In 2025 I turn 60 But people who know me, know I am a kid at heart. My passion is to demonstrate that Jesus is interested in all areas of our lives and is passionately in love with us no matter where we are or what our past is, He wants to be in relationship with us. He wants us to be who we really are and who He created us to be.

I know that God recycles pain and has a bright future for everyone that seeks Him because He recycled mine. I grew up an only child without a Father in a home where I was told repeatedly that I would never amount to anything. I withdrew into a shell and rarely talked...

At the early age of 10 I went from timid and shy to rebellious and violent. Alcohol fueled my bravado. At age sixteen I 'officially' quit school, had been to jail several times. My Mother was committed to a mental institution; diagnosed as "paranoid-schizophrenic". By the time I was 21 I became homeless. This began an adventure that lasted for years.

*MUG SHOT 1997 --> 

Mom lived on the streets in the Chicago area for the next 20+ years. As for me, I became a hitchhiking vagabond with an addiction to Vodka. Waking up in Jail, Detoxes, and Treatment Centers became normal, but honestly those places are what probably kept me alive. Occasionally I indulged in other drugs, but alcohol is what I lived for.

In the winter of 1997, I once again hit my bottom.  After an especially bad week in Albuquerque, bruised and beaten from fighting and going through bad withdrawals, I decided to try and quit once again. I started walking down the interstate-sweating and shaking profusely. I was scared of dying in this state of being, I hadn't bathed in a month, my long hair was matted and I was filthy. I didn't expect anyone to give me ride in that condition. I started praying what I think was the first honest prayer of my life, "God help me, I don't want to die a drunk on the streets." That evening I was facing a cold desert night with no bedroll, money or supplies. I stepped into a church to ask for help. The Pastor of this church just so happened to be recovering Addict himself! He noticed my obvious condition and after a shower and fresh clothes offered to take me to a halfway house. God heard and answered my prayer.

After only 2 days in the halfway house, I took my will back and left, clean clothes and new bedroll, I stuck my thumb out-heading to Michigan and got a ride very quickly-my lucky day- he was heading to Detroit also. He said if I helped him drive he would provide my meals and even give me a few bucks spending money. By the next day I had stolen his weed and his car, leaving Him in Missouri. Driving through Illinois in the middle of the night after drinking a 12 pack and sampling the product I became very paranoid which led me to do some stupid things, getting myself arrested for a felony amount of Marijuana. I was facing 6-30 years. I plead guilty and received 6 years in IDOC. That's where I met Pastor Don. He had just started a Bible Study in the County Jail. We became friends and He visited me in Prison every month until I was released. While locked up I was accepted into the recovery program there and began the process of recovery.  I also spent much time in chapel, bible studies and prayer groups. I learned a lot during this time but still didn't have much hope that I could really change. All I knew about life was the streets.

I got out of prison and went through the motions while Pastor Don and Deb helped me get on my feet. I had a head full of Bible/Recovery knowledge, but didn't know a thing about responsible living. I chose to go back to my old life of living on the streets. I managed to stay free for about a year while traveling a 3 state area, bouncing in and out of Treatment Centers/Detoxs/Jails, but finally violated my Parole after returning to Illinois. Through all this insanity Pastor Don was always there...I didn't understand it...

After serving the remainder of my Parole time I went back to my old ways with Gusto. With alcohol fueled bravado I attempted to rob a Hardee's with only my attitude. The manager got me to the ground and sat on me-then waited for the police to arrive, which didn't take long because the police station was right across the street! This was solid confirmation that I did not make a good criminal!  I am proud to report that this debacle was my last crime and my sobriety date! 

I was facing 15 years but after only 2 months I was released with probation under the condition I go to Victory Acres, a long term Christian program for Homeless/Addicted men. 

(Pastor Don and God had something to with this!) While there, I actually felt Gods Word transforming me. We memorized scripture, had daily Bible Studies and weekly Counseling sessions. We also worked a half day to earn our keep and a little pocket money for essentials.

On weekends I would go to Don and Deb's church and sometimes spend the weekend with them. As I learned who I was according to God's Word and developed a relationship with Jesus I started to dream and believe of a future with a purpose. 

After one year at Victory Acres it was time to graduate. I still didn't feel ready to be on my own and if it wasn't for Don, Deb and the church I wouldn't have made it. Don and Deb took me in, letting me live with them while I adjusted (baby steps) to living a responsible life. I got an old car and a job, then started making plans to become a Christian Counselor. Our Little church became my family-Don and Deb had become like Parents to me. They were my support system. I began to give back and serve but I wanted to do more and I wanted to have my own family...

I met Janel (Dons 2nd cousin) while living with them. We started a long distance relationship by snail mail since she lived in Arkansas. As I got to know her my affection grew deeper. That year, Christmas was spent with Janel and her Mom and Dad at Don and Debs. It was weird and wonderful! A week- long date- with Mom and Dad from both sides there-a very awkward week at that! But after that week I was hooked. 

Once a month I traveled to Arkansas to see Janel and stayed at her parents. I finally proposed to her and she said yes! I choose to attend Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO as it was only 1.5 hours away from my Janel. We were married in December 2003.

Since that day in 2003 life has been a roller coaster ride, exciting, fun and even scary at times. Our marriage has grown and we have grown in the Lord. 

I earned a Masters degree in Counseling (2012), and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. My resume includes working in Treatment Centers, Ministering in Jails, launching several Homeless Ministries, planting one Celebrate Recovery group and leading another in Missouri while in undergrad. I am now, only by the Grace of God, the Founder and Director of His Hands Outreach since 2013.

I am finding new purpose in working with Kids and their families. My purpose is helping them to know Jesus and choose better paths than I choose when I was their age.   

I know I have written a lot, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention what's currently happening in 2024-2025: We are looking to foster kids and raise kids of our own. We recently bought a big house with extra rooms for this purpose. We have ministered to well over 200 kids through Hope Grows Bible School; many of whom are in Foster care. Our hearts have been broken repeatedly, but I wouldn't change it for anything. My life (our lives) have purpose and helping these kids find their identity, hope and purpose makes it all worth it! God tells us to store up treasure in heaven. These kids are my treasure, we will get to see some of them in Heaven someday!