Dear editor,

Let your life so shine, so everybody will see there’s hope. Let your life so shine to make a difference with mankind. these are the words that can be sung when you think of Pastor Mark Duke. All he wants to do is teach and demonstrate that there is hope and a light can shine in your life.

The conversation that has everyone reacting in a negative attitude was between Pastor Duke and myself (Feb. 26, 2009). It was an exchange of conversation between two people that love the Lord and have hope for this city that one day all people will be treated equal and walk together with each other.

Proverbs 17:22 — “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” There were two merry hearts that were laughing and having a conversation together and agreeing with each other in an innocent manner and a misjudgment of action transpired toward Pastor Duke. It could have been anyone else and the conversation would have gone unnoticed.

I would like to say to those of you of this city that want to continue to single Pastor Duke out for his kind heart, humbleness, and meek spirit, come and join him in assisting those that need the help; pick up those that have been knocked down or fallen by the way side. Shine your light so that others can see the goodness of your hearts.

I say o you, Pastor Duke, keep letting your light shine so that others can see the radiance that glows and is portrayed and just maybe their lights will start to shine.

Sister act to be followed,

Debra J. Oliver

Selma