I reenlisted in the Navy two months before I started following Jesus. I loved the Navy and was going to make it my career. However, a few months later, I made a decision to get my high school diploma and take college courses so that when my enlistment was complete, I could pursue an education to become a minister. I remained in the same pay grade for the next six years while I spent as much time as possible studying and growing in my relationship with the Lord. Just as Peter and Andrew left their nets to follow Jesus, I left the Navy to follow Jesus and become one of His shepherds.
In September of 1970, I was discharged and moved my family to San Antonio to attend Bible College for the next three years. During my second year of school, the Lord opened a door for me to pastor a small country church in Lake Hills, Texas, about forty miles northwest of San Antonio. I’m very grateful for that opportunity because it gave me a place where I could practice what I was learning in school. Less than a year after I graduated from the college, I was invited to come back and work on staff as a teacher and become the Men’s Dean.
No matter where I have been since I started following Jesus, I have always found the greatest joy in working with and training others to be shepherds of the Lord’s flock.