The Christian community at San Quentin hosted a celebratory banquet for Pastor Tom Pham’s 10th anniversary of leading Bible studies.
Food, fun, and frolicking festivities accompanied the event held in Chapel B on November 30.
For the past decade, Pastor Tom has led a weekly non-denominational Bible study as well as services on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. He has also pastored the Open Arms International Church in San Francisco for the last 12 years.
“He’s an awesome pastor, genuine, and committed to the study. He is faithful, and you can confide in him. He is very approachable,” said resident Bible study student Anthony Gomez.
Dozens of residents and outside guests, including formerly incarcerated individuals, erupted into applause and well wishes when Pastor Tom entered the chapel, which was adorned with Christmas decorations. The sprit-filled congregation gave thanks for his service to San Quentin’s Christian community and the Lord.
“Pastor Tom is diverse and very rooted in the change of our lives through scripture,” said praise and incarcerated worship leader Mike Adams.
Pastor Tom revealed, “I was originally Buddhist and converted to Christianity when I married my wife, Helen, 30 years ago. That’s when God called me.”
Choir member Michael Fangman said, “I enjoy how dynamic he is and how he understands us and is filled with God’s love. He’s a great example of the angels who minister to us from the outside community, who see us as brothers and co-heirs in Christ rather than prisoners.”
The spirit-filled festivities began with praises for the Lord and prayer. The pastor delivered an opening message of hope and love with an invitation to open hearts for the Lord. Next on the agenda was a banquet followed by praise and worship songs led by Adams and accompanied by a band.
“Pastor Tom is awesome. He’s a really good guy on fire for the Lord,” said resident Sean Damewood, who has attended the studies for the past two years.
The banquet was sponsored by the non-profit organization Second Chance Life San Francisco, for which Tom also pastors. His Bible study group in prison goes by the same name.
It is the pastor’s hope that men at San Quentin who receive the Lord will be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
