LIFE STORY

If you would like to skip the chit-chat and hit the links click here.

I was born in 1970 in a pretty decent Georgia town called Albany, and I have lived in that same city and the same house about 24 of my 27 years. I attended Sherwood Baptist Church, growing up, and upon returning home. My family was a wonderful influence toward God as was the church. I "officially" made a public profession of faith (made public that I was saved by Jesus) at about 8 years, although I probably accepted Jesus as my Savior much earlier. I sought to live a solid no-compromise life for Jesus, and was accosted quite often for my beliefs. It may be easy to find people claiming Christ in the Bible Belt, but that doesn't mean they all live it. I wanted to live a Godly life without wavering, and as far as most know, I did pretty good. The problems and sins I had were usually not seen by anyone but Jesus. That did not make them all right. I still sought to serve, even in private. Alone with Jesus is where I seem to fight the toughest battles in complete service of Him. I still fight those battles, and pray that I should make the right choices.

After graduating from Westover High, I went to the local two-year college, Darton, and then finally left home to go to Mississippi College (aka "MC") in Clinton (practically Jackson), MS. At Darton, I studied computer science and Spanish. Then at MC, I changed to Mass Communication (TV, Radio, etc.) and Spanish. I got both degrees with minors of Journalism and Theater. (I think I took most every communications class available!) At MC, I also made some great friends. My Alumni of MC link tells more, especially on the Chrestman Penthouse Suites page.

After college, I found the job market stale and I regrettably returned home. I had little choice, so I worked at the local Christian book store. Then I took a chance and sought out how to be certified as a Spanish teacher. This proved very lucrative. I enrolled in the certification program at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus and I found a job teaching in the wonderful FLES (Foreign Language Elementary School) program. I love and loved working with the guys and gals of Sherwood Acres Elementary School. I sometimes wonder who learned more, me or the kids. The FLES program is hard (more for the teacher than the student), but effective. In FLES, the teachers teach Spanish like we leaned English, by association, demonstration, interaction, and just plain fun. The catch is that all classes are totally in Spanish (well they were supposed to be, anyway) and the teacher must be able to bring the language to the child's vocabulary level while conveying the meaning of what is being said in some manor. I loved my two years there, and I will miss "my kids" or (as the Principal, Mrs. Price, would say "the bebes" (i.e. babies). I relate easily to a younger age level (too well, some would say) and discovered just how much I loved working with kids. The second year, though I loved kids, I knew that teaching Spanish was not where I wanted to be, at least permanently. I prayed, and prayed.

After much prayer, I began to realize that God (very quietly) was calling me to go into church ministry. Now, I have always loved music, especially contemporary Christian music, but I felt music minister was not my calling. Again I prayed (the best way to seek God's will, that and the Bible (the only Word from God)). I had a long time passion to perform in contemporary Christian music (aka "ccm"), but this was not the time for that career, either (at least not yet). After several weeks, I began to feel that my church ministry decision was the right one. People in high school used to say I'd become a minister. I fought the predictability of everyone else "knowing" what I'd become. In the end, I have been accepted at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and I'm getting my M Div (if you know what that means).

As for my future work, I usually remark that I'd like to work in whatever ministry God has for me, which while true is merely a note that I have no idea exactly what His plans are. My heart's desire is to get into Christian music in a band, preferably. I'd like to combine the music with evangelism in such a way as to get people to purposely come and hear me speak about my Savior without turning them of by preaching at them at a concert. The whole prospect is mind boggling and has to be left in God's hands so I don't mess it up.

I have finally made some good connections. Wedgwood Baptist Church is where I reluctantly moved my membership. I only say "reluctantly" because my home church of Sherwood Baptist Church has been my home church nearly all of the 28 years of my life. One day, I noticed a place on the other side of Southwest Blvd. from me, Club 412. Little did I know this would become one of my favorite haunts. I found 412 to be a very impressive Christian dance club set up by The Church in Cityview (that is the church's name). Check out the web site I keep up for 412, and then check out the club.

Hmm... another paragraph to an already long page... Back in December 1998, I accepted a request from The Church in Cityview to begin an apartment ministry in the apartments where I now live. The ministry never got off it's feet, but is being replaced by the CARES program from FBC, Euless, TX, where a couple is supported by the apartments to work as greeters of new tenants allowing them to also do ministry mixed with social activity. Great program, but I don't fit in it. Well, I left Wedgwood to join Cityview (between the apartment ministry and Club 412, I felt I needed to), and am still there with a somewhat active role in the youth group. More recently, the whole city, area, state, and country was shocked by the tragedy of a senseless shooting at my old church of Wedgwood Baptist. I was inspired to express myself in a poem (not like there aren't many of those out there). Check out what happened and the poem on my Wedgwood Tragedy page.

If you're from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you might just run into me. From seminary to The Church in Cityview to Club 412. I'd be happy to meet you. You can always e-mail me at my Hotmail address. I'd enjoy that too.

(11-9-1999 most recent update)

Below are my life links, my main links cover my association with the schools of my life. I plan to add in others. You may have noticed some of the links imbedded into the story of my life. They go some of the same places and maybe some different ones. Thanks for listening... errrr..... reading!