Arba Cooper

Leap Back into Service

On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Romans 12:20

Reggie and I immediately became very close friends. When he told me his vision of renovating The Broadway Theatre in Buffalo, I immediately got involved. I even asked my current employer to support the project by paying for the donation banner. I taught Reggie more about the Internet, emailing, websites, and printing. I shared my life story with Reggie as we worked together. He kept encouraging me that I was a good woman and to get back into business but I was reluctant. I became complacent with just helping him achieve his dreams. He eventually convinced me to partner with him and we created Synergy Media Promotions.

Eventually I realized that I needed to plug back into church to start hearing from God again. I joined Zion Dominion Global Ministries in 2011. Under the ministry of Pastor Roderick L. Hennings and First Lady Pamela Hennings, I yearned for a covenant marriage. I came to the conclusion that I would not be reconciled with my husband. Therefore, I specifically prayed for a man who truly loves the Lord and has his own personal relationship. I asked for evidence by his fruits. In September 2012 God answered my prayers by sending me Richard Cooper who is an active member in the Media Ministry at our church. Through him I started serving God again. I had the opportunity to create R.L. Hennings Ministries e-commerce website for people to purchase sermons. Reggie and I also created a monthly publication for church members to advertise their businesses. From that venture Reggie started Upfront Business Magazine.

Leap Back into Life

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

When Rick met me he instantly felt God answered his prayers. He was divorced and supporting his only son, Ian. I knew he was a good man and a great father. However, it took me two years to accept him because I was still struggling with my own guilt and condemnation. After 7 years of separation, I finally filed for divorce. By the time Rick and I decided to get married, we felt a real sense of urgency. We knew God wanted us to get our lives in order because He has work for us to do. God blessed us with the ability to buy a house, so we decided to have a small backyard wedding with our friends and family on July 11, 2015.

2015

As I started to regain my zeal, I looked for more opportunities to serve. When I attended a business event sponsored by SCORE, I was very impressed by the speakers and the entrepreneurial atmosphere. I felt God urging me to get involved. Shortly after becoming a volunteer I was asked to be a workshop presenter. I felt my life purpose aligning with the mission of SCORE to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. I make time to volunteer while still working full-time for LocalEdge.

I am now back on track with my life and God is opening so many doors. Within a year I was asked to become the next Chapter Chair for Buffalo Niagara SCORE. God doesn’t care about my ability; He cares about my availability. It was hard for me to believe that just seven years ago I was out of business, out of money and out of hope. Now God is restoring everything; even my blood pressure has returned to normal and I’m no longer taking medication. My new husband and I are in the process of starting a business together to help Event Planners.

Chapter Chair Buffalo Niagara Score

I openly shared my life story to make a point. God is not looking for perfect people; He’s looking for willing people to fulfill his perfect plan. Life is a series of choices. God gives us all the free will to make our own choices. The only way to make the right choices is by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior and allowing Him to guide you. This is not a one-time action. We must continually pray for strength to stop doing things our way and pray for God’s wisdom to do things His way.