God, as always, is relentless in His pursuit…born into a Christian household, I was privileged to learn about Him at an early age. Over time, my parents’ faith became my own; and as a young adult, attending Ambassador Bible Church was like having a second family. I married Carol in 2002, and although we weren’t blessed with children, it seemed as if everything else was falling in line with my high expectations. We purchased our first home, were regularly giving and serving at ABC; and my military career was off to a great start. I was building a reputation amongst patients and staff; and collecting accolades along the way. I thought these good things were for Him and from Him. I thought I knew and trusted Him. God knew better. The reality was that my professional identity, family & friends, and material possessions had insidiously become idols. They were my source of security and self-worth. I didn’t actually trust God…I was relying on discipline, grit and determination to make it in life. Worst of all, I had a poor understanding of the gospel—my self-righteousness misled me into believing I was generally a “good Christian” while I simultaneously pursued holiness in an effort to earn His favor.

Then God did what was desperately needed…He cut to the heart and took everything away in an instant. Thankfully not in a tragic manner, but in the form of military orders across the country where I had nothing established to depend on except God Himself. Over the subsequent ten years, His faithfulness was abundantly clear. He provided spiritual communities in Washington state & Texas; and led me on a journey to understanding the gospel of grace, and to the end of my self-sufficiency. Carol & I returned to NoVA upon my retirement in 2023, and made ABC our church home (again). It has been wonderful to serve this community together in various capacities and I look forward to following Him in this new role. I honestly don’t know what may be required of me (which goes completely against my Type A personality), but I now know that I can trust myself in His hands.