I began my ministry career by serving a two year internship at an Assemblies of God church and then joined the staff as the Youth Pastor for another two years. To be honest, my academic career was just ‘along for the ride’ as I pursued God’s call to ministry first, and college courses second.
In 1994 God opened the door for me to join World Vision. I spent eight years in Human Resources, and then another eight years as a fund-raising Director, working with individual donors, churches, and corporations. I was blessed to work with amazing people in a wide range of professional disciplines. I got to travel around the world, meet celebrities, enjoy many cultures, and work with incredibly generous donors. But mostly I got confronted by the horror of poverty, injustice, and disease.
Northwest’s L.E.A.P. program was a huge answer to prayer. I joined the first cohort in 1996 and God used it to sharpen my business skills, enrich my ministry opportunities, and most importantly allow me to finish my undergraduate courses at night. I finished Cum Laude with a double major in Biblical Studies and Organizational Management. I went on to study at Eastern University and earn a Master’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in International Non-Profit Leadership.
I’ve taken Acts 17:6 as my life verse. It says, “They dragged Jason and certain brothers unto the rulers of the city crying, ‘these that have turned the world upside down have come here, and Jason has helped them’ ”.
I’m called to serve and mobilize those who are turning the world upside down. Extreme poverty needs to be eradicated. The thirsty need clean water, the hungry need to be fed, orphans need caregivers, and injustice and disease need to be stopped. The world needs Christian leaders more now than ever. It all starts when young people stand-up and say, “Here I am Lord, send me”, and then get trained to pursue their calling with excellence.
