I was just a teenager when my life spiraled out of control. Alcohol became my escape, crime became my lifestyle, and before I knew it, I was behind bars paying the price for the choices I had made. When I was finally released, I thought freedom would bring relief. But instead, my life only grew darker.

 

Then, the unthinkable happened. My mom passed away. The weight of grief and regret became unbearable. I felt lost, trapped in a cycle I couldn’t break. And one night, standing at the edge of despair, I made a decision. This was it. I couldn’t go on any longer. But just as I was about to end it all, I heard something clear, undeniable, and so powerful that it stopped me in my tracks. I heard, "I love you."

 

I froze. There was no one around. No voice but the one in my heart. And in that moment, I knew, it was God. He had come to my rescue. Desperate for something, anything to hold onto, I picked up the phone and called one of my best friends. He had been inviting me to Times Square Church in NYC for a while, and that night, I finally said yes. I walked through those church doors weary, broken, and chained to my past. But by the time the service ended, everything had changed. That night, I gave my heart to Jesus. That night, He set me free. He delivered me from a life of sin, from hopelessness, from the darkness I thought I could never escape. From that moment on, I have lived for Him.

 

Since 2014, my wife and I have been faithfully serving the Lord, stepping into roles we never imagined. We’ve served in Children's Ministry, Security & Ushers, Outreach, and Discipleship, taking on responsibilities in administration, leadership, teaching, and preaching. But beyond all of that, the greatest joy has been connecting with people and learning, growing, and walking this journey together. We truly love people.

 

After six years of serving in the local church, God called us into something new - a home-church gathering called Gateway Gathering Syracuse in East Syracuse, NY. Under the spiritual covering of Gateway Church, we answered the call to lead this wonderful church community! 

 

Today, in addition to leading Gateway Gathering Syracuse, I also serve as a marketplace chaplain and partner with other ministries and nonprofit organizations throughout Syracuse. My wife, Christina, and I are passionate about sharing our journey because we know what it means to be lost, and we know what it means to be found. We live to lead others into the loving, gracious arms of Jesus, the One who saves, the One who redeems, the One who heals, and the One who rescued me from the edge of destruction and gave me a new life. And if He can do it for me, He can do it for anyone!