Official Initial Sermon Booklet

ST. MARK PRESENTS

INITIAL SERMONS

AND MINISTRY CONFIRMATIONS

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" MATTHEW 28:19 KJV

A CALLING TO SERVE Ministerial Training There are many models for licensing, ordaining, and consecrating individuals for serving as God’s representatives on earth in ministry. To be clear, every Christian is called to serve and share the Gospel.

This process is to equip, train, and acknowledge the Godly calling and anointing on individuals so that they will live an especially consecrated lifestyle, engage in extreme servitude to others, and intentionally proclaim the Gospel according to their gifts.

The Process: ACKNOWLEDGE - Publicly acknowledge a call to ministry from God. ACCEPTED - Be publicly accepted and affirmed by a local body of believers.

PREPARATION – Begin training in sacrifice, ministry, homiletics, hermeneutics, and church policies and procedures.

PROCLAMATION – Public presentation of the Gospel as evidence of God’s anointing.

COMMISSIONING - Covering and Commissioning Prayer along with receiving ministry license and/or certificate.

CONFIRMATION – In the case where a minister has joined this ministry and has been licensed or ordained from another ministry. After observing their service and their completion of the training we will acknowledge, accept, and confirm they are recognized minister of the church with the presentation of certificate.

MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR It is an honor and privilege to present these brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ to Kingdom.

Dr. Jennell and I have had the opportunity on behalf of the St Mark Church family to pray with, prepare in training, experience the hearts in fellowship and be blessed by the ministry gifts of these great women and men. The bible is clear in Luke 10:2 that “…the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few…” This month we begin the launching into ministry of more laborers.

Laborers who will serve first. Laborers who will be diligent in their personal devotional life.

Laborers who make Jesus known to those who have not confessed him, and draw others closer to Him if they may have strayed.

Those who have acknowledged their call to public ministry are humble yet courageous. Having spent time with them we celebrate the diversity of their gifts. While it has traditionally been a moment where each person preaches an “initial sermon”, this month we experience the entering into various public ministries. We have come to understand that everyone will not be called to pulpit preaching ministry, but in addition to this popular ministry other will be called to serve as Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians that there are many gifts. This month we acknowledge that some will be launched into pulpit preaching, pastoring, chaplaincy, traveling Evangelists, public Intercessors, ministers of social change, and more. As we celebrate St Mark’s 119 Church Anniversary we thank God for how He’s adding ministers of the Gospel to the body of Christ to serve along side the current ministers and ministry leaders.

Romans 8:19 states that all of creation awaits with eager expectation for God’s children to be revealed.

This month we release into ministry and confirm the ministry of great men and women so that the world would see Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.

In His Service, Dr. Dwight Shawrod Riddick & Dr. Jennell Riddick Senior Pastor & Executive Pastor of St Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

MINISTRY CONFIRMATIONS HOW THEN SHALL THEY CALL ON HIM IN WHOM THEY HAVE NOT BELIEVED? AND HOW SHALL THEY BELIEVE IN HIM OF WHOM THEY HAVE NOT HEARD? AND HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER?

MIN. DARREN BAZEMORE

REV. CARL PHILLIPS

MIN. SUMMER WALKER

ROMANS 10:14 REV. GARRY MAJETTE

REV. MARILYN LAWRENCE

MIN. JUSTIN BERRY

MIN. JAMES WILKINS

HOW DO MINISTERS SERVE? Bishop – A licensed and ordained minister serving as overseer of Pastors that are all connected by some organization, denomination, or similar affiliation. The Bishop is responsible for providing spiritual leadership and Pastoral care to the Pastors.

Lead/Senior Pastor – A licensed and ordained minister serving either a local church or a ministry. The senior pastor of a church is responsible for providing spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the members of his or her church. They serve as the chief administrator, overseeing all administrative functions for the church. Senior pastors preach, teach, and care for congregations.

Ministry/Site Pastor – A licensed and ordained minister serving in a local church and overseeing a specific ministry. Responsible for both the spiritual care and administrative duties of said ministry. Or a Site Pastor may lead an additional location with oversight.

OVERVIEW OF PREPARATION

Ministers – A licensed minister serving at a local church with oversight by a Pastor or Bishop.

Reverend – A licensed and ordained minister serving at a local church with oversight by a Pastor.

Elder – A licensed and ordained minister serving at a local church with oversight by a Bishop.

The training has included onsite trainings, practical exercises, reading assignments, video courses, group activity, prayer, ID of specialized ministry assignments, and much more. Below are the training modules that each contained many lessons and trainings.

1. Discipleship & Consecration 2. Message Preparation 3. Preaching Special Services 4. Serving The Church, Community, & Kingdom 5. Knowing the Wounded Healer 6. Pulpit Etiquette 7. Holy Ghost power 8. Managing Your Engagements 9. Preaching Through Pain 10. Being Sheep Among Wolves 11. Ministry Resources

ST. MARK CLERGY

ACTIVELY SERVING

HOW THEN SHALL THEY CALL ON HIM IN WHOM THEY HAVE NOT BELIEVED? AND HOW SHALL THEY BELIEVE IN HIM OF WHOM THEY HAVE NOT HEARD? AND HOW SHALL THEY HEAR WITHOUT A PREACHER? (ROMANS 10:14 KJV)

RECENT Pastor Dr. Dwight S. Riddick II Rev. Dr. Jennell Riddick Bishop Curtis Edmonds (Retired)

SONS AND DAUGHTERS Pastor Johnnie Drake (Pastor of Living Word Victory Center) Pastor Robert Earls (St. Johns Baptist Church) Pastor Charles Flynn (Dome of Canaan Baptist Church) Pastor Aaron Lawrence (Celestial Baptist Church) Pastor Lucretia Mason-Underdue (United Community Church) Bishop Carlton Upton (Tabernacle Christian Church)

ELDERS & MINISTERS Min. Aaron Burford

Elder Antonio Lamb

Elder Joyce Carcana

Elder Jerry Mills

Dr. Carl Davis

Elder Eli Ruffin

Dr. Samuel Eady Min. Barbara Gatling

Min. Gwen Strickland Dr. Percy White (Eldest preacher, former Chaplain at Maryview Hospital)

ST. MARK CLERGY

THAT CAME BEFORE US FORMER PASTORS FORMER ASSOCIATES

Pastor Watson

Rev. Askew

Holloman

Pastor Ash

Branch

F. Johnson

Pastor Hall

Brown

Kittrell

Pastor Sharpe

Brownclay

Mortimer

Pastor Tyler

Cannady

Night

Pastor Taylor

Chavis

Rogers

Pastor Baugh

Chisolm

Sawyer

Pastor Brinkley

Drake

Rev. Simms

Pastor Welch

Davis

Shepherd

Pastor Brown

Edward

Simpson

Pastor Jones

Griffin

Sparks

Pastor Miller

Harris

Rev. T. Williams

ST. MARK'S MINISTRY ST. ST.MARK'S MARK'SMINISTRY MINISTRY

LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES KATINA BARNES

Katina W. Barnes is a native of Suffolk, Virginia, she has been married to her husband James L. Barnes Jr. for 24 years and through their union, they have one son, James L. Barnes III and a beautiful granddaughter, Parker Leigh Barnes. She accepted Christ around the age of twelve years old. Ms. Barnes primary ministry focus is to serve young adults as they transition into adulthood, reacquainting with God in an excellent way. Ms. Barnes received a degree in Fashion Marketing and Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Later she went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Master of Arts in Urban Education; Community Counseling, both from Norfolk State University. She has worked at the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters, The Up Center, The Planning Council, and Tidewater Community College. She currently works as a Career Transition Specialist with the Department of Labor. With a very busy schedule, Ms. Barnes also finds time to serve as the Executive Director/Founder of Butterfly Village Inc, a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization designed to cultivate change in the lives of women and girls. Ms. Barnes’ favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Ms. Barnes lost her mother, Linda Y. Wilson in 2006 to breast cancer, so she works diligently to bring awareness and support to those dealing with this tragic disease. Mrs. Barnes is an alum of Lead Hampton Roads Class of 2020 and Lefco Leadership Development Class of 2014. She serves on the Board of Directors of Girls Scouts Council of Colonial Coast, Lefco Board of Trustees, and Portsmouth Schools Foundation.. In her spare time, Mrs. Barnes enjoys speaking on topics promoting leadership, women’s empowerment, self-worth, and academic success. She also likes to decorate, sit by the beach, and spend time with her family.

ANDREA BURFORD

Andrea Burford was educated through Chesapeake Public Schools and is a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is employed as a Family and Community Partnerships Manager, while also holding certifications as a Qualified Mental Health Professional for both Adults and Children (QMHP-A/C). Andrea is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she currently serves as the Chaplain of the Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter. At the early age of twelve, Andrea expressed a desire to receive salvation after acknowledging comprehension of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She was baptized at St. Mark, where she has consistently maintained her church membership. Andrea is involved in the following ministries at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church: Diaconate, Reggie Lawrence Magnified Mimes, Counseling, Choir, Drama, and Zoa Ushers. She was appointed as a Shepherd’s Council Servant Leader for Worship and Arts Ministries.

Over the years, she has been fortunate to be shaped and molded by the spiritual mentorship of Bishop Curtis and Mrs. Evelyn Edmonds, Deaconess Constance Taylor, Pastor Aaron Lawrence, Pastor Lucretia Mason-Underdue, Elder Joyce Carcana, and most recently, Pastor Dwight S. and Rev. Dr. Jennell Riddick. In addition, she is inspired by the ministry and servanthood of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. Andrea’s current ministry focus is Executive Ministry and Administration.

Andrea considers motherhood to be her greatest blessing and accomplishment. She is thankful to God for entrusting her and spouse, Aaron, with their daughter Alexia Monet. Andrea is the middle child of Deacon Felton and Deaconess Christine Brown, as well as the sibling of Felton, Jr. and Kimberly. She enjoys traveling throughout the United States and abroad, in addition to serving the community in numerous capacities. Her favorite scriptures are Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Through her strong faith, Andrea trusts that the Lord will continue to grant her the courageousness and fortitude of Esther to proceed boldly before the throne.

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LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES PORTIA EVERETT

Portia Everett is a mother to three daughters and has five grandchildren. She accepted Jesus as her savior in her late twenties at New Life Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop William Saunders. Her current ministry focuses on evangelism. Her Christian mentors are her pastors, Dr. Dwight Shawrod Riddick and Dr. Jennell W. Riddick. She received an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Paul D Camp Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Strayer University. Everett loves to travel and make gift baskets. She enjoys spending time with her family and she is currently learning the circuit. Everett’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11,`For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

GAVIN GARDNER

Gavin L.C.L. Gardner was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia.

He is a proud son of Inger D. Gardner and Milton L. Elliott Jr. He received Jesus Christ as his savior at age 8. He has been a member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church for 13 years. He has been in several ministries, the Mime ministry, Sound Tech Ministry, Youth Choir, Ambassador with the Young Men of Standards, and St. Mark’s United Voices. He graduated from I.C. Norcom High School class of 2018, while he was in high school, he was a marching greyhound for four years and in the chorus for two years. He’s currently a senior at Virginia State University as a social work major.

He served as a chaplain for the Virginia State University Concert Choir. He loves to spend time with family and friends. Most of all, loves to worship, praise, and study the word of God. He’s passionate about the word of God and wants to win souls for Christ.

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LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LANCE GOOLSBY SR.

Lance Tyrone Goolsby, Sr. was born to John and Barbara Goolsby in Inverness, Florida.

He is the eldest with two siblings, Cassandra and Craig. He is married to Deaconess Mildrfed Goolsby. Together, they lovingly share seven children, Lance, Jr. (deceased), Lawrence, Lakeisha, Denetria, Ariel, Lydia, Joshua and one special son Carlos. Lance had the honor to serve 30 years with the United State Navy, retiring honorably as Master Chief Petty Officer. Currently, he has been employed for 17 years with Norfolk Naval Shipyard. His Naval career afforded him many hours of professional training and formal education at almost every assigned shore activity: Florida Junior college(formally), Pensacola Junior college, Charles County Community(formally), University of Maryland, Tidewater Community and Hampton Roads School of Biblical studies(formally) Dr. Ken Brackney. Lance accepted Christ as his savior in 1967, but did not make Him the Lord of his life until 1993, while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, when he joined Bethany Baptist Church in Chesapeake, under the late Jake Manley. He currently serves with the Deacon Ministry, Christian Education Discipleship Ministry, Veterans Ministry, Leader of the Tribe of Naphtali, and as Youth Church Leader.

Additionally, Lance faithfully served nearly every Thursday evening until the COVID shutdown, at Autumn Care Nursing Home for 30 years, He is most grateful for all those past and present faithful soldiers who planted fruitful seeds to help him on his spiritual journey, from his mother Barbara Goolsby, Bishop Curtis Edmonds Sr., and Pastor, Dwight S. Riddick II: to the late Rev. G. W. Parker, Aunt Viola Green, Sis Beulah Parker, Rev. Jake Manley, and Deacon Samuel Stokes, just to name a few. Moses is Lance’s favorite Bible figure because of his journey from a child in danger plucked from a river to the heir apparent quickly turned murderer; chosen and called to lead God’s people after 80 years of preparation. “Don’t ever say you’re too old to do God’s work.” His favorite scripture is 2nd Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished in all good works.”

LARRY PARKER Larry Parker is the son of Deacon Larry T. Parker and Deaconess Sarah Parker. He is the oldest of three children;. Curtis Parker (Annette) and Chandelle Evans (Michael).

He also has very close relationships with his god sister Jennifer Williams (Freddie), his god brother Nathan and best friend Timothy Douglas. Parker’s current ministry focus is Children’s Church. He is a 1984 graduate of Manor High School, in 1986 he earned a diploma from Rhema Bible College, he also has a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Hampton University. Parker is currently a Public Relations and Marketing Specialist at Tidewater Community College. His favorite scripture is Gal 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

He most identifies with the apostle John. Brother Parker’s Christians mentors are Mr. K.M. Copeland and Pastor Martin.

His hobbies and interests include fishing, family game night, history and genealogy. Brother Larry Parker received salvation on March 22, 1982 when a gentleman witnessed to him in the library, he went home, prayed and committed his life to the Lord.

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LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES JASMINE SMITH Jasmine is the daughter of Janet S. Atkins (the late Roy Atkins Sr) and Joseph Lynch Sr., born in Franklin, Virginia along with two older brothers. Although she was saved at 9 years old, during her early young adult years Jasmine dedicated to the service of ministry while serving at her church under the leadership of her mentors Drs. Dwight and Jennell Riddick. Jasmine is a media strategist, and servant leader. She completed her undergraduate studies at Southern Wesleyan University in 2013, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Communications. Jasmine also studied at Oxford University in England and The Los Angeles Film Studies Center in California.

Following her undergraduate studies Jasmine worked at both CBN’s The 700 Club & TBN, Relocating to Los Angeles in June of 2013, she began her career in media, affording her the opportunity of working with Hollywood television, movie, and music executives such, Dr. Holly Carter (Preachers of L.A.) and Tracey Edmonds (Jumping The Broom). In May of 2014, she launched Envision Media, LLC, a social media consulting company. As CEO of Envision Media, Jasmine functions as a brand manager/consultant and digital media strategist helping to expand the public image of Christian leaders, influencers, and organizations including the 'California Dreamin' Global Prayer and Revival Movement. In May of 2016, she obtained her Masters of Arts degree in Strategic Communication from Regent University, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in the Doctor of Strategic Leadership program at Regent University, with a concentration in Global Consulting.

Afforded the opportunity of international ministry with Apostle Dr. Peggy Scott, Jasmine’s ministry focus is global prayer and mentoring youth to find their creative gifts and live fearless lives. Outside of her ministry and entrepreneurial endeavors she is a poet and songwriter, she enjoys music, nature, and spending quality time with loved ones. She has held dear to her the scripture from her favorite Bible personality; Esther 4:14, “For who knows that you have been called for such a time as this.”

KELLI SWEAT Kelli Sweat is a native of Franklin, VA. She is the eldest of two children born to Tora and JuDonald Sweat. She has two siblings, Janay Sweat and Naleah Chavers. She is also the mother to a beautiful nine year old, Kristen Ryan Holland. Her current ministry focus includes Christian Education and Social Justice. Sweat received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Virginia State University, graduating magna cum laude. She also earned a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University and is a 2021 Princeton Theological Seminary Black Theology and Leadership Institute Fellow. Sweat is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.

Kelli is a licensed realtor and serves as membership manager at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA. In the community, Sweat is the founder and director of Rosewood Garden Inc, a non-profit organization with a primary focus on empowering the community through financial literacy and bridging the gap between generations. Sweat’s Christian mentors include her greatgrandmother Rosa Duck, Rev .Henry and Mrs. Clarissa Blunt ,as well as Dr. Dwight S. Riddick and Dr. Jennell Riddick. Kelli received salvation and was baptised at the age of 8, at her home church, First Baptist Franklin, by the late Rev. Henry Blunt. Following in her mother’s legacy, Ms. Sweat is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

She also enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading. Kelli Sweat is a daughter, mother, sister and friend, who stands on the words found in Romans 5:5, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

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LICENTUATES LICENTUATES LICENTUATES THOMASENA RANEE ROBINSON

Thomasena Ranee Robinson is the daughter of Don and Deloris (De) Robinson of Ambler, PA. She was born in Rockledge, Florida, but was raised primarily in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

She is married to retired Lt. Colonel Jerry Robinson and they live in Chesapeake, VA. They have three adult sons Andrew, Jeremy and Christopher. Andrew is married to Lisa Robinson and they have one son, Dominic Lee Wayne Robinson. Recently Thomasena and Jerry, opened their home for their goddaughter Jasmine Benton to live with them.

Thomasena has served as a Sunday School Teacher for over twenty years, and served in the Christian Education Ministry. She is in the process of publishing a women’s workbook, Victorious Women of the Bible: Practical Life Lessons for Christian Women.

Through the Army her family moved several times and she chose to focus on raising their sons. She also worked as a middle and high school substitute teacher. Proverbs 3:5-6 is her favorite scripture. Thomasena credits her mother with being her first Christian mentor because she remembers her going to church and seeking God even if she had to do it alone. Toni Taylor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was her first mentor in teaching Sunday School. Thomasena has grown in Christ and ministry primarily through relationships. Gloria Jean Phillips of Ministry in Christ Church mentored Thomasena in writing Sunday School Curriculum while attending St. Mark and Thomasena considers her Pastors, Bishop Curtis Edmonds, Sr., Dr. Dwight Riddick II, and Dr. Jennell Riddick as mentors helping guide her path. Thomasena loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, walking and trying different foods.

LICENTUATES CONFIRMATIONS ST. MARK'S MINISTRY

MIN. DARREN BAZEMORE Minister Daron R. Bazemore was born to Lottie and Rudolph Bazemore. He is the fourth of six children. He is the grandson of the late Christine and Charlie Darden. At the age of 33 he accepted the Lord as his personal savior and was baptized by Rev. Anthony Copeland at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA. Minister Bazemore attended the public schools in Suffolk, Va. He is a graduate of Southampton Vo-Tech class of 2013. He is a true humanitarian. Minister Bazemore professionalism and leadership is exemplary. Minister Bazemore is married to Docelsey Bazemore. They have been blessed together with 3 children, Daron Jr., Aaron and Kayla. Minister Bazemore is truly a servant of God. Before coming into the ministry, he organized 80 plus Men Annual Empowerment event, led Men Ministry adjutant to Senior Pastor Dwight Riddick II with more than 50 (ministries) including trips international. Served on church lead capital campaign, one year deacon training and 2 years preaching training.

He is also a member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Va. Minister Bazemore became a licensed and ordained minister under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Riddick II on April 10, 2016. He is currently an Associate Minister under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Riddick II at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Va.

LICENTUATES CONFIRMATIONS ST. MARK'S MINISTRY ST. MARK'S MINISTRY ST. MARK'S

MIN. JUSTIN BERRY Minister Justin Berry is the youngest of four children born to Rev. Willie and Irma Berry. From a very young age, the call to ministry was evident by his kind and helpful “servant’s” attitude. Because of this, he naturally stood out from the crowd and became a leader among his peers. Blessed with a friendly and outgoing personality, Minister Berry held several leadership positions in his church, school, and community during his formative teen years. Undoubtedly, God was using and preparing him to lead through the preached word. Minister Berry acknowledged his call to ministry on December 31st 2000 after “running” for a while. Since this time, he has declared God’s word in various venues from conferences and youth services to street corners and barber shops.

Big or small, recognized, or unknown—wherever God places him, his desire is to preach Jesus, and Him crucified, risen, and glorified! As he strives to be all God has called him to be, Minister Berry holds an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science, and has begun his journey to complete his Bachelors in Business administration with a concentration in Management with Strayer University which he will graduate in 2022. Minister Berry counts his father, Rev. Willie Berry and his fathers in the ministry, Dr. Dwight S. Riddick Sr., Dr. Dwight S. Riddick II and the late Dr. Clayborn Salter as mentors. Ever mindful of others, including those who may one day look to him as a mentor, one of Minister Berry’s favorite scriptures is John 14:1-4.

REV. MARILYN LAWRENCE Marilyn Olivia Lawrence is the daughter of the late Henderson O. Lawrence, Sr. and the late Mildred D. Lawrence. She is the youngest of four. Marilyn has one living brother, Jeron Lawrence of Franklin, Virginia. Two brothers are deceased, Henderson, Jr. and Daniel. She is the proud mother Xavier Daniel Freeman, 25, a senior graduating from Virginia Tech University majoring in Architecture – Spring 2022, and Layla Tatyana Freeman, 21, a graduate of Christopher Newport University, double majoring in Criminology and Forensic Science and Minoring in Biology and, also a graduate of Paul D. Camp Community College with an Associate Degree in General Studies. She is very proud of them as they both excel in their academics as Honors, and Dean’s list students.

Marilyn’s has been employed as an Environmental Scientist for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineer. She furthered her career with International Paper for eleven years. Marilyn’s career includes being employed by Franklin City School Public Schools as an Instructional Specialist, Assistant Principal and Director of 21st Century After-school Tutoring and Enrichment Program at J. P. King, Jr. Middle School for 21 years. Marilyn is currently the Assistant Principal of Conway Middle School Conway, North Carolina. And she has served as an Associate Minister at the First Baptist Church for past 11 years. Marilyn was licensed May 2011 and was ordained October 2018 by Pastor D. Shawrod Riddick II. She attended Virginia Tech University later transferring to Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology in May 1987. She has completed her Master of Education in School Administration from Cambridge College, in May 2008. Marilyn is also a graduate with a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology Virginia Union University. Marilyn believes that we should trust God in all areas of our lives, and that God will cover, keep and deliver us from any and everything that comes in life. According to Psalm 91 – “He that dwells in the secret place of the MostHigh shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him will I trust.”

LICENTUATES CONFIRMATIONS ST. MARK'S MINISTRY ST. MARK'S MINISTRY

REV. GARRY MAJETTE

Brother Garry Majette loves the Lord and is excited about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. He knows first hand the saving power and grace of God. While incarcerated years ago Brother Majette reunited with Christ and continues to be on fire for the Lord. He returns to the prison system to minister to inmates to let them know to always keep the faith. He believes he is just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody who can change anybody! (which is JESUS).

Brother Majette is a part of a local gospel group in the city of Portsmouth called “The Inspirational Brothers.” Brother Majette can be heard live every Saturday morning on Freedom Radio 1110 AM WKQA, spreading the good news of the gospel. He walks by faith and not by sight. He is the Chairman of In Christ I Stand Ministry and a member of the Centurion MInistry, at Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

REV. CARL PHILLIPS SR.

The Rev Carl L. Phillips Sr. was born to the late Arland and Olivia Phillips. He is married to Gloria and has one step-son (RJ) from that union. He also has 2 sons Carl Jr. and Deontae.

His current ministry focus is networking with social agencies and community and hospitality outreach. Rev Phillips graduated from I.C. Norcom High School, he also attended Holy Light College of the Bible and Union Christian Bible Institute, where he obtained a Bachelor in Biblical Theology and a Master of Theology.

Rev Phillips retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an Assistant Project Superintendent in October 2009, after 34 years of government service. His favorite Scripture is Romans 8:28 (KJV), “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” His Bible personality is the Apostle Peter, both are sometimes rash and hasty, while other times gentle and firm and both are capable of great love and loyalty. His Christians mentors were the Rev Leon Jackson Boone and Bishop Carruth. Now he is being mentored by Rev Dr. Dwight Shawrod Riddick II. His hobbies are cooking, binge watching movies, bowling and playing bid-whist, while his out of church interests are attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and going to concerts and movies. Rev Phillips was baptized at the age of 13, at Celestial Baptist Church. He left church at the age of 17 and did not return until the age of 56, when at that time he rededicated his life to God and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Rev. Phillips joined St Mark Missionary Baptist Church in 2019 after being led by the Spirit to become a servant of the Lord at St. Mark.

LICENTUATES CONFIRMATIONS ST. MARK'S MINISTRY ST. MARK'S MINISTRY

MIN. JAMES ANTONIO WILKINS, SR. James Wilkins is the father to two sons, James Antonio Wilkins, Jr. and Jayden Christopher Wilkins. His current ministry focus is merging media and ministry in a profound and unique way. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with an emphasis on General Broadcasting from Norfolk State University and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University. Wilkins currently works as a Multimedia News Producer. His favorite scriptures: Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 11:1. James' favorite bible personalities are David and Paul. His Christian mentors over the years have been Norman Prioleau, Sr., Micheal Cochran, Pastor Dr. Kirk T. Houston, and Pastor Robbie Jones. His hobbies include going out to eat, fitness, watching TV, creating, producing, and editing video and audio productions.

Wilkins current out of church interests include producing and hosting "The Journey with James" Podcast Produce "The Daily One", 1 minute of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. Wilkins describes his story of salvation as, “I gave my life to Christ officially in July 1998. It was a great time for me. I remember the excitement of a new life. I was the first one in my household to go to church. I was so eager I would catch a ride to get to church. Before giving my life to Christ I was so lost. I had no sense of direction. I suffered from traumas and pains. It was a void I needed filled and it was Christ that filled it. It was a time where I swayed away from my Christian walk. But God has a way to bring you right back full circle.”

MIN. SUMMER WALKER Minister Summer Whitehead is a wife to Ronald Whitehead and mother to Raiynah and Cleryssa Smith, Summer was saved at an early age, but recommited her life with full understanding at the age of 21. She accepted the call to ministry in 2010 and has served in many capacities in the church incuding Women's mministry, MIssions, Praise & Worship, Intercessory team, and childrens ministry. She is a natural born encourager and now focuses on empowering single mothers and helping others be successful as small business owners while operating under Christian principles. Summer, is an intercessor and loves to share about God's saving power, grace and favor! She is a true faith walker. She credits most of her ministry walk to the mentorship of her former Pastor, Cedric Rouson and in part to Pastor Shavon Smith.

Summer attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI and is a trained chef and baker. She is employed by Portsmouth Public Schools as a Food Service Manager and is the owner of a home-based bakery, Southern Sugar VA. When not working or baking, Summer is a full-time Soccer mom and an avid gardener and crafter. Along with many other scriptures, Minister Whitehead stands firm on Colossians 3:23-24.

ON BEHALF OF ST. MARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS AND SUPPORT