Fresh Start September 2016 | Page 10

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