Pastor Melbourne Garber
I was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone in the western coast of Africa. At a crusade attended by my family in 1966, my mother accepted the Lord. Along with some of her friends, they started Bethel Temple Church. This church soon became a beacon in Freetown. In 1973, which is a year after my father died, my mother sent me to live with my brother in the United States of America. As a teenager, attempting to fit into a Washington D.C. culture was very trying but God was faithful.
When my mother passed away in 1978, all I wanted to do was to return to Sierra Leone. Upon arrival in Sierra Leone, I also returned to Bethel Temple. That same year God called me to ministry. I soon decided to attend the University of Sierra Leone. During my tenure at the university, I served as Vice President and President of the Christian Union and also as Chairman of all the Christian Unions in the country.
In 1985, I returned to the United State. I decided to reside in the state of California. Soon after, I attended Long Beach State University and Claremont Graduate University for post graduate studies. During a large portion of this period I served in the parking lot ministry of the newly formed Ecclesia Christian Fellowship. In 1996, I met Pastor Kodjoe Sumney and my family prayerfully decided to join the Practical Believers International Ministry.
I was able to serve God in various capacities under the leadership of Pastor Sumney. I served as Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Ordained Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Senior Deacon, Board Member, and Chairman of the Board. I was also privileged to serve as acting overseer of the ministry in the absence of the Pastor.
I got married to Sister Jacqueline in June 1987 and our marriage union has three wonderful children.
I am currently an Economics and Mathematics teacher for the San Bernardino City Unified School District during the day and an Adjunct Professor of Economics in the San Bernardino Valley College at night. At these places I resolve to be a light to draw others to Jesus.
Pastor Mel Garber and Family