Michael was born in Canada but spent sixteen years in Kenya where his parents were serving with Africa Inland Mission. Michael made an initial commitment of faith when he was a child and his faith and desire to know God better grew over the years. He graduated from Rift Valley Academy, Kenya. Michael returned to Canada after high school for studies at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 1989 with a B.Sc Eng. in Electrical Engineering. After graduation he began work at Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. Michael's interest in mission and the third world started in Kenya and continued when he attended the Urbana missions convention in 1984. Though he did not feel called to go as a missionary immediately, his interest in missions grew. Michael was chair the missions committee at Forest Hills United Baptist Church for seven years, and on the deacon's board for three years. In 2002 he had the opportunity to be part of a team from Saint John to help construct the newly formed Northern Cross Community Church in Goose Bay, Labrador.

Bernadine grew up in New Brunswick. She felt God's hand on her life at an early age and made a conscious decision to follow Christ at age sixteen. While attending University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, she developed an interest in Anthropology, especially learning about African cultures. This was also the time of her life that she dedicated her life to Christ and later met her husband Michael, an MK from Kenya. Bernadine graduated with a Bachelor of Education in 1988. A year later, she enrolled into nursing program in Saint John. Bernadine graduated from Saint John School of Nursing in 1991 and has been nursing at Saint Joseph's Hospital for the last thirteen years. Even though Bernadine is a nurse by profession, she claims her main occupation is being a mother to their two school-age children, Julianne(9) and Evan(6). Bernadine has a real heart for missions and enjoys being the secretary for the Carolyn Rempel WMS group at their church.

Michael and Bernadine first visited Kenya together in 1992 to visit Michael's parents. In December 2001, Michael, Bernadine and their two children visited Kenya as a family. Michael and Bernadine's decision to return to Kenya as missionaries has opened many doors for service, including teaching missions to 200 kids at Vacation Bible School, and coordinating the Orphans in Africa Christmas project at their church. Since their preparation to return to Kenya, they have had many opportunities to share about missions with churches and various church groups. Bernadine was inspired to begin the Homemade Blankets for Kenya project. People from across North America have made almost 1200 blankets and quilts for them to distribute to Kenyan children.

Birthdays:
Michael: November 20
Bernadine: March 18
Julianne: February 8, 1995
Evan: April 11, 1998