Joseph, a dynamic and multifaceted individual, is fuelled by an unwavering passion for the art of storytelling and harnessing the powerful medium of film to advance the Kingdom of Christ, thereby fulfilling his divine purpose and leaving a lasting impact on the world.
As a visionary, Joseph co-founded the Thorn Crown Project alongside his loving wife, Stacie, in the year 2011, shortly after their union in matrimony, with the ambitious goal of producing a series of films that would inspire, educate, and uplift audiences worldwide.
Joseph's life's trajectory commenced in an Old Order Amish family, where he was born to an Amish minister, a patriarch who played a pivotal role in shaping his early years. Growing up, Joseph was immersed in a traditional Amish upbringing, characterized by a lack of electricity, reliance on horse-drawn transportation, and a distinctive attire that was a hallmark of his community. His father, as a respected Amish minister, instilled in him the conviction that salvation was attainable through good works and church membership, a belief that would later be challenged and refined through Joseph's personal Bible study.
As Joseph delved deeper into the scriptures, he began to uncover the truth, a revelation that would have far-reaching consequences. He discovered that salvation is, in fact, a gift from God, received through faith, rather than through works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This newfound understanding led to a profound shift in Joseph's perspective, one that would ultimately create tension with the church elders. The conflicts that ensued ultimately resulted in his family's excommunication from the Amish church when Joseph was just fourteen years old, a turning point in his life that would shape his future and his faith.
Prior to his tenure as a pastor, Joseph embarked upon a multifaceted journey that spanned the United States and Mexico, serving as a gospel chalk art evangelist. This formative experience not only refined his mastery of storytelling, but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the power of audio-visual presentations in effectively communicating truth and conveying the message of the gospel.
Through this role, Joseph gained valuable insights into the importance of high-quality promotional film projects in informing and educating supporting churches about their mission and the work being done to spread the word of God.
Joseph and Stacie embarked on a three-week adventure in the breathtakingly beautiful Andes mountains of Peru in 2013, where they dedicated their time to capturing the essence of a Christian school's promotional project. This incredible experience had a profound impact on Joseph's approach to filmmaking, and he attributes his faith as a key driving force behind his creative endeavors. He is deeply grateful to be able to collaborate with his beloved wife, Stacie, on each and every project, having her by his side is a constant source of inspiration and support.
Joseph's multifaceted career trajectory, marked by an unwavering enthusiasm for narrative-driven artistic expression, has been shaped by his multifaceted pursuits as a spiritual leader, creative visionary, and cinematic storyteller.
