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VOL V   NO. 1  JANUARY 2004

REV. ROBERT KELLEY

 


The Black Man´s Religions - Part III

 

Rev. Robert Kelley is the founder and president of Open Door Communication Ministries, Inc. and pastored the St. Mark Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon at the time this was published. 

 

(Editor’s Note: This is part three of an article calling African American men to seek power not in religion, but relationship with the living God and Creator who reveals Himself to man.)

 

Today, there are even some black preachers singing the praises of men such as Denmark Vesey and Nat Turner who led murderous revolts in lashing out against slavery.  These men are held up as heroes of the race because they didn’t just sit there and take being powerless.  This is done in spite of the clear warning of Scripture, “Repay no one evil for evil.” And again, “Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord,” (Romans 12:17a; 19, NKJV).  Thus, those rebels were caught and destroyed.

 

God’s warning is why “Burn, baby burn,” the angry cry of youthful, black rioters in Watts and other cities in the 1960’s, rings so hollow to me now.  As a youth watching the news coverage on television, I can remember feeling the rage and the energetic (if momentary) rush of empowerment as the rioters vented themselves against America’s multi-layered system of oppression of blacks.  But in the end, as if they knew their bounds (bounds that if crossed would have assured their personal demise), the rioters destroyed only their own communities.  What benefit then, did they gain?

 

While as an adult I have not violently lashed out against a white perpetrator of racism against me, like many black males after being powerless in the situation, I have been guilty of taking it out on my family.  Let me be very clear about this.  I ultimately vented my anger upon my family because of sin in me not any reaction to being powerless in the face of racism as a first cause!  However, I cannot deny that as a younger husband and father, I allowed myself to come home in a hostile mood on too many occasions in connection with racially charged encounters with especially white male authority figures.

 

It pains me deeply to have to own up to one more thing about my sin and previous inadequate coping with being powerless in the face of racism: I was as serious a Christian in those days as I am now!  The difference, of course, is my continuing growth in the knowledge of Christ and experiences with His life changing power!  But I could have moved along a lot faster than the hit and miss process of discovery I’ve been in, if the predominantly African American churches I’ve been a part of, would have had an intentional ministry of helping black males to heal and cope.

 

To Be Continued Next Issue

 

 

Rev. Percy N. Manuel, Sr.


My Friend, Mentor & Pastor; Strong Man Of God!

 

Rev. Percy N. Manuel, Sr. the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and board member of Open Door Communication Ministries, Inc. of Portland, Oregon went home to be with the Lord on January 5, 2004. He departed after contracting pneumonia while vacationing in Southern California.  He was 88 years old. Those remaining to celebrate his life include his devoted wife Mrs. Bennie L. Manuel, their adult children, other family, the many lives he’s touched and this son in the ministry.

 

My very true friend and pastor poured himself into me as I testified at his homegoing service on January 16th.  He was a teacher par excellence!  He taught me by word and example.  The love of Christ radiated from his life.  He was a man of integrity.  His yes meant yes and his no meant no!  He was a preacher’s preacher and had a very special place in his heart for those who needed formal training.

 

Finally, no doubt some have wondered are there really any strong men of God in the image of Christ out there.  Yes!  My pastor was one of them!  He was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and suffered the indignities of racial segregation and discrimination there, Southern California as well as here in Portland.  But he overcame as all of us can by trusting in Christ and with His love, loving all!

 

As a board member of this Ministry, he has helped lead us to the verge of now taking our message through The From Slavery To Victory Education Project to African Americans across the nation.  He believed in what God has called me to do as completely as one can.  He gave encouragement, counsel, prayer and his gifts as support.  I miss and will miss him until the Lord calls me home.

 

To Be Continued Next Issue

 

 

 

©2004 Open Door Communication Ministries, Inc