HBCU Writers's Project
For Immediate Release
November 25, 2009
Contact Information

Della Spearman
Interdenominational Theological Center

(BPRW) New Investment Plan Offers 28-Day Challenge

(BLACK PR WIRE/ITC-ATLANTA) – To accept or not accept; that is the book's question. For Shakespeare readers, the statement is not a staged fantasy of being but a real life survival statement. "Not in My House" is not necessarily a literal work of art or a masterpiece, but a long, personal but inquiring spiritual and business principles fact sheet.

It seems to offer a conservative answer to a liberal problem dating back to years of overindulgence, lax credit unworthiness, greed and lack of discipline. Can we all just say "no" to the recession? Or can we look at a new way of success and prosperity which is investment-proof, both long and short-term? The solution is to believe, like me, says the author. Out of the mouths of teens, though, the real literal answers to mundane questions and statements emerge.

An inspirational book by Andre Butler – a youthful non-denominational pastor – released earlier this year has created a buzz, and some Atlanta-area youth are puzzled by his vision of stability in the face of economic upheaval which is devastating their households. Butler is the senior pastor of 4,000-member Faith Christian Center in Smyrna, Georgia and co-pastors a church with his father in Detroit, Michigan.

"I've felt many effects of the recession, not only in stores but in my home life as well. Also, there is no way to just say ‘no’ to the recession. Words won't change anything, it is action that speaks," said Adam Woods, 16.

There is no question that there is no easy solution to our country's economic problems. Even with newly elected President Barack Obama working with Congress to overcome a deficit which has now reached a trillion dollars, helping to tighten up the belts of top companies seeking bailout money and other government assistance programs being offered to states for adversely affected individuals in the form of stimulus packages, the end to the unrest doesn't seem near.

The key to opening the door to the fabulous life publicized by Butler doesn't always seem to fit. However, Butler is emphatic. Individuals need to make consistent changes and follow a new path which includes unselfish community and financial giving, tithing (giving 10% percent of wages before spending), and forming positive daily outlooks with a willingness to stand still despite the economic tempests.

The 182-page effort published in February by HigherLife Development Services, Inc. inspires readers to focus not on a victim mentality but on direction from God as their investment banker. Butler says, "It all begins with one decision - a decision that every believer can make. There is a way out of that magnetic force, that strong pull toward Wall Street's all-consuming cavity of fear and doubt. There is a way that gives...people the traction they need to stand their ground and walk out from among the masses."

Butler, 33, who dresses comfortably with business casual attire, seems confident sharing his (success) messages and ten precepts of inspiration. A seasoned author of more than a dozen books, including "Living Life to the Full," Butler is confident and remains positive. "Sure, there is a recession. But there is also a biblical, godly way of thinking that will lead to success and prosperity in the midst of that great concern." He is a preacher and speaker, Detroit-born and bred, who is following in the footsteps of his heroes, his father, mega-church pastor Bishop Keith Butler, a former Detroit city councilman and the late Pastor Kenneth Hagin.

He is one of many youth propelled to follow his mentors, and possibly like President Obama mentioned a few days ago, dares to dream and surpass their accomplishments. He received ministry training at Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and has a 2004 undergraduate degree from Kennesaw State University in management. A husband and father of three girls, Butler stays busy with running his ministries and traveling to promote his latest effort.

His latest effort encourages readers to take a 28-day challenge to recession-proof their future. The book highlights the need for debt management, budgeting, developing and implementing a plan to prosper despite the economy. The 10 tips which he shares with his audiences include: Wage War on Debt, Develop a Debt-Free Attitude and Have Faith in God's Provisions, with his sources coming from both Old and New Testament scriptures. The book is an easy read with financial management solutions for a wide and varied audience. Succinct, but challenging, the effort is one of many sales, marketing and educational methods that Butler uses to get the word out.

Despite a growing chorus of experts predicting recovery in the second half of 2009, Georgia State Economic Forecasting Center Director Rajeev Dhawan warns that it will take much more than positive thinking to begin the recovery process. In his Forecast for the Nation, released the end of May, Dhawan said that positive signs such as increases in consumer confidence and the stock market "• the so-called "green shoots" of recovery "• will turn into "full-fledged stalks loaded with grain" only with time and careful nurturing.

There must be moisture, marked by consumers' willingness to spend; treatment with fertilizer (i.e. corporate investment); a working relationship between private capital, a.k.a. Wall Street and the government; and the avoidance of an early-stage frost (such as the Lehman and AIG blowups). He further noted that the green shoots must fight "soil salinity" created by toxic loans for construction just to survive.

Teenagers don't always have the patience to wait and want quick results to spending problems caused by adults. They don't just want to survive. "Oh yes, I've felt the affects of the recession...less money to shop! But I don't think anyone can just say ‘no,’ it'll take as much time, maybe even more to get out of it than it took for us to get in it," said Sharifa Hardwick, 15.

Butler is used to doing things on a wide pulpit stage accompanied by a bright cast of church members, with some spiritual and religious dialogue, a few changes of scenery viewed by a large crowd, and a poignant message. He uses one-way communication his way, speaking directly to his audience without their opinions or two-way dialogue.

However, teenagers are opinionated and not always easily persuaded. They want to be critics and answer questions despite not being the breadwinners or decision-makers in their households. Their statements do matter as the leaders of the next generation. "Yes, I've felt the affects of the recession all around me.... In my school, my church, and home. Saying ‘no’ to the recession is taking the easy way out. You must learn to save and budget if you plan on making it through these hard times," said an unidentified Atlanta teenager.

Public relations representative Pam Perry said, "I love how he says, ‘There is no recession in heaven’ – meaning God is not broke. And that God is our source – not Wall Street or our jobs. I think every believer needs this book to get back to doing just that...believing!"

Top author Dr. Dennis E. Hensley concurs that believing coupled with a change in action is necessary. The author of more than 43 books, he wrote the publication "Money Wise" with financial tips and in his study, "He found that when people mismanage their finances they tended to lay the blame on God."

Shakespeare said, "To sleep, perchance to dream." In this present period and stage of economic instability, the 17th century writer continues to inspire others by stating, "Be not afraid of greatness." The blame game cannot be played if there is a conscious attitude of giving and investing in the Bank of Heaven, says Butler.