Page 23 - Florida Sentinel 5-5-17

Polk County News
NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet
Appreciation Luncheon Held
A day that will be forever etched in the minds of Elder Calvin McDonald and his wife, Belinda...
On Saturday, April 22, 2017, the members of New Life Church of God by Faith, Fort Myers, Florida, along with friends, family and the community joined together during a luncheon to show homage and appreciation to their faithful leaders, Elder Calvin and First Lady Be- linda McDonald. The host-site was the beautiful Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice.
‘God’s Leaders Chosen for His Mission’ was the theme for this occasion. Carolyn Cowan served as Coordina- tor of this memorable cele- bration that opened with songs of praise and worship by the New Life Praise Team. Bishop Halsey Watkins rendered a Prayer, which was followed by the reading of scripture by Elder Harvey Lawrence. An extraordi- nary Welcome was extended to all by Evangelist Harri- ett Scott.
A scrumptious lunch of baked chicken, rice pilaf, and steamed asparagus/carrots was served after Elder Neal T. Phillips offered up the Blessing of the Food.
The celebration continued with special remarks by Dea- con David Anderson, Sr. (“You got to be souled out to come to Fort Myers. And Elder McDonald is definitely souled out; he and his wife, Belinda.”); Elder Thomas Faison, Jr. (“He’s my friend. But he will charge me to fix my car.”); Evangelist Punch Baldwin, (Calvin is as close to my family as any blood brother. He is my baby brother.); Bishop Albert James ‘A. J.’ Williams, (He is a great man of God and Belinda is his com- pleter.); and Elder Joe Hal- man, Jr. (“Elder McDonald and his wife are dedicated to the Fort Myers church.”).
Michelle Richardson, their daughter, could not at- tend the luncheon, however she shared in a written state- ment that was read, “My Fa- ther is the epitome of joy and truth.” Ruling Elder James E. Williams, III of
ELDER CALVIN MCDONALD AND WIFE, BELINDA
the National Church of God by Faith, Inc., delivered a message of encouragement from the story of Moses who was chosen, before his birth, by God to lead His people. “God looks for a leader with certain qualities. He looks at the heart. The goal is accom- plished through strong con- viction,” shared Elder Williams.
Remarks of appreciation were given by Elder and Sis- ter McDonald, who were at awe and totally moved by the love and appreciation that had been shared on this day. The McDonalds reside in Lakeland, however, they ac- cepted the assignment to serve as leaders in Fort Myers 10 years ago. Yet the distance of more than 200 miles trav- eled sometimes three or more times per week has not hin- dered their faithfulness to the work that God has appointed them to do.
Celebrating Being Three
In 2014, Kaleb Williams, a handsome Nu- bian Prince was born. On May 1st, he enjoyed celebrat- ing being three. Kaleb is the son of Everett Williams, Jr. and Marissa Landers Williams. Happy 3rd Birth- day, Kaleb! May the Lord bless you with many, many more!
Happy Anniversary!
Shaw-Nuf Talk extends belated Happy Anniversary! wishes to Keith and Shon-
nie Boyd of Lakeland. The Boyds celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on May 14th. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Boyd! May the Lord continue to bless this union with many years of marital bliss.
Shaw-Nuf Shout-Out
’Tis the season of GRAD- UATION!!! This week’s Shaw-Nuf Shout-out goes out to all of the graduates of the Class of 2017 in Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hardee Counties and the sur- rounding areas. Congratula- tions! You have accomplished a life milestone! May the Lord bless each of you to con- tinue moving forward with Him as your guide.
Talk To Shaw-Nuf
Shaw-Nuf Talk wants to hear from you. Share your exciting news and/or photos of your celebrations, special events, birthdays, anniver- saries, weddings, family re- unions, church or community events, etc., with the reader- ship of the Florida Sentinel Bulletin and Shaw-Nuf Talk by sending an e-mail to: shawnuftalk@yahoo.com or calling (863) 513-8437.
On Saturday April 15th, Bishop Daryl Forehand, left, Lakeland Police Department Chief of Police Larry Giddens and Dr. Shandale Terrell attended the Lake- land Branch NAACP 70th Annual Freedom Fund Ban- quet. The theme for this year was, "The Power Is In The Legacy, The Dream Continues."
The historical sold-out event was held at the Apostle Henry Ross, Sr., Family Life Center in Lakeland.
The legendary Mr. Ulysses J. Johnson, educator and author, was the keynote speaker for the banquet.
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-B