In spite of the recession and widespread cuts in funding, the fight against domestic abuse continues undaunted from a small office in Pompano Beach. Kate Johnson, the founder of the Christian Coalition Against Domestic Abuse, is gearing up for National Domestic Violence Awareness month in October by calling for more awareness and support from the Christian community. She said churches can contact the CCADA for presentation materials or to request a speaker. Kate said the tragedy of the economic downturn is not only the cuts in funding as donors cinch in their belts, but that economic hardship worsens the plight […]

As a servant of Christ, former horse jockey and maintenance worker, James McDonald was fired for witnessing to others on the job. But he saw that there was a great need for handyman services in South Florida, and the Lord gave him the idea to combine his physical and spiritual tools to reach people for Jesus. So, McDonald, his mentor Lester Lemke, who has been a prison minister for 25 years, and Minister Buddy Malcomb founded Off the Chain 4 Jesus Ministries (OTC4J), a unique mix of mission and repair work. OTC4J offers handyman services to the public on a […]

His House Children’s Home offers shelter, counseling and faith-based education for abused and neglected children At His House Children’s Home, children in foster care are taken care of physically, emotionally, spiritually – and academically.  “We are the only foster and adoptive services agency that provides a private and faith-based education for at-risk children in South Florida,” says Sabrina Sosa, community relations coordinator for His House Children’s Home’s (HHCH). HHCH’s His House Academy offers a private school education using ABEKA curriculum to the children they care for, and now they’ve opened their doors to students in the community at large. The […]

Josh Bramos’ curiosity for music started at an early age. As he worked his way through learning various musical instruments, his love for music grew deeper, and his talent truly began to shine through. During high school, while he was juggling both sports and music, Bramos made a tough decision. “I remember when Josh was in 10th grade, and he told my husband and I about his decision to quit sports. We were surprised at first, but listening to him play his guitar, piano and drums, and seeing his desire for it, I trusted him in the decision he was […]

A Boca Raton worship leader beat out thousands of entries to win the fourth season of “Gospel Dream” – a talent search competition similar to “American Idol” featured on the Gospel Music Channel. Tony LeBron’s stunning dual-language performances of Bruce Hornsby’s “The Way It Is” and “I Surrender All” catapulted him to the crown. “It’s so exciting, and it’s an honor,” says the gifted crooner and worship leader from Boca Raton Community Church (BRCC). “Personally, it’s a validation from God regarding His calling on my life to pursue music and Life .” LeBron, 32, was encouraged by friends to try […]

Broward County School Board Member Phyllis C. Hope spoke with Scott Spages about the changes she hopes to see in Broward schools and her South Florida upbringing. Hope was born in Pompano Beach, and is now the married mother of two and grandmother of four. She attends Piney Grove Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale. BackgroundScott Spages (SS): Where did you grow-up and what was it like? Phyllis Hope (PH): I grew up in South Florida and had a great childhood spending time at beaches, parks and playing basketball and kickball with family and friends. SS: What’s your favorite sport or […]

Last month, I finally took the time to unsubscribe from a few e-mail lists that I had mistakenly signed up for. We all have them – those weekly or monthly e-mails that have no relevancy to our lives but just annoy us. I’m not talking about e-mails like The Good News monthly eUpdate that encourages, educates and entertains you. Those are good e-mails. As I scoured my inbox for specific e-mails that have no benefit to my career or spiritual life, I started to think about what kind of “junk mail” I could delete from my life. Wow, what a […]