I was born to a couple of Northern California hippies in 1975. There was a lot of brokenness during those early childhood years. My mom, seeking a fresh start was divorced and remarried, and for a few years things were looking up. But then tragedy after tragedy struck. As I look back on my life, I realize just how incredibly lonely I was and just how deeply abandonment rejection shaped my worldview. But all that changed in 1998 when I met my wife, Brianna and her family. They showed me not only the love and acceptance that I had been looking for, they also showed me where real meaning in life is found. It was their introduction to Jesus that helped me find the completeness that I had so desperately searched for my whole life. Therefore, because of what I have experienced, I want to in turn do the same for all those who are lost, lonely and search for something more.

 Some would say that I was born into the church. If the building was unlocked, my family and I would be there. My mom has always taught a children’s Bible class and my dad has been an elder in the churches of Christ for more than 20 years. My sisters and I were homeschooled in a small mountain town in the Sierra-Nevadas. And for many years I dreamed of replicating my “perfect” family. But most times, I felt I was just short of measuring up to my perceived expectations from others. Where once I felt judged by people for being different, I have now found new freedom through Christ. My heart’s desire, is that the people I cross paths with will come to the same understanding I have; that our past beliefs and mistakes do not define us. We are free to live that life today.