Faces of our family

On most Sundays you can find Bro. Anthony Ford sitting on the fifth row near the window on the left side of the church.

But on each Thursday, you can find him watering the flowers and plants in and around the sanctuary of St. Matthew A.M.E. He is one of two men who are members of the church's Flower Ministry.

Bro. Ford started attending St. Matthew in 1988, but it wasn't until the early 2000s that he decided to make the commitment to become a member of the congregation.

One Sunday, he felt God asking him why he didn't become a member. "Something said to me, just do it, God is good," he said of his decision. "I just wanted to make a full commitment as a member."

"I like to do things when I am ready," Bro. Ford said. The late Bishop Reginald Jackson, former pastor of St. Matthew, said to him when he joined that he had been looking at him for years, wondering when he would make the commitment.

Bro. Ford said he has been with St. Matthew through three pastors. His wife, Brenda, attends another church. They both believe in God and have raised three children and have six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Bro. Ford, who works in the health care industry and lives in the city of Orange, said Rev. Melvin Wilson is "a phenomenal pastor. He keeps it real. He gives you the word and he gives you facts. He lets you know it's the real world we live in."

Bro. Ford, 75, said he enjoys reading and reads six or seven books a month that include autobiographies and fiction.

He feels his purpose is to let young people know there is a Christ, a living God. "There is a God who works in his own time," he said. "We have to show our Godly appearances to kids."

He has also been an active member in the Sons of Allen and used to perform in plays at the church.

His favorite scripture is Psalm 139:1. "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me." "Whatever you do, God knows you," he said.

"God is good to me all the time. Just be patient and be thankful for everything."

By Sandra Long Weaver