On February 28, 2010 Donnie preached his Initial Sermon at Palmer Grove Baptist Church in Kingstown, NC. It changed his life forever because he is so humbled to now be preaching the Word of God. He is part of the awesome Youth ministry at Palmer Grove, which is under the leadership of Pastor James L. Smith. Donnie looks up to his Pastor who has been pastoring Palmer Grove for over 30 years. At his church, Donnie is also a committed Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, and Praise and Worship Leader.
Palmer Grove has been the only church that Donnie has attended for his entire life, and he feels that it has shaped him to be the person that he is. Pastor Smith is Donnie’s spiritual father, and Donnie’s mother, Debra Thurman, is also a Licensed Minister of the Gospel through Palmer Grove. Youth Pastor Chris Gash is Donnie’s best friend, and spiritual brother. They attended college together, and now they are honored to share God’s Word together. Minister Jessica Gidney and Minister Vivian Hopper are also very strong parts of Palmer Grove, and all the ministers are dedicated to serving the Lord.
Palmer Grove has hundreds of dedicated members who serve tirelessly to keep the church’s many ministries operating effectively. Under Pastor James L. Smith’s leadership, Palmer Grove’s membership and building space have increased tremendously. The church is located in historic Kingstown, NC- the only town in America named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Donnie believes that the best is yet to come, and he is excited about where God is going to take him in ministry.