Being a teacher for over 20 years in the Flint School District, she could remember the very first class she taught “My very first class I taught was in a basement at Washington School in Flint. It was a kindergarten class and the room was the size of a small closet. I had no supplies, no paper, no pencils, no books but I didn't know any better and I was thrilled to have a job with a paycheck. I was extremely naive and unprepared. Thankfully, I had a veteran teacher who kindly took me under her wing that first year ( I'm sure it was because she felt sorry for the kids) and I learned more that year than I did while getting my teaching degree. It was definitely a case of "sink or swim". She credits her motivation to her students, “As an urban educator, many of my students come to school unprepared  without the basic skills and materials needed for their success. Unfortunately, their lives at home are often filled with chaos and distress. It is my job to help fill in the gaps as best as I can. It isn't easy and after 20 years of teaching, it hasn't become any easier. However, I will keep on doing it until God tells me otherwise”. 

 

      Born and raised in Flint, Marcie has lived in the area her entire life she grew up in a strict legalistic Baptist home where church was comprised of rules and judgments. Each Sunday morning sermon was saturated with doctrines and philosophies that condemned instead of uplifting people and were un-relatable to her. By her teenage years, Marcie was in search of answers, a lukewarm part-time Christian she looking outside the church she could still faintly hear God whispering in her. Marcie explains, “When I came to Ebenezer for the first time it was for a funeral almost 10 years ago. I remember leaving thinking it was the most beautiful, peaceful funeral service I had been to. As I reflect back, God's grace is so amazing! God's whisper was growing louder that day...who would have thought the "home going" I attended at Ebenezer would turn into a "homecoming" for me years later? Certainly not this Baptist girl!”  Family is everything to Marcie married to Sherrod Pigee, she continue to instill the teachings of the bible to her son J.C. a 24 year old graduate student at MSU and twin stepsons Durrell and Elliot. “I want our children to know that God is a loving God to be praised and worshipped. Our faith in the Lord is something that should never falter and our prayers will always be answered (although they may not always be answered the way we think they should). He is a God that wants us to succeed and be our best. He expects His children to walk a path of righteousness for others to see,” explains Marcie. She guides her sons to the scripture of Jeremiah 29:13 which says "you will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" which is what she want her children to understand about the presence of God. 

 

     Taking another chance to step out of her comfort zone, Marcie became involved in a recent theater stage play called “Respect the Game.” Not knowing what to expect, Marcie did not back down “I am certainly not a "natural" and have never participated in a stage play before.” She goes on to say how participating gave her the opportunity to get to know other church members, as well throughout the production. One scripture that Marcie often go to when she feels discouraged is Philippians 4:6-7. “This passage always brings me comfort because it says to not worry about anything and pray about everything- to just tell God what I need and thank Him for all he has done. His peace will keep my thoughts and heart quiet. There are so many times when I grow anxious and I have to stop and read this passage and remind myself to give my anxieties to God. It is such a relief to know that our God is willing and able to take those burdens away.”
 
      I asked Marcie, what would you say to someone who is looking for a church home and is possibly considering Ebenezer Ministries? “I would first say, pray. Listen to what God is putting on your heart. If God has led you to Ebenezer, there is no better place to be to worship and praise Him. I have never felt the presence of the Lord like I have within the walls of this church. When the Holy Spirit moves it is almost indescribable. I have never felt the joy of the Lord spread amongst a congregation like it does here.” She goes on to explain how she was nervous, her first time attending church and did not know if she would be received by the congregation but she soon found out that she was welcomed. “I have been to many churches but nothing compares to the teaching, preaching, and leadership of Bishop Knox. He is a true anointed warrior of God.”

 

      Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.” In this case blessed is the woman. Marcie explains how in many ways she has been blessed because of her faith, trust and belief in God. “One of my blessings is my husband. I am so grateful that God has given me Sherrod, whom loves and honors me, yet loves and honors the Lord even more. That was a prayer that God chose to answer in His own time (which seemed liked forever to me) but faith in God means having faith in His timing. Recognition of blessings and thanking Him when they are received is a MUST but I know I also have to make those blessings count for something! That is such an important lesson I have learned as my faith and walk have grown.”