Occupation:  Retired engineer

Hometown:  Pelican Lake, WI

What year did you begin attending GBCC and what brought you here: 

In 1989 our family moved here for a job transfer.  We found GBCC on our house hunting trip and felt this is where God wanted us.

When did you accept Christ.  Briefly describe the circumstances:

In 1976 my wife Ann became very ill in the seventh month of pregnancy with our first child.  The doctors in Michigan couldn’t figure out what was wrong & said if they didn’t figure it out soon that she could die.  I was raised an agnostic, but that night I got on my knees at her bedside and prayed, ‘God, please don’t let my wife die’.  The next day the doctors figured out the problem!  She spent the next six weeks in the hospital then they induced labor.  Our daughter was born six weeks early at four and a half pounds.  The hospital chaplain befriended us and after everyone was home we started attending his church.  A year later I asked to be baptized.  Four years later I totally surrendered my life to Christ.

What energizes you about serving as a Shepherd Elder:

I have enjoyed using my gifts to serve others in the church, primarily in the financial coaching area and building committee projects.  I really enjoy Pre-Marital Financial Coaching and hosting the Family Love Letter Workshop.  Serving as the Elder Treasurer and subsequently on the Stewardship Team has been a good fit for me.

Free-time activities:    

Boating in the summer, house repairs, yardwork, & using my tools for whatever else needs fixing!