Pastor Marcus Small is the Administrative Pastor of the People's Inter-Cities Fellowship (PICF) of Marin City. He has served faithfully at the church for so many years. He is the husband of Melanie Small, a registered nurse, and the proud father of two children, Quinlan and Sherrell. In his secular work, Rev. Small is the Executive Director of the Center for Restorative Practice in San Rafael. In spite of his many responsibilities at PICF and the Center for Restorative Practice, Marcus volunteers at BAF and has been very involved in our ministry for the past three years.

Education & Licenses

A.A. Degree, Behavioral Sciences, College of Marin, Kentifield, CA 1979-1981
B.A. Psychology, San Francisco State University, San Fran, CA 1982-1984
M.S. Clinical Psychology, San Francisco State University, San Fran. CA, 1985-1987
Licensed Minister, Church of God, Anderson, IN, 1987;
Marriage & Family Therapist, State of California, 1990
Ordained Minister, Interstate Association Church of God, 1996

What are your responsibilities at PICF and at Restorative Practice?

At PICF, I serve as Associate/ Executive Pastor. My duties include preaching, leading the daily noon prayer, teaching, counseling, Chairman of the Board, Chief Financial Officer, Minister of Music and leader of Friday Night Live. Friday Night Life replaced our Sunday school for children and youth almost 10 years ago.

At the Center for Restorative Practice, I have served as the Executive Director since 2008, having started with the organization in 1991 as a case manager. As executive director, I manage the budget, write proposals for funding, manage staff, lead monthly board meetings, attend County Director’s meetings, consult with attorneys, and facilitate meetings for the County and other agencies. I also update policies and procedures and write all checks for the agency and ensure all paperwork is in order.

Why have you been supporting BAF for so long?

A few years ago in a joint Wednesday bible study while sitting next to Sis Mildred Williams, an appeal was made for an offering for BAF. A comment that Sis. Williams made sparked an idea for me. She mentioned if people would give $10.... I carried that thought to Pastor Akognon which he allowed me to make. I asked if people who had not been giving would commit to giving at least $10 monthly. I committed to giving $25 per month. My feeling was Wow! What if 100 people would faithfully give at least $10 per month? My BAF involvement over the years has been inspired by Pastor Akognon’s dedication and commitment to helping people in Africa. I had not given on a monthly basis until a few years ago. I would give when appeals were made or when a fundraiser would take place. I believe that BAF’s dedication to Missions is invaluable. Helping people physically can help prepare them to hear the Word of God.

What volunteer (work) responsibilities do you currently have at the Better Africa Foundation?

I currently record the giving for BAF monthly donors as well as record funds that are received from BAF events. I also organize the yearly statements for tax purposes and help ensure that statements are prepared for mailing before the deadline. I record and track the names and addresses for mailing purposes, and help with various fundraising activities.

You have a son that is also a missionary, what does he do and where?

Quinlan has been doing mission work at an orphanage in Mexico (Carmen Serdan). He went there shortly after graduating from high school. The orphans need total care and over the years, Quinlan has felt a call from the Lord to serve.

Please tell us about your wife and daughter.

Melanie and I have been married for 22.5 years. She is the daughter of Pastor Vernel Warren in Stockton. She is a wonderful wife and mother. She is a registered nurse and works part-time at Kaiser in San Rafael. She also has worked with home health care agencies during her career as a nurse. My daughter Sherréll loves food and loves to exercise. She graduated from Rancho Cotate High School with honors 2007 and currently attends Santa Rosa JC and continues to do very well. Sherréll has thought about opening her own child care home.

What would you like our readers to know about the need in Africa? Do you plan to go to Africa one day?

The things that we take for granted in America are great needs in Africa: Electricity, clothing, food, transportation, the Gospel and much more. One of the main hopes that I have for the people of Africa is for them to embrace the message of Jesus Christ. While I have not made plans to visit Africa at this time, one day I may. However, my goal is to continue to support BAF in the ministry of changing lives in Africa.