I did not grow up in a home where we went to church. I learned about being respectful of others, striving for success and being honest. All of these things served me well, but I always had to rely on what I could do or control. This comes with a good bit of stress, especially if you want to be successful, make a nice living, etc. I heard about Heaven, God and Jesus Christ, but only knew what was in the media or what others like me had to say about it. I married my first wife in the magistrate’s office and quickly went about trying to move up the corporate ladder. I was fully involved with trying to advance myself at work and worrying about providing and success. She too, made some bad decisions and our relationship fell apart and then divorce. This included a joint bankruptcy and was devastating for me. My parents divorced when I was a teenager and I promised myself I would not do this to my own children. About a month or so later, my six-year-old daughter and I happen to be driving and I did not realize it at the time, but seeing a sign that advertised a “live nativity” was about to lead to significant changes in our lives. After the event, which was awesome with actual animals and actors dressed as characters in the Bible, members from that church came to visit us and invited my daughter and me to church. About two months later I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life and things changed. I learned that regardless of what happens, when I die I’m going to Heaven. I learned I don’t have to worry about every little thing, because God provides for our needs and He is control. Sure we must still make good choices and decisions, but I don’t have to worry about everything every day. I learned to pray and God not only hears our prayers, but acts of them according to His will. I prayed I would find my soul mate and sometime later, I did. We were married in her home church, which is now ours, too. I learned by keeping God first in my life, then by honoring Him I put my wife and family next, not my work, not material things, not success or whatever else society says is important; hence I have the right priorities in the right order and balanced. I learned I can still be successful at my work, just keep it in balance with my other commitments and priorities: my wife and our daughter. I learned the need to treat everybody the same way I want to be treated and to share this good news with them: Jesus Christ is ready and willing to save you just like he saved me, just as you are right now, if only you will ask. In the Holy Bible, Romans Chapter 10 verse 9 says: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

My Life

My hobbies

Volunteering as a firefighter and EMT; outreach and missions projects with my church family; riding motorcycles

My undergrad alma mater

Fayetteville State University

My worst subject in school

Land Surveying

In college I drove

1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Favorite books

Holy Bible; auto/biographies of various American heroes (Wright Brothers, Chris Kyle, Marcus Luttrell, Carlos Hathcock)

Favorite movies

Action (Taken, Transformers, Avengers, American Sniper, Thor, etc.) and movies that have a message of faith (Fireproof)

My latest accomplishment

Currently publishing my first children's book, co-authored with my daughter, Taylor, titled: Taylor's Trampoline Travels (Lulu Press, Inc.)