If we met on a train or airplane, at a conference, church, school, youth camp, or sports clinic—and you found this page from a card or QR code—please reach out! I’d love to connect. This is my story…
From Brokenness to Purpose: My Journey from a Wayward Youth to Cross-Cultural Missionary
I had a very difficult childhood. I experienced fatherlessness, abuse, and trauma. I was in a psychiatric hospital when I was thirteen. I ran away from home and journeyed across the country when I was a teenager. I had stints in foster homes, transitional living shelters, and juvenile detention centers. At fifteen, I attempted to end my life. But in His mercy, God spared me.
When I was sixteen, incarcerated in Ocala, Florida, everything began to change. I was filled with despair, anger, and shame—and carrying a “the world owes me” mindset. Then a visiting pastor came and shared the Gospel. That encounter at the foot of the cross flipped my entire world upside down—or rather, rightside up. I didn’t get “jailhouse religion”—I met the living Savior, Jesus. He transformed my heart, healed my brokenness, and gave me a whole new purpose.
If you want the full story, check out my book 13-Foot Coffins.
There’s a saying: all the world’s religions are humanity’s attempt to reach God, but Christianity is about God reaching down to us. We can’t fix our own brokenness—no ritual, religion, or effort is enough. Our sin separates us from God, but He doesn’t abandon us in our own demise. Rather, He sent His Son from heaven, to die on the cross for our sins, to take upon Himself the punishment we deserve, and ultimately reconcile us to God the Father.
Curious to learn more about this Good News? [Click here].
God didn’t waste my pain—He gave it purpose. He gave me a beautiful wife and three incredible children. He called me to a life of serving others. I’ve spent my entire adult life working with young people—pastoring, coaching, mentoring, and discipling. Today, I have the awesome privilege of serving at home and globally as the Director of Breakaway Outreach, ministering across cultures and continents.
I’ve also written several books that you can explore [here].
Let’s connect:
WhatsApp: +1 423 933 6986