Justin enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 from Kentucky, dedicating over 20 years to service across multiple deployments and duty stations. Alongside my wife Ashley, we raised three children, navigating the unique challenges and joys of military life.
Midway through my career, God transformed our marriage, healed my brokenness, and restored my soul through the love and guidance of fellow believers who discipled me. Though imperfectly, I committed the latter half of my service to following Jesus.
In my final years of service, I faced profound loss as several close friends died by suicide, and I walked through my own dark valleys. After retiring, we planned to return home to Kentucky to be near family, but God called us back to Camp Lejeune to share the hope of the gospel and equip Marines to live out their faith.
Now, I partner with local churches and chaplains, serving alongside them as we follow Jesus, .share the gospel, and make disciples.
Build relationships
0102Share the Gospel
03Make Disciples
Our Sending Church…
We are honored and excited to be sent out by Community Church, Oxford, MS. Known for its vibrant, multi-generational faith community in Oxford, Mississippi known for its passionate pursuit of Jesus and impactful outreach. Their spiritual and financial oversight strengthens our ministry ensuring we serve with integrity and purpose
Church Mission:
The phrase “Seek, Shape, Send” is a clear, concise way for us to state our mission. As you can see in the explanation (on their website), we believe these three words are not only a reminder of what God has done for us, but also great markers and goals for how we are to live our lives.
Ministries we support and recommend!
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Mighty Oaksprovides peer-to-peer Resiliency and Recovery Programs that serve as the catalyst to assist our Nation’s Warriors dealing with challenges related to the struggles of daily military life, combat deployments and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSd) offered at no cost to our Nation’s Warriors, including travel at beautiful ranches across the US.
Justin graduated from the program in 2023 and now participates as a volunteer team leader at the 5-day programs for combat veterans.
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Downline Institute’s Mission is to encourage a restoration of biblical discipleship in and through the local church by equipping men and women to know God’s Word and make disciples.
Founded in 2006 in Memphis, TN, Downline now has six campuses including a global campus. Justin graduated in May of 2025.
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Tun Tavern Fellowship is an all-ranks network of Christ-following Marines and chaplains, active and retired, who glorify Jesus Christ in and out of uniform as His ambassadors. We intentionally identify, connect, encourage, equip Marines to know the Lord Jesus, and train them to obey His Word. Our enduring requirement envisions cultivating continuous fellowship and personal revival leading to fruit bearing maturity, spiritual reproduction and warfare resilience in each Marine, their unit, their families, and throughout their professional career.
What is a disciple?
A world visionary, world impacting,
radically committed, follower, learner,
and reproducer of Jesus Christ.
—Herb Hodges
Testimonials…
Pastoral Reference
Coming soon…
Pastoral Reference
Coming soon…
Chaplain Reference
Coming soon…
Chaplain Reference
Coming soon…
Ways to support the ministry…
Pray for the Marines, Sailors, and their families
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Become an ambassador
Contribute financially to the work of the ministry.