Make an Impact This #GivingTuesday – Give Now 

Hello friends!

We hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving with your loved ones. We want to first take the time to say thank you to YOU. Your several ways of support have not gone unnoticed and we would not be here without you, so thank you!

As we begin to wrap up 2023 we first want to take a second and talk about continuing in a posture of gratitude and giving. Enjoy!

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Thanksgiving & Encouragement

By Rev Dr. Huntley Brown  

Philippians‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

What an incredible verse. In America, each November Thanksgiving is celebrated. This is a day set aside to give thanks to God for His many blessings and to eat and enjoy the company of family and friends.

In the verse we read, Paul was giving God thanks for a few people in his life.

How about you? What have you done lately that would cause others to give God thanks for you?

Who do you give God thanks for?

Who believed in you, encouraged you, prayed for you, invested in you, supported you? Who do you give God thanks for each time you remember them?

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

This verse encourages us to build each other up. Encouragement is one incredible word and when used, does amazing things to the human spirit.

Encouragement makes a coward become brave.

Encouragement makes the weak become strong.

Encouragement helps musicians attempt the impossible.

Encouragement helps athletes to keep going.

Encouragement is a gift everyone has access to and one that should be used often. When was the last time you encouraged someone?

One of the hallmarks of Jazz and Gospel music is encouragement. That’s why musicians talk to each other. You will hear words like “talk to me, come on now.

It’s the same for many churches. You will hear words like, “Sing your song. Help him, Jesus. Preach, preacher. You got this. Keep that up. I’m going to shout!” Plus many more.

Today, find someone to encourage. Years from now you will be blessed to know your encouragement was a difference maker in their life as they give God thanks every time they remember you

Blessings,

Huntley

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The Harmony of Giving: Music, Community, and Wellness on Giving Tuesday!

By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Director

With Giving Tuesday, we are not just talking about generosity; we are talking about creating a symphony of giving that resonates far beyond just this moment in time. 

Join us on this musical journey where your contributions not only help provide musical instruments and education to those in need but also contribute to the well-being of our communities.

Striking the Right Chords:

Imagine the transformative power of music. Your support this Giving Tuesday allows us to provide musical instruments to underserved individuals and churches. From the joy of a child learning their first notes to hymns echoing in churches, your generosity becomes the melody of hope.

Notes of Embracing:

We believe everyone deserves the chance to embrace the world of music. Your donations help break down barriers, ensuring that underserved populations and churches have access to the beauty of music.

Rhythm for the Soul:

Music is not just a form of entertainment; it is a therapy for the soul. This Giving Tuesday, consider the profound impact of your support on the spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and congregations. Your contribution is not just about instruments; it is about nurturing the spirit of Christ

through the power of music.

In the spirit of health and healing, let’s blend our love for music with some HEALTH TIPS:

Stress Relieving Playlist:

Create a playlist of your favorite calming tunes. Music has the power to soothe and alleviate stress, elevating your HRV (heart rate variability) so that you can maintain a strong immune system and body structure.

Community Sing Along:

Gather friends and neighbors for a community sing-along. Singing together promotes a sense of belonging and shared joy – what better time than the Christmas season!?

Musical Meditation:

Try playing a musical instrument as a form of meditation. It is a mindful way to connect with God, meditating on His word. If you do not play yourself, meditate to some of the beautiful Christian hymns and praise songs, allowing yourself to go deeper in your relationship with Christ.

Jam for Fitness:

And finally, turn your living room into a dance floor or exercise studio! Moving to the beat is not only fun but also a great workout, that gets the heart rate moving. There are lots of great options on YouTube – check them out and get that body moving!

Join the Symphony of Giving!

This Giving Tuesday, let us harmonize our efforts. Your support is not just a donation; it is a note in the symphony spreading Christ’s love.

Ready to make a difference? Donate and let the music play on! Donate and let the music play on!

Blessings, 

Marion

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Tax Saving Strategies Through Giving

By Annette Brown, CPA

As we enter into the season of giving, Giving Tuesday is a day that allows individuals an opportunity to provide a year-end gift of support to their favorite charities. Statistics say that half of nonprofit organizations receive the majority of their annual donations during the last three months of the year.

You’re giving not only provides an immediate benefit to the work of the charity but it can also provide a significant tax benefit to you if you itemize on your taxes.  

Here are 5 ways you can consider giving this Giving Tuesday which would allow you to take advantage of the tax deduction for charitable donations this tax year.

1. Create a larger donation by combining or “bunching” more than one year’s donations into a single tax year.

2. Consider setting up a Donor Advised Fund which is a charitable investment fund that allows you to fund your favorite charities long term by contributing in one year, and scheduling distributions for later years.

3. Consider gifting appreciated assets like stock or real estate, this allows you to avoid capital gain taxes.

4. If age 70 ½ or older consider making a nontaxable Qualified Charitable Distribution from your traditional IRA account.

5. Clean out your closets and donate to local charities. Donate stuff that you no longer need, which could be a blessing to someone else and also get you a tax deduction in the process.

December 31 is the last day to make a donation for the 2023 tax year, but today Giving Tuesday is a great day to kick off the season of giving and to have a significant impact in the year through the work of your favorite charity.

The Huntley Brown Foundation seeks to spread God’s love through the gift of music. This past year we have impacted the lives of individuals around the globe through the gifts of musical instruments and financial resources to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hope that you will join us in our mission to equip individuals with the tools that they need for worship in their daily lives. Thank you for your support of our work and our mission.

Click here to donate.

Blessings,

Annette

Hello friends!

As we enter the fall season, there’s so much to look forward to. While this is exciting, it can be easy to become discouraged while waiting for certain things to come. As we begin to wrap up 2023 prepare and look forward to the future, we need to learn how to enjoy and embrace the waiting season as well.

While Waiting

By Rev Dr. Huntley Brown  

Psalms‬ ‭27:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Are you in a waiting season right now?

In the waiting season, what do you do?

When you have no control over the outcome what do you do?

When you are in the midst of uncertainty and all seems hopeless what do you do?

Even though waiting, life goes on and you need to know what to do in the waiting season.

While waiting we have to make disciples. We need to know what to tell others in a time of confusion while waiting for answers. The tension of the unknown is an ever present reality we all have to deal with.

So what do you do in this season?

You apply the vertigo factor. Pilots gets vertigo when they are flying in thick clouds and they can’t tell if they are right side up or upside down. The only way to survive is by looking at the instruments and following the instructions given.

It’s the same as waiting in an unknown season.

You must keep your eyes on Jesus and follow His every direction. He might say wait, move, or be silent. No matter what He says success is attached to your obedience.

While waiting, you must continue to wrestle in prayer.

Be honest with your struggle. Tell everyone you are praying and trying to figure it out too. Tell them not to give up on God. Always remember:

When you don’t understand, trust God.

When you don’t agree, trust God.

When you are at the end of your rope, trust God.

Make a decision that you are going to trust God no matter what happens. Hold on to this verse.

Habakkuk‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Blessings,
Huntley

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Healthy Work: Rest Balance

By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Director

The story of Martha and Mary from Luke 10 is a common Bible story. Often you will hear people say “Don’t be a Martha” as the story of these two sisters shows two different types of “love languages” being expressed. Restful (waiting) vs busy.

Mary is seen as a quiet, contemplative, humble person who sits at Jesus’ feet, resting in His presence, while Martha is presented as someone who rushes around trying to get things accomplished.

I want to encourage you to look for the positive attributes of striving to possess attributes of both Mary and Martha.

Often lessons on this passage focus on encouraging people to not be a “Martha” and to take more time to be quiet. And yes, many of us can be more of a “Martha.”

Like Martha, it is easy to become focused on what we are doing and the busyness of life.

When we are focused on the busyness of life, we can even be proud of it! Herein lies the issue – attitude.

Task-oriented people accomplish a lot, which is awesome, however, if we are so proud of our accomplishments that it turns into judgment, then we have accomplished nothing.

In the story, Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet while Martha was bustling about, getting things done. Martha then complained to Jesus that Mary was not helping her.

Martha thought Mary’s style of serving was inferior to hers, and that waiting was wasteful.

Jesus tells Martha that her sister did the one thing that is needed. She needed to be filled. And often, those who are very busy also need to be filled.

However, we need balance in life. For those who are very busy, take time to rest. It is needed. We need not feel guilty about it either. Great peace and strength come from resting in God’s presence. When we take time to rest, both physically and spiritually, our bodies can reset, heal, and regain the strength we need to function optimally.

At other times in the Bible, Martha is commended for her hospitality and service to others, so we know that both rest and service are needed in life. God wants us to serve others – as it reveals Jesus’ love for us through our love for other people, which comes from serving them.

This is why I want to encourage you to have balance – both Mary and Martha’s attributes – in your lives.

Blessings,
Marion

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What Are We Working On?

Plans are underway for the Huntley Brown Foundation to conduct a Worship Seminar with Joy in the Harvest Ministry in Tanzania in 2024. We will keep you updated on the exciting details for this venture as it develops.  

In partnership with Judson University and the Love Foundation, the Huntley Brown Foundation is working on developing a music education program at the Joseph Royal Education Center in Kingston, Jamaica with Aaron & Alan Franklin of Muzicnet in Chicago, IL. This will be a pilot program that we are hoping can be expanded into other areas in the future. This program is still in the embryonic stages, so we will keep you posted on developments, and how you may be able to assist in this venture.  

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the work that we are doing at the Huntley Brown Foundation. We are proud to partner with you all in spreading God’s love through music.  

Click here to donate.

Blessings,
The Huntley Brown Foundation

Hello friends!

As we enter the end of the summer, we hope you find the motivation needed to continue pushing through.

Your breakthrough could be on the other side, keep holding on!

This Kind

By Rev Dr. Huntley Brown

It’s the start of a new school year, one filled with excitement, anticipating an extraordinary year. We don’t know what the year will bring but by faith, we are believing God for one amazing year.

It would be great to have a year without challenges but challenges are a part of the journey called life.

So how do you prepare for what you don’t know?

Here are a few keys to help.

1. Pray.
   Make prayer a lifestyle.
2. Fast.
   We don’t hear too much about fasting anymore but it’s important to note that for some breakthroughs, fasting is necessary. As the scripture tells us.

Mark 9:29 KJV
“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting.”

This kind addresses specificity. This kind means this specific situation needs more than usual.

Are you facing a difficult situation where you are praying and doing what you know to do but still no change?

Are you getting discouraged asking God why no answer?

It could be that you are facing this kind of situation. In the natural realm, different problems need different solutions. Some are easy to fix others need expert help.

Same in the supernatural realm. Sometimes you need more than prayer and that’s why Jesus said. This kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting.”

When was the last time you fasted?

It’s a new season and it’s time to start fasting again. No one likes to fast, but fasting has to be an integral part of our spiritual journey if we are going to be successful in some of the battles we will face.

Here are a few ideas to help as you fast.

You can fast for one meal, two meals, or even three meals. You can do a fast without food and only drink water. You can also do the Daniel kind of fast with only vegetables and water.

Before fasting and praying, select a few verses to stand on. It’s best to pray God’s word back to Him. Here are a few to help.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

Mark 11:24 NIV
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

John 15:7 KJV
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Remember if you fast and do not pray you are only on a hunger strike😀

Increase your prayer effort during the day.

Very important !!!!!!!

Be on your guard during and after the fast. The devil will try to create a disturbance maybe at work, school, or even within your family. Just walk away and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Play worship music throughout the day. Just saturate your home or apartment with worship and watch God turn your this kind of situation around.

Blessings,
Huntley

Change Your Life: One Habit at a Time!

By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Director

Happy August! Summer is winding down, and the school year is starting back, your lives may be getting busier, and free time is nowhere to be found! Despite these busy times, we want to encourage you to keep on keeping on with regards to engaging in healthy habits.

God gave us these bodies. We are in charge of them. Thus, it is our responsibility to make the most of them. We all know that the healthier we are, the better we will be able to serve Him and others.

But, to do this, it takes intention and discipline.

Some may feel it is a losing battle and it is too difficult to eat healthy, prepare your own meals, and/or exercise regularly.

But God is the God of the impossible – through Him, anything is possible – even making healthy habits! So first of all, ask Him to help you!

We want to encourage you to decide to change your habits for a lifetime.

Set realistic expectations that you can follow consistently to help you live a longer, healthier life!

What healthy habits improve your life, boost your mood, and elevate your spirit?

This is different for everyone, but some things are universal such as consistently eating real food, cooking at home, moving your body, getting enough good quality sleep, and eliminating stress.

Again, if you are not intentional about developing habits, chances are they will not form. My husband and I have been eating healthy and exercising regularly for 30 years. It is who we are, what we do. We are passionate about it and encourage others to do the same. We want to live doctor-free, healthy lives so that we can do all that God has given us to do.

Secondly, our work is our mission. We want to make the world a better place not only through providing life-altering, pain-relieving medical care, but through wonderful relationships with other people.

Determine your God-given mission.
What is it you are passionate about doing?

Lastly, have an attitude of gratitude.

Be thankful for your life.
Be a life-giver, a hope-giver.
Be the person that others want in their lives!

You can do it.
• Ask God to help you.
• Determine your passion.
• Be intentional.
• Be grateful.
• Change your lifestyle, one habit at a time.

Blessings,
Marion

Ministry Update

The Huntley Brown Foundation is pleased to welcome Nicole Brown to our new intern position. Nicole will serve as the Executive Assistant for the Foundation over the next year. Nicole is currently finishing up her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership at Olivet Nazarene University. Welcome to our team Nicole, we look forward to seeing all that God does through you in our organization.
Nicole started her new position by representing the Huntley Brown Foundation at the 2023 Global Leadership Summit at Willow Creek Community Church.

 The Huntley Brown Foundation was pleased to fund two musical instrument scholarships this past quarter. The first one was a grant for musical equipment to the Community Good News Club in Accra, Ghana to be used in their evangelistic endeavors and to enhance their current ministry. The second was for a grant to the Soul Mission Outreach in Browns Town Jamaica for equipment to assist with podcast creations, broadcasting, and recording. We are excited about the work that these two ministries are doing in their communities.

What Are We Working On?

Plans are underway for the Huntley Brown Foundation to conduct a Worship Seminar with Joy in the Harvest Ministry in Tanzania in 2024. We will keep you updated on the exciting details for this venture as it develops.

In partnership with Judson University and the Love Foundation, the Huntley Brown Foundation is working on developing a music education program at the Joseph Royal Education Center in Kingston, Jamaica. This will be a pilot program that we are hoping can be expanded into other areas in the future. This program is still in the embryonic stages, so we will keep you posted on developments, and how you may be able to assist in this venture.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the work that we are doing at the Huntley Brown Foundation. We are proud to partner with you all in spreading God’s love through music.

Click here to donate.

Blessings,

The Huntley Brown Foundation

The Huntley Brown Foundation would like to congratulate all graduating seniors on the completion of another successful year.

We wish you all continued success as you embark on this next phase of your life’s journey.  

Stepping Out Into the Unknown…

The Unknown 

By Rev Dr Huntley Brown 

Genesis 8:15-16 NIV

“Then God said to Noah, ‘Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives.’”

God commanded Noah to leave his place of safety and enter into a place of challenges. A place called the unknown. 

Noah was about to enter a new season of unknowns. Everything he knew before had changed. Outside of his family he had no friends, the old friends were all dead. There were no grocery stores, the old ones had been destroyed.

Life as he knew it had changed, and the only constant he had outside of his immediate family was God. 

It’s the same for us at the end of the school year. Students graduate and many face this season of the unknown. Some go on for more studies, others fill out job applications and wait for work confirmation, and still some others remain undecided and try to figure out their next steps. This is a new season that is filled with unknowns, hidden challenges and surprises.

For success in this season here are a few keys to help. 

1. Learn to hear the voice of God clearly for yourself. How does God speak to you today? 

When facing the unknown lean on God, the unknown is not unknown to Him. Put your trust in Him. You don’t need to agree with His directive and it’s ok to question His instructions but you must trust and obey His instructions regardless of how you feel. 

2. Lean on your friends who are spending quality time with God. He might give them a word for you. 

3. Avoid negative friends who simply have a form of godliness. As the saying goes, “avoid negative people they have a problem for every solution.”

This is a season of unknowns and you need the God of the unknown to guide you. Step into this season with confidence by meditating on this verse.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Blessings,

Huntley

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Embracing Graduation and Prioritizing Your Health: A Journey to Success

By Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Director

To those of you who are graduating or have friends or family members graduating, we say, CONGRATULATIONS! 

Graduation is an exciting milestone in one’s life. It marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new and promising journey. As you step into the next phase of your life, recognize that your health plays an integral role in achieving your goals and maximizing your potential. 

We want to encourage you to prioritize a healthy lifestyle that includes physical fitness, a real food diet, and healthy habits. Start now!  

Regular exercise enhances brain power, boosts energy, lubricates joints, keeps organs functioning optimally, and reduces stress. Find activities that you love to do – so many great options! Make it a regular part of your day!

Focus on nourishing your body with whole foods, including lean proteins, fresh vegetables and fruits, good fats, and complex carbs to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Reduce consumption of sugar, soda, and processed foods. These really should be eliminated from everyone’s pantry!

Adequate restful sleep is a critical aspect of good health. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Quality sleep promotes mental clarity, concentration, and emotional stability, enabling you to perform at your best. It allows you to have time for work, exercise, meal prep, as well as spending quality time with friends and family. Say no to constant screen time, television, and gaming! 

Which brings us to what we call “find your tribe.” Seek people who are like-minded who build you up (vs tear you down). Have real relationships with real people. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether reading, listening to music, outdoor activities, cooking, gardening, fishing, sports, etc. Plan for some balance in your life so that you can recharge your mind and soul and nurture your emotional and spiritual well-being.

This new stage of life is exciting and fun but can also feel overwhelming. Practice quiet times, with time for deep breathing, peacefulness, along with prayer and meditation to cultivate the ability to seek and hear God. He has the answers we seek. 

As you step into the post-graduation phase, remember that your health is a key component upon which success is built. Embrace this exciting new chapter while caring for yourself, and watch as your graduation success paves the way for a fulfilling and prosperous future. 

Congratulations on this incredible achievement, and here’s to a healthy and blessed journey ahead!

Marion

Ministry Update

The Huntley Brown Foundation keyboard donation to the Keyble Music School in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is bearing great fruit already. Please see attached video on how this keyboard is being used to raise up young leaders to impact their communities through the gift of music and worship.

The Foundation is currently in the embryonic stage of planning our first major music and worship seminar.
This is tentatively scheduled for this upcoming fall and promises to be extremely impactful for the areas served. We are excited about this amazing opportunity! Details to follow at a later date!!!

Our Prayer for you
The Huntley Brown Foundation exists to spread God’s love through music.

May you find ways in this season to let music be a source of joy in your life.

If you need assistance with obtaining a musical instrument or a way to incorporate music in your life, contact us today to see how we may be able to help you!

If you would like to assist us in our endeavor to use music to spread the Gospel, we welcome your donations to assist us in our efforts. May you know the power of Jesus’ resurrection in your life as you reflect on the day after Jesus rose.
Click here to donate.

Blessings,

Huntley Brown Foundation

Take a look at our ministry update video below!