Born in small town of Oregon, IL Ray grew up in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Canada as his Dad pastored churches in these locations. After graduating from Godwin High School in 1965 he returned to the town of his birth to attend Oregon Bible College from which he graduated in 1969. During his final years of college he pastored a small church in the neighboring town. He then pastored 6 years in California, and returned to Michigan in 1974 as pastor of the Garden Park Church.
Born in Lansing, Michigan. Moved to Grand Rapids area just before starting elementary school. She graduated from Kentwood High School. After her family was mostly grown and after 10 years working at Zondervan Publishing, Sue returned to college, to become a elementary school teacher. She taught in Grand Rapids Public Schools for 13 years, and recently retired and is enjoying her family and church.
While in high school they helped prepare the house in which Garden Park first met and distributed literature in the neighborhood. They met at church and were married in 1967. They now have 4 grown children of whom they are very proud, and 10 beautiful grandchildren. They enjoy traveling and a yearly family vacation with 4 generations.