My journey to Alternatives Pregnancy Center began at Colorado Christian University, which led me from my home in Pueblo, Colorado to the Greater Denver Area. In my treasured time at CCU, I completed both my Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Master of Arts in Theological Studies. It was during my undergraduate program that I attended a CCU for Life meeting where I heard about the services Alternatives offers and met a few staff members. It was also through CCU for Life that I met my soon-to-be wife, Ellisa. Nonetheless, I was astounded by the ministry mindset of Alternatives as we heard their presentation. What impressed me most was the number of services the center offered that, to my knowledge, were outside of what I considered to be the typical pregnancy model, including the men’s program.
I was later asked to join the leadership team of the CCU for Life group. This was unexpected, because I had never planned to be in “pro-life” work for fear of the assumed confrontational nature of the work. However, my expectations continued to be subverted by CCU for Life and Alternatives Pregnancy Center, which both gave me insight into the truly pastoral nature of the work that can be done in the abortion-saturated landscape of both our state and country.
I made sure to develop a relationship with our friends Lori and Holly at Alternatives throughout my leadership tenure with the club because I knew that Alternatives was a phenomenal resource and volunteer opportunity for my students at CCU. As the years went on and I moved into a full-time job at CCU after graduation, I thought my time in “for-life” ministry might be at a close, due to my distance from the work during the pandemic. However, the Lord drew me back to the work when I was informed that the Men’s Program Director position was now full-time and accepting applications. I explored the job through a talk with Leticia and thought I would give it a shot! As I spoke with the trusted loved ones in my life, the path became more and more clear. So, I continued through the process and the rest is history.
What drew me to this position, was the fact that if I were to read the job description without prior knowledge of the job title, I would think it was the job of a pastor. I know that the Lord has been stirring up aspirations and equipping me for ministry and pastoral work during the past five years. I am so grateful that the Lord has drawn me to this meaningful work at Alternatives in the Men’s Program. Though it is already such an innovative ministry program here at Alternatives, I hope to continue to expand and innovate in this space with men. With the help of my team, I hope to develop a program that seeks to draw the “Man” out of every “male” and call our male clients up to a higher and expanded understanding of themselves, their lives, and the wonderful and honorable responsibility it is to be a father.
In this world that is so restless, it is my prayer that the clients who come through our men’s program are given a taste of the true rest that comes from Christ,
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matt 11:28-30, ESV).
Your ongoing support and prayers are so valuable to our work. Please join me in praying for the Holy Spirit’s work of rest in the hearts and lives in each of our clients.