TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

God Changed Life's Menu For Minister

ADVERTISEMENT

By DEREK MAUL, Tribune correspondent

Published: January 26, 2008

THONOTOSASSA - The Rev. David Spencer is excited about the mission and ministry of Fellowship Baptist Church, 13515 N. U.S. 301 N. The former restaurateur - he owned and operated Savvy Jack's Southern Gourmet in Temple Terrace - has found his true calling in Thonotosassa. Spencer spoke recently about his work and the church's upcoming Run for Hope fundraiser. The church's phone number is (813) 982-1000 and its Web site is www.fbc301.org.

Q. So, what's cooking?

A. The Run for Hope 5K run/walk Feb. 2 at 9:30 in the morning; we're expecting around 400 people, and it's going to be a lot of fun.

Q. What's the purpose?

A. It's all for Hope Children's Home Citrus Park. They've been in the area 48 years, and our church wanted to do something special. I'd like to see us raise $10,000.

Q. Where's the event being held?

A. We have this beautiful jogging trail right in front of the church. It's 3.5 miles; then it crosses U.S. 301 and backtracks all the way to Hillsborough River State Park.

Q. How will this raise money?

A. The $20 registration fee gets participants a Run for Hope T-shirt and a great barbecue. Then there are sponsorships with incentives. The adult with the most support wins a two-night getaway at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach.

Then there's a Nintendo Wii system for the child raising the most.

Q. How can folks register?

A. Open registration is 8:30 to 9 on the day, or preregister on-line at our church Web site or Active.com.

Q. Is this part of a larger mission?

A. Missions are extremely important. Our church has a huge foreign mission, with 150 missionaries worldwide. Our October mission conference is a highlight of the year.

Q. Why a local mission?

A. We want to ... be a lighthouse in our community. Helping the children's home is part of that. We started a bus ministry this year, primarily to migrant areas. The children speak English well, but my heart is burdened for the parents.

Q. How's your Spanish?

A. I used to be in the restaurant business. I can describe almost any food in Spanish.

Q. You ran a restaurant?

A. Savvy Jack's Southern Gourmet in Temple Terrace. It was named for my children, Savannah 12 and Jackson 10. We'd do pecan-breaded, pan-fried catfish, things like that. God called me out of there and into full-time ministry.

Q. What's your job at Fellowship?

A. Associate pastor: teaching, single adults, outreach, a large multifaceted visiting program. And it's people; we have around 450 people, and that's what God burdened my heart for.

Q. What has God taught you?

A. That he can give you the strength to do what you need to do when you need to do it. He gave me strength through a time of trial and testing. There's strength in him - not my own.

Q. How about the church?

A. Our resolve is stronger, our faith is stronger. We know we can trust God.

Q. Where were you raised?

A. Born 1966 and raised in South Tampa. I graduated Tampa Bay Tech in 1984, but I was already working at Jimbo's barbecue. My career launched from there.

Q. When did God call you?

A. I grew up in Good Shepherd Baptist, but got away from the Lord when I was a teen. I tried everything in the world and saw there was nothing that bought joy and satisfaction.

God started working on me again when I was 22.

Q. What did you do?

A. I attended Tampa Baptist Bible College and got my Bible degree. God wanted more, but I hesitated, I put it off and put if off. I married at 25, and worked 60 to 70 hours a week, then started my own restaurant at 30. I was successful and God really blessed. Then at 35 the call came back again. 'You've lived half your life - now it's time.'

Q. Was your wife on board?

A. I married Melody in 1991. God worked on her heart, too, and she feels that passion for people. I finally surrendered and I sold the restaurant. The church was growing and thriving, and I slotted in right where God wanted me.

Q. What Scripture guides you?

A. 1 Peter 5:6-7, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. I play tennis. I play flag football - most of the players are younger than I am. We have a paintball ministry in the woods here.

Q. What's the best book you've read recently?

A. "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy. I enjoy his consistency and his faith. He's very methodical the way he lives his life.

This is an occasional series spotlighting local clergy members. Is there someone you would like profiled? Call Derek Maul at (813) 245-2304 or e-mail him at derekmaul @gmail.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT