I grew up on the outskirts of Spokane in a large Christian family. I have 22 brothers and sisters, and have watched some of them grow up, and grow away from the Lord. Some of them have, through a long series of bad decisions, put themselves into dark and harsh living circumstances. It seems that once they are there, getting them to break the cycle of self destruction is nearly impossible. God has placed a heavy burden on my heart for the young men who find themselves trapped in a world of bad decisions, substance abuse, crime, and usually prison.

I can personally attest to a desperate need for a ministry like OU. It is a great pleasure to take these guys under my wing, and show them the way out. This is not about being another hand-out for those who just can't, or won't, pull their own weight in life. This is about introducing, and encouraging, a living relationship with Jesus Christ, and providing the tools that a young man needs to start a new life.

I feel specially prepared for this undertaking. I have been involved in virtually every aspect of church ministry since I was a teenager. I have done youth work, ran Sunday morning worship, taught Bible studies and Sunday schools, and have even delivered a sermon a time or two. I received a Bachelor's degree from Seattle Pacific University in Christian Theology, with a minor in communications. I graduated in 2004 and joined the U.S. Army, going through the officer program. I subsequently spent five years in a line unit with the 4th BCT, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Georgia. I graduated from Airborne school, and Ranger school, prior to completing an extended tour of duty in Iraq. It was during this time I learned how to lead men, and how to be tough.

Most of the guys who start with Opportunities Unlimited, don't finish. Few find the self-motivation to put themselves through the hard labor, sacrifice, and obedience to God that is required to create lasting change. It is my job to help them, and not put up with excuses. The guys that do make it through are amazing. It sometimes seems impossible for lasting "heart" change to be possible, but nothing is impossible with God. He cares for these guys, and so should we.

Opportunities Unlimited is an organization that is up to the task of doing God's work. That is why I believe in OU.

 

Opportunities Unlimited changes lives.  That is the bottom line for me.  The proof is in the walking and talking of the men on the crew.  I have been able to witness personally, and through written testimony from one of the young men who is part of the program, the impact this ministry has played in shaping not only the eternal future of these young men, but the immediate present as well.  These young men value community more, value the wisdom and knowledge that is getting poured into them, and they value the chance to work on things that really matter. 

My prayer is that this ministry keeps changing more and more lives.

 

I have used OU on a number of occasions, and will continue to so for a wide variety of projects. I hire them because they do good work, are reliable, trustworthy, and very reasonably priced. I agree with OU's mission and purpose, and want to be supportive by providing work.

 

OU Changed my life by keeping my head up when I was sunk deep. I thought there was no hope for me, I was just going to turn my back on everything: my son, my family, my friends. I thought I was a lost cause, I was just dirt under peoples feet. I could care less about what was going happen next.  If I died, I wouldn't have cared. And to think I was just going to throw my rights away to my son, just let his mom take him wherever. I was really messed up.

One day i was walking down the road, and a man named Loren Baker drove up next to me, and asked,
"You still looking for Christ?" I said.... Well you guess what I said, and Loren gave me Riley's number. It took me a little while to call him. Then I told myself,

"Well, what do I have to lose?" I gave him a call, then the next day I had the interview.

And then my life took flight. All my hell was gone, thanks to OU. My life is tollerable. I thought I was miserable, but it was nothing compared to other stories I have heard. My life, and what i was going through, was nothing. Now my faith has been restored, and I have new hope for whatever may come next.