THE RASMUSSEN FAMILY!

Ryan, 38, and Michelle, 37, have four children. The older two, Joe, 10, and Jacobline, 8, were adopted from Liberia. The younger two, Nathan, 5 and Elissa, 3, are their biological children. (All ages are as of June 27th.)

Ryan was born in Fort Dodge, IA, moved to Ottumwa, IA at age 10, and to Austin, MN at age 14. His parents continue to live there. He graduated from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD with a degree in Business Communications in 1995. From 1996-98, he worked for an advertising firm as a copy writer and graphic artist. He also worked part-time during this period at a home for physically and sexually abused children. Feeling the call to the ministry he began seminary in Sioux Falls and then transferred to Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he graduated in 2002. Ryan is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Michelle was born in Rock Island, IL. When she was 5 her family moved to La Crescent, MN and sill reside there. Michelle also graduated from Augustana in 1995 with a double major in special education and elementary education. After graduation she spent two years with Christian Appalachian Project in eastern KY. She taught environmental science and basic math to high school students in Oneida, KY. She also taught math one year in Louisville after they were married. Ryan and Michelle were married on June 16th, 2001. After Ryan’s graduation from seminary, they both went to Kenya for one year. Ryan worked at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Michelle taught at an orphanage for HIV positive children. They returned to the US in August of 2003 and moved to Goldsboro in January 2004. During the six plus years Ryan has served the Goldsboro church he had a wide variety of experience and responsibility. He has led numerous Bible Studies including two teacher training classes on the Bethel Bible Series and evangelism classes on empowering members to share the gospel. Ryan delivered the sermon during worship services 12-18 times a year. He also taught and preached to children in both midweek and Sunday School classes. Ryan was instrumental in developing relationships with foreign missions in five different countries. Ryan says his two favorite pastoral duties are preaching and teaching.