Ministry and marriage go hand in hand for Shirley and Larkin "Doc Kno" Weber.
"I have been blessed so much because of honoring my wife," Larkin Weber, 55, said of his spouse of 35 years. "We do everything together. And we're happy. We do it with joy."
One of the couple's next joyful adventures together in marriage and ministry is the "Be the Light Empowerment Conference" set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Timothy Retreat Center, 13708 Oak Bend Drive in Baker.
Larkin and Shirley Weber lead a session on marriage. 'We do everything together. And we're happy. We do it with joy,' Larkin Weber says.
"This conference is very important to the both of us because we have a passion for helping others to be the best version of him or herself," said Shirley Weber, 54. "With this conference, we have three powerful sessions that will help the attendee unleash their true potential so they can thrive in using their gifts and talents to make a difference."
"The Bible says we all have a right to come boldy to the throne of grace," Larkin Weber said. "He gives us the power and the privilege to come to that throne the same way. But you got to know who you are in order for that to happen. That's what we're trying to do with this conference. That's what we're trying to give out with this life that we have been blessed to live."
The free conference's foundational scripture is Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Shirley and Larkin Weber endeavor to let their light shine in their close-knit family, the community and through the world as ministers, motivational speakers, mentors, TV hosts, authors of several books and the founders of Difference Makers 225.
"We shine so the world can see him, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," Shirley Weber said.
The Webers endeavor to let their light shine in their close-knit family, the community and through the world as ministers, motivational speakers, mentors, TV hosts, authors of several books and the founders of Difference Makers 225. The organization is designed to inspire and make a difference in the lives of students, adults and the elderly.
Their books include "To Make a Difference, You Have to be Different," a marriage boot camp kit that was used as a centerpiece for the Christian comedy "The Perfect Mate;" "The Road to Greatness;" "New Mind, New Mood and New Attitude;" and "Depression Can't Live Here Anymore."
Most of the writings came out of the obstacles the couple faced. But now the Webers share how they have been walking with God and experienced his blessings since they were "truly" saved about 25 years ago.
Larkin and Shirley Weber lead a session on marriage. 'We do everything together. And we're happy. We do it with joy," Larkin Weber says.
"We both came from backgrounds where we struggled with different issues, which we will share our testimony in detail at the conference," she said. "We were two broken people that came together to make something great. We beat the odds because we did not let our struggles and the statistics of failure from our past dictate our future."
Joining the Webers on the conference stage will their oldest granddaughter, Mya Rodriguez — though other family members will be involved behind the scenes — and another husband-and-wife duo, Brandon and Grace Thompson.
Mya Rodriguez is an award-winning twirler and 16-year-old junior at Zachary High School. She dances with swords, batons, flags, guns, fire and more.
"Mya (Rodriguez) was very shy and to herself but to see her now is truly a testimony," Shirley Weber said. "Family is very important to us, and we are proud to say that four out of our seven grandchildren (which three are babies and can’t assist) will be serving at the conference along with my eldest son and daughter-in-law."
The Thompsons, of Baker, will lead the praise and worship.
"She is a powerful, anointed singer and he is an amazing guitarist, and this duo will bless the conference with their anointed sound to kick off the conference," Shirley Weber said.
In October, the Webers will take the "Be the Light Empowerment Conference" on the road to Austin, Texas.
For more information, call (225) 933-5816 or go to differencemakers225@gmail.com.