About us
Vision: Promoting living that reflects wholesome teaching.
Mission: Taking a faith based approach to address cultural proficiency to strengthen positive relationships among our communities.
Values: We value faith based living. Strengthening communities, building relationships, to exemplify the finest quality of teaching.
Mission: Taking a faith based approach to address cultural proficiency to strengthen positive relationships among our communities.
Values: We value faith based living. Strengthening communities, building relationships, to exemplify the finest quality of teaching.
Meet
Billy G.
At the tender age of 18, Pastor Russell gave himself to God and has walked strong upon that path ever since. He received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Earth Science from University of Southern, MS, Hattiesburg, MS; Master’s Degree in Education Administration from William Carey College, Hattiesburg, MS; Masters Degree in Christian Counselor, Faith Seminary, Tacoma, WA; and is presently completing a doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership, Tacoma, WA. Pastor Russell also attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, LA, and Reform Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS. He has received an honorary doctorate from St Thomas Christian University, Jacksonville, FL.
Pastor Russell has served as pastor since 1982. He also served as school administrator for more than 20 years.
Singing has always been a passion of Pastor Russell since he was 5 years old. He is a song writer and recording artist. Pastor Russell have recorded six projects, which have reached hearts around the country. Pastor Billy is Senior Pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN. He has been blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit to move the physical location of the church from a smaller location to a facility with a sanctuary which seats more than 600 congregants, multiple classrooms, larger kitchen, and multipurpose rooms, and that houses a K-6 charter school with an average of 125 students.
Pastor Russell’s vision “winning the world for Christ, with love,” leads Greater Friendship MBC to partner with community organizations, other community ministries, student tutoring programs, and with Project Recovery and Re-Entry programs. Through Pastor Russell’s vision of community, a branch of Faith Bible Institute has been established with more than 30 graduates with a Biblical Studies diploma. A partnership has been established with Northwestern Bible Institute, which also brings Bible studies to the community.
Pastor Russell is honored to serve as president of Minnesota Baptist State Convention. He has served on the Sabathani Community Center board, Urban League as board member, Here’s Life Inner City advisory board, and Isaiah Transportation and Financial Equity Networks.
Pastor Russell has served as pastor since 1982. He also served as school administrator for more than 20 years.
Singing has always been a passion of Pastor Russell since he was 5 years old. He is a song writer and recording artist. Pastor Russell have recorded six projects, which have reached hearts around the country. Pastor Billy is Senior Pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN. He has been blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit to move the physical location of the church from a smaller location to a facility with a sanctuary which seats more than 600 congregants, multiple classrooms, larger kitchen, and multipurpose rooms, and that houses a K-6 charter school with an average of 125 students.
Pastor Russell’s vision “winning the world for Christ, with love,” leads Greater Friendship MBC to partner with community organizations, other community ministries, student tutoring programs, and with Project Recovery and Re-Entry programs. Through Pastor Russell’s vision of community, a branch of Faith Bible Institute has been established with more than 30 graduates with a Biblical Studies diploma. A partnership has been established with Northwestern Bible Institute, which also brings Bible studies to the community.
Pastor Russell is honored to serve as president of Minnesota Baptist State Convention. He has served on the Sabathani Community Center board, Urban League as board member, Here’s Life Inner City advisory board, and Isaiah Transportation and Financial Equity Networks.
DeSha
Her journey of life-long learning and serving others began early being born into the ministry. DeSha believes education is a highly rewarding profession. ‘It's building the academic foundation of young minds. You can shape their minds, create innovative ways for them to learn and help them grow to their fullest potential.’ DeSha works well with students and work to understand the whole child, psychological and emotional needs, while ensuring high expectation of the learning.
DeSha graduated with highest honors from Meridian High School, MS in 1998.Studied Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1998-2002. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, she completed her Master's of Science degree in Christian Counseling from William Carey University in 2006. Desha has been working with Burnsville Independent School District #191 as a school guidance counselor and serve on leadership teams for the alternative programs. Simultaneously, she worked and completed a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Minnesota State University in 2012.
In schools she served as leader of college and career readiness for students, student/teacher assistance team lead, building leadership, district leadership, such as visioning board for school improvement, and also testing coordinator. With a Specialist in Educational Leadership she have been able to provide guidance to teachers, students, parents and the community.
DeSha prides herself in staying abreast of the latest educational research and best practices. Serving in other capacities, such as the International Leadership Institute and Minnesota State Baptist Convention. In these opportunities, she continues her caring profession by being the Scholarship Chair for the MN State Baptist Convention, serving as a vehicle to high school students for access to scholarships, post secondary and career opportunities to the Convention's high school seniors. With the International Leadership Institute, DeSha has the opportunity to connect community and partner globally as a consultant for schools in Kenya. She plans to continue work in schools and community while concentrating on a global leadership perspective.
DeSha graduated with highest honors from Meridian High School, MS in 1998.Studied Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi from 1998-2002. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, she completed her Master's of Science degree in Christian Counseling from William Carey University in 2006. Desha has been working with Burnsville Independent School District #191 as a school guidance counselor and serve on leadership teams for the alternative programs. Simultaneously, she worked and completed a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Minnesota State University in 2012.
In schools she served as leader of college and career readiness for students, student/teacher assistance team lead, building leadership, district leadership, such as visioning board for school improvement, and also testing coordinator. With a Specialist in Educational Leadership she have been able to provide guidance to teachers, students, parents and the community.
DeSha prides herself in staying abreast of the latest educational research and best practices. Serving in other capacities, such as the International Leadership Institute and Minnesota State Baptist Convention. In these opportunities, she continues her caring profession by being the Scholarship Chair for the MN State Baptist Convention, serving as a vehicle to high school students for access to scholarships, post secondary and career opportunities to the Convention's high school seniors. With the International Leadership Institute, DeSha has the opportunity to connect community and partner globally as a consultant for schools in Kenya. She plans to continue work in schools and community while concentrating on a global leadership perspective.
Sharmaine
With an enthusiastic spirit and a heart for people, Sharmaine is known and recognized for curating cohesive and collaborative business relationships. There are five words you can count on from this real estate professional: love, integrity, commitment, passion, and fun.
Sharmaine’s background includes sales management for large hospitality companies. An “out of the box” creative and effective communicator, she has an immense understanding of property marketing in the commercial and residential markets. Everything begins with a conversation! Sharmaine's formula for success has always been to listen to her clients, understand their needs, and bridge the gap!
She is a family woman with a devotion to God, a wonderful husband, six amazing children, and five grandchildren. When she is not roaming the Twin Cities, she enjoys working out and cycling.
Why work with Sharmaine? She and her family have been bettering the lives of beloved neighbors for decades. Her desire to help others shows through her countless hours helping in any capacity, serving the community. This real estate professional pioneered a program to assist families in building a legacy through homeownership. Helping others attain the American Dream as an advocate and problem solver while navigating through the challenges to ensure her buyer’s dream succeeds.
A real estate transaction is more than a change of address! Sharmaine will listen to understand your real estate goals, bringing you peace of mind, and will work hard to make sure your move ends in success! Changing Lifestyles is what she strives for.
Sharmaine’s background includes sales management for large hospitality companies. An “out of the box” creative and effective communicator, she has an immense understanding of property marketing in the commercial and residential markets. Everything begins with a conversation! Sharmaine's formula for success has always been to listen to her clients, understand their needs, and bridge the gap!
She is a family woman with a devotion to God, a wonderful husband, six amazing children, and five grandchildren. When she is not roaming the Twin Cities, she enjoys working out and cycling.
Why work with Sharmaine? She and her family have been bettering the lives of beloved neighbors for decades. Her desire to help others shows through her countless hours helping in any capacity, serving the community. This real estate professional pioneered a program to assist families in building a legacy through homeownership. Helping others attain the American Dream as an advocate and problem solver while navigating through the challenges to ensure her buyer’s dream succeeds.
A real estate transaction is more than a change of address! Sharmaine will listen to understand your real estate goals, bringing you peace of mind, and will work hard to make sure your move ends in success! Changing Lifestyles is what she strives for.
Charvez
Rev. Dr. BIlly Charvez believes that to live the life God has called it requires us to seek to intentionally get better. This is done through strengthening our mind, body, soul, and spirit giving God a vessel where His blessings can flow. He was born to a musical and preaching family where he discovered his gift of singing at the age of 10.
Dr. Charvez Russell received his high school diploma from Meridian High school. After graduating from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS, with a B.S. in Biology, he started his professional career in Canton, MS as a teacher teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra I in a high school alternative setting. He continued to teach math in addition to science to middle school students in the Minneapolis Public Schools at City View Community School.
While teaching for three years he decided to go after his passion for business and decided to go back to school and get his MBA from the University of Phoenix. Upon graduation he joined Avis Budget Group’s leadership team at their Minneapolis/St. Paul location where he remained for 8 ½ years. During this time he obtained his Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership also from the University of Phoenix. He returned to education in 2014 and is currently the Executive Director for Friendship Academy of the Arts. A K-6 charter school located in South Minneapolis serving 160 predominantly African American students that earned designations such as Reward School by the MN Department of Education and a National Blue Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education.
He began preaching himself in 2010 and continues to spread the Gospel however he can. In 2012 he became the Minnesota State Baptist Minister of Music where they recently completed their live recording, “We Are Better Together” in 2016 where 20 churches came together. The recording was released on August 21st and was in the top 25 on the Billboard charts for a consecutive six weeks.
Tonnisha
Has been a health educator and exercise specialist with Health Partners for 8 years. She coaches various topics surrounding health and wellness, weight loss surgery, and tobacco cessation. She comes from Augsburg College with a double major in Health/Physical Education and Sports Medicine. She is the subject matter expert for the coaching topics of exercise, back health, and sports nutrition. Tonnisha has also been trained as an intrinsic coach, and in motivational interviewing.
Recently Tonnisha has completed an International Health and Wellness Coaching Certification through Real Balance Wellness Mapping 360. Recent work within the Health Promotion Department allowed her to be a content writer for various weight management, and fitness handbooks, and has also been the pilot tester for a more innovative form of health coaching via Skype. In previous work Tonnisha has been a level 5 Elite Personal Trainer, with special focuses on sport development, Law Enforcement physical fitness training, sports massage, and kickboxing. She continues to exude her passion for health and wellness by teaming with Pearls of Living. She brings a dynamic component of enthusiasm for fitness and health through her faith.
Recently Tonnisha has completed an International Health and Wellness Coaching Certification through Real Balance Wellness Mapping 360. Recent work within the Health Promotion Department allowed her to be a content writer for various weight management, and fitness handbooks, and has also been the pilot tester for a more innovative form of health coaching via Skype. In previous work Tonnisha has been a level 5 Elite Personal Trainer, with special focuses on sport development, Law Enforcement physical fitness training, sports massage, and kickboxing. She continues to exude her passion for health and wellness by teaming with Pearls of Living. She brings a dynamic component of enthusiasm for fitness and health through her faith.
Joseph
Joseph believes that with God, all things are possible. New climates never changed the person. He grew up in Blue Springs Mississippi. Graduated High school from John Marshall High School in Rochester, MN. Earned a scholarship to play football 4 years at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education in 2008.
There has always been a passion for serving others in the community within Joseph's career. He served as an Americorps Promise Fellow for MN Department of Health, then on to become a Health Consultant for an elementary school in Minneapolis. Joseph currently has worked as a Office and Program Manager working with individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral, mental health concerns.
With Pearls of Living, Joseph looks to continue his passion and build off a foundation established in 2016 called 'Bready Life Inc.' to encourage healthy thinking and healthy living. He strongly encourages in others that to get ready, you must always Be ready. You do that by helping others Be ready for any and all life unexpected challenges. He is the website designer for Pearls of Living.
There has always been a passion for serving others in the community within Joseph's career. He served as an Americorps Promise Fellow for MN Department of Health, then on to become a Health Consultant for an elementary school in Minneapolis. Joseph currently has worked as a Office and Program Manager working with individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral, mental health concerns.
With Pearls of Living, Joseph looks to continue his passion and build off a foundation established in 2016 called 'Bready Life Inc.' to encourage healthy thinking and healthy living. He strongly encourages in others that to get ready, you must always Be ready. You do that by helping others Be ready for any and all life unexpected challenges. He is the website designer for Pearls of Living.