By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
August 1, 2012

In melodic rhythm, the Rev. Otis Hooker preached the gospel through a megaphone.

Standing on the corner of Van Brunt and 24th, his baritone voice rose above the traffic, creating a singsongy overtone.

“I thank you Lord for waking me up this morning… to do your will God, not my own,” he said. “All that we have is yours, Lord God. Lord I still need ya.”

He clutched a Bible to his chest and wore a baggy white T-shirt and jean shorts that skimmed his ankles.

“Trust in the Lord. Trust in God. May God be your guide,” added evangelist Mazetta Johnson, who joined Hooker to evangelize July 24.

Both Hooker and Johnson grew up in Historic Northeast and know firsthand the needs of the area.

“People are dying out here by the dozens,” Johnson said of the violence. “We all need God on our side. It’s crazy out here.”

At least twice a week, Johnson hits the streets of Kansas City to tell people about God and Hooker walks Northeast nearly daily.

“It’s not easy out here,” she said. “We know the devil don’t want us out here.”

While it’s not easy, Johnson said she’s proud to hit the streets and share the gospel message with others.

For Johnson, sharing Christ’s love is tied to scripture.

“God’s word said to go out to all the highways and byways and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ,” she said. “We’ve got to do God’s work. Somebody’s gotta. We’ve got to pray and let the people know, ‘Don’t give up. You’ve got to put it in God’s hands.'”

That day, Hooker and Johnson began their journey at 27th and Van Brunt and planned to walk to Independence Avenue, then St. John Avenue. The temperature soared past 100 degrees, but the two continued their trek.

“We stay ’til the Lord tells us to go, no matter how hot it is,” Johnson said.

Sometimes Hooker’s street evangelism will last up to 11 hours, he said.

Normally, Hooker heads out by himself, passing through some of the most crime-ridden areas of Kansas City.

“It’s dangerous, but I got Him, so it’s okay,” Johnson said matter-of-factly. “There’s nobody tougher than God.”

Asked why he chose Historic Northeast, Hooker said God gave him a vision and told him he needed to evangelize in Northeast.

It’s in Northeast where people remember Hooker’s former rebellious self.

Although he grew up in the church, Hooker eventually strayed away from God, becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. He conned people, slept under bridges and in his words, became a womanizer.

“I thought I knew everything and had everything worked out,” he said. “I did everything I thought would get me some attention, and I realized all the attention I need is through Him.

“If God can change little old me, he can change them.”

Hooker called God his strength and his provider. For four years, he’s been practicing street evangelism and wants to start his own church in Northeast called God, Grace and Mercy Ministries. Right now, he’s praying for a church building.

As Johnson and Hooker continued to share their faith, their passion for Christ became contagious. These weren’t Bible bashers, but Christians aching to share God’s love and power with others.

Feeling satisfied with 24th and Van Brunt, they headed down the street for the next corner, Bibles at their sides and ready to let the spirit lead them.