Pastor Carter in Court: Guess Why?

Mount Ararat Church

Pastor Carter in Court: Guess Why?

My son was arrested for having a gun. I thought his life was over. When I came to the Pastor, he immediately made some phone calls to make sure that my son was safe in the system. After my son was released, he sat and spoke with us and helped us walk through the process. He prayed for us and said to keep him informed.

When the court day came for my son to be sentenced, we looked around and who do we see sitting in the courtroom? Pastor Carter! I was shocked! My family was shocked! The lawyers were shocked! Even the judge herself was shocked! She said, "In all of my years on the bench, I have never seen a pastor show up in court."

Because this was my son's first offense, the judge struck a deal with the pastor and said, "If you agree to allow him to do community service at the church for one year, we will strike his record clean and allow him to move on." Pastor agreed, my son worked at the church for that one year and his record was cleared.

He went on to college and graduated and is now an actor and has played on the show "Law and Order." I am just glad to be a part of this church and there is nothing that can ever change my love for the pastor and the congregation because he didnt have to agree to show up and/or support us during this trying time. We love our church community!

-Annoymous

Years of Growth and Grace

I joined Mount Ararat Church many years ago, looking for a place where my faith could grow. What I found was not just a church, but a family that has walked with me through every season of my life. Through joyful celebrations and challenging trials, this community has stood by me. Pastor Carter’s powerful preaching and the church’s commitment to teaching the Word of God have kept me rooted in my faith and passionate about serving others. I’m so grateful to have been part of this journey for over two decades. I’ve grown spiritually, seen countless lives transformed, and experienced the grace of God in ways I never imagined. Mount Ararat is more than a church to me; it’s home. -K Smith; Long Island, NY

I Thought I Was Too Far Gone.....

I was convinced that church was not for someone like me. My past was too messy and my mistakes were too many. But then, one Sunday, I decided to go to church with one of my friends, and she was a member of Mount Ararat. I sat in the back, feeling unworthy and out of place, but that soon changed. Pastor Carter’s sermon on grace was like a direct message from God to me. For the first time, I understood that forgiveness was for everyone, even me. The warmth of the congregation erased my fears, and I knew this was where I belonged. To find a pastor who was not afraid to admit that he was not perfect was what I wanted to hear. And to add icing on the cake, I came dressed only to realize that most of the people who were there were dressed casually, which made me feel even more comfortable. I’m glad to be a member because our church doesn't just preach about acceptance—we live it. I’ve experienced forgiveness, healing, and a fresh start here. This church has given me a chance to rebuild my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Thanks Pastor for allowing me to share my story and journey! -Timothy B; Staten Island, NY

From Isolation to Connection

For years, I had been drifting from one church to another, mostly in Brooklyn, never quite feeling like I belonged. When I stumbled upon Mount Ararat by simply walking down the street, I didn't expect it to be any different. I decided to visit since I was new to the community and it was nearby. When I entered it was something about the way the congregation welcomed me from day one that made me feel at home. The first service I attended was so full of life, with a message that was both profound and relevant. The preacher was teaching on overcoming struggles and it hit close to my heart, and I realized I had finally found a place where I could grow spiritually. I knew I had to come back! As a member now for almost 10 years, I appreciate the deep sense of community here. The people are genuine, and the support I've received has been incredible. This church has connected me to a family that cares for my well-being, and I’m grateful to be part of something so special. -D. Staton; Brooklyn, NY