My background is that I was raised in a Christian home. From fourth grade on I have been part of the Assemblies of God. I am convinced that God is using many different and varied organizations, that all make up part of the Universal and Invisible Church, to accomplish His will in the earth. So, if you happen to belong to another organization--or none, and you are a sincere follower of Jesus Christ, I consider you my brother. As a Christian and a minister I have chosen to affiliate myself with a denomination for the purposes of accountability, cooperation and fellowship.
I attended ICHTHUS Training Center in Salem OR for two years. That was a time of intense personal spiritual growth and discipleship. I transferred the two year diploma to Southern California College of the AG, now called Vanguard University and subsequently graduated in 1984 with a BA in Religious Studies, emphasis in Bible. That same year I was granted a Ministerial License to Preach by the Assemblies of God.
February 1985 I began two and one-half years as assistant pastor in Glendora, CA at Foothill Christian Center with the still present Senior Pastor Bill Dogterom.
In October 1987 we began pastoring the English-speaking congregation at First Assembly of God in San Ysidro, CA on the border with Mexico. It was great preparation for ministry in Latin America. In 1988 I received ordination by the Assemblies of God. Our missionary career began in January 1990 as we itinerated to raise our prayer and financial support. August 1991 we began Spanish language studies in Costa Rica and one year later we moved to Panamá where we have lived and ministered ever since, except for deputation ministry. Our second deputation cycle was from June 1995 to March 1997. Our third and present deputation is from June 2001 to December 2002 (projected departure).
This ends abruptly because, quite frankly, it's still being written!