We are a family of three who have been sent to Ukraine to plant churches. We are constantly growing and learning how to be the people God calls us to be.
We enjoy life, and want to share with others the things that make our lives so great.
I grew up on the coast and enjoyed the sports and leisure associated with it. I love being physically active which led to my pursuit of a job in construction. I quickly learned carpentry and found that he was especially gifted in this area. I have been employed several years in residential and commercial construction both in New Zealand and the United States. In 2008 I graduated from Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI). In New Zealand I was a leader in our young adults group teaching and coordinating activities. And in Lubbock, Texas I was involved in the College ministry teaching and mentoring college students. There I also taught various other classes at the Sunset Church of Christ. I feel like I am gifted in making everyone around him feel at ease, which has helped me develop relationships with people of many different ages and backgrounds.
Olivia is 25 years old and was born in Lubbock, Texas, where she spent most of her growing up years. Olivia’s parents (Kirt and Nancy Martin) raised her with a deep respect for God and for missions. Olivia was baptized in 1997, when she was 13 years old, and has continued to serve Him faithfully. Among her peers she is known for her wisdom and insight; she is friendly and welcoming to all those who meet her.
After graduating from high school, Olivia pursued her interest in missions by going through the Adventures in Missions (AIM) program offered through SIBI. In the AIM program, Olivia was sent on a team of four to Tauranga, New Zealand where she worked with the Otumoetai Church of Christ for 18 months. Olivia and her team were involved in numerous works there, particularly with the youth and young adults. Olivia is also fluent in American Sign Language and enjoys working with the deaf. For several years she coordinated the signing for the deaf event for the Hyatt Regency North Texas Leadership Training for Christ (LTC) program. Olivia is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a love for children and is excited to now have a son of her own.
We have been married now for just over four years, and are looking forward to many more years together. Recently our family went through a major change as Olivia gave birth to our first son, Caleb. He was born here in Kharkov on Spetember 8th 2010. We are still adjusting to this change and are constantly learning to be the parents that God calls us to be.