His Story
A Life Given to World Missions
Memphis, the Marine Corps, Mexico, and a lifetime of service to the local church.
1935
Born in Memphis
Ernest Calvin Gambrell was born to Ira Green and Erma Elizabeth Gambrell on September 15, 1935, at Baptist Central in Memphis, Tennessee.
1954–1957
United States Marine Corps
He served his country in the United States Marine Corps.
1958–1962
Memphis Police Officer
He served as a police officer with the Memphis Police Department in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
1968
Called to Missions
During a mission conference at his home church, under the preaching of Dr. H. Mel Rutter, founder of Maranatha Baptist Mission, he was called to full-time missionary service.
1969
To Mexico
With his wife Diane and children Teresa and Joe, he left for Guadalajara, Mexico, to study the Spanish language. Their third child, Jonathan, was born after language school.
1971
León, Guanajuato
The family moved to León, where they worked under a national pastor for one year.
1971–1976
Aguascalientes
In Aguascalientes, Mexico, they laid the foundation for the First Independent Baptist Church of Aguascalientes.
1975
Maranatha Baptist Mission
He served as Vice-President, Candidate School Coordinator, and Editor of the “Maranatha” paper. He was affiliated with Maranatha Baptist Mission in Natchez, Mississippi, for 17 years.
1985–2024
Founder and President
Under God’s leadership he founded Fundamental Baptist World-Wide Mission in Memphis, Tennessee — “A Slave and Servant to the Local Church.” He served as its President for nearly four decades.
Today
President Emeritus
President Emeritus of Fundamental Baptist World-Wide Missions. A Servant to the Local Church.
Dr. Gambrell has said he is most grateful in life for “the opportunity and privilege to serve the Lord in World Missions.”
Biographical details from the official FBWWM biography.
Listen to His Sermons