About us: Our Story
Steve’s Story
Imagine a self-centered rebellious Eastern mystic with no Christian upbringing getting blown out of an exploding building at age 19. Now imagine that same conceited philosophy-lover, now convicted by the Holy Spirit of Christ’s resurrection, praying, “Well, Lord, I guess this is it; I want you to be my Savior.” This was me in 1969.
Floods of cleansing washed my heart, light illuminated my benighted mind, and commitment to the King of Glory immediately replaced the squalor of those darkened chambers. Three things became readily apparent from that moment:
- Commitment to Truth is foundational.
- Jesus is Lord; He dictates to me, not vice versa.
- The Bible has the answer to all of life.
And thus, I commenced devouring of the Scriptures hitherto unknown to me (four or five hours daily), spent weekly one-on-one discipleship sessions in the Word (six or seven hours at a sitting), and a spontaneously shared the glad tidings everywhere I went—with friends, family, on campus, and at parks. One could describe it as a well of water springing up to eternal life. From the earliest recollection of those days, this passage simmered its fire deep within me: “And thus I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named... as it is written, ‘They who have no news of Him shall see.’” (Romans 15:20,21 NASB)
Years followed of preaching, testifying, counseling, teaching the Word of Life: in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Honduras, Senegal, and Gambia. Then, in 1998, the desire of my heart was realized: residence missionary service in the jungles, villages, and cities of Nigeria.
Patti's Story
Being brought up in a Christian home at a very early age I developed a sensitivity to sin, feeling the pull of temptation, but not wanting to head down that path. Confiding my troubled heart to my loving mother, she gently shared the Word of God with me. Pointing out the love, forgiveness and life Christ offers we prayed together. I quietly received Christ as my Savior. I was nine years old.
It is with fondness that I look back on all the messages from the Word of God heard each Sunday. Singing praises, Sunday School lessons, and enjoying missionary study classes filled my early years. These were my happy places. Bible camp was always a favorite, and I later counseled at camp, taught Sunday School, and always loved listening to various missionaries around our family table.
Since I was twelve years old, my heart’s desire was to be a missionary somewhere to devote my whole life to His service. I was already preaching the gospel to friends, acquaintances, and adults. That ambition had to wait many years, however, as my father did not think it advisable for a single woman to venture forth on the foreign field alone.
Concerning the pursuit of my love of drawing and painting. Well, it began when recovering from an eye operation for I was cross-eyed as a child. When the first patch came off my mother had me tracing images from books. Later in the 6th grade I had a wonderful art teacher. She was so helpful giving us all kinds of art projects. In high school art was my elective of choice. This is where style and creativity developed. There was a one-year rest from developing art skills when for one year I went to a one-year Bible school. This strengthened my commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and telling others of the salvation He offers. Then off again with that art education to one college and then to a university, and final graduation.
For a few years I worked to support myself, though for the most part still living at home. There were two particular paintings accomplished at this time that were sold to my co-workers. This brought a very pleasing feeling in my heart. Through the years many different drawings and paintings emerged from my soul. Then one day things would never be the same.
Thanks to the Lord, at age thirty I met and married a wonderful man who shared my heart’s desire to bring the love of Christ to other parts of the world while still encouraging my art. My aspiration was to be a godly wife and mother to live the life of Christ as a fragrant aroma among one and all still using those art skills for the gospel messages sent out.
Together
After Steve’s return from Senegal, we met a student from Nigeria here in the States. A year and a half of discipleship took place in our home until he returned to his land. Now what? “Why don’t we pray about whether the Lord wants us to go to Nigeria,” asked the better half. And so, we did for one and a half years. Then this passage blazoned its light unmistakably in our hearts: “Behold, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander for the peoples. Behold, you will call a nation you do not know, and nations which do not know you will run to you, because of the Lord your God.” (Isaiah 55:4-5 NASB).
We informed the brethren in our home church, asking them to pray whether this seemed good to them and the Holy Spirit. Six months later they unanimously concurred, and two months afterwards we arrived in Nigeria with five children on a one-way ticket. That was 1998. Ten years in West Africa followed, full of bush evangelism, intensive discipleship, establishing home churches, teaching, advising, writing books, producing a gospel film, and broadcasting numerous Bible radio programs.
After our grown children had settled in their various endeavors, we headed back to Nigeria for five years of more of the same. We’re now back in the States to hopefully contribute to the return of multitudes to simple biblical discipleship according to the pattern of Christ. Pray for us, brethren, that the Lord will open a door for effective service, for there are many adversaries. Blessings on you.