Years ago, there was a song that said, “Lord, please don’t send me to Africa!” It was a funny little tune about fearing God’s call to missions. Little did I know at the time how much that song would become a part of my story.
My faith journey started when, as a university student, I entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God immediately surrounded me with people who discipled and equipped me to serve Him. Looking back, that’s when my life gained clarity, and I realized I had a purpose—and that included marrying my high school sweetheart, Nancy!
After my studies at The Ohio State University, we settled into suburban life in Columbus, Ohio, began raising four amazing daughters, and I enjoyed a growing business career. Then, as a complete surprise to us, we went on a short-term missions trip to Papua New Guinea—and that trip changed everything. God stirred our hearts; I enrolled at Liberty University, and soon, world missions became our calling. In 2001, our family moved to South Africa to serve the Lord in church planting. We spent 20 years there; it was an incredibly challenging season in life, yet some of the best years of our journey together. What a privilege to witness God work so powerfully through His Word and the local church.
When our youngest daughter came back to the States to attend UNF, we got connected with CFC, and later Nancy and I became commended missionaries and certified Biblical Counselors. It was around that time, as empty nesters, that our mission agency asked us to take on a leadership role overseeing various ministry teams in the Middle East and South Asia. We said yes, and that’s where we continued serving in missions for the next five years.
In 2023, during a brief trip from the field to plan our next steps, CFC invited me to join the staff as a pastor. Although we thought we’d serve as “missionaries for life,” God had a different plan—right here at CFC—and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Today, our daughters are spread across four continents. Three families, including 10 of our 14 grandchildren, live in Scotland, South Africa, and Georgia. And super thankful that one of our daughters and her family are here in Jacksonville. We are grateful that the Lord sent us to Africa and Jacksonville!
What about fun stuff? Well, when I’m not engaged in various ministries at our church, I enjoy long-distance running, watching college football (OH-IO), reading, and taking a leisurely motorcycle ride. But my favorite moments are spent on a date with Nancy and having a live visit or FaceTime chat with our children and grandchildren.
Staff Chat
Get to know Tom through his interview on our staff podcast, Staff Chat!