If you are reading this, you know me already and probably only need an update on where I am, what I'm doing, and where I am going. Thank you for even reading this far, friends and family. Since moving to TN in the Fall of 2016, life-guarding for three months, doing carpentry for a year and a half, finishing my undergrad in Bible/Theology, being mentored by Steve Berger, Founder and President of Grace Chapel/ASI, being ordained as a pastor, and now wrapping up my Masters of Divinity, I truly believe (though I would have never chosen it) that I am on a path of vocational ministry (You may say, well we all are! You are right ;))  whether inside/outside the Church or the Seminary, or both I am not totally sure how it will all come together except that the Lord has placed some big dreams in my heart. This is the road the Lord has led me down. This last six months was perhaps the most challenging year of my life after leaving a church that had imploded due to leadership issues and finding myself in my own desert, but the Lord has been faithful and brought more healing to my heart than I knew I needed, forming/placing some of the most essential tools at my disposal. The Lord surely breaks us down before He uses us. In part, let me simply say that some of that old religiosity was still in me from my days as a young man growing up in my beloved Searcy, AR. Despite this last season I will go on to receive my masters in April and have a short break this summer before continuing my studies in the Fall, as I am planning on Lord willing beginning my Ph.D. in contextual theology-- fancy words for studying how the Bible actually changes our lives and how to live in light of what it says. While degrees and certificates don't make a man sometimes they are still part of the journey. Since moving to TN, the Lord placed an earnestness in my heart to be an ideological box breaker, grasping hold of and living out the intermingling of Word and Spirit-- to see God's Word and Spirit collide in my generation. 

In 2017, I made one of my best friends whose dad has since become a mentor of mine. He is a missionary by trade, has traveled the world evangelizing and church planting throughout the middle east, South and Central America, as well as other places. He has helped me very much in my walk and poured into me a great deal more than he knows. I call him pastor Sam. He serves as Church of the King's director of missions in Mandeville, LA. With his deep love for Israel, the Jewish people, and an uncanny appetite/knowledge of the Middle East, he has made the Jewish roots of Jesus and His teachings an unavoidable devotion in my life. He has generously offered me a spot on his trip to Israel this year (June 18-30). This is no ordinary trip though, as his friend and tour guide of many years is the obscurely known and yet worlds top tour guide-- Arie Bar David. He will be our guide there, and we will be staying in his community known as Yad Hashmona. He is a man in his 70's now, and a man mighty in the Word. That being the case, I consider this trip to be a continuation of my education as well as an opportunity to travel with Pastor Sam, be introduced to Arie and his family, and hopefully develop a relationship that I can lean on in the years to come.

 

To be given the opportunity to travel and continue being mentored by pastor Sam, introduced to and taught by Arie, and have a brief break where I can gird up my loins for this next venture in the Fall would be a gift. An investment in this trip would be an investment in me and my future as I equip others. You have all supported me from the time I was young and/or played a significant role in my life. I feel, in a deep way, that you believe in me and most importantly-- see God's hand on my life. There is nothing more comforting than having these kinds of people around you as you walk through life.

 

Lastly, I would ask that you prayerfully consider helping send me on this trip-- an opportunity to be equipped and make long-lasting relationships for the future. It is expensive, but I believe the investment is eternal. Thank you for your consideration and most of all for pouring into me personally. I consider each of you a blessing and gift in my life.

 

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