August 9, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ,

Oftentimes we find ourselves in a place where we want our circumstance to change. We desperately want things to be easier and better. We’re hoping for life to become more convenient and simpler to manage.  Sometimes what we really need, however, is a fresh revelation for our current circumstance. We need a change in the way we're thinking about our situation. We need eyes to see and ears to hear what God is showing us and teaching us. This may or may not change our circumstance, but it will certainly transform our character. Our outward lives may not become easier immediately, but our inward peace and strength will be greater.  Seek God’s presence. Pray for wisdom. God is faithful. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Yours in Christ, Father Brandon

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July 30, 2026

Brandon Dasinger - Spiritual Autobiography

Words cannot express how excited I am to be the new priest at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and how excited our family is to be a part of the Hartwell community. I’m filled with immense gratitude as I reflect upon the journey that has brought us to this place. Whenever I think of my faith journey, three words immediately jump to my mind: people, places, and grace. I immediately think of people, because neither our callings nor our ministries happen in isolation. God has constantly surrounded me with people who have mentored me, encouraged me, and supported me. I think about my youth group when I was in High School and how for the first time I saw people who had a real relationship with Christ. I did not grow up in church as a child, but started attending a church in High School. Within that youth group, I witnessed a group of young people who loved one another and welcomed me with open arms. It was this youth group who loved me into the faith. I think about my youth ministers and pastors who saw gifts in me that I didn’t see in myself. These were individuals I could learn from and serve alongside. I think about professors and fellow students in college and seminary who have both inspired and challenged me. I think about my wife and kids who have taught me so much about God’s love and goodness. Being a husband and a father has truly been the greatest blessing and responsibility in my life. My wife and I have now been married for 20 years and I’m so grateful for her friendship, support, and encouragement. Her own willingness to take steps of faith has encouraged my own faith. My kids are now 16, 12, and 8 years old. We have also been foster parents to several other children. It has been both the greatest challenge and greatest joy to love and care for each child. My kids have taught me so much about the love and goodness of God.

Second, when I reflect on my faith journey I think about places. In the Old Testament, God’s people made a practice of piling large rocks as monuments to the Lord’s provision. These monuments were to be reminders of God’s faithfulness. While I’ve never piled rocks onto each other, there are certain locations and places that remind me of God’s goodness. The church camp I attended as a youth is one of these places. I attended youth camp there four straight years. It is also the place where God originally called me into the ministry. Another place is Asbury Theological Seminary where I went for my Master of Divinity degree and later for my Doctor of Ministry degree. It was the first place my wife and I lived after we were married. We left our families in Alabama pursuing God’s calling on our life and we experienced so much provision and grace in the process. In addition to the education I received, we were incredibly blessed through the diverse community, chapel services, and other opportunities for spiritual formation. We had very little money in those years and yet God provided for us in every way. We still go back to Asbury each year and each year we are reminded of God’s faithfulness. In addition, Saint Meinrad Abbey has become a special place for me over the past few years. A few months ago I completed my studies and was confirmed as a Benedictine Oblate. An oblate is simply someone who becomes affiliated with a particular monastery and commits to their Rule of Life. The Rule of Life consists of being attentive to God’s presence by meditating on the gospels, keeping the daily offices, and participating frequently in the sacraments. The end goal is for an oblate’s life to become a generous oblation (offering) of oneself to God. I’ve now been to the abbey several times and will continue to have a spiritual retreat at the abbey once a year, Lord willing.

The last place I think about is not a specific building, but a country. For the past six years, I’ve served part-time as the Executive Director of Project 82 Kenya, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the orphan and the vulnerable in Kenya. I am incredibly blessed to work with such an amazing staff, board, and sponsors. I am incredibly blessed by the amazing children and families who are a part of this ministry. It is a holy calling to be a part of a team that is called to protect and care for the vulnerable. As I think back about the churches I’ve served, the schools I've attended, and the mission trip locations, these each were places where God has shaped my faith and ministry. Like the stone monuments of the Israelites, these locations remind me that there is a God who never fails, never leaves, and who is always faithful. The third word that comes to my mind in my faith journey is grace. Saint Paul says in 1 Corinthians: “By the grace of God, I am who I am.” I share that same sentiment.

As I look back on my past and the direction I was heading, it is truly amazing that I am here right now. Not that I’m perfect, but only God’s grace can explain the change that has occurred within me. My life simply does not make sense apart from God’s presence and spirit. It is God’s grace that has saved me, guided me, and equipped me. In fact, one of the things I love about St. Andrew’s and the Episcopal Church is that we have a strong optimism when it comes to God’s grace. We believe God’s grace is for ALL people and that ALL people are welcomed to God’s table.

So if you’re looking for a church community, please come check us out! We’d love to meet you!

God Bless, Father Brandon, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church