The Oscar-winning actor shares how his life came full circle 50 years after a prophecy was made about his life.

Denzel Washington has seemingly found his second act in life after being baptized and receiving his license to become a minister in New York City on Saturday. The Oscar-winning actor, who previously expressed plans to retire from the film industry, celebrated the new chapter at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ.

Washington, 69, received a baptism certificate and a parish training license from Kelly Temple, where he was also assisted by his wife, Pauletta Washington. It’s come full circle for the legendary actor, who is nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category at next year’s Golden Globes for his latest role in Gladiator II.

While at Kelly Temple in Washington, a 2023 TheGrio Awards honoree recalled being at his mother’s beauty salon as a 20-year-old, where Ruth Green, an apparent member of the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, prophesied that he “traveling the world and preaching” would reach millions of people.”

“She didn’t say you were going back to school. She didn’t say you were going to be an Oscar winner. She couldn’t even spell the word prophecy,” said Washington, who said his mother would later write down the word prophecy and “Reverend Washington.” An emotional Denzel Washington added: “And 50 years later, look at… God.”

Grateful for the turning point in his life, Washington, who turns 70 next week, told the congregation: “If he can do this for me and for me alone, there is nothing he cannot do for you.” Heaven is literal the limit, and there is no limit to the sky.”

He continued: “God is always good. God is with us. When we are not with him, he is there for us. When we are not there for him, he is watching us when we are not paying attention to him. He protects us when we don’t protect ourselves, and He gives to us when we don’t deserve it.”

Washington’s wife, Pauletta, also addressed the community. She talked about how she and Denzel were introduced on television.

“I am very proud of you,” she said to her husband of more than 40 years. “You are the head of our house and have set a great example for our children who are now grown children and know the difference because we showed them the difference.”

Washington’s path in the ministry follows his recent announcement in an interview that he plans to leave Hollywood after a few more roles.

​​“I don’t know how many more films I’ll make. “Probably not that many,” he told Australia’s “Today Show.” Washington listed his next roles and suggested they could be his last – including his upcoming role in Ryan Coogler’s third installment of “Black Panther.”

During the press conference for “Gladiator II,” Washington seemed to hint that his next act would be related to the church. During an interview with Access Hollywood, he shared how he was on a yacht and saw the face of God in the sky.

“I…was listening to a song called ‘Face of God’…I was in my prayer meditation, reading my Bible, and I thought, ‘Lord, everyone can see your face.’ I want to see it,” the actor recalled. “When I said it… I heard, ‘Look to the left.’ So I looked to the left, and I looked, and I picked, and I picked up my phone, and I went (gestures to take a photo make).”

He told Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans: “I wasn’t put on this earth to act. I was put on this earth to share the example, strength, wisdom, grace and mercy of God in my life.”

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