What do you do here at First Orlando?
Language Ministries – In the greater Orlando area, 35-40% of the population is of international origin, and approximately 25% of Orlando is of Hispanic origin. My responsibilities are to reach out to these different language groups by introducing them to Jesus and helping them to plug into the body of Christ using their native languages, cultures, and traditions. Currently, First Orlando has a ministry to 9 different language groups: Spanish, Brazilian, Haitian, Japanese, Polish, Filipino, Russian, Korean and Deaf.
Starting Point – I also oversee our Starting Point ministry which is small groups that meet in conversational environments where people can explore faith, experience community, and discover their purpose and place in God’s story.
Home Life Groups – We have several Life groups that meet in homes throughout Orlando on a regular basis. Many people cannot or prefer not to meet on Sunday mornings at the church for small group community. This option provides the opportunity for people to meet in the comfort of their own homes.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Florianópolis, Brazil. It is an island just off the coast of the southern tip of Brazil. My parents served as missionaries to Brazil from 1982-1997. I have dual citizenship and speak Portuguese and Spanish fluently.
How large is the family you grew up in?
I have four siblings all living in different states (Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, and Oregon). My dad passed away on the mission field in 1997 and my mom is remarried living in Louisiana.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
I came to know Christ as my Savior when I was 7 years old. However, it wasn’t until I was 14 that I began to understand what it meant to be in a personal relationship with Jesus. God used the death of my dad to teach me of his faithfulness and draw me closer to Him. It was at that time that I surrendered my whole life over to him.
What was the first job you ever had?
My very first paid job was at the daycare of my home church in Louisiana. I was a “floater” and taught Spanish to ages 2-4.
Where did you go to college?
I attended Ouachita Baptist University from 2001-2005. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish because it was easy and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics because I didn’t have to read or write papers. However, I am currently enrolled at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary working on my Master of Divinity where all I do is read and write papers.
When and to whom did you marry?
I married my high school sweetheart, Emily Purvis, in July 2005. We dated for almost 6 years (off and on) before we got married.
How many children do you have?
I have one daughter, Adelle, who was born July 19, 2009.
How did you get into ministry?
When I was in high school, I knew God had called me to a vocational ministry. But I also knew I needed a “safety net” just in case full-time ministry didn’t work out. So after college I began pursuing an engineering degree. God closed that door. A few months later I decided I would work on my teaching certificate since I had a math and Spanish degree. God closed that door as well. Finally, after much prayer and affirmation from God, friends, and family, I learned that following God’s calling was a matter of trust and began attending seminary in the fall of 2007. Shortly after I was asked to serve part-time as the Director of Men’s Ministry at my home church in Ruston, Louisiana.
Have you done any long or short-term mission work?
Yes. I have taken two trips to Brazil (one of which I led for a college groups) and a trip to Cuzco, Peru while in college myself. I believe everyone should go on a mission trip at some point in their life. It is eye-opening and will change their lives forever.
What do you like most about serving in your area’s ministry?
I absolutely love meeting new people from other backgrounds and cultures. I enjoy being able to connect with people who don’t feel as though they belong here simply because they don’t speak English. That is why it is my goal to perfect my Spanish, while learning French and Sign Language.
What is your favorite verse or portion of the Bible?
It varies with what God is teaching me at the time.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I love going to dinner and a movie with my wife, learning how to be a dad, and although I am a novice, I enjoy woodworking. I am also a huge movie buff!
What brought you to First Orlando?
I applied to the internship program at First Orlando in the spring of 2008. After being accepted and working as an intern for one solid year I was asked to remain on staff working with our International/Language Ministries.