Doug and Renate met in January 1984 while watching the Superbowl at a common friend’s home. Both were studying at Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania preparing for the ministry.

Doug was reared in a Christian home. His parents are missionaries in Brazil. When he was five years old, Doug went with his mother to a Vacation Bible School. His mom told the story of Moses and when she made a simple invitation, God touched his heart. Doug prayed that day with his Mom and asked the Lord Jesus Christ to be Master of his life. Since then, Doug has felt the call of God in his life. After high school, he headed off to the States to prepare for the ministry.

Renate accepted the gift of salvation when she was 17 years of age just before graduating from high school. She was baptized and became a member of Evangel Baptist Church in Taylor, Michigan, Quite soon after that, she also felt the touch of God in her life to missionary work. She set out to BBC to prepare for what God had for her.

After two years of dating while in college, Doug and Renate married in August 1986. They joined Baptist Mid-Missions in June 1987. They arrived on the field in July of 1987. Since then, they have sought to minister in church planting projects, camp ministries.

They have two children, Alex Jay, born in 1988 and Candice Jane, born in 1991.