The protest was organized to highlight the continued lack of an arrest of George Zimmerman (FL) who shot and killed Trayvon Martin, age 17, who was unarmed.  Grass-Roots protests have sprung up around the country in the face of this stark reminder that justice is not always as “black and white” as many would like to believe.  The Trayvon Martin shooting calls to mind the brutal murder of Emmitt Till, who was killed for allegedly whistling at a White woman in Mississippi in 1955.  Currently, Martin’s shooter, George Zimmerman is claiming self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.

Light of the World protesters wanted to call Indiana’s own “Stand Your Ground” law into question during the demonstration.  Under the current terms of the law, “A person may use deadly force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of a threat, without an obligation to retreat first.”  Recent events have resulted in several concerned citizens requesting that this law, which exists in several states, be placed under further discussion and review.

Dr. Hampton also called to attention the continuing prevalence of Black-on-Black crime in our communities.  The recent Downtown Indianapolis Canal shootings are just the latest in an ongoing onslaught of violence within our community.  As Dr. Hampton stated during morning worship on April 1, “The danger is in becoming desensitized to the dehumanization of Black men.  We have become our own worst enemy.”  Light of the World Christian Church stands united with Dr. Hampton, Bishop Benjamin, and all of those who that Injustice for one results in justice for none.

~Humbly Submitted
Amber D. Clarke
Senior Editor, Bright Light News

The Special Humanitarian Award was given for the first time in 2012, and Bishop Benjamin was honored to be the first ever recipient of this prestigious award.  The award honors and celebrates an individual who has been actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reform, and who continually has held the interest of mankind at heart.  Congratulations Bishop!  This award is truly well deserved for such a mighty man of God!

Humbly Submitted

~John Jones

One of those extra-special surprises was the solo debut of our own Brother John Jones.  Beloved by all, John showed us that he not only has the heart of a worshiper and a servant’s spirit, he also sings with the voice of the angels.  His heartfelt duet with Brother Josh Meadows brought the house down.  We were also blessed by the vocal gifts of one of our youth, Morgan Bouldes.  Her soulful rendition of “Joyful, Joyful” reminded us all of the purity of a child’s faith in God.  LWCC is truly blessed with a wealth of talent, and this year’s “Holy Night at the Light” truly showcased those gifts to the glory of God.

Rev. Dr. David A. Hampton

• Dr. David Hampton is Tenth Pastor of the Historic Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY.  Dr. Hampton hails from Indianapolis, IN where he successfully served as a senior pastor in Indianapolis from 2000 to 2007, prior to his call to the Bethany Baptist Church of Brooklyn, NY in January 2008. He is honored to follow the 43 year pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. William Augustus Jones, Jr.
• Dr. Hampton was Executive Director of Celebration of Hope in 1999, having served under his father in ministry, Bishop Tom Benjamin, Light of the World Christian Church. Dr. Hampton also served as a Field Education Supervisor at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN in 2005 and has served as an adjunct professor at New York Theological Seminary, 2010.  He is author of the book Narrative Theology As An Hermeneutic Approach. He is a 2011 recipient of the Presidential Call to Service Award, recognized by President Barack Obama. Dr. Hampton has received numerous awards and recognition for faithful service and leadership.
• Upon his arrival to New York City, Dr. Hampton took seriously the prophetic call of social justice as he participated in a May, 2008 protest of the Sean Bell verdict. He was arrested and jailed for civil disobedience. Dr. Hampton currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Network.  Dr. Hampton served as a founding Board Member of Brooklyn City Prep Charter High School, and on the Advisory Board of the Boys and Girls High School, maintaining a passion for education reform.  Dr. Hampton is committed to global missions, particularly in Africa, having traveled to Kenya and Egypt.  He also works with the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) of New York, and has traveled to Israel.
• Dr. Hampton earned a B.A. Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Indianapolis 1994, a master of Theological Studies Degree 2000, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Practical Theology (Summa Cum Laude) from Christian Theological seminary 2006.  Dr. Hampton is husband of wife (Hope), and father of two children (Taylor and Gabriel). He is a member  of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity & Prince Hall F&AM.
• First Lady Hope is an I.U. graduate, an AKA, and a social worker by trade.  Dr. Hampton and Hope believe that love is the more excellent way and developing relationships is key to successful ministry and church prosperity.

Education:
D.Min. Doctor of Ministry (summa cum laude), Christian Theological Seminary, 2006. Concentrations: Practical Theology, Preaching, Homiletics, Practical Ministry Dissertation: Preaching That Engages Generation X: Bridging Biblical Tradition With Culture in a Hip Hop Era

M.T.S. Master of Theological Studies, Christian Theological Seminary, 2000 Concentrations: Systematic Theology, Narrative Theology
Thesis: The Use of Narrative Hermeneutics in Theology:  A Methodological Comparison of Hans Frei and Paul Ricoeur

B.A. Bachelor of Arts, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 1994
Major:  Criminal Justice        Minor:  Spanish

Pastoral Experience:

• Senior Pastor, January 2008-Present: Bethany Baptist church and Child Development Center, Brooklyn, NY
• Senior Pastor, 2002-2007: Zion Hope Baptist Church and Christian School, Indianapolis, IN
• Senior Pastor and Founder, 2000-2002: Antioch Church, Indianapolis, IN

Teaching Experience:

• Adjunct Professor, New York Theological Seminary 2011
• Field Education Supervisor 2004-2006: Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN
  • Course: Supervised Concurrent Field Education (M.Div. students)
• President and Founder 2005  EQUIP School of Ministry, Indianapolis, IN Accredited through (IBI) International Bible Institute

Publications:

• Narrative Theology As A Hermeneutic Approach 2009 Lulu Publishing
• Articles in Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, 2004-2006
• Column in Indianapolis Star and News, 2005-2006

Board and Professional Affiliations:

• Board of Directors, National Action Network New York, New York
• Board of Directors, Brooklyn City Prep Charter High School, Brooklyn, NY
• Advisory Council , Boys and Girls High School, Brooklyn, NY
• Member, (BCT) Brooklyn Congregations Together, Brooklyn, NY
• Executive Board Member, Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis, IN, 2003-2004

Awards and Honors:

• Presidential Call to Service Award 2011
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Award in Religion, Indianapolis, IN, 2007
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar, Christian Theological Seminary, 1996
• National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice Scholar, 1992

Last Week our Youth Director Anderson White and the Youth Ministry took to the road to visit the Freedom Museum in Cincinnati, OH.  There they were able to get a first hand look at artifacts that depicted slave life and conditions in America from the 1600-1800’s.  After a day of enlightenment it was off to Kings Island to relax and release after a great year of school and ministry.  Take a look at some of the pictures and make sure your youth stay plugged in to Youth Ministry here at The Light.  As you can see we’re GOING PLACES!