A Unique Ministry is Launched
By LaTavia Conner
First Lady Sheila Russell hosted the event along with her husband Pastor Bill Russell.
Senior Pastor Bill Russell and first lady Sheila Russell hosted their “Live Life…Love Life” motivational and networking social at the Olde Towne Inn restaurant in Upper Marlboro February 4. The event, part worship service, part social mixer and awards ceremony, was held to kick off the couples’ worship ministry. “Our goal for this ministry is to go seven days a week, mentoring, training and building partners rather than members,” said Russell.
“Live Life…Love Life is one of our outreach ministries designed for fellowship in a non church setting,” said Russell, who also said it was important to recognize people who make significant contributions to the county. “This is also a way to honor folks for what they have done in the Prince George’s community,” he said.
The Russells are very much involved outside of their ministry. Besides being first lady, Shelia Russell has been a radio, print and TV personality for over 20 years. She is the news and community affairs director for Radio One stations, including The Russ Parr Morning Show (which airs in 40 cities). Russell is also an adjunct professor, motivational speaker, public relations consultant and author.
Dr. James Dula accepts award for his contributions to the county.
The honorees of the night included Dr. Emory Andrews, Oxon Hill High School choir director and Dr. James Dula, former president of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Andrews was first to be honored for winning the “Children’s Project of the Year” award at the 2010 Stellar Awards, and being the first high school choir to do so. “I am overwhelmed and filled with joy,” said Andrews. “I am so thankful.” During Dr. Andrews’ award presentation, he was surprised with a musical selection from a group of his students, which brought tears to his eyes.
Dr. James Dula was honored next for his outstanding work in the Prince George’s area. Dula has done many great things in his life, including serving in the Air Force as an officer for 30 years. His resume also includes a stint as president and CEO of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce. He’s currently executive director and CEO of Hyattsville-based Image Consulting Group, where he runs programs such as business development, training, program management, and international trade. Dula was happy to receive the award, but he knew that more could be done. “We have much work to do,” said Dula. He also felt that in order to do so, we must help each other. “We must remember that we got here standing on the shoulders of someone else.”
In addition to his other work in the county, Dula has been named chair of the advisory board of Prince George’s Suite Magazine.
Through his acceptance speech Dula “invoked” the spirit and pride of Prince George’s Suite magazine’s Our Town series so passionately and articulately, he commanded a call-and-response interplay with the 80-member audience. It went something like this:
Dula: When you are talking about our children's education, family and great businesses, what are we talking about?
Audience: “Our Town!!”
Dula: When you're talking about good food, great people and good neighborhoods, what are we talking about?
Audience: "Our Town!!!"
The night also belonged to 13-year-old Azure Turner for creating her own perfume. Turner was admired for being a business owner at such a young age. “I always liked scents so I thought it would be good to have my own fragrance,” she said. Not only did Turner want to prove that she could do whatever she put her mind to, but she wanted to inspire other children. “I want to be other kids’ role model, and show them that they can do it as well,” she said. Turner has spoken at Garfield High School and has other speaking engagements lined up. She also pitched her fragrance to JCPenney and Macy’s to be sold in their stores.
Many came out to support the Russells including County First Lady Leslie Johnson. Organizers viewed the night as a success and more networking events were promised. The official launch of the ministry is scheduled for March 6 at the Live Life…Love Life headquarters and training center in Laurel.
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