I spent much of my childhood,
as many of us do, trying to understand where I fit.
As part of this pursuit, I invested much time in many seemingly useless
talents: amateur magic, unicycle riding, juggling... Since running
away and joining the circus didn't really seem to be a good idea, particularly
as I wasn't really good enough at any one of these talents, I continued
to pursue a place where I belonged. Suffice it to say, none of these
unusual talents did anything towards helping me fit in better with
my peers! What did make a difference, however, was when I entered high
school and God began to impress on me that His love for me, and the
sacrifice of His Son at the cross, was not to be taken merely as theology,
but as something which had great personal application for me!
In High School I was extremely quiet, speaking only to very close
friends, thinking it safer to not talk then to risk being misunderstood.
When I went to the University of New Mexico I determined to find a
church where I could hide in the back, nobody would challenge me to
anything greater, and I would never have to speak of my convictions
or faith.
Somehow I ended up in the Great Commission Church student group and
God chuckled.
I have spent much of my adulthood, as many of us do, trying to understand
where I fit.
IN that pursuit, somehow the boy who hated to speak and was determined
to remain hidden became a pastor who delights in the word of
God so much that he relishes the opportunity to find ways to communicate
it,.
However, I still fear being misunderstood and I still share that same
sense of not quite fitting in anywhere. I have come to understand
that it’s a universal feeling, born of the fact that we are not
home, but on a journey. A journey I’d rather share with
you, then walk alone.
In 1989 I was extremely blessed to marry my college sweetheart and together
we’ve raised seven kids: five homegrown, and two we’ve
adopted from Ethiopia.
To learn more about
David, please
visit his blog.
Life-ministry verses:
A wise man attacks the city
of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust. (Proverbs
21:22)
It was for freedom that Christ set us free. (Galatians 5:1)
If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.
(John 8:36) |
Andy is a native New Mexican one of
9 children from a very devout Catholic family.
Andy's living relationship with the God of the universe started
in 1969, at college. Some Christians asked him if he knew for sure
he was going to heaven, which intrigued him. Soon Andy made the decision
to accept Christ as his Savior and he began a new life.
His family was at first alarmed by the changes in Andy's life, but
after observing his life, his brothers, sisters (one a nun), and his
dad and mom also accepted Christ. Their extended family continues to
be a testimony of what God can do in a family totally committed to
God. Andy and his wife Cheryl have seven children, five of whom are
grown and also actively involved in ministry.
Andy has been serving as a pastor since 1973 when he and Cheryl helped
start a church in Belen, NM. They have been involved in ministries
in El Paso, Albuquerque, Maryland, and Denver.
Andy's greatest passion is for a counseling ministry, especially with
couples and families. Through his experiences and God's inspired scriptures,
he would like to help young couples to love and enjoy each other, and
to raise their families to love and serve God. |
