SPEAKERS
#sista2sista2025
Pastor Gary L. Williams, Sr.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Gary L. Williams, Sr. is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and the younger of two sons born to Alfreda Williams and the Late Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Williams. He is the husband of Maxine, father of Jason, Keianna, Brittany, Gary Jr, and grandfather to Trey, Autumn, Erin, Elliana, Jaisley, and Tristan.
Pastor Williams was licensed and ordained in the Gospel Ministry at the age of 25 and in January of 1990, he became the senior pastor of Hopewell, Formerly First Baptist Church of Mandarin. He is also the founder of the Village of Hope in Malawi Africa. The Village of Hope is a spiritual and educational haven (Bible, tailoring, and literacy) for the indigenous people of Malawi. He has also authored 8 books.
Dr. Williams earned both his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies and a master’s degree in Apologetics from Luther Rice University. He has received Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees from Trinity Baptist College, Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary, and Edward Waters College. Dr. Williams has traveled the nation and the world, including Russia, Australia, South Africa, Malawi Africa, Cuba, Israel, Germany, and many other countries preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He also received numerous awards and civic affiliations.
Dr. Williams has traveled the nation and the world, including Russia, Australia, South Africa, Malawi Africa, Cuba, Israel, Germany, and many other countries preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sargeant
Bernard Fils Leon Etienne
Bernard Fils Leon Etienne is originally from Haiti. He immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old and graduated high school in June 2015. He joined the United States Marine Corps as an Administration specialist two weeks after high school and served for six years. He plans to retire in August of 2021.
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Sergeant Bernard Fils Leon Etienne is currently attending the University of Arizona Global Campus for a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and plans to continue his education by obtaining a Masters degree in Psychology.
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Sergeant Fils Leon Etienne currently volunteers for a Crisis Hotline as a Crisis Counselor. In this role, he assists people in crisis bringing them from a critical moment to a cool calm through active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning.
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Minister
Rodney Lancaster
Minister Rodney Lancaster was born in Key West, Florida to a military family and moved to Jacksonville, FL at a young age. He has been married to the beautiful Cherie Goodrick Lancaster for 47 years and they have 5 sons and 6 grandchildren.
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Minister Lancaster attended Jacksonville University, majoring in Music. He played violin with the Jacksonville Symphony and he played the bass, the fiddle and the violin with the Christian band, Kinfolk. Minister Lancaster also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics.
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He was ordained as a minister at Encourager School of Kingdom Ministry in Houston, TX. His ministry is to encourage others to: 1) Look to God. He will guide you, 2) Be at peace with everyone, and 3) Never forget you are already seated with God because of the gift, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus.
Deacon
Welton E. Coffey, II
Welton E. Coffey, II is a native of Jacksonville, FL and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Retardation K-12 and his Graduate degree in Postsecondary Education from Troy University. Welton and his wife, Keenya B. Coffey, were married in 1995, and they have one daughter, Kelsey Patrice Coffey.
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As an educator, Coach Coffey inspired and motived many of our local youth to become strong, responsible young men and women. During his tenure with Duval County Public Schools, Coach Coffey has won several awards, including Rookie Teacher of the Year and led the William M. Raines Vikings to the 4-A State Football Championship title with an undefeated season record of 15-0.
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Currently, Coach Coffey is the Athletic Director of Camden County High School. He has been blessed to coach several professional NFL and MLB athletes during his career.
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Even though Welton E. Coffey, II has been showered with many accolades and honors, the one thing he is most proud of is on April 10, 1994 he was born again!
