Seeds of Discipleship: How Brad Laws Shaped My Faith

When I was 18, my life took a turn I never expected. Growing up as a half-Hispanic, half-white kid from a low-income background, I wasn’t exactly surrounded by examples of faith. My world was hip-hop, baggy clothes, and late nights listening to Lil Wayne and Drake. I was a rapper who didn’t speak polished grammar, smoked a lot of weed, and lived life on my terms. Then came the night I gave my life to Jesus—a story for another time—and my world changed.

As a new believer, I started attending a college-age group at Hill Country Bible Church in Austin since i had given my life to Jesus at one of their events. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I needed Jesus, so I kept showing up. Most of the people there didn’t understand my background, culture, or the music that shaped me. I stood out—a hip-hop head jamming Young Money in a sea of middle-class, well-dressed, white kids who spoke a more polished English and carried study Bibles. I felt out of place, but I was hungry for God, and this group was all I had and all i knew.

One day, I was introduced to Brad Laws, or as I later nicknamed him, B-Laws. Brad stood out too, but for different reasons. He was this tall, white guy, probably 6’3” or 6’5”, with orangish hair and freckles. I remember thinking he looked like someone who wouldn’t have much in common with me. But then someone must’ve told him I was into hip-hop because he came over and started a conversation. We vibed immediately, bonding over our shared love for music. That was the first time I realized I wasn’t just a rapper anymore—I was a Christian rapper.

A Meal That Changed Everything

Brad encouraged me to grab breakfast with him to connect more. I agreed, not knowing this would be the start of something that would change my life. Over breakfast tacos at smokey moe’s, Brad made me feel seen, understood, and valued. He didn’t judge me for my rough edges or my past. Instead, he met me where I was.

At that breakfast, Brad offered to meet with me regularly to help me grow in my faith. I was hesitant at first—I didn’t feel like I belonged in the Christian world, let alone in a discipleship relationship. But I knew I needed help, and Brad was someone I felt I could trust.

We started meeting consistently, and those early mornings at smokey moe’s became a rhythm of life as we met almost every week. Brad created a space where I could be myself without fear of judgment. He showed me what it looked like to disciple someone—not as a project, but as a brother in Christ.

Learning the Basics

During our meetings, Brad taught me how to read and study the Bible. We’d dive into big chunks of Scripture, then slow down to break it apart verse by verse. He showed me how to understand the context, the author’s intent, and how to apply it to my life.

I remember him saying "you don't know it until you can reteach it" and this stuck with me because it made sense. I would have to hide the word in my heart to the point that i could teach it, thats how i would know if i really knew it.

I had so many questions—some big, some small, and some I was too embarrassed to ask. But Brad never made me feel dumb. When I forgot something, he patiently explained it again. He encouraged me to keep reading on my own, even when it felt overwhelming.

But discipleship wasn’t just about Bible study. Brad taught me about life. He opened up about his struggles, his marriage, and his walk with Christ. He showed me that being a man of God didn’t mean having it all together. It meant being honest, vulnerable, and dependent on God’s grace.

Walking Through Life Together

Brad didn’t just teach me about faith—he lived it. He invited me into his life, his family, and his world. I remember the first time he invited me to his home. I met his wife and kids, and they made me feel like part of the family. Over dinner, Brad shared stories about loving his neighbors, even those with different beliefs and backgrounds. He didn’t just preach about love; he practiced it.

I remember Brad sharing how he would evangelize with a genuine heart to help people reconcile with God and understand that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He often told me stories about having peaceful, meaningful conversations with people from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including Muslims, and how these discussions sometimes led to lasting friendships.

We talked about everything—work, relationships, mental struggles, and more. Brad taught me how to navigate the workplace as a Christian, how to honor God in my relationships, and how to fight battles like lust and anger. He made it okay to talk about things I’d always kept bottled up like porn addictions.

One day, Brad took me out to share our faith with strangers. I was nervous, but he showed me how to be bold and authentic. Another day, he introduced me to his friends, and I saw how consistent he was in his character. Brad didn’t change who he was depending on his audience.

A Season of Struggle

Things changed after my mom passed away in July of 2013. I didn’t know how to grieve, and depression crept into my life. I started pulling away from Brad and from discipleship altogether, i may have already started to do that because of the ministry i was already doing, the stuff he was doing and the travel distance between us. Brad reached out, trying to keep our connection alive, but I shut him out. The distance between us—both physically and emotionally—grew, and I slipped into a dark place.

Looking back, I regret pulling away from Brad during those times. He would have been a lifeline, someone to guide me through the storm. But in my pain, I chose isolation.

Rediscovering the Fire

10 Years later, God reignited a fire in me. I reached out to Brad, wanting to reconnect and thank him for everything he’d done for me. We met at his house, just like old times. His kids were grown now, but the warmth of his home was the same. We laughed, shared memories, and talked about how far God had brought both of us.

That meeting reminded me of the seeds Brad had planted in my life. Those early mornings at smokey moe’s, those conversations about faith and life—they weren’t wasted. They had taken root and were now bearing fruit.

The Importance of Discipleship

Brad’s investment in me wasn’t just about knowledge; it was about transformation. He showed me what it looks like to walk the walk, to live out faith in every area of life. Because of Brad, I learned the value of discipleship—not just as a recipient but as someone called to disciple others.

Today, I’m leading ministries, preaching, teaching, baptizing and discipling younger men, walk through life with them, and teach them how to study the Bible, just as Brad taught me. I share my struggles and victories, showing them that faith is a journey, not a destination.

Discipleship is the heart of the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence—walking alongside others, pointing them to Jesus, and helping them grow.

A Legacy of Faith

Brad’s obedience to God’s call to disciple me has had a ripple effect. The seeds he planted in my life have grown into a ministry that reaches others. I pray Brad knows how much I appreciate him and the impact he’s had on my life.

Note to Brad: I hope you’re proud of me because I’m proud of you. Your faithfulness to God’s call wasn’t wasted. It was a season of preparation for the fire-blazing ministry God had in store for me. Thank you for walking with me, teaching me, and showing me what it means to follow Jesus.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re reading this and wondering how you can make a difference, start with one person. Meet them where they are. Walk with them. Love them. Discipleship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about pointing people to the One who does.

Because of Brad, I’m living proof that discipleship works. It changes lives. And it’s worth every moment.