“Us
four and no more” used to be the unspoken motto of my self-sufficient
family. That all changed when
God graciously used His Word, His people and everyday events to change our
hearts and minds. I came to realize that my pride offended God, and I
turned away from my self-centeredness and made a lifelong commitment to
know and live for Jesus Christ, the Savior and Lord.
I
met my wife, Joyce, in college. We
were friends for a year before we ever decided to date,
and we married in 1983. Like
so many of our peers, we were programmed by our culture to finish college,
get married, find a good job, and then start having children --- but it
did not happen that way for us. Joyce and I lost two children.
These losses opened our lives to a new depth of understanding God’s
love and faithfulness. We
made the choice not to let distance, divorce, substance abuse, resentment,
etc. enter marriage or our relationship with God.
I
believe God is the ultimate giver of hope and joy.
God has graciously given us a son, and we enjoy our life together
here in Fairport, NY. As part
of this vibrant community we are active in town sports programs and Joyce
is a welcomed Artist-In-Residence in several elementary schools.
In
1996, God brought us here to Fairport, NY to serve alongside the people of
Perinton Community Church. My
past ministry settings were in Delaware (college ministry),
Massachusetts (church planting), and Williamson, NY (pastorate).
In June 1983, I received a
B.A. from the University of Delaware, Newark DE.
In May 1990, I received an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological
Seminary, S. Hamilton, MA (Major:
Pastoral Ministry & Church History).
In
May 2004, I completed my Doctor of Ministry degree at Gordon-Conwell,
"Pastoral Skills for the 21st Century." It my hope that my
satisfaction in Jesus Christ is so contagious that through my service I
may naturally draw others to seek the same delight in God.
