Chapter 6... "For Everything There Is a Season" (1986)

On March 15, 1986, over 650 friends and family members gathered at the Carson Community Center to celebrate Pastor and Mrs. Ezell's 50th wedding anniversary, their 50th anniversary in the ministry, and Pastor's 70th birthday. To make a special day even more wonderful, Pastor also was presented with his helicopter pilot's license, something he had worked very diligently to earn, starting right after his 69th birthday.

Pastor had hoped to arrive "in style" by helicopter, making use of his newly acquired skills as a pilot, but the weather would not cooperate, and he had to consent to arriving by car. It was one time when perhaps the Lord choose to answer Mrs. Ezell's prayers for stormy weather rather than Pastor's prayers for good flying weather.

Nevertheless, it was a glorious evening from start to finish. It was a time of honoring Pastor for fifty years of faithful service to His Lord and the church, of remembering deeds of love done sacrificially in the name of Jesus. Former members of the staff and congregation recalled how much Pastor Don's ministry had meant to them and how his example encouraged them.

Guests had come from out of state and from as far away as Mexico. One person after another expressed their love for Pastor and Mrs. Ezell as they recalled the special way in which these servants of God had touched their life.

In addition to honors bestowed by family members and friends, Pastor also received recognition in the form of letters and proclamations from Senator Pete Wilson, Governor Dukmeijin, Herb Ellingwood, Billy Graham, Oral Roberts, President Ronald Regan, the mayor of Carson, and the Southern California District of the Assemblies of God. One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree to Pastor Ezell. As a cap and gown were brought forward, the president of the California Graduate School of Theology (Glendale, California) proclaimed Pastor the recipient of this honorary degree "for excellence in church service." The evening closed with Hal Ezell leading everyone in the singing of "God Bless America."

That night our beloved Pastor received much well deserved recognition for a lifetime of dedicated service. He received a wonderful outpouring of love from his congregation and family. But the greatest and most meaningful words of praise to him must have been the ones quoted by Don Ezell early in the evening: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).

No one knew it at the time, but the words of that verse would become especially significant within a short time.

A few months later, during a trip to Israel, Pastor was troubled with shortness of breath and fatigue which were highly unusual for one who was so careful concerning good nutrition and exercise. Upon returning home, a physical examination revealed a severe problem with a malfunctioning heart valve, resulting in congestive heart failure. Throughout the summer months, Pastor fought the greatest fight of faith he ever had. Battling symptoms and doctors' gloomy verdicts, he preached one of his most powerful series of sermons ever, 45 messages on "Doing the Impossible."

When symptoms persisted in spite of much prayer, it appeared that heart surgery would be necessary. Pastor continued to minister as much as his strength allowed, continuing his regular schedule of preaching and resting only when his body demanded it. Out of the pulpit, he was often short of breath and lacking the full strength that had been his for so many years...yet when he stood (or toward the end, sat on a stool) behind the pulpit, it was as though God gave him a supernatural strength and a fresh anointing to preach with power and authority. His great love for God and God's people continued to pour forth from him, service after service.

He preached his final message on Sunday evening, September 8, 1986. The following day he checked into the hospital for surgery. God, in His unquestionable love and wisdom, chose not to heal Pastor through a doctor's skill. Instead, He chose this time, the night before surgery was scheduled, to call His faithful and much loved servant home to his perfect healing and eternal reward. While the congregation, friends and family members grieved the earthly loss of the one who had meant so very much to them, they also knew that he was standing in perfect wholeness and strength in the presence of the One he loved best, hearing those precious words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

On September 13, l986, Pastor's Coronation Service was held at Harbor Christian Center. The memorial brochure which was given out proclaimed the service a "Celebration of Life," acknowledging that our Shepherd was now celebrating eternal life with the Good Shepherd. The folder contained these words: "He showed us the way. He went before us. He has entered into His reward."

The church and all overflow areas were packed. Thousands had come to say a last farewell to their friend, their pastor, shepherd, teacher and counselor. The scripture verse printed on the program said for Pastor what he could no longer say to his beloved people himself: "Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you" (II Corinthians 13:11).

Our thanks and sincere appreciation go to all that helped make this history possible. Sister Helen Carl, Lola Bates, Hattie Carrigan, Bernice Leenders, Rev. Leonard Nipper, Rev. James Pryor, Tom Irwin, Ed von Delden, Alline Grim, Deborah Coloma, Raul Cardona, Mack & Lucille Alford, Warren & Clara Hodges, Jerry & Cheri Steinker, Dennis Burke, Vava Duran, Preston & Louise Haag, Willa Dean Burrow, Edna Ezell. Special thanks to John Roberts for the use of his VCR and the video of the Ezell's 50th Anniversary / 70th Birthday celebration as well as several videos of interviews done after the home going of Pastor H. W. Ezell.