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Former TCU football player Charles Jones advancing the kingdom mightily as Senior Pastor of New Creation Fellowship Church

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)

TOUCHDOWN JESUS

GOD’S RED ZONE — Former Texas Christian University football player Charles Jones is savoring his rightful and well-deserved place as the Founder and Senior Pastor of New Creation Fellowship Church, the awe-inspiring ministry he organized in February 2011 amid deep concern for his family, friends, and the community.

FORT WORTH, Texas — There’s nothing like a praying mother.

If anyone can greatly attest to this notion, it’s Charles Jones.
Consider, for instance, how during his youth, Jones recalls vividly the days during which his mother had steadfastly gone to great lengths to ensure her family’s single-parent household was covered, both in the natural and the spirit.
“I learned how to be strong watching my mom battle through some difficult seasons in life,” Jones told Making Headline News during a recent interview. “There were many times as a single mother she made sacrifices to ensure we were covered. She went without to make sure we had.”
For what it’s worth, it is due in large part to those valuable, life-altering lessons Jones had embraced as a young lad that, by all accounts, have greatly shaped the overall landscape of his life, a life that has catapulted him to the divine purpose for which God created him.
Fast forward a few decades later, and here’s Jones, savoring his rightful and well-deserved place as the Founder and Senior Pastor of New Creation Fellowship Church, the flourishing ministry he organized in February 2011 amid what he described as “a deep concern” for his family, friends, and the community.

MORE ON NEW CREATION FELLOWSHIP: http://www.ncfcogic.org/home.html

Located at 2126 Amanda Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas, New Creation Fellowship is a Church of God In Christ-affiliated institution which, since its inception, has emerged as a thriving, progressive church by which God is manifesting Himself through the evidence of signs, wonders, and rapid ministry growth, according to a detailed introduction at http://www.ncfcogic.org/home.html.

For Jones, 42, his rise to finding his niche in what has become a commendable and well-respected Pastoral tenure had surfaced amid humble beginnings. It was, in fact, because of the influential impact of his mother, coupled with the strict Christian-based principles of his grandmother that essentially had paved the way to the former Texas Christian University football player shifting his focus from the gridiron to the pulpit.

For what it’s worth, it is due in large part to those valuable, life-altering lessons Jones had embraced as a young lad that, by all accounts, have greatly shaped the overall landscape of his life, one that has catapulted him to the divine purpose for which God created him.

“I witnessed her struggle, felt her pain, but every day was another opportunity for her to go out and do what was necessary to provide and survive,” said Jones, recalling his mother’s massive impact on his life during his youth. “We had nothing, but she refused to allow us to look like what we were going through. She pushed my dreams of being an athlete, while praying that the streets, gangs and drugs wouldn’t swallow me up.”

Interestingly, as Jones explained, even when recurring injuries reduced his effectiveness to play for a high-profile Division 1 football program — thus “halted my aspirations as an athlete,” he acknowledged — there was that one person besides God who had — for a lack of better words — proven to his ride or die soulmate.

That one person: Elect Lady Jennifer Jones (or “Lady J”), Jones’ beloved companion to whom he’s been married for 19-plus years. The couple share five daughters (Katelyn, Kylah, KaLeah, Kendall and Charlize), each of whom like their parents, are actively involved in ministry.

THE LEADERS OF NCF: http://www.ncfcogic.org/leadership.html

“I started preaching in the latter part of 2000, and he was called to ministry shortly after, if I’m not mistaking,” said Jones, whose first sermon was given at church of his wife’s father, Superintendent Ray Lee Smith the Greater Rose Hill Church in Terrell, Texas.

“It’s crazy,” Jones said, explaining the constant pursuit of his wife back during his undergraduate days. “I chased her for two years on campus and she wouldn’t give me the time of day, but in my moment of isolation and when I was battling suicidal ideations, God used her to minister to my brokenness.”

And just like that, not only did Jones witnessed what apparently was a spiritual makeover, of sorts, but God had ultimately blessed him to find his good thing in the process — all because, well, this young preacher had demonstrated enough meekness to embrace a process he appropriately likens to the Biblical character Jonah.

“She took me to church and I saw God clearly,” Jones said of his first real encounter with his wife. “Everything I had gone through had been my belly of the fish experience. All my life, God had been navigating and ordaining things to spit me out on the banks of my destiny.”

IN THE PRESENCE OF ROYALTY

The Joneses share five daughters (Katelyn, Kylah, KaLeah, Kendall and Charlize), each of whom like their parents, are actively involved in ministry.

It wasn’t long thereafter that Jones had officially hung up his helmet and cleats and subsequently commenced to calling audibles for God.

“I accepted my call a few months after that,” Jones explained. “This is the PG (parental guidance) version of my testimony.”

Regardless of how Jones labels his testimony, what matters, really, at this stage in his life is that such an intriguing and tear-jerking memory is what essentially had spearheaded his quest to press and navigate toward a destiny that was accompanied by his heaven-mandated assignment — the birthing of his ministry.

“New Creation Fellowship Church is a vision inspired by God,” Jones said. “In essence, (it is) a Macedonian call that was necessary on my way to heaven…one that was birthed with the purpose of strengthening the nucleus of family, community and the total man, first naturally then spiritually.”

“My wife and children have been awesome supporters of the ministry. It can be a burden at times because they have to share me with so many people, but we’ve learned to balance well over the years. Elect Lady Jones has been very instrumental and an intricate part of what we’ve accomplished. She is a phenomenal visionary and has an eye for development and design. Everything you see, walking into our ministry, she designed it. She took an old school baptist church and modernized it.” — Pastor Charles Jones

 

Since erecting his ministry, Jones undoubtedly has made his presence felt, not just throughout his congregation, but his family, considering his father is now serving in the ministry.

Since erecting his ministry, Jones undoubtedly has made his presence felt, not just throughout his congregation, but throughout his family, considering his father is now serving in the ministry.

“I started preaching in the latter part of 2000, and he was called to ministry shortly after, if I’m not mistaking,” said Jones, whose first sermon was given at the church of his wife’s father, Superintendent Ray Lee Smith the Greater Rose Hill Church in Terrell, Texas. “(My biological father’s) ministry wasn’t a result of mine. I thank God he got saved and (God) called him, though.”

Ironically, Jones served fervently in Smith’s ministry for a little more than a decade which, to his credit, essentially served as a sign of things to come.

For Jones, 42, his rise to finding his niche in what has become a commendable and well-respected Pastoral tenure had surfaced amid humble beginnings. It was, in fact, because of the influential impact of his mother, coupled with the strict Christian-based principles of his grandmother that essentially had paved the way to the former Texas Christian University football player shifting his focus from the gridiron to the pulpit.

“Superintendent Smith nurtured my gifts and instructed us in the way of holiness,” Jones said. “I’ve never known anyone like him. It has always been a pleasure to sit at his feet and much of the favor I have is a direct result of my connection to him. If we serve well, God will bless us.”

For Jones, God has surely blessed his family and exalted his ministry for such a pivotal time as now.

Eight years and counting to be exact.

“My servitude transcended the pulpit and Sunday morning services,” Jones said. “God told me to make His life easy, hold Him up and do whatever was necessary in order for Him to facilitate vision.”

Just as his praying mother had taught him back in the day.

If anyone can greatly attest to this notion, it’s Charles Jones.

AT LAST — “It’s crazy,” Jones said, explaining the constant pursuit of his wife back during his undergraduate days. “I chased her for two years on campus and she wouldn’t give me the time of day, but in my moment of isolation and when I was battling suicidal ideations, God used her to minister to my brokenness.”

For more information about Dallas/Fort Worth-area Pastor Charles Jones New Creation Fellowship Church, or to schedule him for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 817.707.8445, or connect with him via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CDJones23/. Also, send email to: cdjonesministries@ncfcogic.org.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Long before his personal encounter with Shaq, young Mekhi Welch has become a gifted sports buff

MEKHI’S MAD SKILLZ

HE’S THE TRUTH — For the child who’s widely known as “Mekhi,” a rather distinctly unique thing occurred some three years or so ago, according to his mother, Tawanna Chamberlain. “Mekhi has been a sports buff since the age of three,” Chamberlain told Making Headline News this week. “But when he started to read around five years old, he asked me to read books to him about the history of basketball and great players.”

DALLAS — Mekhi Welch is just eight years old, meaning for a kid his age, one would think he’s essentially in the beginner’s stage with regards to his knowledge about sports.

For the child who’s widely known as “Mekhi,” a rather distinctly unique thing occurred some three years or so ago, according to his mother, Tawanna Chamberlain.
“Mekhi has been a sports buff since the age of three,” Chamberlain, a Clearwater, Florida resident, told Making Headline News this week. “But when he started to read around five years old, he asked me to read books to him about the history of basketball and great players.”
And just like that, a rising young sports historian, of sorts, was born, considering Mekhi’s sports knowledge is such that he could perhaps teach these old vets a thing of two about arguably some of the celebrated athletes of our generation.
Thanks in large part to his mother routinely reading his autobiographies of Lewis Alcindor, Jr, (famously known today as Kareem Abdul-Jabar), Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality,” “When The Game Was Ours,” featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson’s “Eleven Rings” Sam Smith’s “The Jordan Rules,” Mitch Albom’s “Fab Five,” Dick Devenzo’s “Stuff Good Players Should Know,” LeBron James’ “The Boy Who Became King,” Stephen Curry’s “The Boy Who Never Gave Up,” “Michael Jordan: The Life,” and “Little Shaq” by Shaquille O’neal,” among others, and it’s no wonder little Mekhi boasts lofty aspirations of someday emerging as household name in what has become a multi-million dollar sport industry, particularly for some the world’s most prominent sports journalists.

LOOK! IT’S DA BIG DIESEL!

GOTTA LOOK AT THIS THIS — “Then it happened,” Chamberlain said. “Three days later, I received a personal video message from Shaq to Mekhi and I almost lost it. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a surreal moment in time. I couldn’t wait to show Mekhi that his hero, Shaq, had sent him a personal message. When Mekhi saw the message from Shaq, he was overjoyed. He was smiling from ear-to-ear and he talked about the video message all the way to school that morning.”

“We absolutely love to read in our home,” Chamberlain said son’s newfound gift as a sports enthusiast. “In fact, it’s our favorite pastime. We literally own more books than we can count, and when Mekhi would become disinterested with me reading countless of books to him, he would pick up his iPad and Google interesting basketball stats and facts.”

To his credit, the more he deems it essential to become knowledge about sports opposite those up-to-date scores that customarily scroll across SportCenter’s Bottom Line, the more it seems that Mekhi essentially broadens his journalistic mechanics that figure to set him apart mightily from his peers much more sooner than later.

Never mind that he’s only eight years of age.

“Over the last five years, he has become a real life NBA basketball Wikipedia,” said Chamberlain, trying the best she could to assess her young and gifted son’s amazing gift that centered on big time sports. “You can ask him any question you want to about players from Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Tracy McGrady, Charles Barkley, Step Curry, Kevin Durant, Kwahi Leonard, Clay Thompson, Ben Simmons to Zion Williamson.”

Once someone picks Mekhi’s brain about any major professional athlete — past or present — they might as well brace themselves for what essentially will be said next.

“Amazingly, he can recall their height, what cities they were born in, all the teams that each player played on, what year they were recruited and drafted to the NBA, who their rivals were, their current stats, their highest scoring games in a season, the years they were injured, and how the injury impacted their careers,” Chamberlain said. “You should hear him tell the story about Yao Ming.”

And then there is Mekhi’s personal encounter with O’Neal, five-time NBA champion and former LSU All-American.

According to Chamberlain, her son and Shaq established friendship during which an awe-inspiring encounter took place, a development that resulted in her son being the beneficiary.

“Mekhi has always loved Shaq,” Chamberlain said. Since he was five years old, he would tell me that his dream was to play a game of one-on-one with Shaq. To Mekhi, Shaquille O’Neal is larger-than-life. The other day I was in the living room watching something on TV and a commercial for a national pizza chain came on. Just as the commercial came on, Mekhi walked out of his room and was mesmerized by the fact that Shaq was going all around the town delivering pizzas to people.”

Much to his delight, the young sports buff had become even more attentive to the commercial ad featuring his hero.

“Over the last five years, he has become a real life NBA basketball Wikipedia,” said Chamberlain, trying the best she could to assess her young and gifted son’s amazing gift that centered on big time sports. “You can ask him any question you want to about players from Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Tracy McGrady, Charles Barkley, Step Curry, Kevin Durant, Kwahi Leonard, Clay Thompson, Ben Simmons to Zion Williamson.”

“Mekhi could not believe his eyes…he thought that was the coolest thing ever,” Chamberlain recalled. “Right after the commercial went off, Mekhi asked me to call or text Shaq and ask him to bring him a (Papa John’s) pepperoni pizza. I just looked at him with a blank stare—I honestly didn’t know what to say to him regarding his request, because I was thinking to myself, “Yeah right. I don’t know Shaq’s telephone number—so I can’t call or text him and ask him to bring a pizza over here.

“Mekhi wholeheartedly believed that I would know how to contact Shaq and he was very persistent, so he went as far as to go pick up my cell phone and he handed it to me and said, ‘Here mom, please go ahead and call or text Shaq.’”

Interestingly, things would eventually become even more interesting for Mehki.

“Mekhi wholeheartedly believed that I would know how to contact Shaq and he was very persistent, so he went as far as to go pick up my cell phone and he handed it to me and said, ‘Here mom, please go ahead and call or text Shaq.’”

“Not wanting to let my child down, I grabbed my phone and sent a ‘Hail Mary’ DM to Shaq on Instagram, because my son was standing right there watching me type the message,” Chamberlain said. “No pressure…and I hit, ‘send,’ never thinking that Shaq would actually see the message or read it.”

Boy, was she wrong — wrong for all the right reasons to put it more precisely.

“A few days passed, but everyday Mekhi would ask me, ‘Did Shaq text you back yet?’” Chamberlain said. “While looking for his pizza, he truly believed his favorite player wouldn’t let him down. So I would just remind Mekhi that Shaq is a very busy man, but told him that perhaps when he isn’t so busy, he would make time to respond to my message.”

Once someone picks Mekhi’s brain about any major professional athlete — past or present — they might as well brace themselves for what essentially will be said next.

Suddenly, the long-awaited and figurative slam dunk for which Mekhi had waited was finally executed.

“Then it happened,” Chamberlain said. “Three days later, I received a personal video message from Shaq to Mekhi and I almost lost it. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a surreal moment in time. I couldn’t wait to show Mekhi that his hero, Shaq, had sent him a personal message. When Mekhi saw the message from Shaq, he was overjoyed. He was smiling from ear-to-ear and he talked about the video message all the way to school that morning.

“That same day, I was contacted by the National Pizza Chain via Twitter and they made it possible for Mekhi’s entire class to enjoy a pizza party, which made everyone’s day,” Chamberlain continued. “This is the stuff that dreams are made of.”

Much like the wealth of knowledge Chamberlain’s son has garnered as such a young age.

Stay tuned. This kid seems well on his way to making major moves in the sports world, something that, well, perhaps even Shaq has sensed.

REMEMBER THE NAME 

STAR WATCH — To his credit, the more he deems it essential to become knowledge about sports opposite up-to-date scores that customarily scroll across SportCenter’s Bottom Line, the more it seems that Mekhi essentially broadens his journalistic mechanics that figure to set him apart mightily from his peers much more sooner than later.

“It was so very thoughtful of Shaquille O’Neal to take a few moments out of his busy schedule to send Mekhi a message,” Chamberlain said. “It meant the world to him and it is something that he will never forget.”

With all of the sports knowledge he’s acquired in recent years, how could he?

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Simona Badger’s S Badger Empowerment and Consulting Services, LLC is nothing short of brilliant

WOMAN ON THE MOVE

MAKING MAJOR MOVES — Simona Badger’s S Badger Empowerment and Consulting Services, LLC, a credible, progressive Newark, New Jersey-based venture that customarily provides what is known as culturally sensitive, trauma focused psychotherapy, and professional education to the communities she serves.

DALLAS — To her distinctly unique credit, Simona Badger can be appropriately described as an empowerment extradionaire.

Consider, for instance, how Badger had gone about establishing S Badger Empowerment and Consulting Services, LLC, a credible, progressive Newark, New Jersey-based venture that customarily provides what is known as culturally sensitive, trauma focused psychotherapy, and professional education to the communities she serves.
“I’ve always known as a child that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” Badger, during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said, explaining how her competitive drive in life has greatly propelled her for her business venture.
“Growing up, I was interested in social issues such as inequality, women’s rights, and racism. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to serve my community on a deeper level than if I was working for someone. A lot of the things that I accomplished in my life — degrees, marriage, children, business and finding my purpose — are all things I wanted to achieve before I turned 40.”

Because of the purpose for which God has created her, Badger has accomplished that and more — this for a thriving, 39-year-old businesswoman.

Armed with over a decade of experience in her chosen industry — most notably through treating survivors of domestic and sexual violence — Badger’s mission is centered largely on (but isn’t limited to) educating and supporting teens and adults about unhealthy relationships.

Interestingly, her upcoming book will provide a more in-depth and strategic emphasis on assisting teens and young adults, particularly with regards to healing from unhealthy relationships.

“Simona believes that her gift is to educate and support as many lives plagued by inter-generational and trans- generational trauma, and she believes her work would be incomplete unless she is able to give back to her native country (Jamaica) through her volunteering work,” said a spokesperson for Badger’s S Badger Empowerment and Consulting Services LLC.

MORE ON BADGER’S VENTURE: https://www.sbempowerment.org/

Much to her delight, Badger will be afforded the golden opportunity to share with the masses her longstanding mission through her organization when she host the Changing The Language of Men’s Health Conference on June 22, at Newark’s Source of Knowledge Bookstore, located at 867 Broad Street.

A conference that will be highlighted by what organizers have dubbed, “Real Talk With A Dynamic Panel Of Men,” tickets for this event can be purchased by calling 973.392.9473 or by paying via PayPal at: http://paypal.me/simonabadger.

“The reason why I’m hosting this conference and focusing on men’s mental health is because for far too long, men have suffered in silence, which has negatively impacted families and communities,” Badger said. “I grew up seeing how toxic masculinity affected males in my own family of origin. I remember seeing the males in my family drink away their problems, gamble away their money and date multiple women at a time due to being stressed.”

For what it’s worth, she credits her immeasurable experiences as a foster care caseworker and New York City Administration for Children Services clinical consultant through The Child Center of New York for her notable accomplishments of becoming what she refers to as a “momprenuer,” as well as a psychotherapist, educator, and advocate.

SAVE THE DATE

Her empowerment and consulting firm, in fact, provides holistic mental health treatment, as well as prevention and education services to women, men, families, children and adolescents, and under-served populations affected by health disparities, trauma, self-identity issues and poverty.

Widely regarded as a compassionate, professional and culturally competent therapist, who provides what it known as a “strengths based” perspective to therapy, Badger strongly believes that in working together through a trusting collaborative relationship, one can gain support to alleviate emotional pain and begin the journey of self-acceptance.

To her credit, her extensive experience includes — but isn’t limited to — helping clients with traumatic experiences, divorce, relationship problems, sleep problems, grief, work-related stress, family stress, and immigration concerns, among others.

A native of Jamaica (West Indies), Badger Simona Badger attended Ferncourt High School in her native establishment before reuniting with her parents in the United States at 15 years of age.

Consequently, she attended Harry S. Truman High in the Bronx, New York, where and graduated in 1998.

MAKING IMMEASURABLE STRIDES

For what it’s worth, Badger credits her immeasurable experiences as a foster care caseworker and New York City Administration for Children Services clinical consultant through The Child Center of New York for her notable accomplishments of becoming what she refers to as a “momprenuer,” as well as a psychotherapist, educator, and advocate.

Badger advanced her education at Herbert H. Lehman College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology (she minored in Black Studies) in 2003.

Then in 2008, she earned a Master of Social Work Degree from Fordham University. During her graduate studies, she majored in Clinical social Work with a certification in Law and Social Work Practice.

Interestingly, in 2013, Badger completed a post-graduate program at New Jersey Institute for Psychoanalysis-Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Certificate Program in nearby Teaneck.

“I love empowering people to reach their full potential,” Badger said. “We are all resilient, but that’s easily forgotten when we are going through hard times.”

For more information about Newark, New Jerssey Businesswoman Simona Badger of S Badger Empowerment and Consulting Services, LLC, or to schedule her for a speaking engagement, connect with her via Facebook under: https://www.facebook.com/sb.empowerment.37. Also send email to: badgersimona@gmail.com.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Winners BBQ has been nothing short of remarkable since its 2015 Dallas/Fort Worth inception

“The highest human act is to inspire.” — Late superstar rapper Nipsey Hussle

WINNER’S CIRCLE 

DOING IT BIG IN TEXAS — A former Iowa State football standout, DeAndre Jackson had ultimately delved off into the ever-so-competitive world of entrepreneurship as the proud founder of Winners BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has established three franchises since its inception in 2015.

DUNCANVILLE, Texas — If there’s one thing that DeAndre Jackson has learned as a former athlete, it’s how to make good on a seemingly unfavorable situation.

Consider, for instance, how when Jackson’s bid to land on an NFL roster spot fell short amid a career-ending ACL injury, he diligently had become resourceful in that he miraculously found his niche, both as an athletic trainer and real estate agent.
Much to his delight, things for the Garland, Texas native would only get better.
A former Iowa State standout, Jackson had ultimately delved off into the ever-so-competitive world of entrepreneurship as the proud founder of Winners BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has established three franchises since its inception in 2015.

MORE ON WINNERS BBQ: https://www.facebook.com/winnersbbq/

https://m.facebook.com/winnersbbqaustin/

THEY ARE LIT — Winners BBQ, in fact, has become a fixture throughout North Texas, in large part because consumers have come to enjoy — and embrace — its delectable meat plates, meat by the pound, its assortment of sandwiches, not to mention its smoked turkey legs, as well as its distinctly unique meat loaded potato that’s famously deemed “The G.O.AT.”

Winners BBQ’s original location is housed at 3200 14th Street in nearby Plano. A popular Dallas/Fort Worth restaurant that Jackson owns along with his cousin, Tevin Jackson, Tevin’s wife, former University of Texas and professional track and field star Nichole Denby-Jackson, Winners BBQ has since added two locations — one in Cedar Hill and in Austin.

Following what the Jacksons described as “massive success” of the Plano location, DeAndre opened Winners BBQ Cedar Hill in 2017, and in less than three months ago, Nichole, Tevin, and Nichole’s sister, Nichale,  opened the Austin location. 

For DeAndre Jackson and Co., it’s been all good ever since.

RED ZONE EFFICIENCY 

To their credit, the Jacksons have gone to great lengths to form what has become an All-Star lineup of Winners BBQ CEOs.

“We pride ourselves on bringing flavorful craft BBQ with having a one-of-a-kind menu and delivering exceptional customer service,” Nichole Denby-Jackson told Making Headline News this week.

Winners BBQ, in fact, has become a fixture throughout North Texas, in large part because consumers have come to enjoy — and embrace — its delectable meat plates, meats by the pound, its assortment of sandwiches, not to mention its smoked turkey legs, as well as its distinctly unique meat loaded potato that’s famously deemed “The G.O.AT.”

Following what the Jacksons described as “massive success” of the Plano location, DeAndre opened Winners BBQ Cedar Hill in 2017, and in less than three months ago, Nichole, Tevin, and Nichole’s sister, Nichale,  opened the Austin location. For DeAndre Jackson and Co., it’s been all good ever since.

And then there are Winners BBQ’s mouth-watering sides and its kids menu, not to mention its sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and its flavor-packed dry rub, which takes all of its smoked meats to “another level of flavor,” DeAndre Jackson acknowledged.

Interestingly, Winners BBQ has earned mentions in a slew of food publications, trends that have given way to this star-studded restaurant chain having garnered a host of food awards and magazine honors.

“As high profile collegiate and professional athletes, we are highly competitive by nature and this competitiveness and drive spill over into every faucet of our lives,” DeAndre Jackson explained. “Sports is what we all have in common, and the discipline, dedication, perseverance, mental toughness, sacrifice, motivation, and determination that athletics have instilled in us has taught us very valuable life lessons and how to never quit, no matter what curve balls life throw your way.”

To their credit, the Jacksons have gone to great lengths to form what has become an All-Star lineup of Winners BBQ CEOs.

Surely, their competitive drive as former athletes has contributed mightily to their sustained entrepreneurship success.

For starters, DeAndre and Tevin Jackson, both were legitimate hopeful to land NFL contracts before injuries reduced their effectiveness, thus bringing their careers to unceremoniously ends.

ON A MISSION — As for the Jacksons’ mission for having delved off into entrepreneurship, what it all boils down, they said, is devising ways to leave a legacy for their children — and their children’s children.

Both, in fact, had sustained torn ACL’s, and were forced to tackle — and sack — what they label as the “real world” for the first time in a long time.

And then there was Nichole, a Los Angeles native, who was the catalyst of Texas’ track and field program that captured a national championship before she enjoyed a professional stint with Nike and Adidas that spanned a decade.

Interestingly, Nichole maintained a top-10 world ranking and represented the U. S. on its World Championship Team, as well as served as an alternate on the U. S. Olympic team.

Winners BBQ’s original location is housed at 3200 14th Street in nearby Plano. A popular Dallas/Fort Worth restaurant that Jackson owns along with his cousin, Tevin Jackson, and Tevin’s wife, former University of Texas and professional track and field star Nichole Denby-Jackson, Winners BBQ has since added two locations — one in Cedar Hill and in Austin.

As for the Jacksons’ mission for having delved off into entrepreneurship, what it all boils down, they said, is devising ways to leave a legacy for their children — and their children’s children.

“My personal mission is to be able to pass down something for my children to own and start them off at an even better place in life than I was,” Nichole said. “I would also love to use my platform to motivate and inspire others, whether that be on speaking panels, through a published book, public appearances, and various events or seminars.

“Another mission is to have enough financial freedom for me to give back to many communities through charitable acts of kindness and build water wells in certain parts of Africa for those without clean water,” Nichole added. “We are all big on philanthropy and are big advocates for our community.”

DeAndre and Tevin Jackon both were legitimate hopeful to land NFL contracts before injuries reduced their effectiveness, thus bringing their careers to unceremoniously end. Both, in fact, sustained torn ACL’s, and were both forced to tackle — and sack — the real world for the first time in a long time.

In addition, the Jacksons announced strategic plans to create what they call the “WINspiration Foundation,” an organization that would allow them to display their notable philanthropy efforts.

“Something that I learned from the late great Nipsey Hussle is that the highest human act is to inspire,” Nichole said. “If I can use my platform to reach at least one person — I would love to inspire many — I would be happy.”

Said DeAndre Jackson: “It is important to pass down knowledge and wisdom to better those around you and make them want to become the best versions of themselves and to be able to pass down and instill these things in the next generation which will pick up the baton as it will be their turn to run the world.”

Just as the Jacksons are presently doing as successful entrepreneurs — this after having made good on seemingly unfavorable situations.

Talk about true Winners.

For more information about Texas entrepreneurs DeAndre Jackson, Nichole Denby-Jackson, Tevin Jackson and Nichale of Winners BBQ, call 972.424-2400 (Plano), 205.572-0256 (Cedar Hill), 512.861.5066 (Austin), or connect with Winners BBQ via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/winnersbbq/. 

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Houston author Brandi Ashford writes a spiritually-empowering book for such a pivotal time as now

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5 NIV)

FREEDOM OF EXCELLENCE 

STAYING IN FAITH — A native of Houston, Prophetess Brandi Ashford has appropriately accepted and embraced yet another God-mandated assignment, most notably as the mastermind behind the newly-released book entitled, “Keys to Freedom 30 Day Enlightenment and Morning Glory.”

DALLAS — A couple of hours before midday CST on Friday, Prophetess Brandi Ashford took to her Facebook page, where she staged to her timeline a rather absorbing, yet familiar post.

Said Ashford before her 2,600-plus social media followers: Never let someone’s negative opinion become your reality.
For Ashford, such a prevalent catchphrase, to her credit, has become a personal theme, of sorts, especially for a devout woman of faith, who has become widely known as “The Fireball.”
Because truth be told, Ashford’s keen reputation is such that she not only hasn’t merely allowed the negative perceptions of others distract or deter her from her God-orchestrated purpose. But most importantly, she goes to great lengths to ensure that she will continue to bask in the glory of walking in the divine purpose for which she was created.

BUY BRANDI’S BOOK HERE: https://keystofreedom.bigcartel.com/

Widely dubbed, “a power packed 30-day devotional written to shift your life,” Ashford’s “Keys to Freedom: 30 Day Enlightenment and Morning Glory” is extremely essential for such a pivotal time as now, for such a time that, according to various Biblical scholars, has been widely regarded as “these last and evil days” or “the last of the last and evil days.”

Consider, for instance, Ashford’s awe-inspiring vision through the ever-so-competitive world of authorship.

A native of Houston, Ashford has appropriately accepted and embraced yet another God-mandated assignment, most notably as the mastermind behind the newly-released book entitled, “Keys to Freedom: 30 Day Enlightenment and Morning Glory.”

Widely dubbed, “a power packed 30-day devotional written to shift your life,” Ashford’s “Keys to Freedom: 30 Day Enlightenment and Morning Glory” is extremely essential for such a pivotal time as now, for such a time that, according to various Biblical scholars, has been widely regarded as “these last and evil days” or “the last of the last and evil days.”

Or, to put it more forthrightly, a time whereby countless of believers essentially are steering from the household of faith.

A longtime resident of Houston, amongst the things about which Ashford is especially grateful is that God had strategically handpicked her to construct a spiritually-enhancing and spiritually-gut-checking project that figures to impact the kingdom mightily — much sooner than later.

As Ashford explained during an interview this week with Making Headline News, she has become destined to help advance the kingdom, thus do whatever in her God-given power to help provide those in the Body of Christ with some much-needed spiritual relief, courtesy of her month-long devotionals.

“The divine message I am sending to my (reading) audience is that you have the keys to unlock freedom within you,” said Ashford, offering a detailed and solid synopsis of her newly-assembled book.

A longtime resident of Houston, amongst the things about which Ashford is especially grateful is that God had strategically handpicked her to construct a spiritually-enhancing and spiritually-gut-checking project that figures to impact the kingdom mightily — much sooner than later.

“This book is part of my purpose that God has created for me, because I was so attached to bondage to where I lived, talked, and walked until I surrendered myself to God,” Ashford explained.

As Ashford explained during an interview this week with Making Headline News, she has become destined to help advance the kingdom, thus do whatever in her God-given power to help provide those in the Body of Christ with some much-needed spiritual relief, courtesy of her month-long devotionals.

Much to her delight, once she had made up her mind to sellout completely unto God, something that ultimately gotten a hold of her (as an old songwriter once wrote).

“I became free,” said Ashford, recalling how her life-changing had all unfolded. “I used my keys to unlock my freedom and walk in purpose.’

And, the rest, as they say, was history.

THUS SAID THE LORD…

Look at her today, walking fervently in her divine purpose for such a pivotal time as now, for such a time that, according to various Biblical scholars, has been widely regarded as “these last and evil days” or “the last of the last and evil days.”

In case you’ve forgotten.

Now just days away from the release of “Keys to Freedom: 30 Day Enlightenment and Morning Glory,” Ashford’s gift is already making a room for her through this book, considering she will be on hand in Atlanta the first weekend in June for the much-anticipated unveiling of her written work.

MORE ON BRANDI ASHFORD: https://keystofreedom.bigcartel.com/

MORE TO COME — Next up for this Christian-based author: the upcoming release of Book No. 2, this one entitled, “Divorcing My Past To walk In Destiny” at a date that has yet to be announced.

Next up for this Christian-based author: the upcoming release of Book No. 2, this one entitled, “Divorcing My Past To walk In Destiny” at a date that has yet to be announced.As for her latest book, well, Ashford, doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s excited to have taken yet another major step in her ministry.

“I chose to produce this book because one day, I was riding to work that morning,  I was having a long week that was very stressful and I said, ‘God I want to do a daily devotional that women can have when they get up in the morning and read day-by-day,” Ashford recalled. “And it came to mind: ‘Keys To Freedom Enlightenment And Morning Glory.’”

A positive, life-changing perception that has become her reality.

Yep. That’s just like God.

For more information Houston-area Author Brandi Ashford, or to schedule her for a public appearance, a book signing, or speaking engagement, call 713.487.6292, or connect with her via social media at: https://www.facebook.com/brandi.davis.9465. Also, send email to: healthebrokenhearts@gmail.com or bdavis06_23@yahoo.com.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Detroit author Lakina Fulks connects with her God-given purpose through her newly-produced book

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

PURPOSED FOR PAIN

HERE’S WHY — A native of Detroit, Lakina Fulks is the author of the book entitled, “WHY: A Young Girl’s Search For The Truth,” a 120-page project that officially made its presence on the market on February 3, 2019.

Amongst the things to which Lakina Fulks can greatly attest is that an array of pain and discomfort typically emerge amid a divorce.

Nevertheless, amongst the notable factors to which she can also substantiate is that if you stay in faith in the wake of a marital dissolution, God can ultimately provide you with a silver-lining, of sorts, as His strategic way of bringing about a sense of spiritual relief.

“It was one day in prayer as I was crying so hard going through a bad divorce that God spoke to me a said write the book now, and in that moment, He gave me the title of the book,” Fulks told Making Headline News this week.

BUY LAKINA’S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/WHY-young-girls-search-truth/dp/057821055X

The book to which Fulks is alluding is her newly-assembled written document entitled, “WHY: A Young Girl’s Search For The Truth,” a 120-page project that officially made its presence on the market on February 3, 2019.

“When He said, ‘Why,’ I was like, ‘why?’” said Fulks, explaining her vision for composing her recently-released book. “He said in every moment of my life, I always asked why and He will reveal why, and now I know and understand why and I am so grateful.”

A Detroit-area accomplished writer, Fulks said her divine purpose for having produced “WHY: A Young Girl’s Search For The Truth” arose as God’s strategic way to connect her with the purpose for which she was created.

GOD-ORDERED STEPS 

According to detailed synopsis of “WHY: A Young Girl’s Search For The Truth” at https://www.amazon.com/WHY-young-girls-search-truth/dp/057821055X, Fulks writes that empowerment essentially is within what she describes as a “young girl’s call for help.”

Moreover, she emphasized, “I believe that God wanted me to write this as a part of my purpose in life. Yes it was hard having to go through it, but I believe that God turns our mess in to messages. And writing this book is just the beginning of what God wants me to do with my story.”

SHE’S JUST WARMING UP — A book that has generated an immeasurable amount of success since its release, Fulks said other projects are surely on the horizon in the foreseeable future.

Having commenced to writing her first book sometime in 2015, Fulks needed somewhere in the neighborhood of four years to culminate a project she said has given way to an array of favorable feedback, coupled with a few scheduled speaking engagements in the coming months.

Never mind if some will, in fact, find it overwhelmingly difficult to come to grips with the occasionally unfavorable situations and circumstances that often arise in this thing called life.

A Detroit-area accomplished writer, Fulks said her divine purpose for having produced “WHY: A Young Girl’s Search For The Truth” arose as God’s strategic way to connect her with the purpose for which she was created.

“Even though you don’t understand the reason for your trials and tribulations, there is another side to your pain if you,” said Fulks, when asked what is divine message she’s sending to her audience through her new book. “Your story is meant to help someone coming behind you with a familiar pain. And you have to show them that they too can come out and be healed.

“Most people acknowledge how candid and raw the content is,” Fulks continued. “But the truth is, it’s my story told and some parts (are told) verbatim. And it’s not always easy to read. But once they settle in for the story, most readers say how they are able to find parts of themselves expressed through various characters, and it is freeing knowing that they aren’t alone in some of the things they suffered.”

ADVANCING THE KINGDOM — Having commenced to writing her first book sometime in 2015, Fulks needed somewhere in the neighborhood of four years to culminate a project she said has given way to an array of favorable feedback, coupled with a few scheduled speaking engagements in the coming months.

A book that has generated an immeasurable amount of success since its release, Fulks said other projects are surely on the horizon in the foreseeable future.

“There are definitely other books that I believe that God will birth out of me, but there is still a growth and healing taking place in me since the release of this book,” Fulks said. “I have started creating a journal to go along with the book that will be available this summer. The idea came when my book was asked to be in a book club and they would like a journal, so now I am doing one.”

Much to her delight, coupled with the divine calling on her life, amongst the things of which Fulks is especially grateful is that she birthed her book out of an act of obedience to God.

IN HER OWN WORDS — “I believe that God wanted me to write this as a part of my purpose in life. Yes it was hard having to go through it, but I believe that God turns our mess in to messages. And writing this book is just the beginning of what God wants me to do with my story,” Fulks said.

The same God Who can ultimately provide you with a silver-lining, of sorts, as His strategic way of bringing about a sense of spiritual relief.

“All of us are born with a cross that we must bear just like Christ,” Fulks said. “And I suffered a lot as a child and my early adult years. But the awesome thing about God is that all things work together for our good. And this book is a part of the big picture of what I was purposed for. Had I believed that pain was the only part of my life experience, this book would have never come to past. But God….”

She’s got that right.

But God…

For more information Detroit-area Author Lakina Fulks, or to schedule her for a public appearance, a book signing, or speaking engagement, connect with her via social media at: https://www.facebook.com/elderlakina.mays. Also, send email to: lakinatheauthor@gmail.com.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.