“I met people from many different walks of life, both good and bad. The hardest challenge was learning how to be part of the group without becoming part of the world,” he says.

At times he faced ridicule for his faith, but he chose not to waver. He never pressured others to believe, but looked for quiet opportunities to plant seeds.

In 2009, Jesse deployed to Iraq. It was a season of danger—but also of deep faith.

“Our platoon never sustained any major injuries, even in dangerous situations. I truly believe this was because, before every patrol, we prayed together. Not everyone believed in Jesus, but many were willing to pray if it meant divine protection. I know God was with us and kept us safe.”

Jesse describes his military experience as carrying a yoke “heavy enough to keep me humble, but light enough that I never feared being crushed.”

After leaving active duty, Jesse pursued a degree in criminal justice and became a licensed paramedic. His work today places him in some of the most intense and vulnerable moments of people’s lives.

“Being a paramedic means encountering people in their darkest moments. I can’t openly preach about God at work, but I can provide compassion. When someone opens the door to talk about faith, I joyfully share Christ.”

He has also learned that many who profess Christ need encouragement to live consistently with their faith. This has given him a heart for discipleship among his coworkers.

EMS schedules make Sunday worship difficult. Jesse sometimes felt like an outsider in church life, but God shifted his perspective.

“Through prayer, God reminded me that the church is not just a building—it’s the body of Christ. That gave me the vision to create fellowship opportunities within EMS. Too many first responders miss church because of the job. I want to bring worship and discipleship into the workplace.”

This dream—to serve first responders as a chaplain—began to take shape.

Jesse knows his calling is not just to provide medical aid, but also spiritual care.

“One of my future goals is to become a chaplain for the EMS service where I work. I want my faith to shine so others see there is hope—that there is a God who truly loves and cares for us.”

But he also recognizes the need for equipping.

“My faith is strong, but my theological knowledge needs to grow. If I’m going to guide others, I need training to answer hard questions, comfort in suffering, and celebrate in joy.”

That’s what led Jesse to the Christian Leaders Institute.

“I’m here because I need help. I want to walk closer with God and raise up others who will become mentors and leaders in the future.”

Through CLI’s Fire/EMS Chaplaincy Training, Jesse is gaining the biblical grounding and practical skills he needs to turn his vision into reality. His story reflects the mission of CLI—to equip ordinary believers for extraordinary ministry.

For Jesse, the call is clear: to bring the presence of Christ into the firehouses, ambulances, and emergency rooms of Tennessee—offering both physical care and eternal hope.