God knows his heart, and his heart is for broken people. Pastor Esker C. Ware of Bessemer is full of love and compassion for broken people. He was once a broken man who experimented with drugs and alcohol, but has now been saved and restored.
Esker is the founding and senior pastor of Restoration of Hope Ministries in Bessemer. He was ordained in 2012. Esker is grateful for God’s resurrection power that saved him and placed his feet on a solid foundation. A Bessemer native, Esker grew up on the Southside. For 15 years he has worked for the city of Bessemer. An outgoing and energetic personality, he is known throughout the city as a passionate, spirit-led preacher whose trust is in the Lord. Esker is a good, solid, decent man who praises our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as his stronghold and sure defense. Great is his faithfulness as he spreads the word.
Tell me about your church?
Esker: Restoration of Hope Ministries is a Christ-centered ministry. An outreach ministry dedicated to restoring lives, strengthening families and renewing faith through the transforming power of Jesus Christ. In obedience to the call of God, we go beyond the walls of the church into the highways and hedges, to compel men and women to come, that His house may be filled (Luke 14: 23). All are welcome to attend our services.
What are your duties at the church?
Esker: My job is to be a fisher of men. When I am not at work, I am studying the Gospel. I am committed to blessing the community with hope, to restore the fallen and encourage hearts with God’s healing power. One of my greatest passions is prison ministry where I have dedicated over a decade to ministering at C. W. Donaldson Prison.
What is the church’s vision statement?
Esker: To see lives transformed, families restored and communities revived through the power of Jesus Christ. Restoration of Hope Ministries is a beacon of light and hope to the nations.
What is your favorite book of the Bible?
Esker: My favorite book in the Bible is The Psalms, and Galatians 5: 1 is my favorite Bible verse.
Tell me about your family?
Esker: I was born in 1968, one of six children to Annette Sherrod and Jimmy Lee Ware. I have been married for 16 years to my beautiful wife Sharon Ware, and we have been blessed with four wonderful children and one grandson.
What is your favorite Christmas movie?
Esker: It’s a Wonderful Life, a compassionate and inspiring movie filled with love.
What is your favorite meal?
Esker: I love fried crappie with hush puppies, French fries, coleslaw and for dessert a homemade pound cake.