Murphy Ashley, Jr.

Autobiographical Statement

I was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Murphy Ashley, Sr. and Mattie P. Ashley, the

third oldest of five children. I completed my public school education in 1968, by graduating

from Booker T. Washington High School. In 1969, I joined the United States Army and served

my country for 20 years, until retiring in 1989. During this time I lived many places overseas

Europe, Frankfurt, Belgium, Holland, and Korea. I also lived on the West Coast, in the South,

and the East Coast of the United States. I learned to work with many people and how to adapt to

life making the best of every situation. On August 1, 1987, I married my wife, SanDawna

Gaulman we have two sons Murphy III and Jay.

My relationship with Christ began in Zion Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana. Like

most children, I was taught about God’s love and the need for salvation. However, it was after

many years of living outside of a true relationship with God when I realized that I needed a

personal relationship with Christ. I did not have a Damascus Road experience. Rather, I came to

realize that God knew me before the foundation of the world, and I was elected to be God’s son.

This reality caused me to repent and answer the call God placed on my life.

My faith journey continued while stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia from 1987-1989.

The Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart people needed more than physical healing they needed

spiritual healing as well. Heeding this sense of call I began pursuing Theological Education. I

felt called to be an agent for wholeness. In 1991, I became a member of New Life Presbyterian

Church College Park, Georgia working closely with the pastor. Regularly, I assisted with the

8:00 a.m. Worship Service and taught New Members and Bible Study classes. I was ordained as

an Elder in 1993, responsible for the Christian Education Ministry of the church.

The years have proved my faith. The true test of the Elect, Perseverance has been my

story. My many trails have prepared me to be a minister that can not only speak about

Theology. I can empathize with persons who have had to wait on the miracles of God. My

testimony is God never fails.

Along the way, through various ministry experiences and congregations, God has

confirmed the call to ministry on my life. First as a military Chaplain Assistant, Elder at New

Life Presbyterian Church, Student Supply Pastor Salem Presbyterian Church, Anderson, South

Carolina and Chaplain, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While in Harrisburg I was employed by the

United Methodist Church, Central Pennsylvania Conference. I provided spiritual leadership as a

Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Daystar Center for Spiritual Recovery. At Daystar, I worked on the

front lines with persons in recovery using Scripture, prayer and counseling to help men regain

their lives after years of drug addiction. Additionally, I worked as a Youth Specialist, Dauphin

County Detention Center providing youth counseling and teaching youth alternatives to violence

and crime.

God put me in places to share my gifts and to my surprise; I have been effective in my

call. I know first hand what Paul means “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me” (Philippians 4:13).

Currently, I believe the Holy Spirit is guiding my steps to be an effective minister in

many areas. I look for the day when I can administer the gifts of God through Communion and

Baptism these signs of Grace uplift the Church and remind us of Christ’s continual love. My

Call to ministry is a ministry of reconciliation and church renewal through Pastoral Care.

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