Raised in small town western North Carolina, I rarely ventured out of the Appalachian mountains and if so, it was almost always for big city necessities or a sporting event. Such was the rhythm of my life until 2013 when God radically changed my heart. During this time, in a local Bible study, I beheld God’s glory, how from Genesis to Revelation, God is restoring His people back to Himself. When I saw God’s heart for all peoples, not just country boys from western North Carolina, I was deeply challenged and was lead to pursue God’s global glory.

Thereafter, I transitioned to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. Before arriving on campus, I learned of an opportunity to travel to the land of the Bible on a 10-day study tour. During which I fell in love with the place of Israel. So impactful was this tour, I switched my degree program from Pastoral Ministry to International Church Planting, which would include two years serving overseas. God providentially provided for me to return to Israel to live in 2016 and 2017. While there, I was blessed to coach an American football team (comprised of both Arab Muslims and religious Jews) and I helped maintain a baseball and softball complex. Also, I was privileged to study modern Hebrew at Tel Aviv University and Netanya Academic College. Living amongst the people resulted in a deep love for the people.

In 2018, I returned to Southeastern to pursue a Masters of Theology in Old Testament studies. Israel produced a love for the Hebrew Bible, the Hebrew language, and the Hebrew people.

Now, I continue this desire at Bar Ilan University where I am a PhD student in Hebrew Bible. And, I also enjoy leading people through the land of the Bible!