Congressman John Lewis was born in 1940, and at age 21 he began working for social justice in the South. He was one of 13 Freedom Riders that
protested racial segregation in the South. In 1965, he participated in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” During the march to Selma, Alabama, his
skull was fractured as he marched with others to get voting rights for African Americans. Since those days of street protests, Lewis has served 14 terms as a congressman from the state of Georgia. His passion and perseverance are not unlike that of the Apostle Paul and Barnabas. We see in the book of Acts CH. 14 how they went from city to city, taking the Good News of the Gospel. When they were persecuted in one city, they shook the dust from their feet and kept going. They persisted because God’s kingdom message is so vital. Sadly, some people today oppose God’s kingdom values-His desire to see people changed inwardly by the Gospel and to live out God’s moral principles of love and justice in our world. Yet serious followers of Christ keep God’s kingdom agenda uppermost despite opposition.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
