Meet the Josephs. The newlyweds joined Morning Star while attending services during their courtship. Dolph already had a relationship with the Star; his parents were married by the late Bishop Irvin Evans, founder, after emigrating from Haiti.
Dolph attended a local Haitian church but would visit Morning Star frequently. His high school sweetheart Brenee Williams was born in Elizabeth and lived in Roselle before moving to Linden with her family. Brenee had deep Baptist roots that were enforced during her visits to family in Newberry, South Carolina. She was always active in church, participating in youth activities and the youth choir.
While attending college, her church attendance lessened. Months before graduation she mentioned to Dolph, her boyfriend then, a need to join a church. They attended Morning Star together and have been here ever since.
Brenee is a Hampton University alum with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Health Science with a specialization in Community Health Education from New Jersey City University. She currently works as a Spinal Cord Nurse at Kessler Rehab and with Bayada Nursing, a pediatric-based home healthcare agency. Dolph is a Kean University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. They both have put their degrees to work at Morning Star. Brenee serves as one of the chairpersons of the Health and Wellness Ministry and is a member of Anointed Worship Dance Ministry. Dolph has participated in several drama ministry productions such as “The Reenactment” and the “Christmas Cantata.” He has also participated in several Youth Ministry events as he remembers how influential the men of Morning Star were in his life as a youth.
The newlyweds exchanged vows on September 8, 2016. They continue to enjoy their shared interests such as traveling, family time, exercise and Haitian music. They would like others to know that Morning Star members go out of their way to make you feel comfortable with either a warm embrace or conversation. For Dolph, Morning Star still continues the legacy of Bishop Evans — Bishop assisted Dolph’s family when it was of no benefit to Bishop. Bishop was a source of reference for Dolph’s parents as they immersed themselves in the new American culture. Doing so, has made a lasting impression in his life.
Dolph’s favorite verse is 1 John 4:20. This verse encourages him to be more accepting and forgiving of others. Brenee’s favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. In referring to this verse, Brenee believes that God has most surely guided their footsteps. The couple speaks of their renewed faith under the leadership of Pastor Therman and Lady B’s example. They look forward to next level worship and ministry, for years to come.
Meet Twonna ‘Lynn’ Spears. Twonna’s first introduction to Morning Star came through childhood friend Andrea Allen, who extended the invitation for her to attend Pastor and Lady Bernetta’s first anniversary banquet. Immediately after, Twonna began attending services, and a few months later she joined.
Twonna has been in church all of her life as it was a requirement of her parents growing up. She admits now that it has given her a great foundation, one that she wants for her children Ashley, 17 and Jason, 7. It is the teachings from Pastor Therman that were so phenomenal she was able to understand the messages and apply them to her daily life. She knew early that Morning Star was the place for her and her children.
Twonna speaks of the friendships she has with some wonderful women: Nicole Gymiah, Nichelle Esser, Diane Pope, and Diane Little. Since becoming a member, Twonna has worked on many projects at Morning Star and along with being a member of the mass choir, she also serves with the Church Information Center (CIC). Everything about Morning Star is what Twonna says she needs in her life. She adores Pastor Evans and Lady B and sees them as second parents. The friendships, members and love shown to her and her children are nothing less than top notch.
Twonna is an Account Manager for a generic pharmaceutical company in Parsippany, NJ. She enjoys cooking, party planning, and loves spending time with family and friends. She is an avid bowler, holding a 185 average. She bowls with a league and is a member of a bowling club that travels to various cities and states competing on the amateur level. That is not all… her passion is the artistry of make-up, and her goal is to make women feel special, teaching proper skin care, and color application. She also supplies products for men care.
Twonna encourages anyone seeking a church home to “come in, take a seat, be a blessing to others and you will be filled. There are no perfect churches but the best church on earth is here at Morning Star!”
Her favorite scripture is Joshua 24:15 – “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
