Minister honored as he battles brain tumor

Cheers and tears filled the Northeast Church of Christ in Oklahoma City Sunday as the family of longtime minister Arnelious Crenshaw Jr. was presented with the Christian Service Award in his honor.

Arnelious Crenshaw Jr. (PHOTO FROM NECOC.ORG)Crenshaw, 66, minister for the Northeast Church for more than 30 years, is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor and was unable to attend.

John deSteiguer, president of Oklahoma Christian University, presented Crenshaw’s family with the award.

“Arnelious Crenshaw is a man who for decades has influenced individuals and brought them closer to Christ,” deSteiguer told the church. “He has influenced people who have gone on and influenced other people and brought them closer to Christ as well, and that’s what God’s plan is.”

Arlisa Long, Crenshaw’s oldest daughter, accepted the award on behalf of her father.

The Christian Service Award was presented to Arnelious Crenshaw Jr.
“It’s an amazing honor,” Long told The Christian Chronicle. “My dad has sacrificed so many years to minister to this community. It’s sobering especially considering the struggles he’s going through right now. It’s bittersweet.”

The award recognizes Crenshaw specifically for his work mentoring young ministers, his service on President George W. Bush’s Faith-Based Initiative Group in Washington, D.C., and his work to bring affordable housing to a historic district of his community.

After the presentation, deSteiguer spoke to the congregation from Mark 12 and Matthew 5, encouraging the members to be both salt and light to those they encounter in life. He used Crenshaw as an example.

“Arnelious Crenshaw has lived a life of doing good things. Arnelious has lived a life of being salt and light,” deSteiguer said. “People praise God because of Brother Crenshaw.”
John DeSteiguer presents The Christian Service Award to the family of Arnelious Crenshaw Jr. 
Long said it’s tough to see what her father is going through; however, she knows God will be glorified.

Her father’s brain, she said, has always been his “most valuable asset” and one of his greatest strengths as he has dedicated his life to studying the Word of God.

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