Today I gave two lectures at Montana State University to 40 international teachers from Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia and other countries formerly of the Soviet Union. The teachers wanted to talk about the Black church and it's affect on the politics of this country. It was wonderful to learn they were passionate about the Black church, for many in the Soviet Union they were not allowed to openly practive christianity, they read about the struggles of the black church and our struggles gave them courage to continue. The teachers also shared with me they observe Black History month in February! The teachers talked about the oppression their countries endured under Soviet Rule, and they said they looked to African-Americans as role models to fight for freedom and justice. My lecture was on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and the role of education in his life. They were delighted to hear his mother was a school teacher. This experience made me cry to know that the struggles of the black church, african americans and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther king could and would transform lives of people in Europe. God always uses his people in miraclous ways. What are your thoughts in regards to the struggles of African-Americans and the Black Church in terms of our impact around the world. (P.S every teacher knew the words to we shall overcome in english.)

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Answers

Hooptidoo

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Dear Rev. Rogers,

Your postings on this discussion board are always a source of inspiration to me. I have learned that when I allow positve comments to flow from me that I can inspire myself and others around me. I thank God for a minister like yourself. I have also learned that when I speak and do positive things that I will never have to apologize or regret my actions. On the other hand, I have learned that if I yield to my enemy the flesh and allow negative things to flow from me that I will have to apologize for it. I was intrigued that the foreign teachers that you spoke to celebrated Black history in February. I would like to know more about how they conduct this celebration. There actions points to the universality of the human race and the superficiality of what we know as race. I have also recognized the tune of "We shall Overcome" being sung by oppressed peoples in their foreign languages on the TV from time to time. I have also noticed that our American journalists failed to acknowledge this action.

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Jazzman, I did not find out how they prepare their lesson plans. But hearing from these teachers brought to light yet another way that God is using the descendents of slaves as heroes and role models. To hear a woman from russia share how the KGB would follow her because she was a christian, and the fear that she was able to overcome because of her understanding of what the slaves in America had gone through was inspiring. I share these stories so that we as A.M.E's will continue the work of Richard Allen, for the spreading of the gospel message is the paramount mission of our church. The media does not share with us that schools in former communist countries are studying the history of black churches for encouragement. Yesterday I saw pictures of an exhibit that was put on in Armenia on the Black church in America. They flew over an African-American professor from the university of virginia to set up the exhibit for their country. Seeing our religion through their eyes took my breath away. For God took the slaves and called us his people to strengthen and to give hope to others. Think of the possibilities that are set before us. Yes there are problems in our denomination, but they are human problems, that God can and will transform. He has done it before and he will do it again! I think it so important for us as christians called A.M.E to realize we are changing the lives of all people, black and white. In the Ukraine they teach about Richard Allen. Let's love one another and share the triumphs of God with the rest of the world. They are looking to us. My the strength, hope and love of Jesus Christ be the only weight on your heart. Joy in Christ!!

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001