About Pastor Rich

Rich was born in the small town of Easton, PA. He grew up in a home dedicated to loving and serving Jesus. At a young age, his family moved around the United States and even to Spain. It was in Spain that Rich began to really appreciate the Spanish language. Rich's time in Honduras as a young adult intensified his desire to master it.

At the age of 19, Rich moved to Brownsville, TX, where he served as a Christian missionary in Mennonite Voluntary Service. He was plugged into a small Spanish-speaking church, and it was there that he felt like he belonged within the Hispanic culture and people. Rich also fell in love with a beautiful young lady named Maria Plata, whom he calls Maria Mia. Five years later, they married. Forty years later, Rich is the father of two amazing children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren. As Nacho Libre said, “My life is good… really good!”

Rich has served Jesus for over 55 years, with the last 44 years alongside Maria Mia, leading students. He gave his life to Jesus when he was 9 and was baptized when he was 14. Rich loves Jesus, loves people, and is passionate about sharing The Word!

Rich and María enjoy camping with their children and grandchildren. Rich enjoys woodworking, climbing trees, birdwatching, hiking, kayaking remote rivers, and eating Nopales and anything else Mexican!