Youth Pastor: Brother Jarrod

    I was raised in a great Christian Family and have attended Baptist Churches all my life.  I thank
    God that I was saved when I was eight years old before the devil had a chance to get a grip on
    my life.  In my later teen years it became so evident to me how wonderful it is to be a part of
    the family of God and not have to live in the misery of sin.  

    In the Fall of 2000 I began attending Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, FL.  Although not
    intending to graduate from Trinity I planned to get a good dose of Bible education before
    getting another degree.  God had different plans.  In less than two months God had placed a
    desire in my heart to commit the rest of my life to serving Him in the ministry.

    I graduated in the spring of 2004 with a Pastoral Theology degree and am now serving at
    Meriden Hills Baptist Church as the youth pastor.  

    On October 23rd, 2004 my college sweetheart and best friend became my wife.  Michelle is a
    great encouragement to me and a wonderful example for young Christian ladies.  Outside of
    my salvation, there is no doubt that Michelle is the best thing to ever happen to me.

    This is not an easy world for teenagers to maintain a godly testimony.  There are many
    pressures, and temptations that have a stronger pull than ever before.  The media powerfully
    targets teenagers with sex, alcohol, drugs, and rebellion.  We need to show teenagers that
    there is so much more happiness in serving God than in anything the sinful world can offer
    them.  My desire is to acquaint teens with the reality of a loving God.