July 4, 2004 marks the day that triggered a series of events that would change the course of my life drastically.  It started out like any other day.  I woke up, and I had no plans that could be labeled as significant in any sort of way.  For the few years prior to this date, I always attended a 4th of July party hosted by the church my dad was a member of.  This year, like other previous years, I chose to attend again.  However, this time I took my two best friends along.

    There was food, drama, music, games, bungee runs, and of course, a moon walk.  This moon walk sparked a relationship that would completely change my life. My friends and I were 3 punk, obnoxious, off-the-wall, teenage kids having too much fun in a moon walk, and the man running the moon walk was Steve, the middle-aged youth pastor.  Of course I was not aware of this at the time, nor did I care.  All I cared about was the fun I was having, and the laughter that was being shared with this stranger standing outside the moon walk.  I did not know at the time that he would become one of the greatest influences in my life.

    Soon after this event, I began attending youth group and church.  Soon after that, I finally accepted the truth of Jesus, and I bowed my knee to the King.  My life changed drastically after this, and it changed at an undesirable speed for those close to me.  Although many relationships either weakened or were completely lost, I gained many others, including that of Steve, my youth pastor...and the man at the moon walk.

    I can recall many Wednesdays nights of listening to Steve talk to us about Jesus and about life.  He had/has a passion that is so desirable.  The many discussions we have had, the many opportunities I have had to see him minister, and the mission trips we have been apart of together, have influenced the person I am today, and the beliefs and values I uphold. 

    Steve loves Jesus, and he loves people.  That love has become something I strive for daily.