Our Ministers | Open Bible Baptist C

Rev. Eddie C. Thomas, Jr., born in 1950 in Columbus, GA, began his education locally before completing high school in Palo Alto, CA. He went on to graduate from Stanford University in 1972 and earned his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1974. While in Palo Alto, he joined Jerusalem Baptist Church in 1966, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and met his future wife, Brenda Hamm. The couple married in 1969 and have three children and two grandchildren.

In 1973, while attending law school, Rev. Thomas answered his call to ministry. Over the years, he served faithfully in various church roles, including Sunday School Superintendent, Director of the Baptist Training Union, Moderator of the Bay Area Baptist District Association, and Pastor of Open Bible Baptist Church (2006–2021). Alongside his ministry, he served his country as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps (1975–1978), achieving the rank of captain, and worked as a Deputy District Attorney in San Mateo County from 1978 to 2009. He also contributed to education as a substitute teacher in the Fremont School District for seven years.

Rev. Eddie Thomas

Minister Deserine Edwina Graze was born on February 5, 1953, to Fannie and the late George Braxton, a surviving twin and the second youngest of 13 children. She graduated from Calloway Elementary, GW Carver High School, and Alabama A&M University with a degree in Special Education. Known as the free spirit in her family, she made both good and challenging choices in life, each shaping her spiritual journey. Raised in a deeply spiritual household where church was a regular part of life, she continued attending church while in college, not yet realizing that God was preparing her to serve Him.

After a brief teaching career in Birmingham, Minister Graze considered the Army but was persuaded by her sister to move to California instead. There, she worked as a substitute teacher before transitioning to counseling at a group home for at-risk youth. While teaching Bible study and mission at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Victor T. Weston recognized her calling and encouraged her to pursue ministry. She preached her trial sermon in 1999 under his leadership. Minister Graze firmly believes her life belongs to God, and her favorite scripture is Psalm 34:1 — “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praises shall continually be in my mouth.”

Min. Deserine Graze

Minister Darius Braxton is a passionate preacher, gospel artist, musician, and songwriter who has been faithfully preaching the Word of God for the past five years. Born on February 23, 1992, in San Jose, CA, to Pastor Karon and Lady Sonja Braxton, Darius was raised in a Christ-centered home where ministry and music were deeply rooted. Though he earned a B.A. in Political Science and pursued law school, his true calling emerged through music and ministry. An anointed vocalist and skilled musician, Darius has served as a choir director, worship leader, and music clinician across multiple states. He currently serves as Minister of Music and Youth & Young Adult Director at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto, CA, where he accepted his call to preach in 2019 under his father’s leadership.

Darius’ ministry has taken him across the nation, sharing stages with gospel legends like Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. Despite facing a near-death experience in 2007 when his vocal cords collapsed and he was pronounced dead, God miraculously restored him—a testimony he boldly shares, declaring, “God is still Jehovah Rapha.” His journey is proof that God’s hand is on his life, as reflected in his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ.” With two recorded singles, “Sustained” and “Hark the Herald,” Darius continues to minister through preaching and music, knowing the best is yet to come.