About Michael Troutman

It started with a barn door.

In 2023, I was lost. I had just been fired from my job, my wife had just given birth to our first child as a part-time nurse, and was looking to me to provide.

I had no idea what I was doing.

I had graduated with a psychology degree from Asbury University, and was pursuing a master’s in marriage and family therapy.

However, the more I progressed through the program, the more I thought, “Something feels off. This is all focused on techniques and human effort to manage behavior. But there’s almost no room for the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit to bring about true heart transformation.”

But I still had a burning desire to do two things: 1) help people (make an impact for the Kingdom) — and 2) provide for my family.

Then one afternoon on the golf range, everything changed.

I was hitting balls, when a family friend and I started talking. You see, my little brother had already mentioned to him earlier that I enjoyed building things. So, he started to explain these Ancient Roman — almost Hebrew-style — barn doors that he wanted for his kitchen.

I told him I could make it happen.

Three years later, I now have a sole proprietorship carpentry business, finishing over 30+ custom projects for friends, family, and new clients.

And best of all, my wife has officially stepped away from nursing to raise our children at home.

The God of Israel is the reason I have work. I fully believe that He alone is the One who provides me with clients. He protects my family. And He blesses the work of my hands. And all of it is for His glory.

My life exists for the purpose of the Kingdom of God, and that affects how I run my business too. Every week, Yahweh provides exactly what I need — often right on time.

And if I’ve learned anything, it’s this — don’t let fear keep you from trying new things. Almost every job I’ve taken over the last three years has been something new.

The scriptures say that those who are filled with the Spirit of the Father do not have a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. So every time I feel worried about the challenge in front of me, I immediately turn to Yahweh and ask for His mercy, protection, and guidance. He holds us up, keeps us safe, and guides our hands.

But even through all the work that He has blessed me with, one of the greatest gifts of my life has actually been: ‘not working.’

Over these last few years, that gift has been keeping the Sabbath. Yahweh commands us to rest, and keep His Sabbath holy, free from work. It has kept me centered on what matters most — Yahweh, His Son, and my family. Because as much as I need to provide for my family, they need me present, active, and leading them well.

I love woodworking, but what I love even more is this: obeying the Father and His Son.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

For His glory, by these hands.

It started with a barn door.