Growing up, I tried to do what was right, but failed at every turn. I would ask God’s forgiveness, but couldn’t even get that right. I would talk about things on the surface, but not the core problems that festered deep inside of me.
In high school, I made friends by joining the basketball team, a handful of guys who seemed radically different from anyone I'd ever met. Though certainly not perfect, there was just something about them. They treated one another like the real friends I so desperately wanted and needed. They befriended me, inviting me to play basketball at their church on Saturday mornings.
On one fateful day, in the parking lot of a bowling alley, Michael told me that God loved me. I cursed and told him God was responsible for all of my problems, an arrogant attempt at denying any personal accountability. But deep in my heart I knew I was wrong. In spite of my angry response, Michael said he absolutely knew God loved me because Jesus had died in my place.
Michael invited me to come to a youth meeting where, for the first time in my life, I heard people talk to God as if He was really there. The conversation was real and heartfelt as they shared their hopes, hurts, needs, pain and joy. I felt absolutely crushed and started to weep uncontrollably. They had something that I desperately wanted and needed, but had no clue on how to get. So, for the first time in my life, I actually spoke to God. Through my tears of shame and guilt, I said that I did not know God but desperately wanted to. I had this gaping hole in my soul that failed to fill at every point.
Michael, Howard (the youth pastor) and I went into the boiler room of the church where they explained the incredibly good news that God wanted a relationship with me. The three of us knelt down, and I agreed with God that I was broken, lost and could not fix myself. I told God that I needed Jesus to repair and restore my relationship with Him and my personal brokenness. I asked Jesus to become my Lord, my Savior and my God. With tears of release, I knew for the first time in my life that I was truly forgiven.
I walked out of that boiler room a new man in Christ, radically transformed. Several areas of my life were immediately transformed, for which I am truly thankful, and others I struggled with for years. God continues to mature me, pointing out areas that need to come under His greater control. I am so thankful to God for His patience and kindness to me.
Finding SCwSG
I first heard of Second Chance with Saving Grace when Diane visited Christ Community Church in Winter Haven, Florida. I got a chance to speak with her about how God was moving in/through her life and her calling to this ministry. Since that time I've been following SCwSG through the website and Facebook. As God has been moving in my life and His call into full-time ministry, I included Diane in my blog and e-mail distribution. Her words of encouragement and appreciation meant so much as I started from scratch.
Hopes and Dreams
I am humbled that God has gifted and called me to teach the Bible in a very real, practical, interesting and culturally relevant way via technology and the Internet. To that end, I’ve created GLAD Associates with a unique vision and mission to reach people with the believable good news about Jesus Christ.
Everything God brought me through has been to bring me to this unique time and place with SCwSG. My hopes and dreams are to be a unique and valuable resource to SCwSG, encouraging both staff and the people they serve. I am so excited and look forward to sharing the love and grace of God through writing and Bible teaching on behalf of SCwSG.
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