Born into The Salvation Army, Samuel heard about Jesus before he spoke words. At age four, Samuel and his two younger brothers moved to The Salvation Army’s College for Officer’s Training where his parents were ordained as officers (pastors). In his four-year-old’s eyes, he saw the College as “the coolest place on earth.” But not as cool as his family, who he describes as the most important part of his life, second to God.

A memorizer of Scripture, Samuel values the power of God’s Word. It all began when then-15-year-old Samuel worked as a lifeguard at Camp Sebago in Maine. As Samuel read Colossians 3:13b by the lake, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you,” the words resonated in his heart. Overwhelmed by the forgiveness and compassion of God, Samuel dedicated his life to Christ again.

Forgiveness and compassion continue to be the central theme of Samuel’s story. “God forgave me,” says Samuel, “so it is my job to forgive others. It is God’s place to cast judgment, so I am working on not feeling the need to carry that burden.” Samuel changed—for the better. He started to imitate the actions of Jesus, passionate to speak up for those without a voice. “I got better at talking about Jesus in a way that is welcoming rather than overwhelming,” says Samuel.

God continues to work in Samuel’s life, having birthed within him a deep love for music and the arts. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in theater, Samuel believes that God has placed him there for a reason, leading him to make Jesus known in any way he can. “I think that is why God put me here—to represent Him.”

Samuel is passionate about making Jesus known, but even more passionate about knowing Him personally. When not surrounded by family and believers, how does Samuel maintain his faith? By showing up at church every Sunday, at campus Bible studies and spending personal time with God—even if that means waking up early on a busy day for just 30 minutes to study God’s Word.

Samuel wants others to know: “God’s got it. Whatever chaotic storm you are in right now, it will pass. There has never been anything that surprises God.”

While memorizing Song of Solomon in the Bible, Samuel shares, “I like that book of the Bible because of the intimacy of Jesus Christ with us. He wants to show us the beauty of the world that He gave to us.”