Rick Garrett, Sr., has been married to the beautiful Debra Garrett for 38 years. He is the father of 6 children, grandfather of 17, great grandfather of 5 and spiritual/God father to many who find his personal demeanor and compassionate nature an excellent replacement in the lives of those whose biological fathers have vacated their parental responsibility.
Rick was born in a small town in Texas, until he moved to the Town of Florence, AZ with his mother in the late 1960’s. He grew up as an only child in a single parent household. Being rejected by his biological father, not being able to connect with his half-brothers, not having a strong male presence in his life, society would have classified him as one least likely to succeed. But little did society know that Rick had been poured into by his grandmother and mother the positive affirmations that he could succeed if he wanted it bad enough. So, Rick grew up, made a lot of mistakes along the way but determined to learn from what had been done and what had not been done to him he persevered.
Excuses were not used even though no one would have blamed him for using them. As a result of his not giving in to what others thought was inevitable, God in his infinite wisdom later in Rick’s life brought mentors that began to show him by example what it would take to be a good man, husband, father, grandfather, and any other title he would hold.
Over the last 37 years Rick has worked side-by-side with his wife Debra in establishing 4 Christian Daycares/Private School and continues to support her in formulating and operating the many different entrepreneurial endeavors she develops. Along with working alongside his wife, Rick worked faithfully and tirelessly in ministry with Apostle Alfred & Beverly Craig for 30 years supporting and assisting the furtherance of the Gospel. He also serves as Chaplain of EastLake Mortuary which has served the Phoenix area for more than 60 years. He is a member of Faith Ministries Alliance and ordained under the leadership of Dr. Bill & Veronica Winston.
Today, Rick uses everything the good, bad, and ugly that has happened in his life to help or assist others to understand that they too can make it. He focuses his efforts and exercises his anointing & skills in the areas of men & women, family, children, marriage, counseling, and ministry so that people can experience total life prosperity in their lives. He continues to be called upon to speak in the areas of "How to Support your Pastor and/or Pastors wife" and is formulating a soon release of a special ministry focused on the relationship between Senior Pastors & Associate/Assistant Pastors called “Being Number One at Being Number Two”.
Among all the previous accomplishments, God has given Rick and his wife Debra another mandate which is to gather His sheep, love them and teach them to hear His voice and live a victorious life. This has resulted in the establishment of “The Message” Church. “One Word from God will Transform Your Life” according to Haggai 1:13-14. As Senior Pastor of “The Message” he plans along with the help of his wife to establish, develop, and grow a local church whose main purpose for existence is to assist people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, cultures and economic status experience total transformation into who God has created them to be through THE MESSAGE from God for their life. A seeker sensitive church family that embraces anyone and everyone who desires to know God intimately and fulfill His purpose for their life completely. A GATHERING PLACE & ENVIRONMENT, where “THE MESSAGE” is pure, designed to attract, inform, and equip people to understand their purpose, discover their call, step into their God-given assignment and do the work of the Kingdom they were MADE to do. God has also instructed Rick & Debra to establish a ministry specifically designed to meet the needs of people in all aspects of life; spiritual, physical, mental, relational etc. called the “ONE STOP LIFE CENTER”.
Having received a Bachelors Degree in Theology he continues self-development through seminars, reading and listening to audio books by those who have obtained success in the field he operates in. Recently he graduated from the John Maxwell Certification Program as a Certified Coach, Trainer and Speaker. Recognizing the need for connection with others according to Hebrews 6:12, “follow after those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”, Rick sets up personal appointments, even travels if necessary to glean from those who are further along in ministry. This example is seen in scripture between the connection of Mary the mother of Jesus and her cousin Elizabeth who was further along and it solidified what Mary had been ordained by God to fulfill here in this earth realm. Rick has committed his life to serving God through serving others.
