In honor of my late husband, Roosevelt Hunter, I’d like to share just a little of his life with you. We were married for sixteen years and have two children; Trinity Joy and Israel David. But before we met in 1991, Roosevelt had given his life to the Lord and was already traveling around the country carrying the good news of the gospel.

Roosevelt was born November 30, 1963 and raised in Detroit with three brothers and one sister. His “Motown” roots helped him understand the struggles of the urban lifestyle. He fought against the influences of drug dealers and gang lords and at age twenty dedicated himself to the work of the Lord. As he sought the voice of God he began preaching at Westland Assembly of God. After travels to Alaska and Finland “Rho” came back to Detroit and co-founded Revival Tabernacle Church.

We met at Central Bible College where I was a student and a baby Christian. Roosevelt was the guest preacher who caught my eye immediately; it seems I caught his eye as well and we were married two years later in 1993. His ministry really took off as he served and was mentored by Pastor David Wilkerson in New York; Pastor Denny Duron in Shreveport; Dr. Mark Rutland at Southeastern University and Pastor Wayne Blackburn in Lakeland. He was honored to have hands laid on him for blessing and impartation by Dr. David Cho, Bishop T.D Jakes and Evangelist Rinehart Bonke. In addition he crossed paths with Alan Keys, Donald Trump, Kirk Franklin, Bishop Eddie Long and Oprah Winfrey. Roosevelt believed in teaching the Word and being an active part of the local church community which led him back to pastor at Holland First Assembly in Michigan.

Roosevelt also believed in serving the less fortunate and missions work. He served as an international communicator and humanitarian in over 27 countries always sharing a message of love, hope and redemption. His “worst to first” testimony inspired many around the world to dream big and strive for greatness. Having flown nearly 2 million air miles on 6 continents, all 50 states, to over 120 retreats, over 100 youth camps, over 80 conventions; he ministered to churches, corporations, universities, non-profit organizations and professional athletes. He also ministered at Promise Keepers, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and on TBN. His last assignments supported ministries at Victory Church, Southeastern University and most recently at Harvest Family Church.

Church Planter! Teacher! Pastor! Motivational Speaker! Author! Humanitarian! Comedian! These are all words that best exemplified “Brother Roosevelt’s” persona; but we knew him as Family Man! Trinity and Israel were the “small wonders” of his life and “Dad” was the title he loved most. He truly believed in family and I knew him as a companion, lover, warrior, friend. He was the head of our home and my Man of God. We co-labored on the battlefield until he went home to glory on August 10, 2009. A friend to all who knew him, we believe he is in heaven trying to get Jesus into a soul train line! Above all, we know that life goes on – in heaven for him and for us here on earth until God calls us home. And as we continue living here on earth we thank God that Roosevelt was assigned to us and that his legacy lives on in those who knew and loved him.