Searching for something real
I did not grow up in church. My parents decided that when we were old enough, we could choose for ourselves whether we wanted to go. As a boy, most of what I knew about church came from television. Hollywood often pictured faith through Catholic priests and nuns, and I remember thinking that perhaps someday church would be part of my life, too.
In 1986, I joined the United States Army and became a paratrooper, serving with the 18th Field Artillery Brigade and later the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As I trained for war, I began thinking seriously about eternity. If I were to lose my life on a battlefield, would I be ready to meet God?
That question led me to start visiting churches. I attended Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Charismatic churches, searching for answers. Eventually, that search brought me to First Pentecostal Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
A new beginning
On September 4, 1988, at twenty years old, I was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. What had begun as a search for answers became a personal relationship with God.
Since then, life has taken me to different parts of the country and into many congregations within the United Pentecostal Church International. Along the way, I have had the privilege of sitting under pastors whose teaching and ministry helped shape my walk with God.
Pastors who helped shape my journey
I am grateful for Pastor Jesse F. Williams in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Pastor Jeff Chavis in Spring Lake, North Carolina; Pastor Steven Saiz in Torrance, California; Pastor Clifford Jones in Pompano Beach, Florida; and Pastor Scott Brumfield in Palm Coast, Florida. Each has been part of my journey, and I thank God for their influence in my life.
I still believe in miracles
Over the years, I have seen moments when the words of the Bible seemed to come alive before my eyes. I have witnessed what I believe were miraculous healings—people healed of AIDS and stroke victims rising from wheelchairs, walking around the church with their hands lifted in praise to God.
I have also experienced healings in my own life, answered prayers, financial miracles, and more blessings than I can count. Some answers have come in life-changing circumstances. Others have come in ordinary moments—even prayers asking God to hold back the rain long enough for me to finish mowing the grass.
Those experiences have deepened a conviction that began many years ago: God is real, He hears prayer, and He cares about our lives.
An invitation from my heart
I believe God wants to save us from sin and its eternal consequences. The reality of judgment and an eternity apart from Him is why the message of salvation matters so deeply to me. Through Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness, hope, and new life.
I still believe in miracles, signs, and wonders. I still believe that Christ gives us strength for whatever we face, as Philippians 4:13 reminds us.
If you are searching, wondering, or simply unsure where to begin, you are welcome here. I once walked into a church looking for answers, too. I would be glad to hear your story and open the Bible with you.
Come grow with us. Come be changed. Come meet Jesus.