Pastor David Ford (Lansing)

For many, June 25, 1960 was a typical summer day in Detroit, Michigan, clear skies, a slight breeze with temperatures fluctuating between 54 and 81 degrees. But that June 25th was not a typical day in the Ford household. For on that day, Reverend Thomas and Mae Francis Ford welcomed the birth of their handsome and not so typical baby boy, David Ford, one of fifteen children.

Pastor Ford attended the Detroit public school system and throughout his school career aspired to continue his study in the ministry by pursuing a degree in Christian Education. He accepted and dedicated his life to Christ at age nine. He was baptized at New Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church of Detroit, by his father, the founder and Pastor of the church, Reverend Thomas Ford.

Pastor David Ford received his calling into the ministry in November, 1987 and preached his first sermon on December 18, 1988. He received his Ministerial License on May 3, 1991 from Indiana Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and was ordained on May 5, 1995 at Dayspring Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.

Reverend David Ford was the Pastor of Christ Temple of Peace Church and founder and Pastor of Praise and Worship Ministries in Detroit, Michigan.

In January, 2012 Reverend Ford accepted the call to serve as the Interim Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan. He later assumed the reigns of leadership, becoming the eighth Pastor of the church. Under the direction of God and leading of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Ford and the membership became Friendship House of Prayer Baptist Church [FHOP] on August 13, 2015. Pastor David Ford served as the church’s first and only Pastor. During this move of God, Pastor Ford continued to work for United Parcel Service [UPS], for over 30 years. In February, 2020 Pastor Ford received the Circle of Honor Achievement from UPS for his dedicated service and driver safety, only one of three to ever receive that honor at his facility.

Pastor Ford definitely exemplified a true man of God; with power to Provoke, Inspire change, and Motivate men and women of all ages. Your first encounter with Pastor David Ford was everlasting. His infectious smile and friendliness was unforgettable. Above all, Pastor Ford was a Spirit-filled Pastor who loved the Lord, his family and congregation. He was a great teacher and preacher of Gods word, and dedicated to serving God, committed to building God’s kingdom, his congregation and the community. Pastor Ford had a magnificent soloist voice and was also a gifted musician.

Pastor David Ford was married to the “love of his life,” Minister Cassandra Ford. He and Minister Ford celebrated twenty years of marriage on August 21, 2019, and are the parents of a blended family of nine [9] children. Pastor proudly reminded his congregation of how much he loved his wife and he affectionately called his “Good Thang.” And, his wife let it be known that she loved her “King David.”

Pastor Ford was preceded in death by his parents; Brothers, Thomas Jr., and Willie Thomas; Sisters, Ann, Mildred, and Esther. He leaves to mourn his passing, but cherish the precious memories, wife, Minister Cassandra Ford; children, LaKisha (Allen), Tiana (Allen), David, Patrice (Dameion), Darrell, Corinthia, Felicia (William), Floyd (Chanel) and Davona; twenty-seven (27) Grandchildren and six (6) Great-grandchildren; Siblings, Gwendolyn (Keith), Rebecca, Evangelist Theresa, Juanita (Emmett), Wanda, Cornelius, Mark (Alicia), Pastor Demetrius (Gloria) and Johnathan; Mother-in-law, Lizzie Johnson; God Mother, Marian Scott, and a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, his amazing church family, and many, many friends.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 NLT