RJ's story begins in the heartland of Nebraska, where he was raised in a loving family, with great friends, in a tight-knit community. Despite the warmth of his upbringing, RJ grappled with inner turmoil, lacking a firm sense of self-worth and identity.

After completing his studies at the University of Nebraska, RJ pursued his passion for education and coaching. However, his journey took an unexpected turn in 2012, when RJ made the choice to commit a crime that resulted in a twenty-year prison sentence. RJ was a selfish, entitled, scared young man, who had no relationship with the Lord. His incarceration was a period marked by despair and isolation, where RJ faced the harsh reality of his choices. Yet, amidst the bleakness of his circumstances, RJ experienced a profound transformation.

It was within the confines of his prison cell that RJ encountered God and discovered a purpose greater than himself. Through a series of miraculous events, including surviving a suicide attempt and narrowly escaping two murder attempts, RJ found solace and redemption in his newfound faith.

Today, RJ stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, sharing his journey of redemption with audiences across the nation. As an accomplished speaker and sought-after guest preacher, he travels the country, delivering powerful messages of faith, resilience, and hope. RJ's captivating book, "God Doesn't Waste a Thing," penned under the pseudonym Luke Chance, serves as a testament to the miracles he witnessed during his seven-year incarceration.

Motivated by his own transformative experience, RJ founded Not My Will Ministries, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, with a focus on compassion and redemption.

Not My Will Ministries aims to uplift and empower "Returning Citizens", by guiding them toward a future brimming with promise and purpose. RJ seeks to do this by providing them with support, resources, and a faith-based framework that is rooted in an identity found in Jesus Christ. His mission is to facilitate their successful reintegration into society by helping them build meaningful relationships, discover their true worth, and achieve sustainable personal and professional growth through the Gospel.

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:1-3

Not My Will’s mission extends beyond the walls of correctional facilities; it transcends boundaries, permeating the very fabric of society. Guided by the spirit of Matthew 26:39, we embrace the path of selflessness, declaring, "Not my will, but yours be done." In these words, we find the essence of our calling: to surrender our own desires and ambitions in service to others, to walk alongside our brothers as they navigate the tumultuous terrain of reintegration.

RJ is intentional about sharing the transformative power of redemption. Through unwavering dedication and a heart full of compassion, he invites those called to join him in his quest for positive change and spiritual renewal. RJ accomplishes this through speaking engagements and workshops designed to help men in society break through their own distortions, employing the same program he leads for incarcerated men

Not My Will seeks to create a community where individuals impacted by the criminal justice system can find hope, healing, and restoration. RJ envisions a society where every person, regardless of their past choices, is given the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively to their communities. Join RJ on his journey of transparency, vulnerability, and intentionality, as he continues to spread the message of hope and redemption through the transformative power of Jesus Christ.