Bethel AME Church

"Making Connections, Staying Connected"
—I Corinthians 3:9-10

Dear Men of Bethel,

The writer of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 embraces the relevant power of "Making Connections and Staying connected."

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

The essence of this text is to remind each of us how important it is to be a brother to a brother. Again, Proverbs 27:17 encourages that "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."

With the magnitude of contrary variable blowing against the African American male in the 2lst century it is paramount in our relational building that we seek friendships and mentoring that will fortify our resolve, empower our spirits, stir our imaginations and draw us closer to God and one another. The New Testament is replete with examples that when we come together God is more readily and obliged to be in our midst.

Therefore, let us connect with God first through our common faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and then let us connect to one another. Let us work with indefatigableness reminiscent of the Apostles. That together we can turn the world upside down until it is right side up. Let us be unwavering in our determination to be the men, husbands, fathers, sons and brothers that God has divinely designed us to be.

Let's leave no man behind and live out the edict of the Ecclesiastical writer and connect and stay connected. With this posture we will collectively be better together than we will be apart. Let's live and work until we all make it and the glory of the Lord is spread abound.

Congratulations to Brothers Gerry Ross, Frank Sally, Keith Illidge, Ricky Cardenas and all the Men who made this l01st observance a spiritual success. Welcome to Bishop David R. Daniels, a new age Bishop for the current needs of African Methodism on the Continent of Africa.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Beaman