Tommy and Janet Brooks
Partner of The Month
Tell me about yourself? Tommy is a native Houstonian, born to Doris and James Brooks. He grew up in Sunnyside, Texas approximately 5 minutes from the Genesis Church. He graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Accounting and is also a Certified Public Accountant( CPA). Tommy has a long career in banking and has a Professional Masters in Banking from LSU. He is also a Sr. Fellow of the American Leadership Forum( ALF) Class XXIII. He has served on many local boards, one state board and one national board. Tommy has the distinction of being the first and only African-American to serve as Chairman of the Board of Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation( an appointment by the Governor of Texas). He has served as Sanctuary Servant, Deacon, Board Member and Greeter for Joy / Genesis Church.
Janet is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, born to Mary and James Stowers. She is especially close to her father, James Stowers who raised her as a single parent( mom deceased) from the age of 10. They are two peas in a pod. Janet graduated from Lindenwood College with a degree in Business. She moved to Houston in 1982 where her professional career was in banking. She gave up her career to stay home to take care of her family. Janet is a Founding Member of Joy / Genesis and has served with the Gift of Joy, Children’ s Ministry and aide to the First Lady. She recently began a a business line of custom journals, photo albums, etc.
Tommy and Janet have been happily married for 29 years and are proud parents of two wonderful sons, Scott and Jamar( both Greeters). We are
10 September Edition
Tommy and Janet Brooks
both very close to our birth families. Tommy is an avid golfer, sports fan and likes viewing old movies. Janet is an avid shopper and loves watching television, especially Sportscenter. We both enjoy domestic travel as well as attending all sorts of corporate, social and cultural events, functions and galas. Joy / Genesis Church under the leadership of our Pastor, Dr. Michael P. Williams has been a stabilizing and consistent force in our otherwise hectic lives.
What are your favorite scriptures? Jeremiah 29:11“ I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to proper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Also Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk, and not faint. Finally, Phillipians 4:8.
How would you describe your prayer life? While there are strong prayer warriors at the Genesis Church, we are probably more comfortable being described as having a consistent prayer life. We are not 911 prayers but we pray daily in good and bad times. Like everyone else, our prayers intensify during times of potential tragedy and grief affecting those closest to us. However, we know the value of praying for our everyday situations.
How has prayer changed your life? We believe our prayers along with the prayers of the saints have specifically moved God to heal, protect and prosper us and those we love. Prayer then became a weapon for us against the devil, when at one time we felt powerless against him.
What would you say are the benefits of having an active prayer life? By having an active prayer life, you become better at not only praying to God but hearing from God. Your prayers become less selfish and therefore, of higher quality. Also, you can avoid having to come up with excuses or feeling guilty about not having prayed in a while.
If you could give some advice to someone considering joining the ministry what would it be? If being in a church where your family can grow in the things of God is important to you, Genesis is the place. We also strongly advise attending Genesis University regularly.
What drew you to the Genesis Church? Janet came to Genesis via Antioch looking for the Lord and got Tommy as a bonus. Tommy came to Genesis via Joy Tabernacle looking for Janet and found the Lord as a DOUBLE BONUS