Russ
I was saved at the age of six. I grew up in an independent Baptist church in east Tennessee which supported missionaries, yet I never thought about being one. I went to Pensacola Christian College with the intent to become an engineer. But the summer after my freshman year, I went on a missions trip to Mexico, and the Lord showed me He had other plans for my life. Shortly after the trip, I received the call to become a missionary. I changed my major to Bible and began preparing for the mission field still not knowing where God wanted me to go.
Upon graduation, I married my wife Bianca. Since her mother is a German citizen, this was my introduction to the country and culture of Germany. I have visited Germany on seven different occasions. After taking some high school students from the Christian school I was teaching at on a missions trip to Germany, God impressed upon me the need for gospel preaching churches to be established there for the German people.
While preparing to go to Germany, I earned a Master of Divinity degree from Pensacola Theological Seminary. Seeking further training, I then attended Virginia Beach Theological Seminary where I completed the course work for a Master of Theology degree. During my time in the two seminaries, I gained experience in church ministry including preaching, being a youth director, teaching various Sunday school classes, being involved in music ministry, and teaching for three years at a Christian school. I know that God has prepared me for the ministry of making disciples among the German people through the establishment of local churches and the training of national leadership.
Bianca
I grew up in an American/German home in sunny Florida. Although I lived in America, I felt as if sometimes I knew more about German culture than American culture. My mother and grandmother made sure to keep our German heritage in our home and life. I frequently took trips to visit Germany in which I was immersed in the German language.
During my early childhood, I grew up in a Catholic home and rarely went to church. When I was 15, my neighbor invited me to a revival at his church. I went, and after hearing the Gospel clearly presented, I knew that I needed to trust Christ and His righteousness to justify me instead of my own works.
After my sophomore year in high school, I went to a Christian camp and dedicated my life to full time ministry. From that point on, I decided that I would serve the Lord fully in all that I did. I attended Pensacola Christian College with the goal of becoming a school music teacher. After my sophomore year in college, I took a trip to Germany. An unsaved German said to me, "Missionaries go to the islands, and Africa, and Mexico, but what about Germany? Germany is cold and needs missionaries, too." Soon the Lord began working on my heart about the spiritual needs of people around the world, and specifically of Germany. I immediately switched my major to missions.
During this time, I met Russ at church, and we were married in 2001. I have always had the desire to use music on the mission field with children; therefore, while my husband pursued further seminary education, I completed a Masters in Church Music. Since then I have sought to serve God wherever I can in the local church. I have helped Russ in Sunday school ministries, led choirs, counseled in a homeless women's ministry, and taught and administered in Christian school.
God has blessed us with two miracle daughters, Madeline Noelle and Amelia Julienne. They both serve as a constant reminder that God is good and remembers the faithful prayers of His people. My goal as a missionary wife is to be a help and encouragement to my husband in whatever he needs.
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