Victory Baptist Church Alita Yartes–
Pastor E. Benjamin Thomas, III and his wife, Lady Brenda Thomas will be retiring from the position of Senior Pastor, at Victory Baptist Church, Ridgecrest. They have faithfully served the church for 30 years. They are not retiring from ministry, but will continue to serve God as they enter a new season and their next assignment of faith, effective November 1, 2022.
Pastor and Lady Thomas have worked tirelessly and have given sacrificially to their church family and to the Ridgecrest community. During Pastor Thomas’ time at Victory, he performed countless baptisms, christenings, weddings and homegoing services. He has supported families during their time of bereavement. Pastor Thomas has served as the Chaplain of the Ridgecrest Police Department and has also provided services to the local hospital and mortuary.
He has been an advocate for the youth in the community, and has been visible in the schools, supporting parents when facing school related issues. Pastor Thomas has served as a member of the City Council, as well as Mayor Pro Temp.
Under Pastor Thomas’ church leadership, a number of ministries were established, including Victory’s Food Pantry ministry, which was especially helpful during the Pandemic; the Senior’s ministry, and the Families Actively Coming Together (FACT) ministry, which organized recreational events for fellowship. Several real estate properties were purchased and paid in full, including the church building at 242 W. Panamint, property to extend the parking lot, and the building for the Food Pantry, which provides groceries to the community, every second Saturday of the month. Additionally, a scholarship fund, The Eddie Davis, Jr. scholarship was established.
Lady Brenda Thomas has a heart for the women and the children. She founded the Women Of Victory Embracing a Nation (WOVEN) ministry. She established a women’s conference, called “At the Well” which provided training and ministry to women of all ages. She is an Evangelist and has also served as the Overseer of the Music Ministry and Choir and Dance Ministry. Lady Brenda has hosted several activities for young girls, to teach them proper etiquette and how to conduct themselves as young ladies. She is also an ardent prayer warrior and an extraordinary soloist.
Pastor & Lady Thomas have five children; Chereé, Amanda, Eddie IV, Scott, and Sandy; and three grandchildren, Alayna, Benjamin, and Olivia. God has been faithful to them, as they carried out their God-given assignments caring for their family and for the congregation. The members of Victory Baptist Church are overjoyed to celebrate their 30 years of faithful, pastoral service. The celebration is taking place over two Sundays. The kick-off service was Sunday, October 23, 2022, with keynote speaker, Rev. Clark Jackson from Pflugerville, Texas. Bishop Vernon R. Kemp will be the keynote speaker for October 30, 2022. The service begins at 10:30 a.m. The community is welcome to attend the services which will be held at 242 W. Panamint Avenue.
