I am new to the Literacy Connexus team, but not to literacy programs in general.

My wife and I grew up in the border town of El Paso, Texas. We know firsthand how literacy affects families. My father and mother both never graduated from high school, although my dad did earn a GED. My wife, Lucy, also earned her GED later in life, and is currently working with the state's top GED system in Parker county as a teacher's assistant. We have several extended family members who do not have diplomas or degrees, as well. I know that this has everything to do with reading and reading comprehension.

I was blessed to serve in the U.S. Army for seven years and to work in the Department of Defense for eight years. I have been in ministry for 14 years and have a degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently, I serve as Minister of Education/Administration at Lakeshore Drive Baptist Church in Hudson Oaks, and have been here for nine years. I also serve on the leadership team for the Texas Baptist Educators of the BGCT, and on the leadership team of Unique Student Ministries out of Houston (we work with inner city kids). I am on the Executive Board for the Parker Baptist Association.