Love and Business Corbin

WELCOME

Dear Readers,

In this issue of Seven Magazine, we delve into the complexities and nuances of navigating professional relationships when love enters the equation. Exploring the intricacies of being in love with your business partner, we aim to shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and delicate balance required to maintain a harmonious partnership both in and out of the boardroom. Join us as we uncover the unique journey of intertwining love and business in this special edition.

Welcome to the second issue of Seven Magazine following our relaunch! We are thrilled to continue this journey with you, bringing you captivating stories, insightful interviews, and engaging content.

Last issue we also touched on picking up and trying again and how its important to not put yourself in a bad head space. You’re not starting over, you’re starting from experience. You’d be surprised how you’ll have to lose to win in order to have the absolute best life! Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Thomas Corbin Magazine Editor

EDITOR THOMAS CORBIN ART DIRECTOR THOMAS CORBN LISA CORBIN PHOTOGRAPHY PARAGON PUBLISHING SALES THOMAS CORBIN

FOR MORE INFO ON ADVERTISING, SUBSCRIPTIONS OR WHERE TO PICK UP EACH ISSUE PLEASE CALL 757348-6636 OR EMAIL> THOMASCORBIN@ OUTLOOK.COM.

E generations.

mployees make career decisions for a variety of reasons, but an increasingly popular factor that many consider is whether their work will be meaningful especially among younger

According to Fidelity Investments, 86% of all workers say it’s important to them to work for an employer with values that align with their own and half of all employees are considering changing employers in the next year - with many searching for more meaningful work.[1] As such, employers are realizing it’s more important than ever to connect with their employees on the things that matter most to them and to put their company’s values at the front and center.

With so many workers considering a career shift, employers are turning to workplace giving programs to demonstrate their authentic company values and attract and retain their workforce. In fact, Fidelity data shows nearly 8 in 10 employees at compa-

nies offering a workplace giving program say their company’s values align with their personal values - compared to only 56% of employees at companies without one.

Workplace giving programs include any employee benefit that supports and encourages employees to volunteer or make donations to charities. Here are three ways employees use workplace giving benefits to find more meaning at work. * Setting up or attending organized group volunteer opportunities in their communities. * Receiving a matching donation from their employer when they donate to charity. * Working with local organizations in need and holding corporate giving drives around the holidays.

These programs not only boost engagement at work, but they also help employees find a deeper sense of connection to their company, and their jobs. Additionally, employees also feel more connected to their coworkers - many of whom are returning to in-office work for the first time in years.

I

t’s that time of year when many Americans review their health care benefits to see if they have the coverage they need during open enrollment. If you don’t enjoy this annual exercise, a new report by Deloitte’s Center for Health Solutions suggests there’s good reason to take a closer look at your benefits this year - your employer has the potential to help you live a longer and healthier life.

Even though the average life span is 77.9 years, Deloitte calculated that Americans are living just 65.9 years (or 85% of their years) in good health. According to the analysis, all Americans could potentially live up to 95% of their years in good health and live to be nearly 90 years old if employers think beyond their traditional health insurance offerings. This means that employers should reconsider a one-size-fits-all approach and think about more digital, virtual and gaming techniques to encourage healthy behaviors.

Not-so-fringe benefits Deloitte found that businesses across industries are providing employees with a variety of well-being benefits. Beyond the health implications, employers tend to recognize there is a competitive advantage to these benefits to attract talent, and potentially improve productivity which can impact their organization’s success. Deloitte suggests that employers are uniquely positioned to take the lead on influencing health improvements more broadly, beyond traditional health care

benefits impacting health today and into retirement. How? Three ways employers can support your health and well-being * Wearables and digital tools: According to the CDC, there is evidence that lifestyle modifications like following a healthy diet, creating social connections, engaging in appropriate exercise, managing stress and reducing smoking can dramatically change, or even reverse, the progression to diabetes, heart disease and certain other conditions.

Some organizations provide employees with wearables and digital tools to help enable changes, especially when they’re paired with coaching and nudging, according to a report

by Brookings. * Telehealth: Virtual visits or telehealth is another approach for improving well-being. As reported by the National Institutes of Health, the pandemic expanded this option, enabling doctor visits and mental health services in virtual settings that can help improve access to care. Some studies found that access for underserved populations has improved as a result of virtual health. * Early screenings and services: Offering early screenings and services that address mental health and social isolation can contribute to healthier aging. Deloitte suggests providing employees with health-literacy tools, educational materials and support to help address challenges that can influence people’s health, such as access to affordable housing, financial literacy, isolation, safety,

clean air and water, and healthy food.

Take advantage of benefits and resources you’re offered Unfortunately, 68% of workers surveyed by Deloitte say they do not use the full value of the well-being resources their organizations offer because accessing programs is either too time-consuming, confusing or cumbersome.

“Exploring, understanding and asking questions about your benefits can help you live a longer and healthier life,” said Jay Bhatt, D.O., MPH, MPA, managing director of the Center for Health Solutions and Health Equity Institute, Deloitte Services LP. “Employers that lean in with their workforce to help them make the most of their benefits, help ensure that it isn’t one size fits all, and support behavior change may result in their employees living longer and healthier while also having an impact on reducing rising health care costs.”

T

his past summer was a season of major concert tours, driven by renowned popstars and cultural icons like Queens Tay and Bey. From booming box office sales to sold-out arenas, 2023 summer concert tours inspired communities and boosted local economies across the globe.

For Airbnb hosts, the “shero” summer effect meant a boost in revenue. According to Airbnb, Hosts worldwide collectively generated $100 million over concert dates from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2023, including the day before each tour stop. Continuing concert tour trends could spell the perfect opportunity for Hosts to earn more in the coming year.

Global icons and their local impact Across Europe and the U.S., Queen Tay and Bey’s concert tours ushered in hundreds of thousands of guest arrivals on the platform over the concert dates during the first half of this year. The megastars helped support local economies, and Airbnb Hosts experienced this boost firsthand.

Hosts in Europe earned more than $40 million and their U.S. counterparts earned over $62 million during the first half of this year.

These earnings represent a 38% increase in collective Host earnings over concert dates from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2023, compared to the same dates from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2022.

These economic trends are likely to continue into 2024. The upcoming European leg of one of these stars’ tours prompted a remarkable surge in interest. Notably, there was a

1,000% spike in Airbnb searches based on the average increase in searches for concert tour cities from June 20 to June 26, 2023, compared with the week before the 2024 tour announcement.

Hosting fans, creating joy and increasing income The shero summer doesn’t just mark a return to big events. The droves of fans flocking to these events show that people are excited to come together as a community to share their passion for music.

With people feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected, Hosts on Airbnb are focusing on providing distinctive guest experiences to facilitate human connections, one superstar event at a time.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a Host city during the upcoming tour dates, there has never been a better time to join the growing community of Hosts on Airbnb.

Based on the total earnings for new Hosts globally in 2022 who started hosting sometime between January and December 2022, new Hosts collectively earned over $5.5 billion in income from hosting on Airbnb. Also, many new Hosts are having great success securing bookings quickly.

Half of the listings activated and booked in the third quarter of 2022 globally received their first booking within three days.

Becoming an Airbnb Host has never been easier. The introduction of Airbnb Setup connects new Hosts with Superhosts who can provide one-on-one guidance. The integrated platform also helps new hosts welcome an experienced guest for their first booking and receive specialized support from Airbnb Community Support agents in over 42 languages.

All Hosts also get even more AirCover, which provides top-to-bottom protection, guest identity verification, reservation screening and $3 million damage protection.

Protection includes coverage for cars, boats, art and valuables.

Are you ready to become part of the collective joy of live entertainment and increase your own financial well-being? Visit Airbnb. com/Host to learn more about how you can become a Host.

M

any people struggle to lower their cholesterol, even though there are medicines available that can help lower LDL-C (the “bad” cholesterol).

High cholesterol, if not treated, can lead to a type of heart disease called atherosclerosis.[1] This disease can raise your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

“Currently available treatments are effective tools to treat high cholesterol, but some must be provided by a doctor by injection and can be hard for people to access,” said Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne, Professor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

PCSK9 inhibitors are medications to help treat high cholesterol. Researchers are studying an investigational PCSK9 inhibitor that people can take as a pill once a day by mouth instead of as a shot. Currently, there are clinical studies looking at the safety of this investigational medicine and whether it works. These studies will help researchers better understand whether this medicine can lower LDL-C and the chance of cardiovascular adverse events.

Researchers are looking for people to join these studies. To qualify, you must be aged 18 years or

older and you either: * Take a statin medicine to lower cholesterol but still need to lower your LDL-C * Have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke and have high cholesterol even after taking a statin for at least a month If you join one of these clinical studies, you’ll get the study medicine and study-related medical exams for no cost. You’ll also be paid back for travel-related study costs, such as bus fare or gas for driving to and from the study site. You don’t need health insurance to join.

“These ongoing clinical studies will help us understand whether our investigational once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor will be an effective treatment for certain people with high cholesterol,” said Dr. Robert Blaustein, Associate Vice President for Clinical Research, Merck Research Laboratories. “I encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to speak with your health care provider to see if one of the clinical studies may be suitable for you.”

Ask your doctor if joining one of these clinical studies may be right for you. For more information on the clinical studies, visit coralreefstudies. com.

T

his Seven Magazine interview is dear to my heart.

Why? Because, speaking as one of the writers for the magazine, this is the first time in 13 years that I get the opportunity to interview the boss! Seven magazine’s founder and editor-in-chief, Thomas Corbin… an amazing mentor and friend. Thomas will share his drive within the publishing world, and in his world of real estate. Now to sweeten the pot even more, this story will include a romantic twist. I will be introduced to veteran, female business owner, hair loss practitioner, and wife of Seven Magazine’s founder. Yes! Lisa Corbin will be speaking with us as well! Let’s dive deep into conversation with the newlywed power couple Thomas and Lisa Corbin.

SEVEN (to Lisa): Ladies first! Hello, Lisa!

I know of you from Thomas, of cause.

Basically, I knew you were a businesswoman, and that Thomas is head-over-hills for you.

So, I looked into your premier hair salon, Exquisite Beauty Hair Replacement Center. I found it is a Veteran-Owned business. Lisa, thank you for your service for this country!

Wow! What turns a military veteran into a certified hair loss practitioner, cranial pros-

thesis provider, and master cosmetologist?

LISA: Hair has been my passion ever since I was a little girl. After years of experience as a licensed hair stylist, I realized I needed to dig deeper into why women were experiencing alopecia. So, I decided to get training as a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner. Now I’m can analyze and provide a variety of holistic treatments for my clients. It’s not just restoring their hair; it’s saving their life. My skills as a Certified Cranial Prothesis Provider allows me to custom design a medical wig system that is light fit and conforming to their head. It’s not the same as the ones you purchased from the beauty supply store or made in the salon. A mold is created and sent to a manufacturer who custom-makes the medical wig systems according to my specifications. Also, they can file it under their insurance if it’s in their policy.

SEVEN (to Lisa): It seems that hair loss issues are more abundant within society than people even know. I never really had long, dropping down my back, hair length, but after the age of 50 I realized I am inheriting my father’s receding hairline. I began voicing my truth that was under my wigs, to friends, viewers on my YouTube channel, and even

people I met in passing. People began to feel comfortable to inform me that they were also dealing with some kind of hair loss trauma themselves.

So, I’m extremely fascinated with all of what your establishment provides. What type of hair replacement services, and hair treatment services do you offer at Exquisite Beauty?

LISA: I provide services to men, women and children. In order to determine the kind of hair loss treatment required, all clients are required to so a Full Hairloss Consultation. Once results are received, it will help me determine what kind of treatment is required. For example, if a client has a lot of build up on the scalp, a scalp detox is required along with a oxidation service. Just to name a few.

SEVEN: I read a few reviews. Clients are raving about Exquisite Beauty Hair Replacement Center!

Some explain your services as, “Amazing cosmetologist and pretty much a doctor all in one.” Reviews like that must feel gratifying! What is your feeling inside, knowing that your work and expertise in your field helps people not just physically enhance, but emotionally gain so much?

LISA: The feeling is gratifying. It keeps me motivated to stay abreast on the latest technology and services for my clients. It’s my ministry to keep going. In July 202, I created a non-profit 501C3 organization called, “Wigs 4 Purpose.” My mission is to uplift and empower women who experienced alopecia. We changed lives one wig at a time!

SEVEN: Hey Thomas! When you hit me up to inform me that Seven Magazine was rebirthing, I was so excited for you! You’ve always been

multi-talented and stand on business in its sincerest form. You’ve been doing real estate successfully, and then you decided to also bring Seven Magazine back. What ignited you? You popped up blazing!

Working in real estate, got married to a beautiful strong queen, and bringing back Seven Magazine! What made you want to bring back your magazine?

THOMAS: What ignited me to bring Seven back was that old fiery feeling down in my spirit. I couldn’t go anywhere without someone bringing up Seven and how much it inspired them. When I started Seven Magazine 7 years ago, I remember how it felt to see the things that other business owners were going through and Seven is also the number for completion.

I was able to identify. When my wife told me to always go after what makes you the happiest. Seven made me very happy because I was able to get out and meet a whole lot of new people and discuss their ideals on business, life and love. After a while, I would say that my wife turned on that burner and reignited my passion, lol and that’s one thing I’ve always admired about her, she’s a very determined, young woman, and it rubbed off on me.

SEVEN: What’s the name of your realty company? How are things going with real estate these days pertaining to people trying to buy or sell a home?

THOMAS: The name of my real estate company is Corbin Homes LLC, which

is powered by Onyx Realty professionsals.

I’ve been selling homes now for quite a few years and I’ve learned that you’re gonna have your ups and downs, either which way, take advantage of the breaks in sales. There is som many families out here needing assistance with purchasing or selling their homes.

Even though you may not know it all, in the interim find as many ways as possible to help various families find their dream home.

The most preeminent time in real estate for my company was during Covid. I sold more homes during this time than I ever had, lol! I’ve made sure to stay focused, stayed dedicated in my books during my downtime and prayed. Every day is a win for me in my household, I’m doing Real Estate 100% of the time and publishing 100% of the time. I have more people buying and selling right now than I can handle. And I work with the top real estate company in my opinion, Onyx real estate professionals.

SEVEN: I saw your reviews too sir! Clients were so pleased and grateful for all your help and dedication! I wasn’t shocked. They were conveying who you are in business and as a person. They stated how you went above and beyond, how you were insightful about properties they hadn’t known about, and knowledgeable about real estate. What was also mentioned was that, “Will make it happen,” way about you. What do you feel is in you that makes you such a go-getter, and that your follow-up is generally a successful outcome?

THOMAS: Generally, I like to help people, I don’t care what it is, within reason, of course, lol! I grew up in a military family, and one thing that my father instilled in all of my siblings, was to be kind, hard-working and never give up.

SEVEN: Thomas, I’m sure you put some of that, “Will make it happen,” action to work when you decided to ask Lisa to be your queen. You seem extremely happy. You both also give me that power couple energy. I am going to skip the, when and where, questions. Let’s go with the “How.” How did you know Lisa was the one?

THOMAS: I didn’t plan on remarrying, especially after what I came out of, that learning experience was, let’s just say, not the best. I learned a lot from my last marriage, and I promised myself I would never go through that again. Then there was Lisa!

Listen Yvette, I saw that beautiful smile and said, “I’m not gonna let nobody else have the opportunity to enjoy that smile, intimately.”

I wasn’t gonna get married, but that thang right there was the best thing that I’d ever experienced in all my 49 years of living. My father generally loved my mother, no matter when they had downtimes they were always sure to remember what GOD infused within thier marriage. Immediately I knew Lisa was the one, lol! My brother new what i’d been through and said I’d be stupid to let that one get away! I’ve known Lisa for over 13 years in fact, she was in the first issue of Seven magazine that I’ve ever printed. It’s funny because we have been talking on and off throughout the years but it was always business. Lisa has this no nonsense type of attitude that I absolutely love. When I first saw her at Kim’s Hair Studio in Norfolk, on military highway, you know you don’t wanna be all in somebody’s face and of course I was married. I thought to myself wow that is a beautiful woman right there and she had this astounding smile. Lisa could light up any room that she entered just by showing all them pretty teeth, lol. Well, time flies and one night I went out with a couple of my friends to Monroe on

the rooftop over in Hampton and I was walking around, enjoying the drinks, having fun with everybody and there she was! We smiled and she said, “wow, you’ve dropped a lot of weight.”

I explained how I changed my life, I worked out, was out loving life and closing an awful chapter!

We started hanging out as friends. One day she put up a live video saying, “I’m having a good time eating lunch by myself for my birthday.” I immediately called Lisa, and said,“you are too fine to be out by yourself.” We both laughed and I told her we need to go out. She came over to my place and we had good conversation, great chemistry and a respect for each other. We did just that and been together ever since.

SEVEN: Lisa, How did you know Thomas was your king of hearts?

Lisa: I had no idea back in 2007 that he would be my King, Best Friend, and the love of my life.

He’s always been a very respectful and truthful friend. Once we reconnected last year on a more intimate level, I heard the voice of God say he is the one me. As time progressed and, the way we relate to one another was amazing, and I never experienced such a wonder man like him.

He was that ram in the bush. I thank God the blinders were taken off my eyes to see him for who he is.

SEVEN: I know I read something about maybe another reality show com-

ing within the near future. Fingers crossed!

What’s our chances to see something like that come to fruition?

THOMAS: Right now, we have a whole lot of different opportunities in the mix. Currently we’re expanding her salon amongst other things I’d rather not say right now, but you’ll see here shortly.

SEVEN: You both have strong business minds. I can’t help but to ask, are there any plans for joint ventures?

CORBINS: Absolutely. Watch. (Lisa) Don’t be surprised if it does happen. I don’t see why not.

SEVEN I want to congratulate you both on beginning this beautiful journey of marriage in love and in business. Wishing you both the best of blessings. Please let everyone know where we can get our premier hair services, our real estate needs, advertising, and anything the two of you have cooking up in that Corbin pot of excellence!

CORBINS: Yvette we appreciate the interview. (THOMAS) Yvette and I have been working together in Seven Magazine for over 12 years. I appreciate you and admire your work! You’ve always come through for your boy, lol!

H

ello Karen! It is an honor to have this opportunity to get a glimpse into your world of entrepreneurship and marriage/life partnership. Let’s start with where the two of you found one another to create this magical fusion.

Where and when did the two of you begin this journey?

We met in August 1997 at my hair salon in Norfolk.

He was a pervious owner, but still hung around because the staff that was working there worked for him when he was the owner. We both were separated from previous marriages and I can say that for myself, KAREN: I wasn’t looking to get married again at all.

BERNIE: neither was I, but dating here and there was only good in the beginning. Until I found someone that I thought was a match for me SEVEN: How does it all work out to be with someone that understands you on a business level as well as a personal level?

KAREN: It works well because I don’t have to question if my best interest and my vision is being put first. I’ve heard Bernie say, “OH, Karen is not going to like that, or Yeah, she’ll like that.

We have business meetings to discuss what our next steps will be and I know that with husband there is no underhanded actions happening.

Some women may say, differently, but I trust my husband as the provider of our family and my partner in business.

SEVEN: Karen, could you tell us a little about 757 Events VA Beach and how this event experience business was established?

SEVEN: Would you say it brings you closer?

I’ve been doing events for over 20 years, not advertising them, but by word of mouth. And I was doing this is while working my other trained skilled jobs.

There are couples that I still keep in touch with that I planned their wedding over that 20 year more span. Birthday Parties, Fashion Shows, etc. Bernie and I hosted an annual 4th of July cookout our house, where about 350 people would come eat and drink for free for 17 years.

One day I was talking to Bern, and said, “ we should open a venue” and he said OK. That’s how simple it was. The business model is from other venues mostly out of state, bigger metropolitan areas not event spaces, Venues, there is a difference.

When things are tough it can feel like it doesn’t, because of the stress of making things work. However, we know it isn’t the relationship it’s the job, the business, so we keep that in the forefront and it works for us.

BERNIE: Same thing with me.

I know without a doubt that my wife is my ride or die. We make discussions together, good or bad in the long run we are “The Stallings!”

SEVEN: Between the two of you, what business or businesses do you occupy?

BOTH: 757 Events Va.Beach Oceanfront Premiere 757 Events Rosemont Room 757 Events Party Rentals Colour U Cosmetics ( Atlanta Based)

SEVEN: What inspired you to open the venue, and what about it brings the most gratification?

There wasn’t a per say inspiration for us, mainly to have a safe, nice, place for people to celebrate accomplishments, milestones, or just life in general.

SEVEN: 757 Events VA Beach is so much more than just a venue. You offer packages that include services that make it so easy for people to enjoy their event to the fullest, by lessening the client’s planning workload. You have the venue, professional event coordinators, a décor rental aspect, a catering department, setup staff and more all under one roof. Was this your plan for the venue from the start?

KAREN: Yes, most definitely We are a venue and not an event space. Venues offer much more then a space.

BERNIE: We offer an experience from the phone call to the end of your event.

SEVEN: To carry out an establishment of this magnitude must be fueled with passion. Looking back now, is this something you always dreamed of doing?

BERNIE: No, but as being a serial entrepreneur we saw the need and took a leap of faith.

KAREN: The passion for me is helping a client see their vision come to life. In our business marriage I am the creative and business plan or business model person and Bernie is the numbers man.

SEVEN: 757 Events VA Beach, is in two loca-

tions. The Rosemount Road location, as well as the Oceanfront Premiere’s Atlantic Avenue location; that made its debut in 2023. What was the motivation for opening the Oceanfront Premiere location?

KAREN: We needed a venue to accommodate larger events such as conferences, galas, larger weddings, and corporate events. The Oceanfront is prime real estate and a prime location, it was a no brainner SEVEN: I truly enjoyed viewing your photo gallery on 757EventsVABeach.com, and it made me want to celebrate something special! How far in advance should we contact to book an event? Does it differ pertaining to the season?

KAREN: Thank you, the best time to call is as soon as you know you want to have an event.

We are a heavy wedding and family reunion venue in the summer. But, as soon as you want to do an event call us.

SEVEN: Last year you had several special intriguing events, such as the “Mother and Daughter Jazz Brunch and Tea,” as well as the “Friday Date Night Series.” Can we expect more exciting events like these for 2024?

BERNIE: We also had an All White Grown and Sexy Party, last year, and Valentine’s Day Dinner with a live band. We did Something in the Water events during that whole weekend. We do venue events to create a following and to bring awareness to the venue.

2024, is going to be even more exciting we started the year off with the 1st Renaissance Brunch with a Beyonce Impersonator all the way from L.A. KAREN: We have our Valentine’s Day Dinner by candle light on Valentine’s Day ,

College Weekend Parties and much more.

Follow us on our social media and Eventbrite.com to find out about up and coming events.

I

nterior design trends are always in motion, as the industry pulls inspiration from various styles and environments. There are a multitude of ways to elevate and personalize your design, and the new year is the perfect time to refresh your perspective and approach to the home. Try returning to the basic principles of form and functionality to curate a room that showcases modern sensibilities, or incorporating unique details to add character and depth to a space.

body and mind. When designing your own space, opt for features and fixtures that bring heightened luxury to your bathroom. One way to create a sense of serenity is to incorporate the calming benefits of steam found in the Mystix™ Steam System by Brizo®.

The system offers enhancements, such as chromatherapy, audiotherapy and aromatherapy, to stimulate and soothe the senses in a well-rounded wellness experience. With these features, there is no need to wander further than your own home to indulge in the advantages of a spa.

Modern Functionality

Texture & Saturation

The simplicity of modern style is a draw to many who love clean lines and functionality.

Recently, there has been an uptick in “soft modern” design, which brings a sense of warmth to a contemporary space through details, colors and accents. The Jason Wu for Brizo™ Kitchen Collection embodies this sophisticated style with its fresh, streamlined aesthetic and unparalleled customization options and finishes. The collection’s Matte White signature finish is timeless, and the ability to select Polished Nickel or Wood faucet levers adds a touch of personality.

Choose these warm, neutral tones to bring in elements from nature, transforming a modern room from cold and sterile to functional, yet fashionable.

To amplify visual interest in the home, bring in dimension through layered fabrics and textured wallpapers. Consider adding a limewash to add a notable, but soft approach to texture and to create a sense of depth in a space. A similar outcome can be achieved through a subtle tile accent on the walls or ceiling as an innovative way to bring more character to the design without overwhelming a room. Handpicking unique accents and color choices can redefine the living space.

Replace small pops of color with bold, vivid hues or look for distinctive split finishes that enhance your fixtures and catch the eye. The Brilliance® Black Onyx/Matte Black, Brilliance® Luxe Gold®/Clear, Polished Chrome/ Clear split finishes from Brizo are striking options and add a touch of the unexpected to the kitchen and bath.

At-Home Spa Oasis Spas are sanctuaries that ease both the

A

s a young Marine 42 years ago, John was stationed at Camp Elmore in Norfolk.

He met Sharon through a fellow Marine. That began a beautiful journey of raising 6 kids and serving

the Lord together.

It was while attending a Gospel service at a base chapel in Okinawa, Japan, that they began truly growing in Christ and learning how to serve Him. Through John’s military career, the Lord brought them to churches where they worked in many diverse ministries. They served from building projects to youth ministries and youth choir to food lines. John felt the Lord’s calling while in Jacksonville, FL. At that time, Sharon envisioned that their future ministry would be feeding people through perhaps a food truck while sharing the Gospel. After John’s retirement, God led them back to Virginia where Sharon was raised. Due to some traumatic experiences in her childhood, however, this was not where she wanted to be. But they started a Bible study in their home of about 5-10 people that kept growing to where they began renting space within a local church. Up to 40 folks were attending. John said that the members of the other church would peek their heads into their room because they could hear them praising the Lord! John and Sharon were sure that they were called to ministry.

13 years ago, they moved their church into a Newport News building beside

a men’s rescue mission. They began meeting the physical needs of those in their area, providing nonperishable food, blankets, etc. God also led them through a process of meeting the needs of young Marines and others in the neighborhood who just kept coming their way. They now also work with the USDA program at six different sites every month to serve people who pick up food. Their names are on the Food Bank website from which they get calls - John, his brotherin-law Jeff, and other church members help with those needs.

John and Sharon feel so blessed. Serving the homeless was difficult at first because they had a hard time not seeing why the people couldn’t just get a job and make their lives right. But through Faith Bible College courses, their perspective began to change. Classes such as Evangelism and Anthropology helped them see humanity differently. They began seeing the homeless as created in God’s image, having the DNA of the Father in them.

This changed their whole church approach and how they thought. Through the Romans class, they were reminded not to judge because it is only God who can judge.

Sharon admits that she used to want a glamorous church where everybody came in smiling and smelling wonderful and looking good. But that is not who God is giving them! Regardless of who they are (or how they smell), their church provides breakfast for folks every Sunday during Sunday School while they teach

them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They had seen that people often get the ‘middle of the story’, but they needed to start at the beginning with Jesus. They needed to see who He really is, the God who loves them and has saved them, not the church or who the pastors are. John knew that some folks come to get what they want and become professional churchgoers, but they really need God’s Word. So they changed their Sunday School from teaching a curriculum to studying straight from God’s Word so everyone leaves with ‘food for thought.’ Folks are responding. Some have given their lives to Christ and are continuing to grow in Him. The Baxtons share that they are learning in the process. John started understanding what a NC pastor had shared - that you can’t treat church people like you would treat Marines who did what they were told! And you can’t get out of character; you have to remain in the character of the Lord. Sharon realized her original vision of feeding people and sharing Jesus was only a partial picture - she hadn’t envisioned the details as the Lord had planned! They praise God for all the godly men and women who spoke into their lives, counseled them, and weren’t afraid to tell them the truth. Accountability is important.

Sharon has been working on a book about dysfunctional families and how you can take dysfunctional ways into God’s house without really knowing what that means. While researching, she identified the dysfunction in her

family growing up, but then realized she was bringing that into her own family everything had to be perfect and in its place, including the house, the kids, etc.

She didn’t know that those behaviors carried their own dysfunction. She feels that through FBC, God is helping her rightly divide His Word of truth. She knows that each course has been part of God’s plan for her and, as He answers her questions about her own life, she can now share with confidence. They feel that they used to only skim the surface, but truly knowing and understanding the Bible is the greatest gift that they can give others.

Christ never stops amazing them. From free bags of brand new men’s sweaters to a man in Walgreens who said, “This is on me,” John was reminded “...with love and kindness I have drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). God was showing him, “This is what brings people to Me, not your preaching, but it’s the love.” They have cut out activities that were all about the passion of ministry to focus on sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Sharon’s brother Jeff and his wife Janice have been in ministry here with the Baxtons from the start. Sharon talked with Janice about FBC and they decided to take classes together. They are both on schedule to get their degrees in May 2024.