Nearly 16 years have passed since that first meeting, and Davis, 30, is now the leader of his own Christian group. He has been hired as the new director of youth and family ministries at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes.

Although Davis, a Newark native, was officially hired by Bethel Church in May, his youth duties really started heating up this summer. He started an active youth group in June, for students in sixth through 12th grades. He also organized a new teen Bible study that met at the church each Tuesday morning, followed by an afternoon at the beach. July brought on more activity when Davis led a team of 33 volunteers on a weeklong mission trip to Bridgeton, N.J., to help revamp buildings in a depressed neighborhood. He wrapped up the summer with a fun trip to Six Flags amusement park for his youth group in August.

While it has only been a short time since this summer’s mission trip, Davis is already starting to plan next year’s volunteer work. By all accounts, this year’s mission trip was an enormous success, but Davis hopes to also fulfill needs closer to home. The trip cost $16,500 for travel, food and lodging and required a lot of contributions and fundraising.

“This mission was so satisfying for all of us and the residents were so appreciative,” said Davis. “The work we did there simply would not have gotten done without our help.” Davis said the group painted entire houses and built porches and wheelchair ramps. But while he feels the trip was definitely worthwhile, he hopes to organize similar mission work for next summer closer to home. “We know there are needs right here,” said Davis.

This fall, Davis’ youth group, named Fuel, will again be meeting each Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. As Davis makes plans for the group’s future, it is the name of this organization that hints at his own past.

A graduate of Glasgow High School, Davis earned his associate’s degree in mechanics from Delaware Technical & Community College in Stanton. He then worked as a mechanic for several car dealerships. It was during that time he attempted to become a professional racecar driver. He raced drag cars throughout the East and Midwestern states.

“It didn’t go very well,” admitted Davis. “I spent a lot of money and I lost a lot of money. I won a little, but not enough to make it worthwhile.”

But while one dream was fading, another one was just beginning. Because the Christian group called Young Life was so inspirational to Davis during his high school years, he started doing volunteer work for the organization at Newark High School while he was still racing. He continued volunteering there for five years and then was offered a full-time position as a Young Life area director in Milford. It was also through Young Life that Davis met his future wife, Tara, who is currently a fourth-grade teacher at Woodbridge Elementary School. Davis and his wife continue to live in Milford with their 5-month-old son, Parker.

All of the youth activities directed by Davis are open to the community and are not limited to church members.