Speaking to the Next Generation: Sharing the Story of WTACA at Chapel

Recently, I had the opportunity to stand on a stage I never imagined I’d return to—this time not as a student, but as a speaker. I was invited to share at chapel at Ripon Christian High School, the very place where I spent my kindergarten through senior year.

It’s been nearly 13 years since I graduated, and walking back onto campus brought back a flood of memories—football sidelines, bonfires, teachers who shaped me, and a younger version of myself who had no idea what God was preparing. Standing in front of those students, I couldn’t help but smile at the faithfulness of the Lord.

I introduced myself simply: a dairy and almond farmer from Escalon, and the director of Van Tyler WTACA Christian Academy in Uganda. Then I told them why I was really there—not for recognition, not to impress anyone—but to give God all the glory for what He has done.

Before I shared anything else, I asked them to keep one verse in mind, my favorite and a verse that has carried me through some very dark seasons:

“And we know that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
—Romans 8:28

A Story of Brokenness and Redemption

I was honest with the students about my past. Like many people, my struggles didn’t begin overnight. What started as fun and experimentation eventually turned into a deep struggle with alcohol, depression, and low self-worth. Alcohol became my escape from reality—but it only made things worse.

I shared with them that addiction doesn’t come from nowhere. It often comes from pain, from feeling lost, from a hole in your heart you don’t know how to fill. And while addiction hurts the people around you deeply, the person suffering is often hurting more than anyone can see.

I told them how grateful I am for a family who loved me through my brokenness—and how, in 2019, after nearly losing my life, I entered a Bible-based discipleship program called The Mission House. That experience changed me. I grew in my faith, built lifelong friendships, and came home feeling renewed.

But I was honest with them too: healing isn’t always instant. I fell again. I struggled harder. Conviction weighed heavier. By the summer of 2023, I hit my breaking point. I knew I couldn’t go on living that way.

So I packed a bag, got in my truck, and drove away—searching for clarity, healing, and purpose. That journey led me through withdrawal, prayer, tears, and finally surrender. And it was in that season that God began to redirect my life completely.

How Africa Entered the Story

While walking through that season of healing, a friend from the discipleship program reached out to me. He was helping support 48 orphans in Uganda but had run out of resources. I wasn’t sure what to think—but I knew the Lord was prompting me to help.

One night, while I was still in the depths of recovery, those children FaceTimed me and prayed over me. I can still say today that I’ve never felt the presence of God as strongly as I did in that moment.

That prayer changed everything.

Later that year, I booked a flight to Uganda. When I arrived and met those children—some orphaned, some abandoned—I expected to see despair. Instead, I saw joy. I saw hope. I saw Christ reflected in their eyes.

In that moment, I knew the Lord had revealed my purpose.

From Orphans to a School

I shared with the students how that first trip led to more than temporary help. God opened doors to create WTACA Ministries—Walking To A Needy Child Africa. What began as support for 48 orphans quickly grew into something far bigger than I ever imagined.

Within months, we began building Van Tyler WTACA Christian Academy. In January of 2024, just weeks after construction began, we opened our doors with 764 students. Today, the school serves over 1,000 students, employs dozens of local Christians, and provides education, meals, housing, and medical care—rooted in faith.

In November, our first graduating class took national exams and ranked number one in the district, outperforming over 1,000 other schools. That result alone reminded me once again: this is the Lord’s work.

Encouragement for Students

As I looked out at the students during chapel, I reminded them that every single person in that room is carrying something. Doubt. Fear. Pain. Questions about purpose.

If you are asking God, “Why am I this way?” or “What is my purpose?”—you are not alone.

God promises us:

“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

I encouraged them to put God first, to never give up, and to trust that He knows what He’s doing—even when life feels confusing or unfair.

And I reminded them of this simple truth:
Jesus is the only judge. Our job is to love, serve, and trust Him.

A Shared Mission

Before leaving, I encouraged the students to go home and share what they heard—to invite their families to pray for and support WTACA Ministries. Every dollar given goes directly toward providing health, education, and faith-centered care to children in Uganda.

What began in a place of brokenness has become a living testimony of God’s redemption. And if there’s one thing I hope students walked away with, it’s this:

God still performs miracles—and He can use anyone who is willing.

Thank you, Ripon Christian, for welcoming me back.
All glory to God.