Dear Dad,

Some people build careers. You pursued your calling.

For most of my life, I watched you (and mom) say ‘yes’ to Jesus again and again and again – when it would’ve been easier to say no. You chose obedience over comfort. Loving people over possessions. The Gospel over everything.

When you decided to leave Florida in the 1980s and move across the world with four young children to become a missionary people thought you were crazy. Friends questioned your responsibility as a father. Others wondered if it was worth the risk. They cautioned you about the unknown. But you had already settled something in your heart…when God calls, you go.

You've always lived with a boldness that I admire. One of the best definitions for boldness is to 'put it all on the line to do what is necessary.' You embody that. I don’t…but hope to one day. Whether trekking through the jungle to share the Gospel to terrorists or responding to a child in desperation, you've always been willing to do what it takes to love people.

And yet…

What moves me most isn’t just your courage, it’s your tenderness. You always tear up when someone talks about God’s love. It's not for show or attention. The Gospel just still overwhelms you.

That combination of fearlessness and humility has shaped my life more than any game ever could.

So when it came time to think about the future of your ministry, I knew one thing: I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t help carry this torch forward.

Southeast Asia holds a special place in me. I was born there. You taught me how to preach there. I watched the Gospel change millions of lives there. What began as two faithful people saying yes has now become something far bigger than any one family. It’s now my responsibility to help build on that foundation.

I’m deeply grateful for you and mom — you guys showed me the guts of courage and how to believe in a big God!

Your legacy lives on and I know you’ll have a long line of people waiting in Heaven ready to say 'thank you.'

I love you Dad, and I’m so honored to help steward what comes next.