Pastor Pernell Griffin

Hello my name is Pernell Jermaine Griffin, Sr. I grew up in the small town of Williamston, NC. I always believed that sports are bridges to developing ourselves personally and spiritually. I was a four-sport athlete in high school, playing football, baseball, track, and basketball (lettered in all four sports). I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education, with a concentration in Information Technologies from East Carolina University, where I also lettered in football as a 4-year starter. I proceeded to play professionally with the Frankfurt Galaxy and the Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europe).

My testimony begins, in the summer of 1999, when I was facing challenges with becoming a single parent; I had just come off a stellar freshman year as an All-American/All Conference USA linebacker. Young and wanting to make my parents proud, I just thought my career was ruined based on the poor decision making at that time. I was contemplating on committing suicide so that my struggle and pain would end.

Up to the very moment, of planning a way to complete this horrible feat, I heard a voice speak and say, “I have people waiting on you. Don’t do it!” To this day I believe that was the voice of God. The proceeding Sunday, I attended church in which the Pastor made an alter call and before I knew it, I was front and center. That’s what drew me to Jesus, and since this time I’ve been living for him ever since. My purpose statement, “The life I live is not for me; but for you!”—resonates loud and clear!