Word of Life Fellowship began in January of 1981 when David Emigh and his wife, Sharon, answered the call of God to “Go to Sand Springs, Oklahoma and raise up a New Testament church, and from there you’ll touch the world.” After a period of time in a rented facility at 10th and Adams Road in Sand Springs, the church built their own facility on 81st West Avenue on the Sand Springs/Tulsa line.

A powerfully gifted teacher, Pastor David continued to fulfill the vision of reaching Sand Springs and the world as he built a solid, productive church here while sending out missionaries and starting churches in countries all over the world. Pastor David’s philosophy was “every member a minister.” His desire was to build up people and see them achieve in life. He became a pastor to ministers and leaders by creating Life Ministerial Fellowship International (LMFI), a ministry to ministers and overseeing more than 100 churches in various countries. He had a desire to see the Body of Christ flow in power and authority, reaching the world for Jesus.

Over a period of 30 years, David Emigh pastored Word of Life, during the course of which he changed countless lives and left a permanent fingerprint on those who knew him. He passed away on June 15, 2011, leaving behind an amazing legacy and vision for the Word of Life family to carry on. His lifestyle of obedience and love ensured that, although his life ended before it should have, he did in fact raise up a New Testament church in Sand Springs, Oklahoma and he forever touched the world.