God Has a Plan
About three years ago, God sent Pastor Harvey Marquez to The Salvation Army's Anaheim Emergency Shelter. His energy spreads his faith to anyone within sight or hearing distance. On a casual phone call, Pastor Harvey continued to greet and bless people who came by. You can’t help but feel you are safe and in God’s presence when you see or speak with him.
How did he get here?
He came from private industry as an abuse counselor and was without a job. When he was hired by The Salvation Army Orange County, he says his and his wife’s prayers were answered. Harvey was originally hired as a case manager and after two months became a Pastor. As Pastoral Care Lead, he is responsible for the approximately 325 guests and 50 staff at the Anaheim Emergency Shelter.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters.” He strives to always walk the walk while respecting the hierarchy of the workplace.
Pastor Harvey reveals that previously he had lost everything: a child, his job, even his health. In talking about this time, he cites one of his favorite passages, Joel 2:25, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter.” He used God’s word to live with hope for the future, always trusting that God has a plan.
At home
Pastor Harvey and his wife Carmen have seven children, including 10-month old Benjamin Eli. Before his birth, doctors were concerned about possible down syndrome and kidney problems.
Before the birth, friends with copies of Bible verses prayed over his wife and the baby. After the birth, Benjamin was in the NICU and the nurses also took the written verses and prayed over him. In the end his NICU visit was a complication at birth, easily solved. And Benjamin is perfectly healthy: Can we just say, “The power of prayer.”? Pastor Harvey truly exemplifies trusting in God's plan and resting in His provision!