Denzel Washington highlights Christian faith, commits to share to others what God has done in his life

Actor Denzel Washington says his father's love for God influenced his life. (Reuters)

Raised in a loving Christian home, award-winning American actor Denzel Washington says growing up in the fear of the Lord is something that he values deeply in life.

Washington, 60, shared his Christian faith when he delivered a keynote address at the Church Of God In Christ's (COGIC) annual "We Care" Charities Banquet.

He recalled how his father's love for God influenced his life.

"My father, my earthly father, Denzel Washington Sr. was a pastor for the Church of God in Christ for 60 years," Washington said, according to The St. Louis American

"I can remember the most important time in our house—and he would be so excited—was when he was preparing to attend Convocation in Memphis, Tennessee. I didn't know what he was doing when he got here—in fact, I couldn't even say the word, but I knew it was important to him."

His father would make yearly trips from upstate New York to Tennessee just to attend the banquet, and now that he is unable to do so, Washington has stepped up in lieu of him.

"He would get his best two suits together, and my mother would fry him a tin of chicken and prepare a thermos of coffee, and he would make the drive," Washington said. "I know he's smiling in heaven, seeing his son doing the best I can do today, by the grace of God."

Washington's life has not always been easy. When he was young, he received poor grades and his future looked pretty bleak. But one day, a woman from church approached him and told him that he is "going to travel the world and speak to people."

"Now mind you I was 20 years old, with a 1.7-grade point average and had flunked out of school. She said, 'You are going to preach,'" shared Washington. "In this 40-year journey, I guess she was right. Through my work I have spoken to millions of people. In 2015, I said I'm no longer just going to speak through my work. I'm going to make a conscious effort to get up and speak about what God has done for me."

related articles
Denzel Washington\'s number one tip for successful living: \'put God first in everything\'
Denzel Washington's number one tip for successful living: 'put God first in everything'

Denzel Washington's number one tip for successful living: 'put God first in everything'

Denzel Washington urges college grads to put God first in everything they do
Denzel Washington urges college grads to put God first in everything they do

Denzel Washington urges college grads to put God first in everything they do

The faith of Denzel Washington in 8 quotes
The faith of Denzel Washington in 8 quotes

The faith of Denzel Washington in 8 quotes

News
The most dangerous book in the world
The most dangerous book in the world

The Bible is powerful. That is why it is feared by regimes who want all power to rest solely with them.

Historic letters from William Wilberforce discovered in University of Chester archives
Historic letters from William Wilberforce discovered in University of Chester archives

A remarkable discovery has been made in the University of Chester’s archives: four early 19th-century letters, including two written by prominent abolitionist William Wilberforce, have been unearthed during an alumni archive project.

Holy Land Christians need support of global Church, says Archbishop of Jerusalem
Holy Land Christians need support of global Church, says Archbishop of Jerusalem

"We need the wider body of Christ to help us to be the church in brutal and damaging times.”

EU Parliament passes resolution calling for protection of Christians in Syria
EU Parliament passes resolution calling for protection of Christians in Syria

“This resolution marks an important step toward building international momentum to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Syria."