Salvation

            December 24, 1974 I trusted Jesus Christ for salvation while I was in the Marine Corps.

            I grew up in a non-practicing Catholic family. My neighbor who was a Christian talked to me often about trusting Jesus as my savior. I went to church with him often and even had Bible study with he and his wife. I would go forward for salvation and after awhile I would go back and hang out with my friends, drinking, doing drugs, getting into trouble and forgetting about that "church stuff". John and Lora were always glad to receive me into their home and show the love of Christ no matter how often I went astray. I went into the Marines at age 17. While I was stationed in Japan, I met a missionary who gave me a tract about the end times. I read the track but didn't do anything with it. When I got back to the States, still drinking and doing drugs, the Lord by His Holy Spirit pricked my heart and brought me to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I called upon the Name of Jesus Christ and was saved. Romans 10:8-15.

God's calling in my life today

            I met my wife Cheryl in 1976 and we were married April 8, 1978. Cheryl and I have a son Christopher who is married to Christine. They have a son Conlan and a daughter Clara what a joy they bring to my family. Cheryl and I served the Lord together for 25 years when the Lord took her home to glory on July 25, 2003. The Lord used Cheryl to teach me much about serving Him and organizing myself in ministry.

            I have served the Lord in many areas of ministry in the local Church (see list of responsibilities in Christian service). In August 1992 the Lord called me to serve Him in Children's ministry.  I tried to develop a bible club for our Church (Calvary Baptist Church, Davison, Michigan) which didn't go well. Pastor Olah and I called Awana Missionary Rick Stomp about restarting the Awana clubs. I became Commander and Cheryl and I organized and trained leaders. We realized that the Awana ministry was where God wanted us to serve. Because of my job I was transferred to Dayton Ohio. The Lord lead Cheryl and I to Crossroad Baptist Church in New Carlisle Ohio, who already had an Awana club. After we became members, Pastor McDonald asked me to be Commander and with Cheryl's help, and use our experience to improve their club. I served as Commander for 8 ½ years and continue to serve and help when I am able to be at club.

            I had desired to serve the Lord in full time Christian service after I retired from my present job. Since Cheryl's passing, the Lord has impressed upon me the desire to serve on the Awana ministry team. I have served with Steve Schenk here in Ohio for about two years. At my present job I will be able to retire with a 30 year pension, at this time next year or sooner. Steve not knowing this, came to our Grand Prix to speak. Steve asked me if I would like to be an Awana Missionary. I was taken aback and surprised at first. I then prayed about it and thought about it and sought counsel and prayed some more. I believe the Awana Missionary opportunity is where the Lord is leading me to serve.