Hampton Roads Residents Write to Support African AIDS Orphans

Hampton Roads writers Michelle Belle-Villa and Michele Matthews share their stories in How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope, and Courage, edited by Trevy A. McDonald and Bettye J. Allen. Proceeds from this collection of over 50 testimonies will support AIDS Orphans in Southern Africa. They will sign the book on June 5 at Agape Bookstore in Newport News and Borders in Virginia Beach.

CHICAGO, IL--Hampton Roads writers Michelle Belle-Villa and Michele Matthews share their stories in How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope, and Courage, edited by Trevy A. McDonald and Bettye J. Allen. Proceeds from this collection of over 50 testimonies will support AIDS Orphans in Southern Africa. McDonald, along with Belle-Villa and Matthews will sign copies of How We Got Over on Thursday June 5 from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at Agape Bookstore, 10846 Warwick Blvd, Newport News (757) 595-6279, and Borders Books & Music at 7:00 p.m., 1744 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA (757) 425-8031.

How We Got Over is a dynamic and spirit-filled collection of stories of survival and how one can overcome adversity through steadfast determination. The foreword, written by Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Episcopal Supervisor of the Fourth Episcopal District (A.M.E. Church) and Chicago area resident, chronicles Dr. Cousin's journey as an AIDS activist since 1985. Cousin is the wife of Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. The afterword is by Sarah Nkele Matlhare, a South African Missionary who works in the trenches with those affected by and infected with HIV in Botswana. Local contributor Michele Rene Matthews' Love Never Fails is a story of obedience and reconciliation. Another local contributor, Michelle Belle-Villa shared how the trials she faced in life since childhood strengthened her and enabled her to realize her "CAUSE" in life. Readers will be inspired, uplifted and empowered through these testimonies.

How We Got Over, which will be in stores nationwide in June, has already received critical acclaim from noted authors.

"How We Got Over...is an inspirational masterpiece. The book is full of testimonies that will stir the soul and lift the spirit. It's a wonderful book for anyone who believes in a higher power and the power of faith. Bravo!"

Yolanda Joe, author of The Hatwearer's Lesson and Hit Time
                                    
"...a highly moving, perceptive, and transforming source of inspiration for many hearts on the edge of unbelief, hopelessness, and discouragement."

Dr. Wendell C. Beane, Professor Emeritus, History of Religions and author of The Truth Within You

"How We Got Over...reminds us that hope arises in the heart through credible testimony and encourages us to cease pinning our desires on things that are in the world, focusing instead on placing our trust in God. This is a must read."

Jacquelin Thomas, author of Singsation, The Prodigal Husband, and A Change is Gonna Come

McDonald is the author of Time Will Tell, co-editor of Nature of a Sistuh and Building Diverse Communities and contributor to Sisterfriend Soul Journeys, Women of Color Devotional Bible, Women of Color Devotional Book, and the forthcoming anthology, Proverbs for the People (June 2003, Kensington).

Allen is the editor of the Missionary Magazine.
                  
To read excerpts from How We Got Over visit the website: www.howwegotover.org.

To schedule interview opportunities or request review copies please call (773) 238-8224.

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