From a very young age, God was preparing Dr. David B Franklin to be His servant-leader for this generation and for Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries.
As a youth, his wisdom, anointing and spiritual grounding became apparent to Dr. D.J. Williams, founder of Wings of Love, and his wife, First Lady Ida Williams, who invited Pastor David to serve as Youth Pastor at the age of 22. In the following years, he held multiple pastoral positions of progressive and expanding responsibility including Seminary Intern Assistant Pastor at Stratford Memorial in Chicago, IL, Associate Pastor of Berea Temple in Baltimore, MD, and most recently Lead Pastor of Miracle City Church in Baltimore, MD.
Pastor David’s ministerial experience is enhanced by his academic qualifications. He has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Oakwood University, a Masters of Divinity degree from Andrews University, and a PhD in Organization Development with Distinction from Cabrini University.
Over his 19 years in ministry, Dr. Franklin’s path has led him well beyond the walls of the church into the communities and lives of the people. His ministry and service are twofold: to spread the Word of God through teaching and preaching and to live its truth through tangible demonstrations of love for all people.
Through his focused commitment to that charge, Dr. Franklin has impacted lives across the globe by raising millions of dollars in support of grassroots organizations that strengthen local communities. He’s created and spearheaded programs to develop youth and young adult leadership in ministry by founding such organizations as Helping Hands International and the Jesus Gathering. He has led transformative community improvement initiatives including the Frederick Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Project which helped to revitalize educational, housing, health, and economic opportunities in Southwest Baltimore. This project was sparked by community service efforts that included renovating 30 flood impacted homes, donating over 100,000 diapers to parents in need, supporting 3,000 students with supplies necessary for their educational journey, and completing over 100,000 acts of kindness in an eight month period.
Dr. Franklin will be the first to say that his greatest accomplishment was marrying the former Cynthia W. Ichoya. First Lady Cynthia W. Franklin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts, a Masters degree in Community & International Development, and a Masters degree in Social Work. She owns a private mental health counseling practice called The Couch, LLC that specializes in women’s issues, trauma, and women in transition throughout life’s journey.
Pastor David and First Lady Cynthia are the proud parents of two bright, analytical, and energetic sons – Malachi & Micah.
Pastor David’s life desire is to respond to the words of Jesus found in John 21:19, “and then He said, ‘Follow Me.’” Dr. Franklin followed Jesus’ calling on his life around the world and now he has followed the prompting of Jesus to come back home to serve as the Lead Pastor of Wings of Love.
Welcome Pastor David, First Lady Cynthia, Malachi, & Micah!
Pastor David, First Lady Cynthia, Malachi, & Micah