By Karen Stokes
Pastor Marlon Lock
On Saturday August 27, Robert Pyles, pastor of Abundant Faith Church of Integrity, 7830 W. Good Hope, will be hosting the “Praise for Peace” benefit concert for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin.
Originally from Alabama, Pyles served in the military for 15 years. It was in 1994 when he began his spiritual journey. He eventually moved to Milwaukee, and in 1998 he and his wife, Betty, purchased a McDonald’s franchise on 76th and Acacia. He was then called and chosen to pastor the Abundant Faith Church of integrity. In addition to pastoring a congregation, Pyles presently owns 16 McDonald’s restaurants in the Milwaukee area.
“I found myself pastoring to the kids in McDonalds. I refer to it as ‘McDonald’s Missionary Baptist Church,’” Pyles said. “I reach out to help support the spiritual needs of the workers whether they are members of my church or not. I offer counseling and ministry. It’s really one hat. It carries over every area of your life.”
Pastor Robert and Betty Pyles
Pastor Pyles explained, “When God shifts you, he shifts your whole life. Marriage, workplace, everything shifts together.”
The Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin began in 1984 with a mission to provide a “home away from home” for families with children receiving serious medical treatment at Children’s Hospital. Families can be close to their hospitalized children and according to the RMHC website, no one is ever turned away for their inability to pay.
Nearly 1000 families were helped through the RMHC Milwaukee last year. The families are assisted with therapeutic programs, meal programs and a community area to interact with other families while experiencing the difficulties of caring for a sick child.
Praise for Peace Concert (All photos provided by Laughlin Constable)
Pastor Pyles said he is enjoying the opportunity to collaborate with other pastors for the concert. Bishop Darrell Hines, pastor of Christian Faith Fellowship Church and Marlon Lock, pastor of Unity Gospel House of Prayer are involved in the event.
“The best thing for me is that I had the opportunity to spend time with other pastors. I’m grateful for the unity,” said Pyles.
The concert is Saturday August 27, at 6 p.m. at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N Water St. The audience can look forward to a production filled with praise and music from a collaboration of regional and national gospel recording artists. Bishop William Murphy, Shekinah Glory Ministry, Charlin Neal, Pastor Marlon Lock and more will be performing at benefit.
Charlin Neal
Pastor William Murphy
Tickets are $12 and are available at the Marcus Center Box Office or call Ticketmaster at 414-273- 7206.
Pyles cautioned that tickets were selling fast.
“It’s really going to be more than a concert,” said Pyles. “I believe this event will be bringing the community together on a positive note.”