Breath of Life accepts the Bible as the only source of our beliefs. We consider our movement to be the result of the Protestant conviction Sola Scriptura—the Bible as the only standard of faith and practice for Christians.
1974
Breath of Life began broadcasting in 1974. It was the dream of pastor and recording artist Walter Arties to create a program that would appeal to African-Americans looking for hope and guidance. For 23 years, Pastor C. D. Brooks was the featured speaker.
1997
In 1997, Pastor Walter L. Pearson, Jr., became the Speaker/Director, and he continued the legacy begun by Pastors Arties and Brooks. Through the years, the broadcast broadened its target audience to include all those searching for hope and the assurance of God’s powerful message of salvation.
2010
In December, 2010, Dr. Carlton P. Byrd assumed the role of Speaker/Director. Pastor Byrd also serves as the Senior Pastor of the Oakwood University Church of Seventh-day Adventists. Dr. Byrd continues to expand the vision and reach of Breath of Life as he builds on the foundation laid by those who have gone before him.
2021
On July 28, 2021, the North American Division Adventist Media Ministries board voted to
accept the name of Debleaire Snell as the new Speaker/Director for Breath of Life Television Ministries.
Present Day
The weekly broadcasts are taped at the Oakwood University Church. While public evangelism continues to be a vital part of the ministry, Breath of Life continues to expand its global reach through social media, the internet, and television.
But ministry does not end at the pulpit. Breath of Life practices active evangelism in the local community through feeding the homeless, clothing distribution and weekly prison ministry service. Breath of Life will also be reaching out to those who need physical as well as spiritual healing and hope.
Join us and become part of the Breath of Life family!
Pastor Debleaire K. Snell
Love the people, innovation, preach the Gospel, and win, not just the city for God, but the world.
Pastor Debleaire K. Snell
Our Speaker/Director
Pastor Debleaire K. Snell is currently the Senior Pastor of the Oakwood University Church on the campus of Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, and the Speaker/Director of the Breath of Life Television Broadcast. Pastor Debleaire K. Snell was born in Tallahassee, Florida to Deborah and Larry Snell. In 1999, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology from Oakwood University. In Spring of 1999, he accepted a call to pastor with the South Central Seventh-day Adventist Conference in Nashville, TN. Upon graduating, Pastor Snell began his graduate school matriculation at Andrews University. While at Andrews, he served as the Youth Pastor for the Praise Fellowship SDA Church in South Bend, Indiana. In December of 2001, he received his Masters of Divinity from Andrews Theological Seminary.
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Manager/Treasurer
Communications/Marketing Director
Receptionist
Data Entry Coordinator
Digital Content Specialist
Broadcast Operations Assistant
Video Editing Assistant