Mike and Barb were high school sweethearts who married young! They’ve now been a team (mostly happily!) for nearly 58 years. Mike became a US Army Officer, and together they left their hometown of Fargo ND and moved to many diverse places in Mike’s almost 22-year career, including his one year in Vietnam. Their favorite assignment was Alaska, and they have lived in this state steadily since 1986; many years in Ft Greely/Delta Junction, and then in Anchorage since 2005. They have two sons and nine grandchildren, and love spending time with them whenever they can. 

Mike has degrees in business areas and military experience in administration, safety and security. He also has a Bachelor of Theology degree. He is a firearms instructor, certified by the NRA and by the State of Alaska. He has taught courses in firearms safety and personal protection for the past 15 years, and has formed and trained safety and security teams for several churches. He has the heart and sense of a guardian, a protector. Mike enjoys reading, and shooting in firearms competitions, RV camping with Barb, and having family time. And when at home, he loves a braunschweiger/onion/horseradish sandwich and chocolate milk! 

Barb also enjoyed the many places they moved to, meeting people from different backgrounds.  The adventure increased after both she and Mike received Jesus in the early 1970’s. After that, they met many parts of the body of Christ as their military moves continued. Such variety! Barb also has a Master of Theology degree. They together have served in many capacities on leader teams in several churches. One favorite was leading home-based small groups through the many years. She enjoys meeting one-on-one with others, often mentoring younger believers. Strengthening personal connections is her heart. She enjoys journaling her thoughts; several of those writings were published in her first book, “The Parable of the Fly: True Strength for Tough Times.” And Barb loves coffee and dark chocolate!