Pastor Joseph Keith Linder is a native of Washington D.C. He moved to Harrisburg, PA in 1971.  He was licensed to preach in November 1978 and was ordained an Elder in August 1983. 

 

In June 1995, Pastor Joseph and his wife, Nancy, founded the Full Gospel Evangelistic Ministry-Of Harrisburg, which was originally started as a street ministry (Straight Up Street Talk); and, in August 1996 was organized into the church.  On September 5, 1999, Pastor Joseph was ordained a Pastor under Bishop Paul T. Veney, Sr., then Bishop and founder of Abundant Life Ministries International of Harrisburg. 

 

Pastor Joseph has many spiritual gifts. He is a pastor after God’s heart.  He loves people, especially those he serves.  He is a man of character and charisma, an humble man; and, knows how to feed and nourish the flock of God, by the Holy Spirit.  He has received religious training and education, throughout his years in ministry; and therefore, holds various degrees and certifications, which he draws upon as he serves his church and community.

 

Pastor Joseph is a military retiree.  He served his country for four years in the U.S. Army, as an Infantryman, from November 1975 to November 1979.  Upon discharge, he enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guards where he served for eighteen years, until his retirement in September 1997, from the 131st Transportation Unit.  While in the Guards, he served nine months in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, in Saudi Arabia.  He has numerous prestigious awards and citations to attest to his outstanding service to his country.  Often during Pastor Joseph’s sermons, he calls up his military experience to illustrate a spiritual point.

 

On August 28, 1976, Pastor Joseph married his wife, and they have two sons, Byron and Patrick, and three grandchildren, Makalia, Jayden and Tayshaun; and are the spiritual parents to Elder Angela M. Wise and many others.

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