Book excerpt: Years ago, I would hear the song; "We've come this far by faith." This is so true with me. God has been a part of my life as long as I can remember my parents instilling Him in me. Although through many ups and downs, many self-inflicted, God did not leave me alone; in fact, he clung to me even closer, using my family and friends that he placed in my life, making and molding me into what he would have me to be today. God Bless, Leonard O. Spurling (Pastor) Leonard O. Spurling is a native of Dallas, TX. He attended public schools graduating from Lincoln High School in 1981. The following fall, he attended Texas College in Tyler, TX where he received his bachelors of Science degree in music in May 1987. Afterwards law enforcement aroused his interest. He began working as a Jailor at the Smith County Jail, Tyler TX. He attended East Texas Police academy becoming a certified peace officer for the state of Texas in December 1988. He continued to work in different areas of law enforcement up to the time he was called to preach God's word. Today, he has been a church pastor at various churches for 23 years and has settled at East chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Mineola, Tx. He is also Deputy Sheriff for Smith County Sheriff's Dept. working as Bailiff for the 321st Courtroom where Judge Carole Clark presides.