Written by Dan Courtney

The Rev. David L. Jones fan club was started at 10:30 pm on January 27, 2010 on Facebook, and just one week later, he has over 1,000 fans. He's not even on Facebook! To read the comments that have been written about this great preacher / teacher are very moving. To think that someone in little Ellendale, North Dakota could impact the lives of so many...but such is the life of a Bible College professor. But he's more than just a professor, he's really a legend. So many have come through Trinity Bible College on their way to the assignment God had for them, and have fallen in love with this man of God for his English wit, his Biblical wisdom, and his royal presence. David L. Jones once walked in the looming shadow of his father, T.J. Jones, a great evangelist and teacher himself. North Central University put his name on the library on that campus that his own personal library was used to start. He taught many great pupils in his time at North Central, also time at Bethany, and his time as an evangelist...but perhaps none greater than his own son, David. After 50 years of ministry, David L. Jones is still impacting lives through his teaching and preaching. He remains a key player in developing young ministers at Trinity Bible College. And to read some of the comments on his fan club, you quickly realize that he is having a tremendous impact all around the world through the pupils that sat in his classrooms.

Here are just a few of those comments:

Pastor Jones, (while Rev does show the respect you are due, pastor more adequately describes you) thank you so much for all your encouragement and support. I learned a lot, was stretched and didn't break, and am now effectively ministering to our ladies here in Okmulgee. Lives are being changed as a result of your ministry and your belief in those you minister/ed to. We thank God for you. Continue to be blessed.

Pappa bear, you are the man! I remember coming to your house and sitting there with your little foster son, who couldn't eat solids and couldn't talk or anything. It made such an impact on me just knowing you and your wife embraced him as a son! I remember how you practically loved him and interacted with him. That was one of the greatest representations of Jesus I have actually witnessed in my life. All the preaching in the world couldn't impact me like that genuine act of sacrificial love. I thought about how that boy represented me, and you represented Jesus. You have represented our Lord well, and I know He is proud. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know you.

Two weeks I had the congregation sing "Pentecostal Power" as our closing hymn. But before we sang it I told them the story of how my preaching professor would have his class sing it and make them hold the "Loooorrrrrd" as long as they could. I have come to love that song. Thanks Dave.

Brother Jones--your influence on our lives has been FAR reaching!! My husband Steve still refers to your classes as being a great impact upon his life. And to speak for myself, I thank you for the legacy you are leaving with us! Your passion for the right things always comes through loud and clear in your lectures! Now that we are both teaching at a bible college in Fiji, I think back often of your life example and thank the Lord for you!

"When you run out of things to preach on, Try The Bible"!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never forgot it Brother Jones & have never run out of preaching.

"Who of you are worriers?" hands go up around the class room. Jones looks around the room "dummy, dummy, dummy. You are dumb if you think worrying is going to work better than trusting God!" Acts class my freshman year. Good times with the one and only Brother Jones. :)

So many comments from so many people. To read more, just go to The Rev. David L. Jones FAN CLUB on Facebook. It is a refreshing testimony to know that a life that has been dedicated to serving God has made such an impact. And if you talk to anyone, they will tell you that Bother Jones is just himself. To be yourself is the greatest calling there is. He was created to preach and teach, with English wit and humor, and to love people. By being himself, he is leaving the legacy that God intended.