6 minute read
Men of Faith Inc.
“We Are All Pieces In The Same Puzzle.”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Men of Faith Inc.
“Be a pebble to someone else’s path. We must find a way to bridge the gaps within our communal restraints.”
That is a quote taken from Dannell Marshall, the founder and Executive Director of Men of Faith Inc., based in Louisville, KY. Dannell Marshall Sr. attended and Graduated from Shelby County High School. He studied in the Kentucky Union Pipe Fitter Apprenticeship and attended Rowe Bible Institute and the University of Louisville.
Men of Faith Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with three core principles: Preserve, Empower, and Restore. Along with his vice president, Tim McFarland Sr., this organization has positively impacted countless men’s lives in the Louisville, KY, community.
“We strive to preserve the community we live in, empower every citizen, and restore faith in all,” he says. “Although people associate the word faith with religion, the definition of faith also includes hope. In efforts to achieve our mission, we offer mentoring, do various outreach throughout the whole community, and assist the elderly and the unfortunate. Many call the people we call unfortunate, such as the homeless or displaced. At Men of Faith, we call them unfortunate and acknowledge that everyone is one or two dire situations from being truly unfortunate.”
Dannell’s organization hosts an event called “The SPARK”, which is also free to the community. SPARK events, he says, are embodied around health, wealth, and awareness. They also host an annual breast cancer banquet called, “Fighting Cancer with Faith Banquet,” in which they honor male and female breast cancer survivors and those recently diagnosed with breast cancer. A segment of this production educates its audience that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. They have partnered with other 501(c)(3) organizations, including Moments Matter. “By collaborating, we present a spring and fall break camp for girls and boys that includes guest speakers, S.T.E.A.M projects, and a variety of extracurricular activities. Our ultimate goal is to assist and share resources when resources are not readily available or even aware for the youth, women, and men.”
Dannell says the idea of his organization was conceived in 2015 but did not become official until 2016. Originally, he wanted to form a group to work with a particular group of churches, but God guided them in a different but parallel direction. Once the mission was formed and event concepts were shared, the idea of Men of Faith was well received by men in Dannell’s community. He says, “They relished participating in the planned outreaches and giving back to their community. The one thing about me is that I am a person of action. A lot of people will talk and never do anything. Men of Faith prides itself in doing.”
Dannell says he finds joy in constructing a group of men from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and even political or religious preferences who assuredly care about improving their community, not only for their family but the overall good of humankind.
"To build and fill the gaps in our broken society and communities, we must overcome our differences and capitalize on our similarities. When you see men banding together to restore and replenish our communities’ social disparities, it exemplifies hope. I get inspired and rejuvenated when I see the smiles of individuals who felt the weight of the world minutes before. It is equivalent to pulling someone to safety. God blesses us in a way for us to help someone else; we should not hesitate to share that blessing,” Dannell shares.
Men of Faith’s core values are embedded in their desire to serve and help others succeed. Dannell leads by example and hopes to create opportunities while doing so. “I heard as a young man the more you give, the more you’ll receive. Serving others is not about receiving something directly. I enjoy knowing someone’s situation; although they are amid an emotional storm, you can offer an umbrella from the pain, if for just a little while. It is also refreshing to know that some genuine people genuinely care about the welfare of others. It is trendy to see people brag about assisting others on social media, but honestly, that comes from a place that is not sincere. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” We are not doing these things in the community for a show or to be seen. It comes from each man’s heart to progress and sharpen others who may feel dull.”
Understandably, Dannell’s organization has faced a few hurdles and challenges throughout the years. One was sustaining the assistance they provided during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the rest of the world shut down, they were able to continue their operations and meet the needs of those they serve. Such challenges and finding ways to persevere through them have proven Dannell’s effectiveness as a leader of his organization. He says, “I firmly believe that our life and the adversities within form the purpose we must find. Years of uncertainty about personal and professional outcomes molded me into the man or puzzle piece I am today. My journey was never perfect or practical, but with each new day, I became even more convinced that it was all worth it.”
Moving forward, Danell says he plans to expand the Men of Faith Inc. organization to a national level. “Extending past our geographic lines, the expansion would demonstrate an even bigger assembly of more men with faith, more assistance, more resources, and a fervent affection towards humanity.”
“We Are All Pieces In The Same Puzzle. When looking at our logo it explains that everyone has a role in forming this world. We are one piece of the whole puzzle. Regardless of our ethnicity, gender, religion, or political affiliation, we are molded to a particular shape that fits somewhere in fulfilling the puzzle of the world. Some pieces are similar but never the same. Go, find the place where your piece, which is you, fits!”
www.menoffaith.org
