Life Story

I grew up as one of six kids in a Houston suburb and often found myself wanting things that I did not have. I developed many insecurities which I began to combat by searching for an identity for myself. I believed that if I could obtain an identity the world valued, then I would be secure. All for the sake of this identity, I ran down paths I regret leading to addictions I could not stop. I wanted approval.

My family had always attended church, and at the age of 11, I knew in my mind what being a Christian was all about. I was ready to accept and follow Jesus, so I walked up front in my church, made a commitment, and was later baptized. 

While entering high school, I could see that my life was still on the same path, seeking approval and looking for identity. Early one morning on a youth beach retreat, God graciously showed me that though my mind knew what I was doing at a younger age, my heart just wasn’t there. I was not a new creation, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 says. It was then that I believed in my heart and proclaimed with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior! That morning, God gripped my heart, removed my old self and replaced it with the new.

Ever since then, life has been a process. God saved me once and forever, and He is still saving me daily. I am constantly tempted to seek the wrong approvals and in turn the wrong identity—God’s grace helps me recognize this, turn away from it, and seek Jesus. The sin that had once reigned in my life has been taken away, and is now replaced with Christ.

My wife, Ashley, and I met at Texas A&M, married in 2008, and spent five years in the Army before moving to Dallas. We have since called The Village home and have six amazing children: Logan, Neely, Tanner, Beau, Willow, and Maverick.

Hope for The Village Church

My hope is that we would point everybody to Jesus and many would believe and grow in Him. I pray that we would together love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ—locally, nationally, and internationally!