I Am An
Kyle Gillooly
How did you become involved in the Influence ministry?
I’m a member of the original 16 men that Lord brought together in 2024 through Jake’s leadership. I grew up in a loving Christian home and went to church every Sunday that we could. I don’t think there was a time I didn’t know who Jesus was, and accepted Him in my life as an early teenager. But over the years I realized even though I knew I was saved, I was far from spiritual maturity. Exercising your faith, taking up your cross, and trusting in Him in ALL things would prove to be more challenging with adulthood. So for me, salvation is an everyday matter! But how thankful I am that I was able to learn that earlier in life rather than later.
I’m so thankful for the Influence Ministry and firstly the men that walked through the start of this journey together. Grown men finding vulnerability in themselves to grow in faith, grow in our earthly relationships and how to become better husbands, fathers, and disciples. There’s more to life than cattle and our careers. God has us here to love one another, to be His hands and feet, and ultimately lead others to Him. If that’s what our industry has been missing, I can’t wait to see what He has in store for Influence Livestock Ministries !
What activities do you lead or participate in? (A study, service, booth, setup, etc.)
What is your favorite Bible verse or passage of scripture and why?
Share your testimony of when you accepted Christ into your life. How has having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ changed you?
Prior to my 2nd chemo treatment, the Lord took me to James 1:2-4. It was difficult to try to “consider it all joy in trials of many kinds” but I would soon realize He was showing me how to find joy and peace in every circumstance, bettering my ability of having that same joy and peace on the other side of the trial. That same joy and peace can also be contagious!
In 2022, at the age of 43, I was diagnosed with a blood cancer called Hodgkins Lymphoma. This would truly be the ultimate test of my life! (and my family’s) But you can’t spell testimony without test. Early into treatment, I knew I had a “healing encounter” with the Lord. It didn’t make some of the side-effects of chemo any easier over those next 6 months, but Jenn and I can tell you that our trust and hope in the Lord grew stronger and belief that in all things He works for the good of those who love Him. One of the best outcomes of that trial, was the opportunity to grow closer to Travis Pembrook after his cancer diagnosis in 2023. I have often said that if the reason I went through what I did was in order to be a better friend for Travis, I’d do it again. That process showed me the difference in being a Christian and being a disciple. Me being a Christian probably wasn’t going to benefit Travis and his family, however being a better disciple showed me how to use my faith and experiences to draw closer to others…that in turn better builds His kingdom.
How would you encourage others who are currently facing a difficult circumstance?
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and how does it change how you live your life every day?