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 nine years old now. He attends Russian school Monday through Friday and loves playing with his buddies Valya and Eric. He loves Star Wars - both the legos and movies. He swims twice a week at a school across the street during the school year. In the winter, Andrew likes to ice skate and throw snowballs. WHen it's warm enough, he loves to ride his mountain bike. He is super outgoing, which makes it quite easy for him to fit in.

He reads, writes and speaks English and Russian and is in the middle of his class in studies. He devours books in order to "earn" screen time playing video games with dad or getting to watch a movie on the week-end. A solid 130 page book will get him 45-60 minutes of screen time. We're now looking to do the same to encourage his writing as well Thumbs Up

He misses his cousin Chris, stateside friends and the grandparents in America - but other than that, this is home.

Katie's Story

Katie, 6, attends the same Russian school school as Andrew. She started first grade this year and is doing well. It does get a little overwhelming at times but now seems to be going better. She loves to play Barbies and Little Ponies by herself or with younger brother Matthew - everything from the "Passport Please" game to "I'm the Queen, You're the King..."

Matthew's Story

Matthew - 4 - still doesn't speak a lot of Russian but understands well because of his three mornings a week in pre-school. We still call him the "Mattinator" 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.

Michael's Story

His favorite times are being undressed for a diaper change and getting upsie-downsies with dad.