Beginning my 20th Year
It was in May 2005, Betty & I had just completed 17 months of counseling in the City of Refuge at First Baptist Church of Woodstock Georgia. It was the love of Dr. Johnny Hunt, his marvelous staff and people who deeply loved and cared for us in a way that has and will impact our lives forever. Undoubtedly, a God thing of love and grace that sent us in an entirely different direction in life. After 34 years of being a Senior Pastor we then began a new adventure that has lasted for 20 years of spiritual growth, intense grace and living out of who God says we are. It has been quite a journey of learning what grace is all about with friends not only in the Lynchburg Virginia area but with our Trueface friends all over America.
In June of that same year, we found ourselves sitting in the office of Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr., on the campus of Liberty University. His wisdom, advice and offer led me to joining the faculty of the School of Religion, now School of Divinity, at Liberty University. It has been a wonderful opportunity to pour love, instruction, and encouragement into the students I would have the privilege to instruct. It was at Liberty that I had the opportunity to continue my education to a Doctor of Ministry degree.
Synonymously Betty became the Administrative Assistant to Dr. Linda Brown, a local chiropractor and owner of “Lynchburg’s Best” Joe Beans drive through coffee shops. A wonderful friendship with her and Bob, her husband, a friendship that remains strong to this very day.
We live in a little place called Goode, Va, where our neighbor friends have been a valuable support to us (especially the ‘Great 8.’).
In 2012, Regent University invited me to come along side of them and to instruct online Biblical pastoral courses. I became a regular online faculty with Regent and what a blessing that has been.
During this 20 year stretch I was privileged to be the transitional, interim pastor for Covenant Community Church in Martinsville (2009-2018). It was such a sweet relationship that we all cried on the last day there. I still go back and fill-in for the pastor when he is on vacation. There were authentic relationships established there that will last forever.
Most recently my Blue Ridge Community Church in Bedford has filled us with continual love, fellowship, and encouragement. Our small group of thirty meets on every Monday night for potluck dinners and Biblical Instruction. The transparency, authenticity and encouragement go deep into our souls. It is a weekly spiritual medicine. 🙌💊
I am a blessed man to have a wonderful supportive wife, to pour my life into over 600 brand new students per year, to experience life with authentic friends, to be a part of a local church who loves us unconditionally, who knows everything about us, to be able to travel into my destiny every day of my life. To God be the glory. I am so grateful. ❤️