In February, just two days before closing on their dream property at 43 E. Tallmadge Ave., Pastor Gerald Ivery and Precious, his wife and First Lady, walked into what can only be described as a biblical-level surprise: Every copper pipe was gone.

So was the church van.

Thieves must have missed the “Thou shalt not steal” memo.

The new home of Central Starlight Missionary Baptist had quite the rocky start. Faith, though, has a way of smoothing out the rough spots. 

With prayer in their pockets and determination in their steps, the Iverys pressed forward, trusting that their God can turn even stolen plumbing into a testimony.

Months later, the new location offers space for dreams, outreach and a future as strong as the foundation beneath it.

How did the Iverys stay on course? 

Akron in 330

The jewel of Akron is its people. They’re vibrant and resilient. Flawed, yet thoughtful and nurturing. And all of them come with compelling stories. That’s why we launched “Akron in 330.” This series offers a glimpse into everyday folks’ journeys across our many neighborhoods — 330 words at a time. Know someone we should consider? Tell us here.

Baby steps. Sacrifice. Keeping the passion for their mission and vision strong. Embracing a love that laughs in the face of trials. 

They learned that when the pipes disappear and the church van takes a joyride without them (and doesn’t come back), God’s plan remains parked right where it should be.

They rerouted funds designated for an indoor gymnasium to cover the cost of new pipes. 

A piece of copper pipe cut out by thieves inside Central Starlight Missionary Baptist in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

They remembered their love. During a two-hour chat with a visitor, they finished each other’s sentences; they laughed at the construction chaos and the never-ending cell phone ringtones; they smiled at each other constantly; they encouraged one another to continue their trains of thought.

They remembered why the church moved to North Hill in the first place. The congregation needed space to house faith operations and their nonprofit, God Answers Prayers; it’s devoted to empowering residents through accessible services, supportive space and faith-based guidance. 

Signal background

Sometimes the best way to multiply loaves and fishes is to multiply jobs and opportunities. Think Job Corps with a halo.

Central Starlight and God Answers Prayers are building not just a church, but a beacon for Akron — proof that even setbacks can be holy setups.

Patricia Sheahan is a professor, student teacher supervisor, installation artist, educational consultant for the integration of the arts across all disciplines and a freelance writer. Sheahan enjoys more than four decades of education experience at K-12 schools in New York and Pennsylvania and higher education at Seton Hill University, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Penn State and most recently the University of Akron. Her favorite courses to teach are Social Justice Through the Arts, Ethics, Introduction to Critical Education, Classroom Management and Integrating the Arts K-12. Interests include visiting the Akron Art Museum, Akron Library, Civic Theatre, walking downtown to view murals and window light installations plus the stunning flower and plant arrangements, antiquing, especially from her own vendor space at The Brothers North Antiques in Medina. She also frequents Akron restaurants and local boutiques, travels and spends time with her family; a daughter and her newly blended family in North Canton, a son and his family in San Diego and a son in Dallas.