FAQs

Q. Did you really surf in Hawaii?

A. Almost every day, especially during the winter at the North Shore. My first surfboard was a huge chunk of koa wood that took two of us to carry to the beach. What a relief when foam and fiberglass boards came along. I still have my board but—hey!—there’s not much you can do with it in the country.

Q. Why do you enjoy teaching Greek so much?

A. Largely because of my own profs in school. They helped me see the need to study the New Testament in the original language. As Luther once put it, “Reading the Bible in translation is like kissing your bride through the veil.” No thanks.

Q. Tell me something about your farm.

A. Our main crop is horse-quality hay. A few years ago we built a new house on the farm. We call it Bradford Hall, named after my wife’s ancestors (including William Bradford of the Mayflower). The house resembles a two-story plantation home from the early 1800s and overlooks a large pond we dug.

The old 1810 farm house on the property has been remodeled as a ministry/guest/refugee house for families who need temporary housing but can't afford it.

Q. What do you do in your spare time?

A. Lot’s of reading, working on the farm, and traveling. I visit Ethiopia frequently to do mission work. I also visit other countries during the year. Of course, we love growing our own vegetables. 

Q. Finally, what are your greatest priorities in life?

A. That’s easy:

• Spend time with God daily.

• Love, honor, and serve my family.

• Strive for excellence in all I do.

• Leave past failures (and successes) behind.

• Say "No" to things that are not essential to fulfilling my ministry goals.

• Face life with a joyful attitude.