05/28/2026
About 30 years ago, I dropped out of school, falling depressed and seeing no purpose for living. On the outside, I may have looked ok but inside I felt empty, numb and disconnected to the world around me. I was on a self-destructive path that was taking away the joy of living.
When my girlfriend became “religious”, I was resistant. Deep down, I knew I was lost, but God was the last place I wanted to turn. Then one day, with tears in her eyes, she told me she could not bear to watch me keep going down the destructive path I was on. She said if I cared about her to come to church to see what it was all about. By God’s grace, her tears broke through, and I said yes.
There, I heard about a God who loved me deeply, who gave His life for me, and who has a purpose for my life. I met people who knew Him in a real and personal way, and something began to change in my heart. I gave my life to Jesus, and He filled me with purpose, meaning, and hope for the future. More than this, He filled me with His presence which has comforted me, guided me, strengthened and renewed me to this day.
I have been married to the same woman who helped save me, and together we have been blessed with seven beautiful children. Over the years, I have come to know a love that is steady, unshakable through every circumstance, situation and hardship. There is evil in this world and an enemy who would desire to destroy us, but God is greater still. I am far from perfect—I have made mistakes, hurt people, and at times believed lies myself and yet Jesus has always been there for me through every season. If anyone is struggling with their place in this world, I want you to hear this clearly: God created you with a purpose. You are deeply loved, your life matters, and you are not alone.
Please reach out anytime. We are here for you, and we would be honored to walk with you in any way we can.
Pastor Joe
Salt & Light Community Church
