Gerald Ward

Raised in poverty and surrounded by racial prejudice throughout the turbulent 50s, my parents modeled resilience and faith in God, which provided a foundation for my future years. Abandoned at birth, acceptance by my authentic family also offered a sense of place and security. Their influence shaped my view of faith toward God and his continual presence. The genuine love of Christ discovered through a clear view of the gospel led me to God’s call into pastoral ministry. This journey, marked by the paradox of abandonment and adoption, fortified my faith and produced a lifelong ministry. After forty-five years of service, I entered a Celebrate Recovery 12-step study that heightened my self-awareness and enhanced my spiritual growth. God re-wired me. In my early 80s, I wrote this memoir, which captures my journey and heightens my desire to leave a memorial to God and a legacy for future generations, including my wife, Theressa, four children, and eight grandchildren.