By: Michelle Jones, Follow South Jersey Correspondent
SALEM, N.J. – Anyone who has ever been in Salem for any period of time is very likely to run into the guitar guy, better known as David Staples.
Staples has been a staple in the community of Salem for almost 70 years. And he is easy to spot, participating in church or community events, usually always carrying a guitar and wearing some kind of a shirt that advertises his love of the Lord.
Born and raised in the City of Salem, Staples was part of the school system, part of the church system, and, for some time, part of the streets. He’s a musician, songwriter, and as he would call himself, he is a self proclaimed Jesus Freak.
Getting to know Staples isn’t hard as he loves to sit down and tell his story so that he could then share the gospel. Follow South Jersey had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Staples and his wife of 39 years, Diana, so that the community could hear the story of this remarkable, unique “Jesus Freak.”
FSJ: So David tell me what it was like growing up in Salem.
Staples: Well I am from a large family. I have six siblings, but it wasn’t a good life. I had a very abusive father and so instead of going home I hung out on the streets or the old pool hall.
FSJ: At what age did you start to develop an interest in music?
Staples: I always loved music. In fact in school I won a music award. Weird thing though, I didn’t like the guitar. Not until God told me it was going to be my ministry. Since I didn’t know how to play I practiced by myself four hours a day, seven days a week.
FSJ: At what point did you become interested in God? I mean life on the streets tells a story, right?
David: Well I was on the streets but I never did drugs and I didn’t drink alcohol, I would just rather be there than home. But in 1968 a new preacher came to town, Lloyd Evans, and he invited me to church. The following year I went on a faith based trip to NY and gave my life to Christ there.
FSJ:.David, how do you use your guitar for ministry?
Staples: Well, I can tell you all of the ministries I have been involved in. I was in the Lay Witness Mission Program, Hospital Sunday Services, a jail ministry, nursing home ministry, youth leader, praise and worship leader, and most frequently these days outside of church would be my campground ministry
FSJ: Diana, you and Dave met in 1984 after you were widowed at a young age with two small children. Eleven months later you were married and you both said your connection was your mutual love of God.
Diana:Yes but I do not like (laughing) camping!
FSJ: So why do you go to support him?
Diana: Yes. It takes a team. We do this together. We are always together.
David: I knew when I met a woman who loved God more than she loved me I would marry her. The proudest moment I ever had in ministry was when Diana, who is very quiet and shy, prayed in public for a woman in distress. Our marriage has always had God in the middle.
Michelle Jones is the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Salem.
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