Our Staff
Farrell “JT” Thomas Jr.
Deacon
Farrell “JT” Thomas Jr. is a Deacon at Perfecting Praise Worship Center. Deacon Farrell has been dedicated to serving others in various ways for most of his life. As a dedicated son and brother, he spent his young adult years being a support system for his father, mother and sister. Farrell accepted CHRIST at an early age and has been deeply rooted in his faith and love for CHRIST every since. Through his acts of service, Farrell developed strong leadership skills that only increased his need to make a more positive contribution to our community through impacting the lives of our youth. Through being heavily involved in his PPWC Church home and with his Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Farrell was able to see that our economically disadvantaged youth were not always seeing the positive role models that would help them positively develop and reach their full potential.
As a result of these observations, Farrell made the brave decision to change his career path and enter the field of education. Farrell currently works with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
Farrell is married to Ashley Thomas and is the proud father of two beautiful daughters Morgan and Peyton. The happy family are lifelong residents of Cuyahoga County.
Ashley Thomas
Deaconess
Ashley M. Thomas is a Deaconess at Perfecting Praise Worship Center. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ashley has served in various roles of service in her church home as well as within her community. At an early age, Ashley accepted CHRIST and has been devoted to her Christian faith every since. Ashley is a graduate of Kent State University. With a passion for serving those who have been negatively impacted by crimes and our criminal justice system, Ashley discovered through her studies of criminal justice at Kent State University that she wanted to be involved in the criminal justice system to assist individuals in navigating through a complex system in a meaningful way. Ashley is currently employed with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.
Ashley is married to Farrell JT Thomas Jr. and is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters Morgan and Peyton. The happy family are lifelong residents of Cuyahoga County.
Shayla Hurst
Elder in Training
I am Shayla Davon Hurst, born and raised in the City of Maple Heights to the parents of Sam and Shirlette Hurst. I am the eldest of three. I have two siblings, Shana and Samuel. I was raised in a home that believed in morals, values, attending church on each Sunday, participating within the church and being respectful to others. I accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Hermon Baptist Church. I was an active member at MHBC under the leadership of Elder Eric L. Waldon. I was a member of the church youth and mass choir, youth ministry (Youth Leader) and served as the President of the Youth Usher Board for many years. I graduated from Maple Heights High School in 2012 and graduated from Alabama State University, with a bachelors in Science in 2017. I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Although my transition into adulthood has not been easy, I am grateful to the many adversities I have encountered in my life, because it has taught me how to become a better problem solver and continue to seek the word of GOD which will help cultivate and inspire in all that I encounter. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Through the many obstacles that I have faced, I’ve grown to, be a GOD-fearing young woman. I joined Perfecting Praise Worship Center in 2019, under the leadership of Pastor Rafique Murphy Sr. At PPWC, I serve on the Pastoral Council, Praise Team, morning announcements, Singles Ministry and Women’s Ministry. I thank GOD for MHBC as my foundation church and I thank GOD for PPWC as my purpose church.
May GOD bless and keep you!
Tracy Mais
Church Administrator
I am Tracy Mais born and raised in Cleveland Ohio. I’m a mother of 3 and grandmother of 3. I was introduced to GOD at a very young age. I accepted Christ at the age of 13 while attending Zion Hill Baptist church under Pastor Hicks. I was a member of the youth choir and assisted in youth church. I’ve been through many challenges starting early in life that has tested my faith but GOD has been with me through it all. I'm A loving GOD-fearing child of GOD. A pillar to PPWC, perfecting her praise and perfecting her worship.
​Andrea Woods
Church Clerk
Hello, my name is Andrea Woods. I am the clerk at Perfecting Praise Worship Center. My responsibility is processing documents/data, helping visitors and maintaining all church memberships, I have been with my husband for over 20 years, (Avery Woods, church member). We have been married for almost 15 years in September and we have a son and two daughters. When I came to PPWC I had no belief in churches, I felt they were all about the money, full of judgement and I didn't need them to fulfil GOD's work. PPWC has helped increase my purpose, I say increase because I already know my purpose was helping people, but I mostly helped people within my circle and I felt I couldn't reach further than that myself. The LORD has blessed me with helping hands, heart and a family of HIS chosen people who want to grow in HIS name while building HIS kingdom. PPWC isn't a perfect church with perfect people, I joined because I felt they know that they're not perfect, wasn't judging me coming thru the door because I am not perfect and the members want to work on perfecting our praise together!!
May GOD bless and keep you!
Our Beliefs
"BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF FAITH”
