Carl’s Testimony

I was raised in a Christian family, but at 19 years of age, I rebelled, went over seas, joined the Rhodesian Army, became involved in that African war as a mercenary soldier, (1976-1979) and I went the way of the world. During this time I plumed the depths of hell and I exemplified the theological concept of "total depravity." 

Later, I had a powerful born again experience after being convicted that the devil was real.  If there was a devil then it was certain that there must be a true God. This revelation and the knowledge of my own sins, provoked me to begin reading my Bible. After a few weeks of studying my Bible, I reached the powerful conclusion that I was a sinner and that I needed a savior.  I believed, repented, turned to Christ, was powerfully born again and baptized (1981).

I moved to El Paso, Texas, and I met people from the churches of Christ who shared many of my non-denominational sentiments and I worshiped with them.  In 1988, I moved to McAllen, Texas and continued my fellowship with the churches of Christ.  In 1989, I had an obvious call to preach, which was confirmed in many ways.  I ended up preaching bi-vocationally in the La Feria, Texas church and eventually became their fulltime Pulpit Minister.  I served in this capacity from 1990 to 1992.  I resigned when my secular work and family situation became too hectic to continue.

After several major crisis in my life, I was forced to stop and re-examine my faith and my beliefs.  I came out of this no longer believing in the cessation of spiritual gifts and several other tenants of the church of Christ.  I left the church of Christ but have been able to maintain many of my relationships with my friends, some of whom are ministers in the church of Christ.

Shortly after this I had an extremely powerful and life changing filling and Baptism in the Holy Ghost.  This revelation and its power has changed my life and ministry forever.  I attended a Non-denominational Evangelical Church and eventually was asked to teach adult Sunday School classes, lead a cell group, and I served on an Evangelistic team called the Agape Force.

I was ordained, by Church of the King, (Corpus Christi and McAllen, Texas), in September of 2004, and started a house church plant in the Houston, Texas area.  We have been involved in this work and street evangelism for over  three years.  I graduated from the School of Biblical Evangelism and have been involved with the Way of the Master, Great News Network, Evangelism Boot Camp and street ministry (Seed Sowers) on a regular basis.  My family and I have completed the “Perspectives on World Missions” course and the CAMEL Training Course and are scheduled to attend the Crossroads Discipleship Training School, and other courses with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Baguio City, the Republic of the Philippines. 

We have been involved in medical missions, and evangelism in Mexico and the United States, and have led cell groups (LIFE groups) and have pastored churches bi-vocationally for over seven years. 

I recently retired from my 27 year law enforcement career in 2006 with the intent of finally being able to commit myself to the fulltime ministry of reconciliation, using my teaching, evangelism and pastoral gifts for God’s glory, and the expansion of His Church and Kingdom.  To God be the glory!