The THRIVE Zone Takes Action To Provide Senior Care Packages

The Thrive Zone Church Outreach Department in Stone Mountain, Georgia officially launched it's "Senior Care Packages For Senior Citizens" initiative last month, March 28th. The outreach serves to provide support by providing care packages to seniors who are under shelter in place restrictions during COVID-19.

The church has coordinated to collect individually wrapped toilet tissue, individually wrapped paper towels, hand sanitizer, hand soap, and disinfectant wipes. The team has successfully prepared and delivered the first round of care packages to a local senior adult living commmunity. Another senior community is in the works to be supported.

"In a time that we are all facing the same challenges right now", the Thrive Zone church aims to "assist and rally behind the seniors who are unable to shop during the current coronavirus pandemic." wrote the Thrive Zone's Lead Pastor  Denise Williams

Donations are currently being accepted for the operation. A full Senior Care Package can be sponsored for only $7. If you would like to contribute to a Senior Care Package, giving is available through the church's official website www.thrivezone.life Its also available via Cashapp, Paypal, and Tithely app.

To donate unopened items, contact the Outreach Team Leader Cynthia Jackson by Email: cynthia@thrivezone.life or by calling 1-470-543-0358

You can View the full photo album from the first delivery on Thrive Zone Church's Official Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TheThriveZone

The Thrive Zone is continually moving forward in it's effort to support the community. The church recently celebrated it's One Year anniversary on April 7th, and shared the various projects it has done in the community within it's first year.

For more information about The THRIVE Zone Church please visit www.thrivezone.life or call 1-470-543-0358

Contact Info:

• Address: 6254 Memorial Drive
  Suite I Stone Mountain, GA 30083
• Website: https://www.thrivezone.life/
• Phone: 1-470-543-0358
• Email: info@thrivezone.life

Gospel Icon Bebe Winans Opens Up About Coronavirus Diagnosis

Jesus! Don't take Bebe! Legendary Gospel great BeBe Winans is the latest celebrity to open up about a difficult coronavirus diagnosis, and the gospel icon stopped by SiriusXM's The Joe Madison Show to reveal that while he has recovered, it wasn't an easy process.

"Sometimes, for some reason, we as a people when we look in and we look at television and various things that's going on around us, we somehow say, that can't happen to me for some reason," he explained. "I don't know why, but sometimes we believe that, and even myself being cautious, when the outbreak started, I did just a little travel. I was actually in New York and I was like, well, I'm going to Detroit because I had a friend pass and we were having a funeral and just that little travel, I caught it."

"You can't just go to the hospital, and if you're not in need of a respirator they won't even take you," he continued, before noting that both his brother and mother also caught the virus. "I'm a man of faith and just raised in and in my mind, I'm just concrete in the subject matter that God is greater than everything. Yet, and still, it's so important for us to use common sense. So, being on the other side of it now, I'm just grateful that the word, I just finished my run and through the whole run, I was just saying, God, I thank you. I thank you because it could have been a different outcome for me and my family. So, I've learned to be more grateful for life itself. Forget about homes and automobiles and all these things. You can't take none of that. That means nothing to you when your health is gone."

"I'm going to do what's best for me, and that is keep moving health-wise in my mind and my spirit," he added. "Keep the spirit moving. You can sit still and keep your spirit moving. I read a whole bunch. I didn't know I could read so well."

It is incredible to hear that Bebe Winans has recovered. We definitely will still be praying for him and his entire family. As gospel fans we know what a talented, multifaceted family it is.

Please stay safe out here in these streets, as a matter of fact STAY HOME! Make sure you wash your hands and take all the safety precautions, and more. GOD is a healer, but do not be foolish. Too many people are dying. GOD rest their souls.

Please, please be wise about this! Read! Get educated before hand. Remember like scripture says Wisdom is the principle thing.

Follow @BOLDJournal on all outlets for the latest inspirational news and updates!

source/image: Billboard.com  Hear Bebe's full interview on Billboard.com

Radio One To Host a COVID-19 National Day of Prayer on Good Friday

Syndicated Gospel Personalities, Pastors and Community Leaders  Will Unite in a Day of Prayer Amid the Global COVID-19 Pandemic

RADIO ONE today announced a national day of prayer campaign to be held on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. The Radio One COVID-19 National Day of Prayer, #OneinPrayer, will feature syndicated radio personalities, Erica Campbell, host of Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Willie Moore, Jr. of the Willie Moore, Jr. Show and Darlene McCoy, host of the Nightly Spirit with Darlene McCoy, joined by gospel music artists, pastors and special guests to pray for the country and world as it confronts the effects of the global pandemic.

Among the participants in the prayer campaign are: Grammy Award winning hip hop artist Lecrae; civil rights leader and president of the National Action Network, Rev. Al Sharpton; civil rights leader and founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jesse Jackson; Pastor John Gray; film and television producer, New York Times best-selling author and minister, Devon Franklin; minister Cora Jakes Coleman; best-selling author and ministry leader, Dr. Cindy Trimm; multi-award-winning gospel artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin; Pastor Smokie Norful; Pastor Charles Jenkins; the Prince of Praise, Byron Cage; Tasha Cobbs-Leonard; gospel singer, rapper and producer, Canton Jones; and Pastor Mike, Jr. 

They will join the on-air personalities live on the Radio One Praise stations each hour from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and live on Instagram, at the bottom of each hour. The goal is to unite the country together to pray for our leaders, the healthcare professionals on the frontlines, families whose loved ones have been diagnosed or lost due to the virus, and all Americans and businesses who are reeling from the uncertainty caused by this global pandemic.

"During these challenges times, I am grateful that our company can serve as a voice of hope and a vehicle of prayer for our world as it faces this global pandemic," said Cathy Hughes, Chairwoman, Urban One, Inc. "It is especially meaningful since so many churches will not be able to hold traditional Good Friday and Easter services due to the social distancing mandates. As a company, we are honored to provide an opportunity to join arms with our gospel artists and the faith community in prayer. This is what service and community are all about."

The live prayers will run across all of Urban One digital platforms, including TVOne.TV, iOne Digital, www.GetUpErica.com and @getuperica on Facebook and Instagram. 

Follow @BOLDJournal on All platforms for the latest inspirational news and updates

BET Network To Air "Saving Our Selves" A COVID-19 Relief Effort

BET Network recently announced an array of high impact initiatives to support communities of color impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Black Americans are being disproportionately harmed by the health and financial devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. BET, in partnership with the NAACP, United Way Worldwide, leaders in the African American creative, civil rights and business communities will provide critical financial, educational and community support directly to the African Americans hardest hit by this crisis.

These initiatives include the “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcast special; the creation of a relief fund in partnership with United Way Worldwide to assist people of color most impacted by this health and financial crisis, and our support of the NAACP’s Town Hall Series.

For 40 years, BET has been rooted in a legacy of helping afflicted communities of color, raising $12 million for Katrina victims and millions more for Haiti earthquake victims.  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BET will use their global platform to provide critical educational and financial resources directly related to the African American community.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is savagely compounding the profound health and financial vulnerabilities many Black Americans face. Every day, there are new reports of how this pandemic is killing African Americans at much higher rates than other communities.” said Scott Mills, President of BET.  “BET is using all of our resources – our capital, our media platforms, our relationships with the creative community, sponsors, businesses and charitable organizations to support our community in this time of crisis.” 

The “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcast special, will air on Wednesday, April 22nd at 8 pm EST. The special, co-hosted by Grammy Award-Winning singer and actress Kelly Rowland, TV personality Terrence J, and actress Regina Hall; will feature virtual appearances and musical performances from some of the biggest names in music and entertainment as they share tips on how to manage, cope and help during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Celebrity guest appearances and performances will include DJ Khaled, Charlie Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Melvin Crispell III, and many more. The special will give up-to-date information and drive viewers to needed resources during this unprecedented time.  In partnership with United Way, proceeds are being donated to African American communities severely impacted by COVID-19.

“Our goal for this special is to come together in a collective spirit of strength, community and hope. As we unite in harmony and compassion, through the collective healing power of music, comedy and entertainment, we can bring restoration and inspire the world that our brighter days are ahead,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET.

Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET  will serve as Executive Producer for the “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcast special along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

To support these initiatives, BET has established a COVID-19 relief fund in partnership with United Way Worldwide to support African Americans that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  United Way, the largest private funder of human services in the U.S., has a presence in 95% of communities across the country, and has, for more than 130 years, mobilized the caring power of the community to advance the common good. United Way is unparalleled in its power to convene local partners, providers and resources to address the needs of vulnerable communities on the ground.

Financial donations from the joint fund will allow United Way to disburse resources to local organizations under United Ways in New York City, Atlanta, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Detroit and Chicago, regions that have been most impacted by this crisis.  There are long-term plans to expand these resources to other markets going forward.  In particular, United Way will be supporting families in crisis who are experiencing food insecurity and are in need of emergency assistance.

“United Way is deeply embedded in communities across our country, and our ‘local-ness’ means we know the needs on the ground and how to get the right kind of help to those who need it most,” said Stan Little, Chief Experience Officer of United Way. “We look forward to partnering with BET to bring much-needed relief and long-term recovery to already vulnerable communities that are being hit especially hard because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

BET is also providing resources and content on COVID-19 across multiple digital platforms including a four-part virtual town hall series in partnership with the NAACP.  On Wednesday, April 8, at 8 PM ET/ 5 PM PT, “Unmasked: A COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Series Powered by NAACP & BET” will stream on NAACP.org and focus on how the pandemic is affecting African Americans and what steps the community can take to build an action plan for positive change. The first town hall will focus on the health, emotional, economic toll, congressional response and how activists can apply pressure to ensure legislation is equitable. Additionally, BET.com is reporting daily on what the African American community needs to know about COVID-19, and how it is impacting our lives. 

You can donate to the fund beginning Friday, April 10th.  More information on BET’s partnership with UWW and additional extensions of our relief efforts are forthcoming. For further details, please visit BET.com.

Choreographer Debbie Allen Hosting Free Online Dance Classes

Famed Choreographer and creator of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy is hosting LIVE Dance classes on Instagram at no charge. The first class took place Wednesday March 18th.

The next one will be held Saturday March 21st at 2pm EST via Allen's Instagram page. The full video for the last class is also on her Instagram page. You can follow Debbie Allen @TheRealDebbieAllen on Instagram to get more information about her online classes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen) on Mar 19, 2020 at 8:43am PDT

It's Time To Use Your Talents

As a Media Producer and Host of multiple Gospel influenced platforms, I was excited to potentially be hosting the Red Carpet for the Stellar Awards event, as it is one of the Biggest nights for gospel music. 

I'm not gonna lie I was actually distraught that they hadn't reached back out to me yet, as it was getting to be closer and closer to the show date. However, like I was saying in BOLD podcast "Light In The Darkness" I'm very resilient and I was gonna make the absolute best of that situation regardless of that outcome with the credentials. 

I was still preparing and making sure I reached out to them directly. Anyways, I feel like I was on their radar, because I did receive the email that they had postponed due to the coronavirus news that's circulating. I actually wasn't expecting them to cancel, but I do understand why they did with it being an event of such a huge magnitude.

As much as I felt a little crushed, I was very encouraged by a lot of the social media posts that I saw young christian influencers make in response to the coronavirus news. I really appreciate them, and I'm also even more inspired now. I'm fired up.

I initially came across Krystal Lee's post on Instagram. She's a radio personality on the gospel station here in Atlanta, Praise 102.5 She also has a brand Girl+God, so she's a CEO. she posted a picture of an article with a headline that said "Coronavirus will bankrupt more people than it kills and that's the real global emergency".

Then she goes on to caption the post "The Media Wants You In A Frenzy, but I want you to get to work". She continued in the post about the gifts and talents that GOD has given us and why they're so important for such a time as this!

View this post on Instagram

These are the headlines. The media wants you in a frenzy. I want you to get to work. Every single one of you has gifts and talents from God that can produce multiple streams of income. • Last year the government shut down. This year it’s Corona. • It’s time for us to push past the fears, the bs, the “what will people think” and start using our God given gifts to build wealth for the safety and security of our families and future generations! • God created you for a time such as this. Stop watching TV and start praying and creating! 🙏🏽

A post shared by Krystal Lee 🤍 (@iamkrystallee) on Mar 12, 2020 at 10:44am PDT

I love her post and honestly the very thing she's saying is truly what I begin to realize after initially being in reaction mode about the Stellars, and then talking to my mentor/friend Kim.

A lot of the posts by young Christian influencers were uplifting throughout the day. P4CM "Passion For Christ Movement", a spoken word event for creatives that's similar to The InterSession posted a scripture of consolation on it's platform. Psalms 91: 10-11

"No evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by P4CM (@p4cm) on Mar 12, 2020 at 3:19pm PDT

Christian Hip Hop Artist Lecrae shared a very beneficial Infographic on his Instagram page. The post shared specific news about the details of COVID-19. This allowed a lot of people, including myself to have greater clarity about what's going on with this virus.

View this post on Instagram

Knowledge is power. Be powerful today.

A post shared by lecrae (@lecrae) on Mar 12, 2020 at 10:39am PDT

Another Influencer Pastor Jonathan Richardson shared a pretty powerful LIVE broadcast on his Facebook page how sometimes fear can be disguised as wisdom.

Truthfully in another social media space that I'm in somebody said 2020 has really been agressive so far, and I would have to agree with that. The thing is there is good potential that things will only get worse as the world continues. 

I don't say that to be the bearer of bad news but to be the bearer of light. NOW is the time to build your ark. Now is the time to strengthen your arsenal. Talking about preparation, I was reminded about Noah who was obedient in faith and used the insight GOD gave him when things got shady in his community, kinda like things are right now in the U.S. Genesis 6 says Noah had a good relationship with GOD. 

The chapter says Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. So as we know the Lord instructed Noah on how to prepare in that season. Noah used his skill and what he had to work with. What special gift or talent has GOD given you that you can use? Be encouraged. Whatever that vehicle is for you, If you haven't already build it. you can build it. So, What are you putting in your ark, what's in your arsenal?

I also thought about another influencer who did some preparing in a time when things weren't looking so good, Joseph! Joseph went from being a Prisoner to a President. He was basically in charge of everything there was to be in charge of. Joseph had spiritual gifts and insight, He had bomb administrative skills. 

So, we could say he had special talents. His talents were so prominent, and he used his talents so well in service to GOD, that Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” That's what your gift making room for you and bringing you before great men looks like, in action.

So prepare and build now! Right Now! Now is definitely the time to walk by faith and not by sight.

If you're scared and feeling any fear about this virus news, redirect your thoughts to GOD's word and pray. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Nothing, not even coronavirus formed against you can prosper. If you are feeling any type of symptoms and fearful about that, go get checked out. It's better to be prepared than sorry.

Prepare yourself by strengthening your immune system. I have green smoothies like almost everyday now. Get into your greens, they help! Protect yourself. Do be precautious since the warning is out.  All the hygiene stuff that you already do, do more of it.

Scripture says theres a time for everything. Lecrae posted a meme the other day that said "but have you prayed about it?" Pray to see what GOD's report is for you concerning the matter. When we cultivate and maintain a good relationship with GOD we're allowing GOD to prepare us. I honestly have been in this process of having a more active, intentional relationship with the Creator. This is after being in natural relationships and not seeing my worth.

I'm so grateful that I'm getting to a place where I'm seeing the gifts GOD has given me and I'm not trying to be anybody else or getting in anybody else's lane.

By insight from the spirit to maintain a relationship with GOD better, more intentionally, I was able to see my worth and my value better and the more my self-worth increased and I stopped settling for whatever isn't in line with GOD's will for me, the better off I'm becoming and I recognize that and I'm grateful for it and it is a process. 

Submit yourself to the voice and will of GOD so that you can be prepared. How do you know the voice of GOD, it's a voice that's always for your greatest good, so far beyond your temporary satisfaction. Get wisdom. Get in the word and get in relationship with the Creator.

Since I've submitted to the processing and preparation Now I'm in a place where I'm learning where my personal strengths are, what I'm good at. I've done Writing, Social Media Content Creation and Curation for so long. I'm really seeing where I can help other people and put that gift to good use. I've launched BOLD Expressions Co. I have guides and webinars. Now that demand is being met. I can help Entrpreneurs, I can help Gospel Artists and brands, because I've been prepared GOD is showing me the gift and the avenue. 

I'm actually offering a 30% off special for the First E-guide. 5 Mandatory Tools To Level Up Your Social Media Marketing and there will be more to come because people will be on Social Media a lot more, since more people are staying home.

I'm not only sharing this information as a shameless plug, I'm sharing it to say that in seeking GOD's will. I see the vacuum that was created, now I'm in demand, now I'm an asset with the gift GOD has prepared in me. 

Will I be going to Vegas for The Stellars this month? No. but will I be taking advantage of some of these discounted airfare rates for some business meetings? Most probably. Tis the season to use your talents and meet great life-changing opportunities!

How is this coronavirus news affecting you? What are your thoughts on it, and more importantly what are you gonna do in this season to prepare? 

Stellar Awards Officially Postponed Due To Coronavirus News

Don Jackson, The CEO of Central City Productions, the company that produces The Stellar Awards officially announced that the show is now postponed. The official notice from Jackson read that the new date for the event would be announced soon.

Central City shared that it would be postponed effectively until Summer 2020. Also included in the notice were actions that communities could take to prepare and stay healthy.

Credit: Stellar Gospel Music Awards

The official update from The Company is shared below:

March 12, 2020 - The Stellar Awards 35^th Anniversary Show 2020 in partnership with the Orleans Hotel and Arena wishes to ensure that the safety of all show guests and participants is the highest priority. In light of recent news and the declaration of the COVID-19 crisis as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), we have decided to postpone the production of the 35^th Annual Stellars Gospel Music Awards.

 It is important that we all take this matter seriously and do our part to respect the guidelines in place limiting large social gatherings to combat the community spread of this virus.  We must adhere to the social distancing measures put into place and continue to remain vigilant about following all possible recommendations carefully, while remaining steadfast in our faith. For more info, please go to the CDC Website.  

Effective immediately, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards 35^th Anniversary Show and events are postponed until Summer of 2020. Please follow our accounts on social media @thestellars and check our website www.stellarawards.com for updates from Central City Productions. We will continue to closely monitor the situation to determine the best time to reschedule the event. It is our hope that with quick community action, we can do our part toward the solution of this global problem. Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and staying healthy.

• Individuals and communities should familiarize themselves with recommendations to protect themselves and their communities from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.

• Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. They should limit travel and should not attend large gatherings unless it is essential.

• Help reduce the spread of rumors. Let people know that viruses cannot target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds. Being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.

• Fight stigma and fear by supporting people who may be coming back to school or work after traveling internationally or completing a quarantine or isolation period for COVID-19. 

 We encourage our families to continue to keep the mission of the Gospel community at heart and support each other with prayer and responsible preparation through this trying time.

We thank everyone for 35 years of support of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and we look forward to safely celebrating this special milestone with everyone this Summer! Don Jackson, CEOCentral City Productions

                                                                                _ _ _

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