Philip and Colleen have loved Jesus for most of their lives, having come to faith as children. Phil earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Bob Jones University. Then, he went to Spain as a missionary math teacher and church planter. While in Europe, he got a Master’s degree in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from the University of East London. Colleen earned double Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Psychology from Trinity Western University and a Master’s in School Counseling from Fresno State University. She served as a missionary in Africa, teaching English in Kenya at the Rift Valley Academy. They both married their first spouses in 1991.

They had no idea their paths would ever cross, but both spouses left them after 20 years of marriage. They both had Grand Canyon-sized hurts, so ran to Celebrate Recovery—a Christian 12-step program for hurting people. God was never more real for them than He was during that healing time. Only the Lord could pick them up and heal their wounds at their lowest point. Then, the Lord brought them together, a gift rising out of deep pain as a testament to his abundant grace. They married in 2012 and have five children together.

Since then, the Lord has repeatedly used their story to minister to others. Because they walked such a broken road, people feel comfortable allowing them to pray and speak into their brokenness. They’ve grown to love working with young people, so have served as volunteer leaders for the youth group at their church. They also have led marriage ministries, life groups, and several short-term mission trips from their church.

Now, as Paraclete associates based in Clovis, CA, their ministry has expanded along several fronts. They received training in Prepare Enrich—a tool to assist married couples—and have begun working with couples online or in person. Their heart is to encourage workers who are serving cross-culturally. Their vision is to come alongside missionaries with boots on the ground, to pray with, encourage, visit, cheerlead, and support them on the field—especially those working with UPGs (Unreached People Groups). They also serve Students International workers, conducting vision trips and meeting with potential leaders in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.