John was born in Portland, Oregon, at OHSU. His parents took him to church, but in high school, he walked away from God. His life took a drastic turn for the worse as he turned to substances to mask his problems. He later joined the Army and served for four years. Afterward, he met his wife, Joy’e, whom he married in 1989.

One day, John’s daughter invited him to attend Lents Baptist Church with her. That day marked the beginning of a process of confession, repentance, and reconciliation that restored relationships that had once been broken. John experienced the transformative work of Jesus Christ in his life and within his family.

John and his wife became members of Lents Baptist in 2009, and John became actively involved in its ministries. He served through the church’s food distribution program, monthly breakfast, clothing closet, meat runs, and bread deliveries.

John also served as a children’s leader with Bible Study Fellowship for two and a half years, as an Awana leader for the T&T boys’ group, and as a deacon at Lents Baptist. His biblical and theological training has been hands-on, and he describes himself as “an ordinary [elder] who loves to serve the Lord and talk about Jesus to all who will listen.”

After Lents Baptist merged with another church called The Gathering, John began searching for a new church home. He prayed that if God wanted him to return to church, He would send someone to knock on his door and invite him back. About two weeks later, Pastor Semi did exactly that. John is now one of the elders at Family Pentecostal Church of God.

John has been building and repairing wood and chain-link fences for more than 30 years. He worked at Zochert Fence Company from 1992 to 2007, rising to the position of vice president. In 2009, he started Fix-A-Fence LLC.

John enjoys reading his Bible, watching professional wrestling, football, and basketball, and writing in his journal.