Meet my family
Testimony
I grew up in a small Michigan town in what many described as a very dysfunctional family and struggled with what I call my 3 ‘S’s. I was the short, stinky, stupid kid. I felt stupid due to being dyslexic and struggling with the learning style expected in most school settings. I was stinky because the home I grew up in did not have a functioning shower or bath. I was short, and well, I still am. In my sophomore year of high school, my father left. God used this time to bring people into my life who introduced me to Jesus, and I received Him as Lord of my life on a hillside in Kentucky that spring. At this time, God used this passage to impact my life.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:13 - 17
The truth that the God of the universe would call me, the stupid, stinky, short kid, a friend, not because of anything I did but because of his saving love, changed my life. I no longer saw my identity as being the stupid, stinky, short kid, but as belonging to the Savior.
Calling
Just a couple of years after giving my life to Jesus on the same hillside in Kentucky, I listened to someone talk about the regret of not fully following God's calling into ministry. I knew then I did not want to wake up years later regretting not trying to spend my life helping people become children of God. Unlike many who are called into ministry, I knew my calling was for many years to teens and young adults. It was not until just a few years ago that I felt God release me from that specific calling. I will always be drawn to student ministry in some way. However, I am excited to see what God has in store for the next chapter of life.
About Us
I love my family, and the amazing thing is I really like them too! As a kid, I grew up in a broken and dysfunctional family. I prayed God would heal and fix my family. Years later I realized God answered my prayers. I was given a healthy family, only I am the husband and father. I am so thankful! We enjoy adventures, camping, projects, hiking, and eating great food!
I am so blessed and proud to have an amazing marriage. Debbie and I have been married for 27 years. We enjoy spending time together, are partners in life, and best friends. I could not be prouder of Debbie and her ability to balance a career as well as being a mom and partner in life and ministry. Her capacity will never cease to amaze me. She also has an amazing sense of humor, something we see as critical to a healthy marriage. When asked what has made our marriage so strong, the answer is simple; the same thing Jesus did for us: sacrifice! Next to giving my life to Jesus marrying Debbie has been the best decision of my life!