I was born October 23rd, 1960 in Petoskey, Michigan. When I was 4, my family moved to Birch Run, Michigan. There we began attending a fundamental Baptist church, and my Mom was saved. I was saved at the age of six after a Sunday night church service. I had expressed concern for my salvation, and my Dad led me to Christ in my room at home.

I was called to preach when I was 14 at summer Bible camp. I attended Hyles - Anderson College, majoring in Pastoral Theology. I graduated in 1985. I married Ruth (VanKley) in 1982, and we now have 4 children. In 1986, I became the Assistant Pastor and school administrator at Faith Baptist Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois. I served there as a staff member for 2 1/2 years. I have been an evangelist for the past several years.

While I was in college, I worked as a truck and bus mechanic, a janitor, and a cashier. When I was starting out in evangelism, I worked in a Nuclear power plant as a security guard, a supervisor, and a training administrator. In my spare time, I earned  [by correspondence] an associate’s degree in electronic engineering.

I continued to stay active in the Faith Baptist Church of Bourbonnais after leaving my staff position there. I have been a Sunday school teacher, bus driver, choir member, junior church preacher, and soulwinner. My pastor has been very supportive of my ministry as an evangelist and missionary.

Brother C.W. Fisk allowed me to join him on a missionary trip to Belarus in 1994, and again in 1995. Even before these trips, the Lord was moving in my heart about these former Soviet countries. I believe that He has called me to be a missionary there.