How did you meet your wife?
We met in high school and became exclusive on Valentine's Day in 1985. We were married on August 20, 1988. We've been married over twenty years now and it's still sunshine & roses.
Brag on your children for a moment.
Joshua, our first born, weighing less than 3 lbs. at birth has now grown into a Christian man. He is a vicious reader and enjoys most sports. Jeremy, our second child, hit the ground running and has not slowed down yet. He also loves most sports and enjoys doing anything that annoys his brother and sister. And last but not least, our daughter Faith Ann enjoys trying to keep up with her brothers... literally! She too enjoys most sports, swimming, and of course, riding 4 wheelers with the boys. While they are all very unique individuals, the greatest treasure is knowing that they all love God and honor their parents... what more could we ask!
Where did you go to school?
We are both graduates from E.T.B.U. My wife obtained her BA in Education and I obtained my BA degree in Religion & Humanities. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Tell a little about your ministry experience.
Recognizing God’s call on our lives at a young age, we began our ministry at Northside Baptist Church in Houston, TX. While attending E.T.B.U., we served in several churches throughout East Texas. Perhaps one of our greatest experiences in ministry has been seeing God’s hand move in our lives through the years to bring to the place we are now.
What is your favorite memory from your ministry?
Perhaps the most memorable moments was watching a 7th grade girl named Paige come to Jesus Christ in faith and say…“All I want is Him!” Not long after her encounter with Christ during a small group lesson on the cross, through tears she uttered the most profound words I have ever heard a student say…“I was not worth it! I was not worth His suffering and death!” I pray our ministry is filled with a thousand of these transformed lives.
What book have you read recently that has been an encouragement to you?
Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. In this book, the authors identify three keys to being a more effective leader: knowing your strengths, getting the right talents on your team, and meeting the four basic needs of those who look to you for leadership. I highly recommend this book for any leader desiring to discover and operate in a strength based approach to leadership, surround themselves with the correct ministry team, and uncover ways to meet the needs of those you lead.
Who are your heroes of the faith?
Besides those in scripture who were faithful to death, I can recall several but these rise above the rest. The first would be Dr. Laney Johnson, former pastor of Mobberly Baptist Church. He always has encouraging and supportive words that seem to apply to even unknown circumstances. He is the minister who not only licensed and ordained me, but gave me a clear charge to be a faithful minister to the gospel. Then there is Dr. Robert Welch, the pastor of Parkhills Baptist Church in San Antonio, TX. He performed our wedding ceremony over 20 years ago in a small Baptist church in Houston. His faithfulness to God in church ministry has served as an excellent example to love God and people!
Do you have any hobbies?
Of course…I am married with children; I just have a hard time differentiating between their hobbies and mine. I do enjoy almost everything they enjoy except camping in a tent in the middle of summer. I also enjoy playing the guitar and reading; however, I must confess my favorite hobby is playing golf... even though I can't manage to shoot a score below 85.
Share one unusual fact about you.
I am a twin! I know what you are thinking…“That’s not so unusual.” Well, among the general populations, the chances of having twins in the 21st century are about 3 in 100. I’d say that’s pretty unusual. Plus, I am smarter and better looking (at least, I think). Seriously, I am a twin with a fabulous brother who also loves God and is teaching his family to do the same. I was named after the first book in the N.T. and when mom discovered she was having twins, she named him Mark... go figure!