Our call to missions
In a world where many drift away from their faith after school, we found our way back to God, leaving behind the darkness and loneliness. Katie and I recommitted our lives to Christ in Central Oregon, unaware that God was weaving our paths together. Our journey began at a Bible study in Bend, Oregon, in February 1998, leading to a beautiful engagement on Easter and our marriage that summer. Two years later, we welcomed our son Nickolas, and just 14 months after that, our family was complete with the blessing of our daughter Sydney.
Life before becoming missionaries
Katie and I were immersed in our full-time jobs and busy schedules with our kids, yet we sensed something was lacking. Our involvement in church, home groups, and Bible studies was fulfilling, but God had a unique direction for us. After participating in short-term missions through our church, our passion for serving others deepened. Following God's guidance through simple acts of obedience, we embraced full-time ministry as volunteer missionaries with Youth With A Mission. Truly, God’s timing is always perfect!
The call
In 2011, we began to feel a divine calling in our lives, even though we were uncertain about His purpose at that time. Through a season of patient waiting, God prepared our hearts to respond with a heartfelt, “YES LORD.” When the moment arrived, we made the difficult decision to sell our cherished dream home in Terrebonne, Oregon—a home we had lovingly designed and built with His guidance. Astonishingly, against the backdrop of a challenging economy, it sold in less than 24 hours! We packed up our kids and headed to Kona, Hawaii to do a Discipleship Training School with YWAM, Youth With A Mission.
Our Journey to Micronesia
Where
Micronesia is a captivating region in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising five countries: the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Islands, Nauru, andibati. Additionally, there are three U.S. territories in the northern part, including Guam and Northern Mariana Islands. It was during our time serving on the Hawaii Aloha with YWAM Ships Kona in the Marshall Islands that we felt a strong calling from God, leading us to this beautiful and diverse area. We are excited to follow calling and serve the communities in the South Pacific.
How
Seeing how all of the countries in Micronesia are islands, we felt compelled that a boat would come into play. During our search for a Family DTS and YWAM, we found out about YWAM Ships, and soon after learned about their call to Micronesia. YWAM Ships provided additional skills in navigation through their School of Navigation and Seamanship or SONS School. If you are interested in learning more about boats and missions, we highly recommend this school.
When
We started our journey in 2013 and as we reflected on our two years of service with YWAM Ships, we were filled with gratitude for the profound calling that led us to the Republic of the Marshall Islands. In 2014, we searched for the right boat, and when we found Cloud Nine, it felt like a clear sign from God that we were on the right path. Setting sail in 2015, we joyfully settled in Ebeye, Republic of the Marshall Islands, eager to embrace the mission that was ahead. This journey has truly highlighted the beauty of God's perfect timing in our lives