I am a lover of God… and I am so humbled to declare that to you. If you have any desire to get to know me, I would love to get to know you… but until God brings us together someday, this might give you some insight into how I can make the statement “I am a lover of God.”
I was born outside of St. Louis, MI. When I was 3, I moved outisde Scranton, PA. Then when I was 6 it was time to move again. This time I was heading south… to NC. My family and I have sinced lived in Raleigh since 1993. I would call Raleigh my home, but “home” is truly where your heart is… and my heart is in many places.
I grew up in Raleigh and was your typical church going, sunday school attending young one. About the time I turned old enough to get into the things of the world… I found myself caught up in the schemes of the devil and not in the love of God. I has been an incredible journey, but it has been nothing short of miraculous.
When you are young you have plans to be the greatest “…” (fill in the blank) I had plans to be a great athlete, and actually had great opportunity to do so. As I grew older I soon found myself comprimising that opportunity with the outside influences of the world. As I look back now I see all of my failings, and I see the hand of God sustaining me and even guiding me through it all.
I some how ended up at Liberty University for two years of my life. (haha) Nothing against Liberty… I just laugh because I don’t know how God broke me to go to that shcool… but I am so thankful He did. Long story short, God brought me a best friend in the midst of many best friends. (you all are loved). Now that I have covered all bases… God gave me a best friend who for the first time really and truly showed me JESUS. I saw the life of Christ manifested in a human frame. Emaruie Woods became to me a Paul in the life of Timothy. He set his face to the Lord and encourgaed me to do the same. I joined a group of amazing friends who wanted to pursue the high calling of CHRIST JESUS. (S.H.O.F.A.R.) “surrender hearts offering freedom and restoration,” birthed through the Holy Spirit (the W.A.T.C.H.) waiting awakend to change history.” The W.A.T.C.H. continues to this day to be a birthing place for Holy Spirit to come and have His way in the midst of God’s children. The story could go on for days… but I know you may not have the time. (haha)
But from here God grabbed a hold of my life and I saw the miracles begin. Not only did God get me, He began to take over many of those who were around me. It was by God’s grace that He called us and that the prayer movement is still going strong. If you are ever in Lynchburg, Va. on a Tuesday or Thursday night give me a call and you can join in with the move of God. We have seen people set free, healed, and stay free. It is so excting to see what God is doing on the campus and in the city.
From there God gave me an opportunity to serve as a worship pastor @ an amazing church body. One community church was a God ordained opportunity as well. I served along and grew with some amazing people who were genuine in knowing and loving God… and passionate about loving people. Pastor Paul Dudley became one of my best friends and impacted my life by showing me the depths of compassion and how a life lived for love can be the difference this world needs.
I served with these two ministries and caught a glimpse of the love of God… I know that Is all we will ever fully understand, but the calling to press into the knowledge of God is a eternal pursuit.
Now I am here in Burlington, NC as an “intercessory missionary,” and God is flooding me with His love. It is the highest calling to minister before the Lord with worship and prayer. I am so thankful for the opportunity and will continue to press in to love God first… and from the place of intimacy… love people. I am so humble that God would call me here and so humbled that God would continue to keep me in His love…
… If you want to know the personal info. then you can call and find out, or e-mail me. (haha) But, the most amazing thing God has entrusted me with is the most beautiful girl (inside and out) to one day be my wife. If you would please pray for us. The hardest thing I am learning is to completly surrender my life unto Him. It is even harder when you have the thought of another person in your life answering the call to abandonment. Still, God in His grace and mercy allows us to move forward and gives us opportunity after opportunity to trust in Him day after day. I pray one day soon we will be able to make a covenant before the Lord and the church to one another and to raise up children who are hungry for the things of the Lord. I ask that you would seriously dedicate yourself to praying for us… knowing that unless the Lord meets our needs they will not be met in any other manner.
This is my life… welcome to it. I pray this is just the begining of a beautiful friendship : ) God bless as you live to bless His heart.
- John
