Hi… my name is Jim Harper and I’ve been married for 35 years to my wonderful wife Tammy. God has blessed us with four great kids who all love Jesus. Nate is a hire/personnel specialist in San Diego. Ben is a CPA residing with his wife Hilma in Chicago. Natalie lives with her husband Adam in Phoenix and is a Special Education teacher and Clint is serving in a church and working on his seminary training in Manchester, England.  He is also engaged to be married to Hannah next June.  We’re also quite fond of our two Dachshund pups – Rusty and Ruthy. In my personal time, I enjoy dating my wife, playing tennis, gardening, taking prayer hikes and reading good novels. If we haven’t met, I hope to connect with you soon!

I’ve been attending Desert Son since I was 9 years old, and started leading worship in our youth group at 16. I’m so grateful for those that served before me and mentored me, encouraged me, and taught me. I owe a lot to some elders, youth sponsors, and musicians that poured into me while I was growing up at DSCC. I also owe a lot to my teachers at Wayland Baptist University. I finished my bachelor’s in Christian Ministry with a minor in Music in 2017, and the lessons I learned there had a huge impact on the minister I am today. Mostly, I am grateful that God’s grace is enough to make up for my many shortcomings, and that He’s enabled me to do what I do today. I’m humbled that I have the opportunity to use my gifts to serve God while leading music and mentoring the next generation at Desert Son. My wife, Jusdina, and I have been married since 2011. We have 2 kids; Asher, 4; and Sienna, born in the summer of ‘18. Parenting is showing us just what an adventure life can be. We also have 2 dogs, 3 cats, and a constant need for vacuuming. (Translation: We vacuum in haste once a week before our Life Group comes over.) In my spare time… I’m just kidding, I don’t have spare time with a newborn and a toddler at home. But grab me after any Sunday service and let’s get to know each other!

I serve as the office manager, as well as a small group group leader for our youth and in women’s ministries.   My husband Dakota and I just welcomed our first baby boy Azariah in July 2018. I am currently finishing up my Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Ministry Leadership with Moody Bible Institute and spend my extra time reading books and writing papers for my classes. One of my greatest passions is Discipling and Mentoring women.