Pastor Gilbert: Ministry Wherever He Goes

At Freedom Center, we believe every pastor carries a unique expression of God’s heart. For Pastor Gilbert, that expression is one of wisdom, warmth, and an unwavering desire to see lives transformed by the truth of God’s Word. He’s a teacher, a shepherd, and a man deeply rooted in both faith and family- the kind of leader who listens as much as he speaks and always points others back to Jesus.


Some people find ministry inside a church building. Others carry it wherever life takes them. For Pastor Gilbert, ministry isn’t confined to a pulpit- it’s a posture of the heart. Whether teaching in a classroom, praying with a neighbor, or sharing a meal with his family, he lives with one mission: to make Jesus known wherever he goes.

Faith, Family, and Finding Home

Born and raised in Cameroon, West Africa, Gilbert’s journey has always been marked by purpose. He came to the United States in 2002 to pursue an education, eventually earning his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Clemson University. What began as an academic dream became a divine assignment, one that would teach him that every environment, every encounter, and every season is a place for ministry.

Today, Gilbert calls Anderson home, where he lives with his wife, Yaniqua, and their children. Together, they laugh, play, and worship- knowing that family is the first ministry God entrusted to them. “Being a husband and father is everything to me,” he says. “It’s where I live out what I preach.”

Their home is full of songs, games, walks, and family moments that strengthen their bond. And when they return to Cameroon every few years, a 30-hour journey across continents, Gilbert is reminded that God’s work spans beyond borders. “It’s humbling to see how big God’s family really is,” he says.

A Call That Crossed Continents

Gilbert was saved at 15 and quickly found himself drawn into ministry. He joined Cameroon Youths for Jesus, a group of young believers who traveled across the nation preaching the Gospel. That’s where he first learned that you don’t wait for a stage to share the Good New, you start where you are.


Not long after, God gave him a vision: he saw himself traveling from city to city, country to country, proclaiming the Gospel. It was a glimpse of the global mission that would define his life. From Cameroon to Europe and now the U.S., he’s carried the same message everywhere- that Jesus changes everything.

Building a Life Together

Gilbert and Yaniqua first met through community outreach efforts in Anderson- both were serving through local programs and later reconnected at church. “We were both already ministering,” he says with a smile. “God just brought our paths together.”


They’ve been serving side by side ever since. “Ministry is a team effort,” Gilbert says. “Like a quarterback needs a good team, I depend on her wisdom and partnership. 

This calling is for both of us.”

“Here I Am, Lord” - The Williamston Calling

Now, as he steps into the role of lead pastor at Freedom Center’s new Williamston campus, Gilbert sees it as another step in that lifelong calling to minister wherever he goes. “For us, this is a Hineni moment,” he says-“Here I am, Lord.”


Through Freedom Nights on Sunday evenings, a mix of Bible study, prayer, and fellowship, he and his team are laying the foundation for a thriving faith family. “You don’t need to bring anything fancy,” he says. “Just bring your Bible, bring yourself, and God will meet you there.”

A Church for the Community

Williamston is a small town with a big heart, and Gilbert believes Freedom Center can play a role in strengthening it. “Our prayer is to be part of the answer the community is longing for- to preach Jesus and to demonstrate His love in practical ways.”


From supporting families to partnering with local leaders, their goal is to be a beacon of hope and healing. Once fully launched, the Williamston campus will offer ministry for every age group- from nursery and Sunday school to youth and young adults, ensuring that everyone has a place to belong.

Faith That Carries Through Every Season

Gilbert’s life hasn’t been without challenge. During his Ph.D. years at Clemson, far from home and family, he battled loneliness and discouragement. “There were moments I wanted to pack my things and go back,” he admits. “But God provided financially, academically, and spiritually.”


He remembers praying one night and asking God why the darkness felt so long. The answer came quietly: Morning always follows.


 That experience deepened his faith and it’s why he preaches endurance to others. “No matter how dark it seems, God’s light will come.”

Anchored by the Word

One verse that anchors Gilbert’s heart is Acts 26:16 (NKJV):

“But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you.”


To him, this verse perfectly describes his life. “I don’t need to see everything God will do,” he says. “My job is to stand, obey, and trust Him with the next step.”


Wherever Gilbert goes, in a classroom, a church, or a conversation- he sees himself as both a witness and a minister.

Loving Like Jesus

When Gilbert talks about love, his words echo the heart of a shepherd. “To love people the way Jesus loves us,” he says, “means to walk with them through every season- the good, the bad, and everything in between. That’s what He does for us.”


It’s this patient, steadfast love that will define the culture of the Williamston campus: a church where people can grow, heal, and find hope in the presence of God.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

When asked what he would tell the next generation of believers, Gilbert’s response is firm but hopeful:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)


“Culture changes,” he says, “but Jesus doesn’t. Stay close to Him, and you’ll never lose your way.”

A Final Invitation

Whether he’s teaching a class, leading a Bible study, or chatting with someone in the grocery store, Pastor Gilbert is always ministering. “I don’t wait for Sunday,” he says with a grin. “Every day is an opportunity.”


If you live near Williamston or the surrounding area, Pastor Gilbert and his family would love to meet you. “We’re real people serving a real God,” he says. “Come visit us- we’ll save you a seat.”