Despres Receives Kingdom Impact Award; Kudos from Coach of Gamecocks

Despres Receives Kingdom Impact Award; Kudos from Coach of Gamecocks

University of South Carolina Football Coach Steve Spurrier honoring the guest chaplain of the Gamecocks, Adrian Despres (in background).

“He may be one of the best preachers you’ll ever hear.” 

That’s what University of South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier says about Adrian Despres, the guest chaplain of Spurrier’s Gamecocks football team.  Spurrier made a brief, surprise appearance at the Feb. 14 Chapel of Columbia International University to congratulate Despres as he was being honored with the annual Kingdom Impact Award from CIU’s Alumni Ministries. 

The Kingdom Impact Award recognizes a CIU alumnus or alumna who serves in a high profile, and very public ministry, and whose life vibrantly reflects the five core values of CIU: Authority of Scripture, Victorious Christian Living, World Evangelization, Prayer & Faith, and Evangelical Unity.  Despres is a 1992 graduate of CIU Seminary & School of Ministry.    

In addition to chaplaincy ministry to the Gamecocks, Despres has spoken to over one million people in two decades as an evangelist with Kingdom Building Ministries.  He also serves on the CIU Board of Trustees.    

In congratulating Despres, Spurrier noted that his late father attended CIU when it was called Columbia Bible College.  The Rev. J. Graham Spurrier graduated in 1938 before going into the ministry. 

Spurrier said that next to his dad, Despres is “the most passionate, enthusiastic, sincere preacher.” 

“And that’s what he is, he’s a preacher,” Spurrier continued.  “He preaches the Word – the gospel … what we all need to hear.”

Despres, who was not notified ahead of time that he was to receive the award, was also surprised to see that his wife and children were in the audience. 

“I had absolutely no idea about this,” Despres said.            

In announcing the award, Alumni Director Dr. Roy King noted that Despres’ favorite Bible verse is Acts 20:24.

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me. If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's Grace."

To hear Adrian Despres' Valentine's Day Chapel message on the love of God, visit: http://podcast.ciu.edu/download/audiomessage-120214.mp3