Barry's uncle, Walter St. Clair, an evangelist, had a close relationship to my family through First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. "Brother Walter" knew that God had called me into ministry. When he found out that I needed to do an internship for college, he introduced me to his nephew, Barry. I came to do the summer internship, and Barry and I became fast friends. Then Barry invited me to travel with him on weekends through the fall and spring while I finished college, and he gave me the opportunity to speak to teenagers. That's when I fell in love with teenagers, youth ministry, and Jesus-Focused Youth Ministry to reach and disciple them.

After graduation I worked full-time with Reach Out for eight years. Barry and I traveled the world together, training youth leaders in Eastern Europe, Russia and the Caribbean. We built plenty of memories! During those years I married Jana, my high school sweetheart, completed my degree at Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and we had our first child. When we moved to Atlanta and were expecting our second child, my responsibilities with Reach Out changed to stay at home more. Then the Lord completely changed my plans. Church of the Apostles in Atlanta invited me to lead their student ministry. Over the years I fully implemented JFYM, and the ministry grew from 25 unmotivated students to over 400 on-fire students. Today, as an Anglican church-planter, JFYM undergirds our church strategy.

Through Foley Beach's enthusiasm for JFYM, Barry and I ministered together again at the first Anglican JFYM training. We plan to train many more youth leaders in our diocese, with the next opportunity on October 8. Having Barry as my friend and mentor has been one of the great privileges of my life!