I joined the Bethel staff in 2023, though in one sense I was coming home — I attended Bethel as a teen and graduated from the academy in 1982. I manage the children's ministry, including the bus ministry, Jr. Church and Sunday School. I lead the young adults class and its activities, teach gym for Grades 1 to 5 in the academy, and lead a Master Clubs class. On occasion I fill the pulpit and lead the singing, I lead our High School Chapel services, and I plan the bigger children's events — VBS and the Spring and Christmas Breakfasts. My wife Lorelei and I have three grown children, Benjamin, Brandon and Bethany, and five grandchildren. Off the clock I help keep up my parents' property, follow the Roughriders, the Georgia Bulldogs and the Blue Jays, and hunt turkey.
I was saved at nine years old at a revival service in my home church in Florida. The preacher was preaching on the devil and hell, I came under conviction, and I went forward at the invitation to pray and receive Christ. I was baptized soon after. I graduated from Baptist Bible College Canada in 1986, and spent the thirty-six years that followed in ministry — seven in St. Thomas as assistant pastor and twenty-nine as pastor in Sault Ste. Marie — much of it bi-vocational. Lorelei and I moved back to Simcoe in 2022 to be closer to family.
My favourite part of ministry is Jr. Church: teaching the lesson, and then being right in the middle of game time with the kids. I love Vacation Bible School for the same reason — it is such a good opportunity to see children come to know Christ as Saviour. A verse that means a lot to me is Proverbs 3:5-6. I quote it often, because it reminds me that God is in control, and that I can trust Him in every situation I face in ministry and in life. And if you are visiting for the first time, you are always welcome here. Stop by the Welcome Centre and let us know what we can do to make your visit more comfortable.
