And there were lights

  

I’m thankful, Lord, that all the darkness in the world has never put out Thy light.-Unknown 

The year 2008 has an extra day called Leap Day (February 29).  In Tampa, where I raised a family, the city’s Black History Committee used that evening in part to honor Twenty Points of Light.  Sierra attended on my behalf while I was witnessing the lights being held up by 21^st Century Yale graduates in the Greater Houston Area.

Café Charisma is the brainchild of Dexter Upshaw, Jr., Yale ’06.  Koinonia (Kim) and Jesse Givens III are 2001 Yale graduates.  They established Not Just Ministries, Inc. in order for others to multiply their talents in service to minority and underrepresented communities.  Not Just Ministries supported, guided, and entrusted Dexter in coordinating and executing this inaugural Café Charisma.  In Dexter’s words, “It’s not just fellowship…it’s Kingdom!”

 

As I experienced the evening unfolding, I saw the light that the Givens are holding up for believers in the Greater Houston Area.  I also witnessed the enthusiastic support they received from their home church family.  Using my cellphone camera, I took two primitive pictures.  The message for me is clear:  “And there were lights.”  Kim and Jesse explain the dreams of Not Just Ministries.  Dexter and Lindsey Upshaw (Yale ’04) in a profile shot.

 

Our board and advisory council held a teleconference earlier in the week.  I don’t know how many such conferences were occurring throughout Cyberspace that Tuesday evening.  I just know that Not Just Ministries is an excellent example of what I live for:  To see young people committed to their faith using their highly developed critical thinking skills to bring the light of hope to others.

http://www.notjustfellowship.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=91

This is the link to more information about Cafe Charisma and Not Just Ministries