John grew up in the Philadelphia area, which gave him strong urban experiences from a young age.  He has an M.A. in World Mission and Evangelism, and has many years of experience working with mentally ill, homeless, recovering addicts and others who are marginalized in our society.

Katheryn was born in Kentucky, grew up in Nebraska, lived in South Central Los Angeles during college, and moved to Nashville before returning to Kentucky, where she earned a Master of Divinity.  She has worked with a free pharmacy, a free clinic, a men’s rehab facility, and has mentored single moms. 

John and Katheryn met while attending Asbury Theological Seminary, and share a passion for discipleship, group Bible studies, and urban ministry.  Together they have experienced the sorrows and joys of joining God in His work in urban contexts, and felt God’s call into full-time ministry.  They are commissioned as career missionaries with The Mission Society in partnership with Lexington First United Methodist Church.  In 2007, they bought a house in a richly diverse, lower-income neighborhood, opened their home and lives to their neighbors and have been greatly blessed by the people they have come to know and love.