“One thing I know about history, if you don't learn and read about it, you lose it. Every generation must know about their heritage and where they come from,” said Pastor Isaiah Tunson Jr.
Today, we’re featuring one of our OPD Chaplains. It seems being a pastor is a family affair. It’s been going on for a handful of generations.
At just 13-years-old, Pastor Tunson preached his first sermon.
He’s currently the Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
“Just like as police officers, they have to oversee the city in which they work and live in the same way with us as pastors. Oh, we have to oversee people's souls,” said Pastor Tunson.
He served as a chaplain for the Odessa Police Department since 2020.
“I thought that was a good opportunity for us as African-American pastors here in Odessa to have a relationship if you will with the city of Odessa, the Odessa police department. It goes without saying yes, there is somewhat of a disconnect. I feel like being an African American male myself and being a part of the law enforcement family. Maybe that'll help bridge the gap,” said Pastor Tunson.
Back in 1987, he started a career in law enforcement that lasted for ten years.
“Police officers, they’re human beings, just like everybody else, you know, they have families, they have jobs, they have bills, you know, just like everybody else,” said Pastor Tunson.
He is a busy man, to say the least. Pastor Tunson also has a day job and works in the oil and gas industry.
For a look at the video, CLICK HERE.