Andre Matthews:
CLASS OF 1975
Central Technical High SchoolClass of 1975
Syracuse, NY
Roosevelt Junior High SchoolClass of 1972
Syracuse, NY
McKinley-Brighton Magnet Elementary SchoolClass of 1969
Syracuse, NY
Andre's Story
Life
My Bio consists of a rather simple life:
Born in New Orleans, Loiusiana; moved with my parents to Syracuse, New York.
I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord in 1972.
I am happily married since 1993 to my wife for life- Debra L. Matthews. We have no biological children at present, but have been caring for two beautiful children, Taylor & Adriene. Both of us are artistic and musically talented; we co-write plays and are singer-songwriters.
Our favorite hobbies are singing, song and book writing (I've written at least seven books), and reading. We love travel and small stuff. I've recently begun a collection of small black musical figurines. Got some?
I have been blessed by God to be called into the ministry while yet in high school, and have ben in ministry since 1972! Wow! I have traveled throughout the world ministering and serving God's children, and have been officially recognized as an ordained apostle. I am the founder of an international ministry (FreshFire Fellowship Ministries International), and, along with my wife, serve as assistant pastors of Word of Abundant Life Christian Center (woalcc.org), located in Phoenix, AZ. USA.
I now train and develop people for ministry as well as business.
My wife and I live in a cozy three bedroom home in the Phoenix suburb called Glendale, AZ.
Hey, If you've got the time, we've got the love!
Grace and Peace, from Apostle AEMatthews!
School
From McKinley Brighton Elementary School, to Roosevelt Junior High School, to Central Technical High School, I never had any 'real' crushes on anyone. Back in the day, I had extremely low self esteem, and thought I was the ugliest person. I had big glasses, carried by a very small physical frame. I had been quite sickly growing up, and it showed in my thinness. I was very friendly, and usually got along with everyone.
My parents (the late Rev. Ernest Joseph Matthews Jr. and Mrs. Beatrice MAtthews) were very supportive of me, even though I was also known as a terror to others because of my uncontrollable temper. I was so bad that the principals had a chair reserved for me in their offices! Funny thing though.. I was also extremely smart- and known as a child prodigy, if you will.
Our schools were rather well mixed in terms of ethnicity. However, with that mix came your usual flare-ups and intense racial tensions.
As you know, from the sixties through the seventies, racial tension was a norm; and, unfortunately, as much as my parents were pastors and well respected in the community, I also participated in terrorizing anyone who upset me. That would be whether they were of my Afro-American background, or of any other ehtnic heritage.
Before I graduated from high school, I had already been employed and working for General Electric as one of two birght students who were selected to be trained in a multitude of disciplines there at GE. We wound up designing all kinds...Expand for more
of things for all kinds of purposes. It was great, and I learned quite a bit from them. They trained us in Photography, Electronics, Mechanical Drafting, Model Building, Schematics, and some Engineering. Everyone was so professional and yet at ease with what God had blessed them to accomplish, that I took the same attitude with me when I left.
Also, I attended Careerco, a vocational training institution, and learned about refrigeration and more electronics.
I attended O.C.C. and took AIB (banking) courses there.
I have also studied and taught at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Campus of the Charles Harrison Mason School. I was honored to have been asked by them to also develop one of their study courses for their students.
That's quite a bit for a short fella from Syracuse, wouldn't you say? But wait, there's more..!
College
I attended Careerco in the early 70's, which was a vocational training institution, and learned about refrigeration and more electronics.
I attended O.C.C. (Onondaga Community College, Syracuse, N.Y.) and took AIB (banking) courses there.
I have also studied and taught at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Campus of the Charles Harrison Mason Bible School. I was honored to have been asked by them to also develop one of their study courses for their students.
I am presently looking to get a Master's Degree in Theology, Organizational Leadership, and in Counseling. You can never stop learning; there's always something fresh and new to discover- if you would just apply yourself, right?
Workplace
I cleaned the stadium at Syracuse University; also cleaned tables at a Syracuse University pizza hot spot and worked at the Sate Fair.
I also worked on a shipping dock at a downtown store, and worked at a clothing store right downtown with an Oriental couple who were the nicest people I knew- (if you could get past their sharp orders)!
I used to walk from Liverpool to Syracuse- every day- looking for work! I have been employed as the main warehouse worker and order taker for a large amusement and game supplier right in North Syracuse. I will never forget my wonderful times in that store with Mr. and Mrs. Block.
I worked as a groundskeeper for Phoenix, AZ.'s Parks and Recreation Department, as well as a Youth Center Director in Oklahoma City, OK.
I have cut grass, picked up trash, whatever in order to keep a little change in my pocket.
I am now the Assistant Pastor of a very large ministry in Phoenix, Arizona. Do you see what God will do for you if you will submit to Him? WOW!
Military
I was enlisted in the USMC (Semper Fi!) straight out of high school, and began boot camp in 1975.
The monster that trained me was Staff Sgt. Bibicki. He sticks in my mind because of his tenacity and relentless pursuit of perfection in all of us!
The Marines prepared me to return to civilian life with a better attitude and a level of consistency that is present in me to this day!
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