MIKE RAMEY

The Ramey Guide To Mentoring

*A mentor is NOT a personal or verbal punching bag.

*A mentor is NOT a person to be disrespected.

*A mentor is NOT a person whom YOU seek–they seek YOU!

*A mentor is NOT an ATM that you may tap at will.

*A mentor is NOT a person who will always tell you that you are right.

WHAT A MENTOR CAN & CAN NOT DO:

*A mentor CAN NOT undo your past, but CAN point you in the right direction.

*Mentors CAN NOT fight your battles, but CAN teach you how to fight your OWN battles.

*Mentors CAN NOT change your attitude, but CAN give you the tools to check yourself out!

*A mentor CAN NOT tell you only the good things, but CAN share the good and the bad about your abilities to help you correct shortcomings.

*An effective Mentor SHOULD NOT be of the opposite sex, but SHOULD BE a born again, Bible believing Christian who has been where the one being mentored IS going to go.

THE DUTY OF A MENTOR:

*A willingness to let the person being mentored GO. Meaning that the mentor’s job ends when it is time to let that individual go out and DO what they have been trained to do.

*A willingness to provide Biblical TRUTH. Sure, war stories are nice…but training someone else to fight life’s battles on their own is the main objective. The person is NOT a carbon copy of the mentor; but have been taught the truths of life–good and bad.

*One CAN NOT mentor via long distance. A mentor has to let individuals IN CLOSE for not only instruction, but also up-close observation. It is one thing to tell someone how to handle something. It is another to let them SEE how YOU handle the matter you are trying to convey.

*A willingness to INVEST in the person being mentored. This means coming out of the pocket of the mentor. Books, magazine articles, newspapers…even a new Bible if needed. Bottom line–the spoken word is effective; but giving someone something to take home with them–for homework and future study–is great!

*Modeling of character in the face of adversity. This is where the rubber meets the road. How the mentor handles disappointment, tragedy, loss, reversal, and loneliness is the fuel that gives the one being mentored the strength to go on.

*A Mentor NEEDS to be involved for the LONG HAUL. It may take weeks, months or even years of effort to teach the one being mentored the ropes of the business or discipline that one is entering.

THE DUTY OF ONE BEING MENTORED:

*Loyalty: A person being mentored cannot afford to harbor a spirit of ingratitude towards their mentor. They also cannot give in to ‘gossip’ or ‘innuendo’ that happens to surface about their mentor.

*Patience: A person being mentored MUST be patient with their mentor AND themselves.

*Professionalism: A person being mentored must keep the relationship above board.

*Punctuality and Observation: Be on time, or have the flexibility of time.

*Respect: At all times, respect your elders who are taking the time to train you.

*Reflection: Take the time to ‘chew on’ what you have been taught. It may come in large chunks, or small portions. The biblical admonition: Write it down and make it plain!

*Gratitude: Always take the time to thank those who have helped you ‘grow up’ and mature.

*Becoming a mentor: Eventually, you will have the opportunity to ‘pass on’ what you have learned to another individual or small, select group of individuals. After all–someone took a chance on you!

*If you can live to be forgotten and possibly re-forgotten, you have a great life ahead of you as a Mentor.

The Ramey definition of a mentor: An older person–oftentimes of the same sex– who will serve to guide, to teach, and to equip you to succeed at a particular stage in your life–and will let you go on to be successful. This may not be a ‘by the book’ definition, but one based upon my personal reflection, observation and experience.

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GANGBANGERS VS. YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL: WHAT’S DONE THERE–STAYS THERE?

In the fall of 2011, it was reported that a one well-to-do school corporation were the target of a police investigation. The police had discovered that a school-based gang was busily recruiting members for a larger, local gang.

Both gangs were involved in burglaries, car break-ins and other thefts.

Of course, parents were the last to know about the police probe.

The existence of school-based gangs may be new to parents, but they continue to grow rapidly. The cops know that they are there. Schools officials know that they are there. The students know that they are there–and eagerly join AND participate.

The ONLY people who seem to be left out of the loop…are parents.

In far too many cases; what’s done IN the school house, STAYS in the school house. Once more, the taxpayer is being asked to ‘foot the bill’ for those school officials who maintain the mantra that ‘all is well’.

THE NUMBERS CONTINUE TO CLIMB:

Back in the mid-2000s, federal authorities estimated that there were some 800,000 gang members in America. In 2009 the number swelled to slightly more than 1 million. Now, a scant two years later, federal authorities issued a new study, reporting that there are some 1.5 million gang members in the USA. Two things clearly seen; 1) The programs which have been touted to fight gang activity since 2002 have NOT been working, and; 2) Our public schools are turning out to be safe havens for gang activity.

Forget the fake social flags about school house bullying and poor self-esteem. Gangs–and their recruiters–are on the march, leaving teachers, students, and administrators either caught in the grip of deliberate ignorance…or willful silence. The ‘basic’ attitude of many school officials, in my view? “Gangs are not a school problem until ‘good students’ get hurt, or, the children of school employees (often enrolled in so-called ‘better schools’) become gang targets.”

Parents are not the only ones left on the outside. Many local churches–some of them great helpers of public schools–are being left behind. The subject of religion has become blurred in the school house to administrators, but not to gang members. While Christian students who bring their Bibles to school or have prayer over their lunches are held to be troublemakers by some schools, many Modern Street Gangs have adopted a religi-criminal mode of communications. Students ‘rep’ their favorite gangs with relative ease–and scant comment–by wearing gang symbols appearing to be harmless religious icons such as crosses, crucifixes and prayer beads in plain sight on school grounds.

STREET CULTURE AND THE SCHOOL HOUSE:

Those who follow the teen scene are familiar with ‘the hoodie’; an article of street wear. Little more than a sweatshirt topped off with a hood, it has become useful in masking the identity of gang members–or others. They started to ‘catch on’ in the early 2000s as teens had adopted them as ‘the’ main choice of street wear. More than a few school corporations around the country banned hoodies as being “…disruptive to the education process…”. Many of these same school corporations later backtracked on their bans. Why? Simple economics and internal pressure.

Athletic departments and PE teachers saw hoodies as a means of; 1) keeping their student athletes warm with an article of low-priced clothing, and; 2) having something that student athletes could use to inspire ‘school pride’ via incorporation of the school athletic logo. The ‘use’ of the hoodie eventually slipped into the schools via student athletes–even though it was officially ‘banned’ by school administrators. Soon hoodies started to turn up in a variety of school colors courtesy of eager vendors. Thus, a clear item of street culture–which was officially banned–was quietly ushered into the school house because officials saw it as an economic fix. The hoodie could be ‘useful’ IF students bought them FROM vendors of the school districts’ choice!

THE THREE NEW ‘Rs’ OF EDUCATION:

Let me state this again. What was once ‘banned’ was ‘unbanned’ because it became a ready revenue source for the schools. Of course, gang members and recruiters were overjoyed. They could ‘rep’ their gang in trendy school colors and be LEGAL.

Public schools have not always been overtly ‘money hungry’. Tax revenue provided by the public ‘used’ to be enough to satisfy many school corporations. Many schools lived within their means. It seemed rare to hear that school budgets ran tight. It seemed even more rare for schools to go to the voters and request more tax revenue.

This has changed. Over the last ten years or so, school corporations have gotten greedy. Every new innovation; every new consultant’s dream just had to be ‘inserted’ into the classroom. In the mind of ‘professional educators’, the ends may not jive with the means…as long as we can count on using public money to pay for it. Furthermore, school corporations could ‘double dip’ by insisting that parents provide ‘extra’ items for schools, as in parents needed to ‘provide’ two reams of copy paper per each of their students for each semester.

When do parents see ‘cash back’ from schools? Hardly ever. Should schools ‘save’ money on an innovation, the public never seems to get a refund.

Remember the ‘Channel One’ innovation from back in the nineties? Local school corporations were to receive ‘free’ televisions and video equipment ‘in exchange for’ five to seven minutes a day access to students ‘before’ they began their studies. Before the Channel One experiment, students were limited to the outside television influences they could receive during the school day. After Channel One arrived, it seemed that schools–especially at the secondary level–couldn’t live without the use of the television in the classroom.

Let’s fast forward a few years. Now we have name brand vending & snack machines placed in many schools; name brand franchises being allowed to provide their foods in the lunch line (or have a mini-restaurant on the school campus), endless PTA/PTU fundraising drives, and students drilled to compete as young pitchmen in order to ‘win prizes’ for themselves and their schools.

These days, the 3 Rs may be interpreted: ‘Raise Revenue Regularly’.

CONFIDENTIALITY IN THE SCHOOL HOUSE:

During my tenure as a probation officer, one certain word was kept in the forefront of every case heard by the juvenile court. That word was ‘confidentiality’. There were internal rules and external rules of confidentiality existed to protect the rights of those on probation. In short, while a juvenile had committed a very real crime, they were still held to be a juvenile. They–and their parents–were entitled to having their cases kept confidential; information was not to be released to the general public. Because of the uplifting of the hip-hop/criminal ‘gangsta’ lifestyle in society, many teens have opted to ‘brag’ about their being on probation to their friends, teachers and schools. The reason for the bragging is two fold: 1) To impress their friends, and; 2) To attempt to intimidate their teachers and school staff.

Some school corporations–in co-operation with their local juvenile courts–have tried to bring back some confidentiality standards by allowing for the placement of probation officers in the school setting. Unfortunately, this innovation didn’t last. School-based probation officers soon became bogged down in the school house machinery they were sent to be above. Many of them have been used by schools as extra baby sitters or social workers for all students of their respective school, leaving them of little use to their own clients or courts.

IT’S UP TO PARENTS TO GET BACK INTO THE LOOP:

The bottom line for parents? In keeping your OWN teens and children safe, it is up to YOU to educate yourself as to gang activity in your school. Remember the saying: “What’s done in Vegas, stays in Vegas?” Your local school house has the same, basic attitude towards the safety of your children. While there is a never ending shortage of programs for the prevention of bullying to teaching the joys of homosexuality and lesbianism, basic training programs for administrators and teachers to learn how to spot and stop gang activity are often ignored–even though they are plentiful.

The safety of your children rests with Y-O-U!

Schools operate on a stair step approach to discipline. Modern gangbangers are very familiar with not only school rules in the rule book, they are also familiar with them in actual practice. Just as a ex-con knows the prison system, juveniles who are involved with gang activity know how their own schools and teachers functions. Gang recruiters know that as long as they operate ‘just under the radar’, they won’t encounter much resistance from parents or the schools.

Parents have to get ‘wise’ as to the school world their children exist within.

It begins with asking questions and doing your homework.

Let me give you just a few things to look for in your teens backpack, room, notebooks or school locker. These items–and others–are identifiers of possible gang activity of your child, or some of his/her friends:

HARD/SOFT GANG IDENTIFIERS FOR PARENTS

HARD IDENTIFIERS: (2 OR MORE ITEMS)

Tattoos [Including New UV Tats] Eyebrows Shaved In Patterns

Hairstyles Hair/Head Symbols/Shavings Hand Signals/Signs

Nose Rings Earrings Rosary Beads/Cloths ‘Mean Mugging’

Markings In Webs Of Hand/On Knuckles Religious Art Facial Markings Nail Polish

Speaking Unusual Languages/Slang/Symbols Sores On Hands

SOFT IDENTIFIERS: (3 OR MORE ITEMS)

Hoodies NFL NBA College MLB Sportswear & Hats

Scarves Doo Rags Hankies Jewelry Ringtones ’Special’ Songs

Notebooks With Gang Signs & Symbols Excessive Use Of School/Uniform Wear Colors IF Gang Colors Weapons Books On Advanced Subjects

C.D.s MP3s Ipods Alcohol Cell Cams Drugs Mouthwash Inhalants

Excessive Cash Burglary/Break-in/Lockpicks Advanced Computer Websites

Custom Gang Clothing with Street Names Notes/Codes/Gang Symbols On Journals/Non-school related paperwork

WILD CARDS & POSSIBLES (2 OR MORE ITEMS)

Articles on Specific Gangs Disciplinary Problems At School Gang Websites

Active On Probation/Parole Gang You Tube/Twitter Lists

Late Night Calls Visits/Hanging Out With Older Teens/Troublemakers/J.D.s

Strange Odors/Smells ‘Bragging’ About Friends With Juvenile Records

Spending More Time Out Of Home/Away From Home

A wise parent will do a quick ‘head to toe’ check of their child before they leave in the morning, and when they come home in the evening. If enough of these items are found, it is likely that your teen has been recruited by a gang–or is already involved. Don’t get hung up on which gang your teen may representing. They are ALL dangerous, as Modern Street Gangs are quick to change their ‘look’ inside of six to nine months.

Their hope is keeping the upright off balance and ignorant to their existence.

Parents, when you see these items turn up; WISE UP and turn up the heat as to where your teen may have gotten them.

Don’t wait until you see on the TV news, or read in the paper that the school of your child is the target of a police investigation.

By then, it may be too late.

MIKE RAMEY is the Lead Instructor of THE GANG LINE, Indianapolis, Indiana. RAMEY is a Certified Street Gang Specialist and does workshops for law enforcement or non-law enforcement agencies. He can be contacted at his Email RameysGangLine@yahoo.com. ©2012 Mike Ramey/Barnstorm Communications.

THE MSM: NOT OUR FRIEND
BY MIKE RAMEY

If you think that the new normal is viewing or reading news stories depicting ONLY; a) Black men being arrested; b) Black women on welfare or on corners; c) oversexed young Black women fighting each other in the streets, or; d) young Black men locked into a sports-rap-hip-hop-gang slanging personna a generation after the Civil Rights movement concluded, you’ve been hoodwinked…TOO!

The propaganda tactics of the MSM–and their cohorts have become tragic of late.  A few years ago, a slew of tell-all books and articles were released by those who were in the news/entertainment game.  Surprisingly, many stalwarts of the MSM admitted that they ‘put forth’ their political/social/moral agendas through their fare, which leaned to the left (radical) side in far too many cases.

THE VIDEO SCREEN VS. REALITY:

The real world does not ‘run’ on a sitcom or reality clock.  It runs on faith in God, loyalty, respect for authority, and perseverance.  Frankly, I’m amazed at the number of young men and young women who don’t ‘get’ these key facts, THEN get upset when they are out of school–or a job–through their acting out bad behavior which has been fueled by hours of consuming videos, video games, or other MSM fare.

In our advanced technical age, African Americans are STILL the number one consumers of television.  America still is the number one exporter of entertainment to the rest of the world.  OUR images have not improved, nor do many of us seem to care about the MSM ruin to our reputations.  Even fledgling cable networks are making a killing showing the re-runs of much of the seventies and eighties buffoonery that doesn’t seem to ‘die’.  Fewer Black entrepreneurs are attempting to get broadcast licenses or set up film studios to release better-quality and uplifting video fare.  What makes matters worse is Oprah and Tyler Perry–among others–continue to contribute to the mental weakening of our youth and young adults by their providing non-inspiring fare and raking in the cash for more freakish adventures into an alternate reality not fit for man, woman, nor beast.

JUST ‘PERFORM WELL’ ON A STAGE TO GET AHEAD:

Years ago, the late Newton R. Minnow opined that television was ‘a vast wasteland’.  That has since been updated.  Television and the MSM are now ‘a vast white-land’…by deliberate design.

History has repeated itself–even among video games!  Doubt me?  Next time you pick up the latest video game fare for your child or yourself, spot the number of racially stereotyped characters among the heroes, villains and supporting cast.

The MSM is NOT a friend of Black people.  Again, I am pointing to a slew of tell-all articles and books which have been quietly released over the last few years, explaining in great detail how many television executives and producers took audience favorites–including M*A*S*H, Friends, Family Ties and Happy Days (among others), leaned them deliberately to the left and rendered Blacks invisible, nonexistent or very stereotyped.  While you’ve been viewing, laughing, gaming or texting on your gadget of choice, again: You’ve been hoodwinked…TOO!

MONITOR YOUR CONSUMPTION & PROTECT YOUR MIND:

In my travels, I have covered, appeared before, or observed courts and judges.  The FIRST rule of thumb?  NEVER address a judge by their first name.  This is considered a major no-no and could earn one a possible trip to jail.  The SECOND rule of thumb? Dress for success.  It shows respect for the judge, and for the system of law.  Of course, many of the MSM court shows–even the ones featuring Black judges–are not based in reality, but in buffoonery.

Why is it important for us to monitor what we watch?  Why is it crucial that young people especially need to be able to separate fact from fiction; myth from reality?

Let’s start with the obvious–the subjects of marriage, sex outside of marriage, and OOW births.  Young Black men MUST learn how to prepare themselves to become husbands, not rappers and thugs.  Young Black women MUST learn how to become wives, not video vixens and thuggettes. Children born outside of wedlock are not cute; they are bastards–as outlined in the Bible.  Homes are built by families headed by husbands, supported by wives, and are populated by obedient children trained by their parents.  The MSM hates what I have mentioned, because it robs them of revenue and viewership.  God loves and blesses the nation, family, and education which backs his plan and his WORD.  It’s your call–blessing or cursing in your own life?

Monitor your viewing choices.

Let’s move into the arena of crime.  There is nothing glamorous about being arrested.  Sixty minutes on television or ten minutes in a video is quite different from doing state or federal time.  Young brothers who decide to make their mark in the criminal world, and wind up doing time in jail or prison OVER the advice of parents, school and the police.  Then, these same young criminals–now with a record upon release–wants sympathy and find it ‘harsh’ that employers won’t ‘give’ them a job after they have served time.

Monitor your viewing choices.

A young person who spends five to six hours a day listening to/watching the MSM today is not going to get blessed in their education, career or even dating choices.  Thinking eventually becomes muddled, and dreams become compromised.  The same thing can happen to young–and older adults if they don’t keep a grip on their minds and eyesight.  We don’t have to ‘buy in’ to the propaganda and images which appear before us.  We can either put pressure on the holders to the keys of the MSM to better represent us, or, we can opt out of the brainwashing by restricting our consumption of their wares.

Being Number One DOES have clout to knock out the wrongs being put out!
RAMEY, a syndicated columnist and book reviewer, lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. THE RAMEY COMMENTARIES appears on fine websites and gracious blogs around the world.  To correspond, email  manhoodline@yahoo.com.  © 2011, 2012 Mike Ramey/Barnstorm Communications.

Herman Cain vs. Andre Carson (9-24-11)

By Mike Ramey

Remember a scant few weeks ago when Indiana Congressman Andre Carson continued his ‘rant’ against the Tea Party, calling them–in short–a bunch of racists who wanted to lynch Black folks.  His tirade may have been one of the sparks that started the Florida fire which led to Herman Cain’s sound trouncing of many of the so-called ‘leaders’ in the GOP presidential sweepstakes.

It is not know whether or not Carson sent a congratulatory note to Cain for the straw poll victory.  It IS known that Carson refused to apologize for his remarks.  However, in a year when one political party is trying to hold onto Black and Hispanic votes by trickery, it seems like the other–at least in the grass roots level has a message for ALL established politicians:  “We ain’t buyin’ the rhetoric!”

Black voters are going to have to makes some real choices in the presidential vote in 2012.  Our unemployment rate is double the national average, and heading for higher levels as well.  Black teen unemployment is through the roof.  Retailers have ALREADY announced that they are NOT going to be hiring as many workers for the Christmas shopping season (which begins, unofficially, just after the first week of November.)  And, yes, we have NOT left the last recession (which continues into the textbook realm of an economic depression).  The late Ronald Reagan said it best: “Are you better off now than you were four years ago?”  Like it or not, this is what is going to be guiding a lot of voters to the polls this November–and next–as incumbency is steadily becoming a political millstone in a season of rising taxes, lower job growth, and a bushel basket full of excuses from both parties.  In the words of author and talk show host Tony Brown from years ago: “The Black community can not afford to keep their votes in one political basket any longer.  Our votes NEED to be mobile.”

REASON NUMBER ONE: CAIN WORKED THE VOTERS

Those who doubted that Cain was a viable candidate.  Those who thought that he was ‘merely’ a good speaker, and dismissing him got a rude ‘sock and shock’ during the first official weekend of an American fall season.  Cain’s percentage numbers in the Florida straw poll, according to posted Internet and published results, showed him as having 37% of the more than 2,500 votes cast.  Thus, Cain made Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney D-I-S-T-A-N-T second and third place finishers, respectively.  In prior poll stops, Cain finished low, but was a popular debater.

Gee…didn’t people ‘write off’ President Obama BEFORE the Iowa primaries?

But, I digress.

There are several lessons that can be immediately learned which should prove inspirational for any other future candidates in future elections.  Ironically, these same reasons are how President Obama first became Senator Obama, then marched on to the White House.

The first lesson?  You have to work your voters!  Meaning, you have to be around to shake hands and kiss babies and drink coffee before AND after the debate process and court your base!  MOST people who are registered to vote WANT to be courted and counted.  They want to have a voice in the process along with their votes.  Cain asked them for their vote, and spent time in the Sunshine state whereas other candidates thought that their ‘frontrunner’ status gave them a lock on the straw poll.

It’s still a LONG way to the convention, baby!  For BOTH parties!

REASON NUMBER TWO:  CAIN STAYED ON MESSAGE!

Cain stayed on a CONSISTENT message in the debates, in his literature, and in his meeting with the poll participants.  He didn’t put forth a ‘canned pitch’ as the salesmen like to say.  His conservative credentials were not ‘accidental’ nor ‘discovered’ overnight.  Cain is what you got in week one and are now seeing as the campaign season progresses. If he has ‘shot himself in the foot’ it hasn’t showed up on the political landscape as of yet.  He is proud of his politics…period.  No apologies or excuses.  Herman Cain has ‘represented’ on the biggest stage that a Black man can stand…for the presidency.  And, like it or not, Obama HAS opened the door; cleared the way for Cain to be taken seriously.  One cannot ‘stutter’ and be expected to make it to the top of any profession.

Is that ‘Black enough’ for the Congressional Black Caucus?

LASTLY, THERE WERE TOO MANY GOP ‘RETREADS’:

Whenever Democrats or Republicans ‘think’ that they ‘deserve’ a higher office merely because of name recognition instead of hard work and dedication, this makes for an insult to the voting public.  American voters are not all that ‘anxious’ for the backroom deals and ‘vote buying’ that may have propelled the political machines of the past.  They are smart enough to know that every election is ‘showtime’ for those running for public office.

The current GOP field–sans Cain–is nothing more than a bunch of retreads, has beens, never-have-beens, and weaklings.  They ‘may’ have had something to say a few years back, but today is a NEW day, baby!  No one has a ‘lock’ on their office.  It is God whom sets up one king, and takes down another.  And He works through interested, articulate and involved VOTERS.  When the stakes are high enough, and the electorate is mad enough, and they are courted by sincere and passionate candidates, people VOTE!

There were some messages sent from this straw poll meeting,  First, Cain’s victory in Florida JUST sent a bolt of political lightning to the leadership of the GOP:  “The Voters WILL Vote…when given REAL choices!”  Another message, in-between the headlines, this going to the Indiana Democrat party.  While this was a straw poll in Florida, the Democrat establishment in Indiana had better remind Rep. Carson that he has his OWN re-election effort coming soon.

Herman Cain, just for grins, may provide a case of ‘tea’, to the local Indy GOP!

RAMEY, a syndicated columnist and book reviewer, lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. THE RAMEY COMMENTARIES appears on fine websites and gracious blogs around the world.  To correspond, email  manhoodline@yahoo.com.  © 2011 Mike Ramey/Barnstorm Communications.

A NATIONAL MOVEMENT LIFTS OFF IN INDIANAPOLIS

Citing the need for both biblical and spiritual solutions for a host of problems which have surfaced in the Black community, the first annual national conference of the Trusted Partners in Christ, Inc. wrapped up its inaugural run in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“It is already half-passed late,” said Dr. Henry J. Lyons, national president, to a gathering of church members and pastors from some fifteen states. “Every believer needs to wake up and gear up for war. Some will say it is time we stopped fighting. And these people are right! It is time we stopped fighting–each other.” Lyons, pastor of the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church of Tampa, Florida, brought the conference to the Midwest in mid-August of this year after prayerfully planning for the national launch of the organization for nearly a decade. Lyons, former president of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. is back in the national spotlight once again, bringing forth a coalition of churches and Christians to not only develop local training programs to help various communities through the church, but to train pastors and members to better recognize the biblical mandate in solving problems through the power of Jesus Christ. “The gospel is just as relevant as today’s newspaper. Psychology has a place. Politics has a place. Organization has a place. But Satan has outgunned us in every one of these areas. And, if you try to build your church with those things, your (churches) are going to fail.” Lyons said.

National Trusted Partners For Christ held a variety of workshops and training sessions where churches could learn about new technology, and use it along with some old-fashioned common sense in reaching people for Jesus Christ. Also, programs were being aimed at youth and the pulpit, including raising up and training the next generation of preachers. The event ran during the week of August 15^th at the Indianapolis Hilton in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

The first portion of Lyons’ remarks during the final evening of the event took on the tone of inspired leadership, readying the troops for battle and conflict. “This 21^st century up to this point has proven to be a mean-spirited, cruel generation with a mind to destroy all minorities…and ESPECIALLY Blacks. With all that in mind it is our determination to meet every challenge with the love of God.”

Lyons pointed out to the assembled multitude–some coming from as far away as Arkansas–that Satan has been attacking Black families, and our communities with unrelenting force. Marriage is under an onslaught. Children and education are under attack. Even President Barack Obama is not immune from social and political attack.

“We must get our people ready for the next election in 2012.” Lyons said. “Lead on (Mr. President), for no group, no party, no force can destroy what God has ordained.”

Following his inaugural leadership remarks, Lyons lifted up his Bible, and brought the Scriptures into play, further highlighting the scope and reach of the NTPFC. As a Baptist preacher, Lyons knows that the Bible is the key in the solutions that much be used to reach our communities. It boils down to individuals and churches being trained to not only recognize problems, but to have solutions at the ready.

The conference was well received by many who attended. Plans are already underway to spread the influence of the organization into other portions of the country, as well as expanding the types of workshops and trainings available–some of them to be offered via the Internet. The NTPFC is already looking forward to coming back to Indianapolis for the next annual event.

For next year, one such subject that will likely be explored: How urban churches can get an upper hand against the spread of gangs in their respective areas. Programs on this issue are being explored and resarched.

Lyons is also the president of the General Baptist State Convention of Florida. He has had a few widely publicized ups and downs over the last 15 years. Those negative events appear to be firmly behind him. In his own words, Lyons has reconciled with whom he has been blessed to reconcile, and apologized with whom he has been able to apologize. In the end, he may have enemies, but forgiveness will have to overcome bitter feelings over past wrongs, real or imagined.

“When you were born again, you were born to fight in a battle. And not only fight. When you were born again, you were born to win! That is more than just rhetoric. It is Truth! And, it’s high time we stop singing “Hold the Fort,” and began singing “Onward Christian Soldiers!” God IS calling Trusted Partners to victory.” Lyons said.

Lyons can be reached through www.ntpfc.org, or at, www.newsalemmb.org.

RAMEY, a syndicated columnist and book reviewer, lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. His writings appears on fine websites and gracious blogs around the world. To correspond, email manhoodline@yahoo.com. © 2011 Mike Ramey/Barnstorm Communications.