What does your job involve?
I consider my job as using the tool of food to minister to the members of our church and guests and leading my staff and volunteers to do the same.
Where were you born and raised?
In the beautiful city of Orlando, Florida.
How large is the family you grew up in?
Just my mom and younger sister. I later found out that I have a sister from my biological father.
What happened to your biological father?
He never knew about me for years. I was a love child “never meant to be” and my mom didn’t tell him about me. I was conceived in the back of a VW van at a concert. When I read that chapter in “The Purpose Driven Life” titled “You’re Not an Accident,” I wept. I always knew that, but when I read it, it was amazing to have that confirmed that I was always a part of God’s plan.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
Back in 1998 I was at a party where lots of “interesting” things were going on. But there was a woman at the party who was a Christian and about 20 years older than everyone there. However, she went to those parties to minister to people because she used to be in that same scene herself. I was a divorced, single father of two kids who was not doing a good job with the divorce and I was looking for answers in all the wrong places. So, at this party, the woman ministered to me and shared the love of Christ with me. I accepted Christ that Saturday evening and three days later, I was at church and have been there ever since. Actually, the “church” I went to was Metro (at First Orlando).
What was the first job you ever had?
In junior high, I started working as a busboy at Vivaldi’s Italian Restaurant in downtown. Back then, when I was 14, I was convinced that I would own my own restaurant. I still may do that one day, but it will be for a different plan and a different purpose (than just making money).
Where did you go to college?
I went to Valencia Community College for Hospitality Management. I was already a restaurant manager at the time, but I wanted to further my career. I also went to seminary for a short time at Baptist College of Florida.
When and to whom did you marry?
I’ve been married twice. I married my second wife, Jenee, in 2000. I was a born-again, on-fire-for Jesus Christian single dad who was witnessing to this young lady and invited her to come to Metro. She started coming with me, which turned into dating and finally into a marriage.
How many children do you have?
Four, three daughters and a son.
How did you get into ministry?
In 2002, I was looking for a place to volunteer. Being in the food service industry, I was looking to volunteer here with Food Services. My volunteer interview turned into a job interview in about three minutes. The then-Food Services Director, Eddy Espinosa, had been praying for someone “just like me,” he said. About a month later, I was hired.
Have you ever done any long- or short-term missionary work?
I’ve been to Graceville where a team of us works at a Bible college. Here in town, I’ve been preaching at the homeless mission once a month for a few years. I’ve also been leading a LIFE Group for a number of years.
Where else have you served?
I’ve served as an altar counselor for First Orlando, as an Evangelism Explosion trainer, and in various other areas here and there.
What was the turning point of your life?
My divorce, which completely destroyed me. My god was my family, I had my career and I was a good person. I thought there was a heaven and I believed Jesus was a way to get there, but so was Buddha. In fact, I thought anyone who devoted their life to God would to heaven. It wasn’t until my family — which was my god — diminished and I was at the lowest point of my life and was ready to drive my car over a cliff that I turned around. I left Orlando — and my kids — behind for about six weeks for Mississippi, where my sister lived, but I ended up staying with a friend. I found peace, but not God. I found people who loved and accepted me. I then left there and went to Omaha, Nebraska, to stay with my “dad.” He was the one my mom was with when I was born. When I got back to Orlando, I had peace in my heart. It was that weekend that I went to that party where the woman led me to Christ.
What do you like best about your job?
Definitely the people. I know that’s a cliché, but it’s true. To me, my whole job is all about people. In fact, our motto is, “We Serve One Guest.” No matter who you are serving, you’re serving Jesus.
What is your most memorable ministry moment?
I believe that if you are not sharing the Gospel, then you should be serving someone who is. I really love when we get to serve groups of people who are sharing the Gospel. When I get to see people’s lives changed at an event we are serving, I just love that.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or portion?
That changes for me. When I first got saved, the “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, really meant a lot to me. Now, among my favorites by way of processing and studying, is the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, I have taken a year to memorize it. I have used it as a message in the rescue mission. I tell them, “I am about to preach to you the greatest sermon ever preached.” Their ears will perk up because they’re thinking, “Who does this guy think he is?”
What do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. I enjoy serving. I enjoy going to the Hubbard House and preparing a meal for the people. I enjoy visiting with and helping people.
If you weren’t working at First Orlando, what would you be doing?
Probably trying to open a restaurant that would be based on Christian principles.