The Biceps of Belief: Meet Alvin!

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.” — Psalm 28:7

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If you’ve spent more than five minutes at Gateway To Hope, you know Alvin. He’s the one with the smile that could power a small city, the voice that bellows “HALLELUJAH!” like he just got front-row seats to the Second Coming, followed by a joyful “God is good!” or “Praise God!”—usually with a Jamaican-infused rhythm that makes even the most stressful day feel like a celebration.

And—have you seen those arms?! We’re not exaggerating. At 80+ years young, this Jamaican-born force of nature has biceps that would make Arnold Schwarzenegger take one look, put down his dumbbells, and mutter, “I should have just stayed in politics.”

But here’s the thing about Alvin: those muscles aren’t just for show. They weren’t built in some fancy gym or sculpted for magazine covers. They’re the kind of muscles you earn by a lifetime of showing up… lifting boxes of groceries, carrying whatever needs carrying, and serving the Lord with every ounce of strength He gave him.

And he doesn’t do it quietly. Oh no. Every box of groceries he hoists, every kind word he offers, every neighbor he helps? Accompanied by a joyful “HALLELUJAH!” or a “God is good!” that echoes through the parking lot. You can’t help but smile. You can’t help but believe.

And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a “Praise God, mon!” that makes everything feel brighter.

When I occasionally fill in for Debbie Shepard with my accordion, you better believe I’m breaking out some Bob Marley or Peter Tosh in Alvin’s honor. Because nothing says “God is good” quite like a little reggae on an accordion!

Here’s what makes Alvin truly special though: it’s not just the volunteers who adore him. It’s everyone… because everyone loves Alvin. Volunteers look forward to the days he’s there. The families we serve light up when they see him. Alvin has this incredible gift of making every single person feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether you’re lifting boxes beside him or receiving a box from him, Alvin treats you like family. And honestly? He is family.

Alvin is one of those people who makes Gateway To Hope what it is. Everyone knows him. Everyone loves him. And everyone who meets him walks away feeling just a little bit happier and stronger.

So here’s to you, Alvin. For the strength we all see and for the servant’s heart that makes those muscles mean something far greater.

Yes, Mon! God is good! Hallelujah indeed!