San Diego, CaliforniaYou did not choose Me but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16
We're delighted to minister with The Navigators' Military Ministry in San Diego. Our main ministry takes place with Marine recruits at Marine Corp Recruit Depot (MCRD) and at Edson Range (Camp Pendleton). I (Gene) am also involved in coming alongside our military staff and helping them with their fundraising.
Our first contact with The Navigators came when we met Terry and Carol Taylor, the former U.S. President of The Navigators, in 1970.
Before joining The Navigators, I (Gene) was a sales manager for International Harvester, and Marilyn was taking care of our firstborn, Michelle. We received ministry training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and then moved on to serve at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. We have ministered to Naval officers in San Diego, Guam, Naval Station Long Beach, McClellean AFB and now back in San Diego, CA.
Most people would be surprised to know that I was a cheerleader in high school and that Marilyn was a shy introvert. In fact, we were so different that people gave our marriage only six months. That was in 1969, and we're still going strong!!
Our current ministry involves leading and teaching the recruits at MCRD each Sunday morning, which is the highlight of my week. They're hungry and eager to learn about God. Each week there is an opportunity to see men put their faith in Christ and make various commitments in life regarding their walk with God.
Marilyn is involved in supporting me in this awesome ministry to recruits and reaching out to women in need in a mentoring and shepherding relationship.