Mentors and friends have told Kyle Houts he could be a pastor. Houts is not so sure. “Does this look like a pastor?” asks Houts, a 12-year licensed Mixed Martial Arts Fighter, as he reveals tattoos covering his forearms.

New to United Methodism, Houts is a member of Grand Lake United Methodist Church in Celina, Ohio. A mechanic by trade, Houts worked hard but was never happy. He spent years living in darkness. He describes his life as one of “addiction and defeated living.” He stayed away from churches because he felt people would judge him.

At age 14, Houts responded to an altar call while attending a church play. As he prayed, he felt something pressing against him. Turning, he saw no one, but he knew it was God. This was one of many times he felt God’s presence but did not know how to let God in.

At times along Houts’ journey, he could have lost or taken his life. Yet, in all the darkness, Houts was aware of God’s presence.

Houts attended “Clean, Sober and Saved” classes at House of Hope, a 12-step program with a spiritual component created by Darrell and Tracey Strawberry. He began to feel lighter and have success with the program. After seeing Houts’ progress and growth, the director invited him to lead classes. “The way you share your testimony,” she said, “you sound like a preacher.”

After hearing the Grand Lake UMC praise band at a concert, Houts began going to church. “I was early in recovery,” he recalled, “attending a different church. After feeling what I felt while the band was playing, I wanted to check out Grand Lake, and that's where I met pastor Mick!!”

The Rev. Michael “Mick” Whistler, the former Grand Lake pastor, and Houts began conversing about faith, emotions and call. Whistler encouraged Houts to attend the West Ohio Candidacy Summit.

Today, Houts is learning and growing with the Rev. Deb Ketchem, the current lead pastor of Grand Lake. She has come alongside Houts to help him understand more about the church, leading worship and delivering a sermon. “There could not be a better person in my life for this season,” Houts said.

At the recent Bishops GO! Awards Ceremony, Grand Lake UMC received a grant for “Clean, Sober and Saved,” a six-week study at the church that Houts will lead. The program begins soon.

“Stop looking to the world,” Houts advised. “Choose your faith over your fear.”

Houts is considering a course of study as the next step in his journey. “I am surrendering my life where possibilities take me,” he said.

Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Writer with West Ohio Communications