Gary and Michele serve together as Pastoral Care couple to minister to the emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being of CTEN missionary families serving in Central and South America and in Southeastern Europe.

They have been married 33 years and have three daughters, a son-in-law, and two wonderful grandkids!

Due to their 19 years of experience serving as missionaries in the challenging Balkan lands of Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania, they recognize the need to come alongside missionaries. They believe that quality Pastoral Care can make a huge impact in the length and effectiveness of missionary service and reduce missionary attrition. Their hearts are to spend time with the missionaries via Skype and direct visits on the field, encouraging, supporting, and praying for them.

Previously, in the Balkans, Gary and Michele have been involved in church planting, student ministry, Bible college education, and pastoral care to missionaries and national leaders. Michele has effectively home-schooled their children during this time.

Gary holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S.W. in Clinical Social Work. He has provided both in-patient and outpatient mental health services to adults, adolescents, and their families. He has also worked extensively in the area of substance abuse and addictions. He has provided teaching and workshops on ‘The Contemplative Practice of Spirituality.

Michele holds a B.S in Human Resource Development. She has served in training and development before becoming a missionary. She has used her educational training and administrative skills, mentoring heart, and love for people in various projects while on the mission field.

Together, Gary and Michele have provided workshops for both missionary and national leader retreats. They focus on the areas of marital health, emotional health, brokenness, balance, and coping with stress.