Pastor Derick Suttles, Huntingdon, PA: "Being a fatherless kid instantly connected me with Sean and with Life Factors Fatherless Ministries. God has given Sean a heart and platform to reach out and touch the lives of one of the biggest demographics in America...the fatherless. It is a blessing and privilege to partner with Sean to reach these families with the hope of the Gospel. I highly recommend this much needed ministry."

Pastor Robert Perry, Sierra Vista, AZ: "I am glad to partner with Sean Teis and Life Factors Fatherless Ministries to reach those who have been affected by fatherlessness with the love of the Heavenly Father.
The resources and information that are made available through this ministry are priceless. I would encourage anyone who is facing this kind of situation or church who would like to reach those impacted by fatherlessness to consider Bro. Teis and Life Factors Fatherless Ministries.”

Pastor Gary Dull, Altoona, PA: "It is with great joy that I recommend Sean and Jackie Teis to your church for ministry and support. Sean’s ministry is effective because he has been called by God and has personally experienced the condition of growing up in a fatherless home. His ability to preach the Gospel, reach people for the Lord and work with the local church is exceptional and God honoring. I highly encourage you to consider partnering with the Teis family in ministry."

Pastor Dave Huston, Duncansville, PA: "I have known Sean Teis since he was an annoying 8th grader (the annoying part hasn’t changed lol) and have been blessed to see the Lord work in this man’s life. It is exciting to see the Lord take a young fatherless kid and take those difficult times and turn them into a passion to reach/minister to other kids facing similar difficulties. If you are a kid that finds yourself in crazy life circumstances that you didn’t ask for or if you are a grandparent, relative, neighbor, church member, or someone in the ministry that knows a kid like that...do yourself a favor and dip into this incredible resource-you definitely won’t regret it."

Pastor Caleb Hon, in De Motte, IN: “Parenting is ideally a two-person job. Children, both boys and girls, need a mom and a dad. Furthermore, God has called both parents, but particularly dads, to faithfully disciple their children in the gospel. However, marriage and the family are under attack today, especially through the absence of godly fathers (or any fathers in many cases). The family is then a crucial mission field, so I recommend Sean Teis and the tools provided by Life Factors Fatherless Ministries for your ministry to the fatherless in your area.”

Pastor Jacob Langdon, Emlenton, PA: “Parenting is ideally a two-person job. Children, both boys and girls, need a mom and a dad. Furthermore, God has called both parents, but particularly dads, to faithfully disciple their children in the gospel. However, marriage and the family are under attack today, especially through the absence of godly fathers (or any fathers in many cases). The family is then a crucial mission field, so I recommend Sean Teis and the tools provided by Life Factors Fatherless Ministries for your ministry to the fatherless in your area.”

Pastor James Bruhn, Zionsville, IN: "I fully recommend Sean Teis and his ministry, Life Factors. I would encourage every Pastor/Leader to have him come to your church or ministry. He is a great man of God with a heart and passion for the fatherless. Everything he does is very thought out and professional. If you have a chance to hear his ministry then you will know exactly why what he does is so important to the world we live in today."

Pastor Josh Evans: "I highly recommend “God is my Dad.” This is a program for those without fathers in their homes which is a high percentage of our children. We should be active in helping some of these vulnerable families. Sean does a great job at that with “God is my Dad.”

Pastor Daniel Stevens, Anderson, IN: “I am so grateful for the ministry of Sean Teis. As a young man that grew up without a father, I am thankful for the men that the Lord brought into my life. This ministry is a great help to our church as we seek to minister to families that find themselves dealing with the issue of fatherlessness."

Pastor Robert Warnick, Minster, OH: “The Lord is using Sean Teis and his family to open our hearts to one of the most needful ministries in our country today. Sean has a life that testifies to what can be done in the lives of others if we are willing to invest in the next generation of young people. Many homes are broken and need servants of Christ to help fill the gap in the lives of families. Life Factors is not just a program, but an opportunity for Pastor’s and Churches to partner with Sean and his family to help minister to the needs of others.”

Pastor Richard Powers, Brunswick, OH: "We recently hosted the Teis family on a Sunday morning at Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick, Ohio. It was evident when Sean spoke to our church family that the burden he has for fatherless homes is a message that came not only from his experience but also from his heart. The goal of a preacher is not only to transfer information but also to transfer a burden from his heart to the hearts of the hearers. I can say that Sean was successful in that endeavor and since he was with us we have continued a conversation about how we can find new ways to minister to homes without dads. Sean also has a great number of resources available that will pave the path for ministry and make the journey easier."

Pastor Matt Teis, Las Vegas, NV: "Sean and Jackie Teis presented their passion for the fatherless in our church. Their strategy for helping moms and children encouraged our community. Sean’s testimony and vision for reaching fatherless children touched our people. Our ministry partners with them on a monthly basis. I recommend them without reservation and believe they will help you reach boys, girls, and teenagers with the gospel.“

Pastor Chad Braley, Fairless Hills, PA: "Sean came to our church for a Sunday and was a tremendous blessing to not only the fatherless of our church, but our entire church family. Many children, teens and moms of fatherless homes were encouraged by Sean’s ability to speak to the absence they are feeling in their life on a daily basis."

Pastor Tim Whalen, Owosso, MI: "Sean it is good to hear from you. I hope and pray the fatherless family ministry is doing well. So much of today’s problems can be traced back to children being raised without a father. If a father is absent the child has an extremely great chance of turning out to be a delinquent, or using drugs, or getting in jail and prison. God bless you in this all important ministry."

Pastor Steve Frost, Louisville, KY: "Sean Teis is the real deal! It was such a blessing to have him preach and share his burden for the fatherless in our communities. He doesn’t just talk about; He lives it. I appreciate his loving attitude and gospel centered preaching. His desire to equip the local church in helping the fatherless is refreshing!"

Becca Bruhn, Pastors Wife in Zionsville, IN: “Sean’s talk was very encouraging to our students…so many kids are hurting, Sean Teis and his ministry bring hope to so many teens and he will be an inspiration to so many people.” 

Pastor Dustin Alley, Bristol, CT: "Sean and his ministry are something that churches have been needing for year. It is without a doubt one of the most widely accepted truths amongst pastors that fatherless homes have a great need to be met. For years churches have tried to meet this need on their own and some have been successful while other have not had as good of results. What Lifefactors provides for a church is not just content and material, it challenges pastors to be intentional about reaching those that are more statistically to fall away from their faith and into trouble. When Sean was with our church family his heart for the fatherless and genuine love and care for what he does raised awareness in the hearts of our people and created a desire to meet the needs of those impacted by fatherlessness. If you are a pastor and have a desire to be personally challenged to put action behind your preaching, want your congregation to see the great need that is out there when it comes to fatherlessness, and want to know that your missions dollars are going to a great cause that seeks to win souls and disciple those that otherwise might be neglected, then Sean, his family, and ministry are exactly who you need to partner with." 

Chuck Mielke, Christian School in Port Charlotte, FL: "Good morning brother. I just wanted to thank you again for coming and speaking at chapel yesterday. I receive feedback all throughout the day from the students and they really enjoyed your message. In fact, one of our teachers had a very serious gospel conversation with one of our eighth grade boys. I’m going to follow up with him tomorrow, but by all accounts it looks like he excepted Christ yesterday!  Also, thanks for handling the time management well. I think that your case was great to keep the kids engaged. It was certainly a breath of fresh air to have someone who was very animated.”

Pastor Jon Brothers: "Sean, was a huge blessing to our church. When he came and presented Life Factors in our Sunday services it was both challenging and encouraging. His heart for the fatherless is evident and contagious! We have multiple families engaging in foster care, adoption, and fatherless ministry now, and Sean played a part in making that happen. He will challenge your church to take up the mantle of TRUE religion by ministering to the fatherless and the widows."

Pastor Travis Lane: "We’re very thankful for Sean Teis and Life Factors Fatherless Ministries. We have several children in our church and Christian School without a father and we use his material with them. We are seeing a difference in them and they are experiencing hope in their lives like never before. In today’s world with the attack on the nuclear, traditional family, it’s great to have these well written as well as relevant resources at our fingertips. Highly recommend both the material and Sean as worthy of support."

Mitch Temple, Executive Director for the Fatherhood CoMission: "I HIGHLY recommend Sean Teis and his ministry to Dads. He's a standout in good resources to help others... He has lived, shows but not tells others about the Beautiful Picture of what a really good Dad looks like. Love this man and his ministry."

Pastor Travis Triplett: "Sean has a sincere burden to bring hope & help to all the Fatherless he comes in contact with all over the U.S. I support Sean, his Family & this ministry as they strive to reach as many with the Gospel & Love of Jesus as they can. I highly encourage you partner with them in Prayer & Financially as together we can make a difference in the lives & communities around us."

Pastor Chad Matheny, Yuma, AZ: "Sean has a genuine heart’s desire to help homes without a dad present. His ministry for the fatherless, birthed out of personal experience and pain, seeks to point young people to our Heavenly Father for strength direction purpose and security. You will not go wrong in supporting a man like Sean as he seeks to support families in the context of the local church."

Pastor Paul Norton, Beavercreek, OH: "What a privilege it is to recommend Sean Teis and Life Factor Ministries. Sean’s unique ability to speak to and help the hurting combined with the resources they have created offers incredible help for churches and communities. Public school administrators, pastors, and parents have a friend in Sean Teis."

Pastor Mark Jones, OH: "Fatherlessness is a major problem in our world. Sean shares the reality of the widow and the orphan in America and the need for churches to rise up."

Pastor Bradley Runkle, Duncansville, PA: "I highly recommend Life Factors to any and all who have a heart for children.  We have been ministered to by Sean and Life Factors for many years. The resources provided to us through them are amazing and very helpful. Sean has also come to our congregation on several occasions to share with us. It doesn’t take long to see their love for the fatherless. We have been blessed by their ministry in many ways." 

Dr. David Teis, Las Vegas, NV: “It is my prayer that God will use Sean and this ministry to strengthen fundamental local churches in the area of reaching out to fatherless children across our country and around the world.”

Rand Hummel, Director, THE WILDS of New England: “It is my prayer that God will use Sean and this ministry to strengthen fundamental local churches in the area of reaching out to fatherless children across our country and around the world.”

Pastor Tom Messer, Jacksonville, FL: "It is a great joy to recommend Sean Teis to you and his new ministry, Life Factors Ministries. Life Factors Ministry was birthed by the Lord through a burden that God placed upon Sean's heart...Sean is a person of character and integrity, has the dear call of God upon his life, and a heart for people. I know that our church believes in Sean, and we are praying that he will be a blessing to the cause of Christ...I trust that you will look to have Sean in to be a help to your ministry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me."

Pastor Kerry Feathers, Venice, FL: “Sean is one of the most disciplined and passionate people that I have ever known. His call to begin his ministry, Life Factors, was birthed from his experience growing up without the influence of a father. Despite these circumstances, Sean has triumphed into a Godly young man with purpose and conviction. I am continuously amazed at Sean's level of enthusiasm and leadership skills he displays.”

Dr. Charles Shoemaker, Church Planting America: “I am writing to commend to you the ministry of Sean Teis. I have known Sean for over seven years and have found him to be a young man of integrity, with a deep passion for God and people. I am confident that his ministry will prove helpful to churches and pastors as they seek to minister to those in need.”

Pastor Ryan Smith, Bellefonte, PA: “Sean consistently goes above and beyond in order to reach teens where they are with what God has for them. Sean possesses the educational training to accomplish what God has called him to do. Perhaps more importantly, however, he has that invaluable real-life experience as well. God has truly prepared Sean for this unique work.”

Pastor Eric Capaci, Hot Springs, AR: “Sean’s spiritual intensity about the ministry that God has called him to is contagious. James 1:27 calls it pure religion, and because of that I am 100 percent behind Life Factor’s Ministries.”

Pastor Mark Lenentine, Rio Rancho, NM: "Fatherlessness is such a growing need and there are so few ministries focusing on this problem. Brother Sean Teis was an incredible blessing to our teens and parents. His resources and biblical answers were helpful and timely, but the real power is in how Bro Sean has allowed God to use his own story to help others."

Ryan Dupee - Former VP of Student Life at Clearwater Christian College: "Sean Teis has been a blessing to our college by incorporating and sharing his burden and experiences for the "fatherless".  His personal story has positioned him to relay his materials well and give godly young men and women a burden for ministering in their community through church ministry and Big Brother/Big Sister Opportunities.  I would recommend Sean as a personal example of God's grace and apt teacher to mentor those around him to effectively reach a needy generation for Biblical mentorship."

Single Mom:
"I am new at being a single mom and with that, it brings a lot of unkown. The [Single Mom Journey] group has helped me a lot as I saw that I am not alone everyone has different experience and was able to learn from each mom. The struggles, excitement, and more. Truly thankful that this group exists."

Single Mom:
"[My daughter's} dad left in 2011. My daughter was 12 years old then. We both were relieved the day he left due to the fact that he was an alcoholic and life with him was very unhealthy for [us]. [We] started going to Church in 10/2005. That was the best choice we made. I said no matter what happens we need God in our lives and keep going to church. [My daughter] accepted the Lord into her life on 5/11/2007, she turned 8 five days later. Our Pastor and his wife and our church family have been a big part of our life. [My daughter] was growing in the Lord daily. Pastor Sean , Mrs. Jackie became our youth/teen pastor at our church in 2012. [My daughter] was 13 then. Pastor Sean, Mrs. Jackie were great with [my daughter] and the other kids. They showed a lot of love and compassion for them especially the fatherless. They were a blessing to us as a single mom and fatherless teen. Pastor Sean brought his experience, feelings and encouragements as he was a fatherless child him self. They gave us books to help and encourage us in growing closer to the Lord in our journey. They launched God is My Dad ministry in 2017. [My daughter] was a big part of that. Their ministry helped us to cope with the situation we found our selves in and taught us that God is our Dad no matter what. Knowing that gives us the peace we need to go on our Journey in this world closer to our Heavenly Father. Thank you."

Fatherless Teen Girl:
"Hello! I am 19 years old. I would not be here today, or at least somewhat put together, if it were not for Pastor Sean and Jackie’s fatherless ministry. When I entered 8th grade, Sean became the student pastor at our church and introduced his fatherless ministry to all of us. Most of the kids in our youth group did not have a father present in their lives, or some of the students had fathers present but they were heavily involved in drugs and alcohol. I was one of those students. I grew up with a father that was addicted to alcohol, and it completely changed the person that he could have been. Thankfully, my mom found [the] church when I was 6 and we both attended church every Sunday and Wednesday. When I was about 12 my father left my mother and I. Though this was a painful time in my life, I was aware of the pain and negativity that he placed in our lives and I knew it was better for him to leave. Not too long after, Pastor Sean and Jackie started attending our church and later became apart of the student ministry. Their fatherless ministry has always given me hope, reminded me of God’s love, and provided me with encouraging resource to conquer my fatherless battle. They reminded me that I am not fatherless because I have God the father. Their ministry provided me with books, words of encouragement, devotions, and even one on one talk. What makes Sean’s ministry so unique is that he himself was a fatherless teenager and he knows the pain of growing up with out a fatherly figure. Sean and Jackie’s ministry has also helped me to become a better leader. Now that my heart is mended from the pain that I once felt, I am able to and want to help those who are going through the same issues. Sean and Jackie started a ministry branching from their fatherless ministry called, “God is my Dad”. I was an intern for “God is my Dad” and I helped create some of the initial ideas and concepts within the ministry. My life was impacted greatly from Sean and Jackie’s fatherless ministry and now I personally feel equipped to help others that are hurting and fatherless. I encourage you to take a look into their fatherless ministry because it will either help you or someone you know!"

Single Mom with Fatherless Teen Guy:
"Being a single mom for the second time in life tested my faith. How could I continue to raise another child without a dad while working two jobs to pay the bills and keep my home. Stress from working double time, loneliness, and believing that somehow I had failed my child burdened my heart. At first, attending church on Sundays was not possible. I had to work! My only solace was that [the Church] offered a Wednesday night teen group ministered by Pastor Sean Teis. Little did I know that Sean was a fatherless son, too, like my son. I thanked God for Wednesday nights. A Church bus picked up my son which allotted me two hours to get groceries, do the laundry, (and if there was a few minutes leftover), I could flop down on the couch. I soon had a different work schedule which freed up my Sundays and so my son and I could attend church together. I felt some relief, but I was still alone, disconnected. I didn’t really know, and being a single mom further isolated me. Things were going to change. One Mother’s Day, all mothers received a carnation as we exited the church service. Holding that flower, while gazing at all the other mothers made me feel special. It wasn’t long after that, that Pastor Sean arranged for all the single moms to gather and have a ‘roundtable’ talk sharing our stories with the understanding that what we shared stayed within the group. As our single moms group strengthened, Pastor Sean was mentoring my son (and all other fatherless teens). He soon learned that God was his Dad. Amen, my son had a Father! Pastor Sean became my son’s surrogate dad at football games. Wow, my son had a ‘dad’ at the sidelines cheering for him. As it says in James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted form the world.” The trials of life for me and my worries about my son created a feeling of patience the in God’s time our lives would be healed. God was my Dad, too. Imprinting that thought: GOD was my Dad, too, kept me coming back to [the Church] and becoming a part of the women’s ministry, prayer chain, and adult choir. I, too, had a family. Glory to my Dad and my son’s Dad, GOD!"

Fatherless Teen Girl:
"How you guys helped me as a fatherless teen. You were like a second family to me.. it was really hard being a teen without a father because every teen girl needs a dad to run too and talk to when things get hard and frustrating.. when your family was at [our] church you guys made me feel safe and showed me that yes I didn’t have a mother and father together as a family but I had two parents that would still love me and I had my church family and I had a father figure at the church that I could go and talk to. I did go through a lot of struggles not having a father at the house and not being able to do things with my dad that I wanted to do and spend time with Him like I wanted to.. But your family invited me to your home and talked to me. And prayed with me and played games and just had a good time."

Single Mom:
"I have been with the group about 4 months now I know God is my father and he place us in the right direction to keep our life and heart close to him. My kids are the priority I have and since I’m a single mother the best lesson I can give them is keep loving God no matter our situation is, we don’t have all but we have His love, every day is a Miracle and we can feel his presence with us. These path is not easy but I know He will be with me and my kids until the end. I can’t not be more thankful for the other mothers and Pastor Sean and his wife always listen to us, Helping us to have more strength and courage to face each situation. We don’t have just a group is sisters in God that show us we can do and be better for us and our kids. Thanks for having me and love my son and courage him to place God first."

Fatherless Teen Girl:
"After my father left my mom and I chose to have a new start, this fresh start consisted in finding a new church. I am so thankful for this church and the amount of support and love we received by each of the members. During that time in my life I believe it was very crucial to have a solid church family. Through [the] youth group I was able to make new life long friends and have wonderful leaders to look to. During my time in youth group I was able to grow in my spiritual walk with the Lord. This helped an excessive amount in boosting my confidence level and it allowed me to become more of a spiritual leader. Through the youth group I was able to use my testimony of my father’s absence to minister to others. I discovered that rather than feeling bad for myself I could minister to teens in my youth group that grew up with similar experiences. Thankfully I had a wonderful youth pastor, Pastor Sean who was able to minister to me as well and help me develop as a Christian. Through my time at [the Church] I realize that I grew so much in my relationship with the Lord and see how God is now able to work in my life. I advise that if your father has left you and your family, it is crucial to get plugged in your youth group as I did. This will help you to grow spiritually and make life long friends. The friends I have made at [Church], such as with my youth pastor and his wife I hope to keep those relationships for as long as possible."

Single Mom:
"I am a single parent with three children (15, 13, and 9 years old). I have always considered myself an empathetic person but the truth is, you can never know what it’s like until you experience it yourself. At the time of my divorce, I was overwhelmed with fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. My children and I did not have God in our lives. A friend recommended that we begin opening ourselves up and invited me to her church. The youth pastor immediately embraced my three children. I still remember how Sean Teis made a point to invite fatherless children out for pizza dinner on Father’s Day. He genuinely understands the hurt that comes along with not having a father available or capable to love you. Pastor Sean also took the time out to visit my children at their school campus to have lunch together. He was consistently available to talk to my children and be a good listener. Support was also provided for me as a single parent. This ministry also considered the single parents’ position. A group of single mothers were given many opportunities to meet and discuss issues that surface being alone to raise children. I am very blessed to have had the support and compassion from Pastor Sean Teis and his ministry."

Fatherless Teen Girl:
"Life Factors is a wonderful ministry centered around empowering, enriching, and growing children and teens. It's Christ centered approach to mentorship and guidance definitely had a part in the start of my faith walk! The founder, Sean, was nothing but supportive and encouraging to my whole family. They are doing great things for God!"

Single Mom:
"Single mom at 47. By the time I was in my forties. I honestly thought that I could predict how my life was going to play out. *Last child out of the house by our mid-fifties. *Mortgage paid off by mid-fifties. *Sell house and down size. *Enjoy new phase of family time and welcome grandchildren. *Hubby and I travel, retire and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Sure, life is simple. "Ya do right, Ya reap right"…"RIGHT?" Why should I think any different? I married my high school sweetheart, we were both dedicated Christians, everyone approved our marriage and we were both pure when we got married. So, when I came home on February 23, 2010 the last thing I saw coming was my marriage of 30 years ending, but it did. My "notice" came in a handwritten note that read…. "I'm moving out". Yes, my husband of almost 30 years had left and my world stopped. Who do you turn to during tragedy? I can only say for me, I found great peace and support from my church family. My youngest daughter was 11 at the time and I knew one thing for sure that even though her earthly father was gone, she had a heavenly Father who was constant. God is the Father to the Fatherless and the Husband to the husbandless. Faithful church attendance was already part of our life, but we needed a new church home. Pastor Feathers sound biblical teaching, a supportive youth department led by Pastor Sean Teis and a loving church was just what we needed. Here we found safety, we found reliability, we found love and support. When our personal home life felt like it was crumbling down on us, our church home was pulling us up. While our personal family was hurting, our church family helped produce healing. Lastly, when we struggled with a sense of worthlessness, our church family reminded us we were worthy. God worked mightily all those years. Many people have asked me, how did you and [your daughter] get through this. First and foremost, by the grace of God. Second, my cousins who were amazing in so many ways. Last but not least our church family who were a constant environment of stability, strength, love and support."

Single Mom:
"You have changed [my son’s] life and kept him on a great path. My son is so completely comfortable with his church family and I thank God every day for that. You being his mentor through life has saved him already. Thank you for being a part of his life and mine!! ❤️“

Fatherless Teen Guy:
“I can talk about what it’s like to have a single mom and having no father at all and just living under the roof of a single mom and how it feels. It’s horrible. I have a mom that takes care of me. Sean, I want to thank you for supporting me and also for being there for me and loving me like a brother. I also want to thank you for your church. I have had some really fun times of going to [The Wilds in ] North Carolina. Also hanging out with friends and doing fun little games at church and not having to worry about anything at all, just being me. God has help me through most of my struggles I’ve gone through life specially in my younger days. I really appreciate you and your help and God in my life. I have changed very much. I have made many good choices in my life. I want to go to college and get a career, start making money, and get a house and a car and have a normal life but with God on my side too. You all are my friends. I love you all.”

Student in Indiana:
“I really enjoyed this presentation just because it helps a lot of teens get through what they need to get through especially if they are having a hard time because he has gone through the same things.”

Mentor to Fatherless Girls:
"This year I am still working with individual girls in our school that have behavioral issues as well as academic struggles.. we have 2 teens who I am taking thru the teen girls journal [The Fatherless Journey for Girls Devotional].. the first couple weeks of school we thought we were going to have to tell their parents they couldn’t come back because of their behaviors.. but praise the Lord both of these girls received Christ a few weeks ago… as they are going thru the journals .. I have a pic of [one of them] .. she has so many struggles.. abuse, attempted suicide, angry at God over her life .. and though she has a long way to go.. we have seen some positive changes.. the other girl got saved in Sept going thru the journal [The Fatherless Journey for Girls Devotional].. the change in her has been AMAZING. we have been able to reach out to her mom, who is a single mom, and its been so good .. her mom even volunteers her time now at our school to help coach our girls basketball team..just wanted to say thank you for the curriculum.. and for your faithfulness to what you do. God is using it in amazing ways… always praying for your family and ministry…"

Fatherless Teen Guy:
To sit down and tell you how much Life Factors ministry has an effected my life will be one of the hardest things I have done. There are so many ways that Sean and Jackie have influenced my life but I would like to tell you about the biggest impact they have had on me. The first thing that I would like to talk about is how selfless the both of them are. When I met Sean I was twelve years old. I was going through a very weird stage of becoming a teenager. I had a lot of questions and my father was gone. So I was left really with no answers. I was struggling with things like manhood and what kind of man I wanted to become. Like I said I was twelve years old and I was not picking the best peer group to be in. Even though I was never in one I started hanging out with people who were in gangs. I started going to parties and really hanging out with people who really were not good friends to have. I attended youth group but I just went to play football and hang out with friends. Then one night I met Sean at church and he invited me to go to Outback and that was where our friendship started. He talked about sports, the news, and then towards the end of the meal he asked me about being fatherless. I had honestly never even thought about the effect that it was having on my life. As he was talking about fatherlessness and what it really is. I found myself agreeing and seeing almost all those things in my life. I had no real direction, I had not accountability, and I really was just going through life at that point on my own. He gave me a devotional book that I took home. Over the course of that year was the first time I had ever really started to read the Bible on my own. It helped me grow and it dealt with things like having character, reading your Bible consistently, and really finding your identity in Christ. It had given me a good base and really started to make realize that I wanted more out of life than what I was headed for. When Sean and I really started hanging out on a regular basis was when I saw the biggest turn around in my life. He started to mentor me and teach me things like having confidence in God and myself. Right before I went into high school was when Sean had a really big effect on me. He was teaching me integrity by asking me the hard questions. Like “how is your relationship with God?” “What did you do this weekend with your friends?” Sean was really the first one to sit down and ask me what I thought my future held. He started to not only teach me biblical truths but how to apply them to everyday life. It was during that time that I saw a lot of growth in my life spiritually. It had a great effect on my life I was doing better in school than ever before. I was starting to find success in sports because I took a lot of the lessons he taught me about doing what you say you’re going to do but things would take a very sharp turn at this time. In the beginning of my high school career my Youth pastor quit and I really shocked me and my friends. It made start to doubt everything I had known. This lead to my attendance at youth group to fall way down. I lost a lot of friendships that I had from church and it sent me in to this dark place where I was back at to what I was doing as a twelve-year-old. Like I said I started to doubt things like the Bible’s credibility and whether it was important to be a good person. That is when Sean had the biggest impact because throughout the whole process he never stopped loving me. He always stayed there and never gave up on me even though I was really not there for my sophomore and junior year being backslidden. He continued to reach out to me and kept trying to get me back. Sean really loved me back into church and Christianity which I think was the most important part. When my life was at my lowest like when my mom was sick Sean was there for me. When all my coaches and teachers gave up on me Sean didn’t. When my athletic career was over he was there for me. When all the friends I had ever turned their back on me Sean was there for me. I mean I could not get it why did this guy who had no reason to keep trying work with me keep pursuing me. Over the course of my senior year Sean became much more than a friend or a mentor he became family. He poured into my life more than anyone had to that point or since. He discipled me, he helped me grow as a Christian and helped me find God’s calling for my life. but I know it wasn’t all Sean but Mrs. Jackie Teis because throughout all of this time she was so understanding and never made a big deal about all the time and effort Sean was putting into me that really took away from their time together. Mrs. Jackie is the definition of a virtuous woman and has taught me what a Godly woman and wife is and the two of them taught me what a Godly marriage looks like. She was so supportive when a lot of people would have told Sean to give up and focus on other things and I cannot thank her enough for that. I can truly say that if it were not for the selfless work that Sean and Jackie did in my life. I would not have graduated high school, I would not have gone to college and committed to full-time ministry, and would certainly not be here today to write this testimonial. Everything that [I] have accomplished over the last couple of years is testament to their Hard work and Servant attitudes. Through them I became a better person, a better Christian, and most of all I became a better man. I am lucky to have such good friends in Sean and Jackie that will never give up and will always stay true to the work that God has called them to do!