Happily Divorced And After

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Who is the Antichrist?

The Bible is clear that one man, the Antichrist, will rise up to unite the world under ONE GOVERMENT during the Tribulation. This global dictator will pose as an angel of light, just like his father the devil, but will later act out of his true, evil nature. He will persecute, torture, and kill the people of God as he leads the armies of the world into the Battle of Armageddon. He will be the most powerful dictator the world has ever seen, making Caesar, Hitler, Mao, and Saddam seem tame by comparison. [Revelation 13:1–8] describes the Antichrist as a Beast who is against Christ.

How will you recognize him?

The Antichrist will begin inconspicuously as one of many minor political leaders, but he will gradually grasp more and more power. As Daniel says, the coming world leader will be renowned for his eloquence, which will capture the attention and administration of the world. He will be a man whose appearance was greater than his fellows. He will be strikingly attractive. He will be a clever man of great intellect. The combination of his magnetic personality, speaking ability, and extreme good looks will make him virtually irresistible to the masses [Daniel 7:7-8, 20, 25]. When he comes on the scene, people will flock to him like flies to honey, and they will do anything he asks. Step by step, the Antichrist will promote himself from a European leader to a world leader, to a tyrannical global dictator, and finally to a god. His rise to power will be inconspicuous. It will not be noticed in the beginning and will hardly raise the attention even of those who are closer to the center of action. He will rise out of the general population. A contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries [Daniel 11:21]. Daniel describes him as somebody who understands sinister schemes for through his cunning…shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule. [Daniel 8:23,25]. According to Daniel he will come in peaceably and seize the kingdom by intrigue. [Daniel 11:21]. He will be speaking great things and blasphemies; against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those that dwell in heaven. The Antichrist will and start his own religion [Revelation 13:5-6].

During the last 3½ years of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will personify Satan himself with all power, signs, and lying wonders [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10].

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. It is crucial to be aware of the prophecies regarding the Antichrist and the end times for the groundwork is being laid for the Antichrist’s appearance at the present hour. Current events such as increasing divisions and conflicts between nations, tremendous social unrest, a general hostility toward the Jews and Christianity, rank moral degradation, technological advancements that have enabled widespread surveillance and control, global pandemics, and the probability of a major worldwide economic crisis, are all signs of the last days pointing to the coming of the Antichrist, who will appear as a charismatic and persuasive leader who can provide salvation and deliverance. When in reality, he is a Beast – a human monster whose power comes from the dreaded Dragon — the devil himself. Do not be deceived.

As [M.R. DeHaan] quoted; “Terrible are the days which lie ahead. The rumblings of the coming judgment can be heard in the distance. The clouds are gathering. Inventions…have made men tremble at what lies ahead. There is only one way out, and that is through him [Christ], who is the door to absolute safety. Those who receive him and enter through the door by faith are safe. They are described as those whose names ‘are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.’ Is your name written there? Are you ready for his coming? If not, will you turn to him [Christ] and be saved now?”

God offers safety and rescue for those who are His. Statement of Personal Trust in God’s Care [Psalms 46:1-3,7; Psalms 91:1-2]. Declaration of God’s Care for His People [Psalms 91:3-4; 14-16]. The Results of God’s Care [Psalms 91:5-8]. The ones who God protects [Psalms 91: 9-10]. The Means of God’s Care [Psalms 91:9-13]. Promises for the people of God – they are not universal; they are reserved for the people of God: those who have given their life to him [John 10:27-29]. This is a relationship that is made possible through repentance and trust in Jesus Christ. So, if you have not given your life to the Lord, repent and get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW. For not only is the Antichrist coming, and all hell is about to break loose, but judgment will soon follow. The Time is Near!

Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and 10 horns, with 10 crowns on its horns. And written on each head were names that blasphemed God. This Beast looked like a Leopard, but it had the feet of a Bear and the mouth of a Lion! And the dragon gave the Beast his own power and throne and great authority. I saw that one of the heads of the Beast seemed wounded beyond recovery — but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the Beast. They worshiped the dragon for giving the Beast such power, and they also worshiped the Beast. “Who is as great as the beast?” they exclaimed. “Who is able to fight against him?” [Revelation 13; Daniel 7].

They did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward [Jeremiah 7:24]. God gave them over [Romans 1:24–28].

By Vickie Davis

My name is Vickie Davis, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Rialto City Council. As a lifelong resident of Rialto, a proud mother, a licensed clinician, and a dedicated community advocate, I have spent my entire life working to uplift and support our community. Now, I am ready to take that commitment to the next level by serving as your voice on the City Council.

Rialto is more than just my home—it’s where I’ve built my life, raised my children, and dedicated my career to making a difference. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many of you to address the challenges facing our city, whether through mental health services, community outreach, or advocating for the needs of our most vulnerable residents. I’ve seen firsthand the resilience, strength, and diversity that makes Rialto so special, and I believe that our city deserves leadership that reflects those qualities.

As a licensed clinician, I’ve worked on the front lines of mental health care, helping individuals and families navigate difficult times. This experience has taught me the importance of compassion, understanding, and action—values that I will bring to the City Council. I understand the importance of addressing mental health needs in our community, and I am committed to
ensuring that everyone in Rialto has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

But my vision for Rialto goes beyond just mental health. I am deeply committed to creating a city that is safe, inclusive, and equitable for all. This means advocating for affordable housing, improving public safety, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that our city’s growth benefits everyone, not just a select few. It also means prioritizing diversity, inclusion, and equity in every decision we make—because our city’s strength lies in its diversity.

I am not a career politician; I am a career community advocate. I understand the real issues facing our community because I live them every day, just like you.

My campaign is about people, not politics. It’s about ensuring that every resident of Rialto has a voice in the decisions that affect our lives.

I want to be that voice for you on the City Council, to listen to your concerns, fight for your needs, and work tirelessly to build a brighter future for our city. As I embark on this journey, I ask for your support, your trust, and your vote.

Together, we can make Rialto a city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, where families can flourish, and where our community continues to be a place we are all proud to call home.

Thank you for considering me as your next City Council member. Let’s work together to create a better Rialto for all of us.

Sincerely, Vickie Davis

As we grow older, our needs and priorities change. In California, a wide range of services is available to help you maintain your independence, stay connected, and lead a fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking for support with daily tasks, health care guidance, or planning for the future, California’s aging services are here to help.

Aging in Place

Many of you may prefer to stay in your own home as you get older. California offers programs that can assist with home repairs, transportation, and in-home care. Additionally, health and social care programs, including day centers with activities like arts and exercise, help you stay independent.

Nutrition Services

You can enjoy home-delivered meals or gather for group meals at local centers. For those with limited income, there are options to get fresh produce and other food benefits through the CalFresh Expansion program.

Health Insurance Guidance

Confused about health insurance options? The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides guidance on Medicare and long-term care insurance.

Support for Caregivers

If you are caring for an older adult, there are programs like Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) and the Family Caregiver Support Program offering respite, counseling, and assistance with paperwork. CRCs also provide action plans for families dealing with dementia.

Legal Assistance

Facing issues like consumer fraud, elder abuse, or age discrimination? Legal Services are available to help with Social Security, health insurance, pensions, and more.

Employment Opportunities

Looking for a job? Free training and job placement services are available for older Californians.

Emergency Preparedness

Planning for emergencies is especially important as we age. California offers resources to help you prepare for natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies. Creating a personal emergency plan, keeping an emergency kit ready, and staying informed about local resources can make all the difference.

All these services and more are coordinated through local Area Agencies on Aging. Find yours by calling the California Aging and Adult Information Line at 800-510-2020 or visiting aging.ca.gov.

As part of the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) ongoing commitment to engaging in innovative work to improve the maternal health care landscape, inclusive of offering a comprehensive suite of services and benefits aimed at promoting health equity and addressing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, Medi-Cal now covers doula services.

This new and important benefit, added by DHCS in January 2023, helps to ensure that birthing individuals have additional options to receive physical, emotional, and nonmedical support, prevent perinatal complications, and improve health outcomes for birthing individuals and their infants.

What Are Doula Services?

Doula services include personal support to birthing individuals and their families throughout pregnancy and one year postpartum. This includes emotional and physical support provided during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period, as well as support during miscarriage and abortion.

Services include guidance; health navigation; evidence-based education for prenatal, postpartum, childbirth, and newborn/infant care; lactation support; development of a birth plan; and, if appropriate, connecting birthing individuals to community-based resources (e.g., breastfeeding classes or maternal support groups) or other providers.

Addressing Health Equity & Maternal Health Disparities

Doula services may be especially important for Black birthing individuals, who face disproportionately higher rates of maternal and infant mortality.

In the United States, Black people are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White people. Additionally, Black infants are more than twice as likely to die in their first year of life compared to White infants.

Ultimately, Medi-Cal covered doula services are an important step in promoting greater health equity and reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Why Medi-Cal Covers Doula Services?

Doulas provide person-centered, culturally sensitive care that supports the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity of Medi-Cal members, which not only help to address the unique and varied needs of Medi-Cal members, but also help to promote equity and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Doula care is associated with positive birth outcomes, including a reduction in cesarean sections, epidural use, length of labor, low-birth weight, and premature deliveries. Additionally, the emotional support provided by doulas has been shown to help lower stress and anxiety during labor.

Accessing Doula Services

Doulas are available through Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) and fee-for-service delivery systems. Doulas can offer personal support throughout pregnancy and one year postpartum, regardless of birth outcomes. To increase access to doula services and reduce barriers, DHCS issued a standing recommendation for doula services. This means that Medi-Cal members do not need to request a separate written referral to receive Medi-Cal-covered doula services, they can just go directly to a doula who accepts Medi-Cal patients and begin their journey with a doula who will support them throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.

Comprehensive Care Coverage

Medi-Cal’s doula services include one initial 90-minute visit to establish care and support, eight additional visits combining prenatal and postpartum care tailored to individual needs, continuous support during labor and delivery, including in cases of stillbirth, miscarriage, or abortion, and up to two extended three-hour postpartum visits to ensure comprehensive postpartum care.

With an additional recommendation from a physician or other licensed practitioner, doulas can also provide up to nine additional postpartum visits to Medi-Cal members.

Real Stories, Real Impact

For many families, the support of a doula has been life-changing and significantly impacted their birth outcomes.

Mark and Jasmine, a young couple expecting their first child, were determined to have a positive birthing experience.

Mark recalls, “Having a doula was one of the best decisions we made. Our doula, Linda, was an advocate for us in the hospital, helping us understand our options and make informed decisions. When Jasmine went into labor, Linda’s presence transformed a fearful situation into an empowering experience. She offered comfort and emotional support that helped Jasmine stay strong and focused. After our baby was born, Linda’s continued support during the postpartum period was invaluable. She helped educate Jasmine about breastfeeding and provided us with resources that made our transition into parenthood smoother.”

Expanded Support Services

Medi-Cal extends its maternal coverage beyond doula services to include certified nurse midwives and licensed midwife services, delivering clinical care to birthing individuals and their newborns.

Additionally, DHCS is developing a comprehensive Birthing Care Pathway to guide Medi-Cal members from conception to 12 months post-birth. This project aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality disparities, particularly among Black, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), and Pacific Islander birthing individuals.

It also aims to enhance Medi-Cal’s care delivery policies for pregnant and postpartum individuals, standardize care processes across different settings, and encourage the adoption of these guidelines.

Investing in Health, Empowering Families

By integrating doulas into Medi-Cal, DHCS is helping to transform maternal and infant health care, ensuring that every Medi-Cal member has access to many options when it comes to choosing maternal care providers who are sensitive to cultural and language needs as well as individual preferences in terms of time, place, and manner of the birthing experience. DHCS’ commitment and ongoing investment in this space has already improved and will continue to improve health outcomes and foster long-term health and well-being for Medi-Cal members and their families across the state.

For more information and to find a doula near you, visit the Doula Directory at (https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Documents/Doula-Directory.pdf) or the Medi-Cal Doula Services page at (www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/pages/Doula-Services.aspx).

This list represents doulas who have enrolled in Medi-Cal. Beneficiaries who enrolled in a Medi-Cal managed care plan can check with their managed care plan regarding doulas who provide services to their members.

In Riverside County and San Bernardino County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

*   Inland Empire Health Plan: 800-440-4347

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

*   Molina HealthCare of California Partner Plan, Inc.: 888-665-4621

Empower your birth experience with Medi-Cal’s comprehensive doula services. Because every family deserves support, respect, and care.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) during the Patriot Day observance at its Brier administrative site on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. SBCSS held ceremonies at each office location in observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre offered remarks to the staff assembled at the administrative site. He spoke of the devastating loss of life that took place on that fateful day and described the events that transpired while taking a moment to thank the first responders who are currently battling the surrounding wildfires.

“These past few days have been devastating to our communities with the wildfires happening around us. We are grateful for the work of our firefighters and first responders. They’re out there on the front lines, doing the work that is so incredibly important,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Today, we thank and pay our respects to firefighters and first responders for their dedication to save lives and save communities on 9/11 and beyond.”

“I couldn’t be more grateful to the first responders who rushed into action, many of them sacrificing their own lives. It was a moment of Americans helping Americans that we must remember,” said State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. “We always say we will never forget, so it’s important to teach this history to our students and recognize those who lost their lives that day and support our first responders who are supporting us right now as we combat these devastating fires.”

Employees at each site gathered for a moment of silence to pay respect to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which officially began when a hijacked plane flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 A.M. EST.

Adalia De Luna, a sixth-grade student from Jehue Middle School, gave a moving rendition of “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful” during the remembrance ceremony.

The ceremony highlighted that Patriot Day is not just a day of remembrance, but also a day of service. Citizens are called to volunteer in their communities to pay tribute to the selflessness of the first responders and members of the military who have given their lives to defend others.

As order by President Biden, flags were flown at half-staff at all SBCSS locations on September 11, 2024, in observance of Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) rang in the 2024-2025 academic year by celebrating seven exceptional employees making an impact in San Bernardino County during the SBCSS Stars in Education Celebration held on August 28.

Four teachers who have dedicated decades of their career to education were named Teachers of the Year in their respective categories, one staff member was recognized as the Classified School Employee of the Year, and two honorees were named Teachers for Tomorrow.

“This year’s honorees provide each child with equitable, innovative and inspirational learning environments,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Their dedication to education and their students’ success is truly commendable. It’s an honor to recognize them and their impactful work.”

The recipients of the SBCSS Teachers of the Year award were nominated by their peers and were selected by a panel comprised of staff from three regions throughout the County and the San Bernardino County Teachers Association. The award highlights educational innovation, student learning and the rewards of teaching.

Nominations for the SBCSS Classified School Employee of the Year are submitted by their peers. With five or more years of service in their current role, they have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues. Nominees have shown to be actively engaged in their school community, consistently demonstrating outstanding work performance, leadership, dedication, and ongoing professional growth.

The Teacher for Tomorrow program provides financial assistance to help support County Schools employees who are pursuing their teaching credential. Recipients of the prestigious award receive monetary assistance with tuition, books and other academic support services.

All seven of this year’s honorees received a gift from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR:

 Ronald Osburn

County Schools Teacher of the Year

Liberty II State Preschool

Jamie Fleming

Alternative Education Teacher of the Year

Independent Learning Academy at Bob Murphy County Community School

Matthew Guzman

Desert/Mountain Teacher of the Year

Del Rey Elementary

Melissa McCann

West End Teacher of the Year

Live Oak Early Education Center

CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:

Yvonne Knox

Paraeducator

Bob Murphy County Community School

TEACHERS FOR TOMORROW:

Olivia Fresquez

Paraeducator

Students Transitioning into Adult Responsibilities (S.T.A.R.) program

Fardowsa Mohamed

Paraeducator

West Creek Elementary and Siegrist Preschool

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.#transforminglives

Just a few gentle strums of ukelele music can immediately transport us to a place of calm. This mysterious effect is one reason board-certified music therapist Lorrie Kubicek helps many patients take up the easy-to-play instrument after they’re diagnosed with cancer or another major health condition — transforming a fraught situation into a constructive one.

“Instead of saying ‘I have to go to the hospital for my chemo,’ patients start saying, ‘I have to go to the hospital for my ukelele lesson,'” says Kubicek, co-director of the Katherine A. Gallagher Integrated Therapies Program at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Cancer Center.

But music therapy is far more than a pleasant diversion, exemplifying how the art and science of medicine can work in tandem. With ancient roots — the Chinese character for medicine includes the character for music — the approach also helped rehabilitate World War II veterans’ minds, bodies, and spirits.

Characterized by personally tailored music interventions such as singing, songwriting, playing an instrument, listening to music, or moving to the beat, music therapy strikes a chord in many areas of medicine. Evidence increasingly suggests it helps people better manage disease symptoms and treatment side effects by curbing stress, soothing pain, promoting sleep, and boosting focus.

“Music connects you to a part of yourself that’s well, and that’s true no matter what patient population we’re working with,” Kubicek says. “Music remains, no matter the challenges a person is facing.”

Personalized approach

Music therapy isn’t the same thing as music medicine, in which patients simply wear headphones and listen to their favorite music for relaxation or distraction while undergoing medical treatment. It also doesn’t require any musical background or experience to participate or benefit.

The therapy begins with a one-on-one assessment with a music therapist to explore how each person relates to music and what problems they may face. “We combine this information with evidence-based interventions to help patients feel, deal, or heal as quickly as possible,” Kubicek says. “We figure out how music can help you move toward your goals in a way that sets you up for success.”

Building on decades of research, recent studies indicate this type of intervention can provide important relief by reducing anxiety during medical treatment, according to a 2021 research review published in Psychiatry Research.

“We see this all the time,” she says. “Because of music’s connection to the limbic system in the brain, it can help you access the relaxation response and calm your nervous system, slowing down your breathing. It really helps shift your mind from what it’s stuck on or worried about and helps you land in the moment you’re in.”

People with Alzheimer’s disease were the focus of a research review published online in March 2023 by Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, which suggested that music therapy improved memory, attention, and orientation in these patients. And for people with psychiatric illnesses such as depression, Kubicek says, music therapy can “bring energy and joy back at a very dark time in people’s lives. It’s also really beautiful to see how music can connect people of different ages and stages, cognitive abilities, and cultures.”

By Eric Harris | Special to California Black Media Partners

In November, voters have a crucial opportunity to reject Proposition 36, a misguided effort backed by major law enforcement associations and some players in the corporate retail lobby that will make our communities less safe.

Although the authors of the proposition have euphemistically labeled it “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act,” Prop 36 will increase punishments for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders without providing any funding for treatment or housing. Prop 36, like policies similar to it in the past that have harmed Black people, will affect a disproportionate number of Black disabled people.

Over the past decade, Californians have voted to reduce our prison population. To achieve that goal, in 2014, we passed Proposition 47, which reclassified many low-level nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, from felonies to misdemeanors. This was an important step to reform our criminal legal system, leading to an overall drop in crime statewide and decreased rates of recidivism. In contrast, Prop 36 would impose longer sentences and harsher punishments for theft and drug-related offenses. Rather than investing in meaningful solutions, Prop 36 relies on expensive band-aids such as “treatment-mandated felonies” for repeated drug possession and sends people to prison for shoplifting instead of investing in people who are simply struggling to survive.

Nationwide, people with disabilities are disproportionately represented in our prison system at staggering rates, with over 40% of people in state prisons having a disability, compared to only 15% of people in the general population. In California, 1 in 3 people in prison have a diagnosed mental illness. This overrepresentation reflects decades of policies that prioritize incarceration over housing affordability and community-based alternatives, especially in Black and Brown communities, and among people experiencing homelessness.

By increasing the number of people experiencing incarceration, Prop 36 will exacerbate the number of Californians with disabilities in our prison system, while also disabling new people who enter the system. Beyond being overrepresented, people with disabilities experience inhumane treatment in prison and jail where they are often denied proper accommodations, medical care, and services. Further, prison and jail conditions often exacerbate people’s existing conditions, meaning people are at risk for leaving incarceration with disabilities they did not have when they entered the system.

Moreover, while special interests have framed Prop 36 as an attempt to address drug use, its mandated treatment model will lead to more people with disabilities facing incarceration, while their substance use disorders remain untreated. Experts agree that mandating drug treatment for individuals convicted of a drug-related offense does not effectively reduce drug use. Further, Prop 36 does not offer any funding for substance use treatment of any kind, let alone evidence-based practices. This will perpetuate the existing system in which people with substance use disorders end up incarcerated, instead of having access to community-based treatment.

Prop 36 will also worsen the socioeconomic conditions at the root of the problems it claims to address. A felony conviction makes it far more difficult to find employment and stable housing post-incarceration, which has a compounding impact for people with disabilities who already are more likely to be facing housing insecurity and unemployment. People experiencing unstable housing and employment are also more likely to develop a disability such as a substance use disorder. Prop 36 therefore would perpetuate the existing vicious cycle that keeps people with disabilities and those who are experiencing homelessness in and out of prisons.

Californians should oppose any measures that double down on punishment and incarceration. Instead of Prop 36, we need policies that invest in community-driven solutions for healthier communities and affordable living, especially for those most affected by the criminal justice system.

About the Author

Eric Harris is the Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.

DALLAS, TX— Marvin Sapp’s 16th album, Then & Now is available today at www.marvinsapp.com and everywhere that digital music is sold. Physical copies of Then & Now will also be available for purchase in any of the 35 cities of the Reunion Tour, which begins September 6th in Philadelphia.

Then & Now is a live recording that takes listeners on a dazzling ride through Sapp’s three decades of recording music, and sprinkles in powerful new songs that show Sapp’s musical gift is still as strong as ever.

Refreshed medleys of iconic hits such as “One Thing,” “Perfect Peace” and “He Has His Hands on You” are enduring crowd pleasers that represent Marvin Sapp “then,” while new songs including “Glory to His Name” co-written by Israel Houghton, and the radio single “He Was There,” bring listeners to Marvin Sapp “now.”

Then & Now is the second album released on Sapp’s independent label, Elev8 Media & Entertainment.

“I wanted this record to feel like a Marvin Sapp concert, and we pulled it off,” says Sapp. “The album sounds incredible and I’m proud of this body of work. Then & Now is a musical diary of my career. It is what I like to call ‘churchy but funky’ and it offers something new for those who have been supporting my ministry throughout the years.”

Marvin Sapp is known for delivering rich live recording experiences that translate into musical masterpieces. His platinum-selling album Thirsty was recorded live, in addition to Here I Am (2010), You Shall Live (2015), and Chosen Vessel (2020).

Then & Now can officially be added to his masterful “live album” discography.

By Mary D. Welch

Today, you’re witnessing a dream come true! My fascination with the movie industry has always been strong, and I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out how to break into it. As you might know, I started my writing career with Children’s Books. While I’ve continued to write and publish in that genre, I’ve also ventured into screenwriting.

On top of that, I’ve been working on movie sets, and here’s a surprising twist—I’ve got a couple of scenes in the movie that was wrapped up last Friday! I can’t even begin to describe how thrilling it was to be a part of those scenes. Even if I end up on the cutting room floor, it was an experience worth every moment!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to follow your dreams, wherever they may lead. I’m absolutely loving what I’m doing, even though I never imagined it would be possible. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue to write Children’s Books and screenplays. Taking risks in life is the only way to truly live. Will you always win? Not necessarily, but as Nelson Mandela wisely said, “You will never lose; you will only learn.”

I’m at the start of this exciting and nerve-wracking journey, and I’m so glad you’re here with me. You are always appreciated and loved. Embrace your purpose, and if you’re not sure what it is yet, that’s okay—give yourself the grace to discover it. Try out classes and activities that interest you, and remember, it’s all about having fun without any pressure!

I have so much to learn, and I mean that sincerely, but I’m having an incredible time along the way. While Children’s Books will always hold a special place in my heart, I’m thoroughly enjoying the path of writing movies. I’ll keep you updated on my progress and let you know what’s happening.