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<\/a>Pastors Neville\u2019 and Jenny Smith of Iglesia el Camino (The Way Church) in Sioux Falls, SD<\/p><\/div>\n
Tagging along has led Neville\u2019 to become a songwriter, author, chaplain, deputy sheriff, church planter, and pastor. However, becoming a minister was not originally part of Neville\u2019s story. When he was in elementary school, he encountered the Lord at a church in Sioux City, Iowa. When he opened his eyes, two bishops and a deacon were standing over him, and one of the bishops declared, \u201cThis boy is going to be a preacher.\u201d<\/p>\n
Growing up in some difficulty, he did not see this path for himself. His mother raised six kids on her own. Although she did the best she could, when she married, abuse entered their home. \u201cAs a child, I remember feeling weak, defenseless, and wishing that someone a lot bigger than me would come and protect me. Setting in my heart at that young age that, once I got bigger, I would do what I could so no other child would feel that way; as an adult, I began to complete that mission. I had no intentions of getting in law-enforcement, but again, God was given the pen. I felt that He had placed me in a position where I could shine a little light to that \u2018younger me,\u2019\u201d Neville\u2019 reveals.<\/p>\n
His passion for children and his community led Neville\u2019 to a career in law enforcement. In March of 2023, he was honored as The American Legion National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for his accomplishments working as a School Resource Officer because of his hands-on approach to supporting and expanding programs in the district and community. He also works as the main contact point for the district in South Dakota Safe2Say Program and on the Sioux Council Juvenile Diversion Advisory Board.<\/p>\n
His career in law enforcement allows him to help children like himself and has drawn Neville\u2019 closer to God. Years ago, while on duty, the Lord told Neville\u2019 that he would be tested in a life-or-death situation but not to fear because He would be with him. Just hours later, a gun was pulled on him and his partner. While waiting for back up, Joshua. 1:9 presented itself to Neville: \u201cHave I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.\u201d<\/p>\n
This scripture was on a bracelet Neville\u2019s daughter had given to him on Father\u2019s Day. At the time of the incident, \u201cit was as if the Lord had set over me a very heavy, heavy blanket of peace. My voice was so calm over the radio that other officers did not respond because they thought that everything was under control,\u201d Neville remembers.<\/p>\n
Along with Joshua 1:9, the Lord confirmed Deuteronomy 31:9 in a dream a few years later: \u201cThe Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.\u201d Recognizing the connection with Joshua 1:9, these scriptures became Neville\u2019s life scriptures given to him directly by God.<\/p>\n
God continued to write Neville\u2019s story, and he was ordained through the IPHC. Bishop Garry Bryant oversaw, and unknown to him, Bishop Bryant ordained Neville\u2019 in the exact same city, Sioux City, Iowa, that it was prophesied he would become a pastor. In 2017, Neville\u2019 and his wife, Jenny, founded and continue to pastor Iglesia el Camino (The Way Church) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (ACROSS Conference). While preaching, his wife provides Spanish translations to their congregation. His daughter is the assistant worship leader, and their oldest son plays the drums.<\/p>\n