On the day I was born, and many times throughout my childhood, my dear mom prayed that I would one day serve God in “the ministry.” Once in a while she would remind me of that—whether I wanted to be reminded or not—as “the ministry” was the very last thing I would ever consider for my future.

But—my dear mom’s prayers were answered. Starting at the age of 22 and for many years thereafter, my beautiful and praying wife, Kathy, and I had the honor of working side by side, in “the ministry,” with so many great human beings—people young and old and from all walks of life and from all over the world.

It all began for us when, strangely enough, I was chosen to be the high school pastor of an awesome gang of young people, all part of a huge and explosive southern California church. Following that somewhat short but amazing experience, Kathy and I we’re miraculously, and without any doubt, led by God to move 1,327 miles north to become one of the founding pastors, of an exciting new church in Kalispell, Montana. The next 12 years made for a remarkable ride, filled with unforgettable times and wonderful people who will forever be—our very dear friends. But, after those 12 years as a pastor, God had a new and different assignment for us—one he’d been carefully preparing for a very long time.

In the summer months of 1984 a series of some most uncanny events rolled out. At the end of it all, I found myself becoming the pioneering Director of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Montana. And it was in that role that I found myself leading a surge of wild and crazy mission-focused leaders and students (young and not as young) who came from all over the country, and from many other countries—only to boldly venture out to nations all around the world. Today, 35 years later, YWAM, Montana, now a branch campus for University of the Nations, has sent out over 10,000 staff and students into God’s mission field, and has become one of the most successful YWAM bases in the world.

When the pioneering years of YWAM, Montana began to transform into the settling years, God gave us major assignment “Number 3” when I was asked to be the Assistant to the North American Director of YWAM. And, over the course of the next 6 years in that position, I traveled and taught on YWAM bases, in churches, men’s and women’s retreats, and other venues all across North America and in Hawaii. Along the journey, I had written a few praise and worship songs. “In Moments Like These” is one you may be familiar with. I’ve also, recently, written a book called, “They Ride White Horses…The End of the Search for Significance.”


And now, in the fourth quarter of my life—I want to finish strong—in “the ministry.” And, I’m hearing the word “assignment” once more. The assignment this time is for me to draw on the many special learning moments of my own lifetime. I want to share what I’ve been given with whoever God places in my path—whether that happens in person or from a distance—through new books, new worship songs, or through devotional podcasts. My mission is to proclaim the amazing love and power of our miracle making Father God to all who have hearing ears—to encourage them, inspire them, and to bring them hope. Let it be, Father.

I’m hoping that God will tell my Mom about all this in heaven today. I think she would smile. She has long known—that God answers prayers.