This story is not just about the human spirit in the face of adversity but about the tremendous power of redemption.

During the years he served, Zack didn’t know much about God or prayer, so he was left to deal with the gut-wrenching horror of war pretty much alone. But his life was spared many times over. Not a single bullet hit his helicopter, even during the worst firefight.

When Zack reflects on this part of his life, he realizes there’s no logical explanation for him surviving, considering all he experienced—other than God's intervention.

While Zack was spared for the most part physically, he did not escape the emotional turmoil that could strike hard, like a punch to the gut. Combat exposed him to the damaging effects of PTSD, and he continues to face some of its sharp edges to this day. He recognizes that this struggle may always be a part of his life, and he understands the need to handle its effects without letting it take over completely. Zack retired from the Army with a 100% disability.

There have been dark moments when PTSD has had a firm grip on him, but he has found healing through a series of miraculous events and dreams that were clearly guided by the Holy Spirit.

One transformative moment came in a dream where he saw a robe lifted from him. When he awoke, it was as if the weight of that heavy robe, symbolizing his PTSD, had been lifted off, removing its oppressive hold. The relief he felt after that experience can only be explained by God’s intervening grace.

Zack feels sharing his battle with PTSD is part of his calling, even when it’s difficult to articulate his experiences. There are times when he feels it’s under control, only to realize otherwise suddenly. However, there is no doubt in his mind that God is accompanying him on his journey. 

One of his first encounters, in which he experienced God’s love for him, happened not long after retiring from the army. He had just gone through a difficult breakup with his former fiancé and needed some time alone. So he decided to go on a road trip in the San Clemente area.

From the beginning, he sensed something different was happening to him, especially when he arrived and began to walk along the beach. While walking, he found three stones, and as he reached for them, he felt drawn to look up. Above was a magnificent sunset, one that you can only imagine in a perfect setting.

The first stone had layers of different colors, and the next two stones were pure white.

In that moment, he experienced God's pure love as if for the first time; it felt like “God had intentionally placed those specific stones in that exact spot for him to find right at that moment.” He realized right then that he was not an afterthought; God was fully aware of every challenge he faced!

Not long after Zack returned home, he had a second spiritual encounter. He was still going through a tough time, which made him feel that his life was unraveling. Then his sister contacted him about a strange encounter she had just had. 

She mentioned that one of his old military buddies, whom he hadn't seen in years, reached out to her with a special request. This man, who had also faced his own struggles during his time in the army, wanted to drop off a Bible for her to give to Zack. Having turned his life around after leaving the military, he felt compelled to share his redemption experience along with a Bible, hoping it might inspire Zack just as he was inspired.

After returning from San Clemente, Zack’s relationship with God started to change slowly.

He returned to Arizona and to the church he attended years earlier. He had good memories of a youth group program that his sister and he rode their bikes to as kids. So, one Sunday in 2022, he walked into the church of his youth and found a home at Crossroads Nazarene. Crossroads quickly became Zack’s spiritual home, where he found the support and guidance needed to grow his faith.

When asked who the most influential person in his life is, Zack's response was immediate: “Pastor Brett, 100% without a doubt, has been the most influential person in my faith journey. However, it’s not Pastor Brett who saved me, but the words he spoke to me about hope, love, and the goodness of God that resonated deeply within me, reminding me that God is truly Good.”

Zack received Pastor Brett’s words deep in his heart when he went on to tell him; “Zack, the magnitude of God’s love for you goes beyond understanding. Your struggles are meant to lead you to a closer relationship with God, offering invaluable lessons along the way. There is a purpose behind everything; it’s not just happening by chance. You are accepted, cherished, and loved far beyond what you can grasp—even in your mistakes.”

With Pastor Brett's encouragement, Zack has been sharing his story over the past couple of years. He often puts himself in places with the lost and broken, showing them they’re not alone. Zack believes that by opening up about his brokenness—including his difficult childhood and teenage years—he makes it easier for others to relate. This connection encourages them to share their own story and challenges more freely.

He compares his role to that of a boat gliding through water, creating a wake that eases the way for others to follow closely behind. Then, when there's an opportunity to talk, he tells them, “It isn't me, it's Jesus.”

Zack believes that conversations about faith can take on many forms, but the first step in sharing the message of God’s goodness is to build meaningful relationships. Zack stresses the importance of being authentic, forming genuine connections, and sharing personal stories that illustrate how Jesus has transformed your life. 

His incredible journey exemplifies the power of transformation and renewal. It’s a story of three stones, a Bible, and the countless ways God has faithfully pursued Zack throughout the years. Today, Zack passionately shares his purpose:  “to reveal to everyone he encounters that God is undeniably good”.

What seemed like a simple gift turned out to be a profound blessing that set Zack on a journey to discover God's purpose for his life.

Initially, he had no idea how this small act would lead to such significant changes. But the experience he had with the stones along the beach, coupled with receiving the Bible, became a turning point for Zack, drawing him closer to God. As Zack reflects on it, he states, “This book, the Bible, that he gave me, from beginning to end, is perfect”.

Zack shared another powerful story about a Marine infantryman named Jason Smith. Just before losing his life in Iraq, Jason baptized as many fellow service members as he could in a muddy puddle of water. It was as if he sensed that something significant was about to unfold, and he wanted to offer the most valuable gift he could give: an invitation to salvation and baptism.

Zack’s path to healing has been nothing short of a miracle. His journey embodies resilience and victory against all odds. 

For seven years, Zack served in the military, navigating the harsh realities of war zones with unwavering courage. From the mountains of Afghanistan to the arid landscapes of Iraq, Zack was at the forefront of special operations, tackling sensitive missions that demanded not just skill but also a profound sense of duty.