Jasmund Outreach

Gary’s Story

“One thing I know, I was blind but now I see!” John 10:25b

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found again.” Luke 15:24

I was born in Mt. Clemens MI. My parents separated when i was 4 and they were each married 4 times. My parents were loving and did their best for my two sisters and I. We did not grow up in church, although we did attend catholic church occasionally. From kindergarten to 9th grade we moved 14 times and I went to 11 different public schools, 2-3 schools in some years, and I attended a catholic high school for 4 years.

At age 12 I began training in martial arts, and by 14 believed that I was on a “quest for enlightenment.” This eastern thinking and training continued while in the marines and traveling abroad. Although I had a life of discipline and some success on one side, I became increasingly addictive, frustrated and discouraged, (I never became enlightened).

“Have nothing to do with Godless myths and old wives’ tales, rather, train yourself to be Godly. For physical training is of some value, but Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8

In 1990 while in a drug treatment program in the Detroit Veterans Hospital, I believed in and trusted in Jesus Christ alone for my salvation. The enemy had a plan to destroy me… BUT, GOD had a different plan.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:12 

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

My best friend at that time was my teacher and mentor from high school who is a catholic priest; he gave me an NIV student Bible and encouraged me to begin in the book of Matthew. I had tried reading the Bible numerous times prior, always starting in the beginning and always stopping after a short while. God used my friend before and after my salvation to show me unconditional love, support and encouragement. “A new command I give you, love one another.” John 13:34

I began attending catholic church regularly and in the first few years after faith in Christ, I began to know God but I also continued to rely on many old ways of thinking and living. The next few years God began to lead me into a deeper life of faith and commitment to Him,  abandoning futile beliefs and ways (not Biblical), and He began to grow and change me (only God can truly change a human heart). For 14 years, God used NorthRidge church to lead and transform my life; my trust, love, obedience and experience of God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

God has also continued to grow in me an increasing burden and passion for the lost and hurting of this world, and the desire to see all people have the opportunity to hear the Gospel (the true story of Gods love and redemptive plan for us). God has taken me on outreach trips around the world, and He led me to follow Him in full time global outreach work. “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16