I grew up in the quaint little town of Manchester, Georgia—a hidden gem just a quick five-minute drive from Warm Springs, the historic site of FDR’s Little White House. This small-town charm, where FDR sought treatment for polio and ultimately passed away, carries a weight of national significance. When I think back on my childhood, I often joke that there were more cattle than people! But within this rural landscape of Western Georgia lies a treasure trove of memories—learning to garden, fishing, cutting lawns, attending church, playing music, engaging in community sports, and exploring the woods.
A pivotal part of my childhood story is my struggle with reading. By the time I reached the 3rd grade, I was still struggling to grasp the basics. It’s alarming to think that some states can forecast future prison needs based on 3rd-grade literacy rates. Kids who can’t read at grade level often find themselves facing an uphill battle, one that can lead them down a dark path.
My parents, dedicated Pentecostal-Holiness church planters and educators, were determined to change that narrative. My dad taught high school English at the local public school, while my mom focused on nurturing the minds of young children. Worried about not just me but other kids at our church, my dad earned certification to open a school at our church, which was nestled off Highway 85—an area playfully dubbed “across the mountain” due to its proximity to lovely Pine Mountain, Georgia.
Throughout my upbringing, my parents instilled a vital truth: “Jesus plus education equals success!”
As I was about to enter the 3rd grade, they made the bold decision to pull my older siblings from public school and enroll us all in their Christian school, Christian Way Academy. Because of my reading challenges, I had to start fresh in 1st grade, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I discovered a world of adventure through stories about missionaries like Rochunga Pudite, Hudson Taylor, and Jim Elliot. Their incredible journeys—helping children, providing food, translating the Bible, planting churches, and sharing the message of hope with those who had never heard it—ignited a spark in me and laid the foundation for my desire to serve in ministry.
When I was 15, my family and I attended a Carmen concert in Macon, Georgia, and that night changed my life forever. Words fail to capture the overwhelming encounter I had with the Lord. The very next night, a Thursday in early March 1992, I had a vivid dream that felt like a divine nudge pushing me toward ministry. It stirred up excitement and nerves in me, a clear calling I could not ignore. By the age of 16, I said “yes” to that calling and began preaching—a journey I embraced with zeal, sometimes preaching as many as 106 times in a single year. Yet, I always believed that my ministry went beyond mere preaching.
Within my family and home church, the concepts of baptism, life, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit were central. At the same time, I developed a deep passion for addressing pressing social issues such as poverty, homelessness, addiction, incarceration, human trafficking, racism, and so much more.
As I navigated my educational journey, I often pondered, “Can the Holy Spirit address the challenges facing our communities and the world?” Over time, my interests matured, and thanks to a wealth of education, personal experiences, and invaluable mentors, I unearthed ways to tackle these societal issues head-on.
My mission revolves around unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ and extending God’s love, grace, justice, and peace for the common good. To serve faithfully, one must understand their own identity, origin, and how faith empowers them to help others, regardless of their backgrounds.
The needs in our world are immense, but the opportunities to make a difference are ripe for the taking. Let’s step out together and serve, rooted in our shared human stories of challenge and triumph!
