Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Josh: I’m a pastor’s kid who grew up in ministry and said I would never go into full-time ministry… obviously, God had different plans. I ended up at Trinity Baptist College (Jacksonville, FL) after I got recruited to play soccer. During my freshmen year I felt like God had specifically gifted me to be in full-time ministry I just didn’t know where. I jumped into student ministry at Trinity Baptist Church and other leadership roles at the college. I had so many great mentors in my life during this season. Eventually I felt like God was calling me to be a part of Church Planting. This is around the time I met JJ Alderman, our founder. He painted the picture of what we are doing in Togo and Benin. He asked if I wanted to plant one church or be a part of planting hundreds of churches areas that have none. The rest is history. I met my beautiful wife thanks to 6°. We got married in October 2021 and sure is a blast getting to do this life and ministry together.

Ashley: I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Why are you working with 6DI?

Josh: I am working with 6° Initiative because of the incredible opportunity of leaving a lasting Kingdom impact. I asked God if he would allow me to be a part of at least one Gospel Movement in my lifetime and I believe he is graciously answering the prayer. At the end of the day, I know that God created me to influence movement. Both at a corporate and individual level. I am confident that I am exactly where God wants to be and doing what He created for me to do.

Ashley: I was called to missions in high school. I attended Trinity Baptist College, where I met JJ and Melissa Alderman. In 2009 I spent 3 weeks in Togo with them, learning about missions, Togo, and seeing the very beginning of the ministry, with the church meeting in their front yard. I taught elementary school for 4 years and then came back. I was blown away by the growth of the church, and touched by the children coming from different religious backgrounds. I saw the need and the hope for the future church in Togo, and how God had equipped me to be a part. In 2017 I moved to Togo and have loved working with kids and developing young leaders to work them.

What is your favorite person (other than Jesus) in the Bible and why?

Josh: I love the story of Joshua… I know that sounds a little narcissistic but honestly, I feel like what God called Joshua to do is similar to what God is calling me to do. I stand on the shoulders of the leaders who came before me and I was handed the baton to continue the mission into the promised land.

Ashley: I love the courage and tenacity of Paul.

Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

Josh: Drinking a great cup of coffee, thinking and praying for all of our pastors and church planters, praying for the church in America who will have services later in the day. Then I head off to one of our church plants and worship with my brothers and sisters. 

 Ashley: With the kiddos.

When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?  

Josh: Coffee- drinking, creating, talking about. Soccer- Playing, watching, talking about. Cycling- Riding, watching.

Ashley: I enjoy spending time with people I love, playing (winning) games, and watercoloring.  

How can those who are reading your profile be praying for you?

Josh: Humility. God Dependance. Wisdom. Endurance.

Ashley: Please pray that I would depend on God, and not on my own strength. Pray that I would know Him more deeply, reflect Him well, and help others to do the same.