Celebrating Our African-American Authors

With personal reflections from Energion owner Henry Neufeld

Dr. Lonnie Davis Wesley, III

One of the most important things I found in this book was the history of the role of deacons in the African-American church. The lessons and ideas about how to manage this important ministry in the modern church apply to any church, but the history provides an important background for all other churches to understand and to better connect with African-American churches.

It has been my sad observation that often white churches connect more closely with distant churches of similar racial composition than they do with nearby African-American churches. Our churches do not need to share the same culture, the same style of worship, the same schedule, or even the same politics. We do share the same Lord, and that needs to show.

I believe that this book, if read, could be one key to building understanding by helping readers to understand the impact that the history of slavery and segregation have had on African-American leaders.

This is a book with a powerful message for all those who want to see the church represent the gospel effectively to everyone, everywhere.

Dr. Wesley pastors Greater Little Rock Baptist Church here in Pensacola, Florida.

Felecia Marshall

When I receive a manuscript that deals with loss, injury, violence, or grief, I always read it with some trepidation. Too many of these manuscripts will spew anger without finding any helpful solutions. They can be a catharsis for the writer, but they are unlikely to help others.

When that happens, I have to think of the best way to tell someone that their story is not something I’ll publish, hopefully without hurting someone who has already been deeply and seriously wounded.

As I read this manuscript, at first I wondered about all the history and background in the story. Maybe the author should just get to the point! But then I started to see how this background flowed into the story of loss, anger, grief and the search for justice. Finally, it provided the foundation for the story of grace that is told in this book.

No matter who you are, you need to read this story. It will help you understand those who are frustrated and angry with the justice system. If you are already angry, it will help you in your search for justice.

Ultimately, Felecia Marshall tells us, true justice can only come from God, but God’s grace and our understanding of it can provide the fuel and strength to nonetheless seek justice here.

Felecia Marshall directs a ministry of the same name as her book, Grant Me Justice.

Dr. Terrell Carter

What Felecia Marshall does from the experiential side, Dr. Carter does from a theological perspective. His experience as a police officer and then as a pastor and community leader has prepared him well to address the issues he does.

In The Only Thing that Matters Is Heaven, he lets us know that many things matter in this life as well. We look for a heavenly home, but we don’t neglect this one.

In Daniel and God’s Sovereignty he discusses the theology of the early chapters of Daniel in a challenging way that looks both at our own calls to action and at God’s sovereign action and brings these together.

If you’re wondering what your involvement should be in the present world, while continuing to put your hope in God’s grace and sovereignty, this book is for you. I recommend it for a church or small group study.

In I Have to Live with Them? Dr. Carter addresses racial relations in the church directly. I found this book extremely helpful. It’s basic, but many Christian leaders and church members need to hear the basics to help them understand how others feel. If you want to “do to others as you would have them do to you,” it might be well to get to know them and the issues they live with on a daily basis.

Tamika Champion-Hampton

Tamika Champion-Hampton was the first African-American author published by Energion, and also our first children’s author. I met with Tamika at a number of events sponsored by Reimagine Wordwide where I was giving out books and she was presenting her ministry to young people, At the Table.

We had rejected many children’s books before we agreed to publish this series. We were not disappointed in the results.

These books are basic. They are easy to read. They are good to read with your children. They are suitable for use in Sunday School where children can learn of Jesus’ love for them.

One note: There’s an eighth volume in the works!

Celebrating Our African-American Authors

With personal reflections from Energion owner Henry Neufeld

Dr. Lonnie Davis Wesley, III

One of the most important things I found in this book was the history of the role of deacons in the African-American church. The lessons and ideas about how to manage this important ministry in the modern church apply to any church, but the history provides an important background for all other churches to understand and to better connect with African-American churches.

It has been my sad observation that often white churches connect more closely with distant churches of similar racial composition than they do with nearby African-American churches. Our churches do not need to share the same culture, the same style of worship, the same schedule, or even the same politics. We do share the same Lord, and that needs to show.

I believe that this book, if read, could be one key to building understanding by helping readers to understand the impact that the history of slavery and segregation have had on African-American leaders.

This is a book with a powerful message for all those who want to see the church represent the gospel effectively to everyone, everywhere.

Dr. Wesley pastors Greater Little Rock Baptist Church here in Pensacola, Florida.

Felecia Marshall

When I receive a manuscript that deals with loss, injury, violence, or grief, I always read it with some trepidation. Too many of these manuscripts will spew anger without finding any helpful solutions. They can be a catharsis for the writer, but they are unlikely to help others.

When that happens, I have to think of the best way to tell someone that their story is not something I’ll publish, hopefully without hurting someone who has already been deeply and seriously wounded.

As I read this manuscript, at first I wondered about all the history and background in the story. Maybe the author should just get to the point! But then I started to see how this background flowed into the story of loss, anger, grief and the search for justice. Finally, it provided the foundation for the story of grace that is told in this book.

No matter who you are, you need to read this story. It will help you understand those who are frustrated and angry with the justice system. If you are already angry, it will help you in your search for justice.

Ultimately, Felecia Marshall tells us, true justice can only come from God, but God’s grace and our understanding of it can provide the fuel and strength to nonetheless seek justice here.

Felecia Marshall directs a ministry of the same name as her book, Grant Me Justice.

Dr. Terrell Carter

What Felecia Marshall does from the experiential side, Dr. Carter does from a theological perspective. His experience as a police officer and then as a pastor and community leader has prepared him well to address the issues he does.

In The Only Thing that Matters Is Heaven, he lets us know that many things matter in this life as well. We look for a heavenly home, but we don’t neglect this one.

In Daniel and God’s Sovereignty he discusses the theology of the early chapters of Daniel in a challenging way that looks both at our own calls to action and at God’s sovereign action and brings these together.

If you’re wondering what your involvement should be in the present world, while continuing to put your hope in God’s grace and sovereignty, this book is for you. I recommend it for a church or small group study.

In I Have to Live with Them? Dr. Carter addresses racial relations in the church directly. I found this book extremely helpful. It’s basic, but many Christian leaders and church members need to hear the basics to help them understand how others feel. If you want to “do to others as you would have them do to you,” it might be well to get to know them and the issues they live with on a daily basis.

Tamika Champion-Hampton

Tamika Champion-Hampton was the first African-American author published by Energion, and also our first children’s author. I met with Tamika at a number of events sponsored by Reimagine Wordwide where I was giving out books and she was presenting her ministry to young people, At the Table.

We had rejected many children’s books before we agreed to publish this series. We were not disappointed in the results.

These books are basic. They are easy to read. They are good to read with your children. They are suitable for use in Sunday School where children can learn of Jesus’ love for them.

One note: There’s an eighth volume in the works!