What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I feel incredibly blessed to work closely with such loving, compassionate, giving, creative, and committed followers of Christ (staff and donors) on an issue that is close to the heart of God.  Together, we get to use our time, talent, and treasure to save lives, offer hope and support to hurting people, and lift up the name of Christ.

What is your favorite Bible verse/book/chapter/section? Why?

There are a number of verses that I'd call my "life verses" (Galatians 2:20, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 90:12, Matthew 6:33), but the verse God has used as a clarion call in my life is Isaiah 61:1 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." 

Why are you pro life?

10 years ago, a doctor informed me and my wife that our baby would most likely be born with severe developmental issues and would not live very long. As the doctor went over all "the options," I remember thinking, "There is only one option -- whether this baby lives or dies, is perfectly normal or has special needs,we are going to love and embrace the gift God has created." Caroline Faith Patras was born on June 20, 2005 at 3.4 oz and 7.5 inches long -- perfectly normal!  She was tiny...but all her parts were intact, she had a robust set of lungs and her personality was on full display. I have always been pro-life, because God is pro-life, but Caroline reminds me every day why I need to fight for the unborn. When I look at the incredible, God-loving young lady she has become, I shudder to think how much joy my wife and I (and the world) would have been denied had we chose one of the other "options."

Where are you from? Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Rolling Meadows, Illinois...a suburb of Chicago (Go Cubs).  I moved to Baltimore, Maryland a couple years after college...and have lived in New Market, Maryland for the last 8 years.

What are your hobbies?

My favorite hobby is spending time with my beautiful wife of 15 years (Susan) and our three amazing children; Jordan (12), Caroline (10), and Cailyn (8). Family time is especially sweet when we get to root for our favorite football team (Go Ravens!), listen to and perform music, and enjoy the outdoors (camping and hiking).