I grew up as a missionary kid in the Philippines, the oldest of three boys. That experience, first in a remote tribe and then in Manila, helped shape my worldview and give me a global perspective. It also gave me a love of different cultures and an ability to eat almost anything. Almost.
After high school I attended John Brown University, studying business and marketing. Rachel and I started dating my senior year and married a year after I graduated. We have been married for 17 years and have three kids, Judah (11), Damen (8) and Karis (4). I have always loved kids, always wanted to be a father and love being an uncle to 14 kids as well. We lived in Arkansas, Cincinnati and Chicago before settling down here in Charlotte and are blessed to have an incredible network of family living here in town. I love this city and am excited to have my kids grow up here. I am also aware that their childhood is very different from mine, but Rachel and I are trying to cultivate in them a love for other people and other cultures of the world.
My career has always focused on marketing, and in 2012 I had the opportunity to co-found of Theory House, a retail-marketing agency here in Charlotte. I love the helping businesses solve their retail and brand challenges while working in a team-oriented, creative environment. We can even wear shorts to work.
Rachel and I started attending Cross Park soon after we moved to Charlotte and have been part of the church from its beginning. I love the church’s focus on rooting all of life in the gospel. One of my earliest takeaways from CPC was that the gospel is something we need to preach to our hearts daily, not just one time.
My dad has a servant’s heart and has always modeled service to our family and others. I know how important service is for the church and for my heart. I have enjoyed serving Cross Park on the missions committee, in logistics, as a small group leader, and in coordinating the search for our new worship leader. I am humbled to be considered for the role of deacon, and if elected, I look forward to more opportunities to serve the church and broader community.
