I grew up on a farm in South Dakota. I love the old machinery, flat earth, clear air, and enormous sunsets. It really is true that you cannot take the farm out of the boy.

I had the amazing privilege of being part of a great family, and a great church. I attended youth group, church, bible camps, etc, whenever the doors were open. I believe I was discipled well by all these activities. By the time I went to college, my faith was solid, my habits were good, and I was ready for the next season of growth.

In college I was involved with a campus organization called The Navigators. They focus on discipleship and evangelism. I attended bible studies, conferences, and served on an evangelistic team. By my sophomore year, I was one of the student leaders on my campus - discipling, leading bible studies, and teaching others how to share their faith.

During the end of college I married Kristi Michalicek. She was a campus leader as well - in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. I graduated from college with a degree in computer science, and have chosen a career in software engineering - I've been at my current employer a total of 17 years now.

Kristi and I have been involved with several church plants. Eventually we found our calling in leadership development. Kristi and I have been serving in LEAD Team at our church since 2004. We have mentored over 50 students.

Kristi also grew up in a great family and church home. She was heavily involved in scripture memory and music competitions throughout high school.

In college, she was involved in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. She was one of the chapter leaders on her campus. She directed the large group, led small groups, and used her flute on the worship team.

Kristi is a full time mom - loving and influencing our two teen age daughters.

She has a naturally soft heart for those who want to grow, and especially for leaders who pass on what they learn to many others. Her mentoring style is very relational - life on life. She is known among the students as "Mama J". To sum it up, she is a woman of influence who loves people deeply.