Faith in Action: David Long on Redefining Spirituality Through Service on Seattle’s Streets
In a recent appearance on The Pop-Up!, David Long, the executive director of Testimony Praise Worship Gatherings (TPWG), shared his journey from homelessness to community advocacy. At its core, TPWG is built on a foundation of sharing personal stories and fostering connection through faith and service.
Defining TPWG
Long broke down his organization's pillars, explaining that while it is rooted in his personal relationship with God, it is designed to be inclusive of everyone, regardless of religious background. The four pillars—testimony, praise, worship, and gatherings—merge to create the true essence of his mission: pointing people in the right direction toward their own success.
A Personal Battle with Addiction
Long’s commitment to his work stems from his own experience hitting rock bottom. In 2017, he was an alcoholic who had lost everything and was living on the streets.
His sobriety became the catalyst for TPWG, as he wanted to "show people that you could have a good time being sober.” He discovered that sharing his struggle—from having everything to having nothing—gave others the strength and hope to believe they could still win.
Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis
Today, Long heavily focuses on youth outreach, a mission fueled by personal tragedy. In 2024, he lost his godson to a fentanyl overdose. This was followed by a series of losses within his close circle, including his best friend's daughter and the children of two coworkers.
Long emphasized that many of these young victims are not choosing their fate, as fentanyl is often added to other substances without their knowledge.
"These kids are really dying out here," Long said, noting that the heartbreak of these losses almost drove him back to drinking before he decided to turn his pain into action.
Faith in Action: "Feet on the Ground"
For Long, true spirituality is about service rather than just church attendance. He expressed a desire for people to "put [their] money where [their] mouth is" by loving those in need, especially those who are "the lowest of the low".
His current efforts include:
Outreach: Handing out food and hygiene bags containing essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorant.
Humanizing the Struggle: Recognizing that people suffering from substance abuse are community members who deserve attention and love, rather than being ignored.
Direct Support: Helping individuals transition off the street, even when the process is difficult.
Long closed his appearance with an invitation for community support.
"We are here to be the feet on the ground, the hands in the dirt. So, if you don't feel like you have the time or the energy, you can support us and we'll do the work for you.”
Learn more about TPWG and how you can get involved at testimonypraiseworshipgatherings.org
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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