Young evangelist credits NABC for missions passion
Evangelist David Locklear has a passion for reaching
Native Americans with the gospel.
By Linda Ammons
Like his namesake, David Locklear, a recent graduate of Native American Bible College in Shannon, North Carolina, is “a man after God’s heart,” whether studying, leading worship, singing or preaching with riveting passion and conviction.
It was not always so. In fact, Locklear is a relatively new Christian, though to hear him, one would never guess it. God had plans for this young Lumbee Indian, a fact not lost on Locklear, who within six months of his born-again experience, had accepted God’s call to full-time ministry.
Remembering, Locklear says, “I began to seek an appropriate place to receive training for ministry beyond the local church. After evaluating many colleges, I felt God’s call to attend NABC. The importance of this school is that it trains Lumbees to go beyond Robeson County to other tribes.”
Noting that the “hurts of history are still strong today,” Locklear exemplifies one emphasis of NABC: To equip Native leaders to reach their people. “Who better to send than someone who knows and understands the culture? It takes a Native American to reach a Native American.”
As his four years came to a close, Locklear reflected on what Native American Bible College has done for him. He describes its environment as “healthy and providing encouragement from fellow students and instructors,” while also “providing hands-on ministry, giving me opportunity to prepare for future pastoral and missionary work. Each course has provided counseling and ministerial tools that have furthered my ability to minister more effectively for Christ.”
Locklear is becoming known as an evangelist among Indian churches in North Carolina and beyond, where he is already involved in missionary work.
“At Native American events on different reservations, I have opportunity to witness and preach. Going to a reservation is like entering another country,” Locklear explains. “I quickly try to learn about and adjust to the culture to find ways to witness to them the love of Christ. The greatest way to promote missions is by living it.”
Where did this missions passion begin? According to Locklear, at NABC “because of the passion the instructors show in supporting and praying for missions.” A passion he wants to share.
“Just as their passion has inspired me, I hope that in my ministry people will see that same passion for missions and will be inspired to give, pray and take part,” Locklear says.
As God leads, Locklear plans to further his evangelistic ministry toward Native Americans all over the United States, reaching them in their traditional cultures. “Later, I plan to give a few years to missions outside the United States, for I also sense the call to reach tribal peoples in other countries.”
For more information on NABC, see www.nativeamericanbiblecollege.com.