Deacon Lessie Hill: Calvarys Behind the Scenes Man of the Year By Iraolyn Humphreys Magnificent View Contributing

Writer Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58 Happy, thrilled, and excited were the three choice words that Deacon Lessie Hill used to describe how he felt when selected as one of this years Men of the Year honorees. Being led to Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church nearly ten years ago by his wife, Deaconess Sheila Hill, this humble man of God serves as both an active member of the security ministry and the deacon board. A stern, yet welcoming Hill chuckles as he recalls his first Sunday at Calvary. It was April Fools Day, Hill recounts, and Ive been coming here every since. Deacon Lessie Hills passion and commitment to the things and people of God has proved that no service goes unrequited. Whether its escorting ladies to their cars, or offering prayer and encouragement to strangers that wonder in off of the street, Deacon Hills seven year commitment to the security ministry has proved to be just as challenging as it has been rewarding. Everyone that comes in here isnt saved. Some people have drugs & alcohol, some have their own agenda, says Hill. While remaining constantly aware of his assignment in God, the Deacon always ensures that he offers kindness, and a listening ear, instead of being harsh and judgmental. It is this humility that allows Hill to view his servant hood as giving back, and not as just a job. Hill has been a dedicated member of the deacon board for nearly five years. He joined the board by responding to an appeal made by Bishop Owens for new members. Holding fast to a prophecy he received as a child that he would someday work in ministry, Hill believes that his calling is to the deacon board. While doing outreach with the deacon board, Hill learned of his heart for the homeless, and often volunteers his free time at the Central Union Mission. When asked why he thinks he was chosen as one of Calvarys Men of the Year, Hill merely replied, Bishop Owens is a very nice man. The deacon credits the Bishop with learning what it truly means to be a humble servant of God, a good father and husband, and to simply be a better person overall. Although Deacon Hill refers to GMCHC as his second home, this hasnt always been the case, as he is all too familiar with the ploys that the enemy uses to pull people away from the plan that God has for their lives. Being an overcomer of alcohol and substance abuse, Hill is very cognizant of the fact that the enemy uses drugs and alcohol to corrupt minds and to destroy lives. He desires to help people overcome their addiction by sharing his testimony that if God delivered him, He can deliver anybody. Referring to himself as a dead man walking, Hill knows that it is by the grace of God that he has survived. Part of the motivation to discontinue down the path that the enemy laid for him was growing up with an alcoholic and abusive father. He realized that mimicking his fathers patterns would only lead to destruction for him.

When you get older, you try to get wiser, says Hill. But it was Hills mother who demonstrated the example that he would later model. Growing up as the son of a Baptist auxiliary leader, Hill frequented Sunday school and Bible study, and believes that the values his mother instilled in him early on never allowed him to become fully ensnared by what the world was offering him. Hill continually strives to model the example of a Christian and family man, working towards perfection. As family matters most to this unswerving man of God. Deacon and Deaconess Hill have six children (including 2 adoptive children), twelve grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. It is important to him that he exemplifies a man of excellence and integrity before them, as he knows the importance of the man providing good guidance and leadership in the home. Professionally, Hill has worked at Providence Hospital for six years as a unit supply clerk. He desires to further his career there by becoming a licensed alcohol and substance abuse counselor, and helping to usher those bound by addiction into the freedom that he now enjoys.