In late 1974, I was saved from the doom of being a Southern Californian when my parents decided to move to Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Now don't get me wrong, I have some loved ones still in southern California, but I am glad I don't live there.)
Some of my fondest memories involve the Mountains of Colorado. I remember going hiking with my family in the mountains. Fishing trips where my dad (who hates fish) taught us to fish, and ones where he gave away the fish we caught. Camping trips with my grandparents were also a great time. Although my Grandpa Ethington died while I was in 7TH grade, he was a huge influence in my life.
While growing up, many of my current interests received their starts. I started using computers in 2ND grade and assisted in teaching my first computer course in 4TH grade. Before 9TH grade I had learned to program in BASIC, Pascal, C, and Forth.
My love of reading also started early on. The first "real" book I remember reading is Pilgrim's Progress. The summer before 9TH grade I took a speed reading course. Although I don't use all the techniques that I learned, some of them still help me to this day.
Durring High School, I spent time in two major extra-curricular activities: The Gifted and Tallented/Trivia clubs at my High School and the Bible Quiz team at my church. Bible Quizzing helped me to learn scripture and appreciate it in a very real way. [If any of you have children who get an opportunity to participate in such a program, I highly recommend it!]
After High School, I went to college in Golden, Colorado. (see Education) Shortly after I returned to Colorado Springs, my parents decided to leave Colorado for Alabama and eventually Texas. (No, they are not crazy, they would love to be in a cooler climate, but my dad's job keeps them in Texas.)
I am now convinced that the decision to go to CSM was not the best, but God has used it to do great good in my life anyway. At CSM I became aquainted with IVCF (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) and began to realize that collegiate ministry is where God is directing me to serve. I also met several great friends, including David Melancon, John Fairbanks (www.tcmnet.com/~onelife), David Cassiday, Rob Deis and others.
When I left Colorado School of Mines, I was not sure exactly what I was going to do. I returned to Colorado Springs and got a job working for the Cray Computer Corporation. In an effort to keep from paying back my student loans, I took the minimum of 6 credits at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
After a year working for Cray, I quit and started taking classes full time at UCCS. Since the computer science courses had been extremely easy for me, I majored in Computer Science. Unfortunately, I did not take time to decide if I would enjoy the work before I persued the major. By the time I graduated, I was miserable doing programming, but I assumed it was just school burnout.
On the good side, I took classes in Religious Studies (which I greatly enjoyed), continued to be a member of IVCF (at UCCS now) and also became aquainted with the Baptist Student Union (BSU). BSU became a support beyond belief for me.
Upon Graduation I went into work as a programmer, but also continued to work with BSU. Like many students today, I graduated with a very high debt load (student loans), but as soon as those are paid off, I hope to return to school at a seminary to eventually work full time in a BSU type of ministry.
Personal Life and Hobbies
I spend alot of my time outside of work in activities related either to helping BSU or my church (Chapel Hills Baptist Church). I also find that reading is a critical portion of my life. The more hectic life is, the more I need to have a book easily available. My favorite reading styles are Sci-Fi (I love Asimov) and Christian Fiction (I am currently reading the Left Behind Series).
At church, I am involved in the technology ministry (running the computerized song slides for the worship service) and the Missions Development Council (MDC). The MDC serves to encourage missions and missions education in the church community. As part of this role, I produce the weekly inserts for the church bulletin (the bulletin is known as "the Connection"). If you have ideas on ways everyday people can do missions or learn about missions, please e-mail me! We do not feel that it would be appropriate for people to participate on the MDC unless they are actively supporting mission opportunities. As such I represent the BSU to the MDC.
My activities with the BSU include: aiding with the physical plant, mentoring students, helping with meetings, organizing the puppet ministry and aiding in the planning and execution of missions trips. This can take me anywhere from 10-20 hours per week. When added to the 50 or more that I typically work, this can be an exhausting amount of time. It is, however, well worth it! The missions trips that I have helped BSU with include the Indian Pueblos in Espanola, NM (3 times) and the Eastern European country of Belarus (3 times). In addition I have helped with the planning of many other trips to these and other locations. Once I have paid off my student loans and other debt, I intend to go to seminary and make BSU ministry my full time career.
Professional
This section to be completed soon.
