What does it mean to you to be voted as vice-president for administration of the Mid-America Union?
First of all, I want to give honor to God for the impression He placed on Elder Gary Thurber’s heart to entertain my name for this distinguished position. Secondly, I am honored and humbled to even be considered for this position. It is evident that God is still in control of the affairs of men, especially my own. Being voted as vice-president for administration of the Mid-America Union means that there is yet more I can do for God and his church.
What is your first memory of knowing Jesus as your Savior?
As I reflect, my first memory of knowing Jesus as my Savior was at the age of 10. Subsequently, I was baptized by Pastor George Timpson, who ironically is a former executive secretary of the Mid-America Union. My father, a solid Christian man, made sure we had morning and evening worship at home. I also attended Adventist schools, which added to my knowledge of God.
What is a scripture verse that is meaningful to you right now and why?
Psalm 37:4-5: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”
This verse is one of my favorites. It gives me encouragement. I love the Lord and I am willing to do all that I can to honor and appreciate Him. He has promised if I enjoy my relationship with Him He will give me the desires of my heart. In reality it is not what I desire but what He desires for me. Then He continues to say that if I commit or pledge my allegiance to Him and allow Him to take charge of my affairs He will in return bless me with bountiful blessings.
You are not only a man of God but also a family man. Please tell us how you met your wife.
My wife was attending Washington Adventist University when I met her on the phone. There was something about her voice that caught my attention. That led me to call her back and a long distance romance began. We dated long distance and we got married a year and a half later. This coming March we will celebrate our 36th anniversary.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy fishing and playing golf.
What does the vp of administration do?
(partial list of roles and responsibilities)
- Works with the president and vp of finance to create a vision and plan for growth and development of the union
- Collects data on baptisms and membership numbers
- Prepares agendas for union meetings
- Records official minutes of all union meetings
- Chairs the union’s Constitution and Bylaws Committee
- Serves as vice chair of the Union College Board of Directors
- Represents the Mid-America Union on approximately 10 other committees/boards
- Coordinates the MAUC Constituency Session every five years
- Assists local conferences with their constituency sessions
- Preaches in local churches as requested (pre-pandemic)
- Oversees employee handbook policies, employee credential cards and applications for ministerial internships
