Timeline
of
Formative Events
For a time, baseball was life for Nicholas. From an early age, it was a year-round sport. His love for the game continued for over a decade, and his dedication culminated in an athletic scholarship to play for the King College Tornados (now King University).
Proverbs 16:3
Michael Rodriguez was killed by insurgents in Sadah, Iraq on April 23rd, 2007. Nicholas and Mike attended the same school and were childhood friends. Mike's untimely death was a jarring reality that made terrorism close and personal. This incident was a major catalyst in his decision to join the military.
John 15:13
Nicholas enlisted into the U.S. Army in late 2007 and began training in January of 2008. He graduated from Infantry School in April and Airborne School in June. In September, he passed the Green Beret's Assessment and Selection program (SFAS). In November, he completed the Green Beret's Warrior Leader Course. Throughout the majority of 2009, he was taught Russian and learned the basics of engineering/demolition in the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC).
Exodus 15:3;
Psalm 144:1
In December of 2009, Nicholas received orders to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He arrived overseas in January of 2010 and conducted missions across the northern province of Al Anbar. His unit operated in the cities of Baghdad, Ramadi, and Fallujah. Over the course of his deployment, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for actively engaging the enemy, the Navy Unit Commendation for joint operations with naval special warfare (SEAL Team 3), and the Army Commendation Medal for contributing to the overall success of Task Force 2-504 in Iraq.
Ecclesiastes 4:1;
Psalm 91:5, 7-8
Nicholas was a kinetic contributor to the United States' Global War on Terrorism. However, after Osama bin Laden was eliminated in May of 2011, his reason for joining the army had been fulfilled. With that goal completed, he chose not to reenlist for a second term of service and was honorably discharged from duty.
Psalm 18:39
After the Army, Nicholas moved to Las Vegas and became a professional poker player. His decision to move was directly influenced by the 2011 dismantling of online poker in the United States, an unfortunate event known as Black Friday within the poker community. Essentially, he was forced to quit playing the game or to move where it was legal.
Proverbs 16:33
As the first step of his rededicated journey, Nicholas completed his bachelor's degree at Liberty University. He graduated at the top of his class and was recognized by the institution through the conferring of "Summa Cum Laude" honors (4.0 GPA).
Proverbs 12:1
Men Following Jesus (M.F.J.) was established in 2010 and is an interdenominational fraternity of believers devoted to pursuing Jesus in unity. It can best be described as a Christian "small group" (10-20 people) that is periodically attended by the members of a larger group (40-50 people). Nicholas joined the group in late 2018, and in early 2020, the men who comprise it asked him to lead them for an extended period of time.
Psalm 133:1
At the end of 2022, Nicholas completed his master's degree at Liberty University's School of Divinity. Again, he graduated at the top of his class and was recognized by the institution as a "Graduate with High Distinction" (4.0 GPA).
2Timothy 2:15
After achieving his master's degree and upon completing a 7-month pastoral internship, Nicholas was ordained as a minister of the Gospel by Cumberland Church (a campus of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church). He currently serves as an associate pastor under the guidance of Dr. Chad Crawford.
1Thessalonians 5:12
Shortly after emerging from seclusion in 2018, Nicholas felt called to be an Army chaplain. His combat experience opens some unique doorways of ministry to soldiers and veterans, especially those struggling with PTSD. He understands the challenges that come with exposure to combat, and he considers the ministry of presence to be a good form of pastoral care.
2Timothy 2:3
