God's Surprising Story: Serving at Black Forest Academy
Just a few years ago, if someone had asked us to describe our future, serving overseas wouldn’t have been at the top of our list. And yet, here we are—humbled and grateful, living proof that God delights in rewriting our stories in ways we never expected.
We are honored and deeply excited to be joining the wonderful team at Black Forest Academy (BFA) in Kandern, Germany—a Christ-centered, international school serving students in grades 5-12. Many of these students come from families who are sharing the gospel around the world—often in challenging or remote places where educational opportunities are limited.
Students come to BFA from more than 50 countries, creating a school community filled with cultures, languages, and stories that reflect the beauty of God’s kingdom.
For us, serving at BFA represents an incredible next chapter. God is inviting us into something new and we’re eager to see how He equips us to serve and change us in the process.
Of course, this call comes with bittersweet emotions. Following God’s leading means putting an ocean between us and our adult children—Katie, Ethan, and Thomas—who will remain in the States for work and college. We will miss being close to family, friends, and our beloved community at Providence Christian Academy and Grace Snellville, where we have been blessed to serve for many meaningful years.
As we prepare to move overseas this summer and raise the financial support needed for our ministry, we deeply covet your prayers—for peace in the transition, provision for our needs, and hearts ready for all that God has ahead.
Our Journey to BFA
As our "empty nest" years approached, we began to dream about what God might have next for us. When this opportunity at BFA came along in early 2025, we realized that serving God at the school aligned so well with...
- the gifts and abilities He has given us,
- our love for Christian education and the impact it has on young people, and
- our heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the nations.
After many prayerful months, and a peace from God to move forward, we accepted the call to serve.
What We Will Do at BFA
Stephen will supervise communications, support advancement, assist with alumni relations, and more. Across each area, he’ll work with a talented team to strengthen the school’s reach, tell its story well, and foster more meaningful connections.
Kim will use her gifts of hospitality and creativity to encourage students and the staff who serve them at BFA.
We begin on August 1, 2025.
Why We Are Raising Financial Support
To make BFA affordable for missionary families, the school keeps tuition low by having faculty and staff raise their own financial support rather than receiving salaries.
Ways You Can Pray for Us
As you can imagine, moving to a new country and raising financial support is daunting. But we believe God will lead and provide for us! Please pray for...
- Peace in our preparations
- Our family, as we prepare to leave
- Financial support
- Logistics such as selling our home and all the little details to make this overseas move