About OUR BOARD

I grew up in the Truman Lake area, having lived in both Warsaw and Clinton. I have a BS in Agricultural Business from Missouri State University. I am married to Tricia (20 years!) and have a son and daughter. I have been a member of First Baptist Church Clinton since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior in September of 2011. I am a deacon, am involved in many mission and ministry activities and have held many committee positions at FBC Clinton. I look to the opportunity to disciple men in a Christ centered program that will help them gain knowledge, skills, confidence and courage to lead their families back to a biblically sound family environment.

Board member David Kelsay was born in Clinton in 1955, and grew up in the Urich area. After

graduating from Sherwood High School, he went on to attend William Jewell College where he

earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. After graduation, he worked in the Kansas City area

for a couple of years before returning to Henry County in 1980, when an opportunity arose for

him to work at the Kansas City Power and Light (now Evergy) Montrose Station plant west of

Clinton. He was promoted there to the position of Plant Chemist where he oversaw the water

purification and treatment for the boilers. His employment continued there until 2011, when

he retired.

David has been a member of 1 st Baptist Church in Clinton for more than 40 years. Over the

years, he has served in a number of teaching and music ministry positions. He currently serves

in the GriefShare ministry, and plays the piano for the weekly Celebrate Recovery services. In

his spare time, he does substitute teaching at Clinton Christian Academy.

I lived most of my life in Henry county born in Clinton at the General Hospital that was on 3rd st. between  Green & Jefferson streets. Graduated the new Clinton High School May 1965 and then was Drafted May 1966 into the Army, married the love of my heart Sherry July 24 while being Trained at Fort Riley Kansas until December 20th 1966. Sent to  Vietnam January 1, 1967  for real life training, and I give credit to the training and God that I got to come home  January 1, 1968. This experience caused me to turn to alcohol for way to many years of my early married life and it’s this  experience of my past that I want to serve on this board. 

Owned my own construction LLC  for 42 years and have built many building projects starting in Clinton and reaching to St. Louis, Mo. to. Tulsa, Ok , Topeka, Ks and to Saint Joseph, Mo. A member of FBC for 26years, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, have gone on many Missions with Mo. Baptist Disaster Relief on Hurricane and Tornado storms. Helped start the Celebrate Recovery mission in our church over 15 years ago. I believe in the CR program  and excited about the lives that God will change through this Discipleship Center. 

 I was born near the small community of LaDue in southwest Henry County. I grew up on a farm and have been a farmer most of my life except for service in the United States Army for two years. I also attended Missouri University with an  emphasis in agriculture. While there, I was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity.

I accepted Christ as my Savior in the spring of 1956 and have been an avid follower of Jesus Christ ever since. I am a member of First Baptist Church where i serve as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. I have also served as a trustee and a member of several other committees.

I am a past member and president of the Henry County Cattleman and in 2014 i was honored with being named the Henry County Ag person of the Year.

I am married to Wanda Batschelett and together we have four children, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

It is my privilege to be part of the Forged  by Christ board of directors.

I was recently you! I was the one that needed help fixing my life of bad choices filled with broken relationships of family and friends. I have been in various jails 34 plus times. Been to prison 4 times. I was a drug addict that supported my life style by dealing vast amounts of meth to others.  Then I found God in another jail cell.  Between  His grace and mercy and the men He placed in my life I was given another chance at a rewarding abundant life. So this center is a dream of mine to give back what was so freely given to me. I look  forward to helping you grow in your relationship with God, each other, your families, and your communities.  I know if I could do it anyone else can. I look forward to showing you my path and helping you find your own