Testimony of salvation and call:

I was raised in a Christian home, but it was not until my sophomore year of college that I realized I had not been truly saved. I called on the Lord to save me and from that day on my life and goals were changed forever. My desires changed from living for myself to living for God. Christmas of 1990 God called me to the mission field. Sherry's testimony is similar as she made a profession of faith in her youth. God gave her assurance of salvation in college and placed a strong desire for foreign missions in her heart. We were married in 1994 and for 4 years sought the Lord's will concerning which field of service He had for us. In November of 1998 the Lord showed us clearly that He wanted us to serve Him in Yap, Micronesia.

Ministry:

We arrived in Yap in 2001 and began to build a house in the Northern municipality of Gagil. We began holding Bible studies in our home and built a pole shelter for the group as numbers grew. By Christmas we had outgrown the pole shelter and built a large porch in which to meet. The need to have a larger and permanent place to meet was evident to all the believers. After much prayer and searching, the Lord provided land in Makiy, Gagil for a church building. Our first church service on the new property was Christmas of '03. We incorporated as Faith Baptist Church in January 2004 and constructed a concrete church building. It was completed just days before Yap was hit with a category 4 typhoon. It endured wind gusts of over 170 mph. God protected our church as it was one of a few man made structures that were not significantly damaged or destroyed.

Much of our second term has involved construction. Upon our return from furlough we helped to build a house for our team mates, Bob and Polly Whitmore. Because construction materials were limited and very expensive, we milled all the lumber needed and made our own cement blocks. Also, during our second term, God opened the doors for a Christian radio ministry. After completing the construction of the studio and transmitting building and the erection of the tower, Joy Family Radio, 88.9 FM went on the air. We are broadcasting 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week. God is using this ministry to draw many to Him. Because the people live in remote villages and secluded areas, there are people listening to the Gospel message through radio that we would never have opportunity to meet. Recently we have had a large addition of outer islanders within the church. Our hearts rejoice to see God's Hand of blessing and new people coming to Christ. Please continue to pray for the young people of our island that God would use them to lead the next generation of Yapese to Christ.