*This is the text only version of a feature article written about Dr. David Miller, publisher for the faith-based magazine Village Connection.* The Man Behind the Vision Charlotte entrepreneur uses faith in action to change the world B. Nicole Hunt It’s a hot summer day in Harrisburg, N.C. A young David Miller heads off for another day of picking cotton with his cousin and grandmother, who had been picking cotton for the same white man for many years. And for many years, the white man and his partners had cheated her and her grandsons when it came time to weigh the cotton. On this particular summer day, young David and his cousin made up their minds to stop the white man from cheating their grandmother. Each boy gathered some rocks and placed them in the bottom of his sack. When it came time to weigh the cotton, the white man noticed that the weight was substantially high. Young David’s grandmother emptied their sacks and was dismayed to find the rocks in the bottom. She stood right in the field of cotton and gave young David ad his cousin good old-fashioned beating. David and his cousin protested. They could not fathom why she would be angry with them. “That white man cheated us, Grandma!” David protested. His grandmother said calmly to him, “I know that man cheated us; the good Lord does, too. But before today, He only had one thief to deal with. Now he’s got three.” It was in this moment that David Miller learned a lesson about forgiveness, tolerance and doing the right thing regardless of the circumstance. More than 40 years later, a much older and wiser David Miller sits alone at the end of a long, 16-seat Maplewood and marble conference table. The years of working in the cotton fields are long gone, but the memories and lessons learned still remain. He’s just finished a follow-up meeting for a conference he held the previous weekend. People still linger at the doors discussing the topics of the meeting. His loosened tie and rolled up sleeves suggest that it’s been “one of those days.” However, his kind eyes and warm smile tell a different story. “Come on up and sit down, baby,” he said softly, and the interview began. Dr. David Miller, the businessman, wakes up every morning between 6:30a.m. and 7:00a.m. A man of great faith, he spends at least 20 minutes in prayer and meditation to prepare him for the day ahead. He makes his way to the kitchen and greets his wife, Joan. Some days he takes a bottle of water and a biscuit to work. Other days, breakfast, or eating at all, is an afterthought. He walks out to his black 2002 Mercedes-Benz that’s in need of a food wash and wax. He just hasn’t had the time lately. The drive from his Huntersville home into North Charlotte is traffic-filled and on some days, takes almost an hour. Usually, he arrives in the office by 8:30; 9:15 at the latest. By this time, he has usually made at least six business calls on the drive in, and has a preset agenda before walking in the door. His administrative assistant and good friend, Pat Hamilton, notifies him of any new messages or changes to his plan for the day. During this initial moments, his cell phone is ringing constantly and employees are calling on him to sign here and verify there. There is much to be done today. From a meeting with a business partner about opening a new Connect Center, to a luncheon across town, and back to his 10 year-old grandson’s basketball game- he must do it all. When asked about finding time to juggle his responsibilities, he simply shrugs and says, “I don’t think I’d call it juggling. When you do what you’re called to do, what you love to do- it’s just lining things up that need to be done and trying to have fun doing them.”

David Miller the businessman is the epitome of versatility. For the last 15 years, he as acted as general secretary-treasurer of the Brotherhood Pensions Department in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Together, he and his staff make sure all current pastors and their families are insured, handle pension plans for retired pastors and widows and secure church insurance. It was his at this job that his daughter, Bawanna Cannon says she recalls her best memories with her father. “I’d go to his office after class every afternoon. I loved those moments- before all the other business stuff he does now.” In 1998, he built a new facility to house the department and the first of several business endeavors. Zion’s Renaissance Complex sits on 86.5 acres of land in Charlotte’s Derita community, and is complete with a lake, park and a picture-perfect scenery. It is used publicly for weddings, conferences, meetings, picnics and reunions. It is affectionately called the best kept secret in Charlotte by all who enter its doors. So what does the businessman “not juggle” on a day-to-day basis? A confident Miller clasps his hands and leans back in his chair. He speaks proudly and positively about his business endeavors. A smile creeps across his face as he talks about his current project. Within the last year and a half, a he has started a local magazine, Village Connection. Currently, the faith-based magazine is circulating in 9,000 churches in 22 states. Started as a newsletter with long-time friend Beverly W. Hunt, Miller reveals that of all his projects, the magazine is the closest to his heart. He feels blessed to know that he can make a contribution to the world that will live on after his existence. Miller pauses, as if in deep thought when asked about his motivations. A man with so much vision and concern for humanity must be fueled by something great and otherworldly. His overall guiding force is “obviously the Lord,” he says with a smile. It is by the grace of God that he can even begin to dream of accomplishing his goals. Earthly influences range from his grandmothers, to his mother, to Dr. C. Dupont-Rippy, a close friend and mentor whose name garnishes the entrance of the park area of the Renaissance. Rippy’s influence enabled Miller to do many of the things he’s done to date. “So much of what I’ve done was because Dr. Rippy pushed me to do it,” he says nodding in assurance. Outside of the spiritual realm, Miller is motivated by change. The beauty of seeing things evolve and expand intrigues him. He feels that he can expound on facets of society that are institutionalized or must be done a certain way; make them work for him and for the new world that exists. “I believe that everything that is can be greater. It excites me to know that because of God, I get up each morning and hold the power to change the world.” Dr. David Miller the businessman is a visionary, a quiet hero even. But what about Miller the man? Described as gentle, diligent, faithful and Superman- he’s known simply as Dave to his family and friends. He’s a husband to Joan, a father to Bawanna and Davius, a grandfather to Nikolas, Chandler and Yasman and a friend to many. Dave likes taking drives with his wife in their white Ford Thunderbird. He loves holiday cookouts with family and friends; he’s been known to fry the best croaker. Those cookouts usually end with a group volleyball game in the swimming pool. The friendly banter between his brothers, children, in-laws and friends never ceases to warm his heart. Miller the man is overjoyed about the semi-completion of his new home. He and his wife have recently begun building and anticipate the completion of their “dream home.” Talking about his wife brings a smile to his face. When asked how they met, he laughs, the crinkles around his eyes showing more. “She started calling me anonymously one day. We danced to ‘Only the Strong Survive’ the night we finally met. He left out other details, but his wife laughed saying, “That’s our story and we’re sticking to it.” The two have enjoyed a 36-year marriage.

Miller beams, calling the products of that marriage, their two children, his greatest accomplishment. “Children are your direct contribution to the world. When you raise them up right, and see the end result- you can’t help but be proud.” Miller the man recently returned from a trip to Ghana Nigeria in Africa. That experience, he says, changed his outlook on life. It forced him to look at his life and realize that the things he complains about day after day pale in comparison to the struggle that exists in those countries. “I will never be the same after seeing the poverty, struggle and ultimately strength of the people over there.” This trip spoke loudly to Miller’s faith. His biggest fear of not making a substantial contribution to the world seems to be overshadowed by the renewed belief he has in God and himself. His entire countenance changes when he speaks about God. It is as though in that moment, he is filled with a spirit of thankfulness and adoration. His faith, he admits, has carried him through the worst of times and continues to be his daily support. He knows that after witnessing the faith and strength of his brothers and sisters in Africa, nothing that God puts in front of him is impossible. He has been given a vision and will stop at nothing to fulfill the mission God has placed on his heart. The interview comes to a close just inside the hour mark. Miller looks outside and notices the dark clouds rolling in. rising from the table, his 6-foot-2 frame is now completely visible. Folding his arms across his broad chest he says, “Looks like it’s going to be a big one.” He stares outside as the droplets begin to fall and comments that it’s only rain. “We need it every now and then.” Those words prompt a final question about his favorite lyric or quote. Without skipping a beat he says, “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” When asked why, he nods and smiles. “It gives me a sense of power that is beyond me. I know that no matter what obstacle I’m up against, believing in that power inside fuels me to go on.”