Keith Holloway’s Death Is Not In Vain

On December 3, the telephone rang just before 12 midnight and from that moment forward it was as if everything went in slow motion, but yet so very fast. Keith had been shot in the head, arm, and chest and left on the side of the road to die. The time spent at the hospital and up to the funeral was mind boggling. I didn’t just witness another mother’s cry, but I witnessed a father’s, a step-mother’s, sisters’, brothers’, grandparents’, a whole family’s, and even a community’s cry. And even now, it all still seems like a bad dream.

Fourteen years old Keith wasn’t a perfect child, no one is; but he was a faithful choir member at H.B. Ferguson Missionary Baptist Church located in Asheville, North Carolina. Fourteen –years- old Keith had a special kind of peace and love about him and was always helpful within the family. Now that part of the family puzzle is gone and will sincerely be missed, but his memories will live on.

As I think back, I have never experienced a home going service such as what I did with Keith. On Saturday, December 8, 2007, First Nazereth Baptist Church was filled and overflowed to the balcony. Love, support, and prayers came from a most diversified group – ministers, teachers, students, law enforcement, family, friends, young, old, black, and white. One staff member from Erwin High School stated how this situation has opened eyes and ears at the school and additional similar comments continue to trickle in to the family.

Even though this was such a tragic situation, the family of Keith holds on to the belief that Keith’s death is not in vain. We truly believe that nothing happens unless God allows it and although it may have been meant for bad and as bad as it was, God is going to use it for His good. Some of that is already being revealed. In the meantime the family realizes there is a long journey of healing ahead and is taking it one day at a time. And of course, there is still an upcoming trail in which the family is seeking and Keith’s blood cries out for truth and justice.

An account in the name of the Keith Holloway Victim’s Right Advocacy Fund has been established at the First Citizen Bank in Asheville, North Carolina. The family of Keith Holloway express their most sincere appreciation of all prayers, support, and donations.

A Call to Action # 3







"Pray for the children and teach the children how to pray."


We are living in perilous times. So much is happening all around us, but more and more to children. It's no longer acceptable to just grumble about how prayer has been taken out of the schools or how disrespectful the children are. If you truly love your children, you will take the responsibility to teach your own children or the children around you how to pray. After all, you should be your child's best teacher.

Greetings;

I hope your holidays have been filled with peace, love, and joy. It has been a while since I have written, but posting on the blog has sincerely been on my mind and heart.

I started working on my Master of Science in Management and Leadership in August and have been very busy trying to balance my time and energy. In additon, I have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Keith "Keyman" Holloway was murdered on December 3, 2007. The loss of my 14 year old relative was a great tragedy and shock to the family. We are on a journey of healing but realize that will take a while, especially with having to still face a trail.

I will post more about Keith's death within the next week. Until then, I solicit your prayers not only for my family, but for the 18 year old murderer, as well. My family is trying to keep a spiritual focus through all of this. We realize that nothing happens unless God allows it and we truly believe that Keith's death will not be in vain. In spite of what we are dealing with, we know that God is still in control and all things will work out for His good. Your fervant prayers will help carry us through this journey and are most appreciated.

Sincerely,


Priscilla

Maintaining a spiritual focus has allowed my strength to endure and overcome trails and tribulations. I invite you to meditate on the thought of the month provided by:

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell
The Word Made Truth Ministry
76 Livingston Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801

(828) 279-8562

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell also have a prison ministry. Please feel free to ask questions pertaining to the thought of the month.

DECEMBER 20, 2007

The Perfect Gift

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

There were many things we wanted for Christmas when we were children and even as adults. On Christmas morning some are overwhelm with joy, others indifferently content, and many totally disappointed. The day comes and goes leaving many with a feeling of disenchantment and even depression. If you want joy that will last, focus on the “Perfect Gift, Jesus Christ.”
How is Jesus the Perfect Gift? Jesus the Perfect Gift: supplies what we stand in need of most; salvation; it’s everlasting, here today and forever more; it’s unconditionally, it’s for the so called good and for the so called bad; and it gives us peace in a world of confusion.

This gift was given thousands of years ago in the form of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and found lying in a manger. This gift went about the business of reconciling man back to the Almighty God our Creator and Redeemer. This gift touch, taught, healed, and set at liberty them that were bruised. This perfect gift died on an old rugged cross for the salvation of all mankind. This perfect gift rose on the third day from a borrowed tomb with all power in his hands and now sits on the right hand of God waiting for the appointed time to come back and take us to be with him forever.

During this Christmas season, it is my prayer that you will do three vitally important things:

1. Recognize – the perfect gift that has been given.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2. Believe & Accept – the perfect gift into your heart.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

3. Allow – the perfect gift to transform you and make you what God intended for you to be.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Prayer

Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace, thank you for sending the “Perfect Gift,” JESUS to reconcile us back to you. We love you worship and adore you because you didn’t have to do it but you did! In this season of remembrance, we recognize your unconditional love, we ask forgiving for our sins and that your Holy Spirit will become a permanent resident in our hearts that we might be empowered to be ambassadors of your kingdom. May we reach and teach the world about a Savior who can take the pieces of our broken lives and make mountains of glory for the edification of God in the Christmas Season and for the rest of our lives.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Blessed Holy Ghost. Amen