2021 started the wildest journey of my life- buying and renovating a home. Many have asked about this house project over the past 4 years. I thought I would open an opportunity to help me take the final step raising "$30,000 for my 30th birthday". This breaks down to 300 friends giving $100. From the house layout to designing the functionality of the property, every element of this process has been prayerful and purposeful for future ministry use (described below). I can't wait to see how God leads people to him on these grounds. Many of you have given love, prayer, and support these past 4 years while working on my home and I am very grateful.

The full story of the house and use of funds is below.

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God led me to buy my first house in the spring of 2021. I was going to rent from a local pastor and friend (Bob Goldstein), but God had something else in mind. Pastor Bob called me about a property hitting the market on his road. After touring it, I found myself at a fire station in Blacksburg (great view) asking God for a sign. Sometimes he gives peace about a decision, but I think He knew I needed something physical. Suddenly, I saw the clouds part and the sun shine over the part of town where the potential house was. I knew that God was giving me peace and confirmation.

I got to work. At first, I thought the house just needed a good deep clean and maybe a few small projects. I was wrong and naive. The house had more than trash and really needed an overhaul renovation to be livable and functional.

I brought in friends for wisdom, like Vince Loparo, who helped me dream and ask God what he wanted for the property. This led to a larger main space for hosting (I can see many small groups happening here) alongside an all-window sunroom for music/songwriting/worship and restful master suite on the top floor. We made other decisions like running water towards the top of the property for future use and functional, expanded bedrooms on the main floor to host.

This home is more than personal. It is and will be a ministry. I believe it has potential to be a blessing to the community, Virginia Tech campus, and beyond. I look forward to hosting missionaries, students, and others as a resource for my local church, Lifeline, and the campus ministry I've invested in for over a decade in Blacksburg, Chi Alpha. It would bless me so much to host world missionaries and allow them to rest. I'm surrounded by very peaceful scenery and I believe that God could really use this property to serve.

Almost 4 years later, we're at the finish line. So many projects have been completed with just a few to go. Paycheck by paycheck God has provided funding each step of the way, restoring this house to its former glory (no joke- my neighbors told me this use to be one of the most beautiful homes in the neighborhood). In no way can I take total credit. Throughout this process, I've been blessed with my family, extraordinary neighbors and friends (s/o Bob Goldstein, Eddie Wompler, and Vince Loparo), the right contractors at the right time alongside probably 50-60 men and women who volunteered either an afternoon or numerous days (s/o Jordan White). These volunteers removed debris, helped with multiple dump runs, swept, screwed and hammered, and so much more.

Mainly, God's hand has been over this entire process and sustained me personally. I haven't regretted this purchase through years of physical labor and financial anxiety. He confirmed this was for me and I'm standing on that promise. God has used this restoration as a metaphor of what He has done and will do in me- restore. I can remember one day working where it seemed like there was dust everywhere. The house never seemed clean with all the construction debris. Soon after, I went to a worship and prayer night where God reminded me that the "dust" in my life from sin could only be taken away by the wind of the Holy Spirit blowing through me and sanctifying me. Just after this, the worship leader started singing about the wind blowing through. God will bring to completion the work He started in me and I will bring to completion the work in my house by His spirit and strength. Please join me in praying for this.

So why GoFundMe?

Many conversations in my life now involve "How's the house?" As I turn 30, I thought I would open an opportunity for people to help me take the final step raising "$30,000 for 30". The "finishing" process is the most expensive. Specifically, this funding will help me hire the needed help and supplies to...

1. Trim out my house

2. Finish my kitchen (cabinetry, island)

3. Finish out 2.5 bathrooms

4. Paint

5. "Button up" the outside of my home with final stucco and needed siding

Any funds over the goal amount will help with final projects and furnishing funds.

I'm thankful for the community God has surrounded me with. Thank you for helping this mission come to life!