Marthenia & Barbara Service of Love Legacy Award

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It is with great honor and deep admiration that we present this tribute to a remarkable woman of God, Reverend Denise Ford—one whose life is a living testimony of faith, perseverance, and unwavering love.

The Word of God reminds us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”Rev. Ford’s life is a shining example of this truth.

Rev. Ford exemplifies what it means to walk in God’s love through every season of life. She was a loving wife and married to her husband for 17 years before he passed on to glory.  As a devoted mother and grandmother, she has poured herself selflessly into her family. During one of the most recent difficult seasons of her life, when her son suffered a horrific accident resulting in multiple burns, she stood faithfully by his side through every surgery and every step of recovery—encouraging him to fight, to persevere, and to trust God. At the very same time, she was courageously walking through her own battle with cancer. Yet even in that season, she demonstrated the strength of Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee… I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.” She leaned on God, while also humbly calling upon family, friends, and her community for support.

Through it all, she continued to uplift her other son and nurture her grandson with love and encouragement, embodying the promise of Proverbs 31:28: “Her children arise up, and call her blessed.”

Her service to the church is equally extraordinary. As a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Guilford, Rev. Ford has served in numerous leadership roles with excellence and grace. Answering the call of God, she became an ordained minister and founded the Intercessory Prayer Ministry in 2007 following the leading of the Holy Spirit, building bridges with other churches and cultivating a powerful, unified prayer community. As it is written in James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.”

Her compassion extends deeply into the lives of others. She was a Sunday school teacher for 4thand 5th grades class. She sang on the Angelic Voice choir, served as Assistant Advisor offering youth council spiritual development support. She was the nurse for FBCOG youth retreats, served on the nurses’ gill. She assisted in support of the women’s Bible Study and served as the chairperson of the health ministry. Ministry with empathy shaped by her own loss, having lost her beloved husband after 17 years of marriage. She also faithfully guides the Bereavement Ministry offering bereavement support and after care, fulfilling the call of Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.”

Rev. Ford’s heart for caregiving is undeniable. She lovingly cared for her aunt and mother—both in their late 90s—welcoming them into her home and taking a leave of absence from her career as a registered nurse to ensure they received dignity, love, and compassion in their final days. In doing so, she lived out Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Her professional life is equally distinguished. She served honorably as a nurse in the United States Army and continued her calling in healthcare for many years. Today, she teaches and mentors those entering the medical profession, faithfully passing on both knowledge and compassion.

As a preacher, Rev. Ford is both powerful and anointed. As Servant Leader of Women on the Move for Christ, she inspires women to walk boldly in their purpose, embracing the truth of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”

Her heart for missions has carried her beyond borders. A recent mission trip to The Gambia profoundly impacted her life, deepening her love for God’s people. She continues to support and partner with a school there, living out Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”

Above all, Rev. Denise Ford loves the Lord—fully, faithfully, and without reservation. Her life reflects Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart… and he shall direct thy paths.” She gives Him glory in every circumstance and allows Him to use her life as a vessel to uplift, encourage, and transform others.

For her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, and her extraordinary impact on her family, church, and community, Rev. Denise Ford is truly a deserving and distinguished recipient of this prestigious GLYB Award.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17)

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace

of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Today, we joyfully celebrate and honor Mon Lisa Johnson—a woman whose life is a vibrant reflection of the spiritual gifts God has placed within her. Through unwavering faith, a servant’s heart, and a quiet, steady strength, Lisa exemplifies what it means to be a faithful steward of God’s manifold grace.

It is evident to all who know her that Lisa has been richly blessed with the gifts of service and faithfulness. She does not seek the spotlight, yet her impact is felt wherever she goes. Whether she is extending a helping hand to someone in need or serving quietly on a Sunday morning, her gentle spirit speaks volumes.

Lisa’s dedication goes far beyond the walls of the sanctuary. She is a pillar of consistency, leading The Movement Church’s monthly Saturday morning women’s walk with the same commitment regardless of the crowd. Her heart for intercession is clear every Wednesday at 6:00 a.m. as she joins the prayer line, lifting the needs of others before her own. As a vital member of the Next Step Team. Lisa is often the first face of welcome, helping others find their place within the body of Christ.

Her passion for ministry is deep-rooted. During her years at Colonial Baptist Church, Lisa served diligently in the Women’s Sunday School Class, Sister-to-Sister Mentoring Ministry, the Food Pantry, and the Good News Club among many other ministries. This earned her the well-deserved title of “Servant of the Year.”

Lisa’s devotion shines in her personal life. She is a steadfast friend, a blessing to her husband, Michael, and a devoted sister to her brothers. Her role as a caregiver to her father, Elmer, was perhaps her most profound testament to selflessness. She walked with him in love and grace until his homegoing in 2024, honoring him until the very end.

Lisa’s life is a living testimony of using God-given gifts for His glory and the good of His people. We are truly blessed to have such a devoted servant among us. Today, we give God the glory and honor Mon Lisa Johnson for her steadfast faith and the beautiful example she sets for us all. 

Melody T. Knox serves in a dual role for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware. As a missionary for women, her role is to encourage, equip, and engage women by encouraging women to pray, grow as disciples, and use their gifts in advancing the Kingdom. She is responsible for assisting women’s ministry leaders in offering Bible studies and events that will lead the women in their churches to a deeper understanding of God’s Word. 

As the Maryland/Delaware Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Executive Director, Melody encourages churches to live a missional lifestyle. She is also responsible for the annual Women on Ministry Retreat - and the camps for boys/girls held at Camp Wo-Me-To. Melody’s goal is for all women to leave a godly legacy for those who come behind them. 

She and her husband, David, have been married for thirty-seven years and are the parents of a son (Justin) and a daughter (Jenna). She also has three (Trey, Brenton, and Kadyn), tween heartthrobs who call her “Mimi.” In her leisure time, Melody enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time encouraging women in all walks of life. 

Deaconess Carla Lofland was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and soon after journeyed to Meadville, Pennsylvania, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Mack. After graduating from high school, Carla moved to  Baltimore, Maryland, to further her education. She is a graduate of Baltimore Institute/Bay College with an associate’s degree in 1970. Deaconess Carla Lofland has been a member of Mount Hope Baptist Church for over 40 years, where the Bishop H. Donald Bates is the pastor. She is known as a prayer warrior, and she can pray and will pray without any hesitation. 

She has fulfilled many leadership roles at Mt. Hope Baptist Church and served as Mistress of Ceremonies for many programs. She says, “Through my participation I always try to uplift and encourage everyone in attendance.”

Mt. Hope Church Ministries:

· Deaconess Ministry for over 30 years – currently the President

· Usher Board

· Sunday School Teacher

· Choir Member

· Program Coordinator/ Mistress of Ceremony – church events, plays, concerts, Women's Day chairperson, and Breast Cancer Awareness spokesperson. 

Other Ministries:

· Models of B-more – owner and host- Annual cruise affair and other 

· Ladies of Eminence Non-Profit Organization – Helping women and families in need

Deaconess Carla Lofland is a die-hard Pennsylvania Steelers fan. Always distributing fan rivalry with her pastor, Bishop Bates, and others. She gets great joy dressing up with her Steller’s fan gear, black and yellow.

She is a true Witness for the Lord. She would say, “I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord, Until I die”. And “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”. 

Her focus is pleasing God by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She gives GOD all the glory for all the great things He has done!

 Barbara Harding has been of service to her community for many years. She is a shining example of a true leader. Which she demonstrates with the work that she does for her church, sorority and those around her.  Mrs. Harding has led many fundraising endeavors that have benefited her church family and her community.  Barbara Harding for many years now has been the driving force behind First Baptist Church of Guilford’s Women in White program. Through her efforts over the course of several years, she has, brought hundreds of women together in Christ and raised thousands of dollars for her church. Mrs. Harding has also made many other contributions to her church and has played a role in raising money for the scholarship committee.  She not only shows this dedication to her church but to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc. Mrs. Harding has been an active member of the AKA for over 50 years. Through her work with the sorority, she has participated in many outreach activities. Including sponsoring up in coming AKA’s, working to help with scholarships, and providing for families in need.  Barbara Harding is truly a pillar of the community and continues to work tirelessly for those around her. She is what you would call Black Excellence.
 

 Dollene does Volunteer work at Roberta House for any information Call Kelli (443)627-1187 she has been doing that over 5-7 years I believe longer she works with the seniors, Guest Services, participates in the plays that they have all the programs, helps out in the kitchen, Several Members have went home to Glory and if Doll knows the family which most of them she does she will help out at the Repast. She has been a member of The Tabernacle of The Lord formally (Jones Tabernacle )over 45 years maybe longer. She feeds and give clothes to the Homeless, she takes Food and groceries to the sick . Let me know if you need more. 

And Yes Doll is Greeting Members and Guests She is a Caregiver for her Nephew Tony, Her Husband Bob and our Mother Kay before She came down to North carolina also Our Aunt Alice and Uncle Raeford she has several other Senior Friends that she also care for.

Doll has been a member of The Tabernacle of The Lord for 52 years and has never Straight away from loving God And her church and church Family she is a very loyal and dedicated woman of God she also is loyal to her job which she has been on for 35 years another good deed she does for some of her coworkers that doesn’t drive pick & take them to and from work a heart of gold she has.Add a short description.

 Mary, is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader for over 30 years.  Mary and her husband have worked tirelessly assisting displaced youth through a local foster care program since 1998.  She loves helping people, and has a true passion for training, advocating, and supporting her community.  She was recently a board member for many years for a non-profit agency called Community Adovates 4 You, Inc. which is a support for parents with children who have an IEP or 504 plan in school.  At her church, she is involved in youth groups, the good news club and in the past was on the security ministry.  She is actively involved in a senior help center where she takes enriching classes such as software training for Microsoft Windows applications and piano.  Mary is the backbone of her family.  She has 7 children, 16 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.  Often she is the go to for support regarding spiritual, financial, and relationship matters.  She is a well-rounded person who aims to please God and her family.  Two of her favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 119:11.