Reverend David “Paul” Gibson, 79, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, in Nassau Bay, Texas. Born on August 2, 1946, in Montgomery, Alabama, to James and Maurine Gibson of Gulf Shores, Alabama, Brother Paul lived a life defined by profound faith, unwavering service, and boundless generosity.

Deeply patriotic, Paul felt a strong calling to serve in the Vietnam War. Unable to enlist due to physical conditions, he found another way to support his country, channeling his determination into becoming an AP-certified helicopter mechanic at Fort Rucker in Dothan, Alabama, in the late 1960s.

In the early 1970s, he applied his skilled craftsmanship to the energy industry, working at Southern Company where he designed innovative tools for power companies—tools that remain in use today. He was also a designer on nuclear power plants at a local engineering firm. Soon after, his career took a new direction, driven by his faith. He made significant contributions to Christian broadcasting, serving as a sales representative for Crawford Broadcasting in Birmingham, Alabama, at one of the first 24-hour all-Christian radio stations in the country. He later moved to El Reno, Oklahoma, continuing his work with Crawford as manager of the first Christian radio station known as “Young Peoples Church of the Air.”

In the late 1970s, Paul was ordained as a pastor in the Assemblies of God and began his pastoral ministry as an associate pastor at Huffman Assembly in Birmingham. He went on to serve as an associate pastor at several of the largest churches in the United States, leaving an enduring impact on the communities he served through his compassion, wisdom, and commitment to sharing God’s love. His ministry also included roles at:

• Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida
• Calvary Assembly of God in Orlando, Florida
• Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Additionally, he served as a professor at Jimmy Swaggart Bible College, mentoring future Christian leaders. His deep faith was shaped by his education at Berean Bible School, Cathedral Bible College, and New Orleans Inner City Seminary, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Religious Education, and Kent College, where he obtained a Master’s of Religious Education.

While at Jimmy Swaggart Bible College, Paul demonstrated his heart for ministry by taking an old studio in one of Baton Rouge’s most challenging inner-city locations and transforming it into GOYA Church in 1986. The church featured a precious multicultural congregation and served as a practical training ground for students to learn how to pastor. Paul took great pride in seeing so many students touch the lives of people who needed the Lord in places most would never want to be. The majority of these students have gone on to spread the word across the country, carrying forward Paul’s vision of bringing hope to the most challenging places. After leaving Baton Rouge, Paul founded Acts 29 Evangelistic Missions, a ministry dedicated to training pastors and missionaries. Through his teachings, numerous churches and ministries were formed across North and South America, extending his influence far beyond the pulpit.

One of the last and most meaningful roles he held was Director of a long term drug rehabilitation facility at the Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola, Florida, for individuals re-entering society from prison and various backgrounds. This role was deeply important to him, as he witnessed daily growth and success stories in people’s lives. Paul believed strongly that Waterfront Rescue Mission was making a transformative difference.

Even when medical complications limited his capabilities, Paul found a new way to serve. As an avid fisherman, he turned his passion into a ministry of compassion, spending years providing food daily (with a little spiritual guidance) to those down on their luck. This innovative approach allowed him to continue his calling despite physical limitations, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving others.

Reverend Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Janice; his sons and their families, Keith and his wife, Katie, Timothy and his wife, Camy, along with their children Maya and Judah, and Daniel and his wife, Yvette, along with their children Riley and Rhys. He was preceded in death by his infant son Kevin. He also leaves behind numerous family members, friends, students, missionaries, and pastors who will cherish his memory.

Reverend Paul’s legacy of faith, patriotism, generosity, and service to his community, country, and God will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Honoring Paul’s final wishes, a private memorial service will be held for immediate family members. Paul requested that his passing be marked quietly and intimately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in his memory to one of the following ministries he was consulting and supporting until his passing:

Springwells Intercultural Ministry Center (https://springwellsimc.com/)

1.) You can direct your gift to Givelify (https://www.givelify.com/donate/Mzg4NTA=/selection)

2.) Look for Springwells Church (14900 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126)

3.) Please designate it to SIMC.

Vival Ministries (https://www.vival.life/)

Donations can be made https://www.vival.life/giving-1