David Husmann, pastor of GCI congregations in Sioux City, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, says that he first noticed God working with him at age 11. “I know God was with me then, because I remember beginning to question who he might be and how I should respond to him. One cold winter night, unable to sleep, I climbed out of bed, got on my knees and for the first time prayed openly to God. I don’t remember what was said, but I know I was responding to God. My relationship with him grew from there.”

David’s family had been receiving sacks of old newspapers and magazines from his great aunt, which his family would use to start fires in the wood furnace. In those sacks were copies of the Plain Truth magazine. “My mom and dad and I responded over a period of several years to what we read. We requested a visit in 1966 and in 1969 began attending church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I was baptized in 1970.”

David has always lived in Northwest Iowa. “My father purchased a 40-acre farm near Westfield in 1962 when I was age 12. He was disabled shortly after we moved in, so my mother went to work and I took on much of the farm responsibilities.” During high school I worked the farm and drove a school bus to supplement our income. I had my own dogs and a small horse. I enjoyed caring for them. I marvel at how God provides special events and creatures to help us grow toward him.”

David says he always has seen God’s involvement with his family. “God used the experiences we went through when Dad was hurt to grow us spiritually. We also received physical blessings from God—cows for milk, chickens for eggs, steers for sale income and our own fresh meat.”

In 1975, David met his wife Linda at a church service in Omaha. “I really likedher, but she did not like me. So I went to work to win her. We married in 1976. She remains my mainstay and grounding influence. When we first met, I saw in her a stately, grounded follower of Christ who complemented my own approach to life. She supports me by her words and presence. I experience God’s support through her.”

David and Linda have three children. “Our son, Michael, is married to Amanda and they have our three grandchildren, Abigail (8), Shaylee (6, born on my birthday), and Briella (1). Our daughter Vanessa who is single is studying to become a dietitian. Our daughter Suzy, our youngest, is married to Jeff Froderman. They have no children yet. I have been privileged to officiate at both of our married children’s weddings.” Doing so is what David lists as his most memorable moments as a pastor.

David was ordained a deacon in 1996 and coordinated the YES and YOU programs in the Sioux City congregation. “We had a local Teens Encounter Christ program and a Youth for Christ program. In 1998, David attended New Pastor’s Training in Pasadena. “Since then I’ve grown into the pastoral role in Sioux City, having been ordained an elder in 1999 by Dave Fiedler, a wonderful mentor to me. I began pastoring a second church (Omaha, Nebraska) in 2003.” David says he experiences “deep-rooted joy in overseeing these two churches—sharing life with the Lord’s people: listening for their needs, encouraging them and interceding on their behalf in prayer. I love helping them reach their full potential in the Lord Jesus!”

When asked about what he enjoys most about being part of GCI, David replied, “I have always enjoyed our extended fellowship. Being able to get to know our brothers and sisters has always been a source of joy. I also love the education that GCI makes available for all levels of people.”

David says his life has been “an exercise in living faith. God led us through some rough times and remained faithful to us. The birth of our son Michael was nip and tuck—we almost lost him. But God brought us through. Our last birth was a troubled one also. We almost lost Susan, but God was with us through it all. God moved mightily with Linda and me when we moved from the farm—a move we sensed was God’s will. Shortly after, I was asked to run for Councilman in our city. With no investment of time on my part, I was elected to that seat for four years. I gained a solid education in small town dealings. Representing the town, I went three times to Washington D.C. to speak with key government people. God also led me to work for three years as a teacher’s aide and bus driver for experience with the younger generation. He put us in a position to learn and grow spiritually for his purposes for us and for his church.”

“We have had our share of hard trials,” said David. “I had a heart attack and Linda has battled diabetes and breast cancer. At one point, I struggled with burn-out as a pastor. Then I had an accident and my legs were run over by a flatbed trailer. But in all of these trials, God was with us every step of the way. Our Faithful God helped us become faithful to him in and through these experiences.”

David’s passion is “helping people out of the deep love that God gives me for them. As part of my current job driving a concrete truck, I train new hires. In that role I’ve been recognized as a solid coach-trainer. God has gifted me to serve as a life-coach for others. So as I approach retirement, I think I would like to focus on coaching those who come after me.”

Asked when he feels closest to God, David said, “A while back I would have answered that by saying when I pray, but now it seems as I get older, I feel closest to God as I relate to others. To me this shows God’s closeness to all people. I feel especially close to God when he answers prayers said on behalf of those I am blessed to work with.”