Jay Watts
Jay saw his life changed at the age of 21 when he accepted Christ into his heart and left behind a life of atheism and nihilistic self destruction while attending Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Kennesaw, Georgia. He studied communications and theater at KSU, and his background in performance and speech combined with his love of study made him very comfortable as a lay teacher and preacher in the church. He worked in the commercial HVAC industry for thirteen years, the last six as a commission salesman, before God called him into full time vocational ministry.
His passion for the issue of abortion and the protection of the unborn led him to approach Cobb Pregnancy Services (CPS) for volunteer opportunities. He ended up joining the staff of CPS as the Development Coordinator and worked raising financial support for three years prior to joining Life Training Institute as the Vice President of Development & Communications in 2009.
Jay has spoken to churches, men's ministries, youth groups, and school assemblies on defending the theistic world view, the sanctity of human life, and his testimony of how God took him from a hostile pro-choice atheist to a Christian pro-life advocate. His background in secular business, speech and performance combined with his understanding of the importance of fundraising as a development professional offer a unique package as an event speaker. He is a native of Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, and resides there with his wife and three children.
Jay has spoken to groups at University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Delaware, University of Tennessee, and many others. He is an associate member of the Evangelical Theological Society and a member of the Evangelical Philosophical Society.
Endorsements of Jay
"Jay knows his stuff. But what's even more important for your group is that he really knows how to communicate it in a clear and compelling way. I am very glad that we had Jay in to speak to our church about the #1 human rights issue of our day. I hope you will as well. We can't afford to be silent because innocent human lives are at stake every day. Jay can help you engage this issue with confidence."
Jonathan Morrow
Founder of
www.thinkchristianly.org and the author of several books including, Think Christianly: Looking at the Intersection of Faith and Culture and Welcome to College: A Christ-follower's Guide for the Journey
While Jay is an exceptionally gifted man, the thing that most encourages me is his heart. Jay loves God and loves people. God's love and grace has given Jay the heart of a servant. This is expressed by his humility and genuine desire to use his gifts to serve the body of Christ and God's purposes in this generation.
God has also given Jay exceptional ability to grasp deep and profound truths. He is then able to communicate these truths with humility, boldness, and passion that both inspires and equips his listeners. His presentations are engaging, challenging, and encouraging.
So it is without any hesitation or reservation that I encourage you to consider allowing Jay to serve your church or gathering. You will not be disappointed by either his heart or by his ability. His ministry will be of great value to you and to your group.
Jimmy Wolfe
Pastor
One Church, Atlanta, GA
Jay is an effective communicator in the arena of defending the lives of the unborn for the following two reasons: 1) Jay presents the case from a strong platform convincingly built on the truths of theology, philosophy, science, and the current culture; and 2) Jay conveys his message with both the heartfelt passion of someone genuinely concerned about the lives of unborn children but also a heartfelt compassion for those in desperate need of hope. You'll be touched by Jay's message and the way he delivers it.
Paul H. Jimenez
Senior Pastor
Taylors First Baptist Church, Taylors, SC
(An excerpt from a letter from the organizer of the Georgia Men's Advance after Jay was a keynote speaker in 2008)
The feedback from the men was tremendous as you shared the importance and manner of personal witnessing in today's society. Also, your testimony on Sunday morning was very inspiring and uplifting to the men. This was very evident from the requests for the CD's and DVD's of your sharing on Sunday morning...
You were a great blessing to hundreds of men and I am sure that this is only an example of what God has in store for you.
James M. Rogers
International Director
Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International
Jay is intentional about reaching the world with a clear message on Hope even when it cannot be seen, felt, or sensed.
Jay works out of the overflow of a heart that is fed by the Lord. When speaking, one can sense the authority placed on him by the Holy Spirit. The type of authority that is hungry for God's justice and willing to step out on faith to proclaim the Truth.
Jay is fighting this "right to choose" epidemic at all cost. He exposes it for what it is, an epidemic that shows itself when we're in a crisis and want instant closure.
Pat MacPherson
President
Men Abiding in Christ Ministries, Marietta, GA
Megan Almon
Megan, a former University of Georgia Gymdog, was a part of the 2002 SEC Championship team. After graduating in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in journalism, Megan spent three years as a reporter for the local daily newspaper in Newnan, Ga. She won awards for feature and news writing, and lifestyle and education coverage.
In 2008 she left her career in journalism and put her communication skills to use for the Kingdom.
Megan is currently pursuing a master of arts degree in Christian apologetics from Biola University. In addition to working with LTI, Megan also oversees "Answers," a monthly public forum and presentation held by Four Corners Church of Newnan that addresses topics of an apologetic nature. She also has experience working with youth organizations, campus outreach, and women's groups.
Megan and her husband, Tripp, a former gymnast himself, have been married since 2003 and have one daughter who already shares her parents' love for acrobatics. Megan enjoys time with her family and remains involved in the sport she loves by coaching alongside Tripp a few hours each week, and is still known to practice handstands in her living room.
Endorsements of Megan
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Megan Almon since 2007. She is an authentic and creative communicator of God's word to high school students. Her effectiveness comes from her passionate love of the Lord and being theologically grounded in His word. She is relationship driven and students easily open up to her. She is an amazing young woman of God who is being used by Him in wonderful ways.
Reverend Brian Morgan
Minster to Students
First Baptist Church, Newnan, GA
I am happy to recommend Megan Almon as an articulate defender of Christian truth. I have come to know Megan through teaching her at McAfee School of Theology and dialoguing with her outside the classroom. Megan is a serious student of Scripture, Christian theology, and Christian ethics. She is clear and precise in both written and oral communication. She knows both what to say and how to say it. She is able to digest multiple perspectives while being clear about the best understanding of biblical faith. I recommend her highly!
Dr. David P. Gushee
Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics
Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia
Megan communicates in a sound and relevant way for people of all ages. Her commitment to the gospel and truth repeatedly surface both in public speaking as well as in personal conversation.
Alex Early
Lead Pastor
Four Corners Church, Newnan, GA
Dr. Rich Poupard
Dr. Poupard is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with a practice in Midland and one in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Northwestern University Dental School. He achieved his oral and maxillofacial surgical training at Detroit Receiving Hospital/ University Health Center, one of the busiest trauma centers in the nation.
He is a speaker for Life Training Institute, an organization dedicated to teaching pro-life advocates to defend their position rationally in the public square.
Dr. Poupard is the host for the Life Training Institute Podcast, where he defends the pro-life view weekly. He has appeared on WDCQ television, Issues etc. radio program, and WJR radio, where he debated Michigan Representative Andy Meisner on the topic of lethal embryonic stem cell research. He is a frequent contributor to the Life Training Institute weblog, and has an article entitled Suffer the Violinist: Why the Pro-Abortion Argument from Bodily Autonomy Fails in the July/August 2007 issue of the Christian Research Journal, reprinted in Whose Ethics, Whose Morals: The Best of the Christian Research Journal.
Dr. Poupard lives in Midland, Michigan with his wife and five children.
Bob Perry
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Bob served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years as a Naval Aviator flying the AV-8B Harrier tactical jet. For the past twenty-one years, he has continued his flying career in the civilian world and now serves as a Captain for a major U.S. airline.
After earning a Masters Degree in Christian Apologetics (Highest Honors) from Biola University, Bob began to put that training to work. His approach to ministry draws from all facets of his background to combine clear-thinking, with lessons learned during his aviation career to provide a distinctive, upbeat, passionately delivered defense of the Christian worldview in general and the pro-life view in particular.
Bob has addressed adult church groups on every kind of apologetic topic; lectured on intelligent design issues for high school advanced biology students; and spoken for college student groups on campus at the University of Cincinnati. He serves as a certified apologist and instructor for organizations such as the scientific apologetics ministry of Reasons To Believe and the high school and college student-focused CrossExamined.org. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Cincinnati Christian Schools.
Bob has been married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and has five sons, ages 13 to 22. He has been published in national magazines and is working on a book that combines his aviation background with his passion for Christian apologetics. His family resides in the northern suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Endorsements of Bob
"I consider Bob Perry one of the most insightful lay apologists I have ever met. I can't wait until he can lay aside his airline captain status and start leading Christians out of the intellectual wilderness. He embodies a perfect mix of compelling content and gracious manners, exactly what ambassadors for Jesus Christ should model for a skeptical world... To the extent that you trust my work please trust his. This man is exactly the kind of Christian you want defending the faith."
Scott Klusendorf
President
Life Training Institute
"Your presentation was articulate, winsome, accessible and conversational. Our students raved about what you have to say and found it both encouraging in their own faith journey and helpful in equipping them to have more informed dialogue with others from diverse perspectives regarding science and faith. Several asked when you could come back and speak again. Outstanding job."
Evan R. Griffin
Navigators Area Representative
University of Cincinnati
Michael Spencer
Mike was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. In his teens and early 20’s, he played guitar in rock bands and indulged in hedonistic living. The emptiness of this lifestyle brought on a time of depression and questioning for Michael and he began to realize his need for something more. Through the witness of a co-worker, Barb Petersen, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ on September 10, 1983. Barb became his wife in 1984. One year later, they moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana to attend Fort Wayne Bible College, where he graduated in 1989.
Within a few months of his conversion, the church Mike began attending showed the pro-life film “The Silent Scream.” Prior to viewing this film, he was pro-choice. Upon being confronted with the grisly reality of abortion, he became physically sick and prayed at that moment for forgiveness, offering himself to God as a voice for the unborn.
Since that time, God has provided Mike many opportunities to defend the unborn in various settings at churches, schools, camps, and community events. He has spoken in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Mike has become a repeat guest with many groups because of his humor and engaging speaking style.
Mike founded and served as pastor of Church of the Lamb in Fort Wayne, Indiana from 1993 to 2001. At 39 years old, he was diagnosed with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma and was given a 25-30% chance of survival. He underwent surgery and six months of radiation and chemotherapy. He is deeply grateful for God’s merciful healing.
Mike now serves as pastor of Aletheia Christian Church in Celina, Ohio. He and his wife have four biological children, Aubrie, Marisa, Summer and Ian, as well as Katerine, whom they adopted from Guatemala.
Endorsements of Michael
I’ve known Michael Spencer for over twenty years. In that time I have come to appreciate his character, his gifts as a speaker, and his deep passion for the preborn. Michael has a unique ability to connect with any audience, without compromising the truth. I've had Michael speak to our students and have also heard him speak in various settings over the years and I'm always amazed at his ability to inspire even the most skeptical listener. He is engaging and compassionate toward others, always maintaining a special place in his heart for young people. He is deeply committed to the truth of God's word and is a workman who strives to be faithful in its proclamation. I can think of no one more suited to take up the call to speak on these pressing issues.
Brian Hudson
CEO
Covenant Christian High School, Indianapolis, Indiana
(An excerpt from a letter from the organizer of the 40 Days For Life rally after Michael was a keynote speaker in 2010)
The 40 Days for Life Core team all agrees that you were one of the very best pro-life speakers we have ever had at our rallies! That is one reason we invited you back again this fall. Your compassion, depth of knowledge, ability to tie messages in with the scriptures and the passion with which you deliver your message, are very compelling. We are blessed to have you in our area and thankful others will benefit from your clear, powerful articulation of the sanctity of human life and our responsibility to help promote the value and worth of each human person starting with the tiniest preborn child.
Vivian Koob
Executive Director
Elizabeth Pregnancy Center, Dayton, Ohio
God has designed Michael to communicate His truth clearly and uniquely, in the reality of this fallen world with amazing God-given hope. He has spoken at Grace Adventures to adults and middle & high school students. He is able to connect and engage his audience with hard hitting challenges, while being sensitive to value people. His passion for truth is evident every time I’ve heard him speak. He loves to laugh, yet his messages are full of deep biblical content. I’ve had Michael back repeatedly, and he has delivered every time. I highly recommend Michael as a speaker!
Ben Vander Kodde
Program Director
Grace Adventures, Silver Lake, Michigan
If you mix passion, a Godly heart, an appropriate sense of humor and a gift of communication, you’re probably talking about Michael Spencer. His love for truth, together with his ability to quickly connect with his audience, makes him an extremely effective speaker. Mike has spoken for me to large groups, small groups, men’s groups and student groups. He relates equally well to all of them. His speaking gives every evidence of being Holy Spirit directed whether he’s talking about the rights of the unborn or any other matter that is close to God’s heart. If it matters to God, Mike has a way of encouraging his listeners to make it matter to them as well. I give him my full endorsement and can promise you won’t be disappointed with the way God will use him in your ministry.
David Sjoberg
Executive Pastor
St. Mark Missionary Church, Mishawaka, Indiana
Jannique Stewart
After her family moved to the United States for her high school years, Jannique competed for a State Title in a National Pageant and chose two issues that she felt most passionate about: abortion and the sexualization of teens. After winning her first title at the age of 15, Jannique began speaking in schools and churches on the topics such as ‘raising up a pro-life generation’ and ‘sexual integrity-the new sex revolution.’
After graduating from Greenville Liberal Arts College she entered the field of Pharmaceuticals and quickly rose up the corporate ladder to the position of Corporate Sales Training Manager. Although she loved her job she felt restless there as she felt a passion to return to her first love: speaking out for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Jannique left the pharmaceutical business in 2005 and has never looked back. She joined First Care Family Resources, the leading Crisis Pregnancy Centers in South Florida in 2005 as a ‘sexual purity’ speaker and educator for their Prevention Department. Jannique reaches approximately 10,000-16,000 students per year encouraging young people to honor God with their bodies and lives by living sexually pure. In 2008, her title changed to Prevention (Purity) and Intervention (Pro-Life) Speaker where she has used her voice to defend the lives of the unborn across South Florida. In 2010, Jannique became the Boca Raton Center Director for First Care where she now speaks at schools, colleges, churches and youth and women’s conferences on the issues of sexual purity / integrity and how to defend our unborn neighbors.
Endorsements of Jannique
Jannique, your presentation was incredible, awesome, and such an informative workshop for our parents about the various consequences of sexual activity with our teens. You have a God-given gift for speaking to parents and students in giving them a reality check in a God-honoring, professional manner. Thank you again for doing such a terrific job.
Jonathan K. Otto
Elementary Principal
The Kings Academy, West Palm Beach, FL
Jannique, you did a fabulous job tonight equipping our High School and College groups to defend life and “How To Make the Case to Defend Life.” As you spoke I prayed that the truth would be revealed to our young people. Your techniques really grabbed their attention. Your PowerPoint was terrific and really enhanced your message. I know that some of the young people probably came in with no opinion one way or the other, and some came in tonight standing on the wrong side of the issue. You effectively defended the pro-life position, and I'm certain dispelled confusion and deception in many of their minds. We will never know how many young people have now made a right choice about where to stand on the issue as a result of your visit to our youth group, but I think it is safe to assume that quite a few did. Thank you, thank you, thank you for defending truth and teaching truth so effectively! You are a blessing us!”
Cathy Karpinen
Membership Care
Victory Christian Center, Boca Rotan, FL
Jannique, thank you SO much for coming last week to teach a life skills class. It was wonderful having you. The kids always learn so much from you about the consequences of sexual activity outside of marriage and how abortion takes a human being’s life. The students always love hearing you speak. We hope to have you come back in the future. Thanks again
Linsey Driskill
Director
Villages of Hope, Lake Park, FL
Jannique, you are a gifted speaker, Jannique; you have truly been blessed by God. And your faith literally makes your face glow as you speak. You are a true inspiration. Because of you I want to commit my life to being sexually pure and to defending unborn babies. I never thought about them as whole human beings or whole persons until you came to our church. I was a “pro-choice” Christian until I heard you speak today - now I am officially a ‘pro-choice’ Christian in every situation because they deserve the right to life as much as I do. Thank you for your courage today, my life has now changed.
Debbie
High School Student
New Beginnings Chapel, Lake Worth, FL
Miss Jannique, thank you so much for coming to Palm Beach Atlantic University earlier this week and talking about the Pro-Life issue. I was not expecting to hear such relevant and life changing information today. To be honest, I showed up this week to chapel just to receive chapel credit and I intended to sit there and study for my exam that I have next hour. But from the second you walked on stage I was riveted by your information about the injustice of abortion. I have always been on the fence on this issue, thinking that God is pro-choice that’s why he gives us “Free-Will”; but after hearing you speak I am no longer on the fence.
You asked us about our worldview and until you spoke I would have checked off the biblical worldview box because I go to church and attend a Christian college. But after all the information you presented I realize that I have a very secular worldview which is why my beliefs don’t line up with what I claim to believe. They certainly don’t line up with the Bible.
I am ashamed that for so long I was afraid to voice my opinion in fear of what others might think. I am ashamed that I encouraged one of my own friends (last semester) here at PBA, a Christian college, to seek an abortion if she really thought she couldn’t have the child. I was so weak, I just didn’t want to lose friends. She took that awful advice and had an abortion. I can’t help but think that I was part of her support system that encouraged her to do what you said should be “the unthinkable choice.” I will never do that again! I made a vow today to stand for life even when it is unpopular.
PS: I didn’t study at all during your presentation and I still got a B on my Biology Exam. Inspired to Stand for Truth.
Don’t stop what you are doing, it is so important to save lives.
Courtney
Junior
Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL
