(Continued on Page 2)

VOL. LXXXXI, No. 5 WASHINGTON, DC MAY 2020 NOT FOR SALE

God Gave The First Television Program On The Mount Of Transfiguration

We can stand on the Word of Jesus and be sure that we are safe.

* * * * *The secret of your strength lies in your obedience to God.

* * * * *You can know how much you love God only through the things you suffer to please God.

* * * * *A little talk with Jesus is the dearest thing you could have.

* * * * *It is not what you think; it is what Gods says.

* * * * *Whatever you use your tongue for, let it be to magnify the Lord.

* * * * *When you are in trouble, if your hands are clean, God will take hold of them and help you out.

* * * * *

Be true, so God can be on your side, for you need good protection today.

* * * * *There is no victory except in the Lord.

* * * * *In the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, walk as a light.

* * * * *Don’t take on anything that will interrupt your walk with God.

* * * * *“Sparks from the Anvil” are now available in hard copy. If you desire a copy, write to the Happy New Publishing Company, 2030 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001-3027Contributions are $8.00.

Peculiar as it may seem and believe it or not, but the world is a mystery. I

mean this world that was created by God. You sit there in your home and we sit in

here and if you could see the unseen things that are hidden from the natural eye, I’m

afraid you would be frightened beyond measure. So few people realize and understand

that God is not a man, but His revelations are so great that those who fear Him will

know His secrets, for Psalm 25:14 says, “The secret of the LORD is with them that

fear him..”

Right now, in this room are thousands and thousands of voices which are

not heard, but they fill the air. The electronics are the electric waves like the mighty

ocean waves as they carry the sound of the ripples from shore to shore. The mighty

deep is always talking and if you could get close enough to the bosom of the deep you

could hear it as it holds a conversation with God.

Believe it or not my brother and sister, but man thinks that the things he

invents are his own inventions, but before he ever invented anything, God gave him the

knowledge to invent it that he might know some of the mysteries of God. God talked

from heaven to earth and those who are attentive to God’s voice could hear Him. If you

do not believe what I am saying, just turn off your radio right now and you won’t hear

me but when you turn it on again you will hear what I’m saying. I don’t care how far

away you may be, if you are on this wavelength you can hear the Elder; you won’t have

to see me, but you will hear me. No matter how far away you may be from God or who

you may be – if you have a radio in your heart, (an ear to hear God), you can hear His

voice. If you should shut off the wavelength that I am on and turn to another, you’ll

hear someone else. Then turn off that one and turn to another and you’ll get another

voice. Voices, voices, voices, fill the air. And if you will not cut off your faith, which

is your wavelength between God and yourself, you’ll hear His voice just as you hear

mine. I hear Him talking to me day in and day out and I talk back to Him. I walk and

I talk with my Savior. All I have to do is to tune in and He’ll always be on the line.

Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux,founder

(Continued from Page 1)

PAGE 2 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

God Gave The First Television Program On The Mount Of Transfiguration

No matter whether it is day or the night – if my heart is right and I turn in to Him, I’ll hear His voice and my heart will rejoice.

God has made us to know and understand that we can not only hear voices, but there is another medium through which He has made us to know and has established it in our hearts that is as near as the voice is to you, there is also the image or the likeness of the one who speaks – you see and hear him on television. The voice and the image come right to your room through the air; no doors have to be opened nor windows raised. Just turn your TV on to the channel over which you capture the vision, and someone will step right into your room to sing for you or talk to you. You’ll see and hear them through the same medium. They are wonderful revelations of God.

God televised before man ever knew anything about television. Television got its name from the first television program ever televised when God Himself televised the images of Moses and Elias up on a mountain and used a cloud as a screen. Jesus, Peter, James and John were the persons who made up the audience for that first program. God arranged the television program so that Peter, James and John might see those who had been dead to the world but were alive to God. Elijah left this earth in a chariot. Man is now talking about orbiting the moon and the world, but Elijah passed on through; he went by the sun and the moon and passed every star and planet and he landed on the planet called Heaven. His servant Elisha saw him as he left the earth, soul and body. Moses went up into the mountain at the command of God and being there, Israel saw him no more, but God sent the Angel Michael to look after him. He was supposed to have died there, but nobody has ever found

his grave. The next time Moses was seen was when God put on His television program and televised Moses and Elias on the Mount of Transfiguration, so called because God transfigured Jesus Christ also by taking Him out of His natural body and giving Him the image and likeness of it, but yet, no flesh – flesh was not a part of the body when God transformed it. There Jesus, Peter, James and John stood on the Mount of Transfiguration when God televised Moses and Elias and placed Jesus beside them. They talked with Jesus and Jesus talked with them.

Peter, James and John stood back in amazement for no one had ever seen Moses and Elias since their departure from the human family. Then as they were talking Peter said, in St. Matthew 17:4 “Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” Peter wanted them to get the crowd or the masses of people and bring them up the mountain to see Moses and Elias. He also wanted Jesus to play host to them. The next verse tells you what happened as they talked: (5) “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved

Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.” The days had passed when the people should hear Moses and Elias and God commanded that they now hear Jesus, His son.

As soon as God had given that command the television program was over. They looked around and in the twinkling of an eye, there stood no one but Jesus back in the natural state with them. They began to ask Jesus, “Master, Master, where are they?” Jesus talked to them as they came down the mountain because they were so excited. The ninth verse says, “And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man is risen again from the dead.” It was the first television program ever revealed to man and it was given by God. Television got its name from “TELL THE VISION TO NO MAN!”

So, there are many wonderful things that God has done before they were ever revealed to man. They are hard for you to understand, but seeing is believing and believing is seeing. What are you talking about? You hear the voices and you see the visions, so don’t think that man did this job. I thank God for the day that shall come when we shall see and know as we are known. The things that God is now doing that are the mysteries shall be made known to us and that shall be the day when the mists have rolled away.

Now don’t think that you are a fool because someone calls you one when you are talking to God on your knees. Amen. They don’t see God and you don’t see me. As I have been given the privilege to talk to you without your seeing me, through the wisdom of God, God himself can talk to you and you won’t see Him. But He’s real, yes, He’s real!

May God bless you. Amen.

Responses to theBible Word Puzzle

PAGE 3 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

The following persons found the correct answer:

Clara BaileySurry, VA* * * * *

Rudene K. BonnetteSt. Matthews, SC

* * * * *Ruth Bonnette

St. Matthews, SC* * * * *

Lorie BugreYonkers, NY

* * * * *Ivy Canady

Williamsburg, VA* * * * *

Laverne FaulknerAlexandria, VA

* * * * *Annette Gibbs

Alberta, VA* * * * *

Laurette GrahamSouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Bessie M. Hooker

Kinston, NC* * * * *

Sarah H. JohnsonKenbridge, VA

* * * * *Lucy Jones

Brodnax, VA* * * * *

Georgia KimpsonOrangeburg, SC

* * * * *Bernice A. Lambert

South Hill, VA* * * * *

Rachel McKinneyHempstead, NY

* * * * *Melinda W. Mizzell

Akron, OH* * * * *

Ola M. MontgomeryEast Orange, NJ

* * * * *Noah MyersBronx, NY* * * * *

Barbara NewbySouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Lafreda OgburnSouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Ernestine ParrishChase City, VA

* * * * *Dorothy J. Purnell

Brodnax, VA* * * * *

Gladys RicksFt. Washington, MD

* * * * *Harriet Roberts

Kinston, NC* * * * *

Beatrice D. RussellBoydton, VA

* * * * *Annie SallyYonkers, NY

* * * * *Shirley Stocks

Washington, DC* * * * *

Rosa StoneBrodnax, VA

* * * * *Dorothy Swinton

Yonkers, NY* * * * *

Rosa TaylorSouth Hill, VA

* * * * *Ina Tinsley

Midlothian, VA* * * * *

Shirley J. WilliamsNorlina, NC

PAGE 4 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15)

Brother Jesse Sapp

From the time he was a child, brother Jesse Sapp loved the Gospel Spreading Church. As a youth, Elder and Sister Michaux saw in him the ability to perform chores at their homes in Newport News, Virginia and Washington, DC.

Brother Sapp accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at a very early age and remained faithful to God until the end of his life. He was active in numerous church activities: Sunday School, Purity Club, Choirs, Easter and Thanksgiving dramatizations.

Brother Sapp was preceded in death by his wife of forty-six years, Sister Mary Frances Sapp. This devoted couple enjoyed worship services and from time to time visited the Gospel Spreading Church in Richmond, Virginia.

The annual baptizing service was a particularly special event for Brother Sapp. It is noteworthy that Brother Sapp was baptized by immersion during the 100th anniversary celebration of his church. This dear saint always brought joy and excitement each time he was privileged to assemble with his church family. His rich bass voice and testimony for Christ are considered hallmarks in Gospel Spreading Church history.

Sister Jessie Mae Gary

Sister Jessie Mae Gary was a saint who worked tirelessly in the kingdom. Her service for the Master included: Sunday School scholar, kitchen worker, confidant, camp counselor, choir member, elder care giver, attire assistant for baptizing candidates, prayer warrior, domestic missionary (Washington, DC, Maryland, North Carolina), and foreign missionary (Guatemala). Her signature tools of engagement for ministry were copies of Happy News and little red bibles.

According to her testimony, prior to coming to faith in Christ, God placed a dynamic song in her heart. The lyrics are: One day I called Him by His Name, so glad I called Him by His Name. I said JESUS, JESUS! Yes, I called Him by His Name. After accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, she sang her song with a greater measure of vigor and force. Her song, along with her ministry activities leave a portion of the legacy of who sister Jessie Mae Gary was.

Brother Charles B. SmithBaltimore Musician Extraordinaire

Brother Charles B. Smith was a musician par excellence who used his talents to glorify God. He was a gifted Pianist and Organist and a kind and compassionate, but strict Choir Director, who demanded excellence of his choir. He was the first Junior Choir Director that I remember in the Gospel Spreading Church at Baltimore - a “Loving Gentle Giant”, a teacher and mentor even to me, the youngest member of the choir. Through the years as his responsibilities grew, whenever he could Brother Charles made himself available to assist the choir with programs, celebrations and special services He and his wife, Jean were sincere saints who lived their creed and in their home raised their children to do the same. He will be truly missed, especially among the musicians of my generation.

Sister Evelyn Parker McClarryApril 25, 2020

Bishop William Lane

Bishop William Lane was a dear friend of the Gospel Spreading Church and founder, Elder L.S. Michaux. Whenever he preached there was strong apostolic fervor. Saints were moved to examine their hearts and lives. Bishop Lane loved preaching revival services in Gospel Spreading Churches. He was guest evangelist at a number of Gospel Spreading Holy Convocations. God called Bishop Lane into the ministry in 1950, ordained him 1955, consecrated him as Bishop in 1990. An Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree was conferred upon him in 1990. He preached his final sermon on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at the Northwest Church of God. His text was “The Foundation” taken from Psalm 11. Bishop Lane was blessed to outlive most of his family, friends, military and ministerial comrades. His undaunting faith and trust in God was rooted in Psalm 91:14: “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation”.

Brother William Charity

Brother William Charity was a child who loved the Lord. He enjoyed Sunday School, Purity Club and worship services. As a youth he was born again and was baptized. The more time he spent in church the greater became his desire to minister to young people.

In 1965 he envisioned a choir of saved young people singing praises to God. That vision became a reality when God led him to form a small choir which grew to more than one hundred. With growth in the number of singers, and increased opportunities to minister in a variety of venues, the Lord led Brother Charity to change the group’s name from Samaritan Singers to Samaritan Gospel Choir.

In 1996 Brother Charity moved his family from Virginia to Connecticut. They attended the New York Gospel Spreading Church where Brother Charity formed the New York GSC Congregation Choir. The saints eagerly joined him as he sang praises to God.

Brother Charity served the Lord with gladness. He “…came before His presence with singing…”. William is probably now leading a heavenly choir.

PAGE 5 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

Mrs. Mary E. Michaux, co-founder

ONLY THREE LETTERS SPELL THE CAUSEOF ALL THE TROUBLE IN THE WORLD - SIN

Speaking of SIN...that is the blame for all sorrow, heartbroken mothers, all sad and alone; helpless and needy, no place to call home; sin is to blame. Many dear children are crying for bread, fathers are drunkards and mothers are dead; sin is to blame (J.H. Vernon).

Romans 6th Chapter, 1st verse to 6th inclusive: then from 11th verse through 23d inclusive: “WHAT shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants

to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

Now since we quite understand that the wages of sin is death, one may ask the question, as the dear little boy in Philadelphia asked, who was about 5 years old: “what will I have to do to be saved?” And the minister answered, “be a good little boy and obey your parents and so on.” And he said, “if that’s it, I’m already saved!”

Now the answer to this BIG QUESTION is found in St. John, 3rd Chapter as Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews went to Jesus, inquiring the way of salvation, which reads: “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him,

How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

“Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believed not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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 sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (St. John 3:1-21).

Now may God give light and understanding; and may each and every one govern themselves accordingly, is my prayer. May God bless you!

PAGE 6 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4).

Aman BecksJune 28, 1975-April 26, 2020

Washington, DC

Jessie Mae GarySeptember 6, 1937-February 29, 2020

Washington, DC

Lucius A. Jackson September 4, 1935-February 18, 2020

Washington, DC

William H. Charity February 9, 1939- August 25, 2019

New York City, NY

Naomi R. FrancisoAugust 26, 1935-February 5, 2020

Newport News, VA

Bishop William K. Lane Sr.December 26, 1923-September 25, 2019

Detroit, MI

Portia M. JacksonJune 17, 1950-December 19, 2019

Lothian, MD

Ruth. N. HicksJune 10, 1940-June 18, 2019

Washington, DC

Sally Oulds Baptist Davis (100 years)January 19, 1919-May 18, 2019

Newport News, VA

Continued on Page 7

Allen Clayton, Sr.December 4, 1954-May 25, 2019

Philadelphia, PA

Charles SmithFebruary 19, 1929-March 18, 2020

Baltimore, MD

PAGE 7 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4).

(Continued from Page 6)

Jessie NicklesonNovember 12, 1944-April 23, 2020

Washington, DC

Warren E. McBrideSeptember 11, 1933-February 8, 2020

Newport News, VA

Sharon P. McDonaldJanuary 25, 1946-October 5, 2019

Washington, DC

Mary F. Pittman October 5, 1960-June 18, 2019

Newport News, VA

Jesse Sapp December 1, 1936- January 20, 2020

Newport News, VA

Yvonne SimpkinsOctober 31, 1933-May 29, 2019

Washington, DC

Karen I. ThorneJanuary 21, 1953-February 22, 2020

Washington, DC

Alline J. Stanback May 2, 1921-September 20, 2018

Washington, DC

Pamela Francine Woods August 26, 1946-July 12, 2019

Hampton, VA

William A. ChaneyNovember 24, 1949-June 26, 2019

Philadelphia, PA

Janet StewartMarch 7, 2020

Washington, DC

PAGE 8 HAPPY EWS MAY 2020

MEMORY VERSE

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14). It’s praying time. Once again, the United States is being called upon to observe the National Day of Prayer which takes place on Thursday, May 7, 2020. This year’s theme is Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth. The church, especially, is encouraged to pray for itself, the government, its leaders, and people. As the Apostle Paul wrote in I Timothy 2: 1-4: “I EXORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

It is no surprise that we should pray for the people of the world, as we go through the coronavirus pandemic. May we, who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, draw closer to Him; and may all who don’t know Him come to know Him through our good examples. Let us remember to pray for the sick, the most vulnerable (including the homeless), medical staffs, first responders, the military, the police, firepersons, paramedics, and any others who are not listed here. May God help us to follow in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, Who laid down His life for us. Lord, please allow us to bring glory to Your name, especially now. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

“…Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (St. Matthew 6:9-13).

LET US PRAY THIS PRAYER AT NOON

“…Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God” (Joel 2:17b)?

COMMANDMENT SECTION

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. .And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Prayers of Young People

Dear Lord,Please bless my family so that we can stay healthy and safe. Please bless

the essential workers. I pray for the healing of the whole world. Amen.

Bradley, Age 10Washington, D.C.

Dear Heavenly Father,We thank You for Your grace, mercy, and goodness. Thank You for the

privilege of living and seeing each day. Lord, we come to You with a heart full of praise for the things that You are doing and are about to do in our lives. We realize that You are the GOD of all possibilities and capabilities.

Lord, we place our lives into Your hands knowing that You are in control of all things and that nothing surprises You. We pray for Your protection over this whole world, including the medical providers who are doing everything in their power to keep us safe. We pray for Your healing power over those who are sick and for Your loving comfort over the families who have lost their loved ones.

We also pray for Your peace that surpasseth all understanding in this time of trouble. But most of all Heavenly Father, we pray that we will draw closer to You and that unsaved souls might be saved. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Elizabeth, Age 17Capitol Heights

Dear Lord, Please let the people who have the coronavirus get better so that we can

start going places. Please help heal people from other viruses. Please protect everybody at home.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. N´Dea, Age 7Baltimore Dear Lord,

Thank you for everything. Please help our President and Governor Hogan [Maryland] to bless our families. Thank You for letting me go to mommy and daddy’s school during the coronavirus quarantine so I don’t have to get up so early to go to my regular school even though I miss my teacher and friends.

Thank you, God. Amen. Bella, Age 5Laurel Lord,

Please allow me to continue to do well in school so that I can pass to the next grade. Please keep my mommy safe as she continues to work in healthcare: the frontline of the coronavirus. Please heal all of the people who have the virus and keep all of the others from getting it. Amen. A´maia, Age 13Washington, D.C.

Lord,Please help me to do better in school. Please help the families who are sick

because of the coronavirus. Amen. Devin, Age 7Washington, D.C.

Dear Lord, Thank You for protection from the virus. Bless the people working on the

frontlines. Bless the doctors and the nurses. Amen.

Aydn, Age 7

PAGE 9 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

David, Age 12Upper Marlboro

Lord,Help me to go to the potty and be happy! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Imani, Age 3Baltimore

Dear Heavenly Father,I pray to You for the people who are weak and sick. Please help them to

get better. I pray for the safety and health of my family. I ask that You continue to keep them each and every day.

Dear Lord, I also ask that You allow people to be kind and generous every day, because we only live once down here. Amen. Mariah, Age 15Williamsburg

Lord, Father God,I come to You to thank You for all You have done and all that You are

doing. I thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ on the cross to die so that we might have the right to the tree of life. I thank You for allowing us the opportunity to wake up and see another day. Please guide our each and every step.

I come to You today seeking protection over all first responders during these trying times. I ask that You cover them with Your blood, I pray that they travel to and from their destinations safely.

Lord, I ask and pray that You grant all the leaders of the world wisdom and knowledge. May we all be nothing in self, but all that You have us to be.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Rachael, Age 17Upper Marlboro

Dear Lord,Thank You for loving and for caring for us. Thank You for protecting all

of us. Thank You for helping us in our troubles. Thank You for forgiving our sins. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Tsehai, Age 10Baltimore

Dear Lord, Please watch over my family and me. Please allow me to do well in school

so that I can pass to the 7th Grade. Please heal all of the families who are going through the sickness caused by

the coronavirus. Amen. Tyler, 12Washington, D.C.

Dear Lord,Please hear our prayers for this nation. Remember all the families who are

affected by this virus. If anyone is not saved, please save them. Let their eyes be opened so that they can see that You are in control. I pray that everyone will be safe and healthy when this pandemic is over. Amen. Alexis, Age 14Williamsburg

Lord,Please protect my family: my mom, dad, and grandparents. Please help the

people who have the coronavirus. Please help me to do better in school and in my dance performances. Amen. Aydn, Age 7Washington, D.C

Dear Heavenly Father,I humbly come before You today thanking You for everything before asking

You for anything. I thank You for the amazing things You have done in my life

as well as in the lives of my family and friends. As You know, there is a horrible disease going around called coronavirus.

Lord, please protect and strengthen our immune systems. I pray that You cast the virus out of anyone battling it at this present moment. I pray that their health becomes better than it was before it was affected by the virus. I pray for those who lost family, friends, and loved ones to the virus. May You comfort and assure them.

Heavenly Father, please protect health care workers, first responders, and essential workers from the coronavirus. I pray that all the supplies will be made readily available for people who may be ill. I pray for the President and government leaders. Lord, please give them wisdom and guidance. I pray that they receive and follow the wisdom and guidance You give them. I pray for those not only affected internally, but mentally and financially. Don’t let our hearts and minds be overtaken with fear. Give us all hope and peace.

Lord, I thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’s name, Amen. Hannah, Age 18Upper Marlboro

He Giveth More Grace by Anne Johnson Flint*

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase, To added affliction, He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace. When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ´ere the day is half-done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, Our Father’s full giving is only begun. His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men, For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

ANSWERS TO THE APRIL HOLY BIBLE QUIZ

1. How many women went to Jesus’ tomb?(Three – Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome - St. Mark 16:1a).

2. What did the women take with them to the tomb and why?(The women took sweet spices to anoint Jesus’ body - St. Mark 16:1b).

3. What details highlight the significance of Jesus’ resurrection?(It was “early in the morning”, it was the first day of the week, and the sun was just rising - St. Mark 16:2).

4. Because of the large stone in front of Jesus’ tomb, what was the women’s concern?(How were they going to get to Jesus’ body - St. Mark 16:3-4).

5. What did the angel at the tomb tell the women?(The angel told them not to fear because Jesus of Nazareth had risen from the tomb - St. Mark 16:5-6).

6. What were they told to do? What is the significance of the mention of Peter?(They were informed to tell the disciples that they would meet Jesus in Galilee. The special mention of Peter shows Jesus’ concern for him. It also highlights his need for reconciliation after the denial of Jesus - St. Mark 16:7).

7. What post resurrection appearances of Jesus does this Gospel mention?(Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, two more, and the disciples - St. Mark 16:9-14).

ANSWERS TO THE APRIL FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us (Psalm 62:8).

2. The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence (II Samuel 22:3).

3. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him (II Samuel 22:31).

4. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation (Isaiah 12:2).

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LESSON 18 – May 3, 2020SUBJECT: The Righteous Branch

GOLDEN TEXT: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jeremiah 23:5).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: Jeremiah 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord.2 Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.5 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.7 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;8 But, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

LESSON DISCUSSION

In this passage, God spoke to Jeremiah concerning spiritual pastors. With the role of pastor comes the responsibility of leadership. The spiritual shepherds were to keep the flock of sheep united and treated with care. The pastoral leaders included priests, Levites and prophets. In Israel, at the time of this passage, the spiritual leaders were scattering the flock. They were not protecting their flocks from the enemy. They proceeded to do the work of the enemy - wolves, lions and robbers!

As in that day, the indictment against the spiritual leaders is the same today. The Lord states in Jeremiah 23:2 - “...Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.”

God had a remedy, a plan of restoration and renewal for His flock who had been scattered. God himself would gather the remnant of the flock. They were scattered to other countries. Included in His plan was the raising up of “new shepherds” which would lead His flock faithfully, not out of fear, but favor. God is still raising up shepherds today. These shepherds must maintain the high standards God requires as become the leaders.

The “Branch” of Righteousness is the Messiah. His people will be united under Messianic rule. Judah and Israel will be saved. The restoration at the return of our Savior will establish peace and righteousness in His kingdom forever.

Spiritual pastors today would do well to hold to the same high standards of the “Righteous Branch”. They must feed the flock of God faithfully. God’s renewal plan adds and multiplies the flock.

LESSON 19 – May 10, 2020SUBJECT: One King over All

GOLDEN TEXT: “And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them” (Ezekiel 37:24).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: Ezekiel 37:15 The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and for all the house of Israel his companions:

17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.20 And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all.23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children’s children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.

LESSON DISCUSSION

The prophet Ezekiel prophesied a Word from the Lord to a divided nation. He, along with this nation, was taken captive by the Babylonians in 597 B.C. Ezekiel was to come through his presentation of a symbolic act. God instructed Ezekiel to take two sticks, the first represented Judah, the southern kingdom. Judah was the major tribe in the southern kingdom. The second stick represented the northern kingdom which had rebelled, to form their own kingdom (Ephraim). Ezekiel was to join the two sticks together in one hand. This symbolic act demonstrated that the divided people would be united as one nation. The captives had been scattered, yet God said all descendants of Jacob, the children of Israel, would be united back into one nation.

Ezekiel further conveyed this promise of God that the nation would never be divided again. They will have one king over them all.

After the release of the captives from Babylon, the people were dispersed again. God’s promise still stands. There will be a spiritual cleansing by God. David, God’s servant, shall be their king - “they shall walk in my judgments and observe my statutes, and do them” (Ezekiel 37:24b). The focus of Ezekiel’s prophecy was Israel. In Jesus’ prayer to His Father, He included all kingdom minded believers for unification. He asked His Father to make them one (See St. John 17:22).

Believers today should earnestly contend for the faith. Along our kingdom journey, we should observe God’s statues and do them.

LESSON 20 – May 17, 2020SUBJECT: A Light for the Gentiles

GOLDEN TEXT: “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: Isaiah 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;3 And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.4 Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.5 And now, saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.8 Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a

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day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.22 Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

LESSON DISCUSSION

The focus of this lesson is part of the Servant Songs in the book of Isaiah. The Messiah is identified first as the Servant of the Lord. A call is made for all people to heed the words of the Lord. No matter where you go, give an ear to the Word of the Lord. God gave His Servant a timely message to deliver. In Isaiah 49:3 the Messiah is referred to as “Israel.”

In the Messiah’s message, He was to call the nation of Israel back to God. The plan for the twelve tribes of Israel was that of deliverance, yet not for them alone.

There would be a worldwide recognition of the “Light” of the world. God’s promise to His Servant included the Jews and Gentiles. The message of salvation would be accomplished by God himself. The church would have redemption through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He was raised from the dead in victory - mission accomplished!

The light of the world is Jesus. God’s Word today is a lamp unto your feet and a light to your path.

LESSON 21 – May 24, 2020SUBJECT: The Redeemer Will Come

GOLDEN TEXT: “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 59:20).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.15 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence.19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.

LESSON DISCUSSION

Isaiah chapter 59, gives a message of hope to a sinful and rebellious people. This prophecy was probably given after the fall of the northern kingdom. The sins (iniquities) of the people was the factor separating them from God. They continued to ignore God’s standards. The Lord would not hear their prayers in their sinful state. The sins of the people were enumerated both personal and national in nature.

They abused the legal system. Verse four relates the fact that they didn’t ask for justice and spoke lies in the courts. Isaiah acknowledges God’s verdict as an accurate indictment. The Lord had a solution for Judah’s seemingly hopeless situation. God Himself would become the intercessor. Everyone has need of a Savior. The character of God was revealed in the articles of clothing named in the lesson text. He put on (See Isaiah 59:17) a breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, a garment of vengeance and a cloak of zeal.

When the Lord’s judgment of sinners is meted out, it will be in accord with their sinful deeds. Songwriters Edward Mote and William Bradbury fittingly penned these words, “When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found; Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.” The price has been paid on Calvary - repentance must be made.

Believers today are awaiting the return of the Savior. Continue to speak the truth in love. With joy you say, “I’ve been redeemed and washed in the blood of the Lamb.” The blood still works!

LESSON 22 – May 31, 2020SUBJECT: The King’s Eternal Throne

GOLDEN TEXT: “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre” (Psalm 45:6).

PRINTED SCRIPTURE TEXT: Psalm 45:1 My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.9 Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house;11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.13 The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace.16 Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.17 I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.

LESSON DISCUSSION

Psalm 45 relates an awesome description of the King of Kings. At the onset of this king’s qualities, are that he is “fairer” than others. God has poured an abundance of grace into this king forever. Therefore, gracious Words will stem from Him. The gracious words pointed to Jesus. Remember when the temple guards were sent to arrest Jesus, they were confronted by the gracious Words of Jesus. They were powerless to carry out the authorities’ orders.

When Jesus fulfilled the words of this Psalm, credence is given to this being a Messianic Psalm. Verses 10-15 of Psalm 45 describe the King’s bride. The bride spoken of in the Old Testament is specifically the nation of Israel. All of the redeemed are represented as the bride. The wealthy among the royal wedding guests will bring gifts. A spotless garment symbolizing holiness, will be worn at the wedding. The bride will enter the king’s palace (God’s temple). The Messiah, unlike the kings of Israel, held three offices simultaneously, Prophet, Priest and King. He sacrificed Himself for our redemption.

Samuel prophesied that David would have a descendant ruling on the throne of Israel. King Jesus, the Messiah, David’s descendant, will reign forever.

Today we still have the promise of sharing in God’s grace. There is grace for every need.

CALLING ALL YOUTH (Continued from Page 9)

5. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift my soul unto thee (Psalm 143:8).

6. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust (Psalm 91:2).

7. THEY that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever (Psalm 125:1).

MAY HOLY BIBLE QUIZ

Psalm 145 is one of a collection of praise songs.

1. What did David repeat in the first two verses?

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PAGE 12 HAPPY NEWS MAY 2020

2. Why did David praise the Lord? Should we do the same?

3. How can the works of the Lord be described?

4. What are the characteristics of the Lord in verse 8?

5. What is over all the works of the Lord? What did Jeremiah declare about this characteristic?

6. Who does the Lord preserve?

7. Name the characteristic of the Lord in the last verse.

MAY FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. Whom having not seen, ye ______; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet ______, ye ______ with ______ unspeakable and full of ______:

2. Because thou hast been my ______, therefore in the ______ of thy ______ will I ______.

3. O satisfy us ______ with thy ______; that we may ______ and be ______ all our days.

4. Let the heavens be ______, and let the earth ______: and let men ______ among the nations, The LORD ______.

5. The LORD ______; let the earth ______; let the ______ of isles be ______ thereof.

6. Make a ______ noise unto the LORD, all the ______: make a ______ noise, and ______, and sing ______.

7. Fear not, O land; be ______ and ______: for the LORD will do ______ ______.

CALLING ALL YOUTH (Continued from Page 11)