I was converted to Jesus Christ in 1972, after several rebellious and wayward years, at the age of 19. At that time, I lived in Springfield, Illinois, and was pursuing a career in “rock” music. Thank God for the New Birth!
In the fall of that same year, I moved to Columbia, Tennessee, and was reunited with my family. I joined an independent church that was in its beginning stage. For the next few years I focused on simply getting established, i.e., established in the basics of Christian faith; in being a faithful disciple, especially in terms of church attendance and opportunities for service; and as a responsible, hard-working citizen.
On June 6, 1976, Racheal Heather Smith and I were married. Shortly thereafter, our church experienced a split. As a result, we began attending St Luke’s UMC, in Columbia. We were refreshed by the love and acceptance we experienced from the members of that church. With the help our new Pastor, Rev. George Anderson, I began to come to grips with God’s Call on my life.
In 1978, we moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, where I completed my undergraduate (Asbury College) and graduate (Asbury Theological Seminary) studies. During the 5 years we lived there, we attended First UMC of Wilmore, and our Pastor was Dr. David Seamands.
Since 1983, we have served in the pastorate of The United Methodist Church, Texas Annual Conference.
