Also known as:
Jonathan

TVC Responsibilities:
I devote time to personal study and writing around the competencies of a Church Planter, attend cohort meetings and trainings with other residents, and participate in hands-on ministry within the local church.

When and how did the Lord save you?
I was raised in a nominally Jewish-Christian extended family by a single mother. Religion and faith were not present in my home, except for holidays or whenever my grandfather took me to church. This changed when my mom became a believer and we moved away. From that point forward, I lived at the church, though I did not know God nor understand the gospel. Due to the trauma I endured in life, my heart was distant and hardened to God. I did not understand Him to be loving, only wrathful and ready to destroy me if I sinned. Eventually, I left home and by default the church. For two years, I lived as a slave to my desires, until I finally hit rock bottom. After searching religion, I asked God to show Himself to me, and He answered me through a dream. In my dream, I saw the coming of the Lord, and the depth of my sin was shown to me. Two weeks after this dream, I repented of my sins and turned to Christ for salvation.

When did you come to TVC and what brought you here?
The Church planter residency brought me to TVC.

If you had to give a TED Talk, what subject would you choose to speak on, and why?
The importance of hospitality culture. I think in the West, people love their own space and have a hard time inviting people in and hosting. I would give a talk on this because I see the value in opening up your home and serving your neighbor. This is a culture I grew up in and experienced living in the Middle East. I think if we slowed down, lowered our defenses, and allowed people in, we might serve them and really learn what love is.

If you were to have your childhood dream job, what would your job be?
Meteorologist/Storm chaser

Which fictional character would you be friends with in real life, and why?
I would probably be friends with Jim from The Office. We are both down-to-earth guys, and like to have some fun with the Dwights in our lives. We would honestly have a lot of fun together.

Favorite Hobby:
Fishing