THOMAS BROWN:
The Genesis of
MAN UP MENTORING, INC.

Thomas Brown is the Emeritus Pastor and Founder of Redeeming Light Center Church in Eatonville, Florida along with his wife, Emeritus Pastor Beverly Brown. More than 20 years ago, he created Man Up, a male youth mentoring ministry. Man Up was the impetus for the Orlando-based non-profit known today as MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. (MAN UP).

 

In the late 1980’s, the emeritus pastors were introduced to members of the Wallace family as parishioners of Redeeming Light Center Church. Who knew where their journey would lead them many years later.

 

As we celebrate a decade of MAN UP’s impact, take a few minutes to discover the lasting influence the organization's predecessor played in shaping the community-based organization’s foundation and its founder Chris Wallace.

 

MAN UP (MU): What did you initially think when Chris and Samantha came to you in 2014 about starting MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. as a nonprofit in Orlando?

 

Emeritus Pastor Thomas Brown (EPTB): I was not surprised at all. Because when Chris Wallace assisted me with Man Up, our male youth ministry at the church, I could see that he had a passion for the boys. His passion and burden were even more fervent than mine.

 

I used to always say, “I started Man Up not because I felt the Lord called me to; but instead, simply because I saw a need in the community.” Chris discovered his God given assignment when he came to volunteer and serve beside me. He was my right-hand. Man Up, under my leadership, would not have been successful without Chris.

 

After announcing my plans of retiring from pastoral ministry, I had no intentions of continuing Man Up. I was glad and relieved when they approached me about starting MAN UP Mentoring Inc.. I had already groomed Chris Wallace to be my successor. However, I’m grateful to see how the Lord brought a brother and sister together to take MAN UP to a level I never imagined. 

 

MU: Where did you think MAN UP would be by now? 

 

EPTB: MAN UP has far exceeded my dreams. After passing the baton, I knew that it would flourish because of the passion and burden for young people that is demonstrated by my successors. 

 

I am so proud to see how the Lord has provided and blessed MAN UP. I believe the Lord has even bigger plans for MAN UP as Chris and Samantha continue to obey and steward the assignment. There is such a tremendous need in the community for youth mentoring.

 

MU: What type of impact did you envision the brother and sister team making? 

 

EPTB: I expected them to build and expand on the foundation that was already established when Chris and I mentored those young boys for many years often times with minimum resources. 

 

I’m glad to see the doors open for the girls to be apart now. There were some girls who wanted to be apart during the early years when I served as leader. But it wasn’t part of the vision at that time. 

 

MU: Why did you entrust them to carry the baton?

 

EPTB: Because of their faithfulness, sacrifices and willingness to assist me. They’re a great team. They augment and complement each other. I experience such fulfillment and joy when I hear and see how the Lord is using them. One of my dreams was to be able to witness the growth, development and success of my successors.   

 

MU: Do you recall the early days when you first started Man Up Youth Ministry at Redeeming Light Center Church? 

 

EPTB: Yes, it started one Wednesday by inviting some of the young men hanging on the street corners to meet me for pizza. Then they returned the next week (and continued every week) with more of their friends. I solicited the assistance of the men of the church. However, Chris Wallace came with excitement and willingness to serve. He never left my side. He was a God sent. 

 

MU: Where would you like to see MAN UP over the next decade?

 

EPTB: With multiple locations and a full-time staff.

 

ABOUT MAN UP MENTORING, INC.

MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. is community-based non-profit 501c (3) charity organization primarily serving at-risk youth ages 11 through completion of high school or the equivalent across Metro Orlando, with a focus on delinquency prevention and intervention by providing social, educational, and mentoring services. Established in 2014 by Orlando natives, brother and sister duo Christopher and Samantha Wallace. Currently, it is managed by an Executive Director, contractors and a full-time staff of volunteers. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with more than 150 years of law enforcement and civilian experience, as well as advisors from the Orange County Public School System and social services.