We are excited to introduce our newest member of the Blueprint team, Layton Kauffman. Layton knows all things construction, is from Wisconsin (no, he doesn't wear a cheese hat), and is so much fun. We sat down with him for a brief get-to-know-you session. Join us in welcoming Layton to our team!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in northern Wisconsin in a beautiful little town named Hayward. It is home of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the American Birkebeiner Ski Race, and the Lumberjack World Championships.
Wisconsin is a long way from Texas, what brought you down here?
I came down here for Bible College at International Bible Center.
Do you miss the snow?
Snow itself, NO. However, I do miss some of the activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Not many people from Texas can say they've fallen through a frozen lake three times. That is quite the experience and not one you easily forget.
Tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my lovely wife Claudia. We have a beautiful two year old named Amiliyah and we are expecting our son Eli in March.
You have a background in construction AND ministry? Tell us about that.
Growing up, our lives were always about construction. We built everything from garages to chicken coops, dog kennels, and roofs. If it needed to get done we figured out a way to do it, and this was before YouTube could show you how. I have also remodeled two homes of my own here in San Antonio.
As far as ministry goes, I graduated from International Bible College and have spent the last 10 years on staff with the missionary organization Youth for Christ. I worked with middle and high school students, teen parents, and interns. I also served as the camp director.
What made you want to do inner-city ministry?
In Wisconsin, my family lived and worked as missionaries on a Native American Indian Reservation called LCO. The reservation saw many living in poverty, suffering from addictions, and living without hope. When I came to San Antonio for Bible College, I naturally gravitated toward families and individuals experiencing these same difficulties. My family lives in the west side of San Antonio and has been investing ourselves in the lives of teen parents.
What are you most looking forward to at Blueprint?
I'm excited to be working with my hands in the restoration projects Blueprint offers to those families living in sub-standard housing. I am looking forward to not just restoring homes, but lifting people up spiritually and showing them hope and self worth through Jesus.
What do you hope to accomplish with the Community Construction Director position?
I hope that through me the Lord will be able to bring individuals into a better understanding of Him. I hope to accomplish this by bringing individuals together to serve while helping those in their own city. Unity has always been important to me. I look forward to uniting people from different backgrounds - economically, socially, culturally, and generationally.
What are some of your interests or hobbies?
Green Bay Packers, Clash of Clans, and Candy Crush.
Do you have any irrational fears?
No, all my fears are rational. You can't trust anything that has eight legs.
What's playing in your car stereo right now?
Sports radio talk. At this very second it would be the Dan Patrick Show.
