The Words of the Sofinowski Family
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The Words of the Sofinowski Family |
Cold weather didn't stop the saints of the American Clergy and Leadership Conference (ACLC) from "cutting a rug" in West Baltimore on Dec. 26th.
An energized crowd of blessed members, ACLC ministers, and friends, about 25 in all, gathered for a "Holiday Dance For Peace" on Saturday, December 26th, from 8:00 p.m. at a restaurant nestled in the 'hood' of West Baltimore. With guided instruction from Unificationists Rex and Emiko Butler, all in attendance hopped onto the dance floor and learned some new ballroom dance steps. It was exciting and a fun challenge for each person, whether young in age or young in heart. Aged ranged from 8 to 59 as people enjoyed the music, dancing and socializing. The Butlers graciously encouraged everyone out onto the dance floor.
It was a sight to see our District 1 Director, Rev. Randy Francis and his wife Kumiko doing the two-step and an equally entertaining treat to see ACLC's district co-chair, Rev. Dr. Arnold W. Howard, pastor of Enon Baptist Church, waltzing with aplomb. Unificationist Adruma Victoria served as a wonderful disk jockey for the evening. A recently-opened Christian restaurant-café called Immeasurable Chicken & Waffle was the dance venue. Owners Steve and Dee Brooks opened the restaurant in October with the idea of giving financial backing to a young ladies' rock-gospel group called Immeasurable. The singers -- Ronnie, Yanna, and Victoria -- help wait tables when not performing at other venues. They see the Immeasurable music ministry as a venture to bring a heavenly sound and real hope to audiences around the country. Immeasurable has performed at the Manhattan Center during an ACLC program convened by Dr. In Jin Moon. They were inspired by the Global Peace Festival (GPF) held in Washington, D.C. last year and were thrilled to see their idol, gospel-recording artist Yolanda Adams, performing live at the GPF. One of the many photos that line the walls of the restaurant captures the three young women standing on a stage at the Manhattan Center in New York.
With the help of a couple of inspired donors and a discount from Mr. Brooks, Minister Glenn Smith and Lynne Sofinowski rented space at Mr. Brooks' restaurant for this end-of-the-year celebration concluding 2009 ACLC activity in Baltimore. In addition, the event was to proclaim the presence of Ambassadors for Peace in this West Baltimore neighborhood plagued with violence and poverty. Minister Smith works with the West Baltimore Coalition, whose purpose is to revive and revitalize the troubled urban environment on the inner city's west side. Area Baltimore City police officers, many of whom have become regulars at the restaurant, assured us that we would be safe and most welcome in the neighborhood.
After hours of dancing, Mr. Smith and Mrs. Sofinowski showed an inspiring AFP video clip and explained the secondary purpose for the event -- to start the Ambassadors for Peace program in West Baltimore. Steve and Dee Brooks and the "Immeasurable" singers were given AFP appointments and certificates, with joyful consensus from those present. At the close of the evening, Ms. Robin Lopez, the winner of the fundraising raffle, was awarded a real fox-fur hat donated by Xavier Furs.
Scholarship funds in the amount of $220 were raised to send ACLC ministers to future convocations. Although a modest amount, through annual events, such as this Holiday Dance For Peace, the Baltimore organizers hope to become more effective going forward to plant a seed for that area's renewal. Co-sponsors for this event included Ambassadors For Peace Baltimore, ACLC Baltimore, West Baltimore Coalition, Midtown Edmondson Avenue Improvement Association, and Xavier Furs.
Contributed by Minister Lynne Sofinowski, ACLC Coordinator in Baltimore.