I was struggling in my grades and wondering if I would finish the semester. An Engineering major knocked on my dorm room door and invited me to a Bible Study. He invited 100 people and I was the last. I was also the only one to come to the study (watch this story). I was baptized one month later. I was dismissed from the Vet program due to grades, but I knew God was with me. I returned to Central Missouri, finished degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and baptized some of my best friends.

After graduation I began to work with a small church, met and married Lori, went into ministry, and later attended Harding School of Theology in Memphis to finish my Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry.

While preaching in a small town in Missouri, Lori and I became connected with our local Abuse Shelter. They trained Lori and spent time teaching me about abuse and healthy relationships. Our church, elders, and members began helping those in the shelter. As we left Missouri, the shelter staff challenged us to continue our work in abuse. We were eager to do this because we knew that Jesus had called us to Portland.

We moved to Portland where I began preaching for a larger church that was growing quickly. We worked with local agencies in the city, our county, and throughout the state. The local advocates invited us to join various task forces, attend certification training, speak at national events, and provided help we needed. When we planted the Agape Church of Christ, many of our colleagues worked with us to support us in this new church. We saw firsthand how community involvement was key to missional ministry and leadership.