First Lady Marsha Dunkins is a wife, mother, educator, community leader, and first and foremost, a servant of the Lord. She was born and raised in Bridgeton, New Jersey where she attended the Bridgeton Public School System. She graduated from Bridgeton High School and went on to attend Morgan State University receiving her BA in Social Work. Sis Dunkins continued her education at Rowan University earning her teaching credentials and is a certified school counselor.
Pastor and Sister Dunkins were married on September 22, 1979 and are the proud parents of four children Erica, Justin, Jennifer and Brittney. She dedicated her life to Christ in July 1981 under the leadership of Pastor James A. Goolsby and his wife, Maryann, at New Hope Baptist Church in Cedarville, New Jersey. It is here that she learned the foundational principles of the Bible and what Christ truly meant when He said we are all servants of the Most High God.
Sister Dunkins' life scripture is "the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:" (Psalm 37:23) and "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8).
Her first ministry is to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This would include being available to do anything from mopping a floor to visiting the sick, presentingworkshops, speaking the Word or offering a word of encouragement. Sis Dunkins' next and primary ministry and responsibility is assisting her husband, Pastor Dunkins, and friend in the development of God*s Vision for Shiloh Baptist Church, "one church in two locations". The next major ministry has been rearing their children and in that process working with all facets of the youth ministry. Even though their children are now grown, she still works closely with the youth. Over the past twenty years, her other ministries have included at one time or another: Kitchen Ministry, Sunday School teacher (youth and adults), Women's Ministry, Teen Bible Study, Pastor's Transportation, Intercessory Prayer Warrior, Pastor's Cabinet, Speaker, and Women's Workshop Presenter, just to name a few.
Sis. Dunkins says, "It has been and will always be my pleasure to bless and serve the Lord."