I was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa, where my parents served and still serve as missionaries to the Wolof people as church planters.  The day when I finally trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior was in high school.  After that, I completed a BA in Media Communications before returning to Africa to serve as a missionary in Dakar, Senegal.  God placed my wife and I there for a specific reason and for a specific time, after which we felt called back to Colorado and to Grace Church, where we are now!  I'm excited to be serving in a media ministry role, God works in such cool ways!

What or who inspires you most?

I'm a film nut, so I get inspired by watching good movies. Not like ... blockbusters. The really epic stories that show real struggles and epic victory.  If you haven't seen it, War Dance is a great example of what inspires me to do what I do.  If you've seen it, you'll understand.  (Now go watch it)

What is your favorite movie?

Hacksaw Ridge is epic.  Beautiful, emotional and such a crazy (true) story.

What is your biggest challenge?

Much of my family still lives in Africa and the rest are in Kentucky.  Though I'm used to the separation and the Skype calls, it's still tough.  Homesickness is real, guys.

One thing people don't know about you?

I speak three languages, but only English is useful in this country.

Born and raised in Houston, I was immersed in the culture of the Bible Belt. Trusting in Christ was just the norm, but it was in high school that I really started to understand what it means to live a life in a relationship with Him. In August 2011, I moved to Denver to pursue a music degree at Colorado Christian University and graduated with honors in May 2015. Shortly after graduation, I was hired on at Grace, where I met my best friend and love of my life, Shay Hicks.  We got married in November 2016 and adopted our first rescue pup, Winston, a year later.  The rest of our adventure is still to be written.

What is your favorite season & why?

Winter! Growing up in Texas we never had snow, so winter is an exciting time for me. Although driving in snow is no fun, I love wearing scarfs and mittens, building snowmen, and the beauty of a snowy winter sunrise. 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Like every small child I dreamed of being famous – a gymnast or a touring musician, specifically. Luckily, God started changing my mind in middle school and from then on, I wanted to be in church ministry full-time. Oh, how faithful He is!

When did you first come to Grace?

In October 2011 I started volunteering as the Youth Worship Leader and remained in that position until May 2013. It was quite the adventure doing that without a car while living in Lakewood, but I loved every minute of it and am blessed to be here again.

What is your favorite movie?

Hands-down, Disney’s The Aristocats. The music, the kittens, and the waddling geese. What more could you ask for in a movie?

What is your biggest challenge?

Being such a scheduled, organized person, I like to have a plan at all times. Thankfully, God doesn’t always follow the plan I put in place, but it can be hard for me to follow His lead when I’m not quite sure where He’s taking me.

I have been a Christian as long as I can remember.  When I was 12, I was at summer camp in Nebraska - my faith became the most important aspect of my life.  I have not looked back since then and am passionate about my relationship with Jesus Christ.  I got hired at Grace in the fall of 2014.  The following summer, I started dating my future wife, Esther and we got married in November, 2016.  A year later, we adopted our puppy, Winston, to start our family and couldn't be more blessed.

What is your favorite season & why?

Spring to Summer - my birthday is in April, March Madness starts, golf season gets started and I just love being able to go outside in the summer, wearing shorts.

What is your favorite movie?

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.  Greatest plot twist in cinematic history.  Also, Han Solo is my hero!

What or who inspires you most?

Like I said, Han Solo is my hero!

What is your favorite book?

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  It is, in my mind, a masterpiece.  My favorite book series, on the other hand, is Harry Potter, without question.  JK Rowling is a modern day Shakespeare.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

I have lived a perfect day ... once.  My family and I were able to hit up all four major theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort.  I believe we got to the Animal Kingdom around 7am and finished up at the Magic Kingdom at midnight.  I have never been so tired, but it was a perfect day!

I became a follower of Christ and was baptized when I was around 8 years old.  I have grown up my whole life as the son of a pastor with a very musical family.  I am married to my beautiful wife, Amanda, of 3 years and we don't have any kids yet.  My wife and I are both Colorado natives who spent the last 3 years in South Florida helping with a church plant.  We are both incredibly excited to be back in Colorado here at Grace and close to family again!

What is your favorite season & why?

I love Spring!  It's not too hot and it's not too cold.  I also love seeing everything come back to life!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I grew up wanting to be a football player who played for the Dallas Cowboys.  It never happened.

What is your favorite movie?

Zoolander!  "What is this?! A center for Ants?!"

A place you would like to visit?

I would love to visit Israel someday!  There's so much history and beauty there.

What is your favorite book?

The Hunger Games Trilogy

I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and I love rooting for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Steelers.  I accepted Christ as my savior in 2014 at a Dare2Share conference in Virginia.  I love to hike, camp, eat sushi and watch Lord of the Rings in my free time.  I started serving and working at Grace in November, 2017. 

What is your favorite treat or snack?

Oreos with milk

What is your favorite movie?

Lord of the Rings

A place you would like to visit?

Great Barrier Reef

What is your favorite book?

Golden Compass Trilogy

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Professional Baseball player

I came to faith in Jesus at age 8, grew up in Wheaton, IL as a PK (pastor's kid), but always felt like an outsider and a misfit in church.  God used that life experience and put a desire in my heart to help create a church environment that makes outsiders feel like insiders; where you can come as you are, where you can bring all your questions, pain, struggles and challenges ... and, in Jesus, find answers, healing, hope and purpose.  God has graciously given my beautiful family to me, to do life and ministry with, and I love them more than words can describe ... my wife, Kriss and my three children, Parker, Ellie and Cassidy.

Who inspires you most?

It's a 3-way tie between Eddie Van Halen, Michael Jordan and Walt Disney.

What is your favorite treat or snack?

Chick-Fil-A chocolate shake

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An NBA player on the Chicago Bulls ... my vertical jump held a different future for me!

What is your favorite movie?

The Godfather ... "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A day at a Disney park with my family.

I first visited Grace at the age of 15 with my dad. I returned again at the age of 25, just after I was married to my beautiful wife, Julie. I accepted Christ that year. I volunteered at Grace for almost 10 years in the IT and Media Departments. I am now full-time, fulfilling the role of Technology Director.

What is your favorite season & why?

Spring - during the spring, we see a new beginning of life everywhere.  The temperature is perfect, not hot yet but the dark, cold days of winter have passed.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to work with technology.  God allowed me to do this for 16 years in the corporate world and now has allowed me to do this in ministry.

A place you would like to visit?

My wife Julie and I have been to many places around the world - we hope to travel to Australia next.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

My idea of a perfect day would be spent riding through the mountains on my motorcycle with my wife Julie.