Personal Bios.......
Richard and Karen were born and raised in Kingsport, TN, met in high school, and married in 1975. They have two children, a daughter who is married and living in Gettyburg, and a son living in Philadelphia.
In 1982, they left TN to attend Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK. After graduation in 1984, they went to Myrtle Beach, SC, where they served as Associate Pastors of Living Faith World Outreach Center for a year. In 1985, they were "sent" to Gettysburg, PA to pastor New Life Family Church. In addition to their pastoral responsibilities in Gettysburg, they're also involved with apostolic ministry in other areas of Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.
In 2008, after 23 years of pastoring, God has called them to return to their home in Kingsport, TN. Presently, they are overseeing Destiny Church, a local church meeting in their home, and continuing to travel, giving oversight to two other local churches, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Maryland.
Richard is known for his "healing ministry" of joy and laughter, prophetic gifting and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, conveying the truths and principles of the kingdom of God in a way that reveals the heart of the Father. Karen is known for her "down to earth", yet, "no nonsense" approach to holiness and obedience to God, revealing the heart of a "nursing mother", equipping the body of Christ with a submissive yet aggressive heart for our Lord.
Their ministry is centered around foundational principles, marriage building, helps ministry, Biblical money dynamics, and end time understanding. They desire to be a part of encouraging, strengthening and supporting the local church and the work of God in other cities and states. They are called specifically to minister to individuals and smaller congregations, but are open to whomever and wherever the Father may send them, knowing the importance of apostolic ministry being provided to all the body of Christ.
Twenty years ago,when they came to Pennsylvania to pastor a local church, they didn't know that their call would lead into ministry in other cities and states. They only knew that they were "sent" to be a "shepherd after God's heart" (Jer. 3:15) They consider it a privilege and honor to be "sent" to help the body of Christ to fulfill its full purpose in the earth. In their desire to obey, they have received invitations to "come over...and help us" (Acts 16:19) from other pastors, churches and ministries, and over the last several years, have had the privilege of ministering to many individuals and congregations.
It has been an awesome thing to be able to be "sent" by our Father into the lives of so many of His people. We are excited and humbled as we approach this next season of our life, considering ourselves extremely blessed to be a part of His "river of life for the healing of the nations" (Rev. 22:1-2) As the "children of Issachar", we are seeking to "understand the times", that all may be equipped, "for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ". God has given us a commission according to 2 Corinthians 1:24 - "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy:for by faith ye stand." We want to be a "helper of your joy" in what God has called you to do! If there is anything we can do to be a help to you, please don't hesitate to contact us! We are available, flexible and adaptable to you and your situation. No need is too small - No cry is unheard - No church is insignificant in these, the last days, before the return of our King, Jesus!.........
Richard & Karen
