Open Letter to My Family, Friends and Breakthrough Partners

Dear Family, Friends and Breakthrough Partners:

Today, I stood before the Bishop and the Atlanta North GA Annual Conference and was confirmed for ordination to the office of Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church). This day and the ordination service to follow marks the end of a long journey (14 years) that started at St. James AME Church, Newark, NJ. It was in 1996 that I officially and publicly accepted the call to the ministry. But it was actually in the" manse" as a little boy in Midway, GA and in the crucible of Midway First Presbyterian Church that the seed for ministry was born. Wow! 14+ years to get to this point...Wow! Marvin Sapp is correct, "Never would have made it Never could have made it without you (God) I would have lost it all but now I see how you were there for me..."

This has been an incredible month. First, graduation from seminary after 6 long years of study. Now, full ordination in the AME Church. I wish I could express how I feel...but the words don't seem to flow. Just know...I am happy.

Let me thank God for choosing a flawed vessel like me for ministry. If I was God I would not have chosen me...but that's why I am not God. I pledge to do my best and to be open and amenable to God's will.

Let me also thank my wife (Jennifer Watley Maxell) and my three beautiful children for their patience, understanding, love, prayers and support. Without them, I would not have made it. Let me thank my parents, Rev. Bernese Shaw and Rev. Dr. Charles Maxell, Sr. for their Christian example, their prayers and their love. Let me thank my Step-Mother, Ophelia Maxell and my sisters and nephew, Carmela (Maxell) Martin, Lynn Maxell and Vincent Charles Finona for their love and support. Let me thank Dad (Rev. William Watley), Mom (Muriel Watley), Gran (Marian Watley), my brother (Matthew Watley) and my sister (Shawna Watley) for their love, prayers and support through the years. And let me thank the 211 Crew (you know who you are...Bennett, Rob, Gerald, Ken and Todd)...every relative...every friend...and every Breakthrough Partner...and every person who ever gave me a word of support or told me to keep going. I celebrate these accomplishments with you. And let me thank every Naysayer...who thought, said or wished I would never reach this milestone. Without you...the fire and determination to continue and to not quit would not have been so great.

So now what...good question. I wish I had a good answer. All I know is that I am wiser and more mature than I was in 1996. I am more resolved in my faith and more trusting in its sustaining power. I am ready to claim my destiny and to do the work that God intends for me to do. My goal is to become a successful pastor. Success will not be judged by church membership, book titles that bear my name, or a calendar filled with speaking invitations; but success will be judged by my ability to win souls for the Lord and to lead people to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

I feel that God has something he wants me to say to this generation. There are significant pockets within the community that do not believe in God’s deliverance and do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They view the Christian church with confusion and disillusionment. They ask what God is doing to stop the number of Black men going to jail, Black woman being affected with AIDS, the collapse of the Black family and to help Black children suffering without relief. They point to the feelings of self-hatred and self-contempt that plague the community; which are perpetuated by stereotypes that attack Black intelligence, ability, beauty, sexuality and character. They ask what is being done to eradicate poverty, homelessness, racism, sexism and to improve education for all people.

I pray that my ministry will affirm to those without faith and to that whose faith is waning, that the God of their past will also be the God of their future. And most importantly, that Jesus loves them... and so do I.

My work continues.

All the best,

Charles Maxell, Jr. (aka Rev. CAM)

The Adversary Is Always Busy

Hello Breakthrough Family.

A lot has happened since the last time we spoke. The day after The Breakthrough Fast 2010 ended, I had a scary car accident on my way to 745A service. I'm OK. But my car was totalled. (Thank God for car insurance!)

In short, a young man was driving too fast on wet pavement, lost control of his car, started tail spinning, crossed two lanes of traffic and without warning...crashed into my car. It happened so fast I did not have time to react. Just before the crash...my spirit told me to slow down a little more than usual. I'm glad I did. For while the young man's car crashed into mine at a high rate of speed...we both walked away without a scratch. Praise God. For just last weekend, two people were killed at the same intersection.

The past two weeks have been challenging for me. The car crash reminded me how precious and fleeting life is. Without warning, I could have been killed. Scripture says, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36) The crash reminded me that every moment is precious. Every moment is a gift from God. Don't get me wrong. I am not scarred or worried about tomorrow. I acknowledge my fear...but I am not controlled by it. More so, I am just reminded to cherish life's moments and to love the people in my life. Life is not a dress rehearsal. Everyday, God's grace and mercy give me an opportunity to get life right.

It also reminded me that the Adversary is always busy. Just the day before...I was euphoric about the stories I had heard at The Breakthrough Project; about the yokes that had been lifted and the lives that were being healed as a result of our 21 day fast. In my own life, the 21 day fast had centered me and brought me a new sense of peace. However, the past two weeks reminded me that there is a misconception that people have, that the only time they have tough times is when they’re disobeying God. That’s not true. When you’re going through a tough time, don’t automatically assume, “I must be out of the will of God.” You may be exactly where God wants you to be. The fact is God has not promised us a storm-free life. This is not heaven where everything is perfect and where God’s will is perfectly done. People make mistakes, and sometimes people get hurt. That’s why we are to pray, "Thy will be done on earth like it is in heaven."Every day, you have choices. You can believe that God is in control and believe that God is taking care of you. Or you can panic and go around worried, expecting the worse, and wondering if you will make it.

The Adversary may be busy. However, I declare my trust in God.

Support 4 Haiti - The Prayers were Heard and the Goal Was Met!

Thank you for your response to our appeal on Saturday, January 23rd! Due to your generosity, The Breakthrough Project raised and contributed $1000 for the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

But we realize that it will take more than money to rebuild Haiti. As a result, we are making plans to make a mission trip to Haiti to lend our hands, our feet and our skills in the rebuilding effort.

The Breakthrough Project is committed to live up to its mission to be a blessing in the lives of God's people in our community and around the world. Together, we can change lives, build community, save our planet and help broken people find wholeness.

Breakthrough Fast 2010 – Day 21 “The Fast is Broken”

The fast is broken. It’s Saturday morning, January 23rd. (We) made it. 21 Days of fasting completed. How do you feel? I don’t know about you but I feel great. Physically, mentally and spiritually I feel refreshed and revived. I started this fast with 2 simple goals in mind. I wanted to fast for the discipline to walk in the vision that God has given me. And I wanted to honor God for the New Year. I don’t know about you...but I feel the hand of God working in my life and I claim the authority, the blessings, the favor, the strength and the cross that comes by being a child of the King.

Let me also say, thank you. Thank you to the many of you who joined me and The Breakthrough Project on the Daniel Fast. I wish I could share with you all the stories I have heard the past 21 days. I have heard stories of supernatural healing. I have heard stories of new revelations and clarity after years of confusion and doubt. I have heard stories of people overcoming strongholds that have blocked their blessings and made them feel distant from God. I have also heard of couples praying together when divorce was a possibility. I have 5 words for this..."To God Be the Glory!”

Now the time comes to break the fast. Breaking the fast is the most difficult period after the fast; it requires discipline and self-control. I would be lying if I didn’t think about getting out of bed last night around 12:01 AM to find a 24 hour Starbucks for a Grande cup of coffee. And Lord knows that the sweet taste of Crown Royal Special Reserve “on ice would be nice.” But I encourage you, like I did for myself, to remember how good the Lord has been. Remember how you feel right now. The toxins of over consumption have been purged from your body. Remember how close you feel to God. While God has not given me a new vision, the vision I have been given for my life seems even clearer and more visible to me. Remember that a single fast is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh in fillings of the Holy Spirit daily, we also need new times of fasting before God. Therefore, breaking this fast is not the end; it is only the beginning to a season of fasting I am challenging you and me to undertake in 2010.

Here are my tips for breaking the fast:

1. Take the 2nd Step of Faith (see Day 19 for more details)
- “In his heart a man plans his course, but it is the Lord who determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)
- The fast was only the first step (John10:10). Now, it is time to take the second step. Whatever you were praying for --- expect God to do the supernatural in that situation (Hebrews 11:1).
- It takes time to build your spiritual fasting muscles. If you fail to make it through your first fast, do not be discouraged. You may have tried to fast too long the first time out, or your may need to strengthen your understanding and resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. God will honor you for your faithfulness.

2. Make Time with the Lord a Priority
- Don’t fall back into old habits and allow the busyness of life to thwart the benefits and the blessings that you have experienced the past 21 days.
- Begin your day in praise and worship. Praise God for the renewed relationship you have with Him and for the works He is doing in your life.
-Invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through you (Philippians 2:13).
- Make a commitment to daily periods of pray, study and mediation.

3. Make a Commitment to a Healthy Lifestyle
- Do not overeat! Listen to your body. Discover the amount of food that your body needs to live a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.
-Discern the difference between cravings and hunger. Never feed your emotions by eating.
-Drink plenty of water.
-Educate yourself on how to begin a lifestyle of healthy eating.
-In addition to healthy eating, make time for exercise and rest.

I hope you have enjoyed my blogging the past 21 says. I have enjoyed sharing with you my thoughts and have grown during this experience. I start my last semester of seminary this week. So I will not be blogging every day. However, stay tuned. The response to my blog has been so positive. I have made the commitment to blog at least twice a week. So keep reading and sending in your encouraging words.

Pray for me. I am praying for you. And prepare to experience the power of a refreshed vision and to receive the blessings and the breakthroughs that God has in store for your life in 2010!

Rev. CAM

Breakthrough Fast 2010 – Day 20 “The Lord is Near”

Some of us have been given gifts and graces that could bless someone. Unfortunately, we are so fearful or worried about what tomorrow may bring that God can’t use us. And then there are the rest of us who are so busy having a pity-party about what we don’t have and what we can’t do --- that we can’t see beyond our ourselves in order to walk in the full authority and anointing that Jesus Christ offers us. That is why Paul says in Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.”

The time has come for you to get out of your head. The time has come for you to live a life worthy of Christ’s sacrifice. The time has come for you to stop making excuses for what you can’t do. Yeah, you got yourself in debt but you don’t have to stay there. Make the commitment today to tithe, save, invest and learn how to become a better steward of your resources. Yeah, your body might be failing you but your mind and mouth still work. Therefore, call someone today and tell that Jesus loves them. Yeah, you might not be able to do like you use to but as long as you are breathing and in your right mind, you can still be productive and do God’s work. Stop telling yourself that “You’re too old. You’re too young.” Stop telling yourself, “I will help tithe and be a blessing to the kingdom once I get my finances straight.” Don’t waste time on negative thoughts. God has a plan for your life. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

20 Days of Fasting and 1 Day Left,
Rev. CAM

Goals for Today
- Read Daily Bible Verse for the Day: DONE
- Spend 30 minutes in prayer and meditation: DONE
- Completed Day 20 of Daniel Fast: DONE
- Write blog: DONE
-Drink 1 gallon of water: DONE!

Breakthrough Fast 2010 – Day 19 “The Second Step”

I’m writing this blog from my adopted hometown of Detroit, MI. Big ups to all my people in the Midwest. Let me start by saying congratulations to everyone. We have almost made it. 19 days of fasting in the books. All we have to do is stay focus and keep the train on the rails. “NO problem, you say.” Good...because the last two days are always the toughest. But the one question I raise tonight is, “What’s next?”

For 19 days we have faithfully fasted. We have purified our bodies and our spirits of toxins and distractions. We have prayed. We have read scripture. And in some ways, we feel closer to God than we ever have felt. Now what? What are we going to do on Saturday? Are we going to revert back to our old ways, our old habits and our old traps? Are we going to keep reading our bibles daily? Are we going to continue to seek God’s face with our lives? I hope so. We have made such wonderful progress these past 19 days. We have taken the first step of faith --- we have made the pledge to trust God with our finances; to trust God with our relationships; to trust God with our careers; to trust God with our families. But that was only the first step.

The first step of faith is responding to what God has already spoken. John 10:10 (NIV) records Jesus’ saying, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” However, the second step of faith requires us to believe in the impossible. In the first step of faith, God is working in us and through us. In the second step of faith, God’s hands and the Holy Spirit are all around us. Like Abram, the first step of faith requires that we trust God’s promise (Genesis 12:1). The second step of faith requires that we trust God while at the same time letting go of the demand to know the details. While everything is possible with God, there are some things that are impossible without God. That is why the writer of Hebrew writes in 11:1 (NRSV), “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Remember, once something is definite, once you can see it, feel it, touch it, it no longer requires faith. The second step of faith challenges us to believe in miracles; to have faith in the supernatural.

My point is simple; our journey of faith doesn’t end with the fast. The fast was only the first step. There is so much more that God wants to do for you. After Friday, I encourage you to keep stepping further into the realm of faith. Keep praying. Keep studying God’s word. Set aside times for periodic fasting. Congrats again on taking the first step; but don't get weary before you take the second.

19 Days of Fasting and Almost Home,
Rev. CAM

Goals for Today
- Read Daily Bible Verse for the Day: DONE
- Spend 30 minutes in prayer and meditation: DONE
- Completed Day 19 of Daniel Fast: DONE
- Write blog: DONE
-Drink 1 gallon of water: DONE!

Breakthrough Fast 2010 – Day 18 “Why Won’t My Kids Go to Sleep?”

I love my children. But it's 10:34P and they won’t go to sleep! Don’t they know that I have had a long day? Don’t they know I have to pack for my trip tomorrow? How many bed stories can we read? How many times can Jennifer tell them to go to sleep? UGH!

I have to go. My three year old and nine year old are fighting. And the two year is draped over the side of the crib with her dolly in one hand and her pacifier in the other hand screaming like Michael Buffer, “Let’s Get Ready to RUMBLE!!!”

18 Days of Fasting and Ready for My Kids to Go to Sleep,
Rev. CAM

Goals for Today
- Read Daily Bible Verse for the Day: DONE
- Spend 30 minutes in prayer and meditation: DONE
- Completed Day 18 of Daniel Fast: DONE- Write blog: DONE
-Drink 1 gallon of water: DONE!