A musical phenomenon is sweeping through churches in the region—anointed, triumphant songs of struggle, freedom, healing and hope.

From Capetown, South Africa, Kunjalo Music Ministries with its unique brand of urban contemporary gospel is touching souls and winning hearts.

It is a blessing and nothing short of a miracle that The Positive Community is presenting this group of talented singers and musicians with their cutting edge style. Their harmony, melody and rhythm captivate audiences whose response is pure joy and praise.

Thanks to the congregations and their leadership for the warm reception and hospitality extended to their visiting brothers and sisters from the Motherland.

Popular media depicts Africa as a continent of despair. Portrayals of war, poverty and disease are commonplace as seen in a recent spate of movies—Hotel Rwanda, Lord of War, Blood Diamonds, The Last King of Scotland, etc.

Enter Kunjalo Music Ministries, a revelation of the Truth, Beauty and Goodness of a loving and gifted race—the African personality unfiltered. Soul to soul children of Apartheid era and children of the Jim Crow era can share the oneness of the God who freed us all. These young artists, who range in age from 22 to 32, represent a vision of peace, health, prosperity and goodwill in Africa’s future. In their ministry through music, they share the effect of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and other economic and social ills in South Africa’s Capetown region with optimism and dignity—God makes a way out of no way. In the words of the group’s leader, Pastor Manny Niekerk, “The same God that watches over America is the same God we serve in South Africa.”

If it is planetary destiny that one day all mankind will realize the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, this goal cannot be achieved short of understanding and intelligent cooperation among African people throughout the Diaspora.

By popular demand, the Kunjalo tour in the area has been extended through the second Sunday in May. Dates are still available. If you would like to arrange a performance for your church or community organization call The Positive Community at 973-233-9200 or e-mail positive.corp@verizon.net. Visit our website, www.thepositivecommunity.com often for the latest postings of performances.

Congratulations to Rev. Shirley B. Cathie, pastor emeritus of Community Church of God in Plainfield upon receiving its highest honor from Rutgers University for excellence in education and selfless service to her community.

Happy 30 th Pastoral Anniversary to our dear friend and wise leader, Rev. Frank J. Blackshear, pastor of Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church in Harlem.

Finally, we are saddened by the death of Bishop G.E. Patterson, the spiritual leader of the Church of God in Christ. We send our deepest condolences to his family and the more than eight million members of the Church of God in Christ. He will be sorely missed.