My Faith Story
I grew up as a lonely kid with a lot of shame. I won’t go into reasons as they aren’t my story to tell. I will say that my parents did the best that they could. My father fought a long battle against MS. My mom did her best to care for him as well as her kids. My parents made sure I had a good education and supported me as I played a variety of sports. One morning my senior year, I fell asleep on the highway driving to school. I felt a smack on my chin. I woke up but didn’t open my eyes. I did realize I was holding something and heard a voice clearly say, ‘It’s the steering wheel, Paul!’ I opened my eyes just in time to see I was heading straight toward a cement barrier. When I got to the school parking lot, I thanked God for saving my life.
At Gettysburg College, I was Classical Studies major and also took as many religion classes as possible. I visited Hindu Temples and Buddhist Monasteries and learned about African religions. It was my desire to prove that all religions led to God. I also got involved with aspects of New Age spirituality. After allowing a Wiccan woman to read my runes, I felt as if a door to hell had opened up into my life. I felt like my life was unraveling despite doing well academically.
During my senior year, my New Testament Professor asked to see me after class. I was worried that I had failed an assignment. Instead, upon arriving in his office, Professor Myers informed me that he had figured out my future. He handed me a packet to do a volunteer year in England.
In January of 2000, I arrived at Caleb House in Clevedon, North Somerset, England. Caleb House was part of Life for the World Trust. It provided a Christian home for men struggling with addiction to rebuild their lives. Little did the staff realize that I needed the program just as much as the clients. I began to learn Jesus Christ was far more real and far more powerful than I had ever imagined! One day, I walked into the house and the Archbishop of Bath was speaking over the radio. He said, ‘When the antichrist comes,he won’t be a mean guy with horns. He will be a nice guy preaching that all roads lead to heaven.’ I felt a dagger pierce my heart. I made it through my shift somehow. When I arrived home I got on my knees and repented for what I had taught. I cannot say that life got easier all at once. Over time and through some dear men and women of God, Jesus brought healing and freedom into many areas of my life.
When I returned to the United States, I made plans to attend a Bible College or Seminary. However, God made clear that he had other plans for me. I worked several different jobs while serving the Lord in different capacities. I was ordained as an Associate Pastor of a storefront church, New England House of Worship in Waterbury, CT. I have preached in a variety of settings and led a home group and other small group studies. I was mentored by a wonderful man of God named Russ Leitch who passed away in 2015. I have a certificate in Christian Counseling from his ministry, Spiritbuilders. Most recently, I was head of the prayer ministry at NewOne Church in Farmington, Connecticut.
Today
My heart is to see people have deeper, more intimate, and more authentic relationships with Jesus Christ.
I want them to experience the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom and renewal and experience vibrant 2-way communication.
Some of the foundational work I do as a counselor applies whether I am working with someone seeking Christian or secular counseling:
Understanding the science of how our brains work and what may happen when neglect, trauma or addiction comes into play.
Recognizing the emotions we feel and stay connected with our bodies when experiencing intense feelings.
Developing ways to calm the body and then calm the mind.
Identifying unhealthy thinking and develop new thinking patterns.
Learning how connect in healthy ways with family and friends.
Establishing boundaries with unhealthy people.
Christian counseling goes beyond this by recognizing the power of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to bring healing and restoration. We tear down faulty beliefs about Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We build a healthier understanding of who we are as children of God. We grow our relationships with each member of the Trinity. We develop the spiritual weapons we have been given to live whole and victorious lives. We invite the Holy Spirit to guide us and bring wisdom.
While prayer is a fundamental part of each session, further prayer ministry may be needed. Sometimes this is done in session. Other times, we may set a separate 90 minute appointment for this. (These are usually not covered by insurance but are freely given. People may choose to give an offering for my time but it is not required).
Prayer ministry involves inner healing prayer, deliverance ministry or a combination of both. During an Inner Healing session the Holy Spirit into deep wounds or trauma to bring healing. We work through any lies or areas of unforgiveness that get in the way of allowing God to work. In deliverance ministry we come against demonic forces that may be afflicting a person. I recommend prayer ministry when people feel stuck in addictions or behaviors they don’t want to engage in. It is also recommended when they feel oppressed by dark thoughts. It is helpful when someone is overwhelmed by depression or mental health challenges that haven’t responded to other means.
I also run small groups/workshops from time to time. I am currently developing a class on Listening Prayer.