Faculty & Staff

FACULTY & STAFF Roscoe Howard: God still believes in you

Part III

The whole corporate experience was foreign to me. Growing up in a single-parent household impoverished most of my childhood, I felt all odds were against me. I didn’t fit in, but Roscoe assured me I belonged. To my surprise, Roscoe was the chief executive vice president. When the interview began, Roscoe assured me in the presence of all the other executives saying, “Don’t worry. You are among friends.” I never forgot those words. My theological perceptions shifted. Jesus calling his disciples “friends” may have been in Roscoe’s devotional that morning, and I benefited from this.

In our meetings, Roscoe shared personal stories with me. It became evident why he took interest in me.

“Everyone has a story,” he said. He started by sharing his experience as a young black man, in times, eras and places where he did not “fit in.” He continued by telling me about his home and how he was raised by a single parent. His childhood was also impoverished. When Roscoe finished college with a theology degree, he was not offered a “real job.” He ended up working as an attendant at a hospital, transporting sick patients in gurneys and cleaning up after them. He recalled having an interaction with a physician.

Hoping to get reassured while cleaning a soiled patient, the respected doctor asked him, “Young man, have you ever thought about college?”

Roscoe told him, “Sir, I have a college degree.” He was devastated but continued believing God. Roscoe prayed with and encouraged hospital patients. Soon, his reputation took off, and he was offered a job as a pastor. Roscoe was placed in a church where he felt he did not fit in. He was a young black man in an all-white church where the average member was retired. One of the church members asked Pastor Roscoe not to come to their home because neighbors had expressed their fears about receiving a black person into their neighborhood. I was angry when I heard that story. Roscoe understood my anger, disappointment and hurt. Roscoe overcame despite the odds against him because of what he called a “relentless, loving God.” God had never stopped believing in him, no matter the injustices he and his family experienced. Roscoe left a lasting impression on my life. Our conversations focused on values, mission and justice – places many fear to go. His efforts on justice and the spiritual integrity of our denomination empowered me to continue that legacy. There are conversations in our community we must all engage with and do better. He instilled in me to seek virtue and principle over money and title.

“This is what the LORD says: “Maintain justice and do right, for My salvation is coming soon, and My righteousness will be revealed.” – Isaiah 56:1

During our final meeting, I was feeling overwhelmed, and Roscoe challenged me one last time saying, “God still believes in you, but do you believe God?“

Santi Fernandez is a life coach at Student Success.

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UNION NEWS

THURSDAY 04.07.22 uGather @ 10:35 a.m., Woods Auditorium

FRIDAY 04.08.22 Family Worship @ 7:30 p.m., CVC Homecoming Weekend

SATURDAY 04.09.22 Alumni Game @ 8:00 p.m., Thunderdome Homecoming Weekend

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