What was life like before you met Jesus?

As a young kid, I remember feeling a sense of closeness to Christ. I went to church, Sunday school, and Awana. I learned stories from the Bible and about the gospel. This is accredited to my parents providing a nurturing environment for learning about my faith. However, as the years went on and I entered high school and college, my needs were more about this world—fitting in, academic success, or sports performance. I was lacking a purpose or identity beyond myself. Though I would occasionally go to church or read the Bible, I often sought out earthly solutions for my problems, generally involving alcohol and sexual immorality. During college, I became increasingly aware of my discontentment in life and relationships.

How did you meet Jesus?

In my college years, I met Chelsea and began attending Veritas Church, despite having grown up in the Catholic Church. Chelsea and I eventually sought out marriage counseling through Veritas, and Richard Marsceau partnered us with Mike and Jan Hunting. We also went through marriage counseling with my brother-in-law, who was a worship leader at Iron Ridge in Waukon. During this time, Christ opened my eyes to who he truly is and gave me a path forward in my faith, helping me grow alongside Chelsea as we prepared for marriage (and now as a married couple and parents of two girls).

After being saved by Jesus, what is your life like now?

Jesus’ unwavering love for me and the truth in the gospel that there is eternal life in heaven are what allow me to make it through this life with a purpose. I am a sinner, but learning and understanding Jesus is there through it all gives me the ability to be patient and to strive to be more like Christ in my life. He gives me the strength to be a better leader, husband, father, friend, brother, etc. Trusting in the gospel has improved my understanding of my actions and my ability to discern sinful tendencies. This is a constant practice to be mindful of. I have especially noticed the Lord growing me in being slower to speak and quicker to listen, as well as helping me die to pride and embrace humility. Connection group has been an anchor to keep me on a path of learning about the gospel, not only for myself but also to see others and be able to carry them on that path too.