Salvation

 Born third of four children, I am both the son and grandson of missionaries.  Yet, no man ever was righteous because of his physical birth. It was close to the age of five that I realized that I was a sinner in need of salvation and asked Jesus Christ to save me from my sin. Although I had not “lived a life of sin,” I can look back and see very definite changes that took place within my young heart. For instance, I remember not having any conscience about stealing or lying in some specific examples even at the age of four; and then, after believing on the Lord, I can recall Definite conviction when trying to do the same acts.

Call To Preach

 The Lord spent several years in revealing His call for my life. At the age of thirteen, while watching a slide presentation on Zaire, Africa, I first felt the burden that perhaps God would desire my life in the ministry.  I did not pursue the idea, but kept it in my heart. It was not until the age of 16-17 that I actively began to inwardly desire the will of God and His design for my life.  During my senior year of high school, in the months following a sports-related accident and following surgeries, God softened my heart to His leading.  On February 2, 1995, during a message on “The Peace of God,” the Lord convinced my heart that He wanted me in the ministry of the Gospel. Although at the time I did not realize necessarily its scope, I began to pursue His calling.

Education

 During my senior year of high school opportunities presented themselves from three solid Christian schools. After visiting each, seeking council, and spending time in prayer the Lord led me to Pensacola Christian College to earn a Bachelors degree in Bible with an emphasis in Music. Upon completion of this degree, I completed a Masters degree in Biblical Exposition from Pensacola Theological Seminary while being employed in a Teachers Assistant position as well as a work crew supervisor for Pensacola Christian College.

Direction to South Africa

 Through various circumstances and verses from Scripture, the Lord gave further direction and burden in these past two years while I have been at Seminary.  Previously I have shared how a passage in the second chapter of Philippians sealed to my heart God’s direction for my life. Paul spoke of young Timothy as being “likeminded,” one who would “naturally care” for the people, one who sought “the things which are Jesus Christ’s,” and one who served with Paul “in the gospel.”  This is the vision and burden of my heart, that God would use me to train with my father as a “Timothy.” Lord-willing, after completing deputation I will head immediately back to Witbank, South Africa to assist my father in spreading the gospel of peace through a church planting ministry as I prepare and wait on direction.  I desire then to be used in Church-planting in another location that has little of no message of the Gospel.