About Us

Calling to FamilyLife

FamilyLife had played a major role in shaping our family over the years. But in 2002, things took a completely unexpected turn. The company at which I (Butch) was employed was struggling and, as often is the case, I began some real soul-searching about what God's plan might be for me. As I considered what it was in life that really mattered to me, I knew that family was near the top of the list.

At about the same time, God brought into our lives a family who were already on staff with FamilyLife. Because Karaña shared my burden, God used them to plant the idea of what a wonderful job it would be to help build stronger families.

Of course my own family was important. Karaña and I have been happily married since 1988 and have been blessed by five wonderful children, two of which were adopted from South Korea. But this passion in my heart was also about other families. As I prayed about it, the Lord placed probably the strongest impression on my heart that I've ever experienced. On this particular day I felt God's specific leading that I should call FamilyLife because there was an Information Services management job open, or so I thought.

When I called the number for the ministry, I was informed that no such positions were open. However, I was told that we could join staff as missionaries and they asked if I'd like to find out more. In March of 2003 we traveled to Little Rock to tour the ministry and learn more about the process. After interviews and much information, both we and FamilyLife were firmly convinced that this was the direction God was leading us.

In May of 2003 we flew out to Campus Crusade for Christ training in Daytona Beach, Florida. The training was scheduled to last eight days but on the evening of day 6 we returned to our room after a late session to find that we had messages to call home. It was May 8, 2003 and we soon learned that an F3 tornado had moved through the Moore, OK area and severely damaged our home. While the children had gone into a shelter next door and were safe, they were obviously frightened so that night we drove into nearby Orlando and caught an early morning flight back home. One week later we were moving into a nearby rent house.

The episode was for us early evidence that the life of ministry would not be without opposition and difficulty, but God proved faithful to sustain us and meet our needs. Since that time we have seen God provide in greater ways than ever before. As we have endeavored to faithfully share this work with people wherever possible, He has faithfully met our needs and raised up a support team to do it through.