"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
~ Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
A special invitation awaits you!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WHAT YOU PRAYED FOR DOESN'T COME HOW YOU WANT IT?
READ FIRST
CHAPTER ONLINE
SKELETONS DON'T REMAIN IN THE CLOSET FOREVER...
SEE HOW THE BOOK WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A LIVE THEATRICAL PRODUCTION
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Welcome!
ABOUT YO PRODUCTIONS
Yo Productions began in the mind of its founder and CEO, Yolonda Tonette Sanders, years before its launch in May 2008. Yolonda had a desire to expand her writing ministry to theatrical productions in addition to books and poetry. With the encouragement of family members and friends, she started Yo Productions, LLC.
The first stage project produced by Yo Productions was SOUL MATTERS, based on Yolonda's debut novel, published by Warner Books in 2005. It premiered September 26, 2009 at the Capitol Theatre in Columbus, OH with over 700 people in attendance!
Yo Productions continues to plan additional performances of SOUL MATTERS and schedule other projects. While we appreciate those who have enjoyed our works thus far, we remain mindful that our purpose is not just to entertain. We strive to minister the gospel through our performances and in 2010 we established the Open Arms program to reach out to those who may not otherwise have an opportunity to attend our productions. In addition, Yo Productions is planning a college scholarship program to help individuals further their education and an annual stipend award for aspiring writers. These programs are projected to begin some time in 2014.
Donations to help support our programs are always welcomed. Sponsorship opportunities for the next stage production are also available.
For bookings, contact LaKesha Raynor at (614) 452-4920 ext. 2 or by email at lakesha_raynor01_yoproductions.net. For upcoming activities, click here.
Yo Productions Support Staff:
Teresa Lewis, Acquisitions Director
LaKesha Raynor, Public Events and Pubilicity Coordinator
Yolonda Sanders, Founder and CEO
MISSION, VISION & COMMITTMENT
Our Mission
The mission of Yo Productions, LLC is to uplift, encourage, and inspire individuals from all walks of life by letting our Light shine throughout every interaction as we provide quality theatrical entertainment and literary services.
Our Vision
Yo Productions, LLC's vision is to be a leader in Chrisitan theatrical entertainment and literary services, representing God in truth so that others will be drawn closer to Him.
Our Committment
Yo Productions, LLC is committed to keeping ministry at the heart of everything we do so that our work is not in vain. We aim to operate with integrity and love, standing on faith, and representing only the God of the Bible. We proudly acknowledge that it is God who empowers us, believing that He will do more through us than we could ever imagine. We know that our purpose for existing extends far beyond us.
ABOUT YOLONDA
Yolonda Tonette Sanders is the founder and CEO of Yo Productions, LLC, and author of two novels, SECRETS OF A SINNER (Kimani Press; May 2008) and SOUL MATTERS
(Warner Books; September 2005).
Born and raised in Sandusky, OH, Yolonda moved to Columbus, OH after graduating from High School where she attended college. While studying at Capital University, Yolonda double-majored in Political Science and Criminology. In 1998, she graduated from Capital and enrolled in The Ohio State University where she completed her masters program and was awarded a degree in Sociology in 2000. After completing her college and graduate education, Yolonda worked as a researcher with the State of Ohio until 2004 when she resigned to focus full-time on her writing ministry.
Seeking God for her purpose, Yolonda began drafting her first novel in 2002 as an additional creative way of sharing the Gospel. Previously, she had just written poetry, but the desire to write SOUL MATTERS was so strong that it could not be denied. Despite the fact that she knew absolutely nothing about writing novels at that time, she did so by faith, believing that God would open the doors for her story to be shared and He did. In
2004, she signed her first publishing contract.
Since the release of her first book, Yolonda has continued to flourish in her writing. She has traveled the country for various book signing events and speaking engagements, appearing on radio, television and in nation-wide periodicals. In 2008, Yolonda founded Yo Productions, LLC - a theatrical and literary entertainment company - to expand her methods of evangelism.
Occasionally, Yolonda works as a freelance writer for various print publications, businesses and individuals. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, singing and spending time with her family. She currently resides in Columbus, OH with her husband, David, and two children, Tre and Tia.
To learn more about Yolonda and how she began writing, you are invited to read her personal testimony.
BOOKING
Yolonda is available for print, radio, television and web interviews. To schedule, contact LaKesha Raynor at (614) 452-4920 ext. 2 or by email at lakesha_raynor01_yoproductions.net.
Upcoming Events
THE WRITE TIME - a FREE series designed to help you start or finish your writing project!
Join us every Sunday in February as follows:
- February 5 , 2012 from 3:30-6:00pm _ Columbus Metropolitan Library (Reynoldsburg Branch)
- February 12 , 2012 from 3:30-6:00pm _ Columbus Metropolitan Library (Reynoldsburg Branch)
- February 19, 2012 from 3:30-6:00pm _ Columbus Metropolitan Library (Southeast Branch)
- February 26 , 2012 from 3:30-6:00pm _ Columbus Metropolitan Library ( Reynoldsburg Branch )
Click here for additional activities/events not listed.
Thank you for your donation!
You may make a one-time donation of any amount or monthly contributions of $7.00. Either way, we appreciate your support as all gifts are used to help carryout our mission.
If you prefer to mail your donation, please send to:
Yo Productions, LLC
P.O. Box 32329
Columbus, OH 43232
We appreciate your gift!
ABOUT TERESA
Teresa Lewis serves on the Yo Productions, LLC Advisory Board as the Acquisitions Director. She brings with her years of experience in organization and planning. Her background includes being the primary coordinator for the Technical Information Exchange (TIE) Conference - a three-day forum for IT professionals to meet, network and exchange ideas. From the onset, Ms. Lewis was responsible for organizing conference details, negotiating rates and scheduling presenters, among other things.
A member of the First Church of God (Columbus, OH), Ms. Lewis is involved in several activities including the Lets Talk ministry for women, the Hospitality ministry, the Life in Focus ministry for women as well as the small group ministry.
Born in Lexington, KY, Teresa grew up in the small town of Chillicothe, OH. She has been a resident of Columbus for the past 26 years. Ms. Lewis has been employed for the past 29 years with the federal government, working as an IT Specialist. In addition to her role as an IT Specialist, Teresa works as an Independent Representative for Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, a world class marketing company designed to help individuals become financially independent and offers discounts on such things like clothing, electronics, travel and more! She recently founded On-Time Real Estate Solutions, an investment company that seeks to provide optimal results for those with real estate needs and concerns. Teresa is also a former US Army Reservist of 2291st Hospital Unit. She is the proud mother of one son, Preston, and grandmother to MaKyle.
Ms. Lewis is very excited about being involved with Yo Productions, LLC, and its first project. She believes SOUL MATTERS will be a blessing, not only to the individuals who attend the production, but to each and every person who is involved with it. She looks forward to being a part of future ministering projects of Yo Productions, LLC as well.
ABOUT LAKESHA
LaKesha Raynor a native of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area is a Certified Microsoft Office Specialist. LaKesha is exceptionally skilled in Office products. She is a highly trained professional who brings over 15 years of administrative skill and business experience to the company. LaKesha has worked in both the private and public business sectors with corporations such as Big Four Firm, Ernst and Young, as well non-profit organizations. LaKesha worked with executives and departments in management, operations, marketing and public relations in roles from executive assistant to assistant manager.
For the past two years, LaKesha Raynor has owned and operated a successful company called Assist Mode. This company is based on the belief that the customers' needs are of the utmost
importance. LaKesha is committed to meeting those needs. LaKesha specializes in ongoing right-hand administrative support, publicity, travel planning and website design for our company. Her mission is to provide our clients with expert, administrative support and other complementary business services that free their time. This allows them to focus on revenue-generating activities, ultimately helping them become more successful.
LaKesha is married and has 3 beautiful children. She is a minister, liturgical dancer and consumate volunteer in the community of Dallas, Texas.
WORKSHOPS
PROGRAMS
C.D.A.T
FROM PAGE TO STAGE
YOU CAN WRITE, TOO
REALLY THOUGH?
WHEN MONEY MATTERS
HAVE IT YOUR WAY
FOCUS FACTOR
After you've gone to work, church, meetings, and school; and you've picked up the kids, did the laundry, cleaned the house and got the groceries; it is finally time to write! And then . . . the phone rings, the baby starts crying, the kids start fighting, your spouse wants to spend quality time, your favorite show comes on or maybe you just want to sleep! Multi-tasking isn't a skill that goes along with writing and yet so many individuals don't have the time needed to develop this gift. Despite the busyness of life, you can learn to focus with the techniques Yolonda reveals that allows writers to balance responsibilities, decrease distractions and enter the world of creativity.
Level: Any
To sign up for a workshop, please click here to complete the form.
OPEN ARMS
For each of our stage performances, we would like to adopt a group or organization of individuals who may not otherwise have an opportunity to attend our productions. Examples of eligible persons are those who reside in halfway houses, nursing or retirement homes, homeless shelters, orphanages, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, battered women and anyone else at an economic, social or other disadvantage. Selected organizations will receive a limited number of complimentary tickets for participants and staff. For general inquiries or questions, contact Teresa Lewis or click here to fill out the submission form online. The hard copy of the form is available below for your convenience as well.
OpenArms_SubmissionForm.pdf
LOOKING AHEAD . . .
Yo Productions is planning a college scholarship program to help individuals further their education and an annual stipend award for aspiring writers. These programs are projected to begin some time in 2014.
DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIPS
Donations to help support our programs are always welcomed. Sponsorship opportunities for the next stage production are also available. Click on the link to learn more about sponsorship opportunities or click below to donate.
We appreciate your generosity!
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:10 (NKJV)
Periodically, in our monthly e-newsletter (Yo Notes), Yo Productions would like to highlight individuals or organizations doing something for the greater good of others. If you would like to make a C.D.A.T. nomination, please use the form below.
Please note the following guidelines:
We are currently preparing for our 2013 stage production of SOUL MATTERS and your support as a sponsor would be greatly appreciated! Details of our sponsorship packages are below. Click below to view as a pdf document.
SM_Sponsorship_Opportunities.pdf
TESTIMONY
GALLERY
CALENDAR
INVITATION
FEBRUARY 2012 - THE WRITE TIME
Join us every Sunday in February for THE WRITE TIME
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[S]eek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33). This scripture has become very real to me. In the spring of 2001, I gave my life to Christ after hitting what I call, rock bottom. I was at a place in my life where I would stand in front of the mirror and see a stranger. I had begun doing and saying things that I never imagined of myself. I found myself making one mistake after another, thus adding guilt on top of guilt. I did not like myself, and many times contemplated suicide. Yes, me a woman with two bachelors degrees, a masters degree, good credit, a loving family, and a promising career with the state of Ohio. I was suicidal. But God had placed two beautiful guardian angels in my life my children and I couldnt bear the thought of leaving them behind without a mother.
I hid my distress very well, thus neither friends nor family knew how emotionally unstable I was. Hidden beneath my smile and outgoing personality was a woman bound by depression, suffering from low self-esteem, and overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy. Though I had grown up in a Christian church all my life, I still had a misconception about what it meant to be saved. First, I thought that anyone who claimed Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior led a very boring life. There appeared to be so many church rules and regulations it seemed like there were more don'ts than dos. By nature, I act silly and love to laugh, so I was scared of committing to Christianity because I thought my life would become even more miserable than it already was. Second, I didnt think I would have what it took to adopt Christianity as a lifestyle because Id seen others try and fail. Plus, my resume of sins seemed a lot worse than those who had successfully led Christian lifestyles. I thought surely they had not sinned to the extent that I had. I began attending church on a sporadic basis, but that was about the extent of it.
Despite my inconsistent church attendance, God was still imparting powerful messages into my life and unfolding the truth about Himself. One Sunday a friend invited me to attend church with her and I found that I could no longer deny the need I had for Jesus in my life. I asked Him to forgive me of all my sins and to save me. Since that day, I have never looked back. Among other things, Ive learned two very important lessons:
1.) Being saved does not equate to living a miserable life at all. I have more joy now than I had before. Truth be told, I probably act sillier now, too. 2.) Anyone whos willing to submit to Gods Holy Spirit can be successful in living a Christian life! There is absolutely nothing in this world that God is unwilling to forgive us for. Knowing this has freed me from the guilt of my past sins.
Many people have asked me how I began writing. For as long as I can remember Ive always enjoyed writing poetry, but the idea for SOUL MATTERS wasnt laid on my heart until I started seeking God for my purpose in life. Initially, I rejected the idea of writing a novel. I knew I could write poetry, and even plays if need be, but I thought novels were out of my league. I had tried writing another story once, but later abandoned the idea after the first two chapters. After several failed attempts to make SOUL MATTERS a play instead of a book, I finally submitted to Gods will and began writing this novel.
I thank God for all of the support I received from my husband, and several close friends and family members along the way. Even though I had loads of encouragement, the key to my being able to successfully complete SOUL MATTERS was having a pure heart. I wasnt seeking fame or fortune. My deepest desire was to write a realistic, entertaining story that shared a message about God with others. When I started writing, I had absolutely no idea how it would get published. I didnt even know there was a market for Christian fiction. Still, I stepped out on faith and invested time and money into a story that kept pressing on my heart. Once I did, I saw God open doors of opportunities that I never imagined.
Whether you're a Christian or non-Christian, SOUL MATTERS was written with you in mind. I hope you enjoy and are blessed by the content found within its pages. Thank you for allowing me a chance to deposit something positive into your lives. May God continually bless you!
It's not His will that "any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
Will you accept His invitation?
What does it mean to make Jesus my Lord and Savior (i.e. to be saved)?
It means that you are willing to admit and confess your sins (1 John 1:9); you recognize that God's forgiveness of your sins is a necessary component of your eternal well-being (John 3:16-17); and you are willing to make whatever adjustments necessary in your lifestyle to follow the teachings outlined in the Bible (Galatians 5:16).
I'm already a good person, and I believe in God. Do I still need to be saved?
First of all, congratulations for being a morally right individual. We're living in a world where it seems like there are only a few people who aren't willing to lie, cheat, or steal to get ahead in life. However, Isaiah 64:6 tells us that our righteousness (i.e. our own standard of goodness) is like filthy rags to God. Though you may go to great lengths to be an upstanding citizen, the truth of the matter is found in Romans 3:23 "[A]ll have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Every human being needs Jesus in his/her life because without Him, we have no fellowship with God (John 14:6), even if we believe He exists.
I would like to be saved, but won't my life be dull and boring then?
You are encouraged to read Yolonda's testimony. ln John 10:10, Jesus says that He came so we may have life and have it more abundantly. When you have an abundance of something, you have an overflow. Thus, Jesus' desire for us is to live life to the fullest. Though it is possible to have "good time" without being saved, in order to really get out of our lives all that He wants for us, we need Him. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (3 John 1:2)
I'm ready to ask Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. How do I do it?
Though there are some who have come up with very elaborate alternative answers to this question, the truth can only be found in the scriptures. ". . .[I]f you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9-10; NIV) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) Below, is a prayer written to assist you in your desire to be saved. Say this prayer out loud and mean it with all of your heart, and God promises that you will be saved.
"Dear God,
I confess that I am a sinner. I come to You in the name of Jesus asking for forgiveness of my sins. I believe in my heart that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, was raised from the dead and is the only Lord and savior of the world. Right now, I ask Jesus to come into my heart and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that I am saved. I believe that my past is forgiven. I believe that I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for saving me."
I've repented of my sins and have asked Jesus to come into my life. What next?
Congratulations! The Bible says that the angels in Heaven rejoice when a person is saved (Luke 15:10). Now that you've made the commitment, surround yourself with other bible-living Christians. You can do this by joining a local bible-teaching church or hooking up with other Christians at your job or in
your community. Don't be intimidated about praying or feel self-conscious if your prayers are not as eloquent as someone else's may be. Pray from your heart and rest assured that God will hear your prayers. One of the most important things you can do is begin reading the Bible daily. Don't know where to start? Don't worry, you can begin this process by reading daily devotions from places like Our Daily Bread . Reading and knowing the Word for yourself is crucial in your growing in God and not being deceived by those who are teaching and living contrary to His word.
If you've just accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we would love for you to share your good news with all the members of Yo Productions, LLC! May God continuously bless you!
CLICK ON PICTURES TO READ A CHAPTER OR LEARN MORE
Matters of
FACT
Essence
Bestseller
Wendy's already troubled marriage is further complicated by her pregnancy after receiving some disturbing news. Allowing bitterness, revenge, and fear to drive her life, Wendy makes decisions that create even more chaos in her marriage, and threatens the stability of her other relationships as well.
Soul_Matters_Chapter_One.pdf
Soul Matters © 2005 Yolonda T. Sanders. All Rights Reserved. Published by Hachette Book Group.
ISBN-10: 044669441X
ISBN-13: 978-0446694414
Chapter 1: The Perfect Package
It was ten minutes to three, and Wendy was eager to get out of work on time. Start cleaning up now, she said to her first-grade class. They had crayons, markers, and books all over the place. Be sure to put everything back where it belongs. After you're finished, line up at the door and wait there until the bell rings.
Much to Wendy's surprise, her instructions were followed with little resistance. A few students mumbled about not being able to finish what they were doing, but even they cooperated without her having to say anything else. Maybe they could sense that something was different about her. Toward the end of each day the children usually had
exploratory time and were allowed to choose among various activities such as reading, coloring, playing educational games, or anything else Wendy deemed appropriate. She normally walked around the classroom and interacted with several students during that time. However, this entire week she had sat at her desk like a watchdog, responding only when needed.
Just a few more days . . . Wendy murmured to herself. Next Wednesday the school would be closed for Christmas break, and as much as she hated to admit it, she was looking forward to having some time off. Although she was only seven weeks pregnant, she was beginning to feel the effects this pregnancy was having on her body.
She used to have the vitality of a three-year-old, but lately she felt like she would lose in a race against Methuselah. She was convinced that the term morning sickness was deceptive. If the feelings of nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and headaches were confined only to a few hours of the day, it would make the first trimester of her pregnancy much more bearable. Instead, she was liable to experience morning sickness at any given moment of the day.
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While the children were cleaning up, Wendy was on the edge of her seat as she waited for the bell to ring. Thank God its Friday. She didnt think she would be able to make it another day. She was going straight home after work. She would not leave the house until it was time to go to church Sunday morning. After service, Wendy would then go over to her parents house to celebrate her fathers birthday. Wendy hoped to feel better by next Friday, when she and her husband, Kevin, were scheduled to go to Philadelphia and visit his family for the holidays. The Ohio native would rather spend her Christmas vacation recuperating from her ailments in the comfort of her own home, but there was no way she could back out of the trip now. Her mother-in-law was ecstatic
about the pregnancy and could not wait until they got to Philly so she could show Wendy some of the things she had already bought for the baby.
"Keep your hands to yourselves," Wendy said to two young boys who were shoving each other.
"He started it!" David stated, pointing to Jeffrey.
"Nuh-uh, he did!" Jeffrey pointed back at him.
"It doesn't matter who started it - both of you knock it off," Wendy replied sternly. Secretly she knew that David probably was at fault, but she didnt feel like investigating the issue. David was bigger than the other first-graders in both height and weight. Jeffrey was one of those children who looked like he had been born premature, and his small size made him an easy target for David. Even though David was sometimes a bully, Wendy had taken a great liking to him; probably because he reminded her of herself.
Wendy had never been a bully, but she had been heavy and tall as a child. She used to feel awkward standing next to other children in her class. It irritated her when adults would ask how old she was and then
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say, "You look like you should be older than that. It wasn't until the summer before her freshman year of high school that she began
to thin out. All of her adult years, Wendy managed to remain a size eight, but she had to work hard at it, contrary to her younger sister, Kim, who naturally wore a six.
When the bell rang, it was music to her ears. Okay, lets go. Wendy jumped up and escorted her class to the pickup area. Once they were there, another staff member would stay with them until their bus or a parent came to get them. When they reached their destination, Wendy said good-bye to her students and headed back to her classroom.
"Attention, all teachers and staff: Mrs. Phillips, please come to the office. Wendy Phillips to the front office, please," she heard Donna Burchett, the office secretary, announce over the PA system.
For what? Maybe I should go ahead and leave. No one would be able to say for sure that I was in the building during the announcement. Wendy was only a few doors away from her classroom, so all she had to do was grab her stuff and head home. However, she reluctantly turned around and walked toward the office at a medium pace. Her shoulder-length hair often bounced as she walked. Today it was pulled back in a ponytail. Wendy actually hated ponytails and only wore her hair in that style when she worked out. However, since she had been experiencing morning sickness she devoted less time to her appearance. She even had her glasses on, and Wendy normally wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of glasses.
"Wendy Phillips, please come to the office," Ms. Burchett repeated.
Coming! she wanted to yell. I hope it is something simple like a signature needed on some paperwork I filed. She dreaded the possibility that a parent would be waiting to speak with her about his or her child's behavior.
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"Yes, dear. You had a telephone call," Ms. Burchett replied, exposing the gap between teeth stained from years of smoking.
"A telephone call? From who?" Wendy asked, scrunching her eyebrows. No one ever calls me at work. Her friends and family knew that she taught and was unavailable during the day. "It must be from a parent. I'll take the message, but Im not calling anyone back until Monday."
"No, honey. It wasn't from a parent. Someone called from a Dr. Korvas office."
"Oh," she said nervously, trying hard to keep her composure and not panic.
"I wrote down the number." Ms. Burchett handed Wendy a piece of paper and pointed to the phone on her desk. "You can call from here if you'd like." She carefully studied Wendy's response.
"That's okay. I'll wait and call later since I'm getting ready to leave anyhow."
"The lady didn't tell me why she was calling, but it sounded important."
Wendy could tell that Ms. Burchett was fishing for information. Odds were, she had already tried to gather as much as she could from the person who called. Wendy hadn't told anyone at the school about her pregnancy yet, and now was not the time to make that announcement. "Thanks so much, Ms. Burchett, but I'm sort of in a hurry so I'll just call back from my cell phone on my way home."
"Okay. I just hope everything is fine," she said with her narrow, bluish green eyes peering from the top of her glasses. "Are you sick, honey?"
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"No ma'am, "Wendy said honestly. Her mind was so boggled with getting to a phone to return Dr. Korvas call that the feelings of morning sickness had been temporarily suppressed.
"Then why would someone from a doctors office call you?"
As much as Wendy wanted to tell Ms. Burchett to mind her own business, she couldn't. The woman was at least in her late fifties or early sixties and Wendy couldn't strike up the nerve to tell her off. If only I was a little more like Kim, she thought. Her sister would not have wasted any time getting Ms. Burchett out of her business. Wendy
