David was our pastor at Forest Grove in Raleigh, NC, and he married us back in 1999.  His gentle spirit and positive attitude was an encouragement to all around him.  We are so sorry to hear of his passing, and our heart hurts for Lavonne and the rest of the family.  

My name is Kim and I had the honor of meeting my forever brother David at a session at the Summit where we got to learn about different opportunities within the church. From there I met him at noonday prayer where on that day it was just he and I. I treasure that meeting forever. I’d like to share my prayer for him when we began fervently praying for our brother’s healing. David was surely healed and rests eternally in our Savior’s loving arms. I love David. Toksa Akhé my brother. In the Lakota language there is no word for goodbye. So we say Toksa Akhé, which means I will see you again!

“Flooding the gates of Heaven on David's behalf and strength for those that know him most intimately. I met with David alone one time and before I could even disclose to him what I was in need of prayer for, he shared with me something very personal with me about a storm he survived, which opened THE WAY for me to know that I could trust David with a deep pain I was experiencing. And from there, David had one word to me about what I was truly in need of, that one word was HEALING that he could pray for me for the very thing that he's in need of now, let's me know that it is already done, the word of God is true. We are all already healed. No matter the outcome. It is well with our soul and so we ask right now, in the name of Jesus that God will so graciously touch David with his healing, gentle, powerful hands. I'm so thankful to be a part of such a praying warring council.”

Although I did not know David well, I knew he was a man of prayer.  I watched as he prayed for people as they walked into church.  He walked through the isle praying over the people who would fill the chairs in the next service.  He sent out prayer prompts to our prayer team etc.  Heaven will reveal how many were blessed by his faithfulness in prayer.  Condolences to those that loved him most. 

David was a beloved brother to all of us at Summit. To me, he was also a mentor and a guide sent by our Father. I was reborn in September 2023, and soon after there was a mens fellowship meeting for the Summit Alamance campus, thats when I first met David. He could tell I was  newly reborn spirit and that I needed guidance; he asked me if anyone was discipling me, no one had even asked me before, so when I said no, he immediately wrote down his number and told me to call him later so that we could start meeting together. David was always like that. If he saw something that needed doing, he did it right away out of love. He was a beautiful example of a vessel for Jesus, spreading Gods light wherever he went. God used him to teach me so much. We learned together, served together, laughed together, worshiped together, and prayed together. Serving and being with him on this earth was a joy that I will never forget. My body mourns for him and my spirit rejoices for him. It was an immense blessing to know him while I could and I will always be praying for his family, who he talked about almost more than anything haha  I know family was so very very important to him, often mentioning his children and grandchildren and things to pray about for them. He loved them all with a love of a true father, regardless of their past, especially his grandchildren, who were more precious to him than anything on this earth. I will miss my brother until I get to see him again in everlasting glory and light. Thank you, David, for your love and life.

Lavonne and family, we will be here for you as you continue to celebrate and cherish David in memory and story. He lives on as a testament of faith and love. Grateful to have been impressed by his care and his warm welcoming smile. His kindness will always be remembered! Amelia & Blake, at the lake.

David was my pastor at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater, MI.  I remember him fondly.  Kind with a good sense of humor.  Interestingly I had just searched for him last week not knowing he had passed.  I babysat Trevor and Sherri quit a bit while LaVonne was in school.  Many great memories and I am incredibly sad to hear that your family has lost its pillar.  May the peace of God comfort each of you as you journey through this next season.

Robin Sebalj Carlen

My Condolences to the family. I loved Chaplain David.