Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 246 BOCNEWS.com AUGUST 2016 The Spirit of Hatred With all the racial tension and unjustified shootings of Blacks going on in this country, Pastor Leon Emerson isn’t going to let his opin- ions go unheard. “I think what is going on is the spir- it of hatred has raised its ugly head,” said Pastor Emerson of Now Faith Christian Center at 5290 Kittredge St., in the Montbello-Denver area. He continues to question the sense- less death of 135 black men killed at the hands of law enforcement offi- cers. “I was just reading about some of these incidents. Now they are saying the one in Minnesota that the guy’s tail lights weren’t even broken. But the cop still goes up to the car and just shoots at the young man.” “These kids are tired of all this. It’s almost like the spirit of the Black Panthers back in the 70’s and 80’s when they were making noise. Now look what’s happening. White people are tired of President Obama being in the White House. He is the num- ber one man (as a world leader). And they are trying to smear his name until he leaves office.” That is why Pastor Emerson said it’s important for everyone to get be registered and vote. “Because those people of hatred will put Trump in office,” he adds. Pastor Emerson talks about how prayer is needed during these crisis times in our nation. During the early 2000’s, he and other pastors around the city got together and prayed because of all the crime plagu- ing Denver. Shortly after that, he explained how things turned around and the crime rate went down. “God sent Jonah to preach to the enemy. The bible said the city was saved. In the New Testament it showed where Philip went to Samaria and prayed and the city experienced joy,” said Pastor Emerson. “I don’t have a lot of ideas on what to do, but I do know how to get down on my knees and pray.” “God is not the author of confusion and hatred. So White pastors have to preach the truth. Black pastors have to preach the truth. And Hispanic pastors have to preach the truth. We are one people, under one nation under God.” Unity Through The Church The Rev. Dr. Chris Hill has his own concerns on the turn America is taking. And he doesn’t see this country unifying unless the churches lead the way. “With the election of Barack Obama, there was the belief that a real disparity in our nation had been bridged. But with violence in the inner cities, violence with police against young black men, and vio- lence against police by young black men, all the signs say says we have not come as far as we thought.” Rev. Hill, who is the senior pas- tor at the Potter’s House in Denver, adds the only cure is the kingdom of God. “Churches are in a unique posi- tion because we are cast in bringing people together, people from diverse communities, people of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. At the cross we are all equal,” he explains. Rev. Hill clearly expresses how no one cares when it is black on black crime but when that rage is turned against those of the White race, it seems the whole world takes notice. “There is an escalation of violence in America. This is the time the church has to be in a position to speak out and train people on how to live together. As they turn to us for prayer, we have to throw in that instruction or else I just see things getting worse.” Besides sharing his views on what’s going on in our country, Rev. Hill has written a book called “Walking to Jerusalem.” He traces the steps of David and his walk from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, which covers 12 cities that helped shape his diving purpose on earth. The book also details Rev. Hill’s own personal stories, including how he was homeless at the age of six, living on the streets in Boston, Mass. And how he later found his faith. Losing Our Foundation The Rev. Frank Davis shares his thoughts about the racial divide and tension going on in our country and how the church needs to step up: “It is a spiritual monitor of the condition of our world,” said the pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Denver. “We have fallen on the very foundation which our country was built on. And this is a wake-up call spiritually.” As Rev. Davis explains, you can’t legislate love and love has to be embedded in one’s heart, especially during these times of escalating racism. However, the problem also starts with our own people, states Rev. Davis. “Blacks killing Blacks. Yet we talk about Black lives matter but continue to have drive-by shoot- ings. We have to take a stand and say to our young people- enough is enough.” Rev. Davis adds it is important to utilize those resources within the black communities to further reach out to our young black men and women. “You can’t find those (resources) in the White House, in the State House or in the court house. This must be implemented in the church house.” Body of Christ News Leon Emerson Body of Christ News Body of Christ News Rev. Dr. Chris Hill Rev. Frank Davis RACE IN AMERICA RACE IN AMERICA These kids are tired of all this. It’s almost like the spirit of the Black Panthers back in the 70’s and 80’s when they were making noise. Now look what’s happening.