May 2016 volume 1 issue 5

The Remnant Magazine, LLC

May 2016 | Volume 1, Issue 5

Our friend Neil would not have us look back in despair. I believe he would say, if you must look back, only do so to rejoice in the good and the joyful and to remember our many conversations and endeavors. Look

forward because “the best is yet to come… it is right in your face... and expect the unexpected.” Mary Coleman, Interim Co-Editor in Chief

“Learn from the past, prepare for the future and live in the present.” Thomas S. Monson

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“I am Free”

Vivian Allmond Booker of Virginia, a Remnant Magazine staff member and contributing writer, shared to Neil Woodard’s Facebook Timeline,

May 3, 2016 (6 days after his passing).

Vivian says, “I found this poem and it spoke to me. This is the heart of Neil Woodard. Let's remember the good times.”

“Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Romans 11:5 Page 3 of 48

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

Highlights of Neil Woodard Life at St. Paul’s College……………… 11-14 Life in New York …………………………. 28-31 Life in Richmond VA….…………….……25-27 Home Going Program ………………….43-46

Editor’s Notes…….…......……..……..5

Mary Coleman

The Word of God

If the Dead Are Done ……......……..…………7 Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

The Change of God | Accepting the Unexpected …………………………………………. 9 Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

Response: The Great Cancer Scare … 15 Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

Tributes As a Bishop and Fellow Minister …….. 17 Bishop Michael Robinson

It Was Like I Had Known Him For Decades ………………………………………..……. 17 Hollis Jones

Neil’s Last Gift to the People He Loved ……………………………………………. 19

Bobby Junes

The Picture of Humility, Humanity, and Heart ……………….………….……………... 24 Dr. Betty Perez-Rivera

Tributes (Continued) I Miss My Friend .…………..……………….... 21 Joycelyn Thomas

Just Remembering …………………………… 18 Missionary Rebecca Seabrook

Until We Meet Again ……………………….. 22

Krystal Reeve

A Forgiving Spirit ………………………………. 23

Neil Woodard (Submitted by Deloris Bacino)

Sports Salute to a Ballplayer ………………….….. 34 Lamar Battle What Is The Result When You Peak Early In Life? ………………………………………………. 35

Rainer Coleman

Facebook Quotes De’Angela Medley ………………………………14 Brenda Davis ………………………….………… 18 Kenny Lewis ………………………………………..23 James Fleet …………………………………………28-29

Testimonials/ Inspiration You Chose Poem ………………………….... 10 Shine Padawon .………….………………….. 39 Lori-Ann Woodard

Prayer Requests ……………………………… 40

10 Tips for Happiness …………………….. 46

Looking Forward ……..…….…..42 Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

“Everybody is a

genius. But if you

judge a fish by its

ability to climb a

tree, it will live its

whole life

believing that it is

stupid.”

Albert Einstein

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Interim Co-Editors in Chief Mary Coleman

Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

Layout/Design | Production Manager Mary Coleman

Media Marketing | Advertisement Bobby Junes

Elder Thomas Williams, PhD Mary Coleman

Contributing Editors Lamar Battle, Illinois Hollis Brown, Virginia

Mary Coleman, Virginia Rainer Coleman, Virginia

Bobby Junes, Virginia Krystal Reeve, South Jersey

Dr. Betty Perez-Rivera, New York Bishop Michael Robinson, New York

Rebecca Seabrook, Virginia Joycelyn Thomas, New York

Elder Thomas Williams, PhD, West Virginia Lori-Ann Woodard, New Jersey

Research Consultant Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

Dr. Christine Valentine

Youth Consultant Hollis Jones

This Issue #5 is provided in loving memory of our dearly

beloved brother, the late Elder Neil Robert Woodard, founder of the Remnant Magazine. All comments should be sent to

[email protected] Your feedback is welcome.

Also, us know if you have an interest in being a part of this

great endeavor.

The Remnant Magazine Staff

Volume 1 / Issue 5 May 2016

Special Credits/Acknowledgements

A great deal of gratitude goes out to Dr. Betty Perez-Rivera for her contribution to the cover artwork. A special thanks to everyone who contributed. Your pictures, your tributes, your articles all help to make this May 2016, Volume 1, Issue 5 a special publication in honor of our Editor in Chief, the Late Elder Neil R. Woodard. A special thanks to Linda Charity Washington for laboring with me to provide several pictures with Neil during his time at St. Paul’s College.

mailto:[email protected]


Receive Your Mantle (Accept the unexpected) Neil’s vision for the Remnant Magazine was “to show the masses tangibly and spiritually that there is always a better way of living and thinking through the employment of the love of God and that salvation can only come through Jesus. Publishing articles and publically recognizing individual achievements of everyday people is just the beginning of expressing the love which provides hope for all people in need of hope. The Remnant Magazine will be involved in the support and distribution of tangible services for its readers and underserved populations.” In each magazine publication, Neil would always look ahead and share his vision for the next topical area of focus. For this May issue he chose the topic of “thanksgiving.” In keeping with that vision the Remnant Staff gives thanks to God for the trail Neil has blazed for us. We now have a great cloud of witnesses and we are challenged to lay aside every weight and run with patience the race that is set before us. We look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12: 1-2) I am reminded of the life/ministry of Elijah and Elisha as recorded in the Books of 1 and 2 Kings. Elijah’s ministry does not end with the call of Elisha who became Elijah’s attendant and student. Instead, it continued for several years as the mentor of Elisha. After his renewal by the Lord on Mount Horeb, Elijah began a ministry of mentoring or discipling Elisha. Mentoring others is one of the most important ministries any of us can have, especially leaders, but one that should not be limited to leaders. Not only did Elijah minister to Elisha, but Elisha became a great comfort and encouragement to Elijah. At one time, Elijah thought he alone was left to carry on the work of God, but he learned this was not the case because we know God will provide. Thus, according to scripture, Elijah first went to find Elisha who became an encouragement to him. Ultimately, scripture records “And Elijah passed over to him (Elisha) and threw his mantle on him” (1 Kings 19:19).

The scripture illustrates how God’s Word works to restore and renew our lives. Graciously, He works to put us either on track or back on track to make us fruitful. Like Elijah, we too can easily find ourselves down, lonely, and discouraged, but the Lord is the God of all comfort (2

Cor. 1:3) and He has committed Himself to our renewal and restoration. What a loving and gracious Lord, but we need to make ourselves available to God’s resources for renewal: (a) The Word (Rom. 15:4), and (b) other believers encouraging one another (2 Cor. 1:4; 1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 3:13). Today, we find ourselves facing the challenge of continuing in the trail that has been blazed by our Brother Neil. Are we willing to accept the challenge, take on the mantle and run with patience the race that is before us? Or, do we drop the ball and miss the blessings of God due to unfaithfulness? What God has gifted you to do; He has called you to do and what He has called you to do; He has gifted you to do. How do you know God’s calling for you --by knowing your gift(s). Neil would take the challenge and he would compel you to do the same. John 14:12 records Jesus said, “…He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” The Remnant Staff will be scheduling a conference call sometime early June to discuss the future of this magazine. It is my prayer that you will make a commitment to take your mantle and help us continue the work of blazing trails for those who will come after us. Stay tuned for more details about that conference call. Mary Coleman Interim Co-Editor in Chief

EDITOR’S (NOTES)

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If The Dead Are Done by Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life,

others to reproaches, to everlasting abhorrence” (Daniel 12:2, The Jewish Bible).

In his defense before Governor Felix, the apostle Paul told him that there will be a resurrection of the just and the unjust (Acts 24:15) but yet some say that when you are dead then you are done. How can this be so when a rich man died and lifted up his eyes in hell and pleaded with Father Abraham for relief (Luke 16:23-31)? How then can some say that the dead are done when Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and talked with Jesus about his pending death (Luke 9:30)? Moreover, the Pharisees did not believe that when you were dead you were done (Acts 23:9). People believe one thing but the Bible says another. In an epistle to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures (1st Corinthians 15:3-4). In one of the synoptic gospels, Jesus declared that just like the prophet Jonah was in the whale’s belly for three days and three nights that he would be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights (Matthew 12:40). If the dead are done, Jesus is still dead and is NOT the Savior of the world. Let some people tell it, the disciples stole Jesus’ body and said that he rose from the dead (Matthew 27:62-66; 28:13). If the dead are done, the ascension of Jesus is a bold face lie, which means that he is not sitting (Mark 6:19) or standing at right hand of God (Acts 7:57). Above all, if the dead are done, no one will spend eternity with the Lord (1st Thessalonians 4:17). The resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth is just a fairytale and the church does NOT have a great high priest (Hebrews 4:14) and intercessor (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) if the dead are done. If the dead are done, Jesus did not send the Holy Ghost down from heaven (1st Peter 1:12), comfort the apostles (John 14:18) or rebuke and confront Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1-31). If the dead are done, no one who dies in the Lord will be changed in a moment of the twinkling of an eye (1st Corinthians 15:51-52), no one will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1st Thessalonians 4:16), no one will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:10), and no one will or live (again) and reign with Messiah for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). If the dead are done, the saints will not judge the world and angels (1st Corinthians 6:3-4) and the apostles will not sit on twelve thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28). The dead are not done as there will be a resurrection of life and a resurrection of damnation (John 5:29). Which resurrection do you want after your tour on earth is done?

Recommended Scripture Reading The defense for the resurrection of the dead: 1st Corinthians chapter 15 verses 1 through 58 To respond to this article please forward your responses to [email protected] and please indicate it in your response if you would like us to publish your questions/statements.

The Word of God


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The Change of God: Accepting the Unexpected by Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

“For it is God which worketh in you

both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, KJV).

I had hopes of getting a tenure-track teaching position after I completed graduate school but things did not turn out as I had hoped. While I was in graduate school, I had aspirations of becoming a professor and earning tenure but not at the expense of walking away from preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was not opposed to doing research, getting published, and writing grants, but my heart and soul just was not there. I just wanted to teach and not get bogged down in the politics of a “publish or perish” research university. Since completing my PhD, my life changed. I had no clue that I would spend so much of my professional life working as a substitute teacher. To date, I think that I have spent as least five but no more than seven years working in this capacity. In between substitute teaching and while substitute teaching, I taught at several colleges and universities but none of those instructorships were tenure track. In the old days, it bothered me because I had hoped for something else until peace came. It took a while but one day peace knocked on my front door, and I invited peace in. Peace and I formed a partnership and became real good friends. In fact, peace has put me at ease and has kept me balanced. A few people (teachers) criticized and put me down because I was just a substitute teacher but did not lift one finger to help me. One day a teacher asked me, “Why are you here?” Another teacher told me that I was not using my education subbing. No matter what I wanted or how I felt, I still had a job (contrary to popular belief) and was able to pay my bills. If it were the Lord’s will for me to be a tenured professor then I would be a tenured professor. I need to be clear: I enjoy and love working with children in grade k-through 12 but I wanted to be a professor of psychology and/or criminal justice, with the possibility of getting tenure. Well, things worked out just the way the Lord wanted them to because I am in a position to minister to and nurture children, adults, and other professionals. It took a while for me to come to this conclusion: I am glad that I am a substitute teacher. If I were a tenured professor at a college and/or university, more often than not, I probably would not have had the experiences that I have had in the classroom with our children and my life would not be as enriched as it is. I care about all children and want them to succeed in their own way. Our children are the face of the future and deserve a fighting chance. As a concerned father-figure and cleric, I do not want to see the devil destroy any of them. Like a good father, I love and pray for our children. Although it is very challenging at times, nonetheless, I still thank and praise the Lord for putting me in a position to help shape the face of the future and influence the nation. It is amazing to me how God touched my heart and helped me to accept his will (Philippians 2:13). I had hopes of getting a tenure-track teaching position but the Lord had other plans for me. I thank the Lord for helping me to accept the unexpected. To respond to this article please forward your responses to [email protected] and please indicate it in your response if you would like us to publish your questions/statements.


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You Chose by Shannon L. Alder (Submitted by Dr. Christine Valentine, Orlando, Florida)

You chose. You chose. You chose.

You chose to give away your love. You chose to have a broken heart.

You chose to give up. You chose to hang on.

You chose to react. You chose to feel insecure.

You chose to feel anger. You chose to fight back. You chose to have hope.

You chose to be naïve. You chose to ignore your intuition.

You chose to ignore advice. You chose to look the other way.

You chose to not listen. You chose to be stuck in the past.

You chose your perspective. You chose to blame. You chose to be right. You chose your pride. You chose your games.

You chose your ego. You chose your paranoia.

You chose to compete. You chose your enemies.

You chose your consequences.

You chose. You chose. You chose. You chose.

However, you are not alone. Generations of women in your family have chosen. Women around the world have chosen. We all have chosen at one time in our lives. We stand behind you now screaming:

Choose to let go. Choose dignity.

Choose to forgive yourself. Choose to forgive others. Choose to see your value.

Choose to show the world you’re not a victim. Choose to make us proud.


Life at St. Paul’s College

Neil loved his alma mater (1973 – 1977) and worked at staying connected with his classmates…

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St. Paul’s Tigers (Neil Woodard #52)

Neil Woodard


OMEGA PSI PHI Neil Woodard 2nd from right

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De'Angela Medley posted to Facebook on April 28… “I haven't truly grasped you are gone. Whenever I picked up the phone and heard GIRLFRIEND I knew it was you Neil Woodard. Over the years we were very close in our love for OUR SPC. I told Mo it just doesn't seem right not to be able to say Neil, Mo, and Brady. To tease you about those size 18 feet and how you could out eat anyone. Too hear you do your Q. bark. I will truly miss you my FAVORITE SPC SUPER Q. You have earned your rest my friend. RIP. MY DEAR FRIEND!!”

Below is Neil at the keyboard performing at Neptune’s Land & Sea, Petersburg, VA, August 29, 2015, for a few of his college classmates. Staying connected with people in his life was important to him… This picture shows his dedication as he was instrumental in coordinating this event. On April 8, 2016, Neil emailed thirty one of his SPC classmates to schedule a call to prayer for May 7, 2016. The date of the “Call to Prayer” turned out to be the date of his home going services.


A Response to the Great Cancer Scare by Elder Thomas Williams, PhD

The first paragraph in the Great Cancer Scare reminded me of dreams that I have had about death, including my own. “The righteous person perishes, and nobody gives it a thought. Godly men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous person is taken away from the evil yet to come. Yes, those who live uprightly will have peace as they rest on their couches” (Isaiah 57:1-2, Complete Jewish Bible). Brother Woody’s death may seem as if it was unexpected, but it was all in the plan of God.

The Great Cancer Scare by Neil Woodard (This complete article can be found in the April 2016, Volume 1, Issue 4) Below is an excerpt from the article:

“Sometime after 3 am in the morning the visions of my head upon my bed were these…my view point was from space and I can see the earth spinning slowly. I felt and was aware of All of the evil that exists and how mankind’s purposeful evil was running rampant on the earth. There were great evils occurring on the earth as mankind inflicted these evils upon men and this great evil was increasing. I thought; how can God deal with this great evil? What must he be thinking? Doesn’t it bother him? As the earth seemed to fade from my view from space my spirit was elevated and taken higher (I really couldn’t see much at this point) but I felt the most indescribable peace in the entire universe that exists. This peace was far stronger and greater than all evil that I had felt earlier. My spirit was where God is. In my soul I felt the impression of these words; Behold, it is well with my soul…a little later as I was beginning to awaken I could hear the voice of The Father speak and say; Behold, it is well with my soul…then I woke up.”

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Announcements

Upcoming Event in Richmond Virginia

F R E E F R E E

The Bishops Quartet

Featuring Bishop Thurman Hargrove, Sr. performing at:

Gospel Baptist Church,

2317 Harvie Road Richmond, Virginia 23223

June 5, 2016 - 3 pm

F R E E F R E E

To hear what a Generational Blessing sounds like click on any or all of the links below (see the story in The Remnant Magazine, March 2016 Volume 1 | Issue 3) Thurman Hargrove, Jr. - www.hargrovemusic.com Thurman Hargrove, Jr. Reverbnation page - www.reverbnation.com/thurmanhargrovejr The Bishops Quartet 1st CD - www.cdbaby.com/cd/thebishopsquartet2 The Bishops Quartet 2nd CD - www.cdbaby.com/cd/thebishopsquartet12 RESOUND - www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEvKJqdH4K4 (RESOUND is the third generational blessing feature the daughter of Thurman Hargrove, Jr.)

http://www.hargrovemusic.com/

https://www.reverbnation.com/thurmanhargrovejr

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thebishopsquartet2

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thebishopsquartet12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEvKJqdH4K4


As a Bishop and Fellow Minister… I would like to talk about Elder Neil R. Woodard... I met Neil in the 70's when he came to his father Bishop Maynard J. Woodard commonly called "Brother Woody" my Great Teacher to be taught The first thing I noticed about Brother Neil was that a Spirit of Pure Love emanated from deep within him and spread out like the vastness of the sky amongst all who got to know him. It was both new and refreshing although it should have been constant and always felt amongst the people of God... Life took us in different directions and we lost touch with each other for a few decades. Two years ago after returning to Brooklyn, N.Y. to assist my mother upon my father's demise, I was blessed to be reunited with Elder Woodard. I invited him to Bethel Church in Harlem where I attended to be in fellowship with us. He came and it was wonderful worshipping with him again. He began introducing himself simply as "Neil" which he was very comfortable with being addressed as. I explained to him that although he was Neil, as it pertained to the Church of God, he was/is Elder Woodard and should be addressed as such. He had been duly ordained and consecrated as a minister and must walk in it. I watched him begin to walk in his calling and election in Christ Jesus. Elder Woodard was a Praying Man, a Preacher and a Teacher both in and out of the Church. He taught in my stead when I had to be away and I greatly appreciated him. When he left New York to relocate in Virginia and started the Remnant Church (The Church Without Walls) he became its Pastor and Teacher. Elder Woodard was a man who loved the LORD and was faithful to his calling. Elder Woodard loved God's people and always made himself available. I miss both Neil and Elder/Pastor Neil R. Woodard very much. Bishop Michael V. Robinson Brooklyn, New York

It was like I had known him for decades… It cannot be said that I knew Brother Neil Woodard for a very long. However, over the months that I did know him, I could tell he was an intelligent, jovial, and kind man. He was always a pleasure to be around, for he always saw the best in people, and he knew what to say to bring the best out.

At Brother Woodard’s funeral, his loved ones shared legendary stories of his life and the impact on others. And though I didn’t know Neil long, I knew the stories to be true. The things they said of Neil were exactly what I thought of Neil; his personality was always straight and true. When his family and friends retold the life of Neil Woodard, it was like I had known him for decades. Hollis Jones a Chesterfield County High School Junior, Virginia Public School System Youth Consultant for The Remnant Magazine

Tributes

Elder Neil Woodard, Bethel Church of Christ, Harlem New York

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Just Remembering... This weekend as we pause to observe a day called “Memorial Day”, we remember all of the soldiers who died in the

wars our nation has fought. It brings to mind as a “believer” that we, too, are fighting a war – a spiritual war. We are “soldiers in the army of our Lord.” In 2 Timothy 2: 1-3, Apostle Paul encourages his spiritual son, Timothy, with these words: “1. Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Thank God for the soldiers of Jesus Christ who have fought well such as those mentioned in Hebrew 11; and such as Brother Neil Woodard. What makes a good soldier? A good soldier is:

A follower of God’s Word.

A fighter. The Bible tells us to “fight the good fight of faith.”

He is Faithful - He remains true even when he must “endure hardness” as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. In the short time that I knew him, I recognized all of these qualities in Brother

Woodard. When I met him he was still working on the first magazine publication. Brother Woodard published the first edition of The Remnant Magazine in February, 2016. Pouring his heart and soul, “enduring hardness” as a good soldier, he remained faithful to the end in order to bring the publication to fruition. After three editions of the magazine, Brother Woodard passed away unexpectantly. Just as we learned from the Bible, he had committed his work to “faithful men” who are able to teach others. This article is dedicated to Brother Woodard. This is how I remember you. Just remembering the brave and faithful… Just remembering… Missionary Rebecca Seabrook Abundant Living Outreach Services Richmond, Virginia


NEIL’S LAST GIFT - TO THE PEOPLE HE LOVED… The following excerpt is a word for word momentum to one of the finest persons I have had the privileges’ to cross paths with in my life. It seems appropriate that I was able to celebrate a place as well as a part in Neil’s life. The first time we meet in September of 2016 was at a committee meeting dealing with critical issues involving the City of Richmond’s unemployed, homeless, and street people(s) lack of food, clothes, shelter and their inability to be accepted as equal members of the society we live in today.

Over the next seven months I was able to witness how a dedicated individual’s Christian life can reach out, touch, impact and be a prime motivator too those who need assistance or who have lost their way in this world we live in. No question that many of us get caught up in the/ this game of life we try to win. However – all of us can openly express that we rarely see or have the privilege of experiencing what it is like to be interconnected with a real role player. In that or those types of situation, just sit back and watch the show as it unfolds step by step.

Our last in depth conversation began at my house and would end up later the next day at his apartment. He seemed to always get a kick out of the way I would take the base conversation and expand it out into a field of thought he had not contemplated. Today’s theological discussion was based on why society is suppose to be responsible for taking care of indigent people. The bulk of the discussion related to New Testament scripture. How Jesus would show the disciples by example feeding the poor or healing sick people. As we continued to build on the base topic my mind had a flash back regarding one of the thesis paper’s I had written. The main point dealt with Old Testament prophecy. A verse in Isaiah which stipulated that the way a society takes care of the poor was a test from God. If a society cannot take the time, provide proper resources or adequately resolve problems those at the lower end of the spectrum are confronting then it is failing God’s test.

The new topic now had been linked from the care of indigent people to society’s overall responsibility. All of this as a formula in which our divine creator uses to judge or rate each generation’s ability to carry out his will. Two additional perspective points were now introduced into the original discussion. The first – what goes around will eventually come around. The end round of how a society succeeds or fails is based on how well it takes care of its indigent (unemployed,

homeless, hungry, and poor, sick, elderly) portions of its population. The second point – life is not about what an individual does for oneself but rather what one does for others. While I would enjoy revealing the other points of interest regarding the discussion I simply finish this segment of the article with a challenge. Try to live your life today by putting or letting someone else’s interest be above your own. Simple take the typical “me” and invert the “m” to a “w”. The resulting “we” can be a rather invigorating experience. Neil Woodard’s approach to life, his commitment to helping those in need, as well as his volunteering spirit best reflect what a role player’s life should be. To listen to him play the piano – this concert pianist – he could easily stun the audience as he touched the right key string by string, note after note, melody after melody, song by song. As beautiful as his musical cords could sway the individual listener(s), his true God given talent was his ability to work with people he did not even know.

No problem(s) for him to attend community outreach committee meetings on short notice. He would also priorities his day to make sure to assist the local soup kitchen feeding programs providing food, clothes, and spiritual advice to those seeking basic life necessities.

I knew that once he arrived at the event (community outreach meeting, feeding program or campaign committee session) that the real fun was just about to begin. Neil worked with people similar to the way he played his music. (Continue on page 20)

Neil performing at an “Arts Exhibition” for the Richmond City Library.

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NEIL’S LAST GIFT - TO THE PEOPLE HE LOVED… (Continued from page 19) Listening to this concert pianist play one could easily get mesmerized. Watching him connect with outside people was amazing. I am very thankful as well as privileged to have spent time with him. Long enough to get to know him - so please read my following ode as it was composed in original form. It has not been edited and is presented word for word. Free from outside pious or bias influence. Pure thought as it was suppose to be.

This memorial is written one week to the day that my good friend, associate, mentor, and associate passed away from the physical plain to heaven. Today as I was traveling in the city of Richmond Virginia from the central part of the city close to the state capital building towards the east end of the old part of the city. Needless to say I have been reflecting all week long about such a sudden departure of Neil Woodard. As I cut through the old section of Richmond I took a short cut trying to find a old building. Inadvertently the short cut took me through part of the “old slave trail” path. My walk down the trail lead me to the old slave burial.

A serine place, dotted with historical markers, vigilantly candle light stances and blocs of granite grave markers. This was the place where the African ancestral slaves would have been buried. Not in individual plots but in mass graves. As my mind buzzes about what this place may have looked like 150 years ago my thoughts are integrating the way the world use to function – at least to the way we have progressed to letting the slaves, i.e. extending to all people, be free from the concept of slavery. Then I envisioned that my friend, Neil Woodard, is smiling at me from Heaven. Having a good laugh and then pressing me on. He surely would comment that the time we spent doing community outreach service, feeding the poor in the park once a week has a future value. Do not get lost in the past when you can certainly do something today at this very moment if it involves helping someone in need.

So as I sit in an appropriate place – the African ancestral burial ground – yes I hear my friend speak to me. Just as loudly as the passing train’s locomotive horn honk’s while the train slowly traverses next to the cemetery. Right on schedule Neil lets me know that he hears me. Yes Neil, I not only hear you as each train car clanks by but I also see your face smiling back, you nodding your head, and the twinkle in your eye.

I was so lucky to have you be a part of my life. Even for such a brief period. We both laughed, reflected, discussed, planned, and most importantly were able to see eye to eye on so many facets of today’s world. Step by step, project by project, issue by issue, you started with a model magazine. Over a very brief period of time it went from a concept to reality. Pictures, interviews, web-site, stories, layout, advertisements, and newly subscribed base readership. Could best be described by utilizing the narrative ex pression “there is no stopping us now”. May you rest in peace. Bobby Junes Richmond, Virginia


I Miss My Friend….

I miss my friend in ways that I did not think possible. After the pain of loss begins to lessen and the tears subside I am still left with missing my friend yet knowing what a gift it was for us to connect after so many years. My brudda from anudda mudda, my Sillie Banillie and most importantly, my brother in Christ. My life is much better for having known him in this earthly realm.

I met Neil at the high school we both attended, Music and Art (M&A). I didn’t really know him well then. He was an upper classman and we didn’t run in the same circles but I knew of him from his being on the basketball team and let’s face it, at that time back in the 70’s students of color were a minority in a specialized high school. We reconnected at one of the yearly M&A gatherings that one of our classmates, John-Martin Green, hosted at his home back in 2012. It was an instant friendship that grew into family-hood. Neil was a gentleman; he had a huge, loving-giant spirit that soared taller than his height. Some may have mistaken his mild mannerisms as a weakness but don’t be fooled…he knew how to lead. His strength was not pushy or demanding nor was it cruel or loud. His strength came from his heart and his love for God’s word. He was persuasive with a firm quiet surety that you respected while feeling comfortable and at ease in. He and his word were one.

My maturity as a follower of Christ is continuously growing and my level of understanding increases as I walk this path. I also confess that this crazy world we live in still influences some of my thought patterns. Not many, but some. Because I believe that nothing happens that God is not aware of, I try to find the lessons that this journey called life reveals to us.

Neil was an artistically talented man who used his love of music and the word of God to enrich the lives of those that were fortunate enough to know him. He was also an

educator who strongly believed that music could be used to enhance teaching and to bring peace and well-being to its listener. He made a choice to not only believe in Gods’ word, but to study it and live in it.

He did not have a thirst for worldly things. Not that he didn’t desire things, he merely believed that God would provide him with what he needed. And He did! Sometimes Neil was able to earn his keep by doing what he loved, minister in music and minister the word. He never got wealthy or made huge sums of money but where he financially lacked…God filled in the gaps.

God used us his church, the branches, to aide and assist Neil as was needed. Be it food, medicine, a cell phone, transportation, even a place to lay his head. Don’t get me wrong, Neil was not a needy person as a matter of fact….he was a very generous person. If he had $100 and no idea when he would get more and you needed financial help, he would give you $90 of it if not all of it. It would boggle my mind. I’d asked him on more than one occasion why he would do that, leave himself without. He would tell me he wasn’t without.

Now….I consider myself a compassionate generous person. Giving, caring, helpful, going above and beyond is my way of living my Christ like life. But Neil was in another realm. And you know what….that’s ok. We all have a purpose – a path to follow. I had to stop looking at Neil’s last earthly years from the view of how the world sees things. After much prayer and thought I began to see it with the perspective of one who loved the Lord so much that his belief was total and his obedience thorough. Though it went against the norm, against what friends and family may have wanted for him, he walked the path of righteousness.

He gave up the pursuit of earthly riches to follow the Lord and was glad in it. He lived as he believed God called him to. He lived a lot like Christ and his disciples did during the 3 years that Christ ministered. His path wasn’t one traveled by many. It was not a wrong path it was his alone. And he was right; God did not let him do without. The people who knew and loved Neil showed how much he poured into their lives and came together to fill in the gap for his funeral expenses.

Neil ministered for about 3 years and then God called his faithful servant home. Joycelyn Thomas New York

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Until We Meet Again…

Neil was an amazing man with a

heart as big as his feet. Neil was a

huge part of myself and my families

lives since before I was even born,

growing up Neil was always part of

the family he was someone myself,

my mom and sisters always looked

forward to seeing and talking to.

He was a huge part of our spiritual

life, providing us with comfort

when needed, reassurance and

guidance, and was always there to

pray with us whenever we would

ask. Neil helped my sister through

one of her roughest times while

she was away at college, he would

call her regularly to check-in on her

and pray with her to give her peace

while away from home at school.

Neil has brought so much in to

myself and families lives that his

loss will leave a huge void in our

hearts, I truly can’t put in to words

and express all my love for him, I

could truly type a novel. I’ll never

forget his amazing French fry

omelet’s he would make when he

would spend the weekends with us,

his fun goofy self, his contagious

laugh and how he welcomed

anyone and everyone with open

arms. He even taught myself and

my sister how to play lean on me

on the keyboard, Neil also wrote me my own theme song! Neil man you will be forever missed and God only knows

how much my heart hurts that you are now gone, but I know you are where you should be with our Father smiling

down, watching us all, playing the keyboard and being your big silly self. Until we meet again.

All my love,

Krystal Reeve, RN, BSN

A.k.a. Krystal Light

South Jersey

Picture posted to Facebook by Krystal Reeve, April 29, 2016 - with Taylor Faith, Neil Woodard and Tiffany Reeve


A Forgiving Spirit…. Kenny Lewis posted to Facebook on May 7, 2016· “Saying goodbye to Neil Woodard one of the best brothers I'd ever had the honor of knowing. My brother you made all of us better. Superman you're in the skies of heaven now and you are playing your song for the Lord. You will be missed my brother.”

A message about a forgiving spirit from Neil Woodard to

Delores Bacino, mother of Krystal Reeve and her sisters… (Submitted by Delores, South Jersey)

Page 24 of 48

Neil: The Picture of Humility, Humanity, and Heart… Very few times in a lifetime one comes across individuals who are pure of heart and passionate about doing everything possible to help others. Neil Woodard marked the lives of many as he worked arduously and consistently to provide assistance wherever he could, however he could. This included research, introspection, and action centered around meeting individuals where they were, without judgment and without questions. He used sports, music, counseling, art, literature, advocacy and partnership building to promote health and wellness for everyone he knew. Neil and I often spoke about focus. His ability to focus was honed in on who was looking for help or how he thought he could help. Neil and I worked with youth to empower them and to help them grow. We worked with youth and seniors to promote healthy lifestyles. We worked in schools to provide education to enhance their leadership and communication skills. We spoke about the creation and delivery of the Remnant Magazine and ways in which he could expand his reach. One of Neil’s wishes was to work with Health Organizations and presenting to the masses. I was honored to work with Neil in realizing this dream. The photo represents Neil’s day view into this realm. He discussed empowerment, communication, and empathy through music at a conference for professionals in October 2015. Neil was in his element. Participants were taken by his talk because as with everything else, he gave it his all. Neil was not a rich man in the monetary sense but he was certainly a wealthy man in spirit. Everyone should take his zeal for life, his enthusiasm for everything charitable, and his consistent belief in the beauty of the world and the people around him as inspiration to drive us forward. In whatever field you work in, with whatever resources you have, in whatever capacity you can function, you too can make a difference. Neil made it happen every day. He was humble; he believed in humanity; he had lots of heart. Neil Woodard’s passage through this earth made a difference to many. Honor his memory by paying it forward in your own way. It is the Neil Woodards of the world that make life meaningful. God Bless Neil Woodard. Many blessings to everyone who knew him and to everyone who can continue to have a positive impact in the lives of others as was his vision. RIP Neilman!

Your friend, your colleague – you will always be remembered with great love and respect. Always, Dr. Betty Perez-Rivera New York


Life in Richmond, VA 2015-2016

Neil volunteered his services on Sundays to help with feeding the hungry.

On March 19, 2016, St. Timothy COGIC hosted a fundraiser – Neil was a busy beaver. He made two of his famous “apple sour cream pies” with walnuts (scrumptious). He also entertained us (I think he is showing off his muscles in the picture to the right… He ushered prospective customers to the different food vendors (he had made his acquaintance with them all) and with that big heart of his he gave away more desserts than he sold… Of course he ate his share and some… that would be our “gentle giant.” Mary Coleman

I was introduced to Neil by Bobby Junes and my first impression was indeed a positive and lasting one. I saw Neil as a “gentle bear,” forceful yet gentle. He exhibited the characteristics of an astute soldier on God’s battlefield with a heart for the people of God. He was a quiet spirit with excellent listening skills. I was interested in Neil getting on board to become a part of the St. Timothy Community Development Project. So my first question to him was how do you feel about working with various groups of people? His response indicated that he loved all people as the Bible commands us to “love one another…” Neil was gifted with so many talents and he will surely be missed.

Elder James Hawkins, Chief Servant St. Timothy COGIC

Page 26 of 48

A jazz and blues ensemble founded by Neil Woodard (keys) and Joanie Valentine (vocals). The ensemble would not be complete without Lorenzo Coleman on drums and Andrew Ball on bass.

Scrabble was one of Neil’s favorite board games. He would entertain himself playing alone for hours. He said He would sometimes get revelations through the words. He would always say “it’s a sign.” He often talked about how his father was a master at the game and he could only remember beating his father once. Neil and I would play together and he would win most of the time, probably because he got more practice… lol! Every now and then I would win and he would always call for a rematch. This is the last game we played on April 26 and I won… he didn’t ask for a rematch… Mary Coleman


Public Service Announcement Courtesy of Women of Proverbs 8 Council, Inc.

New York, New York

Page 28 of 48

New York: Music and Arts and His Incredible Friends…

Life in New York…

NancyandTony Tomesheski posted to Facebook on May 7, 2016 - James H. Fleet, Mark Johnson, Sage Sevilla and Tony Tomesheski .

James H. Fleet commented to a Facebook post on May 8, 2016. It was a joy to reunite with some of my HS of Music and Art classmates at the home going service for our dear Brother Neil Woodard. Rest in Peace with the Lord Brother Neil. We will see you again on one Glorious Day!


NEIL WOODARD AND HIS INCREDIBLE FRIENDS! Posted on Facebook April 20, 2016 by James Fleet.

“On Wednesday April 27th I lost a Dear Friend, Neil Woodard. Neil and I have been friends since 1970! He passed suddenly and I am still in a state of shock. We played in many bands together and this is one of them. Neil was one of the nicest guys in the world. A Gentle Giant! May GOD Bless this Unique Brother! — with Laurie West, Neil Woodard,Dwight Crudup, Dwight Crudup, BranNu Vee, Patricia Symonds Powell, Sterling Reed, Erik Plaza, Joe Novellino, Dwayne 'Cook' Broadnax andCharles Carrington.”

Page 30 of 48

“A Taste of Jazz” by Neil Woodard

“A Taste of Jazz” is a work of art that includes a mixture of inspirational jazz, blues, and gospel sounds.

DOWNLOAD the entire CD or purchase individual tracks!! Click here

(CDBaby.com) to get yours today!!!

Neil Woodard the accomplished recording artist…

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/neilwoodard


THE BAND: AMESEGENALLO

THE BAND: LEGACY (The High School of Music and Art Reunion Band)

Yes, a bass player too!

Page 32 of 48

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Page 34 of 48

Salute to a Ballplayer by Lamar Battle (post from Facebook May 8, 2016)

Saint Paul’s College former student and basketball player Neil Woodard passed away recently at the young age of 61. Neil was my roommate and teammate on the Fighting Tigers from 1973-1977. I remember meeting the brother for the first time and he made an immediate positive first impression. Neil was a sincere and down to earth brother with an incredible sense of humor. And who could forget those dance moves! Part of the beauty of attending college away from home is that you get to make lifelong friends with people from different backgrounds. I'm from Chicago and possessed what I thought were modest but presentable dancing skills. Like most youngsters back in the day you would watch Soul Train and try to copy something. However, my boy Neil surprised me and I'm sure many others with dance moves that looked like they came straight from the T.V. series "Fame." Neil would leap and spin in

a manner that resembled modern dance more than anything else. It wasn't until I learned Neil attended Music and Art School in New York that I began to understand the depth of this man's skill set. I learned later that Neil was a musician and to my surprise was also a great writer. I can recall meeting this 6' 8" brother blessed with great hands and footwork branding him as a prototype basketball center/power forward. Neil was strong and would not hesitate to slam on you given his considerable leaping skills. (Believe me, as the guy on the wrong end of some of those dunks I know.) Neil also personified what I would like to call the New York ball player. New York ball players strutted as healthy a sense of bravado as most other cities but in Neil and others I sensed a dedication to the game that showed up in just about every aspect of their lives. When you saw NYC guys you could tell just by looking at them that they were basketball players and they were from New York. What I found is that these brothers would talk basketball and walk basketball, Neil was no different as he helped the Saint Paul College Tigers play some of the most competitive basketball in an extremely tough conference the CIAA. I remember a recent conversation shared via group text that I shared with Neil and a couple of former teammates William Cozart and Brady Whaley. The talk was hilarious as we all traded good natured stories about who shot too much and who Coach Moses Golatt fussed at more. We teased Neil about leaving Saint Paul's for rival Virginia State to collect on a promised Chevy Camaro. It was a great time and reminded us just how important the maintaining of relationships can be. We were all shocked and saddened upon learning of Neil's death and the outpouring of love and respect at his home going only solidified what we already knew about this man who has spent much of his life in service to others. Continued on page 38

SPORTS


What Is The Result When You Peak Early In Life? by Rainer Coleman

First and foremost let me start by giving praise and honor to God, because of his love and grace all things are made possible. I will preface my take on the question posed in the title of this article by giving a little background of myself. I grew up in a hard middle “working” class family which can be translated to “we didn’t have a lot, but we definitely had all we needed”. My early years revolved heavily around sports, baseball, basketball, and mostly football. The work ethic instilled in me early on having grown up and being exposed to farming, logging and hunting gave me a basis for being resilient later in life when things didn’t quite go my way. As a senior in high school, I was one day called into the office by Mr. Convey Burwell, at that time he was the academic advisor, I must say he steered me towards the idea of using my God given physical gifts to further my education by means of a football scholarship. Taking his advice, it was made clear to me I had much work to do at the last minute in order to have the prerequisite curriculum needed to obtain a scholarship from the three schools I narrowed my choices down to, University of North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Tennessee. Everything hinged upon me passing Algebra 2 with Trigonometry not to mention commuting everyday for summer school to Halifax County High School, round trip, 60 miles a day. Talk about pressure, my high school didn’t offer this course during summer school so it was the only option. With that said I got it done, scratched and earned every bit of that C- and off to Hokie Land I went. In college I came across a lot of guys just like me, but now I’m no longer the big fish in the little pond because once you reach that level everybody is good, the only separation per se is how bad you want to be great. I saw many guys go home their first year because they never had been pushed that hard before and they only got by on the fact that maybe physically they were sound but mentally they hadn’t been tested. My father let me know early and often what true work was, I remember many a time my brother and I would start to cramp in our legs at night from either working all day or having walked all day hunting, he would walk past us in the den and grin and say “stretch out your legs and it’ll stop.” All in all, whenever I needed a boost and felt things were getting tough I was fortunate to have a strong base to draw upon to keep me going. Personally after my playing days were done I did hit some valleys to go along with the high points I had enjoyed, but I never TRULY felt I had peaked in life, I can bear witness to quite a few of my close friends that gave into the idea that once the “cheering had stopped” it was all downhill from there, be it drugs, aids, poor financial decisions you name it, it all goes back to mental toughness. Recently I’ve been getting in touch with some high school friends that I hadn’t seen since graduation, and it’s a mixed bag of feelings on my part of what I had assumed some of these people would have become, let me be clear in that I’m not being critical of any of them but as we all know, we all in high school had the “most likely to succeed” list as well as “most likely to fail” group, and boy was I wrong on both accounts. We all know how the mind works when it comes to pride, that very popular guy or girl you once knew that was always out in front when it came to organizing functions, throwing house parties or having the most popular date on their arm, is now not to be seen because life may have thrown them a curve or two that they couldn’t cope with, be it gaining weight, failed dreams, or just simply everyone around them over evaluating their potential early in life. The two things I can leave you with that will never waver:

1. Try and give to someone that may need a guiding hand even if you never received a strong foundation of morals and work ethics,

2. Most importantly, develop a relationship with God it more times than not makes things more clear.

To respond to this article please forward your responses to [email protected] and please indicate it in your response if you would like us to publish your questions/statements.


Page 36 of 48

www.umaglow.com

A Message from Uma Glow

Hello Remnant Newsletter friends! I’d like to introduce myself. I am the owner and CEO of Uma Glow, LLC which is a division of UMA Enterprises, LLC. My slogan is “Let Me Help You LOVE You” by taking care of yourself from the outside in. It is a commandment to honor the vessel that God has given so you can be the best for your family, friends and anyone else that needs you. We are all exposed to chemicals every day through our environment, but we have a choice in what we put into and on our bodies. I encourage everyone to choose a healthy diet with less processed foods. Think about what you last ate. How close was that meal to its natural state? The further away you get from the natural (loaded with ingredients that you can barely pronounce), the closer you get to living less of a quality of life in the future. The same goes for the products you use every day that are applied to your skin and hair. But the good news is you can make the choice to love yourself as God would have you to do! Let’s start with the wonderful products that my business produces. My products are manufactured with certified organic ingredients, fair trade ingredients and essential oils. We do not use any chemicals, fillers or toxic materials. I’ve researched each ingredient used in my products which can be reviewed at your leisure on my website www.umaglow.com. So let me help you love you by using my wonderful products made with love!

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started at a young age…

Neil Woodard the accomplished athlete…

Page 38 of 48

Salute to a Ballplayer by Lamar Battle (Continued from page 34)

As I mentioned Neil was a Jazz musician and writer but most importantly he expanded his love for the LORD by starting the Remnant Church and Magazine with a fierce dedication and first rate staff. It is a common saying that the LORD reaches us by using other people a point driven home by all of the testimonies of people whose lives were impacted by Neil (mine included). We will all miss this gentle giant who drank freely and enthusiastically of life and all it offered. This poem by Dylan Thomas typifies to me the essence of this peaceful warrior:

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night - Poem by Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on that sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Neil got every inch out of every day as the self proclaimed "Superman." He touched and helped many over the course of a full and meaningful life. RIP Big Man, you will not be forgotten.

Dylan Thomas - Dylan Thomas Poems - Poem Hunter - Browse through Dylan Thomas's poems and quotes. Dylan Marlais Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer who wrote exclusively in English. POEMHUNTER.COM


http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.poemhunter.com%2Fdylan-thomas%2F&h=jAQES4tJ1&enc=AZPJ5UaQqnt8brmX8tvc9iYIPoudBl7vPnFi7GCGJk8nA5xciw50MqtEbdgaUGgGlQcB8efKhJDBbENnfZ9L_2vO90qRYiHIcQwYdakc2N2Na_PKs4p3d8bn1tMgRsnlKlVBAMEOwDJ5ujEhT_b4vltb_DQ_LhrAr6CceoTPuML_Pg&s=1



Shine Padawon by Lori-Ann Woodard

Since Neil's passing he's visited family and friends in dreams. The day after He passed, he visited his son and told him he was having a great time. Mom dreamed she saw him as a teenager during his days of attending Music and Art High School. He was about 15 years old, standing with friends waiting for an elevator that was upward bound. She said he was talking and laughing and talking some more. Yeah, that's how we knew Neil! Another friend said Neil appeared to him in a dream doing the same thing - talking and laughing with him. My artwork represents how Neil's passing has affected me. In the past year, Neil started calling me Padawon telling me the force was strong with me and that I will be a Jedi one day. To me it was an endearing joke between us. However now I see it in a different light. Today was the first time I put my hands to do artwork in over 10 years. I feel Neil's passing has propelled my heart to explore and use all the gifts that God has given - such as music, art, and just loving people. I can still hear him calling me Padawon in my heart. It drives me to live this life to the fullest. Maybe one day he will visit me in my dreams and tell me I have passed the test to be a Jedi. Until then, I will get my shine on! .


Testimonials


Page 40 of 48

Thanking God for the healing He is providing for Dawn! We ask that you remain prayerful with us

for her complete healing.

Fabrics of Our Lives

When the fabric of a quilter's masterpiece becomes frayed and worn,

the quilter takes on the task of restoration. The quilter, like a potter, knows how to make the masterpiece

whole again. We are the masterpiece of our Maker

and He, the Potter, knows how to make us whole again. He knows the fabrics of

our lives. Trust in the Lord to mend the fabrics of

your life...

Mary Coleman

Let us pray without ceasing for those in need of God’s healing power.

Hello world! Say this with me: Lord, You created me with gifts and abilities, to achieve great things! Lord, I thank You for blessings beyond measure! I pray that You keep me in your arms, covered and protected; that I may stand in my truth and do Your Will! This is my prayer, in the precious Name of Jesus Christ who is Our Lord and Savior! Amen and Amen! Share so someone else can be blessed!

Stacie Johnson

Prayer Requests

Special Prayers for:

Susan Woodard Williams and family Also pray for the future of this magazine, that God will give us direction and connect the right people to get the job done.

The Remnant Magazine Staff


10 Tips for Happiness

1. Do things for others

(Hebrews 13:16; John 13:17)

2. Connect with people (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 10:24-25)

3. Take care of your body (Corinthians 6:19-20; Corinthians 3:16-17)

4. Notice the world around you

(John 3:16; John 8:12; Romans 12:1-2)

5. Keep learning new things (John 14:26; Proverbs 6:8; Proverbs 1:5)

6. Have goals to look forward to (Proverbs 16:3; Isaiah 32:8; Habakkuk 2:2-3)

7. Find ways to bounce back (Romans 8:28; Proverbs 3:5-6; Joshua 1:9)

8. Take a positive approach (Proverbs 17:22; Philippians 4:8; Philippians 4:6; Jeremiah 29:11)

9. Be Comfortable with who you are (1 Timothy 4:4; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:6-7; Jeremiah 29:11)

10. Be part of something bigger (Ephesians 3:1-13; Ephesians 2:19-2:22; 1 Chronicles 17:7-17:10)

Page 42 of 48

The theme of The Remnant Magazine continues to be “change.” I believe that the

human family want change but resist it. In general, people want the Lord to change their circumstances but not them. In 1971, the late David Bowie recorded a song called Changes. One of the lines in the song is: “Turn and face the strange changes.” Although Bowie did not say this, part of the strange change is facing the unexpected. Change came for our precious brother and founding editor. Brother Woody’ death is not a strange change but still is a change. His death may appear to be sudden to us but not to the Lord. God knew when he would take Brother Woody and then shared it with us. Elder Neil R. Woodard is living in eternity and is adjusting to the change of God. In our June 2016 issue, I would like to encourage the writers to reflect on and write about how God has changed your circumstances and life. Share your story with the world. As a fellow writer, stay on fire or catch on fire for Jesus. I pray that the Holy Ghost lead and guide you as you continue to write for the kingdom of God. To our readers who do not know the Lord Jesus in the pardon of your sins and in the fellowship of his suffering, all you have to do is repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). After you repent, you need to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the precious gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). Then, you can walk by faith, believe, and trust in the God of the unexpected.

Elder Thomas Williams Interim Co Editor in Chief The Remnant Magazine

Looking FORWARD


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Page 46 of 48


Rest In Peace…

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Contact us:

Send your comments and/or inquiries to: [email protected].

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P. O. Box 952 Richmond, Virginia 23218

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The Remnant

See archived magazines and newsletters at www.remnantacts238.org



Documents

May 2016 volume 1 issue 5