“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” This verse could not be more true of my life. My life has the finger prints of God’s sovereignty all over it. I grew up here at Laurelwood Baptist Church and have attended all my life. As I began to consider what my future would be, I was sure that I would move away to make a big name for myself, whether playing basketball, performing music, or as a WWE wrestler. God had other purposes for my life. In high school, I began serving as a student leader at youth group. After graduating high school, I knew to make my life’s dream a reality that I needed to make money. I decided that I would go into the construction field to save up money and begin my training as a wrestler. All the while I continued serving as a volunteer in youth ministry. The more I served, the more I understood what God’s calling on my life really was: to be in vocational ministry. I have served in various capacities here at Laurelwood from Youth Intern to Youth and Worship Assistant. With the Lord opening and closing certain doors, I am now Director of Youth Ministries and know that God has prepared me to be here at Laurelwood for such a time as this. My passion and heart’s desire is to see our youth endure through the trials of their teenage years to be mature and resilient disciples while in our youth program and after they graduate. I believe that this will be achieved by cultivating an environment where our students will develop a deeply rooted faith that is founded on faith in Jesus Christ and His Gospel, the Word of God, and love for God and others.

Another area where I have seen God sovereignly work is in my marriage to my wife Mindy. Mindy and I were introduced to each other through different people that we both are close with. We met in December of 2018 at her college in Bellingham and knew that we would be friends at some level, given who are mutual friends were. While Mindy and I both previously reached contentment in our singleness, God had other purposes for us. Through what can only be described as an unshakable feeling brought about by the Holy Spirit, we decided that we would begin our long distance dating relationship and were married in April 2021. Praise God for bringing a true blessing of a woman into my life.

I am continuing to pursue my education and plan to earn my bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries. Meanwhile, Pastor Erik offers me training in various theological and pastoral studies. While I might not have become a professional wrestler, I still enjoy watching wrestling. I also enjoy cooking for people, spending time with my family (typically eating), adventuring in the PNW with loved ones, and playing music.