Growing up in the small town of Evergreen, NC, was an interesting and wonderful experience. One could say that SERVING God and ministry are literally embedded in my DNA. My father and mother (Thurman, Sr. and Hattie Ward) stayed before God's face and believe you me that's where they kept us! They ensured that God was the CENTER of our lives and the true leader of our family. I do no want you to think that because of this life was easy because without trials and tribulations one would never be able to fully appreciate triumphs and victories. As a child, I would watch and listen in utter amazement as my aunt, Pastor Dorothy Ward Taylor and the Ward Sisters laid bare their souls in ministry through song. Drawn like a moth to a flame I fell in love with music and it catapulted me into my relationship with Christ.
We are all set apart and chosen for a PURPOSE in God's plan. At the early age of 17, His PURPOSE became my PURPOSE and it began to shape the very core of my LIFE. It was during this time that I was given the sacred opportunity of sharing God's Word under the leadership of Pastor Dorothy Ward Taylor, at Heavenly Light Holy Temple. As time passed God allowed my path to cross with Apostle Tracey A. Troy and Victory in Jesus Ministries (VIJM). I can say that there are individuals who will come into our lives and help to cultivate the seeds that God has created us with. It was in this ministry that God shaped me as I served and as Apostle Troy poured out what God had given her.
I was given the opportunity to operate in the ministry at VIJM in many different functions. As my relationship with Christ grew, so did my faith, and as my faith grew it was evidence by the wonders God was doing in the sight of man. Everyday was not easy but it was worth it. I would go on to meet the love of my life, Lady Shanita Troy Ward. Not only has she given me the honor of being my wife but through her God has given us three beautiful children. There are times in our lives when things fall apart and God puts them back together in such a way that blows our minds when we allow Him to be our PURPOSE.
At the CORE of my life is Christ. As Christ continued to lead me it became evident that He was shaping to lead others. However I wrestled with Him as He began to reveal to me that pastoring would be my next endeavor. Unlike Jacob, He would not have to touch the socket of my hip for me to bow out and obey. On September 1, 2024, Life Purpose Center was born. Not to be another church on another corner but to be a haven where everyone can search for God's purpose in life. It is thought this ministry that I pray God will allow us to touch the World.