Bruce and Barbara grew up in northern Illinois and met in elementary school. They both became Christians through a campus ministry at college and married before their senior year. After graduation Bruce attended graduate school, earning a Master's degree. He then served as a U.S. Army officer in the Medical Service Corps.

Desiring to serve in cross-cultural missions after military service, Bruce and Barbara pursued Bible training at Covenant Theological Seminary. They both graduated in 1998, Bruce with an M.Div and Barbara with an M.A. in General Theological Studies. During their seminary years, God confirmed their desire to serve cross-culturally through short-term missions opportunities in England, Jordon, and Africa. Bruce and Barbara work with ATTR (Africa Theological Training Resources) where Bruce is on staff at the Bible Institute of South Africa. They provide reformed theological teaching and training for national leaders and pastors throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Bruce and Barbara have two children: Joshua and Beth.