Jason lives and serves in Independence, Oregon, a primarily suburban community with a small-town feel. Many families know one another, and while the community is close-knit, there are still young people who struggle with direction, identity, and belonging. Though the town is peaceful and surrounded by farmland and open spaces, the youth Jason works with often come from challenging situations—some are incarcerated at MacLaren, while others face difficult home lives or are simply trying to find their place in school and community. The setting may seem calm on the outside, but the need for mentorship, care, and spiritual guidance runs deep.
Independence is a diverse community, with families from a variety of cultural and economic backgrounds. Many work in agriculture, local trades, service jobs, or commute to nearby cities for employment. Some households are well-established and stable, while others face financial hardship or instability. Spiritually, the area includes a mix of strong Christian families, those loosely connected to faith, and others who have had little exposure to church. Among youth, there is often a hunger for belonging and identity—some come from loving homes, while others have experienced trauma, instability, or separation. Because of this, there is a real need for positive role models, consistent support, and a message of hope that speaks to both their daily struggles and deeper spiritual needs.
One of the biggest needs Jason sees in his community is for consistent, caring adults who are willing to invest in the lives of young people. Many youth feel misunderstood, disconnected, or isolated—some are dealing with unstable home environments, peer pressure, substance use, or a lack of positive direction. There is also a need for safe spaces where they can be honest about what they’re going through without fear of judgment. Spiritually, many young people have little understanding of who God is or how deeply they are loved. Because of that, Jason’s heart is to provide clear, compassionate discipleship that meets them where they are. Overall, the community needs mentorship, emotional support, and opportunities that build purpose, identity, and hope for the future.
Jason seeks to meet these needs by being consistently present in the lives of the youth he serves. At MacLaren, he listens, teaches, and encourages young men—showing them that their past does not have to define their future. In his local community, he mentors youth one-on-one, offering guidance, accountability, and genuine friendship—often simply being someone they can trust and talk to. At his church’s youth group, Jason helps create a safe place where students can ask questions about faith, learn Scripture, and discover who they are in Christ alongside supportive peers and leaders.
Whether inside a correctional facility, out in the community, or at church, the heart of Jason’s ministry remains the same: to meet young people where they are, walk with them through their struggles, and help them encounter the hope and identity that only Jesus can offer.
Jason became a missionary candidate with InFaith in 2025. He is a husband and father who has experienced firsthand the transforming power of God’s grace. His past includes seasons of brokenness and incarceration—but it was in those moments that the Lord met him, restored him, and gave him a heart to reach young people walking similar roads. Jason began serving in youth ministry because he believes no one is too far gone and every young person deserves someone who will walk with them, believe in them, and speak life into their future.
Over time, that calling led him to mentor youth in his community, serve at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, and help lead his church’s youth group. Jason continues to pursue ministry training so he can grow further in the calling God has placed on his life. His partnership with InFaith reflects his desire to join a ministry family that shares his heart for local mission—meeting people where they are, loving them as they are, and pointing them to Christ.