Although Wes spent most of his childhood attending The Salvation Army, he didn’t begin focusing on his faith until only a few years ago. His upbringing, with guidance from his parents and corps’ leaders, helped form the foundation of who Jesus is and why a relationship with Him is important. But at Central Bible Leadership Institute (CBLI) in 2022, his relationship with God began.  

“I decided that I was going to do everything I could do to live a life that reflected Christ,” Wes shared. 

One program that he credited for his spiritual growth is camp. He attended Echo Grove Camp, where he was able to serve as part of the ministry team. But no matter how long Wes stayed away from his local corps (church), returning always felt like he never left. “I love my corps community because no matter how long I have been gone, like for three months for camp in the summer,” he said, “I come back, and the people make it feel like I never left. It still feels like home.” 

Despite balancing a busy schedule with school and work, he puts his faith above anything else. “As long as my faith is at the top of my priorities, everything tends to balance itself out,” he said. “Often, if it becomes unbalanced, it’s because I took my eyes off Christ.”

Even during busy weeks, Wes prioritizes quiet time with God by “turning off the radio in the car and praying out loud.” 

Wes encourages anyone struggling with their faith to look at it like a blacksmith working on a blade. “Often around this age, it seems like we are constantly being put through trial after trial and being put through the fire,” he said. “I love the analogy of how when a blacksmith is working on a blade and they put it into the fire they’re waiting for it to show their reflection on it. Sometimes, God puts us into those fires and tends to keep us there because He is waiting for us to reflect Him and His character.” 

Wes continued ministry work within The Salvation Army when he stepped into adulthood. His faith continued to grow when he became a staff member at his division’s youth department. “I have begun to see a whole new side of ministry and how effective it is, not only for others, but for myself. I see myself growing in faith, my biblical fluency, and my desire to encounter Christ any chance I get.”

For Wes, Romans 8:28 always hits home: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”