Brian is a preacher’s kid whose dad led him to Christ as a young boy. In his teen years, the family moved to Europe where he met and fell for Karen, an Air Force brat. They are graduates of James Madison University. Brian studied business and had a long career with Baxter Healthcare. While there, he also did course work at Trinity Intl. University, and taught Sunday schools, homegroups, and workplace bible studies. After early "retirement", Brian joined Greater Europe Mission where he has helped train and equip 250+ missionaries.
Brian and Karen were part of the team that started Hope 20 years ago and have served in many roles including homegroup, youth, and outreach cohort leaders. Karen is a women's ministry coordinator and on the tech team. Brian is on the kids teaching team and oversees church finances.
"Hope has been a blessing and joy in our walk with Jesus. Our passions for the Lord, His Word, His people, and His mission were fully realized through the ministries from, to, and with Hope. We echo our founding pastor Wayne's prayer that God use Hope to change the world. We see God answering that prayer."
Brian and Karen have two married children, two adorable grandchildren and love to travel in their spare time. Growing up, they both moved too many times to count, but after they were married, they found Lake Villa and have called it home for the last 30 years.
You can reach him at brian@go2hope.org