June 4. A day that will live in infamy … heh heh heh. It was fifteen years ago TODAY that my career at Ebenezer Baptist Church began. I walked into that church office for the first time as a full-time staff minister.
It had been a long road. In 1991, I surrendered to ministry and walked away from a promising career in IT. (Funny how God’s sense of humor has kept me in it, huh??) I returned to college and to seminary and it had been almost FOUR YEARS since I’d had a full-time job. In seminary, I worked three part-time jobs as well as taking a full class load every term. It’s not that I’d been a slacker, just finishing the goal God put before me.
The road at Ebenezer has been a tough one. I started as the Minister of Youth and Recreation. Many know what happened after that … The pastor that called me here left us in 1999. I was asked to be the interim pastor. 18 months later, Ebenezer asked me to be the full-time pastor. (Many of my colleagues in youth ministry accused me of LEAVING the ministry when I did that! And that is a joke!!!)
It’s funny … 15 years seems like a wisp of time. Krissy went from 4k to being a sophomore at Clemson. Drew went from being a MONTH old to now a sophomore at West Florence. Many changes have happened in my family, in my church family, in our community, and in our world. And we plug along, striving towards the goal God has given us!
The Random Thinker 
David,
Thank you for these first 15 years of service and leadership. We as a church don’t tell you enough how much we appreciate you, but please know that we do. If the road were ever to get smooth and easy, watch out, because that may not be the right road!
And Lord willing, I’m looking forward to your next 15 years at Ebenezer. I think it’s in the fine print of your contract somewhere that you signed on for 30.
Love you Brother.
Dwayne
Congrats David. I remember standing in line with you at seminary graduation 15 years ago. I doubt there are many other than you who have not loaded the Uhaul since.
Blessing to you and your church as you have continued to grow together.
Tim
NOBTS ’95 (woot!)
David,
Mike and I thank you for the last 15 years that you and your family have sacrificed in your service at Ebenezer. I hope you all know how much you impact lives on a daily basis. God uses you in very significant ways and we thank you for hearing HIS calling in your life so that you can help guide the rest of us. I remember the day you and your family came to EBC and am also amazed at how quickly Krissy and Drew have grown into God-fearing and lovely people. They are a reflection of the love Diana and you have for God in your home. Thank you today and every day-even when we take you for granted!