John serves as pastor of Lincoln City Bible Church in the coastal town of Lincoln City, Oregon. This two-year-old church plant has fewer than a dozen in attendance. John prepares weekly messages centered on the words of Jesus, currently teaching through John chapter 5. The small size of the congregation allows for meaningful discussion and deeper engagement with God’s Word in ways that are often not possible in larger Sunday services.

The church also faces unique challenges. One couple who regularly attend holds to eastern and Native American beliefs involving multiple gods, and another man does not believe that Jesus is God. Yet all love being part of the fellowship, and John and Barbara are grateful for the opportunity to love and minister to each one. They trust that God is at work in building His church.

While John pastors, Barbara leads Children’s Church, as she has done faithfully for decades. She uses her artistic gifts and her love for children to minister effectively. Many who were young in her classes years ago still remember her fondly and now bring their own children to church.

Both John and Barbara have faced significant physical challenges in recent years. A few years ago, John nearly died and spent a week in the hospital in Newberg. Barbara has experienced three serious falls over the past three years. She first broke her right wrist and injured her neck and shoulder, which prevented her from painting for a time. Later, she broke her left wrist, requiring a plate and screws, which has healed well. Just before Christmas 2025, she fell again and shattered her right kneecap. She continues to recover and currently uses a walker.