The Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr., Rev. Omarosa O. Manigault and Rev. K.W. Tulloss after the ordination. PHOTO:Chris L. Hickey

Omarosa O. Manigault is now a minister of the Gospel.  Rev. Manigault was ordained  February 18th 2012 at the historical Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles, CA. Rev. Dr. H.B. Hicks, pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, DC, preached the ordination sermon. Rev. K.W. Tulloss offered the charge to Omarosa.

Bean Soup Times thinks this is wonderful. The woman is the first teacher, nurse and in deed representative of God. That's the truth and I applaud Rev. Manigault. I look forward to hearing her spiritual side. 

Omarosa went before the ordination committee, made up of prestigious ministers from around the country, lead by the renowned Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr.

Omarosa demonstrated that she was both theologically prepared and scripturally rooted.  The committee unanimously voted for her to be approved for ordination.  Rev. Manigault now has the authorization to serve and perform all standard Christian ceremonies including marriages, baptisms and funerals.

For those interested, a Christian counseling degree can also allow you to serve God while helping others.

"This is the day that the Lord has made, I truly rejoice and am glad it is!  This was one of the most profound days of my life and my ministry.  How amazing I feel to serve God, I made a very personal decision to dedicate my life to the service of the kingdom of God. I intend to continue my seminary studies and to fully discover what God's plan is for my life and ministry." says Rev. Omarosa Manigault.

Omarosa grew up in the church in her hometown of Youngstown, Ohio and dedicates her life to her church and her community in the Los Angeles area.  Omarosa is currently enrolled in the doctorate of Ministry program at Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio.  She received her undergraduate degree from Central State University, Ohio and a Masters Degree from Howard University, DC.

Rev. Omarosa Manigault currently serves as Assistant Pastor at Weller Street Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, CA.

Chicago, IL – Kathryn Baker Kemp, a Chicago resident, is a retired music director, administrator and educator. She traces the journey of gospel music from its indigenous roots in Africa to the genres shaped by enslaved Africans and their descendants in America. Dr. Kemp, a licensed minister, has witnessed the power of gospel music and its message throughout her life.

Make a Joyful Noise!: A Brief History of Gospel Music Ministry in America tells the story of the resiliency of an African American people who worshipped their God with praise and thanksgiving - even in the midst of brutal oppression - through music. This book shows how music - gospel music in particular - has been a vehicle utilized over the years by people of African ancestry as a personal treasure, an expression of joy, a call for freedom, and a source of release despite oppression, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and racism.

The legacy of Dr. Thomas A. Dorsey and Rev. James Cleveland is honored through the gospel organizations they founded. The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc., the first gospel organization, was founded by Professor Thomas A. Dorsey, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc., was founded by Rev. James Cleveland, a mentee of Dr. Thomas Dorsey.

Part One of the book concludes with discussions of the future of gospel music and references some major secular events that highlight its widespread appeal. Interviews with evangelists, composers, songwriters, musicians, gospel artists, ministers of music, and members of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. express the richness of this heritage in Part Two of this work.

Make A Joyful Noise! is a valuable resource that provides first-hand accounts of the impact and importance of gospel music to America.

For more details about the book, visit www.joyfulnoisepress.com

Upon returning, the Prince of Peace granted Bean Soup Times an exclusive interview. Here it is with no hype, just straight Black Jesus.

Did you watch The Passion yet?
No. Been there done that.

You are obviously a black man., but since your teaching transcends race and gender, does it matter what color or gender you are?
My teaching does transcend race and gender, but if it didn’t matter what color I was, then why does Michael Jackson get ridiculed so much? He’s just trying to be like me, but he thinks I’m white. He looks just like a European version of me. You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you love blacks. And if it doesn’t matter what color I am then it shouldn’t matter that Jackie Robinson and Halle Berry are black and that Clarence Thomas is made out of chocolate.

Ah, so you and your Father do watch professional sports?
No. But God was there when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. 

Where you there too?
I intended on coming, but I had a hard time catching a cab.

Do you eat pork?
I used to, until I cast them seven devils into swine. Soon after I turned some water into wine and I couldn’t remember which ones had the devil in them so I just stayed away from them all.

What do you think about Bush’s public affirmation of his faith in you?
Who? 
George W. Bush, the president of the United States. 
I’m don’t know him. But on another note, my mother always taught me to stay out the bushes. ‘Stay away from the thorns Jesus,’ she’s say.
Speaking of thorns, what were you thinking when you were nailed to the cross?
I thought to myself, why don’t my disciples get me down. They were just sitting around crying. Get a ladder or something.

Who’s your favorite actor?
Morgan Freeman. He played My Father pretty well in Bruce Almighty.

Have you had any other strange experiences since your return?
Yes, each time I go to the shopping mall, security guards follow me. They must know who I am and want to keep me safe. 

How have people reacted to you?
Well, I knocked on one lady’s door on the north side and told her I was the Prince of Peace coming to offer her everlasting life. She called the popo and I spent two days in jail.

You used the term popo, meaning police?
Yes, I learned that term hanging out with sinners on the south side. Those people are really marvelous. Some of them will be my best followers one day. 

It’s been a long time, but do you think black people deserve reparations?
Yes, they deserve reparations, but even more importantly, they need Jesus, Black Jesus that is. (smiles)