Black Church Newswire

Is President Obama the Most Explicitly Christian President in American History?

2012-02-22T14:42:47Z

A Messiah College Professor makes a claim that is sure to be a topic of conversation. American History Associate Professor John Fea, claims President Obama, is the most explicit Christian President in history. Fea supports his claim in a patheos.com column.

]]> Professor Fea Chairs the History Department at Messiah College, a nationally ranked Christian College in Grantham, Cumberland County.

To read Professor Fea's column, click here.

SOURCE: FOX-43

Baylor's Robert Griffin III is the Man With the Plan Going in to the NFL Combine

2012-02-22T14:41:55Z

The next step in the process has arrived, with roughly 300 draft prospects gathering in Indianapolis for the NFL's annual scouting combine that begins today, and there is no mistaking the verve Robert Griffin III is packing for the trip.

The Baylor quarterback hardly sounds like a prodigy content with winning the Heisman Trophy.

Here he comes.

]]> "This is a business trip," Griffin, 22, says after a workout in Arizona last weekend. "I'm the CEO of Griffin Enterprises. It's my job to go sell my product."

"RG3," the charismatic son of retired Army sergeants, is set to arrive Thursday. He will go through the meat-market gantlet that includes the most comprehensive series of physical exams he has ever encountered (32 teams, 32 doctors, 32 trainers, hundreds of probing fingers) and the NFL version of speed-dating (interviews with up to 32 teams, clocked to be cut off by a buzzer after 15 minutes).

He will get timed in the 40-yard dash and other events, such as the wondrous three-cone drill that meshes agility and acceleration.

Yet the player honored as the best in college football last season -- and arguably the most intriguing prospect in the draft that opens April 26 -- still isn't sure if he will show off his arm during quarterback drills Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Amid all of the buzz that surrounds him, Griffin is packing some mystery, too.

"It would be foolish to say it's even a fair and equitable environment for throwing," he says. "When you show up in a game, you're never going in without a game plan. It's a disadvantage to throw when you have no idea of the rhythm that you will have with your receivers.

"I'll decide when I get there. I'll do the other tests and see how it goes."

That's not an atypical combine view for a highly rated quarterback; many have held off throwing for scouts until pro days on college campuses are staged with familiar receivers in tow. Griffin's pro day is scheduled for March 21.

Says ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, "At this point, it doesn't matter a whole lot."

Click here to read more

Source: USA Today | Jarrett Bell

Will the 2012 Race Be Centered On Obama's Faith?

2012-02-22T14:41:16Z

The culture wars are not over.

Even as the likely presidential candidates in the fall, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, want to speak mostly about the economy, debates over issues such as abortion, faith and gay rights are almost certainly to play a major role in the 2012 campaign, as they do in nearly every election cycle.

]]> Democrats in states across the country are pushing to legalize gay marriage, despite the protestations of Republicans and the silence of Obama, who has largely avoided taking a position on the issue. They have repeatedly highlighted controversial stands by the likely Republican candidates on issues such as birth control, which Rick Santorum has said he personally opposes.

Republicans, for their part, except for Romney, aren't content to simply attack the president's record on the economy, but have repeatedly questioned his moral values and religiosity. Over the weekend, Santorum criticized the president's "theology." In an interview Tuesday on MSNBC's Morning Joe, the Rev. Franklin Graham was non-committal when asked if Obama or Romney are Christians.

"I think the best thing for a person is to ask you directly, so I think people have to ask Barack Obama," Graham said. "He's come out saying that he's a Christian, so I think the question is 'What is a Christian?"

Click here to read more.

SOURCE: The Grio

Perry Bacon Jr.

Obama Tells Muhammad Ali "Happy Birthday, Champ"

2012-02-20T15:42:41Z

President Barack Obama lauded Muhammad Ali Saturday as he joined some of the country's most famous people in offering birthday wishes to the boxer known simply as "The Greatest."

]]> "Happy birthday, champ," Obama told Ali through a video message, saying he wished he could have attended a swanky dinner gala in Las Vegas featuring some of the biggest names in sports, film, television and music.

"As a fighter, you were something spectacular," Obama told Ali, who turned 70 last month. "You shocked the world, and you inspired it, too. And even after all the titles and legendary bouts, you're still doing it."

The gala's 2,000 attendees were there to celebrate Ali's life and generate millions of dollars for brain research, a mission Ali's family says is important to him in part because of his nearly 30-year battle with Parkinson's disease.

A set of gloves Ali used to defeat Floyd Patterson in 1965 in Las Vegas -- the first heavyweight title fight in Sin City -- sold for $1.1 million. It came with one of the original posters used to promote the fight, which had Muhammad Ali's chosen name as a subscript to Cassius Clay, the name he was born with. When Ali converted to Islam, many people resisted calling him by his new name.

Ali entered the room and sat at a table with his family before bidding began on the gloves.

Lorenzo Fertitta, a casino owner and ultimate fighting championship owner, won the gloves, which organizers had said earlier they hoped would fetch $500,000.

Football great Jim Brown said Ali represents the greatest of America, because at one time people only recognized his athletic ability and didn't like what he had to say. That changed over time, he said.

"America started with slavery and ended up with a black president," Brown said. "Muhammad Ali was a part of that ... a big part."

Ali's wife, Lonnie Ali, told the star-studded crowd that her husband's greatest wish has always been to inspire and help others. She said he feels that his life really began when he retired from the ring.

"Muhammad's gift of inspiration is timeless, and now more relevant than ever," she said after being introduced by music icon Quincy Jones.

Lonnie Ali introduced a video montage of her husband's life, including clips from his work with children.

"People look for miracles, people look for wonders, people expect surprises of all kinds," Ali said in the video. "Yet the greatest wonder, the greatest miracle, the greatest surprise is to be found in one's heart."

Guests arriving on the red carpet included football great Franco Harris, supermodel Cindy Crawford, acting star Samuel L. Jackson, Ali's children and grandchildren and Chuck Wepner, who fought Ali in 1975 for the heavyweight title and lost.

"I would go anywhere in the world for Muhammad Ali's birthday," Wepner said.

One of Ali's daughters, Rasheda Ali, said the gala is a chance for friends, family and A-listers who look up to her father to show their respect for his life and legacy as a humanitarian. In return, she says he'll be honored to see them there.

"He has not left that need to help others," Rasheda Ali said. "That's one of his core values -- his charity and his giving."

The gala -- with tickets starting at $1,500 per plate -- was held at the MGM Grand, the site of most of boxing's major fights the past two decades. Famous faces converged on the 160 tables adjacent to two rings and a stage -- Terrence Howard, Anthony Hopkins, Manny Pacquiao, and Lenny Kravitz, among others. They spoke and performed in tribute to a fighter who went 56-5 in the ring with 37 knockouts and became perhaps the most famous athlete ever because of his personality and willingness to publicly stand up for his beliefs.

Stevie Wonder, who performed earlier in the day at Whitney Houston's funeral, performed "Keep Our Love Alive" and "Superstition." Rasheda Ali said Wonder was the performer her father was most looking forward to seeing.

Wonder wasn't the only performer.

Snoop Dogg sang a medley of his hits, John Legend, Kravitz, Slash, Kelly Rowland and Cee Lo Green all performed. LL Cool J rapped "Mama Said Knock You Out" as DJ Z-Trip span a remixed version of the song that included Ali audio, including his famous "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" quote.

Tennis great Andre Agassi said Ali has shown the world that each person has a duty -- regardless of their occupation -- to live for more than him or herself and help others.

"What he did with his platform was unparalleled and the impact he's had as a result, we still feel to this day, which is why we're all out here tonight," Agassi said. "We're grateful to what he's done. He's been a leader -- we're also challenged and charged with a duty of figuring out a way to do more."

Ali has lived with Parkinson's disease for nearly 30 years, a degenerative brain condition that some doctors say can be brought on by punches to the head.

The gala raised funds for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Ky., a cultural attraction that celebrates Ali's life and pushes educational goals on a wide range of topics for adults and children.

Larry Ruvo, chairman of the clinic's fundraising arm, Keep Memory Alive, said he's not sure whether the fundraiser will exceed its record of $27 million, but he hopes so.

The gala's auction includes some items that only an A-lister or others with incredibly deep pockets could possibly afford. The top item was Ali's gloves that he used to fight Floyd Patterson in 1965, a bout he won by knockout in the 12th round.

"If it's $100, great, $100,000 would be better," Larry King said in trying to drum up bids.

Magician David Copperfield auctioned off a four-night trip to his set of 11 private islands in the Bahamas for $300,000.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum said during a pre-gala reception Friday night attended by celebrities including Hopkins and Larry King that Ali will go down as one of the most important Americans in history.

"Without Muhammad Ali, there wouldn't have been an Obama," he said. "There wouldn't have been a mixed-race president."

ABC and ESPN plan to air the gala on Feb. 25.

SOURCE: The Associated Press

Whitney Houston Laid to Rest In New Jersey

2012-02-20T15:41:38Z

Whitney Houston was laid to rest on Sunday in a private burial before family and close friends near her birthplace in Newark, New Jersey, more than a week after her sudden death shocked the world.

]]> The pop star, whose powerful voice fueled her rise to fame in the mid-1980s with self-titled albums that made her a global pop star, died in a Beverly Hills hotel room last week. She was found underwater in a bathtub, but an exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

Dozens of fans lined the edge of street barriers as the procession carrying Houston's body drove by under tight security from a funeral home in Newark, New Jersey to the Forest Lawn cemetery in nearby Westfield where Houston's body was buried next to her father.

"It was emotional," Teresa Giannetta, 35, who lives in Westfield and showed up with her daughter, Julia, 8, said after the hearse went by. Like many fans, Giannetta said she grew up listening to Houston's music and likened the singer to "the voice of my childhood."

"It's bittersweet to have her buried so close to home for us," she said.

Houston was laid to rest in her burial site after stars, family and friends mourned her in a spirited Baptist funeral service at her hometown church on Saturday. The New Hope Baptist Church in Newark was where Houston honed her wide vocal range as a young choral singer with her mother Cissy Houston, a backup singer for Aretha Franklin.

She recorded stirring love songs and vibrant dance tunes during a 30-year career that peaked with her 1992 signature hit "I Will Always Love You" and paved the way for a generation of singers such as Mariah Carey.

But Houston suffered a turbulent personal life and volatile marriage to singer Bobby Brown, and she admitted to heavy use of cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and prescription pills. Officials have said prescription drugs were found in the hotel room where she died, but they have not yet linked her death to drug use.

"People judge her for the last few years. You cannot do that. She gave 30 years of her wonderful, beautiful voice and shared with us. And you have to love that. You have to respect that," said Donna Wesolowki, 48, of New Jersey, who had watched Sunday's procession.

Houston's family decided against a public memorial service, as was done for pop star Michael Jackson after his 2009 death, but agreed to allow Saturday's four-hour tribute in the church to be broadcast live by television networks.

SOURCE: Reuters

(Additional reporting By Christine Kearney; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

Music Legend Mable John Talks About How She Led Ray Charles to Jesus Christ

2012-02-20T15:40:25Z

Singer Ray Charles pioneered soul music and helped to integrate country and pop music in the 1960s. The Academy Award winning movie, "Ray," told his life story, but it failed to include one powerful force in Charles' life -- a woman named Mable John.

Mable John is music legend. Motown Records signed her as its first female solo artist in 1959. At 80 years and counting, John still performs around the world.

]]> She spoke with CBN News at her home in Los Angeles, just days before leaving the country for a concert. She can still remember recording her very first record.

"That first 45, which they no longer make," John laughed. "It was called, 'Who Wouldn't Love a Man Like That.'"

John often calls herself a "sanctified blues singer." But she does more than just sing the blues. In fact, her industry nickname is "Story Teller."

"Most of the songs that I did at Motown were taken from some life experience of mine or some conversation Berry Gordy and I had together about my husband or about a boyfriend and about all kinds of things that related to my life," John explained.

Colorful Life

John's life is a colorful story. As the oldest of 10 children, she grew up in a family of singers in Detroit, Mich. Her brother, Little Willie John, penned the tune "You Give Me Fever." The song was first made famous by Peggy Lee and later by Madonna.

As teenager, John worked for Berry Gordy's mother. But she did not meet the famed founder of Motown until she was as an adult.

She was a church choir director, but running numbers on the side.

"The moment I said, 'I am going to have a coach and I am going to sing and I am going to make records,' they (the church) just said, 'well you can't do that,'" she recalled. "'That is of the devil.'"

"What none of us really realized that my whole lifestyle was of the devil. I could go to jail for what I was doing," she said.

She left the gambling life behind when she signed the record deal. She also rededicated her life and voice to the Lord, who blessed her with the gift of song.

John also promised God she'd share her faith, even in an industry plagued with temptation and trouble.

"Talk about the grace of God," she told CBN News. "God rescued me from myself. They always made like a joyful fun of me because I sound so gospel."

"And they knew, and I guess I knew too, whatever the seed is that is in you, that is the seed that comes out," she said.

Click here to read more

Source: CBN News | Efrem Graham

Your Tomorrow Could Very Well be Today

2012-02-19T22:25:40Z

GOSPEL LIGHT MINUTE

with Daniel Whyte III

Allow me to read the words of a song titled "Tomorrow" written and sung by The Winans. I had not heard this song in a long time until Saturday at Whitney Houston's homegoing service.

Jesus said, "Here I stand

Won't you please let me in?"

And you said, "I will tomorrow"

]]>

Click the play button below to listen to this broadcast.

For more Gospel Light
Minute Broadcasts, click here.

Jesus said, "I am He who supplies all your needs

And you said, "I know, but tomorrow

Ooh, tomorrow, I'll give my life"

Tomorrow, I thought about today

But it's so much easier to say"

Tomorrow, who promised you tomorrow

Better choose the Lord today

For tomorrow very well might be too late

And who said tomorrow would ever come for you

Still you laugh and play and continue on to say, "Tomorrow"

Forget about tomorrow, won't you give your life today

Please don't just turn and walk away

Tomorrow, tomorrow is not promised

Don't let this moment slip away

Your tomorrow could very well begin today.

These are the words to a famous song written by Carvin Winans and Deborah Winans, and first sung by Carvin and his brothers Marvin, Michael, and Ronald in 1984. Carvin, Marvin, and their youngest brother, BeBe Winans sung this song again at Whitney Houston's homegoing service on Saturday, February 18, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey at the New Hope Baptist Church.

The words to this song are a powerful reminder to all of us that tomorrow is not promised us. James 4:13-14 states, "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." I am sure that Whitney Houston looked forward to attending her music mentor, Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party in the days before her death. She even told him that she was working on getting her voice back and that she would be "ready by August". By many accounts she was looking forward to the future and to doing what she loved to do and spending time with her precious daughter, Bobbi Kristina. And for those of you who think that Whitney Houston had a death wish or a suicidal mentality, I assure you that the last thing on earth she wanted to do was die with her daughter just turning 18 years old. But "tomorrow" never came for Whitney Houston. Tomorrow is not promised to come for you or for me. Since today is all we have, this moment is all we have, the question is if you were to die today, are you ready to meet your Creator? Apparently, Whitney Houston was ready to meet Jesus Christ. Somewhere in her young life, she decided to believe in Jesus Christ. She loved Him and she knew that He loved her. She did not put off believing in Jesus until "tomorrow". 2 Corinthians 6:2 states, "now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

Dear friend, many people who were alive yesterday are dead this morning. Many people who thought they would be here today are not here. So, "Don't let this moment slip away." Don't put off accepting Christ until tomorrow or until some other time. "Your tomorrow could very well be today." If you want to be ready to meet your Creator as Whitney Houston was, allow me to show you how:

John 3:16 reads, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

"For God so loved the world" means that if you are in the world, God loves you. No matter who you are, where you are, or what you have done, God loves you.

God loves you more than you love yourself. He loves you so much so "that He gave His only begotten Son." His only begotten son is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and for mine, He was buried, and on the third day, He rose from the dead.

"that whosoever believeth in Him", whosoever means anybody of any race, any color, any belief system, or any socio-economic status can believe on Jesus Christ.

"should not perish, but have everlasting life." if you believe on Jesus Christ as your Saviour, you will not perish in hell, instead you will have everlasting life in heaven with God.

The Bible also says in Romans 10:9 and 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.... For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Dear friend, if you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me this simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!

Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in twenty-three foreign countries. He is the author of sixteen books. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry which publishes a monthly magazine called The Torch Leader. He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts, The Prayer Motivator Devotional and the Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, and the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor's degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, and a Master's degree in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica for twenty-five years. God has blessed their union with seven children. Find out more at www.danielwhyte3.com.

Musical Selection

Song: "Tomorrow"

Album: Tomorrow

Artist: The Winans

Click here to buy this song >>>

I Will See Whitney, Moses, David, Samson, and Peter in Heaven -- Will I See You?

2012-02-19T18:28:14Z

THE GOSPEL LIGHT MINUTE X

with Daniel Whyte III

Whitney Houston's body will be laid to rest today, Sunday, February 19, 2012, after a fantastic homegoing service at her home church in New Jersey on Saturday. The church was filled with well-known pastors, singers, musicians, movie directors, actors, and music moguls from different backgrounds and walks of life. They all came not only to celebrate her life, but to celebrate her faith and love for God. ]]>

Click the play button below to listen to this broadcast.

For more Gospel Light
Minute X Broadcasts, click here.

Believe it or not, Whitney Houston was a witness for the Lord throughout her life even though she had gotten away from the Lord in her personal life from time to time. But like Samson she brought more glory to God in her death than in her life. She brought more people to the House of God to hear the Word of God, from all over the world, than some people will bring in a lifetime. Someone asked the Governor of New Jersey, 'why are you flying the flags half-staff for Whitney Houston? She had some drug abuse issues in her life.' The governor replied, "but for the grace of God go I."

Some people may doubt if Whitney Houston went to Heaven when she died based upon some things she did in her latter years. If that were the basis for going to Heaven, then we could also doubt if some of the servants of the Lord whom God used in the Bible went to Heaven as well. Moses was a murderer, yet God allowed him to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land and God gave Him the Ten Commandments which, by the way, included the command, "Thou shalt not kill." David was an adulterer, murderer, and liar, but yet he was the king of Israel and remained so after he sinned, and despite his sins, God still called him a man after His own heart. Samson was a womanizer who used his God-given gifts and talents for his own purposes, yet God used him at the end of his life and even through his death to bring victory for the Israelites over their enemies for the glory of God. Peter committed the ultimate sin of denying he knew Christ, not once, not twice, but three times, yet he was the first one to enter the empty tomb of Jesus Christ after His resurrection, he was used by God to bring the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the whole known world in the book of Acts, he wrote two books in the New Testament, and was used by God to be a key leader in the early church. Just based upon their behaviour and actions, none of these servants of the Lord should be in Heaven. But I can assure you that they are, not based upon their behaviour but based upon their belief in Jesus Christ - the Messiah. Whitney Houston, by the accounts of several of her friends and by her own words, believed in Jesus Christ and loved Him all the way to the end of her life.

After a week of gathering information on her spiritual life, I am convinced that I will see Whitney in Heaven, along with Moses, David, Samson, and Peter. The question today is will I see you in Heaven? Dr. John MacArthur, who is a biblical scholar, said, "Heaven is a place more wonderful than we can ever begin to imagine. It is a place of joy and beauty, of peace and happiness that will never end." (end of quote) Just last night, after looking at a broadcast regarding Whitney Houston, they showed the movie "The Bodyguard", which Whitney Houston starred in with Kevin Costner. For the first time I watched that movie, and to my surprise, it was a good movie, and I told my family that Heaven will be like a great movie that never ends. Dr. John MacArthur continues by saying, "Heaven is also a place where there will be no sin or suffering, no sorrow or pain. Heaven is the place where we will have perfect joy, perfect peace, perfect knowledge, and live in perfect comfort. We will love God perfectly and will be loved perfectly by Him. His love will engulf us forever." Will I see you in this beautiful place called Heaven? If you were to die today and you're not sure that you would go to this place called Heaven where not only Moses, David, Samson, and Peter are, but where I believe Whitney Houston is, allow me to show you how you can be sure right now:

1. Accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God's law. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:20: "For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not." Romans 3:23 reads: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." In fact, I am the chief of sinners, so don't think that you're alone.

2. Accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death..."

3. Accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." The Bible says in Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

4. Accept the fact that you cannot do anything to save yourself! The Bible states in Ephesians 2: 8, 9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast."

5. Accept the fact that God loves you more than you love yourself, and that He wants to save you from hell. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

6. With these facts in mind, please repent of your sins, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and pray and ask Him to come into your heart and save you this very moment. The Bible states in the book of Romans 10:9, 13: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

If you are willing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, please pray with me the following simple prayer: Heavenly Father, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I now believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!

Remember, friend, Believe by faith. Share the faith. and Keep the faith!

Musical Selection

Song: "I Look To You"

Album: I Look To You

Artist: Whitney Houston

Click here to buy this song >>>

Whitney Houston to be Buried Next to her Father Today

2012-02-19T15:33:52Z

After all the testimonials from relatives and friends, the songs from legends and pop stars, the preaching and even laughter, the raw emotion of Whitney Houston's funeral came down to just one moment: The sound of her own voice.

As the strains of her biggest record, "I Will Always Love You," filled the New Hope Baptist Church at the end of the nearly four-hour service Saturday and her silver-and-gold casket was lifted in the air, the weight of the moment was too much for mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, to bear.

]]> As she was held up by two women, she wailed, "My baby! My baby!" as she was led out the church behind her daughter's body.

A few steps behind her was the pop icon's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, also crying uncontrollably as she was comforted by Houston's close friend, singer Ray J.

It was the most searing scene on a day with mixed moods as family, friends and a list celebrities - sometimes one in the same - came to the humble New Hope Baptist Church where she first wowed a congregation to remember one of music's legends, but also a New Jersey hometown girl.

Houston died last Saturday in Beverly Hills, Calif., on the eve of the Grammys at the age of 48. Her death marked the end of a life that was marked by stunning achievements: Blessed with a voice of great power and beauty, Houston became one of pop music's most successful artists over a career that spanned nearly three decades and segued into film with hits like "The Bodyguard."

But her struggles with drugs and very public fall from grace during tumultuous times, including a union with ex-husband Bobby Brown, were among the many valleys in her life.

Both sides of Houston were recalled at the service at New Hope, which was filled with about 300 mourners, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Hudson, Diane Sawyer and Houston's cousin, Dionne Warwick.

"She was someone with a charmed and a beautiful life, sometimes misunderstood, even by herself," said her sister-in-law and manager, Patricia Houston. "But a life nevertheless that gave joy, happiness, enthusiasm, peace and beautiful music to millions of people around the world."

Kevin Costner, her co-star in "The Bodyguard," said for all of Houston's beauty and success, she was still yearning for approval from the public - and still somewhat insecure, a superstar who "still wondered, `Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?'"

"It's a tree we could all hang from - the unexplainable burden that comes with fame," he said. "Call it doubt. call it fear. I've had mine. And I know the famous in the room have had theirs."

Many who spoke talked about Houston's unshakable faith in Jesus Christ, which got her through some of her most difficult times. Perry recalled a conversation where Houston would look sad when reflecting on her troubles, but then would hasten to add that God was taking care of her.

"The other thing I know for sure - and this is more important than anything that she's done in her life - Whitney Houston loved the Lord," he said.

Fittingly, music played a major role in the send-off to one of music's greatest voices.

Stevie Wonder rewrote lyrics to "Ribbon in the Sky" for Houston - "you will always be a ribbon in the sky," he sang.

So did gospel's the Rev. Kim Burrell for "A Change is Gonna Come," which Warwick said was Houston's favorite song of all time. R. Kelly brought the New Hope Baptist Church to its feet with a stirring version of "I Look to You," the title of Houston's final studio album.

And Keys, her voice breaking at times, dedicated her song "Send Me An Angel," to Houston

Brown briefly appeared at her funeral, walking to the casket, touching it and walking out. He later said in a statement that he and his children were asked repeatedly to move and he left rather than risk creating a scene.

Close family friend Aretha Franklin, whom Houston lovingly called "Aunt Ree," had been expected to sing at the service, but said early Saturday she was too ill to attend. Franklin said in an email to The Associated Press that she had been up most of the night with leg spasms and sent best wishes to the family.

Warwick presided over the funeral, introducing speakers and singers and offering short insights about her cousin; she joked that Houston's Super Bowl performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" became almost as big as the telephone book.

Hudson, who sang "I Will Always Love You" a night after Houston's death in a Grammy tribute, mourned Houston along with Monica, Brandy, and Jordin Sparks - representing a generation of big-voiced young singers who grew up emulating the star of the `80s and `90s. Sparks stars with Houston in the remake of the 1970s film "Sparkle," due out in August.

As the funeral began, mourners fell quiet as three police officers escorted Houston's casket, draped with white roses and purple lilies. White-robed choir members began to fill the pews on the podium. As the band played softly, the choir sang in a hushed voice, "Whitney, Whitney, Whitney."

A program featuring a picture of Houston looking skyward read "Celebrating the life of Whitney Elizabeth Houston, a child of God." Pictures of Houston as a baby, with her mother and daughter filled the program.

"I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long," Cissy Houston wrote her daughter in a letter published in the program. "And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years."

"Rest, my baby girl in peace," the letter ends, signed "mommie."

To the world, Houston was the pop queen with the perfect voice, the dazzling diva with regal beauty, a troubled superstar suffering from addiction and, finally, another victim of the dark side of fame. To her family and friends, she was just "Nippy." A nickname given to Houston when she was a child, it stuck with her through adulthood and, later, would become the name of one of her companies.

A few fans gathered hours before the service as close as they could get to the church, some from as far away as Washington, D.C., and Miami. Bobby Brooks said he came from Washington "just to be among the rest of the fans."

"Just to celebrate her life, not just her death," said Brooks, "just to sing and dance with the people that love her."

Others were more entrepreneurial, setting up card tables to sell silk-screened T-shirts with Houston's image and her CDs. Fans were kept blocks from the church and the invitation-only funeral, but their presence was felt. A huge shrine of heart-shaped balloons and personal messages that covered the street corner around the church entrance.

Houston's death marked the final chapter for the superstar whose fall from grace was years in the making. Houston had her first No. 1 hit by the time she was 22, followed by a flurry of No. 1 songs and multi-platinum records.

Over her career, she sold more than 50 million records in the United States alone. Her voice, an ideal blend of power, grace and beauty, made classics out of songs like "Saving All My Love For You," `'I Will Always Love You," `'The Greatest Love of All" and "I'm Every Woman." Her six Grammys were only a fraction of her many awards.

Her last album, "I Look To You," debuted on the top of the charts when it was released in 2009 with strong sales, but didn't have the staying power of her previous records. A tour the next year was doomed by cancellations because of illness and sub-par performances.

Houston is to be buried Sunday next to her father, John Houston, in nearby Westfield, N.J.

SOURCE: The Associated Press

Clive Davis to Speak at Whitney Houston's Funeral

2012-02-17T13:16:46Z

Clive Davis, Whitney Houston's mentor and longtime friend, will speak at her funeral Saturday in Newark, along with other celebrities and colleagues who were close to the singer. ]]> The music mogul, 79, signed Houston to his Arista label in 1983, and she rose to superstardom under his guidance.

Houston, a regular luminary at his annual star-studded Pre-Grammy Gala, was in Los Angeles to attend the party last Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton when her body was discovered that afternoon in her suite at the hotel.

Davis, Sony Music's chief creative officer, has been criticized by Chaka Khan, Sharon Osbourne and others for not canceling the party, but many Houston friends were in attendance and several celebrities told USA TODAY they felt the gathering was respectful and comforting.

"It's kind of like going to church," Tom Hanks said.

Gayle King added, "It's healing to be here, around people who understood."

Reports of tension between Davis and the Houston clan are utterly false, says Kristen Foster, a representative for the Houston family.

"The Houston family thanks God that Clive Davis has been by their side during this terrible time," Foster says. "He has been an unwavering source of emotional support for them, speaking with them hourly, helping them plan the funeral and just being rock-solid."

Also confirmed to participate in the funeral program at New Hope Baptist Church: Tyler Perry, Kevin Costner, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Rickey Minor, Alicia Keys, Dionne Warwick, Marvin Winans, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell.

Source: USA Today | Edna Gundersen

Whitney Houston's Funeral Saturday Will Be Aired On TV

2012-02-16T12:29:18Z

Saturday's funeral for legendary pop singer Whitney Houston is expected to be made available for television and web streaming from the New Jersey church where she grew up, Houston's publicist said Wednesday.

]]> The services, to be held at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, will be in a much smaller, more intimate setting than the concert halls and arenas Houston packed during her heyday.

In every sense, she will be going home.

Publicists and entertainers by Wednesday had confirmed nearly a dozen celebrities and personalities will be in some of the 1,500 coveted, "invitation-only" seats. No public memorial is planned.

Although the family is not commenting on Houston's burial location, her death certificate filed Wednesday in Los Angeles lists it as Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey.

A message left by CNN with the cemetery office was not immediately returned.

Gospel singer and pastor Marvin L. Winans, a longtime friend of the Houston family, will give the eulogy at New Hope Baptist Church. Winans officiated at Houston's 1992 marriage ceremony to R&B singer Bobby Brown.

Aretha Franklin, Houston's godmother, has been asked to sing at the funeral, which begins at noon, Franklin's spokeswoman said. .

Others confirmed on the guest list are Chaka Khan, Bebe & CeCe Winans, songwriter Diane Warren, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Antonio "L.A." Reid, Ray J and Brandy. Houston's cousin, singer Dionne Warwick, was in New Jersey helping the family with funeral arrangements, Warwick's publicist said

Chaka Khan was a close friend of Houston. Reid produced many of Houston's songs and Jakes co-produced Houston's last film, "Sparkle," which is scheduled to be released this summer. Houston and Jakes are listed as producers.

Ray J, a hip-hop artist, and Houston dated off and on after she was divorced from Brown.

Jackson and the Winans music family have been very close friends of the Houstons.

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SOURCE: CNN

Phil Gast

WATCH: Whitney Houston Talks to Oprah About Michael Jackson's Untimely Death; says 'I Didn't Want to Go Down that Road'

2012-02-16T12:19:58Z

In a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston was asked how Michael Jackson's passing affected her -- and the singer's words are particularly chilling given her own untimely death at age 48. ]]>

The King of Pop died at age 51 from a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol in 2009.

Houston told Winfrey that his passing was "devastating".

With her voice shaking, the troubled songstress added, "I thought, 'This can't be true. This can't be true.' I knew he was on painkillers at one time. I didn't know how far and how deep it was."

Houston recalled taping Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration with the King of Pop in 2001. Both stars appeared extremely frail at the event.

The singer remembered looking at Jackson and then looking at herself. "I was getting scared," she admitted. "I was looking at myself going, 'No, I don't want this to be like this. This can't happen. Not both of us.'"

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Source: Yahoo News | Claudine Zap | Stop The Presses!

Marvin Winans to Lead Private Whitney Houston Funeral

2012-02-15T13:58:47Z

Detroit pastor and Grammy-winning gospel singer Marvin Winans said Tuesday he will preside at the funeral services for Whitney Houston.

Cards, balloons and flowers are displayed at a makeshift memorial outside of The New Hope Baptist Church on Tuesday in Newark City.

]]> The private services are set for noon Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church in Houston's hometown of Newark, N.J. Houston, 48, died Saturday in Beverly Hills.

Winans, who serves at Perfecting Church on Detroit's east side, said he has known Houston since the early '80s, when she released her first album. He said he is delivering the homily at the request of the singer's mother, Cissy Houston.

Winans, who presided over the wedding of Houston and singer Bobby Brown, said he last saw Whitney Houston when she was in Detroit in late 2011 filming the remake of Sparkle-- and she attended services at Perfecting.

Houston was also very close with Winans' younger sister, famed gospel singer CeCe Winans. Houston and CeCe sang Count on Me for the movie Waiting to Exhale, in which Houston starred.

Marvin Winans said the entire Winans family will attend the service. Asked whether any of the Winans will perform, he replied: "Whatever Momma Houston wants, that's what she's going to get."

In Newark, Whigham Funeral Home owner Carolyn Whigham said the service will be by invitation only, reflecting the family's decision to keep the memorial more personal.

Outside the funeral home, Florence Daniels-Jackson used a cane for support as she made her way to the glass doors. Fifteen years ago, Houston took time to attend the funeral for Daniels-Jackson's niece after the woman suffered an aneurysm at 28, Daniels-Jackson said.

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Source: USA Today | Kelley L. Carter and Alesha Williams Boyd

Ray Charles Foundation Wants $3 Million Gift to Albany State University Returned

2012-02-15T13:57:47Z

The Ray Charles Foundation is demanding the return of a $3 million gift given to Albany State University a decade ago because the organization says the college has yet to use the money to build a performing arts center in the late artist's name. ]]>

In 2001, Charles gave the south Georgia school $1 million and donated another $2 million a year later after receiving an honorary doctorate from the college. The native of Albany, Ga., died in 2004 at age 73.

The money was given solely for the construction of the performing arts center, yet it only exists "on the drawing board and in an unapproved downsized plan," the foundation said in a statement.

Charles was specific on how the money was to be spent, said foundation president Valerie Ervin.

"It is incomprehensible that Albany State University failed to use the money in the manner Mr. Charles wanted. Mr. Charles would find ASU's behavior unacceptable," she said.

Albany State University spokesman Demetrius Love said the gift was never restricted and that the school continues to pursue additional funding for the building, which is expected to cost at least $23 million.

The 2001 donation still is in a bank and the $2 million gift was given to 125 students chosen to be Ray Charles Presidential Scholars, according to the university. Officials said the donation was the largest gift the university has ever received.

"It has been a long and tedious process, but strides have been made in accomplishing this goal," Love said in an email statement. "Albany State University will continue in its efforts of honoring Mr. Ray Charles by constructing a fine arts building in his name."

Plans for the project have stalled in recent years because of a lack of state funding amid budget cuts.

In October, the university's legal counsel sent a letter to the foundation reiterating their desire to move forward with the building project, which also includes a theater to be named for Charles' mother. The university has received additional state funding to support the design phase of the building, the letter said.

"When Mr. Charles made the two separate gifts to the University, he did so without restrictions," the letter reads. "The University does believe that a Fine Arts Building named after Mr. Charles, with a theatre named in honor of Mr. Charles' mother, Mrs. Aretha Robinson, is one of the ways to do `the right thing.' The University has been working tirelessly towards that goal."

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Online:

http://www.asurams.edu

http://www.raycharles.com

Follow Haines on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emarvelous

SOURCE: ERRIN HAINES
Associated Press

Whitney Houston's Faith: "I Know I'm a Child of God and I Know He Loves Me"

2012-02-14T13:00:50Z

One of the outstanding female vocalists of all time had roots in the church and continued to profess her faith in Jesus Christ until her tragic death at age 48. ]]> "Our hearts are broken," Pastor Joe A. Carter said Sunday, before a packed service at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, where Houston's inspired gift was first recognized. "How saddened we are at the death of one of the greatest voices of the modern age."

Houston began to sing with the church's junior gospel choir at age 11. Years later, her mother, Cissy Houston, is still a devoted member of the church.

"I'll never forget her right here standing at the New Hope Church, hearing her sing, 'He Would Not Come Down,'" Pastor Carter said, "hearing her sing the praises of Jesus Christ."

In a rare appearance on "Primetime" December 4, 2002 with Diane Sawyer, Houston revealed her struggle to overcome drug addiction, which involved a spiritual battle for her heart. Houston admitted she had used alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and pills in the past, but said the biggest "devil" was not the drugs, but herself.

"It's my heart. It's what I desire, what I want and what I don't want. Nobody makes me do anything. I'm my best friend and my worst enemy," she confessed.

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Source: GodReports | Mark Ellis