Core Team

4 guys who are completely different, yet wants the same: to glorify God and to seek His presence as we try to further the kingdom of God. For the past year we have come together to "do” the concepts of AWOL with one another. It has not been easy, and for some of us, it has been the hardest thing we have ever done, yet the reward is endless. Now, it is time to become more alive and visible and to see if there is anyone else out there that is willing to see if they have what it takes to go AWOL.

Noel: I am a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree and the first of the seminary to graduate with an emphasis in youth and young adult ministry. I am currently a pastor at Mill Creek Church of the Brethren in Tryon, North Carolina. I am the Program Coordinator for the School of Spiritual Leadership in the Southeastern District of the Church of the Brethren.

Recently, I have been speaking and leading many workshops and seminars for youth ministry, evangelism and eschatological studies.

I am excited about AWOL; it has been a dream of mine to see people move to a higher calling, to more awakening as to who we are in Christ Jesus. I have a passion for youth and young adults as well as renewing the church. I also love to play racquetball, golf, and work in the woodshop.

Chris: I am 26 years old, and this is my almost my 7th year as a Christian. I came from a background that did go to church but I was too interested in myself to actually pay attention. I spent most of my life just simply being driven to figure out how to numb the pain that I felt. God (being the God of grace) used most of my running away to lead me directly to him in college. From the moment I started college, it seemed to be a giant wake up call that I was looking for something to fill this hole I had, and everything I tried didn't work. Sure, they might have made me feel good for a moment, but usually that moment was shorter and shorter. During this time of realization, God placed several faithful believers in my life. Instead of converting me, they befriended me; instead of making me a project, they accepted me but also offered me help. When I finally came to Christ, I truly was an ignorant and immature believer. Having spent the last 5 years running to and from God I have learned a few truths. The world appears to have all the answers and that all those answers are death. So I decided to finally stop running and stand up. Not that I'm special or the chosen one, but I am a child of God. I believe that God simply wants us to pick Him over everything in the world and as we do this, He will give us what we truly need and want. AWOL is this for me, my commitment to the LORD that I will begin to seek Him first and give Him my heart first. It is a time to make sacrifices, but the Lord doesn't want greater sacrifices: He wants me to become obedient. I haven't finished college and this is a spot I wish to hear the guidance of the LORD on, but for now He is telling me to pour my heart into this ministry.

Brandon: I graduated from high school in May of 2002 from R.S. Central High School in Rutherfordton, NC. After graduating high school, I attended Isothermal Community College for two years and was enrolled in the Mechanical Drafting and Design program. I have been a member of the Church of the Brethren in the Southeastern District since 1999. I was a member of the Spindale congregation and am now active in the Mill Creek congregation in Polk County, NC. I have also worked with the youth from our district for the last three summers at our district camp and other events. Through working with these youth and staff within the denomination, I have been inspired to seek after more for my own life and the churches as well.

David: I am now 33 years old, but I have wasted most of my life as a nonbeliever. I thought that the world had what I needed and I tried hard to get it. I thought being cool was the most important thing. I had the cool cars with the best and the biggest stereo systems that would rattle all the neighbors' windows as I went down the road. I thought life was all about making money and that by doing that and by finding the right person to spend my life with, I would be happy. But I was not happy. I spent all my time trying to get that next thing that I needed to make me happy, but that cycle never ended. At least it did not end until I finally listened to the voice of the Lord and gave my life to Him. After that, I knew what life was about and what my purpose was. I went through a lot of pain and hardship before I gave my life to Christ, but I would gladly go through it again for what I have now. Peace, purpose, love and life. Real life - not the kind of life the world or the flesh gives. I have been blessed with two great churches to direct me along the way, many friends that I think the world of and love very much, a group of youth that I would do anything for, and a great business restoring cars that allows me to be able to take the time to do the things I need to do for others around me. Christ has given me so much and I know He gave me this chance with AWOL to show others what life is all about, and I am looking forward to it. To God be the glory for all that has been done in my life.