Raised in the American Midwest and later in southern Florida, Dana excelled as an athlete, student, illustrator, and outdoorsman. His early life was filled with academic success and countless hours on the water fishing and diving. Yet, during those years, he recognizes that admiration for creation at times eclipsed devotion to the Creator. Though he professed faith, his surrender to Christ was partial and conditional.

That trajectory changed dramatically after surviving a severe illness and prolonged coma. In the aftermath, doctors discovered large heterotopic bone growths in his left hip and knee, resulting in the loss of use of the left side of his lower body. What followed was more than a year confined to bed, numerous complex reconstructive surgeries, radiation treatments, and extended physical therapy, accompanied by chronic and intense pain.

In that season of suffering, the Lord deepened Dana’s faith and brought him into full surrender. What appeared as devastation became a defining moment of grace. Through weakness, he was given clarity. Through loss, he discovered calling. He came to see that human strength, achievement, and moral effort cannot redeem the soul. As the Apostle Paul teaches in Romans, humanity is lost apart from Christ. Salvation is not earned by good works but given by grace through faith in the crucified and risen Lord.

Today, Dana’s ministry reflects that hard-won conviction. His leadership in Latin America is marked by perseverance, humility, and bold Gospel witness. He labors to raise up indigenous leaders, strengthen churches, and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of the world.

Together with his wife, he continues to serve faithfully in Guatemala, trusting that the same Lord who refined him through suffering now sends him to proclaim hope, healing, and new life in Christ.