Al came to personal faith in Christ as a child. He began college studying Computer Science at the University of Michigan. However, he sensed a call into full-time ministry in 1981 at age 20 while doing theological studies in New Jersey. This call gained clarity as one to serve as a cross-cultural missionary outside the U.S. at the Urbana 81 student missions conference.
Al first left the U.S. in 1988 for France to learn French for ministry in West Africa in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. He developed a love for France & French culture while in Albertville & in Paris, France. He fulfilled his 2 year term in Cote d’Ivoire (1990-1992), then returned to Paris, France in 1993 for long-term ministry service in Paris through 2014. He served in a number of different ministries during these years in France.
He married in 1997 & had 4 children in France.
While on Home Ministry Assignment in 2014, his youngest child John Philippe (aka J.P.) was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder while almost 3 years old.
JP’s need for long-term Special Education led to his family’s moving back to the U.S. in 2014. Leaving France was very difficult, even though it was necessary for the good of the family.
God used this unexpected return to the U.S. to redirect Al from France ministry to Disability Ministry. He was able connect with ministries like Key Ministry, Joni & Friends, Tim Tebow Foundation/Night to Shine proms, Nathaniel’s Hope/Buddy Break, Ability Tree, etc., and learn different facets of disability ministry locally in New Jersey & nationally.
In 2022, Al began his own disability ministry called “JP’s Ability Hope.” In 2023, the Lord spoke to Al about helping develop disability ministry in France. Since then, he has done 5 mission trips in France, as well as trips in Europe to Albania & in Africa to Zambia.
Al hopes to be involved in projects combining international needs and disability needs. He hopes to be a bridge & a catalyst to accelerate different aspects of disability ministry locally in New Jersey, nationally, & globally.