"Donavan stands tall because he doesn’t seek the approval of the Christian but the calling of God,” Taimi shared as he welcomed attendees to the ordination of colleague Donavan Childs. “As we recognize Donavan today, it is sure proclamation to little Donavans in our church, all around, that that, too, have a calling.”
In November, the University church celebrated the ordination of their Associate Pastor Donavan Childs. John H. Cress, SCC executive secretary, presented Donavan with a new credential recognizing his status as an ordained minister, and James G. Lee, SCC executive vice president, shared the call to ministry.
In a special moment, Royal Harrison, SCC Greater Los Angeles Region director, presented Donavan with a beautiful preacher’s robe handmade by church member Debbie Austin.
When it came time for the homily, SCC President Velino A. Salazar approached the pulpit and recalled his own ordination and how meaningful it would have been to have had his father more involved. So, as a surprise for Donavan, Salazar had arranged for Virgil Childs, Pacific Union Conference Vice President for Black Ministries, to give the homily.
“As a pastor, you cannot be successful in this work if you’re trusting in Donavan,” Virgil counseled Donavan.
“You need to understand you’re God’s man,” he continued. “Thank God for SCC, but God commissioned you first of all. He has called you to be a channel of grace.”
In his response, Donavan thanked a long list of people, many of whom were present, who had supported, encouraged, and been there for him throughout his journey in ministry.
Ultimately, he said, “it has nothing to do with me but everything to do with Christ.”
