Gene met Jesus on September 29, 1971, after his future wife Dee witnessed to him in their high school cafeteria. Following graduation they attended different Bible schools, then re-connected and married on June 28, 1975. They moved to the North Country for work, but Gene still sensed the call of God on his life. When the company laid him off the Lord spoke to his heart and said, “Now you’re free to do what I’ve called you to do.” They moved to Oklahoma with their toddler son to attend Bible college, then returned the North Country with a baby daughter! Gene assisted in a church plant and 2 years later became the pastor of that newly formed church. He served for nearly 40 years as senior pastor and recently retired, wondering what Kingdom assignment God had for him. When the Mars Hill Network had an opening for a morning co-host he joyfully responded and now brings that pastoral encouragement to Mornings with Gene and Lynnette!