I have a confession to make. The person you know as Travis Perry, isn’t the same person who was born a very long time ago. That Travis was a very insecure, shy individual with an inferiority complex who could easily be a loner. Now, what you see is evidence of the power of God to change an individual. Romans 12:2 “Let God transform you into a new person” (New Living Translation).
The Lord can take a person with a mixed-up childhood (I attended six different elementary schools, living in public housing as a teen without any real mentor or guidance) and allow him to become an ordained minister. At times, it’s even hard for me believe it happened. I know I would never have been able to do it on my own.
When I was a child, they didn’t have all the designations for troubled children, like ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). If they had, I’m sure I would have been included. I remember one time when a childhood disease was going around and I didn’t catch it. My Grandfather Blankenship said I never stopped long enough to catch anything. Even today, it is difficult for me to be completely still. Some part of me is always moving. I even like chairs that move.
I was in the second of those six elementary schools for nearly three school years, so if you do the math, I was averaging two schools per academic year. Childhood asthma keep me excused from physical education classes, so I missed out on activities that would connect me to other boys. While living in public housing as a teen, I attended the second wealthiest high school in San Diego. I never felt like I fit in.
I was never a good student, and received no academic honors. I was never taught phonics so spelling is a struggle, as is pronouncing long words. I sometime wonder how I was able to obtain a degree in Industrial Management from San Diego State University. I entered to become an engineer, but math changed it to management. I never finished seminary, thanks to Greek and Hebrew.
Even today, it still hard for me to make friends. I’ve traveled around the world, but some days never spoke to another person other than someone I had to. They say that one of most people’s greatest fears is public speaking. Not me. I’d rather be in front of a group than one-on-one. Small talk is not my thing. I still prefer working with groups. I never tried to learn a second language; I’m still trying to learn English.
The Lord obviously has a sense of humor. Why else would He have lead me into people businesses? I cannot believe I have been able to accomplish everything I have been able to do. That’s why I want to give all that glory to Christ who changed me and adopted me into His family. I am a new person.
Bro. Travis