Born and raised in Atlanta Georgia, Pastor – Elder David Camp, Jr. comes from a God-fearing religious background. His parents David Camp, Sr. (deceased) & Naomi Camp (deceased), made sure that he was well grounded in church from a very early age. His father was a high ranking career military officer and raised his first 3 boys very regimentally – army style. This upbringing has proven to be the catalyst that has helped Elder Camp to grow into a person with good work ethics, moral character and a love for God.
In his quest to further his education, Elder Camp got accepted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) which is one of the more renowned Engineering Schools in the country. He excelled at RPI making the dean’s list, which is quite the feat due to the complexity of the engineering field. It was there that he visited an Apostolic Pentecostal Church – The Redemption Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc., Elder John Massey, Jr. Pastor. This is where he received an education that he could never have gotten in the academia. On November 21, 1976, he received the baptism in Jesus Name and received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost (with the evidence of speaking in tongues). With a promising career within his grasp and a new found commitment to God, Elder Camp felt the call of God to ministry. He answered that call as he embraced the words of the song “Leaving All To Follow Jesus”. He met his wife, Paulette at the church, and it was love at first sight and they were married in 1978. Both Elder & Sister Camp served in ministry at the Redemption Church of Christ for approximately 28 years. During that time they attended the Redemption Church of Christ Bible Institute where they gained spiritual insight and knowledge in God’s Word.
After 28 years in the service of the Lord, once again Elder Camp felt the call of God to launch out into the deep. He initially felt that he was to be used in the capacity of helping smaller churches. While seeking out the leading of the Lord and having weekly prayer meetings, bible studies and devotions in their living room, God started to move on this small group which was mainly composed of family members. By word of mouth, news spread rapidly of the weekly prayer meetings and bible studies, and how God was moving. Eventually, additional people, of like faith, joined the group. Pretty soon the group was way too big to continue meeting in the living room
Various bible study participants, who desired to have a church in which Elder Camp would become the pastor, presented the proposal of starting a church to Elder & Sister Camp. After very much prayerful thought and consideration, Elder & Sister Camp sought guidance from established leaders in the Apostolic Faith and they were encouraged to organize the Agape Apostolic Church of Deliverance. The starting of this church has since served to meet the spiritual needs of the group of people that were looking to them for leadership. Since the inception of the church, Elder David Camp, Jr. has been teaching and preaching the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and preparation for Christ return, in the clouds of glory, at the last trump, under the anointing of Almighty God. His southern accent tends to sneak out there while he is preaching (smile). He just jokingly lets the church know that he is from DOWN SOUTH and that should explain everything (smile).
The church places emphasis on family unity. Among the various forms of outreach, the church reaches out to the poor and needy in the community with “The Bread of Life Community Outreach Program” (food pantry), an Annual Community & Fellowship Fun Day, and the annual Friends & Family Community Backpack and School Supplies giveaway. Agape Apostolic Church of Deliverance has successfully given away over 2,500 bibles in alms bags to date. The church is rapidly growing and God is blessing.
In addition to his ministry endeavors, Elder Camp is a devoted family man and has been married to Sister Paulette L. Camp 41 years. Together, they have successfully raised five children in the fear and admonition of the Lord - Tanya, Shalako, Justin, Brooke and Aaron; as well as 20 grandchildren. The couples love for children has led them to put a lot of work in their children’s ministries department. It is here where they focus on encouraging the youth to excel to reach their highest attainable abilities and this is facilitated by rewarding their academic, spiritual and social accomplishments with various award and gift certificates. When the youth and adults receive sports awards and other commendations in school/college/continuing education, they are acknowledged in the church services as well. Through the children’s ministry department, the SPARKLES program was born.
Agape Sparkles Youth Program
Striving to reach my potential
Participating in planning my future
Accelerating with each step I take
Realizing I am a chosen generation
Knowing that God’s Love is real
Learning that I can be what God wants me to be
Expressing my God given talents and abilities
Standing up for what is right
After renting space from the wonderful people at St. John’s Episcopal Church for many years, where many close friendships and bonds were developed, the vision of the church became clearer, and more space was needed to effectuate and bring these visions to fruition, so a new edifice was sought. A vacant Catholic Church, located at 1010 Madison Ave., became available. Through many shut doors, and a refusal to accept no for an answer, we called on the Lord. Through much fasting and prayer, and having our Bishop, Bishop Booker T. Hayes, Jr., come and anoint every bench and pray for the church and the Real Estate Agent, we knew the deal was sealed. My God opened the doors that no man can close and Elder David Camp, Jr. and the Agape Church Family were able to close the deal on the beautiful building that we proudly call our new church home. We must reciprocate and reach the lost for Christ!
