For nearly 25 years, Pastor David Squyres has faithfully served Palms Baptist Church, known for his deep prayer life and steadfast commitment to God’s people. A graduate of California Baptist University and former pastor of Lake Elsinore Baptist Church, he is also the author of several books, including Judges: The Wild West of the Bible, The Elijah Prophecies, and How Uncle Huey Got Religion.David’s late wife, Rebecca, faithfully partnered with him in ministry for 25 years until her passing in 2022. Together they raised four children—Sharon, Annie, Susie, and Miriam—and are now blessed with a growing family of grandchildren who continue their legacy of faith. In recent years, David has experienced God’s renewing grace through reconnecting with longtime friend Donalyn Ruiz. In a season marked by grief, her steady encouragement, shared love for Scripture, and compassionate presence became a source of healing. Over time, their friendship deepened into love, leading to a joyful engagement in Idyllwild—rooted in the hope of God’s promise: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” In time, that promise blossomed into marriage, a day overflowing with love, laughter, and the enduring friendship at the heart of their story.

WHAT FIRST STIRRED YOUR HEART TOWARD PASTORAL MINISTRY, AND HOW DID YOU SENSE GOD’S CALLING?

I first sensed God calling me into pastoral ministry when I was sixteen. To be honest, I fought it. Growing up in a pastor’s home, I knew the weight of ministry well, and it wasn’t something I thought I wanted for my own life. On top of that, I was painfully shy and far from a strong public speaker. I certainly didn’t feel like “pastor material.” One night, while listening to Scripture on an old audio tape, the parable of the talents came on. When I heard the words, “each according to his ability,” the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks. It was as if He said, “Did you hear that? Listen again.” So I rewound the tape—again and again, until the truth settled in my heart. The Lord impressed on me: “I will never call you to anything I will not also equip you for.” In that moment, I realized God wasn’t asking me to rely on my personality or natural gifting; He was calling me to trust Him. That assurance became the foundation of my ministry.

IS THERE A PARTICULAR BIBLE STORY OR PASSAGE THAT REFLECTS THE HEART OR RESPONSIBILITY OF A PASTOR?

Numbers 12 is a passage I return to often. Miriam and Aaron’s quiet words against Moses—just family talk—brought the entire community to a standstill. God heard their private conversation, and Miriam, a gifted leader, faced consequences for what started with careless speech. That story has always reminded me that pastoral influence is powerful. What we say—both publicly and privately—can move God’s people forward or hold them back. As pastors, we speak often, and that means we must guard our words even more carefully. Miriam was a prophetess and worship leader, yet even she misused her voice in a moment. Her example calls me to steward my own voice wisely.

WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING MOMENTS IN YOUR PASTORAL JOURNEY?

For me, Baptism is the greatest joy in ministry. At Palms Baptist, it has become part of our culture of discipleship. Everyone who desires to be baptized meets with me for what we call “baptism counseling,” a simple conversation about their walk with Jesus. Many of those conversations turn into moments of true surrender or renewed faith. When we remodeled the sanctuary recently, we made sure the baptismal area was given greater prominence. That decision wasn’t aesthetic—it reflected what God has made central in our church: lives being transformed by Christ.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG PASTORS OR THOSE DISCERNING A CALL TO MINISTRY TODAY?

If I could give one encouragement, it would be this: Don’t neglect your own walk with Jesus. We all know the danger—using the Bible only as a tool for preparing sermons rather than as nourishment for our souls.

So I urge pastors:

• Read Scripture for your own heart, not just for the pulpit.

• Sit under preaching regularly—let the Word hit you as a worshiper.

• Protect your prayer life. Choose a place where you meet with God consistently.

• Build spiritual rhythms that keep your heart soft, humble, and teachable.

Most nights, I take a long walk up a hill overlooking Twentynine Palms. I listen to Scripture, listen to a sermon, and then I pray. That rhythm has anchored my ministry more than anything else.

HOW HAS SERVING IN MINISTRY DEEPENED YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD OVER TIME?

Ministry has been one of God’s primary tools for shaping me as a disciple. In serving others, the Lord has confronted my immaturity, grown my compassion, and continually pushed me back to His Word.

I’ve learned over the years that:

• Ministry exposes the places where we need growth

• Scripture must be our daily anchor

• Compassion expands when we walk closely with people

• Prayer becomes less of a task and more of a lifeline

I often say, “God didn’t call me because I was mature. He used ministry to mature me.” Teaching, counseling, navigating conflict, and walking with people through crisis have all been part of the Lord’s refining process in my life. And through it all, He has proven faithful.

BFCAL SUPPORTING LOCAL MINISTRY BFCAL funded a loan for Palms Baptist Church, supporting auditorium renovations and the replacement of audiovisual equipment. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Ernest Ong at or call (909) 738-4002.