My Journey
Raised on a farm in Northern Michigan, I began shepherding sheep at age nine, learning early the meaning of care, patience, and responsibility. This shaped my heart for guiding others with humility and determination.
A Changed Direction
I’ve gained a reputation for telling stories. Even as a little kid, my cousins and siblings would gather around me at get-togethers requesting another story. Not much has changed as I’ve grown older — I still love telling stories. I just have more of them now.
What kind of stories? All sorts. I grew up seeking adventure with my friends in the northern woods of Michigan. We had no shortage of exciting times and tales to retell. Between camping, hiking, dirt biking, farming, fishing, and hunting, new stories were constantly being made. Growing up on a farm also offered plenty of moments worth recounting years later.
Of all my stories, the most meaningful is the story of the change Jesus Christ made within my life. Despite my parents’ prayers and efforts — having raised me in the church — my heart still desired the world. But by the time I reached the end of high school, God’s Spirit had truly begun its work in me. Years earlier, following a Gospel message at a Christian summer camp, I came to recognize God not just as a concept, but as a reality. In one moment, walking down a sunny forest path, God’s presence became real to me. My sin became sin to me — a burden and a debt separating me from the holy God my heart now longed for. Christ became my Savior. Though I had said “the prayer” many times before, it was then that my soul was made truly alive and aware of His presence. It was as real as the warm sun overhead. I walked out into the woods that day and prayed with complete assurance that God was hearing me.
In His love, Christ was my shepherd, staying with me and guiding me like the foolish little lamb that I was. Up to the age of 18, I had largely lived with my sights set on the world — protected by God, but too often pulled aside by life’s distractions. I did well in school, stayed out of trouble, and outwardly looked like a fine, upstanding young Christian. But inwardly, I was deeply selfish. My entire life was fixated on crafting an image I thought others wanted to see. God was about to change that in ways I never could have expected.
In the coming weeks, I’ll continue adding stories about God’s work in my life — and just for fun, I’ll throw in some of my growing-up stories too.
Current Calling
Skipping ahead, I still live in Northern Michigan with my wife Anna and our three children. We’re blessed to call a house on 11 acres home. We have goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens, and ducks. Over the years we’ve also planted many fruit trees and berry plants on our property. Growing up, I was blessed to live on a small farm, and I wanted my kids to enjoy the same. Even better, we live close to my parents, siblings, and many cousins.
I work as the General Manager of my father’s company, Metalfab Manufacturing, Inc. We build metal hose and tube assemblies, mostly for the automotive industry. I work alongside my brother and two brothers-in-law, and together we have about 30 other employees. Aside from my day job, I serve as chair of the Comins Township Planning Commission. But beyond being a husband and father, my highest calling is seeking to serve God by serving His people. At our local church I chair the Stewardship Committee, teach the adult Sunday school class, share a children’s Bible story each Sunday service, help with the Youth Group, and look for opportunities to serve wherever God leads.
My hope in sharing this is that you may be encouraged to follow Christ’s call to care for His people. The King of Heaven calls Himself a shepherd — and we too get to share in caring for His people, following His example.
