David’s path to Kenneth Copeland Ministries Australia demonstrates the power of faith and obedience to God’s call. He answered the call, surrendering his purpose to The LORD and embarked on a journey that continues to produce fruit – fruit that sprang from the seed sown by one woman who shared The Word of Faith message taught by Kenneth Copeland.
From Religion to Reality
David, the second of nine children, grew up in a Catholic home familiar with the rituals of religion. As a child, to please his priest, he made up sins to confess – lying for the greater good. His penance for his pretend sins was to pray five Hail Marys. At this age, David associated prayer with punishment. He maintained a good Catholic-boy persona, but with no real connection to church, faith or The Word of God
When he left home at 21, David told his mother the truth. “Don’t expect me at Mass,” he said. “I honoured you while I lived here, but church has no meaning for me.” At 24, he was living in corporate Melbourne as a non-practicing Catholic. When he married Jane, a former Baptist, they agreed not to discuss religion God or the church in their home.
Mrs Naylor’s Seed
David had never met Mrs Naylor, but when she died, she left Jane’s uncle all her Christian materials. The first thing that Jane brought home was a copy of the April 1997 Believer’s Voice of Victory magazine. An avid reader, Jane eagerly read articles about the Holy Spirit. The magazine also contained a TV schedule for the Believer’s Voice of Victory broadcast. She started recording the daily broadcast, and one evening when the children were in bed, she suggested for David to watch a recording with her. David felt himself flush with anger because they had an agreement not to speak about God in the home. Seeing that it was important to Jane, he told himself not to get upset and agreed to watch. As they were watching Kenneth said, “Don’t take my word for it; check it for yourself!” So, David followed along in a Bible Jane found in the house. He paused the video and read passages before and after each scripture Kenneth would mention.
At the end of the first video, David and Jane stared at one another in amazement. Kenneth Copeland became their teacher in all the things of God. Every night David and Jane watched another video not just listening and watching but studying with the resolve to implement and obey the teachings and corrections.
One day as David was driving to work, he heard the news on the radio of the spread of the AIDS epidemic, and he wept. “That wouldn’t have been my normal response. I had a level of compassion I’d never known,” David said.
The Rich Young Ruler
As David and his young family continued to grow in God, so did God’s calling on his life. At his father’s request, David left a corporate job and moved to country Victoria to help grow the family business. Using his Business degree, David grew the small business to a multi-million dollar enterprise, semi-retired his father, and bought 5 acres of beautiful country that boasted a gentle slope overlooking a tree-lined creek. David, Jane and their four young children enjoyed a beautiful life, growing in their faith.
Living the Australian dream, David was content with the life he was building for himself and his family, until he heard from God that he was destined for something further. David heard very clearly from God: I want you to go to Bible college in America. Reluctant to obey, he visited the KCM website and saw a link to Jerry Savelle Ministries International Bible Institute and School of World Evangelism. David blocked out the LORD’s direction and decided to not tell Jane.” As God would have it, Kenneth then held a Believers’ Convention in Brisbane in April 1998. The Lord told David to send Jane and her parents to the meeting.
When they returned, Jane brought back pamphlets from Jerry Savelle Ministries. This was confirmation for David and he revealed to Jane The LORD’s directions to attend Bible School in America. Jane and David sold their home, wrapped up their family business responsibilities, and prepared their children for an adventure with The Lord.
A Divine Connection
David had completed his training with Jerry Savelle Ministries in 1999 when The LORD directed him to send his resume to KCM. At the time, the only ministry experience he had listed was: “1999 completed Jerry Savelle Bible Institute”. He attached the almost blank resume to an even shorter cover letter that read, “I’ll be back in Australia in June 1999. I know you have an office there. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.” He obeyed The LORD and sent his resume and forgot about it.
David had no way of knowing that in March 1999, while he was still in bible school, the Director of KCM Australia had gone home to be with The LORD. The International Director, Derek Turner, was in Australia for 12 weeks helping and interviewing candidates for the Directors position.
When Derek returned from Taxes, he found David’s resume on his desk. While he was reading it, The LORD said, this is the person you’ve been looking for. For 25 years, David has been living in obedience to the mandate to teach believers who they are in Christ Jesus, taking them from the milk of the word to the meat and from religion to reality.