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.

 Music has always been my passion since I can remember! Being a preacher’s kid, I led my first song when I was 6. Music kept me going, even when I lost my faith.

I moved to Tennessee with my mom when I was 9, and even as my faith dwindled, I feel like God was still speaking to me through music. I joined choir, band, and then marching band…anything to learn or play music. I even played in the Pride of the Southland Marching Band at the University of Tennessee!

But it wasn’t until 2015, when God opened my eyes, that I realized that my passion for music helped me to find my faith again. I joined the praise team at my church, and when I had an opportunity to be a worship minister, I couldn’t think of a better way to share my faith than to help others find ways to worship God, whether it’s through music, art, reading, or any other activity. Use your passion to connect with Jesus today!