent in this huge city which has got more talented people. But when that young lady from El-Salvador started to preach about the five loaves and two fish, she said, “when  Jesus asked for food the small boy gave everything to Him and that became a blessing for multitudes” and continued saying,” so just surrender yourself to Jesus and you’ll be a blessing for multitudes”. Though it spoke to me a little, I still wanted 100% confirmation from God. Then during prayer and alter-call, to my surprise but according to my faith she started repeating the questions I had encountered, saying, “You’ve quit your job, you’ve come to a new place, you’re leaving your family aside and doubting your own potential. But never doubt God’s plan. Just surrender yourself and you’ll be a blessing for multitudes”, she finished. So I just poured out and surrendered myself leaving the government job and my home town Tirunelveli where I had nothing to worry about. And then I got settled down in Chennai city and as promised, God has made me a blessing to so many. And now I am a part of many Praise and Worship bands in Chennai. The worship leaders and music directors who help me, encourage me and use me in their ministries, concerts and recordings are Pastor Alwin Thomas who is my Pastor and a well known worship leader and preacher (very popular in the Tamil Christian population around the Globe), Bro. Isaac Joe(who travels around the Globe too to preach and do English & Tamil Concerts), Bro. Albert Solomon, Bro. John Prasad Jacob ( from Malaysia) and James Vasanthan(Gospel and Film Music Director), Bro. Prakash  Williams, Bro. Davidson Raja and Bro. Stephen Sanders.

Pastor Alwin Thomas and Sam K. Jebaraja

Take a listen to the magnificent and rich Indian cultural sounds of this song entitled, “Bless India” that was composed and sung by Pastor Alwin Thomas.  Sam is playing the bass guitar. Minister Alwin Thomas is Sam’s Pastor.

BLESS INDIA MX

 Education

God gave me another wonderful privilege to do my Theological course in School Of Theology at City Harvest Church, Singapore under great leadership of Pastor Kong  Hee which gave me a broader look of Christian life and more faith.

My thoughts about Patrice Tankard & Notes of Inspiration

Notes of Inspiration has encouraged me a lot very often. The thoughts our dear Sister Patrice shares are really inspiring. The sentence which I really like comes under category ‘Musicians’ which reads as “By accepting what God allows to happen in our lives and with a positive attitude of faith and trust, this submission and obedience is “music in praise” to the Almighty God”! –Patrice Tankard

http://notesofinspiration.com/2012/05/for-the-musicians-music-in-praise-a-different-dimension/

Patrice Tankard                   

  I take this opportunity to thank God for what and who I am now and also thank dear Sister Patrice Tankard for  giving me this platform to share my testimony. I’m blessed with a loving wife Mercy, a daughter Adeline Keziah and a son,  Adrian Jubal. All glory and honor belong to Jesus! Amen.

By Sam K. Jebaraja

Our special guest today on Notes of Inspiration and in honor of Mother’s Day in the month of May, is Pastor Caroline Shine. She is the Pastor of Greater Faith, A.M.E. Church in Deltona, Florida. Pastor Shine is a woman that I greatly respect and  I am honored to have her to grace her presence here. She is also my mentor.  We appreciate her for bringing us such powerful words of inspiration.

All that a Woman can Be

Proverbs 31:1-31  ^KJG Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.  ² What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?  ³ Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.  ⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:  ⁵ Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.  ⁶ Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.  ⁷ Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.  ⁸ Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.  ⁹ Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.  ¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The Lord’s Word from Proverb 31 is good for today. As the Lord led me to the scriptures, I remembered about how often these scriptures are preached for Women’s Day programs, and I wondered what God would show me this time that has not been gleaned already.  Is there a nugget today?   The Lord is so good that He always has something to share.

We praise the Lord for all mothers, godmothers, stepmothers, spiritual mothers, women of God.

Proverbs 31 is the teaching of a mother to her son. Not too often in the bible, is the capture of a woman’s teaching recorded at this length.  From the onset, one would think that these were somebody’s else’s words about women, but it was a woman’s message on woman given by the king.  The king utters the words that mother taught him.  We know the Word of God is spiritual and always teaches us more than by just a physical hearing. Christ also likened His church to His bride. These are not only are the words just for woman, but also for the church.

This mother speaks to her son, King Lemuel (translated mean King of Massa).  This is a woman who is raising up a king.  She also raises up a queen, for it is a queen who will sit with the king.  So she cuddles her cubs, like a lioness. She teaches him about strength, and what he must do become a great King.  Today, we have kings(princes) and queens(princesses) sitting around the house. God is teaching us how to be strong children in the kingdom.

Momma always had some sayings, and when we get old we hear things like “ my mama use to say.”’   “If it don’t fit, don’t force it, If someone jump in the river, does mean you have to? what go on in the dark will show up in the light, a stitch in time saves nine, once on the lips twice on the hips,” on and on, “I don’t care how grown up get, I’m still your mother.”

So King Lemuel’s mother  told him what to do and not to do: (if you going to be king)

1. Don’t give your strength to women
2. Don’t give yourself to ways that destroy kings
3. Kings do not drink wine, it perverts their thinking and judgment (what about everybody else? you can’t do what everybody else does)
4. Open your mouth for those that cannot speak for themselves (don’t be mute in times of need)
5. Judge Righteously with your mouth – speak up
6. Plead the cause of  the poor and needy

Then mama starts talking about women.  Women know women!

Question:  ^NKJ Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. ^KJG Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

As I began to notice the English word “virtuous”, I noticed its limited use in the bible, and I asked God to show me the deeper meaning. When I went to the Hebrew text, I noticed that it has been translated from the word “hayil”, which means power, strength, wealth, qualified, and army.

If you would bear with me mothers and fathers and others, today let’s insert the original meaning, and say who can find a strong, powerful, and qualified woman.  The Hebrew word wife (woman)

Many of us have experienced a strong mother, and are probably still doing so.  Others have experienced it in women they have come know. Mothers want to bring up strong children, so that when they are not around, the children can hold up their own in a godly manner.

So when she speaks about this strong woman, and strong man, she directs him what strength is all about in the relationship. She warns him not to turn over his strength to her, because that is likely to happen when a weak man pairs up with a strong woman.  But she is priceless and desired. (weighing of the balance).  A strong woman will complement a strong man.

This teaching has to start from the beginning.  Can you find a strong woman? A strong woman is not about who can fuss the most, dominate the most, tell off others the loudest, be in front the most, looks the best, or has the most wealth.

1.  The King can trust her – Doesn’t have to compete and be insecure.  The queen is confident in her own right.  He does not have to plunder, of become victim of unlawful gain.  Her counsel is not vindictive.
2. Does him good and not evil.  She doesn’t ruin his reputation by her reputation.  Mothers tell them children, don’t mess up my name. Integrity and truth. (The Church walks in Christ’s name)
3. Her hands are working, whether inside the house or outside of the house.  Most mothers today, have to do both. Strong women, adapt to the situation they are placed.  Luther Vandross says that a house is not home. She makes it a home.  There is an underlying unconscious message to the children, that if things get rough, you can go back home (prodigal). Don’t do it though, if you don’t have to.
4. She gets up early, and takes care of business.  I don’t know how many times, I would see mother rising up early and cooking for the family, and many times we got up too.  She was raising queens and kings.
5. Helping our father put on his shoes, running his bath water wasnot out of duty, but love and appreciation.
6. She is an entrepreneur.  She knows how to stretch the money, and still make sure that her family looks good, as well as herself.  The guys know him, because she keeps him up, and herself up.  Many know him, because of her.

.

^NAU Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future.

^NAU Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She opens her mouth, talks wise things into others and shows kindness.  (Strong).   Being idle is not her thing.

Her Children rise up call her blessed and her husband praises her.  Not just in a service or program, when they are with the home boys and girls, saying “ my mother this and my mother that.  My wife this and my wife that.”

Charm is deceitful, Beauty is passing, but a Woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hand, and her own works will praise her in the gates.

I am reminded about our Lord and Saviour.  He called his mother,  “Woman.”   I believe that she was not only a mother, but a representation of all that a Woman can be, such that God called her the favored one. While Jesus looked on her, He saw all the strength that he had placed in her:

1.  She had the strength to bear him, even if it meant losing her reputation.  But her faith in God outweighed what the people would think, and the gain was greater than the pain.  Humiliation with grace is better humiliation with a trumpet sound.
2. He saw someone who would look for her child, when he or she would wander astray, and would not rest till she knew that they were alright.  Even if they found the child within the church walls.  Dorothy Norwood  said I only know what town my child was in, I would be there on that earthly morning train, and no matter what the crime, the child is mine; and I  am waiting for my child to come home.
3. Jesus called her woman, knowing that she would be there when he performed his first miracle, and would be the one to urge him to move into His destiny.  Jesus said my hour hasn’t come, but he presses forward and turns water into wine at the nudging of His mother.
4. She is the one who tells the crowd, just do what he says.
5. She sees what others don’t see and perhaps will not tolerate.
6. She shows up to different occasions, and tries to see you and what you’re doing. Mark 3:31-35  ³¹ Then His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him.  ³² A crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for You.”  ³³ Answering them, He said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?”  ³⁴ Looking about at those who were sitting around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers!  ³⁵ “For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.
7. 7.   She listens when someone speaks well, and not so well, and she sees the future and bears the challenge” Luke 2:34-35  ³⁴ And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed–  ³⁵ and a sword will pierce even your own soul– to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.
8. She ponders about while alone:
9. 9.    She watches you mature from childhood to adulthood,” Luke 2:48-52   ⁴⁸ When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.”  ⁴⁹ And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”  ⁵⁰ But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them.  ⁵¹ And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.  ⁵² And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
   1. She sticks with you to the end.  Jesus loved his mother so, through his own struggles and ultimate death on the cross, he pauses to make sure that he mother and his friends are taken care, and puts them together.

John 19:25-27  ²⁵ Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  ²⁶ When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”  ²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.

Love her with the love of the Lord!  Love your mother, your wife, your friend. Let her be all the Woman she can be!

For a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hand, and her own works will praise her in the gates.

Words of Inspiration

Rev. Caroline D. Shine, MDiv

Pastor of Greater Faith AME Church

Deltona, Fla.

  Bishop Richard Allen, Founder of  the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Notes of Inspiration introduces one of our International Partners and Supporters.

Attorney Akinwale Olaoluwa EKUNNUSI

Our Guest today is Attorney Akinwale Olaoluwa EKUNNUSI of Lagos, Nigeria. We are honored to feature his story.  Attorney EKUNNUSI is a Barrister for the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is our first International Special Guest on Notes of Inspiration.

Notes of Inspiration welcomes Nigeria!

Attorney Akinwale Olaoluwa EKUNNUSI

Akinwale Olaoluwa EKUNNUSI is a Barrister and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was called to the Nigeria Bar in the year 2001 and has been in active Legal Practice till date. He is in the service and employ of “The Gavel Associates” formerly “Valour Chambers”, a Firm of Legal Practitioners at N0. 9, Elsie Femi-Pearse Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria. University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, where he studied Law and bagged his Bachelors Degree in Law in June 1999 is one of the best Universities in Sub-Sahara Africa and arguably the Law Faculty in that clime. Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and very metropolitan in structures and settings. Thereafter he proceeded to The Nigeria Law School, Bwari, Abuja (Federal Capital of Nigeria) where he obtained his Barristers-at-Law Certificate and was ultimately called to the Nigeria Bar in January, 2001.

“The Gavel Associates” is a Firm of Legal Practitioner with significant strength in Litigation and Corporate/Commercial Practice. The Managing Partner of the Firm, Mr. Olaniyi Kukoyi has over 30 years experience in Corporate and Commercial Law.

Akinwale Olaoluwa Ekunnusi was born on the 14^th February, 1972 to a very large polygamous family which was usual and customary to Africa. He hailed from Ikare Akoko in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State. A Yoruba man. He is married to pretty and adorable Oluwatoyin Ebunoluwa Ekunnusi and are blessed with two daughters – Ebunoluwa and Ifeoluwa.

He gave his life to Jesus in 2002 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Possibility Parish No. 4, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos State. He is a Minister of the Gospel. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is the fastest growing Pentecostal Church the world over with commanding presence in Africa, Latin America, Asia, America, Australia and Europe. Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the septuagenarian General Overseer of the Church is generally acclaimed to be a true and genuine Minister of God.

Attorney EKUNNUSI has been a close friend and partner of  “Notes of Inspiration for all most three years.

CULTURE AND TRADITON

The Yoruba, of which I am one, are one of the largest African ethnic groups south of the Sahara Desert. They are, in fact, not a single group, but rather a collection of diverse people bound together by a common language, history, and culture. Within Nigeria, the Yoruba dominate the western part of the country. Yoruba mythology holds that all Yoruba people descended from a hero called Oodua or Oduduwa who was a son of Lamurudu, a Saudis prince who fled during the Islam conquest of Arabia Peninsula. He travelled all the way and settled down at Ile-Ife. Ile-Ife until today is the ancestral headquarters of the Yorubas.

The Yoruba homeland is located in West Africa. It stretches from a savanna (grassland) region in the north to a region of tropical rain forests in the south. Most Yoruba live in Nigeria. However there are also some scattered groups in Benin and Togo, small countries to the west of Nigeria.

Kinship is the most important relationship for the Yorubas. The Yorubas do not have distinction among family members like uncle, cousin, nephew, niece etc. Family members are either brother or sister depending on the sexes.

The Yorubas are rich in cultures. Their music is deep and rich. Some of which are Apala, Juju, Fuji, Sakara, Ewi, Ijala etc.

The Yoruba diet consists of starchy tubers, grains, and plantains. These are supplemented by vegetable oils, wild and cultivated fruits and vegetables, meat, and fish.

Although there are few organized sports, Yoruba (like other Nigerians) in some areas participate in wrestling and soccer, “ayo”, hunting.

As a result of the slave trade in the 17^th and 18^th century in Europe, many Yorubas were taken into slavery. Most of them remained where they were taken to after the abolition of slave trade. We have people who practice cultures similar to the Yorubas in Haiti, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago etc. The ancestral gods of the Yorubas are, Sango, Ogun, Oya, Yemoja, Esu etc.

Attorney EKUNNUSI is busy and on the move.

Our Special Guest on Notes of Inspiration today is my friend,  Pastor Cedric Hayes and the  Gloryland Pastor’s Choir from Little Rock, Arkansas.  Pastor Cedric, thank you for agreeing to be our guest.  God bless you!

Pastor Cedric Hayes

After speaking with Pastor Hayes several times, it was impressed upon me the intensity for his love for God, ministry, family and people.The Gloryland Pastor’s Choir was formed in April of 2008 by Pastor Cedric Hayes. The children of our church wanted to sing with the Mass Choir but their voices had not yet matured for the Mass choir. Pastor Hayes did not want to deny them the chance to use their gifts for God so he started The Gloryland Pastor’s Choir. From the beginning there was something special about them. They are very anointed and gifted. Their sound is far beyond their age. Their ages range from 4 to 18! They were asked to sing a selection from the Mass Choir’s reportoir at their first rehearsal and they nailed it! They knew they had something awesome.

Pastor Hayes is an accomplished musician and minister of music with a commitment to excellence. They have a work ethic like an adult professional choir. Pastor Hayes gives them monthly challenges of very difficult songs to sing during their worship services and they meet every one with surpassing excellence! This is not your average youth choir. Once you have heard and seen them, they will leave you speechless! They have compiled many accomplishments in a short time. They won the 2008 Shout Hallelujah Showcase “Choir of the Year”, performed at War Memorial Stadium for The Battle of the Bands, won first place in The Harlem Globetrotters Choir Competition and then performed at a Harlem Globetrotters Basketball Game at the Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas. They have performed at the Little Rock Peabody Hotel for a benefit for the News Anchor and the Late Ann Presley, appeared on KATV Good Morning Arkansas, KARK 4 News, The Earnie Miles Show in Monroe, LA, Fox 16 News in Little Rock, The Broadway Joe Video Show, The American Heart Association “Power To End Stroke” Tour with Dr. Bobby Jones in St. Louis, MO and East St. Louis, IL. They have shared the stage with many National Recording Artists including Kirk Franklin, Darius Brooks and The Tommies Reunion Choir, Ricky Dillard, James Fortune, Jimmy Hicks, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, Lee Williams, Dottie Peoples, Vickie Winans, The Neville Sisters, and Dr Bobby Jones. They are traveling nation-wide spreading pure excitement about God where ever they go. They have appeared on Bobby Jones Gospel. Pastor Hayes is an extremely passionate man and is a profound visionary. Please check out his facebook page for more information.

http://facebook.com/pastorcedrichayes

 Pastor Cedric Hayes

 Pastor Cedric Hayes and the Gloryland Pastor’s Choir

 The Gloryland Pastor’s Choir has swept the nation!

CD  is in stores June 2012