At the time of his father's death, Don and Linda Ezell and their three sons were living in a beautiful new home in rural Jonesboro, Arkansas. They had flown to California to be with Pastor H. W. Ezell during and after his surgery.

Due to his father's untimely and unexpected death, the church, which he had served so faithfully for over 35 years, was suddenly without a shepherd. Almost without exception, the congregation was in agreement that Don Ezell was the man they wanted as their new pastor. He was "family," and he and his family had a deep love for Harbor Christian Center and for the Lord.

Within a matter of weeks, he had been voted in as the new pastor and the family went about the business of finding a home in Wilmington. A time of transition followed, and soon the Lord gave Pastor Don Ezell a vision for the future of the church, that we would take our community for Christ.

It was in many respects like the passing of Moses. When one man of God was called to enter into his reward, the Lord had a leader in training to take his place. Upon the death of Moses, Joshua was told by the Lord, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage..." (Joshua 1:5-6).

Under Pastor Don's leadership since September of 1986, Harbor Christian Center has gone forward to "take the land." Like Caleb, Pastor Don has said, "Give me this mountain."

The work is great, but our God is greater. By His power and grace, Harbor Christian Center will continue to move forward. As a people, we will enter more fully into the "Promised Land" of all that God has for us in the years ahead.

Dear Family of God, The history of Harbor Christian Center truly is a story of "Sixty Years of Glory." It is not the glorification of any of the men or women who have made up the church since its beginning. Rather, it is the glory of God, His manifest presence in the changed lives of sinners who have been made saints. It is the glory of healings and miracles, of believers baptized in water and released in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

As we move into the seventh decade of our church's existence, it is with the desire to be a people who are prepared for that greatest time of glory, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In His Name,

Pastor Don and Linda Ezell.