My Journey As A Christian

I grew up in New England to a father and mother who took great interest in their children's spiritual development.  My mother taught me how to pray at a young age.  Prayer was a part of my life.  I also enjoyed our weekly trips to church.

Despite this spiritually encouraging environment, sometimes an outside force needs to be the catalyst that brings all of the pieces of the puzzle together.  This happened in two seperate events... each 15 years apart.

The first was when I was about 14 years old.  My oldest sister, Henriette, had befriended a gentleman by the name of George Kropp.  Both my younger brother and I enjoyed being around George.  He had an addictively joyful demeanor without fail and had a laugh that made us laugh in return.  One Sunday afternoon while George joined us for an outdoor barbeque, he explained to us the Gospel of Christ.  It was a story I already knew... but he was able to elaborate it in such a clear and simple way.  It was only then that I fully understood the Gospel.  Shortly after, I asked Christ to be my Lord and personal Savior.  I am convinced that the Christian environment my parents gave me prepared me to fully receive the Gospel that day.

Shortly after moving to Ohio in 1988, God gave me a wake-up call.  He allowed certain things to happen in my life that would cause me to realize that I needed to totally rely on Him.  It was only then that I fully realized that I was not following the Christ who saved me.

In 1989, I rededicated my life to Christ and began following Him.

It was only then that I saw the need to form ties with a Bible-believing church for fellowship.  I joined Chesterland Baptist Church.  Shortly after I began attending church, my wife, Sally became a Christian after listening to a Charles Stanely radio broadcast one morning.  She then began attending church with me.

After almost 10 years at Chesterland Baptist Church, we believe we were being led to join with Fellowship Bible Church in Chagrin Falls-Bainbridge (off of route 306).  Our family has been at Fellowship Bible Church for more than five years under the leadership of Pastor Lud Golz and senior Pastor Jamie Rasmussen (Pastor Lud is heard daily on WCRF at 5:50 AM Monday-Friday with a three-minute segment called "Getting The Message.")

I have finally completed my seminary studies and in August 2003 was licensed by the Evangelical Church Alliance, and one day before my 45th birthday, I was ordained on May 21, 2004, by a local council of pastors that I have grown to know and love.

I am also enjoying my broadcast ministry with WCRF as morning meteorologist on Mark Zimmerman's morning radio program.   Since 1997, I've also been involved in the development of a Christ-honoring variety radio show called "Soup Du Jour."  Right now it is an annual broadcast held every December.  This year, it is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2006 at my home church of Fellowship Bible Church. Tickets will go on sale in October.

I also perform weather duties on WNPQ-FM (95.9) weekday mornings.  Having fellowship with Terry and Susie in the mornings, live at 7:45 AM, is one of my daily highlights.

It has been a wonderful journey so far.... and the most fulfilling after I made my decision to follow Christ.

A Challenge:

Have you made a decision concerning the claims of Jesus yet?  You may already know about Him, but do you have a personal relationship with Him?  Just "going to church" every week doesn't make you a Christian.... just like being born in a garage doesn't make you a car.

If you have never really asked Jesus to be your personal, one-on-one friend and Savior, won't you consider making that step of faith?  Christ paid your sin penalty so that you would not have to spend eternity without God (a place called hell).  But you have to come to Him and ask for the free gift of eternal life in heaven.  It is not "automatic."  Ask Him into your life today.

If you have already done this, let me plead with you to follow Him!  Don't ignore His beckoning like I did for 15 years.  Your life will be so much more fruitful when you seek His will in every move of your life... personally, professionally and financially.

If you have made that decision today, please tell a Christian friend or family member that you have done so.  Having a friend along the way is worth that person's weight in gold.  I'd love to hear about your decision too... feel free to email me.

God's best to you as you journey closer to His footsteps.