9 AUGUST 2018 BODY OF CHRIST NEWS It has been great being under the ministry of Bishop Israel Ade-Ajala at Kingdom Connection Christian Center. His teachings have changed my life. I was not a perfect man to begin with, but I am so thankful to Bishop Israel Ade-Ajala for his ministry. Bishop Israel Ade-Ajala, God will not make you to be shamed and will bless you and your family. As a member of Kingdom Connection where we pray for the nations I am praying for my country Liberia. I have been given authority from God to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing by any means shall hurt me. Luke 10:19 Top Teen Heros One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich--both come to poverty. — Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. “There's a hero if you look inside your heart you don't have to be afraid of what you are. There's an answer if you reach into your soul.” Mountain West Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, (TLOD), and Top Teens of America (TTA) chose to volunteer in the community. The motivation of these young people is the spirit of greatness which is intro- duced to them by their parents. “And then a hero comes along with the strength to carry on, and you cast your fears aside, and you know you can survive. So when you feel like hope is gone look inside you and be strong And you'll finally see the truth that a hero lies in you.” The Mountain West Chapter of TTA advisors is two dedicated and energetic young women Lady Aeron LaCrosby, and Lady Antoinette (Nina) West. The two of them lead by example and allow the teens to chose and planned their projects, everything from raising funds to executing the missions. “Show them all the beauty they possess inside.” While the 2017-2018 planning and event year draws to an end, TTA has scheduled and participated in twenty-seven community programs. Beginning with Hi Mom I'm Home Back to School Donation & Event and the Montebello Manor Senior Home Festival, with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., events a Top Teens Meeting – Bullying, the TTA Area VI Leadership Conference in Tucson, Arizona, and concluded with a car- nival for those who are homeless. “Give them a sens of pride to make it easier.” As a way to show their gratitude, The Mountain West Chapter Top Ladies hosted a year-end reception where they presented the Top Teens with awards and to the graduating high school seniors a stipend. “Find your strength in LOVE!” Of the awards presented Top Teen, Kayla Brown received the Leadership Award. Kayla is a mem- ber of Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus (Pastor Reverend Paul Burleson) Kayla plays the saxo- phone and has a 3.8 GPA she will graduate in 2019 from Cherokee Trail High School. The Rising Leader Award present- ed to Top Teen, Disuuri Suidi this young man is 13 years old and leads the fundraising community putting together the budgets for the TTA projects and doing a cost analysis to ensure that the group meets their cost and revenue goals. The Outstanding Level of Participation - Top Teen, Essence Walker. Essence participated in over 75% of the TTA 2017-2018 events and was very instrumental in col- lecting donated items for the TLOD & TTA Autumn Treasure funding drive. “I believe that Children are our future teach them well and let them lead the way.” Some of the Top Teen’s spoke and told of how being a part of the TTA organization has allowed them to step up and start leadership pro- grams in their school. They men- tioned how it has given them a new level of conferences and self-aware- ness and how its assist with them is finding their voice. They all concurred that serving the community and the elderly were especially rewarding; they stated how they are looking forward to the 2018-2019 program year. The parents stated how much of a blessing it is to have the children involved in a positive. Community- oriented organization. The parents came along and volunteered work- ing side by side with their Top Teens and the Ladies of TLOD. Many of TLOD partners were pres- ent such as Hi Mom I am Home, Colorado Sickacel, The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Colorado Holiday Commission. They expressed how having Top Teens of America serv- ing in the community inspired other youth and adults alike to provide a hand in uplifting others. The TTA are the leaders of tomor- row as they take a stand today. If you are someone you know would like to be a member or vol- unteer with TLOD or TTA feel free to email TLOD at mountainwesttlod@ gmail.com By Dr Vern L. Howard