Born October 1958 to Charles and Ruth Powell in Compton, California,  I was blessed to be raised in a very secure home.  Because of my caring and hard working parents, drugs and gangs were no temptation to me.  At 18, my only desire and drive was to become a firefighter or T.V. personality.   On my 18th birthday, I signed up at the Compton Fire Department, only to find out I was too short.  In 1977, standing in long lines in Hollywood for open casting calls and no job offers, I got hungry.  My dreams were dashed and my life had no direction.

At this intersection of my life, God reached out to me with his Grace.  It was after a horrifying car accident, and walking away with a scratch, I know in my heart that God had a plan and purpose for my life.  I began to read the Bible and listen to Christian Radio.  Then on a winter night in 1979, listening to an Old time Gospel Radio show, I asked Jesus into my heart and to save my soul.  On the way back to work at Taco Bell the next morning, I was filled with the Holy Spirit and knew that "all things have become NEW."

I knew I was called to be a minister.  I Went to some wonderful Bible Colleges, met some great teachers and mentors.  But, It was "the School of Life" that would be my greatest teacher.  The death of my mother would be that hardest lesson.  To see her suffer and to watch my father cry was used by God to soften a hard heart like mine.  Not long after the death of my mother, God brought Pamela into my life.  Her grace, Mercy, and peace is still to this day a comfort.  We were married after 8 months of courting.  We are blessed with 2 Godly boys who today live for Christ.

I am grateful to many people that God has used to show his purpose for my life.  To Men like my Dad, for being a man of integrity and honor.  Max Anderson, and his love for God.  Pastor Steve Mays (Calvary Chapel South Bay, CA) for bringing me on staff and training me in ministry.  Pastor Brian Brodersen (Calvary Chapel Vista, Ca) for opening the world to me, letting me travel in missions.  And Pastor Chuck Smith, who showed me what grace looks like.

And thanks to the people of Calvary Chapel, Virginia Beach.  Pam and I love you all.  Thank you for letting me your Pastor and Friend.

To book Pastor Thomas at your church, retreat, conference, or school, please
contact him by e-mail at: PastorTHP@aol.com, or call the office of Calvary
Chapel of Virginia Beach at: 757-474-2800.