Reverend Devon Price

GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

THE Reverend Devon Price is a man who has defied the odds. When he became a Christian at 13, many gave him only a few weeks before he would revert to his old ways as a troublemaker in the community of McDonald Lane in Kingston.

That was more than 30 years ago. And, today, Reverend Price is still praising God and is now a minister of the gospel.

"I got a touch there that Sunday night, but I did not continue to go to the church. I moved off to Russell Road New Testament Church where there was a crusade one Sunday night. The Thursday night when I went back there, I got converted after the preaching of a lady, evangelist Kellinbeck. I got converted there in my old clothes," said Reverend Price.

After Price got saved, he said persons he knew gave him only a limited time to continue living as a Christian. Persons, he said gave him one week or until he was troubled by someone, since he was known as one who liked to get into fights.

serious about Christ

Price, who is now in his late 40s, said he has been serious about Christ. For that reason, he has seen himself leading flocks for Christ over the past 15 years at the Bath Mountain and Burnt Savannah New Testament churches in Westmoreland, as well as the Dykes Hill and Tweedside New Testament churches in Clarendon.

The pastor pointed out that whatever he is going through, the Holy Spirit is able to see him through. As such, Price said he is now stuck with the work of the Lord; and he intends to continue his journey for his Maker.

He added that he had no idea he would one day be leading a congregation. But adds it has not been easy. He explained that though working for Christ is the most fulfilling thing any man can do, such a job comes with challenges.

"The work is most challenging, but you have to learn to work with everything and try to cope with what you see around you for the benefit of those that you pastor and those that you see around you," noted Price.

The experienced minister who has a word for young pastors who at times feel like throwing in the towel, called on them to remember their calling, remember who called them and always remember that the God who called them to work, was able to keep them.

prayer warriors

He stated that it was most important that all pastors be prayer warriors. He added that if they are going to make it on the Christian walk, they must remember that it is not all the time that their colleagues would be around to give spiritual support.

"Sometimes when you are down, you realise that you do not have any friends around you. So it is good when you can develop your own prayer life with God. It is very important that you learn to talk to God and keep on speaking terms with Him," noted Price.

Reverend Price also stressed that fasting should be in the arsenal of all Christians, but that pastors, especially, should seek to be involved in the sacred act as often as possible, in order to keep close to the Lord.

The Reverend Joseph Stewart who has known Reverend Price for a number of years, and before he (Price) became a pastor, said he (Price) is a wonderful Christian who has a passion for souls. He added that Price is known for preaching the word of God in no uncertain way. Stewart said he admires the pastor for his work, his love for God and the people around him.