David Welch
Leon was the man who God appointed to lead me to Jesus Christ :) I was fresh out of the Coast Guard around 1989 when we met in Gainesville. I was looking for work and Leon hired me on the spot. With only one sweet and caring statement he made over me, speaking life, I was immediately touched by God and within just a few weeks attended his Church of the Shepherd where I surrender my life to Jesus. He was an amazing man and I always admired his love for the Lord and love for others. I was so blessed to be able to visit Leon and Mable many years later around 2019 and proudly introduce them to my wife and daughters as he showed off his awesome Fl Gators Christmas decorations! Because of Leon’s faithfulness, I now walk with Jesus as my savior, fortress, and rock, and because of Leon’s example, whenever the Lord opens a door, I lead other men toward Jesus and walk alongside them in discipleship, passing on to future generations the love of Christ - just as Leon would want. I can’t wait to see him and Mable in heaven and hopefully sit down at their kitchen table again and eat ham and cheese sandwiches like we used to do during lunch breaks at their beautiful home. Miss you brother, but will see you again and we will all worship the Lord together! All my love to the Godwin family. ~ David Welch
