Life Story

The majority of my childhood was spent in Lovington, a small town in southeastern New Mexico. After my parents divorced when I was 9 years old, my mom and I had to leave the family and hometown I knew and loved. I was sad, bitter and angry that my life and my family had broken apart. These feelings grew even as my parents rebuilt their lives.

I met my friend Heather in the fifth grade, and her family invited me to church. Along with their church, Heather’s family welcomed me with open arms. They fed me, took me to camp and took an interest in my life. They surrounded me with kindness. When I questioned why they would extend such compassion, I was always pointed to Jesus' love toward sinners evidenced by the cross.

I began praying and writing letters to Jesus. A hunger to know Him more was ignited within me. I didn't want to be angry and bitter for the rest of my life; I wanted this kind and loving God. I saw clearly that Jesus was the only way to break the chains that were weighing on me.

It took some courage to walk before the church, acknowledge what the Lord had done in my heart and get baptized. That doesn't even compare to the courage that He has been growing in me in the years since, however, as I learn to stand firm in my faith. Now it is my great pleasure, privilege and responsibility to extend the same love, kindness and compassion to the lost that God's people showed to me.

Hope for The Village Church

My hope for The Village is that we would be a city on a hill, shining bright with the contagious love of Jesus Christ, equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to ignite hearts in our homes, neighborhoods, communities and around the world.