DEAR READER

My life has been shaped by the name of Jesus ever since I surrendered my heart to him at the age of seven. I was without a father, and in need of the message that God was a good one. My mother was striving to raise me on her own, and I wanted that truth for both her and I. But growing up I did not always walk in that truth. In fact, much of my younger life was lived as if God were not present. But despite my neglect, the power of his spirit would continue to draw me into deep encounters of his love. This is the everlasting grace and truth of our God. A pursuit so powerful and steadfast, I’ve now chosen to surrender to his will and purpose for my life.

THE CALL TO MINISTRY

In 2018, I was seeking direction through uncertainty, anxiety, and lack of identity. I was passionate, but not grounded, and without mentorship. That year, against my hopes of finding work in the film industry, I was referred to apply for a non-profit organization called Samaritan's Purse as a videographer. I would discover that the job was to film ministry, missions, humanitarian projects, and disaster relief efforts all over the world. So for six years I traveled to over thirty counties, witnessing people healed and helped in devastating circumstances, all in Jesus name. This was my introduction to ministry and is where I encountered Gods spirit in ways I could no longer deny. It was while working for Samaritan’s Purse that I was discipled within a Christ-centered community where fellowship encouraged my faith, helped heal my inner wounds, and built up my identity as a son

RIDE NATURE

While working for Samaritans Purse, I also encountered The House of Ride Nature in Ft. Myers, Florida. As soon as I entered the shop for the first time, my soul was marked, like a flashback to the beginning of my life. Worship music was playing over a well-designed skate/coffee shop, and everything before me presented itself as peace. It was a feeling of redemption connected to who I was and where I came from.

SKATEBOARDING

Skateboarding was something that I gravitated to after coming to Christ, and was the world in which my coming-of-age story was set. I remember finding a photo book on the bottom shelf of the school library in first grade titled “Skateboarding” the images had me entranced. I would later discover video games, films, and eventually receive a quality skateboard as a gift from my mom. It was at a time when other boys on my street were gravitating to skating as well. Many of whom were also without their biological fathers in their lives. Skateboarding brought us together and gave us a sense of brotherhood, adventure, and identity. We played a gang of rebellious wolves, but deep down we were still lost sheep, myself and many without a shepherd. 

WORLDS COLLIDE

Growing up skating from age ten to twenty seven, I had been in many other skate shops. But I had never walked into a skate shop and encountered worship and faith connected to skating. I would learn that Ride Nature's mission was greater than just retail sales and Christian branding; it was a global organization on a mission to reach the spiritually poor and fatherless through action sports. Reaching all nations, providing resources generously, and sharing the Gospel. Skateboarding was what inspired me to pick up a camera, and a camera is the tool that God used to bring me into ministry years later with Samaritans Purse.