Authors and Missionaries Unite to Support African AIDS Orphans

Authors of over 25 books and members of the Women's Missionary Society (African Methodist Episcopal Church) united to support AIDS Orphans 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. The book, which will release on Tuesday June 3rd, will be promoted in several of the contributors' cities during the month of June.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: MAY 22, 2003
CONTACT: REYOMI PUBLISHING
PHONE: 1-773-238-8224

CHICAGO, IL--Authors of over 25 books and members of the Women's Missionary Society (African Methodist Episcopal Church) united to support AIDS Orphans 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. The book, which will release on Tuesday June 3rd, will be promoted in several of the contributors' cities during the month of June.

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), 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. Contributors shared stories such as surviving being submerged in a vehicle in the aftermath of a hurricane, and how broken family relationships were mended in the midst of a tragedy. Readers will be inspired, uplifted, and empowered through these testimonies.

Marjorie Kimbrough, 1991 Georgia Author of the Year in the area of non-fiction shared how she was "kept in peace" during surgery for breast cancer. Kimbrough's titles include: Accept No Limitations, Beyond Limitations, She is Worthy, Everyday Miracles, Stories Between the Testaments, Coffee Breaks of Faith and Coffee Break Devotions. Other contributing authors include: Rachelle Guillory, author of The Known Stranger, and a contributor to the Women of Color Devotional Bible; Michele Matthews, author of the forthcoming novel Raymond's Daughters; Jacquelin S. McCord, author and publisher of When We Get Straight, A Molehill is a Mountain, Miss America and the Silver Medal, and Fur Coats in My Closet; Lorenzo Robertson, author of Detached and eclectic essence: poetry for the heart, mind and spirit; and J. Ricc Rollins, author of Like Breathing, Breathe Again, and Bated Breath.

How We Got Over has already received critical acclaim.

"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, a native Chicagoan, 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. A complete tour schedule is available on the website's "On the Road" page.

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

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