Identity

I am a Christian. I belong to God. I am a father and a husband.

I’m an ordained minister. The best part of seminary was learning how to read Scripture in the original languages.

I’m a programmer. I’ve also been programming computers since 1974. Computers have been for me just another tool to help get done what needs doing.

I’m a teacher. My favorite parts of ministry have been preaching and teaching. I love helping groups of people find new understanding and ability.

Role

I have always wanted to serve God through Scripture translation. In a strange twist of events, I was able to begin doing just that in 2004.

Now, I have the privilege of using a wide variety of gifts to serve translation projects around the world. I program, I teach, I preach.

I can’t think of anything I’d rather do!

Challenge

The needs of this work are unique. You might call me a commuter missionary.

Five years ago, I would have disdained that role. Too often are we ministering from afar. I believe missions is best done by sinking in among a people for a long, long time.

But enter the Bible Societies of the world: they need someone who can visit several continents and cultures a day. They need someone who can go in person when need be, and who can easly reach global training centers. It just so happens Grand Rapids has a great airport, good internet connections, and is an easy drive to one of our training hotspots: Toronto.

So when people ask, “Where do you serve?” I have to tell them, “My body is usually in Grand Rapids. My mind is usually in a different country. My heart, well, my heart and my hope are the same place yours are.”