While the Lord individually burdened Stephen and Vicki's hearts for missions in Europe through their experience of traveling on Bob Jones University's Musical Mission Team, He didn't bring them together until after Vicki's 2 years as a short-term missionary in Spain.

Both Stephen and Vicki grew up in Christian homes. They both attended BJU and were involved in music. Stephen minored in music for his undergraduate degree and Vicki majored in piano pedagogy. While in Greenville, they both attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Following Vicki's service in Spain, she began working at the GFA Home Office. Stephen was on deputation at the time, and their paths crossed frequently. The Lord brought them together in marriage in October 2002 and they finished deputation together.

Stephen and Vicki and their two boys, Micah and Joel, spent their first term in Magdeburg. They worked on learning German, getting acclimated to the culture, and got their feet wet in ministry with the German people. In the Lord's time, they plan to move to another city and plant a church. Hannah joined their family on June 10, 2009.