In 2007 we believed that God was calling us to leave Pittsburgh, PA and relocate to Richmond, Virginia after completing Seminary. My job search landed me a position with a church. However, three weeks after starting the position, I went down a difficult road which was marked- DETOUR. I suffered a mild stroke on April 21, 2007. My faith was shaken and my dreams were shattered. My plans for continuing in ministry seemed out of reach. God also seemed out of reach.

Prior to the stroke, I was very active in ministry, preaching, and teaching. I had the opportunity to travel to Senegal, West Africa in 2004 and 2005 on mission trips. The team planned to go back in 2007, but after the stroke, it seemed impossible. One night when I was feeling sorry for myself, with no hope for continuing in ministry, a program came on Trinity Broadcasting Network about disabled individuals in ministry— imagines that. It was the Joni and Friends Ministry and in particular, there was a young man by the name of Nick Vujicic, who was born with no arms and no legs who had an awesome ministry serving in the USA and in Africa. Needless to say, I cried, repented, and my faith was rejuvenated. His testimony was encouragement to me. Praise God!

My faith was restored! I organized the ministry team which returned to Senegal in September, 2008. When I returned from Africa, I got active in church and submitted my application to the Doctor of Ministry program at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. In March 2009, I was ordained.

I thank God for the strength and courage to move beyond myself perceptions to do His will. Despite some minor physical limitations, God did not allow me to forget that He called me to the ministry, and therefore He will open doors, and pave the way for me to accomplish what He has destined me to accomplish.