b'COMMUNITYHello or Hello AgainBy Marjorie B. Lewis, Ph.D., D. Min.A s we reflect on the Martin Luther KingHolidayandBlackHistory MonthinourDenverMetropolitan Community,Icannothelpbut expressappreciationoftheGreater MetropolitanDenverMinisterial Alliance (GMDMA).Itiscommonknowledgethatthis bodyofministersisuniqueandor amodelforotherministerialasso-ciations throughout the country.It is open to any ordained clergy regardless of denomination and has been in exis-tence for more than 50 years.Imaginearoomfullofmenand women who fear nothing and no one but God Almighty.This fearless group representsabalanceofpowerandMarjorie B. Lewisgrace, as no other organization, I have everexperienced.Ifonewerecom-ing in from the outside one might bePhillips.Youcouldsense,ifnotsee, so very intimidated by the U shapedthegentlemanwhohadapproached seating of these generals of God. the Alliance was relieved and restored. ThequestionsthisgroupposesTherewasanothertime,whenan toeveryonerangingfromUSandissue regarding homelessness was pre-StateSenatorsand/orcandidates,sented and featured a couple of mem-MunicipalMayorsand/orMayoralbersfromthehomelesscommunity. candidates, State and US members ofWithouthesitation,themembersof theHouseofRepresentativesand/orthehomelesscommunitywerefeda candidates, City Council Persons and/ hot meal during their presentation.It orcandidates,CommunityLeaderswas appreciated as they ate heartily. and Activists, School Board MembersThe sensitivity to the needs of the least and/or Candidates, District and Stateof these completes the balance of the Attorneys, past State Governors, andpower and grace of the GMDMA.somany-manymore,demonstrateThen there is the camaraderie among areflectionoftheinfluenceofGodsthe membership.As a Sister in Christ, championsintellectually,spiritually,I see each of the members as part of andasstewardsofourcommunity.my family.There is no need to pre-Yet,thistoughgroupdemonstratestend because we can see through each compassionandunconditionalloveother.After all, discernment would be without hesitation. part of its make-up.The GMDMA is as Oneparticularincidentoccurredgracious to one another as to individu-whenamemberofthecommunityals who need its support.came,mosthumbly,askingforgive- WhentheGMDMAcomestogether nessfromthisgroupforwhatheitisformidableandyetapproach-defined as a mistake.After the pre- able. The GMDMA truly represents the senter made his case, the members ofImage and Likeness of God.Yes the the Alliance said that was all that wasGMDMA has struggles, as any family necessary,acceptinghisapologyanddoes.Yet the bottom line always repre-offering support to him.They immedi- sents the fact that being a member is a ately surrounded him, laying on handsfamily affair and needing help from the and praying for him.The prayer wasGMDMA is one of the best positions in lead by the eldest members of the alli- which one would find oneself.ance, Pastors James Peters and Acen ThecombinationoftheGMDMAs intelligence,compassion,toughness, fidelityandfluidityexplainwhythe Without hesitation,GMDMAisamongthemostpow-erfulandinfluentialentitiesinthe the members of theGreater Metropolitan Denver jurisdic-tion.The powerful men and women of homeless communitythe GMDMA, as a group, husband our community.Our community is safer becauseoftheGreaterMetropolitan were fed a hotDenver Ministerial Alliance.meal during theirWe should thank God for this gift.presentation. Marjorie B Lewis can be contacted at:mblewisenterprises@gmail.comBODY OF CHRIST NEWS FEBRUARY 2020 11'