What did you do after Valley? Where did your life take you?

After Valley, I was young and stupid for a few years before rededicating my life to the Lord at the age of 21. I got married that same year and had 3 beautiful kids over the next 3 consecutive years.

Over the course of my career, I have gained extensive experience in strategic marketing, sales, product management, brand management, marketing communications and finance across a wide range of industries for large public companies as well as startups.

Personally, I’ve been through the fire numerous times and have grown closer to the Lord as a result. I’ve been a single dad since 2008 and our family has experienced more than our fair share of extremely difficult hardships.

I have a heart for ministry and an aptitude for teaching. Over the years, I have volunteered in leadership roles at a local house church, men’s discipleship groups, adult Bible studies and various youth ministries.

I recently founded a nonprofit Christian organization called Christianity Engaged. This is the perfect blend of my professional experience and personal passion for Jesus all wrapped up in a single vocation. Our goal is to help people overcome barriers to faith and grow in a closer relationship with God—all through the power of video.

Tell us a little about your daily work:

The day-to-day operations at Christianity Engaged include activities such as researching new ideas, planning new videos and posts, writing and editing scripts, filming, post-production, releasing and promoting videos, and responding to social media comments. Like most startups, I am also commonly involved in fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and financial reporting activities.

What’s one surprising thing we don’t know about you?

I nearly died in 2011. I was hit by a Dodge Durango going 45 miles per hour! Did I mention I was running? The impact knocked me unconscious, broke 3 bones in my vertebrae and literally knocked my socks and shoes off my feet! First responders thought I was dead. The hospital doctors thought I would have lasting brain damage. I can’t even begin to describe how miraculous and swift my recovery was.

While you were at VCS, which teachers, coaches or classmates had the biggest impact on you?

I will never forget Mrs. Mehan, Mr. Barnes and my football and track coach, Mr. Benson. It’s hard to articulate exactly what they said or did, but I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt they loved the Lord with all their heart, they loved us as students and they wanted what is best for us.

How do you stay connected with your friends from Valley and VCS?

Facebook is the most common, though there are a few alumni that I connect with on a regular basis via phone or in person.

What’s one lasting memory you have of VCS?

One fun memory is when I asked Kate Durbin to homecoming by dressing up like a superhero named Mexican Dave (my high school nickname). I wore a ridiculous custom costume and saved Kate from my friends, Ted Gibson, David Mehan and Cameron Raber, who dressed up like black ninjas and surrounded her in the cafeteria. I still remember my cheesy pickup line, “Every superhero needs a date. Will you go to homecoming with me, Kate?”

Do you have any advice for current students?

God loves you, delights in you and wants to have a closer relationship with you. Spend time with Him the same way you would any other important relationship in your life.

The Christian Life is about so much more than rules. Stop focusing on your performance in your relationship with God and trust in the finished work of Jesus.

Get to know the amazing promises, declarations and resources available for the children of God. The Bible says we have “every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus”.

Un-thankfulness and discontentment are joy-killers. God says we should be thankful and content with nothing but food and clothing. Are we?

There is power in the name of Jesus. Pray with confidence using His name. The power doesn’t come from you or your righteousness, but His.

Don’t be afraid to go against the culture. What is cool and popular is rarely godly.

No matter what you’ve done or what has been done to you, there is grace, mercy and forgiveness in abundance. Trust that God’s way is right and best for you. He really does have your joy in mind (as well as His glory).

We were made for community. Find out what fellowship truly is and build close relationships with other believers.