Building a Boat Dock
Posted: Saturday, June 19, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, Northside Missional Community | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, cook-out, missional, missional church, Northside Missional Community, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, U-Turn, urban ministry Comments Off on Building a Boat DockAfter the last couple of posts “it’s a dangerous thing to let Jesus use your boat.” Bob Lupton and 3 Boats Sited in Southern Barton Heights, there really seems to be quite a theme recently…boats are showing up left and right!!! We’re going to need to build a boat dock!!!
Check this out….
We have a young lady with a young baby who needs furniture for her new home in Gilpen Court and for the baby. Charles called to tell me about her to see if we could help her out! We agreed that he’s going to go check her out and make sure that everything is legit.
Within a matter of hours, my friend Tammy McClure calls me. She has a whole car load of baby things…stroller, car seats, etc. Check! Within a matter of days, Judy Harris from church told me about bedroom furniture that needs a home. Check! In addition, we have a lead on some other home items that will assist her. As we still need kitchen items/furniture, living room, baby crib, etc. Before too long…we can check that one off the list too! Keep that in prayer!!! Last…we have a near-by church family I feel will connect her with.
OK…then…here’s the big cruise boat coming into SBH. Commonwealth Chapel is partnering with U-Turn. On Saturday 6/26 we are having a cookout at Miss Marti’s House to introduce a new Saturday morning program to the kids. Where the ComChap van will come through picking up kids ages 7-12 to hang at U-Turn….playing sports, eating/drinking a snack and receiving encouragement from the Bible. There are 2 ComChap Missional Communities – West End and Sports MC’s that are heading this up with U-Turn.
My friend Jelani, the Director of Outreach at U-Turn, and I have been waiting patiently to get the interest and manpower behind this. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see how people are allowing Jesus to use their boats…..
Boats called resources, time, creativity, energy, love, talents/gifts, driving, cooking, food, love, and so much more!!!
I’m excited to see whose boat Jesus uses next!!!
Bananagrams!
Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, Community Announcements, Northside Missional Community, One Church. One Richmond. | Tags: Bananagrams, Commonwealth Chapel, cook-out, missional, missional church, Northside Missional Community, Richmond, RVA, Southern Barton Heights, U-Turn, urban ministry Comments Off on Bananagrams!Last night we had a blast playing Bananagrams!!! It was my last night alone!!!! Thankfully, Louis will be home tonight!!! YAY!!! We love to “play” Bananagrams…although it doesn’t hold our attention for very long. Terence, Bishop, Deshawn and Larry kept me company on my last night alone! Ya’ gotta love those guys!!!
Next Saturday 6.26 from 4-6 we are partnering with U-Turn and 2 (maybe 3) Commonwealth Chapel Missional Communities to throw a neighborhood cook-out for the kids 7-12 and their parents. We are introducing a new Saturday morning program that will allow kids to go to U-Turn to play, have a snack and take a little time for the Word. Praying that Larry, Deshawn and Bishop will go. Terence is a little too old, but maybe he can be a Jr Leader. We will have to see. Please join us in prayer for this outreach!
My Sabbath
Posted: Sunday, April 11, 2010 Filed under: 2k8, Frank, Louis and Me! | Tags: Bible, Commonwealth Chapel, Lost Sheep, missional, missional church, pastor's wife, Richmond, Sabbath, Southern Barton Heights, Sunday Morning, urban ministry, worship Comments Off on My SabbathFor the last few months, I have been attending my church and Louis’ church. This morning was my first Sunday off from church since Lent started. It really got me thinking about the meaning of taking a Sabbath. Although I am so glad I went to church with Louis each Sunday, I learned that I missed my Sunday Sabbath tremendously.
When Louis and I first started dating, I did not start attending his church. As we got more serious, we also talked about what would happen once we got engaged and got married. The last thing I would want to do is offend him or his congregation. I was (and am) heavily involved in my church, Commonwealth Chapel. In addition, they have a Saturday night service. Since this service started, I quickly drew fond of the time and it became my regular worship time. It was the beginning of my Sabbath. My Sunday mornings became a precious time between me and the Lord.
After much discussion and prayer, Louis and I decided that I would continue to take Sunday’s off of traditional church. I know many of you might judge me saying…”You don’t go to church with your husband?” and “You’re a pastor’s wife?” “Bad wife!” That’s ok…judge away! :o) But, my Sunday mornings were a form of worship, not just in the way most people would look at it. I am so grateful for our church family at Louis’ church for understanding!! And, we get to see each other about once a month when I attend there and we often do visitation together.
Knowing that I am home on Sunday mornings, Everett (the Gardna) started to visit with me as well. We would cook breakfast together, read the word and watch some Bobby Jones Gospel together on TV. We had “church” together just about every Sunday morning. (I am NOT advocating doing this as the only form of worship for any length of time. Yes…you CAN meet with the Lord any time…day, night, weekend, but there is nothing that replaces the fellowship of gathering together for worship!) Everett would eventually fall asleep on the couch, and the Lord and I continued on together. Sunday’s totally rocked! A true day of rest. In retrospect, it reminds me of the parable of the Lost Sheep. The shepherd left the other 99 to go after the 1. I was going after my 1….Everett. Then, my Sunday’s changed.
After Frank progressed out of ICU, Frank and I mainly spent Sunday mornings together. This allowed Vicky a morning off and Geraldine could worship at her church. Thankfully, Commonwealth Chapel has Saturday evening services. But, even if they didn’t…I wouldn’t have changed these moments with Frank for anything! It was just the 2 of us…no distractions. The first morning I went, Frank said something like it’s Sunday, are we doin’ church or what? So, each Sunday morning, Frank and I would spend time reading the Bible and discussing what it meant. Sometimes he would ask me to help him bathe, clean the blood out from under his nails, assist him in going to the bathroom….all kinds of personal stuff.
For some reason, he would rather me assist him than his nurse. Although it was awkward for me at first and I would resist big-time, the Lord would hear NONE of my excuses (and neither would Frank for, that matter), and I was reminded of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. I learned to perform these tasks with joy and love, and it became an intimate and bonding time for us. I learned what the Lord was modeling that day….service.
We talked about all kinds of things…getting real. Our pasts. Our lives. Our hopes. Our dreams. It wasn’t long before Frank was asking me about what was going on with Louis and me. I often wonder if he just wanted to get the subject and focus off of him and onto someone or something else. So, he too could see that Louis and I were “meant to be”. He also came up with my nickname…”Angel”, short for Guardian Angel. Through our talks and his conversations with others, Frank began to learn what God had done for him….how much God loved him and had a plan for his life.
As much as Frank understood and had truly accepted what the Lord had done for him, we talked about how life outside of the hospital would not be easy. When Frank finally got out, the pull of the street and his past and the realities and struggles of living a righteous life was strong. I have heard time and time again, that if you want to make a change…then you have to change your people, places and things. If you don’t…it is nearly impossible.
Well, we would learn what would happen when Frank didn’t change his people, places and things…
A Call to Action
Posted: Monday, April 5, 2010 Filed under: 2k10, Louis and Me! | Tags: Bible, Call to Action, Commonwealth Chapel, Embrace Richmond, Enoch, Feet of Jesus, Good Friday, John 13, John 5, Jude, Lent, Luke 22, Matthew 25, Maundy Thursday, missional, pastor's wife, Richmond, Richmond Hill, urban ministry Comments Off on A Call to ActionThere seems to be a theme. This is a summary of what the Lord has been speaking to me at the end of Lent…
FIRST >
Thursday night…Maundy Thursday…Joe Torrence from Embrace Richmond spoke at Commonwealth Chapel on the scriptures around Luke 22 specifically ~ Do this in Remembrance of Me.” What are we suppose to remember? Remembering requires ACTION! Then, He washes their nasty, gnarly, yucky, dirty, stinky feet! Even to the point of washing the feet of the guy who He knows is going to betray him. He models for us what to do…and how to serve. So the question is…WHO are you going to serve and how? John 5 speaks directly to this…v.20 – For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. So, we are to do what Jesus has done…which is what the Father has done….think about the adulterous woman, the lepers, the Samaritan woman, the prostitutes, the thieves, etc.
So, how do we respond to that? In John 13:34-35 Jesus states that our new mandate/commandment to love one another as HE has loved us. So that all will know we are HIS disciples.
A Call to ACTION…Love
So…I’m thinking…who do I love on and why? What is my motive? What am I remembering? Do people know that I am HIS disciple?
SECOND >
Louis and I started our retreat day Friday…rushing around trying to be “on-time” for our retreat. Although we decided that we’d aim to be at Richmond Hill @ 9am, it didn’t take long for us to chill. It wasn’t an appointment we were late for…it was a Sabbath Day….a getaway. So, we slowed down and took our time. The Lord obviously was still going to be there if we were an hour later than what we had planned, right?
At the corner of Broad and 18th there is a Mickey D’s where we stopped for a breakfast sandwich. You wonder WHY things happen like they do. Why we run late….and why the line was long. And why Louis just ran inside instead of waiting in the drive-thru line. On his way out, a 54 year old veteran man (who looked about 70) asked Louis for some money to get something to eat. Most of us are like…yeah right…..and look the other way and ignore the person. Roll the window up. Pretend like we don’t see or hear him. Whatever. But, on this day….this Good Friday…we took the time. Louis explained that we don’t give money out, but we’d be happy to buy him something to eat. Louis and Jerry Lewis (or wonder if it was Louis?) Martin (yes…that is his real name) were able to chat a few minutes.
So, our day started with me thinking about…Matthew 25:31-46…the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats…specifically when Jesus says…
35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37″Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40″The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
A Call to ACTION…provide food and drink, invite the strangers in, clothe the naked, look after the sick, and visit the prisoners.
THIRD > (but not the last, I am sure!)
Then, we found ourselves sitting in the Garden of Richmond Hill.
Our Morning Corner of Richmond Hill
We started our day with reading Jude. Specifically, vs. 17-23 – A Call to Persevere.
17But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22Be merciful to those who doubt; 23snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
Call to ACTION…Persevere
Jude - The Call to Persevere
Jude also refers to Enoch in v. 14. There’s not a lot in the Bible on Enoch, but I sure do like the sound of him. Genesis 5 reviews the long lineage of Enoch. The only other scripture I can find other than is lineage is in what is known as the Hall of Faith – Hebrews 11.
5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Now imagine that…the only thing you were known for…the only thing that truly ever mattered was “he was commended as one who pleased God.” It really puts it all in perspective.
Call to ACTION…Please God.
It begs answers to the following questions…
Can this be said of me? What in my life is pleasing to God? What am I willing to do to please God? Am I ready to go ALL out? Am I ready to accept the Call to Action?
These are the feet of Jesus…belonging to a pastor and his wife…willing to serve…willing (and WANTING) to please God.
Where shall You send thee?
Sneak Peek – Retreat at Richmond Hill
Posted: Friday, April 2, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, cross, retreat, Richmond, Richmond Hill Comments Off on Sneak Peek – Retreat at Richmond HillWhat a blessed day!!! It was a BEAUTIFUL day at Richmond Hill. We really could not have asked for a better…a more wonderful day…following our moving foot washing Maundy Thursday service last night at Commonwealth Chapel. Now, we look forward and prepare for the 8pm Good Friday Service at Commonwealth Chapel. We are attending with some of Louis’ church members from the Petersburg area. So, here is just a quick sneak peek of our day at Richmond Hill. Enjoy! More to come!!! Thank you God for Richmond Hill! Thank you for my wonderful, loving and God-fearing hubby. Thank you for the CROSS!
Generous “George”
Posted: Saturday, March 13, 2010 Filed under: 2k7 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, divine appointment, generosity, missionary, obedience, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban, youth retreat 1 Comment
Richmond - Downtown
After a few days of posting on other stuff…let’s get back to the story….
Back at work downtown and on the road, divine appointments were occurring on a regular basis. At this point, I was beginning to expect them…to actually look for moments that God was orchestrating. I was beginning to wonder were these opportunities there all the time? I had been just missing them? Some…I didn’t even know they were occurring until much later.
There was this one time…when I received a call from a work colleague from several states away. This was not unusual because I worked with people all across the nation and talked to them daily. But, this call was different. I really didn’t know the person, but he acted like he knew me. I haven’t talked to him about this post…so I will just call him “George”.
So…George calls me to tell ME a story. It was not unusual for people to ask ME to tell them a story…something that had happened in my community. But, he was going to tell me HIS story. George was calling to see how he could help my “kids”. He had gotten a significant bonus and wanted to share it. After giving George the name and address of Commonwealth Chapel, he promptly wrote a check to my church, designating it to m2h (Miss Marti’s House). He had remembered hearing my story about the kids at one of our company gatherings and wanted to give back. I was really shocked, surprised yet grateful, because I, for the life of me, could NOT remember who he was.
Months go by and it was time for me to attend a regular dinner meeting for work, where lots of people come from all over. Work was demanding my attention that evening and I ran a little late, so I stood at the door waiting for the opening remarks to conclude and checking out the full room for empty seats. After quietly slipping in and dinner started, I met the people around me. Go figure…who did I sit next to, but GEORGE! It was crazy…in a good kind of way. We continued our conversation from the previous phone call.
I confessed that I was embarrassed to admit that I had NO remembrance of meeting him or telling him about my kids, as I attended many corporate functions. George then said, Marti…you shouldn’t feel embarrassed. I am the embarrassed one. After we figured out where we had been and who we had been with, he stated…that he had WAY too much to drink that night and could remember very little from the evening. Very little except meeting me and hearing about what I was doing in SBH. At work, I couldn’t actually say…How God was moving in SBH, but that is what I alluded to when I talked about my calling.
George went home, touched by what he had heard and decided to give back to the community. He started to volunteer and give of his time, but soon realized that this wasn’t what he thought he should be doing. He then felt called to go back to church and went to Mass for the first time in years…or decades. George picked up the Word and it leapt off the page. At one point it felt like he was being literally pushed in the middle of his back…to go and do something. Being pressed so hard in the back that he turned around to see who was pushing him, and no one was there.
kids chillin' at Willow Run Retreat
George felt this overwhelming urge to give of his finances and that is when he called me. The timing could NOT have been more right. The youth group was planning their first youth retreat and my kids couldn’t afford to go. But, the money that George provided was the PERFECT amount to cover every kid! Only GOD can provide like that. I’m so thankful for George and his timely provisions that came several more times after that. May God richly bless him for his generosity and obedience.
This wasn’t the only time that God was at work on my job. There have been so many times when I ran into people “for such a time as this”…where I could encourage and bring hope. I can think of distinct times on flights, in the lunchroom, on the phone, and outside a courtroom. Work isn’t the easiest place to openly share your faith, for fear of being accused of religious discrimination. I was faced with that at least once and again, it was unfounded.
I don’t push my faith on others, but it IS a part of my life. So, when people ask why I wasn’t moving to StL or why I lived where I did, I can tell them. It was great to have like-minded colleagues to talk to at a time when the market was crashing, financial companies were folding, and times were scary for many people. But we knew…Who sat on THE throne.
I am reminded that we ALL need Jesus! Regardless of what our status is in life. I realized that I had (or have) 2 mission fields…at home in SBH and at work (until further notice, anyway!). Both…the spiritual “least of these”.
In addition, I learned that if God can use a snake, a donkey, a burning bush….He can certainly use ME! I just have to be open…and willing…to be used. There really seems to be a theme in the posts, doesn’t it?
Listening…
Obedience…
Risk…
Willingness…
Change…
Inconvenience…
Do you recognize any other themes I might be missing? And…what themes do you track in your OWN life? Is God trying to tell you anything?
Missional Church – Simple
Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010 Filed under: 2k10 | Tags: Commonwealth Chapel, Evangelism, missional, missional church, witnessing 2 CommentsSome of you might ask….Marti…what exactly ARE you doing in this community? or you may have seen or heard me talk/write about being “on mission with Jesus”.
In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus commands:
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This is referred to as the Great CO-MISSION, because you are CO-laboring or CO-missioning WITH Jesus. But, you may say….I don’t know how to or I’m scared. But let’s take a look at Acts 1: 8. It states:
8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
You are NOT alone!!! All you need is the power of the Holy Spirit. Look at what happens…YOU will be witnesses. “Witnessing” has gotten a bad wrap for sooo many reasons! It has been done poorly by a lot of people, including ME! But, let the Spirit guide you in your conversations and remember there is NO condemnation!!! For we have ALL fallen short…and frankly, I fall short every day….EVERY day!
This quick, short video explains what a Missional Church looks like. Imagine if EVERYONE at my church, Commonwealth Chapel took this approach! Imagine if EVERY church was a Missional Church! Imagine if ALL of us were “on mission with Jesus” in our everyday lives…work, home, PTA, gym, dog parks, etc. Imagine…
Where can YOU be Missional today?
I pray that the Holy Spirit will “come on” you, Southern Barton Heights, and the City of Richmond in a powerful way, equipping you/us for your/our personal mission(s) with Jesus. It doesn’t have to be in SBH…that just happens to be mine…and now Louis’.
Blessings.
A Barber, a Yoke and a Baptism Part 2
Posted: Sunday, February 28, 2010 Filed under: 2k6, 2k7 | Tags: baptism, barber, barber shop, Commonwealth Chapel, Edify 360, missional, missionary, Southern Barton Heights, Urban Comments Off on A Barber, a Yoke and a Baptism Part 2OK…back to Marcellous…
Me and Marcellous
So…I took Marcellous to Commonwealth Chapel one Saturday night. We had been praying for him for MONTHS. So, it was awesome when some of my prayer warrior friends were able to put a name with a face. Marcellous just couldn’t believe that people greeted him so warmly…and knew his name…and wanted to meet him. He was so full of joy. And…let me tell you…can that man sing!!! What a beautiful voice he has!!! Very impressive!
Marcellous shared this story with me a few days before his baptism. We were in the emergency room during another scare. When he was in the hospital a previous time, he had been in a diabetic coma (i guess!). While in this coma, he was fighting and running…and everything was dark and scary. Then, the skies turned blue and bright and a big hand came down and scooped him up. When he looked up, he saw KK and me like angels. He felt at such peace. It didn’t take him long to realize that it was the hand of God. That he had been fighting for his life…both physically and spiritually…and that God rescued him. Marcellous simply said, “God gave me a 2nd chance, and that He must want something from me”. I said he does…he just wants your heart. Nothing more. God wasn’t like anything that Marcellous knew from the street. There was no scam. There was no hustle. There was no hidden agenda. All God wanted was him, Marcellous. Pure and Simple.
Marcellous quietly asked, “why did he have to wait 52 years?” I had a hard time answering that question. After searching through the Word, I found the perfect scripture in 2nd Peter 3:8-9. Let me summarize it for you…our God is a patient God. 1 day is like a 1000 years and a 1000 years is like 1 day. He is patiently waiting for everyone.
That is so comforting to know. For those of us who are still waiting on our friends and family to know Jesus, we can be encouraged to know that our God is a patient God.
If you are one who doesn’t know Jesus….know that His yoke is light. If you are tired, weary, and burdened, like Marcellous, know that the Lord is patient…and He is waiting for you.
After attending Commonwealth Chapel, Marcellous stated that he wanted to be baptized. I am happy to report, that although Marcellous was weak, his foot was still bandaged, and he was unable to walk, we baptized him in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2007, 1 week before his 53rd birthday. We celebrated with him his new birth and his birthday. What an awesome day!! Marcellous had also reconciled with his family during this time. While he was in the coma, we were able to track them down knowing what little we did about him….and with the help of the internet…we were able to find his sisters!!! I mean really….I couldn’t make this stuff up!!!
Within 2 days, Marcellous had gone to live with his sister in NC. KK now lives with them as well. I still pray for them, as KK adjusts and grieves for his mother…and his youth and his identity.
People used to always tell me – “Marti – You can’t save ’em all!” And that is true. I actually can’t save ANY of them. But…my God can! This keeps me praying for them both, even though we have lost contact over the years. Those months that KK lived with me were HARD…for so many reasons. Time and time again…KK betrayed me and my trust. I cried A LOT during this time. You can even ask my dentist, Dr Jeff Friend. I actually cried in the dental chair one time! I know…it’s ridiculous. But, KK was not heading in the right direction…at all. I still pray that in the middle of whatever craziness KK may go through…that he will remember what it was like to be loved…unconditionally….no matter what.
It makes me think….how in the world must God feel about me. In the midst of all of my craziness….and stupid stuff…bad choices…He still loves me in spite of all that mess. How I must break his heart when I try to do it on my own…and really mess things up. But…He is always there for me. 24/7/365. I am thankful that the hand of God….reaches down and scoops me up! I’m grateful that He is patient with me.
Enjoy the pics of Marcellous, Emmanuel, and Marc. In addition…there’s Riste and Butch who had the honor of baptizing him. Thanks to all my praying friends…who prayed with and for me during this time!!! I couldn’t have made it through without you!!!!
Emmanuel, Marcellous and Marc
Riste, Marcellous and Butch
A Barber, a Yoke and a…. Part 1
Posted: Saturday, February 27, 2010 Filed under: 2k6, 2k7 | Tags: baptism, barber, barber shop, Commonwealth Chapel, Edify 360, missionary, Richmond, Southern Barton Heights, Urban Comments Off on A Barber, a Yoke and a…. Part 1Matthew 11
28. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
29. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls.
30. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
One of my kid’s mom, Sondra, ended up in the hospital in mid December 2006. She wasn’t doing too well, fighting a number of medical issues that no one in their late 30’s should have to fight. But, a difficult life and bad decisions had led her to this place. She checked herself out of the hospital. Although I had pleaded with her to go back to MCV, she said that she had some things to do and would go back after the first of the year. Unfortunately, she passed on January 3, 2007. She left behind 4 children from the ages of 13 -18. My kid (KK) was the youngest of the 4, and he lived with his dad, Marcellous.
Some of the youth leaders and I started spending time with KK after school until his dad could quit his 2nd job a few weeks later. Only a week or so went by when Marcellous, also ended up in the hospital, due to complications with diabetes. KK came to live with me. He struggled with school…with life. He had seen more in his short 13 years than I had seen in my life of 44 years. His mom had made many choices to sustain her habits….choices no woman really wants to make but does anyway. KK had seen people get shot. He had seen drugs and alcohol be abused. He was labeled early in life by the school system. His siblings lived with different family members. His older brother chose the street and was in and out of jail for various reasons. I LOVED KK…a lot!
Marcellous was in and out of the hospital with complications. There was a time when we thought we were going to lose him. He rallied, but due to weakness and the need for continued care, Marcellous wasn’t yet prepared to care for his son.
KK went to live with his Aunt in NJ for the summer. Marcellous eventually got stronger. I spent many hours with him…as he no real friends or family. He left his family years ago. Then…one night he accepted the Lord as his Savior. He wanted to go to church, but was still in rehab…learning to walk again. But, he didn’t want to go with his hair long. You see…his fro was about 3 inches high.
I went on a mission to find someone who would cut his hair at the rehab center. I could find NO ONE who was willing to go. Until Marc (you know…my friend at work) introduced me to Emmanuel. Emmanuel has a barber shop called Edify 360 on Hull and Turner. HE was willing to come…but it wouldn’t be until about 9pm at night. I turned him down at first. Not wanting to inconvenience him….come clear across town at that time of night. But…I finally relented. And I am SOOO glad that I did!!!
WOW! Marc, Emmanuel and I rolled up to the rehab center. I had NOOO idea what I was getting into. Neither did Marcellous for that matter! Meanwhile…Emmanuel wasn’t sure what he was doing either. He wasn’t quite sure about me…and my heart. But….after that night…let’s just say…we were all convinced it was a divine appointment!
Emmanuel proceeded to not only cut his hair, but he also encouraged and build him up (note the name of his shop…EDIFY!!). As Marcellous said, “Miss Marti…I didn’t know I was getting a cut AND a sermon!” with both hands in the air…thanking God and Emmanuel. Emmanuel did more than edify Marcellous. He touched my heart that night. How he was an ordinary barber…doing extraordinary things!!! To this day….Emmanuel and I have done this more than once. His wife Marsha says….”When Miss Marti calls, Emmanuel goes!” I LOVE her and their 2 beautiful kids for sharing her husband and their dad with me in the ministry of loving God and loving others. Although…it is NOT unusual for at least one of them to tag along. Emmanuel is modeling what it is to be on mission with Jesus to his family. May God BLESS Edify 360 and the Gayot family!!! (Shameless plug for Edify 360!)
God wasn’t done with Marcellous yet…so neither am I. The story is going to require another post. Stay tuned for part 2. In the meantime…
Go see Emmanuel at Edify 360 and get a great haircut. You just might run into Marc or Louis there. Give ’em a hug from me! I love them all…and you will too!
Miss Marti's House 