It was in the hot summer month of July on the 17th day of 1972 when our Pastor, Donovan Burkett, made his entrance into this world. He was raised in the great Metropolis of Houston Texas. From ages 4 to 24, he was an active member at First Church of Pearland.

He graduated from Pearland High School at the age of 17 in 1990. Feeling the call of the ministry on his life and being that Texas Bible College was located just a few miles away, Pastor Burkett began his study in theology in the year of 1991. The first Semester was almost completed when suddenly, the girl that he had been dating for two years became one with him. Sheri and Donovan Burkett both agreed that God had a plan for their lives together. The fulfillment of God’s plan began on November 16th, 1991. Less than three years later, Proudly walking across the Stage on June 1st, 1994, our Pastor Graduated from Texas Bible College with a degree in Theology.

It was just a few months later that he gladly began serving and working for his Pastor, Ken Gurley, as assistant to the Pastor. He soon became the Youth Pastor and brought much unity and growth to the youth of First Church. Not too long after that, he filled the role of Youth/Adult Choir director. He served in this capacity for two years.

In November of 1996, the Lord opened the door for Pastor Burkett and his wife to go to Texarkana and work under the ministry of Pastor Nathan Hurst of Landmark UPC. During their year of service, their first child, Sheradon Grace Burkett, was born on June 4th, 1997.

It was nearing the end of a complete year of serving at Landmark when the Lord called the Burketts to Evangelize. In November of 1997, they began to blaze the evangelistic trail, starting many fires and adding more fuel to the flames that were already ablaze. It was near the ending of their second year of evangelizing that the Lord Called the Burketts to start a church in the Fort Worth area.

 

They moved to Fort Worth to add a new work to the kingdom of God just two weeks after their second child, Kenley Lynn Burkett, was born. One month later, they purchased and completely paid for a church building with the help of the Home Missions Division of the United Pentecostal Church and First Church of Pearland.

 

On July 9th, 2000 Bro. and Sis. Burkett had their first service. Seven People were present, and on this memorable day, Vickie received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was nine months later that a total of 35 people had been buried into death in Jesus name and harvest was beginning.

 

Just three months later, The Lord brought Pastor Burkett and Pastor Fielding Together in a supernatural way. Pastor Fielding had been pastor of Apostolic World Center for almost 26 years and was prepared to retire. Pastor Burkett had already received direction from the Lord three months prior about uniting churches. Both congregations started meeting together and praying for the will of God. Not too long after that, God united First Church with Apostolic World Center and Pastor Burkett voted in as pastor 100%. Pastor Burkett is now the Pastor of First Church of Fort Worth and has plans to reside here until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

On April 14th, 2004, the Burkett's 3rd and final child was brought into the world.  Ciera Joye Burkett was born in the wee hours of the morning in Fort Worth, TX.