LOVE to PERSEVERE

It’s been a busy year. I’m grateful to God for continuing to see me through and give me strength to persevere. It is most powerful to ‘keep on moving,’ as Soul to Soul sang; ‘don’t stop.’ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. My mom, Judy Lewis uses that scripture as a focus of light for Kids Are People Too!-A talent showcase for children that she resurrected yesterday after over twenty years. I participated as a child and won a segment as well. The judges voted for me because they felt I was really the best! 

(Pic-Mrs. Judy Lewis) Kids Are People Too has become the pre-show to the foundational event, S.M.I.L.E, presented by Rapha Evangelistic Worship Center/REWC by Visionary, Founder, Artist,- Senior Pastor Michael Turner Lewis/ Mekhi El’. S.M.I.L.E. is an acronym for So Much Inspiration Love and Empowerment.

(Pic-Pastor Mike/Mekhi El') The event was held in Saratoga Park which covers the Ocean Hill, Bedford Stuyvesant, and Brownsville sections of Brooklyn, N.Y. on Saturday, and it was awesome! We humbly left with smiles on our faces from the love shown in the community. The sun shined early after a gray sky had welcomed in the day. You better believe folks were praying and believing that it would work out! Thank God it did. Extra Special thanks to the S.M.I.L.E Team, NYC Office of Street Permits, the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, the 81st Police Precinct, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, sponsors, volunteers, individuals and organizations that came out to share great resources with the community. We had excellent musicians from the tri state area playing very well in the park as well, and look forward to next year!

This event was created to inspire and empower our communities; for all of us,’ beyond creed, status, religion, or color’ to share resources with one another and be blessed. Smile’s mission as Pastor Mike has stated, is ‘Empowerment by connectivity, people partnering with the past, present, and future of our evolving communities.’

(Pic-Mrs. Judy Lewis and Pastor Mike, my mom and brother.) I’ve truly been blessed by my mother with her love and exposure to great diverse things, my brother/pastor who’s been lovely, faithful and consistent in spite of so much, and the innovative healing events at Rapha Evangelistic Worship Center. I’ve been encouraged to persevere even when it seems hard and strengthened by the fellowship and love of family and friends. Be Blessed. SMILE!