Bio

Hey, my name is Joel. I’m a musician, writer, and teacher. For the past two years I’ve been serving as a missionary around the world.

Growing up I was "the small kid,” and was teased constantly for it. As a result I came to the conclusion my life didn’t matter. But halfway through high school things changed.

I stopped trying to do life my way and asked God about his way. In the mornings I prayed that God would use me to show His love to others. And things started to happen. Peoples’ lives began to change around me, and they were saying it was because of me. I couldn't believe it.

In college, during a time of worshiping God, the Holy Spirit sat me down and told me to open my Bible. He directed me to 1 Timothy 4:12 where Paul wrote to Timothy, “Set an example for all the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” I could feel the Holy Spirit speaking those words directly to me.

Throughout my life while learning to trust God and changing my focus from myself to loving Him and loving others He's made it clear that the plans He has for me are far from small or insignificant. But it isn’t what I do that makes me feel “significant.” It’s Him.

Since I graduated from college I’ve served in missions on the six livable continents. I've spent time with youth living in streets and helped men and women left to die on sidewalks and train platforms. I’ve shared my relationship with God in the States and abroad, in churches and schools, on planes and taxis, in offices and the wilderness. Now from Sept. 2010-June 2011 I'm receiving a stronger Biblical foundation through Youth With A Mission to prepare myself for what's ahead.

I know that we cannot save the world; we cannot end poverty, disease, loneliness, war. But we do have the open arms of a God much bigger than our comprehension inviting us to become a part of an eternal hope, love and redemption He offers. I hope that together, in putting ourselves aside, we can allow God to do His work of transformation through us in our communities, our schools, our workplace, and the world.

Thank you for your time and your prayers. Grace and peace be with you.