Hello!!!
My name is Justin Kent. I was born in Anchorage, Alaska and moved a few times due to my father being in the Air Force. Currently, Las Vegas, NV is where I call home. I know what you’re thinking! I do not live on the Las Vegas strip. I actually live on the outskirts of Las Vegas, which surprisingly is not a bad place to grow up. Aside from the scorching temperatures of Las Vegas (its like 112 today), I have been blessed to have grown up in here. It has provided many opportunities to have success in athletics, namely volleyball, and to grow academically.
While I am currently still in college at Liberty University, I will be receiving my B.S. in Biblical and Theological Studies in December 2014. I have learned so much through my studies about the nature of hard work and discipline to get through so many sleepless nights, and long assignments. Although I am excited to graduate with my bachelors degree, I will back in school after the World Race. Not only will I be back in school, but I will be diving head first into my pre-medicine prerequisites. Upon completion of these classes, I will be applying to Medical School! I know this is the long term goal God has placed on my heart to become a doctor and I am certainly going to keep following the Lord’s call on my life.
Even though I am head deep in school, I am actually in the Air Force! I followed after my families footsteps and joined the team. Being in the Air Force has given me the opportunities of a lifetime and I would not be where I am today without the Air Force. Upon returning from the World Race, I will going back to awesome job as a Healthcare Services Administrator, serving along with my fellow Airmen!
Ok, so my testimony. I must say, I think it is rather long so I will just download the short story here. I grew up in a Christian household where Christ was at the center of all things. I was baptized when I was 5 years old at Anchorage Baptist Temple by none other than Dr. Jerry Prevo! One of the best pastors I have even known. Nevertheless, when my family moved to the Azores Islands, nothing really changed. I was still in very involved in church. However, when we moved to Las Vegas, NV we just sort of stopped going to church. I would not say that I ever lost faith in God because I certainly didn’t, but I was willing to look into other things. Along the way in high school I became conflicted over the fruits of the Spirit. I was looking at many so called Christians living lukewarm lives and never giving a true care to what offenses they were making toward Christ. It really turned me off. Then I would look at my Mormon friends who were actively living out their faith, putting God and morality first. I never was baptized as Mormon (Latter Day Saint) but if I have to be honest with myself in some light, I would have to say I was Mormon. I would go to morning seminary with my friends, I would go to Tuesday night study, Sunday morning lessons, etc. I absolutely loved the LDS church but as I stated I was never baptized. Moving forward a bit, I just had some doctrinal issues that I couldn’t make the jump to wrap my mind around. In the end, I am still best friends with all my LDS friends but it was something perhaps God was refraining me from. I do not know, but I am thankful that I am able to understand a different faith with a detailed understanding. As I finally gave myself fully to Christ, Canyon Ridge Christian Church allowed me to put my faith in motion. I began teaching Sunday Schools, Awana, Small Groups, Vacation Bible Schools and whatever activities they had. So when I finally graduated, I went to Liberty University and there I owe a ton to a few people:
Garrett Grindstaff- He was my prayer leader, and I really cannot put words in motion to how much his fellowship and commitment to lead me ever closer to Christ meant. So Garrett if you ever happen to read this buddy, YOUR THE BEST!! The other guys would have to be Ian Gillan, Nate Beam, and Donnie Cornell. While it was only a few months we had together, I still hold the moments of openness, honesty, fun times and bible studies as some of the most pivotal times in my life to share Christ with you all. You commitment once again to build me up in Christ is such a blessing that I well received. Devyn! You, with persistence have maintained our friendship beyond what I thought. Your example of a Godly woman has shown me another aspect to the kingdom of God than I could have foresaw.
Finally and most importantly, my parents and siblings! You all would lay your life down for me, and I for you! My parents have given things up a lotmfor me. They have been examples of moral standards and what can I say, having TBN and Daystar on the TV quite a bit secretly made a huge difference in my life. I love you both and know you have to be the best parents in the world for your continued support.
So real quick just some fun facts about me:
– Im a Volleyball player
– Huge Colts fan over here! Move out of the Way, Andrew Luck is the next Peyton Manning…sorry folks, truth is truth
– Love Christian music, more specifically, the boring stuff. I can seriously run to it and be pumped up!
– I love going to the gym
– Get the Chocolate Chip cookies away from me! I will down every single one! Major food weakness.
– I am fairly random at times, so………….just go with it lol
– I am way to competitive but is that bad? I don’t know..
– I have green eyes but I am kinda a shortie 5’9″ here at 21 years old… Im done growing 🙁 so sad
– Oh how could I forget this, I have a whole other extended family that is Swedish! Say what! It’s true
I guess I could keep going on and on but I do not want to bore you! I just want to end in saying that Christ is super awesome! Did he just say awesome? I did. God is such a great Father, and just a basic study on the names of the God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, will show more than the surface of who Christ is. Through the World Race, I just pray that God would use me to share His word to the nations and just be a light to the world. Very typical for a missionary to say but the way in which God will do it could be so different for each and every person. Thank you for your support and I am truly blessed to have you all as partners on this journey prayerfully and financially! Your impact will not be in vain and continually God will be exalted on this journey we are about to embark on!
