Our story ebbs and flows with grace as we continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

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Ryan grew up in many different denominations, including attending a private, Christian elementary school. He found his personal relationship with Jesus when he was in high school at a youth camp. While he continued in figuring out his new identity, Jess was also being prepared for Ryan as she timidly walked through insecurities, iniquities and crazed identity issues. Their relationship began halfway through high school years with a floral bouquet, a sweet poem, and a polite "Thank you for the flowers."

 

Since that January morning, the couple has grown inseparable and deeper and deeper in love with each other, and even more so, Jesus. A couple years after high school graduation, Jess was offered a job as the church secretary, and Ryan offered the youth pastor position. As they have walked through their destiny wearing all sorts of hats (administration, pastors, small group leaders, event planning, and many more), they have seen countless miracles, signs, and wonders. The breakthrough of wrong mindsets is a crucial part of their walk with the Lord.

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"When I stop and ponder everything that we have overcome and the breakthroughs we have experienced, my eyes start leaking with tears of awe and wonder. How could the God of the universe ever love a broken little girl in such a way that she can minister to anyone, let alone the faces I have been blessed to look at and minister to?! It's awe-inspiring, it is the GRACE that Jesus has offered to me."

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The couple enjoys DIY projects, they are avid football fans, purposefully involved in their community, and have dabbled in small business excursions. They founded Rugged Ministry in 2019, which is a worship band that travels the region and proclaims the Finished Work of the Cross message.

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Ryan and Jessica share five beautiful kids, Alexis, Ian, and Adeline, as well as two babies born into the arms of Jesus. They have been a part of the church community in Lena since 2006, Beloved Church since 2015.

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