I owe my faith to my grandmother and my great grandmother. They were responsible for introducing me and winning me to a relationship with Christ. I came to know Christ when I was in junior high and knew at that time Christ had a calling on my life. God continued to develop me and encourage me through high school and on into college.
I began attending Pacific Christian College in 1991 and my life would forever be changed. It was there that I met my wife to be, Shelley. She and I began dating shortly after I arrived at PCC. We dated for nearly 4 years before we married in January of 1995. Shelley was the best thing that had ever happened to me until our children were born. She continues to support, encourage, and strengthen me in my ministry. In 1996 we moved to Arizona where I began my ministry with Lincoln Heights Christian Church.
In March of 1999 we were blessed by Allison Michelle Smith, our first daughter. She is eight years old now and is a wonderful blessing to our lives. She loves to read, color, swim, and do crafts with her mom. Not long after Allison was born, about 14 months, Kate Elizabeth Smith arrived. I didn’t think it was possible to love someone as much as I had loved Allison, but I was wrong. Kate won our hearts with her happy carefree attitude. She is now seven years old and loves every minute of life. She has a wonderful easygoing spirit and is kind to everyone. When she runs to meet me at the door there is no greater moment in my day. Emily Jane Smith is the youngest of our daughters. She is six years old and already a daredevil to be reckoned with. She has an adventurous spirit and a smile to go with it. If she is not climbing on or jumping off of something you can bet she is thinking of it.
We have spent the last 12 years in ministry and cannot wait for many more years of service in the church. I have just finished a masters in theology and we are patiently (sometimes) waiting for God’s direction for our next ministry. While we wait I have been paying the bills by working as a painter and handyman of sorts, God has provided every step of the way and we are constantly reminded of his faithfulness.
You might have looked at my experience and education already. All of that is important, but the greatest things in my life are my wife and children. They have given me the support and ability to serve God. Education and experience have benefited my life; however, my greatest accomplishments can be found in my home. I pray that I will live a life worthy of the calling that God has given me, the calling of husband and father.