84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING: SUNDAY OF HOPE
“It was during my seminary experience under the encouragement of my pastor the late Rev. Dr. Britt A. Starghill as part of my theological field education where I was introduced to Rev. Dr. Campbell in 2008. I served one year as a student intern. However, my relationship and connection to both Pastor Campbell and the Mount Caramel Baptist Church (MCBC) would develop into one that was very positive and influential on my life and my ministry. So much so that in 2012, Pastor Campbell announced he would retire at the end of 2013, he made the proposed recommendation to the church that I return in 2013 to serve as the preacher in residence. This meant I would serve in a preaching capacity for one year giving the church an oppor- tunity to get to know me a little better while at the same time giving me an opportunity to know the church a little better. It was not a guarantee, nor did it mean that I would automatically become the next pastor. As a result, nine months after the retirement of Pastor Campbell in September of 2014, the move and fa- vor of God along with the congregational vote I was called to be the ninth pastor of the historic Mount Carmel Baptist Church.” “Needless to say, I was extremely ner- vous of leaving my comfort zone of more than 20 years in clinical speech pathol- ogy to become the pastor of Mount Car- mel—not to mention, following a long tenure of a much loved and respected pastor. On September 15, 2019, we celebrated five years together as pastor and people.” “We’ve created a viable weekly reading program with Commodore Barry (K-8) School in our immediate community. As a result of this program the school reports an increase in overall reading scores for grades K-3 which are our targeted age groups. We have created an excellent Creative Sparks summer camp which focuses on STEAM (Sci- ence, technology, engineering, arts, and math) which is going into its fourth year. Although MCBC has always been pres- ent in the community, together we have expanded our reach and impact of ser- vice into other areas of the community
including partnering with agencies who focus on women issues, health issues, and housing needs/issues. And even with all of that we’ve have done together as a church. What I love about MCBC is that they have embraced me to be me, which is a non-traditional pastor serving a traditional Baptist Church, for which I am grateful.” In thinking about Kappa Alpha Psi, Dr. Moore reflected on Exodus 17:12-13 12 “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” “This scripture speaks to the value of the brotherhood and coming together and working together. Because you see although there are those in leadership, for Moses the leader to be effective in leading, he required the assistance of others (Aaron and Hur) to hold up his hands. Now the key is, for Joshua who was doing the fighting in the valley to be victorious, it was all depended upon other people doing what they could do so that everyone could win. Simply put, everybody needs somebody. And that’s what our noble clan provides every brother. Every time we come together for our monthly chapter meetings, prov- ince meetings, guide right, conclaves, or our social events. Each should be a reminder that we come together because we are better together. We are more ef- fective in our achievements together. I don’t care who you are, everybody needs somebody. And I am grateful for every brother who has been “the somebody” I’ve need along my journey. His favorite scripture is Luke 4: 18- 19: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Kappa Alpha Psi
reminds me that what I’ve been called to do and what I do is not because of my own power. But simply because the Lord has anointed me to do what I do. So, when I achieve my goals or fail to achieve my goals. Regardless of what I think or anybody else may say, think, or believe. At the end of the day, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and Lord has anointed me.” As for advice for those concerned about the orders of the day, “If truth be told, the current tone and tenor of the United States as well as abroad really isn’t any different then what history has proven. We live in a racist, sexist, and an elit- ist society. And for Black and Brown people we’ve navigated these systems for more than 400 years. But despite all the systems and structures we encounter, we have managed to excel. So, for those who are less hopeful, continue to do the work, continue to set goals, continue to dream, continue to plan, and con- tinue to execute with surgical precision. Because one thing is for sure and two things are for certain, regardless of who holds the office of President, obstacles you face, setbacks you experience... you still have to put in your work and give your energy to get things done.” And as to advice to undergraduate stu- dents in particular, “Enjoy the journey. While understanding that the under- graduate experience is just part of the journey. It’s not the journey. If you make a mistake, it’s ok. Just don’t be defined by your mistake. Learn from them and continue your journey. And always re- member, it’s great to be a Kappa!” When Life Member Moore is not teach- ing or ministering, he enjoys playing golf, cycling, exercise and reading. And he has a message for the Brothers. “I am in my 29 th year as a member of the greatest fraternity created by God known to man and I would not trade one year for anything. To the brothers of the Epsilon Beta chapter, the Middle East- ern Province, Burlington-Camden (NJ) Alumni, Philadelphia (PA) Alumni and the Northeastern Province, thank you all for being some of the best brothers this side of Heaven!” THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2019 | 37
This is my favorite scripture because it
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