Remembering Mr. Lee M. Chapman

 

My heart is heavy today. It's not easy saying goodbye to someone that becomes a part of your life and has had an impact in your life and this man did.

I first met Mr. Chapman back in 2003. At that time his ministry resided on 5th Street in Philadelphia. Sadly, I can’t recall 100% of our conversation but I came away knowing enough about him and his vision. What I remember most about him was that his passion was like mine but broader. We both had a fervent desire to share the gospel with others. Truth in the world we live in is in dire straits. People are existing in the earth but are clueless as to why they are here, what their purpose is, what God has given them, and most of all that he loves them. People need to know that Jesus is all we need to survive. Sin is real and strongly present in our society. Temptation is strong to do wrong. Many looking for love are finding temporary fixes in all the wrong places. Satan is busy and looking for recruits. God is who we need and all we need. The battle is not ours and it has already been won by the Son (Jesus).

The second thing I noticed was similar between Mr. Chapman and I was the love of writing. The word of God emphasizes how will people know unless some are sent to tell them? (Example: John the Baptist) Some uphold preachers in the pulpits with mega churches with high esteem shunning the little guy and not acknowledging that he too is a vessel. The Lord commissioned His disciples to take the gospel out into the world; His commission is for all his disciples. At this time, I had been writing for three years when I met Mr. Lee. I believe God took a situation I was struggling with and told me that the love I was searching for was in him (Jesus) and all the solution solvers and answers I would need for my every concern could be found in Him. My very first poem written for Him “I Owe him my Everything” began my mission to spread His love. For the past 16 years God has been pouring stuff in me to share. Most of it speaks to me first before I share it with others. Some I have been led to share and some I have been led to keep for the right time. Yes, God has His own perfect timing in everything. Not when we want it but when he wills it, at His given and appointed moment. I began with poetry alone then branched out with God waking me to write about things either I had been experiencing or knew someone who was. At times I felt like God was speaking to me so clear it was almost like I could hear His voice. Yes, I am flawed, I make mistakes, I have sinned, but this is why I too need(ed) a Savior with the Grace and Mercy that HE alone possesses to make me whole, pick me back up when I fall, and keep my feet planted on the right road that draws me into a deeper relationship Him.

Mr. Chapman and I again crossed paths in 2006 after a serious turn of events happened in my life in the latter part of 2005. His place of ministry had moved 15 doors down on the same block of N. 5th Street. I knew he would be able to help me with what I was trying to do and that was share what God had been giving me to others. I needed to let people know that God loved them, had a plan for their lives, and that He was the only one that could save them. One of my favorite phrases is “Jesus is the Key”, and I love “God is the answer”. Whether some or none believe- these two phrases are truth. Mr. Chapman agreed, and I released my first self-published book and had a signing at C&C Christian Bookstore in April 2006.  Soon after this event I began being mentored by Mr. Chapman. I was meeting different people through the bookstore that I could share my testimony with and what I had written. Not only was I sharing through my book, but I have been sharing through blogs, websites, and on Facebook for a couple of years. We can indeed touch lives, even if it’s just one at a time. Mr. Chapman was a blessing in my life. I believe he was working harder to make sure that people knew who I was and what God was saying through me more than I was. I felt a connection with him. I could relate to his desire to share truth. It’s just something that you can’t help but want to do, not because you think you know it all but because first and foremost God wants us to and because you care about people and want them to know that God cares even more. We as His disciples plant the seeds and God does the watering and the increase. Mr. Chapman dedicated his life to sharing the gospel and trying to help people. He will be truly missed and never forgotten. It was a blessing to be included and involved with his vision and to listen to the things he shared with me from the Bible and about God. I often felt like a sponge soaking up knowledge from a wise man who had a much broader perception of the word than I did. I learned a lot from his talks with me. I will miss his voice and miss just knowing he was still here, but God had other plans, and He knows what is best for each and every one of us.

10/11/16