By: Kelvin Oliver
T4JYM: Who, aside from Jesus, is or has been the biggest influence in your life?
AP: There have been many people who have had a big influence on my life. John MacArthur through his excellent writings, Rich Mullins through his music, his brother David Mullins through his friendship and his contact with me throughout the years, pastor James Montgomery Boice through his writings and the many letters we exchanged, a local guy named pastor larry Cory, a friend and mentor, the late Terry Ely who, to me, was a living example of integrity and walking honestly with God. And of course, my wife.
T4JYM: Can you share a short testimony with our readers?
AP: I grew up in a home affected by alcoholism. In my teen years I was suicidal and as a young man of 18, I met a gal who eventually became my girlfriend. She finally asked me to start coming to church with her family. I figured it was a small price to pay to be with her a few more hours a week. After a time, I came to believe the truth of the gospel and now this ‘girlfriend’ and I have been married for almost 23 years now.
T4JYM: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change you?
AP: Not really. It has always been a bit of a struggle for me to really think of myself as a big success of any kind. I don’t think it would be too much of a danger for me to get caught up in any of that. I am just like everyone else.
T4JYM: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?
AP: I really enjoy emailing and sometimes even calling people who have written to me after reading my articles for Infuze Magazine. That has been the most fulfilling part for me; the interaction. It is easy to see how we are all in this together and we need each other. It is amazing to me that we all struggle over similar things and we all need encouragement. The best part is that we can meet each other’s needs and encourage each other. Getting to know and interacting with the people who read my articles has been a real blessing.
T4JYM: Do you ever feel that you are not ready Spiritually to be ministering as you are doing now?
AP: Sometimes I do struggle with the things that come from my pen, so to speak, because sometimes they sound more mature than I feel I am in my present walk. But, maybe half the battle is aspiring to become what I know I can be.
T4JYM: When and how did you accept Christ into your heart?
AP: 1980. In my bedroom. I didn’t want to live, and I certainly could not go on living in hate and anger anymore. So, I asked Jesus to take control of my life. I got what I wanted. The person who I was died that night. Everything changed.
T4JYM: What is the main focus of the Infuze magazine?
AP: The main focus is on how the arts and our faith intersect and interact. Art is a reflection of the creativity of God and when we couple that with faith in the creator, we are fulfilling a little part of our reason for being here.
T4JYM: Who are some of the authors you read? Why do you like their works?
AP: I read a lot of different things. I really enjoy legal thrillers: Grisham, James Grippando, etc… James Grippando crafts a masterful story. I like legal thrillers mostly because I am in the legal field and it interests me. I also like biographies and history. I like books that teach me how to understand the Bible and how to live to please God. But, since I can’t always find the kinds of books I would like to, I went out and wrote the kind of book I would like to read.
T4JYM: Who are some of the actors/actresses you like? What is it about them that you appeals to you?
AP: I really like the acting of John Malkovich, he is a great bad-guy. I really like Gary Sinise, he’s a good actor and I hear he’s a political conservative to boot! Also, I think there are a lot of good actresses but I don’t really have a favorite per se, there are many who are very talented.
T4JYM: What is the last movie you saw?
AP: I saw “National Treasure.” Excellent movie! I saw it twice.
T4JYM: What is your job position for the Infuze magazine?
AP: On the Infuze staff I am technically an Opinion Columnist, which means in my blog I write everything from reviews to opinion columns to devotional writings for people to reflect over. I recently finished a novel, which I am hoping to publish, and may put it out there in my blog as a sneak preview before trying to market it. It’s about time travel.
T4JYM: Who do you look up to the most in life?
AP: Lots of people. My late grandparents, my parents, my wife, kids and friends.
T4JYM: Do you ever feel fear when you approach someone with the Gospel?
AP: All the time. Only because I am flawed and it is scary to know that I could turn someone off by my mistakes or by saying the wrong thing. Fear of rejection is a struggle.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in writing?
AP: Write often. Write about things that interest you. Keep a journal of your life, and write about anything and everything. And don’t let criticism stop you. Not everyone will agree with what you write, but that does not matter. Don’t try to write like anyone else, write like yourself.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to someone interested in publishing their works?
AP: I need that kind of advice myself. If anyone has some good suggestions, please feel free to let me know!
T4JYM: Are you involved in your own home church? What role do you have there?
AP: I served on the board of elders at my local church for about 6 years. I stepped down a few years ago in order to pursue writing and to seek God more deeply. At present, I spend time discipling when the opportunity arises. Plus, I am presently the church librarian.
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