Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Brewer.
Hi Joshua, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Brother Chris & I purchased the Skatepark originally in 2020 from a local Church looking to part ways with the facility. It was built by the Church for the local skaters in 2005 that we know of, but still not 100 percent certain. The skaters would skate the Church and schools nearby, but get ran off as usual. The Church felt the need to step up and help, and little did they did they know they laid the foundation-that later the skaters would build upon!
We grew up skating around Gladewater, White Oak, & Longview back in the 90’s when there wasn’t any Skateparks within driving distance. Noble E. Young wasn’t built until 1998 in Tyler. Our focus in the beginning was to upkeep & restore the property over the coming years being that the money was coming out of our own pockets to maintain it. The skate community in East Texas continued to grow as Dodson Action Sports Complex was finished in 2020. And in 2021, Faulkner Skatepark of Tyler paved the way with their new custom Evergreen Skateparks build. We have hosted skate competitions from 2021-2024, Go Skate Day Events, DIY builds annually, and even managed to help our neighbors and the Community of Gladewater out as well.
In September 2021 is when I felt my calling to lead a Ministry called Skate & Scripture bi-weekly at the Skatepark. It is a round table Bible study where we focus primarily on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We help build the confidence in others reading the word publicly, but also understanding the importance of reading God’s word themselves and not to be dependent upon man to feed them God’s word. That we all have direct access to God if we place our faith in his son Jesus!
Over the years we were able to help meet the needs of some of the local skaters who needed a board, trucks, wheels, etc. Skater homies of mine would contribute donations to help the younger skaters. In 2023 I started seeing the need to sponsor skaters as we only have a few local skate teams altogether-Texas Skate Shop, Euphoria Skate Shop, & Grackle Skateboards were the locals to go if you wanted to get sponsored Flowrider or Teamrider in East Texas.
My mission is to solely redirect any glory from myself to God & his son Jesus for allowing me to defeat the enemy daily, through my faith in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). I have defeated death 6 times since I was a child, and I am only 42 years old now. God is using me to restore the oldest Skatepark in East Texas and to show the Skate Community of Texas how much he loves them. That he sees them, and he hears their prayers! That each and every soul is more than valuable than all of the riches of the world. God just wants our hearts, not perfection!
Joshua Brewer (1984)
Christopher Brewer (1977)
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely! Life is an obstacle, so why would skateboarding be any different? The skateboard will buck you like a bull if you think it’s a toy! I’ve loved every slam I’ve taken over the years on the skateboard. From my first drop-in attempt on Brad Roberson’s mini-ramp @ Texas Skate Shop in 2021. To finally dropping in on my Keen Ramp in 2022 with Chris Ramsey. Every moment has been a highlight of my life for sure. Good or bad!
There are times that I wish we had a bigger budget to build more concrete here, and spread the stoke to other parts of East Texas that lack what we have been fortunate enough to build over the years. But this facility is being built on God’s time, not mine! Everything is really being built on prayers and a vision that most probably would laugh about. But I always keep grinding for my Savior. There’s definitely a reason why he has me where he does!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I originally started helping build custom gunite swimming pools in 2004. It taught me to work hard, and I never had to ask a man for anything in my twenties for sure. I worked in that trade until things slowed down between 2012-2013. I took my work ethic from outdoor construction and ventured out on my own as a Paint Contractor in Longview 2016. God really had his hand on my life then as I was on a path to sobriety, and sober from Alaprozam that I had taken from years 2000-2015. My company Paint Plus closed down in 2024 due to the economic financial burdens on my Customers. Now I just mainly Sub-Contract, and work daily wages. In my days off I’m skateboarding and continuingly building this crazy Skatepark.
How do you think about happiness?
Personally, my true happiness can be found only in Jesus Christ. No woman, no job, no drug, no amount of money! I have learned that over the past 6 years thankfully after careful observation of the New Testament. More importantly I am practicing to live more righteously, and not as deadly as I was when I was being disobedient. My happiness also comes from building bridges in the Skate Community. Building skate obstacles for others to skate. Hosting Skate Competitions. Serving the local food banks. Feeding the Homeless!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: marshallstreet903
- Facebook: Marshall Street Skatepark
- Youtube: marshallstreet903
- Other: Google Maps
