May 24, 2013
SEMINARIAN PROFILE
Name: Omari Makesi Rhoden
Birthdate and place: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Family: Wife Stephanie; daughter Jahzarah 3, son Jared 1½
Education:
St. Augustine Secondary School, OSSD ‘99
Western University, Bachelor of Administrative and Commercial Studies
Nipissing University, Bachelor of Education
Tyndale University and Seminary
I expect to graduate in 2014
Experience:
SCSC – Maryland/Washington D.C.; White Cloud, MI; Miami, FL
Youth Advisor – Toronto
Board of Christian Education
High school teacher – Turner Fenton Secondary School, Brampton ON
Favorite Bible passage: 2 Timothy 2:15
Favorite author: Right now it is Robert Munsch (children’s author)
Favorite songs: “Channels Only” (Ada R. Gibbs) and “Chasing After You” (Vashawn Mitchell)
If given a $10,000 check we would: set up our children’s education fund, donation, and debt reduction.
A great answer to prayer: Seminary, family, church and work life have been busy to say the least. God has sustained Owen, Jamaal and I over the past few years. We’ve had the opportunity to do so much (albeit not always well) and to be safe and healthy in the midst of it. Praise God who has shown Himself strong in my weakness!
A project I’m excited about: I hope to participate administratively in a community basketball initiative. Young men aged 14-19 need this opportunity that provides support through churches in the Greater Toronto Area. The league gives church families the forum to rally around young men and encourage positive choices. Participation in the league includes a community service element and relies on churches to be the anchor.
My vision for SDBs: To expand within the Greater Toronto Area and into Canada. I believe a vision is effective when it is concise. Vision – To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy of the Sabbath to the Greater Toronto Community.
Seventh Day Baptists offer a unique freedom in worship that is centered on Christ’s commission. We are a church that blends the belief in our hearts with coherence in the mind. Given our Statement of Belief, we can more effectively promote our Missional God who is at work in our communities and families. Church program and community initiatives that are consistent with a Christ-centered mission and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit are fundamental to our viability as a place of worship.
