Studying the catechism and being confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spartanburg at the age of thirteen set the foundational beginnings of my faith. Since that time, my faith has remained simple, steadfast and centered on two statements: “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior” and “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him Forever.” I have never been one to analyze and try to interpret specific scripture verses which hope allows me to be more accepting of those who have a different understanding than me on specific scripture verse. With this comes the knowledge that The Bible continues and will always be the living, authoritative word of God.

Two favorite scripture verses accentuate the basis of my faith. First is 2 Corinthians 12:9: “And He said unto me, my grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore would rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Second is Proverbs 3:5 and 6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Particularly in times of difficulty, I try to accept that God is in control of all things and by trusting in Him, my prayers will be answered.

Having experienced two devastating tragedies in my life with the loss of my first wife Gay after twenty seven years and the loss of our granddaughter Grace three days after birth, I am able to state with absolute conviction that despite these losses, God is real. Without His unconditional love and the amazing, faithful love of First Presbyterian Church Spartanburg, I could not have overcome these terrible losses. Through God’s infinite wisdom and grace, I have experienced my wonderful second marriage to Jeanie in the chapel of First Presbyterian and the miraculous birth of our grandson Waylon less than two years after the loss of his sister.

The church and the power of the Holy Spirit never have and never will leave me alone and only enhances the joy I feel when entering our beautiful, Christ-filled sanctuary. I remain steadfast and fully committed that in all things God is good, His mercies are everlasting, and His truths will endure to all generations.”