The life and legacy of Pastor Zachery Tims, Jr., founder of the New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Florida, was celebrated Saturday, before thousands at the First Baptist Church of Orlando on south John Young Parkway.
Before funeral services began at 11:00 a.m., many filed past the body of Dr. Tims, bidding their final farewell to the pastor who all described as a father, brother, mentor, trailblazer and friend to the many whose lives he had touched.
Several pastors and church leaders throughout Central Florida and out-of-state, turned out to pay tribute to Pastor Tims, included Apostle Danny Williams of Citadel of Hope Ministries in Leesburg, Pastor Hezekiah Bradford of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Zellwood, Pastor Rico Sharp of Spirit of Truth Ministries in Lake Mary, Pastor Paula White of Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Pastor Tony Smith and Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas.
Pastor Sharp described Tims as a man full of “character and confidence, who taught me to be relentless.” Our relationship was unique, Sharp said.
Sharp told the congregation that Zach Tims had talked to him about his recent trip to Puerto Rico, saying he was very excited about being able to spend time with his kids. And Sharp too had special words of comfort for the members of the New Destiny Christian Center.
“Let’s keep him alive. Let’s keep his spirit alive,” said Sharp.
Pastor White said that words could not describe the pain of no longer enjoying the presence of Pastor Tims.
“With each life he encountered he brought hope, help, expectation and transformation as he advanced the kingdom of God,” White said.
Orlando’s Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor, Teresa Jacobs, County Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell and U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown (District 3), each paid civic tributes to Zachery Tims.
Dyer recalled that Tims had such a passion when he delivered the word of God and that he felt blessed and inspired whenever he attended New Destiny. He added that the city and its commissioners had signed off on a resolution – ‘Vision will lead you into your destiny’ and said, Tims’ good work will live on.
Jacobs said when she heard the news of Tims’ death she was stunned and overwhelmed with grief. Tims died unexpectedly in a hotel room in New York, a little over one week ago, the cause of which has not yet been determined, as toxicology and autopsy results are being awaited.
“This whole community is feeling your pain,” Jacobs said, with her voice breaking at times. “But there is no one among us who could have wished or hoped for a more fruitful life.”
Moore Russell remembered Tims as a man who cared for people and was desirous of creating opportunities for them to grow wealth and succeed.
“Continue his dash…..continue to go about his work…what he cared about so much,” Moore Russell exhorted Tims’ New Destiny congregants.
When I think of Dr. Zach, I think of “determined” Pastor Riva Tims, ex-wife of Zach Tims said. He was so strong willed.
“In his young age, he circled the globe and set goals that many would never even imagine,” Riva Tims said. “He fathered four beautiful children and in his 42 years, fathered thousands and thousands of spiritual children. He did a lot in those 42 years. We must take that mantle. Let us not take his death in vain.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes remembered Zach Tims as a “little kid,” who would go straight to his refrigerator when he came to Jakes’ home and who would disarm anyone by bursting into a grin.
Jakes recalled the kindness of Tims, who did so much to help so many and who stumbled, himself. Although he ministered to thousands, Jakes said that Tims was a wounded man in the spirit, as he felt if his congregants saw his flaws they would be unforgiving.
“The drum major was bleeding down in his boots,” Jakes said, as he wiped his brow with a red handkerchief and twirled on the podium.
Drawing on Exodus, Chaper 3, verse 15, Jakes told of the troubles of Moses, a messed up man, but who God used beyond human comprehension. Perhaps likening Tims’ troubles to those of Jacob, Jakes urged everyone to see Dr. Tims and not Zach.
“Zach’s death is a wake up call to urge us to slow down…to work on our character…you need to have peace on the inside,” Jakes said.
Added Jakes, “I don’t know what happened in the hotel room in New York, but I could only hope as Zachery lay dying, Dr. Tims stood up.”
Just before Bishop Jakes’ “Words of Inspiration”, Gospel singer and winner of numerous Grammy awards, CeCe Winans took to the microphone and offered a beautiful rendition of “He’s Concerned”, much to the delight of the gathering.
As one devout follower commented at the conclusion of the service, “He (Dr. Tims) was blessed, he was loved, he will be missed.”
See Program–Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr., Below:
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