One Day in the Poetic Faith Of Dr. Ford Matipa

About the Book

“It was only yesterday that I looked Elmhurst straight in the eyes and would not believe what I saw. Elmhurst was crying and weeping for her children; afraid she would loose them to social services. Her sorrow was palpable...and who better to know than I, one of her surviving children.” An historic church had just burnt down. Welcome to the year of our Lord, 1995-circa. “It’s okay to cry, mama,” I said, comforting her. Therefore, it was that I made a promise to tell of her story and of her children. Shout it abroad about those of White Anglo-Saxon European (WASP) era to a generation of immigrants (eager to assimilate by shedding their ancestral embodiment). Life always takes us through periods of peaks and valleys: as individuals, couples, members of families, congregations and the community at large. Elmhurst Baptist Church (as a congregation) and the surrounding community experienced such a baptism by fire. The epicenter of it all was an old boiler that led to a four-alarm fire, on that fateful Wednesday morning, of November 15, 1995. I realized then that such an event was not the first, nor would it be the last to befall the faithful. Therefore, I pledged to tell of this story in poetry that others may learn and take courage from the Biblical inspirational words that “this too shall pass.” I was a witness to every event presented in this book. The sorrow I feel today is in that the reflective memories in the book have come too late for most of the people who have gone to be with the Lord. I know they are glad, that we have not forgotten about them. Sister Kellene Holt would always say, “I know you, young ones will carry on things.” In addition, Bob McPherran would remind me never to forget the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. In telling the story of Elmhurst, I also tell the story of my personal spiritual and poetic journey and the many areas I have served the Elmhurst, Queens and Metropolitan New York Communities. As Moderator, Trustee, Deacon, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Wednesday Weekly Bible Study and Worship/Prayer Meetings Leader, Singles Fellowship Founder, Choir, Youth Group Leader, Men’s Fellowship Co-Founder, and Healthcare committee coordinator. ABC-Metro New York Board, as Queens County Representative, Public Mission Healthcare Subcommittee Chairperson, & Assistant Treasurer. The book has six sections: Section I: “Exile in Babylon” This section opens with the time of the fire; followed by the period of “homelessness.” The five organizations that rented space found themselves homeless. The host Church (EBC) continued worship services at the Community United Methodist Church, in Jackson Heights. Thanks to ABC-Metro NY and the Queens Federation of Churches. Section II: “Home” This section is a reflection of coming back “home” to a renovated church building. The church membership had gone down to almost a third of the original number. Section III: “Home Is Where the Heart Is” This period represents a time of turbulence and struggle to return to “normal.” Things had changed and we struggled to adapt to the new reality. Section IV: “Farewell My Friends” A time of farewells as elderly members relocated to nursing homes or passed-on to be with the Lord. We struggled to remember them and cherish our earlier times together. Section V: “Autobiography” This is a unique form of poetry presented as an autobiographic interview. It started in my attempt to tell the story of my mother. Then I used it to tell of the life of Auntie Dorcas Mwamba (deceased) and Sister Emelie Barilea. Section VI: “Epilogue” Sometime after the fire, I relocated to West Babylon, in Long Island. I continued to commute to church as I struggled to find another church. It is my hope and belief that you will have the courage to use this book as a mirror to reflect upon your own personal closer walk with thee. Should this experience find you in the pits of the valleys of life may the Good Lord grant you faith, patience, determination, resilience, wisdom and hope to remember that: “this too shall pass.”

About the Author

Ford Matipa came to the U.S.A., in 1994, to care for his ailing mother and immediately joined Elmhurst Baptist Church, in Queens, New York. He has served the church and the American Baptist Churches of Metropolitan New York Board of Directors in various capacities. He currently serves the Region as Vice-Treasurer and Queens County Representative. Ford is a Christian medical doctor, poet, professor, artist, athlete and entrepreneur. He did his medical training at the University Teaching Hospital & Nchanga Mine Hospitals in Zambia. He is a professor at The New York School for Medical & Dental Assistants, NY. He is an acknowledged reviewer of such textbooks as (1) “Medical Terminology with Human Anatomy,” (Fifth edition) by Jane Rice, and (2) “Saunders Textbook of Medical Assisting,” by Diane M. Klieger. He is a Distinguished Member of the International Society of Poets. The National Library of Poetry Anthology has published his writings in (1) Surrounded by Dreams, 1998 (America, America), and (2) Thoughts by Candlelight, 1998 (Mother of the Church). His poetry has been nominated for various awards. He continues to teach and write, and currently resides in Richmond Hill, New York.