June, 2007

Relation between the students are improving. However, with the weather getting nicer (well not today) the students tend to get a little more rowdy
after school.
I apologize about not getting back to you sooner about my feedback re: Joey Perez. I responded to Dr. Jackson’s email and did not forward my response to you. He was great and the kids loved him. He was very passionate about his message and the kids saw that, even beyond the yelling. Boy was he loud, but the message was received and that’s all that matters.

Have a good one.
Nakia

Former gang leader to speak at Wesley

Joey Perez is a changed man, and he wants to share his story with the students at Georgia Collage & State University.
Perez, a pastor from Philadelphia, will be speaking at the Wesley Foundation’s Wednesday night meeting on Feb. 4 at 8 p.m., in the MSU lounge.
Perez is a former gang leader and drug dealer who saw his brother killed, his friend stabbed and nearly had his own life taken several times. His life was a constant roller coaster between riding the highs of his social position and personal way, he found true peace and happiness.
“Joey is someone whose life was changed by Jesus, not by an encounter with a religious doctrine, but with the person of Jesus Christ,” said Bill Baker, Wesley Foundation campus minister. “As a result of that, his life did an about-face. He was a drug dealer, a thief and a gang leader and was completely changed. He ended un going to seminary to learn and then came back to his old neighborhood to rescue other people from the same lifestyle that he was imprisoned by.
This is a man who lives what he believes.”
Currently, Perez operates Worldwide Evangelical Ministries in Philadelphia. This ministry has become a rehabilitation center for men and

1. Stretch Dean

Hey Mary

I just wanted to let you know that last Sunday Night, I got the opportunity to pray with 3 more of any Teens and have them invite Jesus the Christ to be their Lord and Savior! What an honor and a privilege! They’ve been really growing and learning, too, since then.
Thank you for continuing to provide us Pastors with an experience like Jesus Fest, where we can have our Teens and Young Adults in a new & fresh way to the way, Truth, & Life!

2. Good Morning Pastor Craig,

I wanted to take this time to thank you and the ministerial for the opportunity that was afforded to Eisenhower with Joey Perez. His message touched a lot of our students. Many were emotional and anxious to read his book. I had a girl approach me in tears and said that she is going to work on forgiving her father the way Joey forgave his. By the way I have about three boxes of books left. I know that you would like these
back to be a blessing to someone else. (maybe the Christians release students) Several students returned the permission slips, but many did not. We are not certain if this was because of the religious message in the book or just failure to respond. One thing is for shure… Those students that really wanted to read the book, received the book. I also had two teacher approach me, who did not hear the message, and ask for several books to star a book club. I wanted to make sure we had enough books for all the students who wanted them, and we did. I will be providing them with copies of the books today. They were excited about starting this because the students were so excited about the books and his speech.

3. Nakia

I think that I can speak for Nicole with anticipation of the adoption by the ministerial. Could you tell me what that would mean or entail for Eisenhower?

women who are struggling with addictions to drugs and alcohol. He is also an author, as he wrote a book entitled, “I Lived to Tell About It,” which tells the story of his gang life and his dramatic encounter with God.
This is the second time Perez has spoken at GC&SU’s Wesley Foundation. The first time Perez visited the campus was in April 2003, after several members of the Wesley Foundation server at Worldwide Evangelical Ministries during their spring break.
The mission trip exposed students involved in the Wesley Foundation to the reality of living in the inner cities. Perez influenced Keith Fitzpatrick, junior psychology major, during the trip.
“My first impression of Joey was ‘Wow, what a huge Puerto Rican guy. I am not going to piss him off.’” said Fitzpatrick. “Throughout the week, I learned that Joey has an unbelievable testimony, and he has the biggest heart for God and doing His work. He is a great speaker and has great stories to tell.”
Beth Bowers, junior psychology major, also went on the mission trip in 2003.
“The Lord exposed me to so many different things, spiritually and culturally,” said Bowers, “I really enjoyed being involved in the ministry that pastor Joey started. It was just so real to interact with the people who were staying at the shelter and to hear their testimonies.” Baker and other students involved in Wesley encourage all students at GC&SU to attend the Wednesday night service in the MSU lounge. “Wesley is nothing,” said Baker. “BSU is nothing. Campus Outreach is nothing. CCF is nothing. Jesus is what it’s all about. And Jesus is what Joey is going to talk about. Listen to a man who has lived a life that we watch movies about.” “If you have any questions about God and what he is all about, Joey can help you answer them. I think if you want to be moved in a way that you have never felt, you need to come Wednesday,” said Fitzpatrick. “Come and give it a chance. I promise you won’t regret listening go what he has to say.”