Family: I have a wonderful family that loves traveling and new experiences! My parents have lived overseas in Africa as medical missionaries and church planters since 1989 and I have four siblings currently spread out in four different U.S. states. My fiancée, Jennifer, and I are planning our wedding for this May.
Recent history: I moved to Springfield from Jackson, Tenn., where I graduated in 2017 from Union University with a B.A. in Digital Media Communications and a minor in Humanitarian Studies.
Favorite thing about church as a kid: One of the privileges of growing up in a Mozambican church is the worship experience. Music is infectious in Africa and the many voices in harmony—beautiful! The whole church sings with fervor and passion and in all dialects with little to no hymn books to follow along.
Illinois insight: When I first moved here, I was hesitant about the flatlands and the endless “amber waves of grain.” But as fall approached, it was precisely those features that caught my eye as I drove down Interstate 55 during sunset. I had never seen geese fly south through a purple, red, and orange sky over dusty corn fields.
Favorite Scriptures: Over the past couple of years, Romans 12:12 has been my anchor during challenging times. Ephesians 3:14-21 is also an encouragement and a good reminder of the power I have in prayer that I should offer towards my brothers and sisters in Christ. Isaiah 40 and 43 are humbling passages as they remind me of the omnipotence of God and his zealous love for his children.