That a man visits a church fellowship and is warmly received by love and hospitality should not be a story. But in this case, with the world’s impression that Ferguson, Mo, is largely racist, perhaps it is a story. The church is First Baptist of the famed St. Louis area city of Ferguson … and Richard and Mary Martin are African-Americans!.
The 2014 racial unrest in Ferguson caused some to apparently think that burning businesses in Ferguson was a part of the answer and would somehow make things better. They burned the Little Caesar’s Pizza Parlor across the street from the church.
But what doesn’t fit the city’s negative image … now some better … is the reality that upwards of 30% of First Baptist Church of Ferguson is black. And the very good news is that the black and white mix of the church is sweet and real.
I had heard Richard Martin several times privately say words along this line: “Mary and I were so touched and moved by the love and acceptance we felt in the church, that we joined!” (They became a part of the church before the 2014 unrest.)
Richard, Mary, Joan and I are in the same Sunday School class … which is composed of an even mix of black and white.
Mary told the story that in her first visit to the church, (“Anglo”) Karen Somers told her: “You are my new best friend!”
The church has been under the good leadership of just retired Pastor Stoney Shaw, followed by another good servant leader, Pastor Joe Costephens.
So Richard and I did this radio together … with the intent, in part, of dispelling the national and international image that Ferguson is made up of mostly racist!
Not true! That is what Mary and Richard Martin say. And that is what Joan and Harold Hendrick affirm.
God is at work in Ferguson, MO, … and many there are a part of what He is doing!