Born in Washington D.C., Rev. M.L. Cherry II grew up in the Pentecostal Evangelical Church in Palmer Park, Maryland, where his love for God, people, and music was noticed at an early age. At 8 years old, his parents transitioned their membership to Gateway Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland where his father Elder Cherry I became the Assistant Pastor.
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At 9 years old, Rev. Cherry gave his life to the Lord and received the gift of the Holy Spirit while sitting in the back room of a Church Anniversary Service. The hand of God became so strong in his life that he was asked to preach his First Sermon at Gateway Baptist Church titled, “A Touchdown for Jesus.”
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Rev. Cherry was ordained at 22 in his home church the Garden of Prayer #7 in Roanoke, Virginia. He served for 3 years as Executive Pastor of the Equation Church, one of the fastest growing churches in Greensboro, North Carolina and upon his return to Roanoke, he was appointed to serve as Director of Youth and Young Adults at the Garden of Prayer #7 Church. He was later ordained in the Baptist Faith at the New Free Spring Baptist Church.
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With a B.S. in Business Administration from Ferrum College and a Master's in Human Services from Liberty University, Rev. Cherry is currently pursuing a Master's in Divinity at Regent University. Professionally, he has over 8 years of law enforcement experience and currently
Rev. M.L. Cherry II
serves as a Medical and Clinical Operations Supervisor for Optum Health. In 2021, Rev. Cherry made history as the youngest person appointed to the Roanoke City School Board.
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Rev. Cherry’s Ministry philosophy is, “God calls you to preach, and overtime you develop in your preaching gift, but for holistic ministry, one must be well versed in how to lead in unique and evolving times”.
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Rev. Cherry is married to his college sweetheart, Mrs. Brittany Cherry, of Roanoke, Virginia who he refers to as his “bumblebee." Together they have beautiful twin daughters Ada Grace Cherry and Mya Brianne Cherry.
Behind every successful man, stands a strong, courageous woman. First Lady Brittany Cherry is one of a kind. “Lady Bee” was born and raised in Roanoke Virginia to Deacon Herman and Mrs. Lori Johnson. She was reared from birth in the Garden of Prayer #7 Church under the leadership of the Late Bishop Shadrack Brown Jr. There, she served as a pastors aid, dance ministry, and as the Assistant Director of the Youth Ministry alongside her husband, Rev. Cherry II.
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Lady Bee has a strong passion for children, women, and young mothers. She is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Ferrum College, and a Master’s in Arts in Business Law from Regent University. She currently works in medical management in the corporate world.
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Lady Bee is the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. When she speaks, you’ll listen. When you’re upset, she’ll listen. When you are in her presence, you’ll be at peace. “Who can find such a virtuous woman?”