Bishop Noel Jones’s Secret Child with X-Factor Finalist Revealed
Stacy Francis, a finalist from the television music competition X-Factor, fessed up recently during a red carpet interview that the father of her daughter Anastasia Noelle is none other than the senior pastor of the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, CA, Bishop Noel Jones. Francis infamously had a verbal altercation with Whitney Houston just days before her death, allegedly over singer/TV personality Ray J, who was married at the time of the affair, and claimed she was going through a divorce with the father of her first child. Bishop Jones, 62, and his longtime girlfriend Loretta wed in June 2022 after dating for 28 years. Francis recently told social commentator Larry D. Reid that Bishop Jones had not seen the child, now 10, since she was three years old.
The Oldest Hebrew Bible in the World Goes Up for Auction in New York
A Hebrew Bible, named The Codex Sassoon after renowned Judaica collector David Sassoon, has been described as “one of the most important and singular texts in human history” and will be up for auction at Sotheby’s in New York on May 17th. The Bible has remained largely out of public view, dates back to the late 9th to early 10th century, and is believed to be the earliest and most complete Hebrew Bible. This rare text is more than 1,000 years old, and currently on an exhibition tour to Israel and the US, is expected to fetch between $30 million and $50 million. The Hebrew Bible is the foundation of the three Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Bishop T.D. Jakes Launches “Good Soil Movement”
Bishop T.D. Jakes’ T.D. Jakes Enterprises has launched a new national initiative aimed at promoting and creating Black entrepreneurs. The “Good Soil Movement,” in partnership with the Stand Together Foundation, will be hosting its first entrepreneurship event ahead of the annual global summit scheduled on May 3, 2023, in Orlando, FL. The day-long event will provide a platform for learning for business leaders, influencers, and would-be entrepreneurs who aspire to pursue opportunities in diverse communities. Bishop Jakes will deliver the keynote address on his vision for helping businesses achieve financial success. Actor/author Hill Harper will serve as the event emcee and singer/songwriter KEM will open with a musical performance. Panelists will include radio personality Angela Yee, producer Timbaland, and many others who will host breakout sessions and fireside chats.
Pastor Mike Jr. Makes Billboard History with Fourth #1 Single
Gospel singer Pastor Mike Jr. becomes the first artist in Billboard’s history to hit # 1 with his first four chart entries. Pastor Mike McClure Jr. of Rock City Church in Birmingham, AL, who goes by the stage name Pastor Mike Jr., was recognized after his song featuring fellow gospel artist James Fortune debuted at the #1 position on April 22nd. McClure, named “Artist of the Year” for the past two consecutive years at the Stellar Awards, released the album “Impossible” in February 2023.
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Texas Bill Places Ten Commandments in Public Schools
The Texas Senate has passed a bill that mandates that all public schools will have the Ten Commandments prominently displayed in classrooms. Senate Bill 1515 by Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, now heads to the House for consideration. The bill, approved last Thursday, has now also opened up the review for a second bill, Senate Bill 1396, authored by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, that will allow prayer and reading times for the Bible and other religious texts to be included in classroom curriculums. The passage of these two bills is considered big wins for religious freedom in Texas.
