buzzz worthy. . .
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Pastor Dion P. Jefferson, AKA Christian Comedian DP, will present the Y.O.L.O. Comedy Show and Live DVD recording in support of the Odyssey Foundation, a resource center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), on Saturday, April 12 in at Greenwood #1 Baptist Church located at 9155 Greenwood Baptist Church Rd., Greenwood, LA 71033. Fellow Christian comedian Brother Marcus will serve as the Master of Ceremony of the event, which begins at 6:00 p.m.
The talent line-up includes performances by Quan B., Lady Munira & Minister Justin Marshall, and Donzell Hughes and Voices of Deliverance. Although admission is free and open to the public, an offering will be collected and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Odyssey Foundation.
As the nation awaited the outcome of the 3-month-long search for Autistic Queens, NY teen Avonte Oquendo, on the opposite end of the country, Pastor Jefferson of Shreveport, LA prayed and waited with a sense of personal angst. The fulltime caregiver and father of 16-year-old son C.J., Jefferson knows firsthand what it’s like to worry over the safety of a child with (ASD). From the boys’ striking physical resemblance to living in an area with a large body of water, undeniable parallels made Jefferson feel a connection to the story. The discovery of Oquendo’s lifeless body pricked Jefferson’s heart to exercise even greater advocacy toward raising Autism awareness.
While the reality of families impacted by Autism is not a laughing matter, Jefferson’s desire is to pour out compassion, fellowship and pray with families who are affected by the puzzling illness in an uplifting setting.
Says Jefferson who has opened shows for gospel stars John P. Kee, Leandria Johnson and KeKe Sheard, “I know-day-to-day life can be hectic. I know you've heard the diagnoses, you deal with the school system, and now I say to families dealing with Autism – laugh. Laugh often because God has not forgotten you. Your children are a blessing and your very own personal miracle!”
Although the Oquendo tragedy puts a face on Autism nationally, many people still know little about the brain disease that affects 1 in 68 children in America according to the CDC. Fewer African-American and Latino children are diagnosed with ASD than Whites, but experts believe many go unidentified due to the lack of healthcare. Ensuring that the public is educated more thoroughly about ASD is one of the goals Pastor Jefferson and his wife Euronda want to accomplish at the event. Y.O.L.O attendees will be able to take away pamphlets and hear testimonies from two families who will be recognized formally. Tabatha Taylor, a representative from Odyssey will be on hand to answer questions and register walkers for the 5 K Walk for Autism with Rep. Patrick Williams.
“Y.O.L.O,” stands for “you only live once” typically. “I feel people use it an excuse for bad behavior so I’ll use it as an excuse to be joyful,” says the positive thinking pastor about his translation of the acronym meaning, “you ought to laugh often.”
Find out more about the Y.O.L.O. Comedy Show and DVD Recording and Christian Comedian D.P. at http://www.christiancomediandp.com/
D.P. is available for interviews to address a range of topics concerning parenting an Autistic child, managing multiple roles or life as an at home dad and church leader. Direct all media inquiries to Jireh Communications Group at (703) 986-3464 or mona@irehceative.com.
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Pastor Dion P. Jefferson, AKA Christian Comedian DP, will present the Y.O.L.O. Comedy Show and Live DVD recording in support of the Odyssey Foundation, a resource center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), on Saturday, April 12 in at Greenwood #1 Baptist Church located at 9155 Greenwood Baptist Church Rd., Greenwood, LA 71033. Fellow Christian comedian Brother Marcus will serve as the Master of Ceremony of the event, which begins at 6:00 p.m.
The talent line-up includes performances by Quan B., Lady Munira & Minister Justin Marshall, and Donzell Hughes and Voices of Deliverance. Although admission is free and open to the public, an offering will be collected and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Odyssey Foundation.
As the nation awaited the outcome of the 3-month-long search for Autistic Queens, NY teen Avonte Oquendo, on the opposite end of the country, Pastor Jefferson of Shreveport, LA prayed and waited with a sense of personal angst. The fulltime caregiver and father of 16-year-old son C.J., Jefferson knows firsthand what it’s like to worry over the safety of a child with (ASD). From the boys’ striking physical resemblance to living in an area with a large body of water, undeniable parallels made Jefferson feel a connection to the story. The discovery of Oquendo’s lifeless body pricked Jefferson’s heart to exercise even greater advocacy toward raising Autism awareness.
While the reality of families impacted by Autism is not a laughing matter, Jefferson’s desire is to pour out compassion, fellowship and pray with families who are affected by the puzzling illness in an uplifting setting.
Says Jefferson who has opened shows for gospel stars John P. Kee, Leandria Johnson and KeKe Sheard, “I know-day-to-day life can be hectic. I know you've heard the diagnoses, you deal with the school system, and now I say to families dealing with Autism – laugh. Laugh often because God has not forgotten you. Your children are a blessing and your very own personal miracle!”
Although the Oquendo tragedy puts a face on Autism nationally, many people still know little about the brain disease that affects 1 in 68 children in America according to the CDC. Fewer African-American and Latino children are diagnosed with ASD than Whites, but experts believe many go unidentified due to the lack of healthcare. Ensuring that the public is educated more thoroughly about ASD is one of the goals Pastor Jefferson and his wife Euronda want to accomplish at the event. Y.O.L.O attendees will be able to take away pamphlets and hear testimonies from two families who will be recognized formally. Tabatha Taylor, a representative from Odyssey will be on hand to answer questions and register walkers for the 5 K Walk for Autism with Rep. Patrick Williams.
“Y.O.L.O,” stands for “you only live once” typically. “I feel people use it an excuse for bad behavior so I’ll use it as an excuse to be joyful,” says the positive thinking pastor about his translation of the acronym meaning, “you ought to laugh often.”
Find out more about the Y.O.L.O. Comedy Show and DVD Recording and Christian Comedian D.P. at http://www.christiancomediandp.com/
D.P. is available for interviews to address a range of topics concerning parenting an Autistic child, managing multiple roles or life as an at home dad and church leader. Direct all media inquiries to Jireh Communications Group at (703) 986-3464 or mona@irehceative.com.