BLESSED ACTS MINISTRIES
Leonard “Speedy” Gainer, and his lovely wife, Michelle Banks-Gainer are the visionaries for this married couples ministry. Leonard and Michelle joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, under the leadership of Dr. William D. Scott, in 1999.
Both Leonard and Michelle share similar scripts in life. As children growing up, both of their parent’s marriages ended with a divorce. Subsequently, Leonard and Michelle’s prior marriages also ended in divorce. Determined not to fail again, they both sought to find what was missing from their previous marriage, a “Godly” husband and wife. Leonard knew from the moment they met that the Lord had sent Michelle his way. Although it took some convincing on Michelle’s behalf, they were eventually married after 3 years of dating on July 21, 2001.
During their first year of marriage, surely what God had joined together, the devil was trying to tear asunder. They went through a series of tests and wondered if all marriages go through the difficult stages they were experiencing. They both loved the Lord and they believed that through Christ Jesus all things were possible. Consequently, Leonard began to undergo a spiritual check-up. While prbing GOD for answers, the holy spirit spoke to him and said to “Surrender everthing unto GOD. He knows that you love him and believe in him, however, you must yield to his will. Allow Christ to solve, Allow Christ to Save, and above all, Allow Christ to be Sovereign in your lives. Your marriage shall be blessed when you do.”. Leonard later shared this with Michelle and they began to give birth to Blessed ACTS Married Couples Ministry.
Their ministry was established on December 20, 2003. Since the inception date, they have met once each month with over 30 married couples seeking a more intimate relationship with GOD and each other. ord. The ministry objective is to help couples develope practical ways of handling life test by the instructive word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Leonard “Speedy” Gainer was born in Panama City, Florida, and is the son of Robbie J. Peoples and the late Leonard Gainer, Sr. His parents relocated to Virginia Beach when he was 6 years old. Leonard attended First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, VA, and received an Athletic Scholarship to attend Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC. He graduated in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration. He began his business career in 1980 as an Advertising Sales Representative for the Virginian Pilot and Ledger Star. In 1988, he was appointed with State Farm Insurance Companies and has operated his own insurance agency for the last 17 years..
Michelle Banks-Gainer was born in Elizabeth City, NC, and is the daughter of the late Elder Nora Ann Williams and Cornelius Snowden, III. Michelle was also raised by her beloved grandmother Mrs. Nora Etheridge. Michelle attended public school in the city of Elizabeth City and graduated from Northeastern High School. She continued her education at Elizabeth City State University, majoring in Business Management. Michelle relocated to Virginia in 1985. Michelle is employed as a Marketing and Professional Relations Representative with Delta Dental of California.
The two of them share three wonderful children: Leonard Gainer, III, Stefan Miquel Banks, and Mone’t Ariel Banks.
We thank God for allowing us the opportunity to serve in this ministry and we thank God for our spiritual parents, our Bishop William D. Scott and Reverend Joyce Rose Scott.
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