Quiet Meditations for Troubled Souls

The message I share is both positive and encouraging. When speaking to a Christian organization my message is biblically sound with a strong emphasis on personal application. My desire is to lift people up in the love and grace of our God not to add burdens upon His people.

I am also prepared to speak by way of personal testimony to the issues of mental health with Bipolar Disorder being my area of expertise. I have lead support groups and had opportunity for personal counselling.

I am also available to secular groups in which there is no desire for a Christian message. However, it needs to be understood that being a Christian is who I am and I desire to share my story when it is applicable to the given situation. My subject material is motivation in nature for the most part. I have also been asked to tell the story of why I became an author.

In order to effectively serve your needs I would like to know the purpose of your gathering, what your theme might be and the particular subject you would like me to address. Let me know how you would like me to dress as I do not want my appearance to detract from the message. It would be helpful to know the age of the audience.

It has been my desire to preach, teach and write from the perspective of someone who has been there. In my down home style, I illuminate Bible truth from the viewpoint of personal transparency. I
am an alumnus of Cedarville University, Ohio, and a graduate of Appalachian Bible College,
West Virginia where I graduated magna cum laude.

I served as a pastor and conference speaker for fourteen years in fundamental Baptist churches Ohio and Western New York State. During those years I developed my own method of Bible study and in depth unfolding of the truth of God's Word.

It is hard to admit I had to learn most of life’s lessons the hard way, but such is the nature of the ministry. It seemed to me that my job as a preacher was twofold: to afflict the comfortable and to comfort the afflicted. Sadly, I spent far too much energy trying to do the impossible task afflicting the comfortable.

About half way through my years as a pastor I came to realize that the vast majority of my congregation felt as badly about themselves as I did about me. They did not need me telling them how bad they were. Rather they need someone to show them a better way to live. That someone was me. I tried to make my pulpit ministry became a beacon of hope for healing.

My years as a pastor came to an abrupt end as I began a plunge into deep depression. I had battles with depression for years but nothing as deep and desperate as I experienced then. I didn't know what was happening but some ten years later I learned I had Bipolar Disorder 1. My depression was mixed with mania and my thoughts were totally out of control. I found myself driving endless hours in my car, spending thousands of dollars with no one knowing where I was. This happened several times though I am not sure how many. I have little recollection of how I spent my time. I did not want to go but felt powerless to stay.

These abandonments alienated my family, friends and church community. I left my wife with no choice but to divorce me, the most painful thing I have ever experienced. God has since restored my relationship with my sons and I have found a non-judgment church family.

I have spent the last almost 20 years learning how to manage his mental illness from a biblical perspective. I describes himself as “one beggar showing other beggars where to find bread.” My burden and desire is to help encourage individuals as well as families to live a blessed life through their commitment to Christ. I am convinced we live in a world of hurting people who need the hope Jesus offers.

More recently I started and lead the “Hope Sunday School Class” in my home church, Parkview United Methodist Church, in Miamisburg, Ohio. I also serve as well as a small group Bible study leader. I regularly conducts worship at a local retirement, assisted living center in Miamisburg, Ohio and periodically preaches in his home church.

One teacher in college challenged us to clearly teach the Word so those listening will understand with their minds. However, if people are going to make a choice to follow Christ, they much be touched emotionally. It is my goal to reach folks to want to live for Jesus and find Him to be the healer of broken hearts.

My wife, Pam, and I reside in West Carrollton, Ohio. I might add that I am committed biblical truth but I am also committed to sharing it wherever God gives opportunity.

I would like to set up a book table at your event to make available my book "Secrets of the Blessed: Quiet Meditations for Troubled Souls."