Our Story

God used a variety of circumstances and confirmations in directing both of us to Siberia.

Gardner's Story

As a teenager, I thought I had it all - a job, new truck, expensive toys - and needed no one. But I didn't have peace with others or with God. One day I was invited to a church group where I began asking spiritual questions. After months of examining the credentials of Christianity, at age 18, I asked Jesus Christ to take control of my life and forgive me for my sins.

For the first time in my life, I experienced the total peace and unconditional love of my Creator. I found a wonderful church home in Danville, California, and got involved in high school and young adult ministries.

Three years later, I knew God was leading me to teach His Word and serve in vocational ministry. I completed my BA in Biblical Studies at Biola University and served as youth pastor while completing my M Div at Talbot School of Theology.

Rebecca and I met at Biola in September of '96. After ministering in Chad, Africa, and then also in Russia on short-term mission trips, I felt called to serve Christ overseas full-time in order to maximize my impact for Christ in an area with so little hope.

Rebecca's Story

Many people have asked what it is like living in Siberia with three little kids. It is not easy and many days I long for the comforts of home. But most other days I feel like this is home. I think as long as we are living abroad we will be stuck between two worlds.

Coming from So CA I would never have imagined that people can live and function in such extreme weather climates. But they can and do! The worst part for me is when I forget to tuck my long hair in my hat and it freezes and turns white. It is also uncomfortable to when you get little icicles on your eyelashes. But on the flip side I have gained a love for ice skating and cross country skiing, both of which I can walk outside my door and enjoy, most months of the year.

Although we learn to deal with the extreme and long winter we sure enjoy summer! We long for the months when we can walk outside without needing four or more layers to stay warm. Our summer highlights are camp on Lake Baikal and picnics in nature!

I've enjoyed teaching seminars to English teachers throughout Buryatia, teaching English before our church services and teaching a bit of English at our preschool (to help our kids adjust).

Andrew's Story

Andrew is six years old now. He attends a preschool here every morning and is doing GREAT with his Russian. He loves playing with his friends, neighbor kids, playing soccer and doing BOY stuff. He is super outgoing, which makes it quite easy for him to fit in, that hasn't been a problem at all.

Katie's Story

Katie, 4, also attends preschool several mornings a week. She too speaks and understands Russian well. Just the other day, she turns to me and asks, "Mom, how do you say капат in English?" Andrew and Katie have English school (taught by mom) with two other missionary kids in our house twice a week. This is a highlight for all because they LOVE playing together.

Katie sings more Russian than English but this will probably change when we go on homeservice this fall.

Matt's Story

Matthew - 2- still doesn't speak much but understands both languages perfectly. We call him the "Mattenador" after the "Terminator" because he destroys just about everything with the cutest little smile on his face. He definitely keeps us on our toes - ALL BOY!

He loves to eat, anything - posi and pelmeny are all the kids' favorites and mom's homemade pizza. Mom is looking forward to when we get home and having the ability to just go buy the pizza!