Pat Cerminara (pictured above) of Lancaster, NY, has this to say…

I have been involved in winemaking for over seven years, amassing hundreds of bottles of reds, whites, and roses to compliment the different tastes of different people I know. I’ve gotten to know people in the wine industry over time that have taught me some really cool things about the culture, and it’s been a pleasure to give it to family and friends for birthdays, Christmas, or just to accompany a meal or get-together. I’ve also been searching for answers for some time with how to serve the Lord with this hobby. Galatians 4:8 says that ‘it is a fine thing to be zealous, provided that the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you’. Is the purpose of winemaking good? If I don’t try to use it to glorify God, then, yes, it can be considered a waste of time and energy. Paul says that all we do is to glorify God, not men. Perhaps I have been too zealous over my craft if strictly taken from a secular stance; after all, there will be countless wines produced in people’s basements or wineries long after I’m gone, and I can’t take any of my bottles or equipment with me when it’s my turn to check out.

My wife and I have been faithful supporters of Samaritan’s Purse for years, and have always looked forward each Christmas to purchasing different needs for various ministries in the organization’s Christmas catalog.  This evangelical-based relief organization has served people of any religious (or no religious) faith for decades who have suffered poverty, war, hunger, natural disaster, human trafficking, persecution, etc.

For the rest of 2017, I want to, with commitment to Jesus, attempt to provide enough financial support to fund a life-saving medical procedure on a child who otherwise would have no easy access to medical care. This project will be several thousand dollars, and I don’t know if I will be able to reach it in almost 8 months, but I want to have the faith to attempt it.

The thing is, I can’t sell my wine, because I don’t have a liquor license. That’s why, over the next year, I am going to be prayerfully asking for support from any who have the means to do so in this ministry. I am doing this for no other reason than that I love Jesus and want to bring His love and gospel message to someone through life-saving medical care. Provided will be both an immediate need, but more important a spiritual one. How it works is whatever support people provide, you will be given a token appreciation gift of whatever wine of your choice (and/or some of my wife Beth’s amazing macaroni to go with it).

I want to see what God will do with this, something I never would have considered a ministry.

For more info on obtaining wine to help Samaritan’s Purse, visit Pat’s website here.

Men: share this with the ladies in your lives
Women: get your advance tickets by May 10th by calling 716-832-6791

Women of Destiny is committed
to empowering women to be mighty in the Kingdom of God. This Spring’s May 13th Regional Breakfast will feature Apostle Barbara Burkholder as Guest Speaker.

>>You will also experience the ministry of LaShanda McCadney (from Rochester) in worship, personal prophecy, and prophetic decrees. Some of you might have heard McCadney sing at Kingdom Bound Christian music festival in the past– she’s excellent!

>>Enjoy breakfast & fellowship with other women from WNY, Pennsylvania & Southern Ontario in the presence of the Lord!

The organizer of the annual Niagara Falls Blues Festival, Toby Rotella, has given vocal dynamo Marsha McWilson the green light to take over the fest for Sunday, September 18th, bringing with her a whole slew of singers and musicians, including the daughter of B.B. King, aka “The Bluz Queen: Claudette King.”

The packed day of performances, known as the “Gospel Blues Brunch,” kicks off at Noon with William Fagin leading people in prayer and a scripture reading by Vanessa Walker. Emcee Mark Weber will introduce artists throughout the day. As it’s the “Gospel Blues Brunch,” there will be complimentary food and beverages while supplies last, so get to the fest (on Old Falls Street near Rainbow Blvd. in downtown Niagara Falls) early.

After introductions, Richie Derwald will sing Gospel hymns in the style of Elvis Presley, followed by Marsha McWilson performing several stirring songs backed by Anthony Taylor and The Beautiful Music Band and The Go Go Girls backing singers: Kellie, Sherrie, Carolyn and Shania. McWilson will then turn the stage over to several of her musical friends, including the band Jesus Centered Music (Praise & Worship), rapper Oral Roberts (Caribbean Calypso), Angel Vox from Africa (Family Group), Men In White (Male Singing Group), Cathy Townsend from Chicago (Gospel Jazz Blues), Malcolm Wilson & Joshua’s Generation (Traditional Gospel Choir), Ezra Scott (Traditional Quartet Singing), Ella E. Robinson & The New Beginnings Choral Ensemble, Larry Kennedy-King from Buffalo (Gospel Hip-Hop), The Potter’s House Liturgical Dancers, Jimmy Smith Jr. (Traditional Gospel), Steadfast (Contemporary Gospel Group), Favaa (Female Singing Group), Cameron McWilson (Marsha’s Son/Contemporary Gospel) and Connie Mathews (Traditional Gospel). Clean comedian Ernie Bivins will also entertain the crowd. Toward the end of the event (about 6 p.m.) McWilson will join Claudette King for some rousing numbers. The festivities are expected to end at 7 p.m., so don’t miss a minute.