“Who says I’ve
grown up?” Joe
Bumbulis laughs,
standing at his
desk when asked
where he grew up,
“Well, I was born
and raised in Big
Spring, Texas. It
was a great place
to grow up and a great place to leave.
This summer Joe has spent time first at youth camp in
full dinosaur costume, and as camp pastor at children’s
camp portraying a long-haired, bearded Paul riding a bike/horse named, “Scott Who Frolics a Lot.” I think we
can agree his initial self-assessment is accurate.
Joe began his college career at Arlington Baptist College
before finding The University of Mary Hardin Baylor. At
the time he was focused on joining the Air Force. He says this is when he met God in Jesus and discovered a new path.
“I mean, I went from wanting to go into the Air Force and
be a pilot to going to college to be a minister. That’s a
big jump.” Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion
and Philosophy. Then he attended Truett Seminary at
Baylor University where he earned a Masters of Divinity.
Funny how things work out in life, although Joe is not
in the business of flying, his need for speed is well
addressed by all the fast moving youth he works with.
Inquiring about his most exciting life experience, Joe
gave this answer, one best read in his own words. “It
may seem counterintuitive, having run triathlons, surfed,
traveled, played college football, and such, but I’d say...
being married to Charlotte. It’s not that everyday of
marriage is exciting; it’s actually quite mundane and
routine most of the time. Yet, marriage has been the
single biggest commitment that continually renews me,
transforms me, calls me, and brings me joy. So saying
yes to life long commitment to Charlotte has been the
most exciting experience of my life.”
What an amazing testament and a great leader for our
youth. We are thankful that Joe is part of our First Austin
ministerial team and we wish him great peace and
renewal on his current sabbatical.
0 comments:
Post a Comment