Gerald A. Edwards was born as the sixth of seven children in the small town of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, to Roger and Beatrice Edwards. After completing high school, he moved north to Newark, New Jersey, where he started working while also pursuing his education. He attended Essex County College, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Music Education. He then enrolled at St. Peter’s College, obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Fine Arts. Gerald continued his studies at New York Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree.

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In 1976, he joined Friendship Ministries Inc., formerly known as Second Friendship Baptist Church, where he put his hand to the plow and worked in many areas of the ministry.   It is here that he established a relationship with the Lord and was given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He studied at the feet of two great men of God, the late Reverend Isaiah Jackson and the Late Elder Abraham Houston.

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In 1982, he experienced a pivotal moment in his life when he answered the call to ministry. He began working alongside Elder Abraham Houston until the Lord called Pastor Houston home. Following this, God elevated him to the office of Pastor in 1986.

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Pastoring Friendship Ministries has been a rewarding experience, allowing him to work with the wonderful people of Friendship. Although he has faced both challenges and triumphs throughout his journey, he believes it has all been worthwhile. He attributes all his accomplishments to God, and his ultimate goal is to hear the Lord say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”