Dennis
Dennis is originally from southern California, but as a “pastor’s kid” he grew up in multiple places such as Nevada, Kansas, and Texas. Dennis accepted Christ personally at the age of 11. His dad, who was a music director before becoming a pastor, put Dennis to work at his music director at age 12 (he was so short he had to stand on a box behind the pulpit to be seen). Dennis continued his pursuit of music and met Laura in 1989 while working at a church in southern California, and they were married in 1992. When God made it clear that the Holland-Belgium border area was where his and Laura’s gifts and talents could be used for the Lord, they arrived in Brugge, Belgium in 1995 to start Baptisten Gemeente Brugge (Brugge Baptist Church), which now has a new name: Nieuwe Hoop Baptistenkerk. They are now busy with their 2nd church plant: Familiekerk Brugge. Dennis has a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University. Dennis enjoys photography (digital, film, and shooting old-school glass plate negatives), as well as a good cup of Earl Grey tea with milk and sugar.
Laura
Laura is also from southern California. Laura was saved at a young age, and before the Lord called her to missions work she was a pre-school teacher. Laura’s love for children is evident and it was her passion for kids that helped to propel the church plant of Baptisten Gemeente Brugge forward.
Laura’s gift is that of an encourager and you will consistently find her having tea, hot chocolate, or lunch with someone who needs a friend. She’s also a mom who knows how to balance her time between ministry and family. Laura has her Early Childhood Development Certificate as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana Baptist University. Laura enjoys walking, reading, and cooking. She also enjoys sitting down to watch “I Love Lucy” episodes and enjoys a good laugh.
Drake
Drake has a Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Digital Media. He now lives in Vacaville, California using his gifting in tech and videography at Orchard Avenue Baptist Church. He also enjoys white chocolate, french fries with Belgian mayonnaise, reading, taking apart & repairing electronics, especially Apple stuff, and of course, chowing down on mom’s pound cake! Frequent stops are also made at Chick-Fil-A. Drake follows after his mom for having a sensitive heart, but he follows after his dad in being the tech-nerd in the family, and he’s always up to date with the latest Apple releases. He has a steel trap of a mind. It’s just flat out scary what he can remember. He’s kind-hearted, sensitive, and always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He’ll even let you win at any game you play with him (even though he can easily beat you). DO NOT play Marvel history with this guy, he will skunk you.
Brady
Brady is also living in Vacaville, California and utilizing his talents and creativity at Orchard Avenue Baptist Church. Brady has a colorful personality, and if you spend enough time around him, he will convince you to see the world from his perspective. He is a great communicator and is currently studying Japanese. He has ninja skills in graphic design with Adobe Illustrator. He’s frustratingly good at doing just about anything for the first time. Brady enjoys pizza, photography, and attempting new things without reading the instructions first…. hmmmm…. just like his father. Even though both Drake & Brady are now living in the U.S. they are still a huge help in the ministry in Belgium sharing their outreach ideas, graphics, video help, and so much more !!