Gary grew up in Portland Oregon, a child of the 50s. He was raised in a Christian home, attending Portland Christian Grade School, then David Douglas High School, and was a part of Hinson Church from the time of his birth. He was active in his church through high school, participating in Sunday School, youth groups, children and youth choirs, church athletics, and Christian Service Brigade.
He graduated from Biola University, with a B.A. in Bible, Western Seminary, with an M. Div., and International Graduate School of Theology, with an S.T.M. During his years in Hawaii, he taught Hermeneutics and Greek to college and graduate school students, at International College.
Gary has served the church of Jesus Christ for over 40 years. Serving first as a Jr High Intern Youth Pastor at Hinson Church during his seminary years, Gary also served as Associate Pastor of Youth with International Baptist Church in Honolulu. Gary served 32 years as solo pastor and senior pastor and teaching elder in Arlington, Washington, and Gig Harbor, Washington.
Opportunities for international ministry have taken Gary to Ghana, Nigeria, India, and Honduras, teaching the Bible to children, preaching to churches, and teaching in pastors' conferences.
He has been gratefully married to his first wife, Barby, for over 40 years. They have three grown children, living in three different states, who are each married, and who have blessed them with a total of seven grandchildren. He tries his best to stay active, and to live a healthy lifestyle. His interests include water skiing, volleyball, fishing, golf, watching football, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Gary's passion is to "accurately handle the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Though he is painfully aware of his flaws and failings, there is nothing he loves more than to study the scriptures and seek to accurately and simply explain the truth of God to those who want to learn. The most important time in his life is yet to come: the moment his eyes meet the eyes of Jesus. Everything else is just preparation for that moment!
Only one life, 'twill soon be past.
Only what's done for Christ will last.