DIGGING FOR TREASURE MINISTRIES
Leadership
Who We Are
Ulysses J. Abadie III
Pastor
Ulysses J. Abadie III is a New Orleans native born and raised in the 7th ward. He was a gifted and talented athlete. Somewhere along in his adult life, he lost his way which resulted in his ungodly and worldly behaviors getting the best of him. He went through his trials and tribulations and during a 2004 incarceration he found JESUS! In this epiphany he was enlightened, and his mission was clearly exposed. Through personal reflection and testimony, he became DEDICATED, DEVOTED & DISCIPLINED!
He founded DIGGING FOR TREASURE (DFT) MINISTRIES in 2006 in Lafayette, LA and eventually in 2007 in New Orleans, LA. He continues his service of pastoral leadership of this organization.
Denise Abadie-Smith
Secretary
Joined DFT in 2007 in it’s initial year of formation in the New Orleans area. She is a retired educator and secretary. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Denise utilizes her talent and skills to the ministry in the clerical administrative duties.
Chris Davis
Treasurer
Chris is a West Virginia transplant to the New Orleans area over the past thirty years. He is also an occupational therapist serving the elderly. Chris was introduced to the DFT family in 2010 by Sister Teresa, a Blessed Sacrament nun, who was an integral spiritual member of the DFT family. Chris has served the ministry as treasurer since 2017.
Ms. Elsie Sam Blackwell
President / Committee Chairperson
Elsie Sam Blackwell, a resident of Lafayette, LA. She is one of the original founding members of DFT. She presently serves as President/Chairperson of the DFT Advisory Committee.
Dr. Sarah Brabant
Committee Chairperson
Dr. Sarah Brabant is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She is also a Certified Sociological Practitioner as well as Thanatology: Death, Dying and Bereavement and Family Life Education. She has worn many hats of leadership in various organizations and is a published author. Dr. Sarah, as she is affectionately called, brings these unique qualities to the DFT family. Dr. Sarah has serve this organization in many capacities and is a member of the Advisory Committee.