How did God bring you to Idaville?
I had served the past thirteen years with two different international children’s ministries, but throughout those thirteen years I never felt at peace with where I was serving. One morning in June 2008 I was praying while driving to work. I asked God what he wanted me to be doing, because I knew that where I was working was not the end for me. I clearly heard God tell me, “I already told you what I wanted you to do.” I knew immediately what God was saying. I had heard God’s voice calling me to full-time pastoral ministry for years, but I had my list of excuses that I would tell Him. It was on that day that I told God I would serve Him as a pastor even though it scared me to death. From there God began to orchestrate the various interviews and meetings that eventually brought me to Idaville. God knew exactly where he wanted me to be. My family and I love the people here at Idaville UB Church.
Where did you meet your wife?
My wife and I met two weeks into our freshman year of college at Huntington University. I saw her sitting in our History of Civilization class and thought how incredibly beautiful she was (she would be blushing right now). Several days later, after some background investigation on my part, I asked her to join me for a movie at the Student Union building. She politely told me that she had homework to do. So, I asked her to join me the following evening for a movie at the local theater. She agreed. We spent several hours talking after the movie. For the next two years and eight months we nurtured our relationship until we were married between our junior and senior year of college. I praise God for providing a best friend and life partner.
Favorite Sunday afternoon activity.
Napping! This has continued to develop as I have gotten older. I remember my parents napping in the afternoon and not understanding, as a child and teen, why they would want to waste their time like that. I now hear those same sentiments from my own children.
Favorite church event of the year.
My favorite church event is the Hallelujah Party, which is a Halloween alternative. The reason it’s my favorite event is because people from the community are invited to join us on our campus for fun, food, and fellowship. I love reaching out to the community and to provide activities that will bless them.
Most amazing thing that Jesus has done for you?
The most amazing thing that Jesus has done for me is paid my ransom. When Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and came alive again, He took the punishment that I desired for the sins I have committed and will commit. He was the only one that could that, because He was the perfect Son of God. I can look back over my life and see the hand of God working through each situation to draw me closer to Him. Jesus is my Savior!
How many states have you lived in?
If you include the years growing up and not just since I have been married, then I have lived in seven states: Indiana, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Florida, Ohio, Missouri, and California. Our three children were all born in a different state.