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I
was converted in 1972 at the Sacramento Revival Center in the capital
of California, part of the "hippie harvest" that swept multitudes
of alienated youth into the Kingdom of God. I soon discovered two things
that continue to shape my life to this day: an insatiable thirst for the
presence of the Lord, and a gift for writing songs that express truths
of the Kingdom of God in unusual, often humorous ways.
I served the church in Sacramento for eight years in a wide variety of capacities – maintenance man, teen Sunday School teacher, music director, worship leader, teacher and preacher. In 1980 I launched out into a year of itinerant ministry, sharing both my unique songs and the messages of life and liberty in the Holy Spirit that God had planted in my heart.
A visit to some cousins in Kalamazoo, Michigan, resulted in a call to pioneer a church in that city in 1981. For 19 years I served as senior pastor of what became known as Redemption Christian Assembly.
The early '90s were a time of trials and brokenness, both for me personally and for my congregation. But the restorative mercies of God never fail! In 1994 I received a prophetic word that "great changes" were about to come into my life. (I have to confess that my first thought was, "I hope they're good ones this time!") That word proved to be – well, prophetic!
The first great change was meeting and marrying Lisa, who has enriched my life in so many ways, and brought much healing to my heart. Then, soon after our marriage, we heard of a fresh visitation of the Holy Spirit being poured out in a church in Toronto. Before too long we were enjoying the River of God's life and love in ways we had never known before.
Most recently, in May of 2000, I committed the pastorate of Redemption Christian Assembly (now known as New Day Community Church) to my associate, Cameron Wright, and launched Through The Gates Ministries.
The adventure continues!
