About Our Senior Pastor

In life there are many decisions that one must face. As a student I was driven by how I would compare to my counterparts; and as an adult where will this life lead me. As a young man I was quite inquisitive always pondering in my mind what does this life have in store for me? I was born the first of five boys in the small rural town of Dillon, South Carolina. Most people know of our little town by the national landmark- South of the Border that sits alongside Interstate 95. When you grow up in a small town there is a perception that settles like a stigma which places you within the confines of all of those who may have gone on before you. Opportunities were not plentiful and those individuals who were indecisive about their future could easily have found themselves “left behind”.
In high school I enjoyed the academics but there were so many questions about college and tuition that I simply did not understand. My parents by this time had separated and my mother was raising a family of five boys on her own. So even though I had an interest in furthering my education it did not seem realistic because of our family situation. So why choose the U.S. Navy? I was blessed with an uncle who happened to be only 2 years older than me who was actually more like the older brother I never had. His guidance helped to encourage me to make one of the best decisions of my life.

In June of 1986 I graduated from high school in the top third of my class with my mind made up and a contract signed as a Seaman in the U.S. Navy. In August of 1986, I went to basic training in Orlando, Florida and the big world that I had known for 17 years in Dillon, SC had become minute. Life in small town Dillon had now changed into something that would impact me for the rest of my life. I always imagined being a part of something that was greater but I had no idea it would be serving our country. Now I would have the opportunity to help my mother with my four younger brothers and help alleviate her of some of the financial stresses she had been enduring for so many years. This was now my time- my time to make a difference, and I would take full advantage of the opportunity that was presented.

After basic training my first duty station was in Norfolk, Va aboard the USS Iowa BB-61 at which time was one of only two active battleships in the United States Navy. It was huge with a full complement of about 1500 men, wow. While aboard I would travel across the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Adriatic Sea, and Persian Gulf just to name a few. But in 1989 tragedy would strike aboard the USS Iowa calling 47 of my shipmates home to be with God. Please know that all my life I have been in church serving in some capacity, and without fail I believe that God has a divine plan for our life, and when there is trouble the bible states that He would be our help in the time of trouble. Ironically two weeks prior to the explosion of gun turret one every one in my birthing was up for reassignment of their general quarters stations and the choices were gun turret one or the flight deck. God’s plan for my life was already in motion- His grace sent me to the flight deck, saving my life. It is amazing how God will use something so heart wrenching to help guide us in the right direction. I was unsure of the plan but I began to seek him more during this period of my life. I began to understand that the rest of my life would be shaped by the decisions I make and the preparation it takes to achieve those goals. I would go on to earn: Good Conduct Medal (1st award), Surface Warfare Specialist distinction, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal with the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. I would serve aboard the USS Iowa for nearly five years before transferring to Basic Electrical & Electronic Training at NETC Millington, Tennessee in 1991.

I would complete training in Millington, Tennessee and return to Norfolk, VA with Air Squadron HM-12 as an “Airedale” AE2 SW. My assignment would allow me to work on the world’s largest helicopter the Sikorsky CH/MH-53 aircraft. I would remain here for three years leaving sea-life behind while on shore duty. Towards the end of this tour I would meet my soul mate Miss Tanya Lashae Smiling. Shore duty would go by fast and life would have a new profound meaning. My aspirations would change and my future goals would as well. Prior to entering the US Navy it was my goal to retire after twenty years of service but after Tanya all I could think of was the life that I wanted to build with her, and on September 3, 1994 we were married.

In 1994 I received new orders which would cause me to relocate from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, Fla.; to helicopter detachment HSL-46 for sea duty. Here I would reach the height of my career. I would deploy with the USS Monterey CGN-61; and the USS O’Bannon DDG-45 a part of HSL-46 Det. 9 “Untouchables”. While deployed I was awarded: Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), Sailor of the Month (2 awards), Commanding Officers Citation, Nomination HSL-46 Sailor of the Year, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2nd award). In March of 1997 I would separate from the US Navy with an Honorable Discharge with the discipline, organization, and structure to help shape me for the rest of my life.

How does the military prepare one for life in ministry? For me I equate my life in the military as one of service coupled with a tremendous amount of hard work and for those of us who have accepted the call to ministry understand that ministry is exactly that. I have to say good-bye on a number of occasions to those who had to leave or were on new assignment as well as greet new comers accepting there next mission. I understand because of my past experiences that everyone God sends will not stay simply because there may be a new assignment for them to fulfill. It is an awesome blessing when you learn how to say good-bye. Ministry doesn’t simply grow exponentially in our local assembly; it grows when we are able to release people that have been adequately equipped with the word of God to share it with others. Please allow me to add to that by saying- this only happens through consistent hard work.