My Testimony

I grew up in Peoria, Illinois, in a loving Methodist church where faith was a natural part of life. From my earliest memories, I've been a Christian—going to Sunday school, attending youth group, singing in the choir, and being active in every way a kid could be. Church wasn't just something we did; it was who we were. I carried that foundation with me when I headed to the University of Kansas for college (where sadly I certainly wasn’t a choir boy).

There, life opened up in new ways as my working in sports led me to meeting my wife while working for the Kansas City Royals—she grew up in KC, worked at the Royals and came from a Catholic background. As a couple, we worked together to find a church home that honored both our traditions and drew us closer to Christ. For many years, my faith looked like faithful attendance: showing up on Sundays, serving in small ways, being a loyal spectator in the kingdom. I was content with that. But God had more in mind.

At age 42, while living in Virginia, something stirred in my heart. I felt a gentle but persistent call to move beyond the pews—to go and do something tangible for the kingdom. In 2011, I took my first mission trip to Haiti, working with children in need. It was eye-opening. I discovered I wasn't just capable of this kind of work, I was actually pretty good at it.

When my family moved back to Kansas, I went to Haiti again with my new church, Grace Church of Overland Park, and saw even more clearly how God could use ordinary people like me. I stepped up further and volunteered to become the Global Outreach Director, and that's where I was introduced to Ray of Hope Amazon—a Christian mission organization dedicated to bringing the love of Jesus to the people living along the Amazon River in Brazil.

In 2014, I took my first trip with them. The experience changed me. The next year, I returned as an assistant leader for a larger group. After that, God opened doors for me to lead my own trips—first through Grace Church, and then independently, so I could invite people from across the country to join.

Over the last 12 years, I've led numerous trips into the jungle. I've taken more than 100 people with me—ordinary believers who stepped out in faith and came back transformed. Along the way, God has equipped me in ways I never expected. I learned how to pray with others one-on-one, how to lead group prayer, how to play acoustic guitar and lead worship, how to give devotionals, facilitate prayer meetings, and even preach in Brazilian churches. I've organized jungle pastor conferences where we pour love, encouragement, and practical support into local pastors, helping them sustain their daily ministries in remote areas.

Missionary work has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life. It hasn't always been easy—there have been long boat rides, challenging conditions, language barriers, and moments of doubt—but God has always been faithful. Through it all, I've seen lives changed: people encountering Jesus for the first time, believers encouraged and equipped, communities touched by the Gospel, medical help provided, and hope restored. And personally, it's deepened my own walk with Christ in profound ways.

This work has also given me a powerful platform to share my faith in the professional world. As a utility/energy consultant with over 30 years of experience, I interact with business leaders every day. When colleagues ask about my trips or see the passion in my eyes, it opens doors to talk about Jesus.

The Great Commission isn't just for "full-time missionaries"—it's for all of us. Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

And in Philippians 2:1-4, Paul urges us: “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

These verses capture the heart of what God has been teaching me: to go, to make disciples, to serve in humility, and to put others first. What started as a single trip in Haiti has become a calling to the Amazon—and a reminder that God can use anyone willing to say "yes." If you're sitting in the pews today, content as a spectator like I once was, I encourage you: listen for that gentle call. Step out. God is with you. He has work for you to do—whether across the street or along a river in Brazil. And when you do, you'll discover the joy of seeing Him move in ways you never imagined.

Gloria Deus.

To God be the glory.