At a young age, Dakota found himself surrounded by brokenness in the home and bullies at school. In his search for inclusion, he often attended community events including church revivals alone. Throughout his teen years as a local youth pastor poured into him, he continued to hold on to his self-proclaimed freedom. Due to the physical and verbal abuse taking place inside his home, he found himself often asking, "If God is real, why do bad things happen?".
Finally by his senior year, he was living with friends and carving out a better plan for his life which included college, baseball, and becoming a Physical Therapist.
Dakota's plan to steer clear of pastoral roles took an unexpected turn when he volunteered as a youth pastor intern under the guidance of his mentor. This decision marked a turning point that would forever change his life's trajectory. Despite a history of being bullied and doubting his leadership abilities, Dakota found himself consistently sought after for guidance by those around him. A calling on his life became increasingly evident, but he initially resisted, focusing instead on his dreams of a baseball career.
A pivotal moment arrived when a friend posed a simple yet profound question: "What's the point?" This query acted as a catalyst, causing Dakota to reevaluate his priorities. He recognized that his true calling lay in ministry, and he made the difficult decision to let go of his baseball aspirations.
Supported solely by his own determination and without familial backing, Dakota committed wholeheartedly to his newfound path. As a result, he has now dedicated a decade of his life to ministry. Alongside his wife, Shellie, and their three daughters, Dakota continues to embrace opportunities to serve and inspire students. Their journey reflects a resounding commitment to saying "yes" to the callings that resonate with their hearts.
As you tune into this episode, we invite you to draw inspiration from Dakota's story. Just as he found purpose and overcame challenges, remember that you too are pursued and valued. It's a reminder that the time has come to place your own "yes" on the table, embracing the possibilities that lie ahead.
If you’d like to keep up with our guest, feel free to connect with Dakota on Instagram @its_dakota_bro or email him at [email protected]
Are you ready to meet this man our guest can’t stop talking about? If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing wavering faith in God, I encourage you to explore the following resources below. Should you desire personal support and want someone to reach out to you directly, please don't hesitate to send us an email. Myself and my team are here to assist you and provide the assistance you seek.
www.hegetsus.com
www.gotquestions.org
www.romansroad.org
www.newcitycatechism.com
https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/
https://bibleproject.com/
Three Circles App
988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline
Contact email: [email protected]
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