Our Story

Our ministry journey began a few years after we were married when we moved to Chicago so Don could attend Moody Bible Institute. In 1997 we moved to Central Point, Oregon where Don served as a Pastor for 13 years. During our time there the Lord grew our family to include 4 children (Nick, Parker, Sammi & Isaac). In 2010 we moved to Salida, CO where Don served as Senior Pastor for 11 years.

In 2020 our son, Parker (20) went home to Heaven after a tragic accident. This obviously changed everything in our lives. Don resigned from Pastoral ministry in 2021 and our family relocated to Peoria, AZ. We knew we needed some time to breathe, weep, lament, and  wait on the Lord. Our hands were wide open to whatever the Lord had next for us!

In 2022 the Lord prompted a conversation with our dear missionary friends, Ryan and Rebecca Stowell, that led to much prayer and dreaming about how we could "partner" together with Seed of Hope, specifically with Seed of Hope Coffee Co. Our hearts were so drawn to Thailand and the ministry that Parker loved so much.

In 2023 we spent several weeks in Thailand. The Lord opened so many doors and clearly confirmed the direction He wanted us to go. Presently, the Lord has not called us to live in Thailand, but rather to serve and support Seed of Hope from the United States. It is with this vision that P-REX Coffee Co. came to life! We are an independent business that is mission and ministry minded. We import green coffee beans directly from Seed of Hope Coffee Co. in Thailand and have a direct relationship with each coffee farmer. 

In 2024 the Lord called us to take a step further and become full-time ministry partners (missionaries). We are honored to serve the Akha Hill Tribe families in Northern Thailand through the ministry and mission of Seed of Hope and P-REX Coffee. ​God is kind!

One purpose, lived out in two ways, across two places — for greater gospel impact. Our single purpose is that everyone we encounter may experience the love and hope of Jesus and be transformed by the gospel.

We live this out in two ways: kids and coffee. The Seed of Hope Project began 13 years ago as a dormitory for children from remote mountain villages with no access to education. Today, Seed of Hope provides a Christ-centered environment where 33 students receive the gospel, discipleship, education, citizenship, scholarships, and life skills rooted in Biblical values. Since the majority of their families are coffee farmers, Seed of Hope Coffee was established to build relationships of trust and partnership. By purchasing beans at prices higher than fair trade, farmers gain stability and a more sustainable livelihood. P-REX Coffee exclusively imports these beans to the United States, with all profit returning to Thailand.

This work takes place in two places: Thailand and the United States. Together, Seed of Hope Project, Seed of Hope Coffee, and P-REX Coffee share one unified purpose — to support farmers and their children, proclaim the good news of Jesus, and see lives changed for eternity. Your partnership through prayer, giving, and coffee purchases makes this greater gospel impact possible.

We have often said that our family is vanilla and Parker was rainbow sherbet! If you were privileged to know Parker, you know that statement is true. He was a full-of-life, passionate, wide-eyed, friendly, adventurous, opinionated, music loving, live life outside-the-lines kind of guy. Parker lived life fully and abundantly and held nothing back. He loved deeply and was passionate about what he loved. That included Thailand! Parker was privileged to make three trips to Thailand before the Lord called him home to Heaven. Parker loved Ryan & Rebecca Stowell and their family deeply. Ryan was one of his best friends. Parker loved Lawpa & Bairak (Seed of Hope Co-Founders) and their family. Even though they couldn't speak the same language, they developed a deep friendship. Parker felt like he was at home and at peace in Thailand.

After Parker's third trip to Thailand, he came home and shared what the Lord had done in his heart on that trip. He felt called to tell the stories of the people there. The stories of suffering, difficulty and overcoming. The stories of how Jesus changed so many of their lives. He knew in his heart he wanted to live in Thailand full time and be part of what the Lord was doing through the Seed of Hope ministries.

Parker wanted to go to Thailand right away, but knew that furthering his education would benefit him long term. He chose to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and study Intercultural Ministries. His time at MBI was tremendously impactful as he gained confidence and broadened his scope of life and awareness of others.

Parker desired to tell others about the love of Jesus and was always intrigued by hearing peoples stories. When he was home from Moody for Christmas Break he went to a local coffee shop in Salida, CO to read his Bible and study. On that day, a homeless man walked in to get a cup of coffee. Parker was prompted to speak to him. He told him that he would love to buy him a cup of coffee if he would sit for a bit and tell Parker his story. The man did! Parker listened. Then he asked the man if he could share his story, which included how Jesus saved him from his sins and changed his life. PARKER WAS STOKED! He came home that day full of joy and passion and shared this encounter with us. WOW! Tell me your story. Can I tell you mine? Can I tell you about Jesus?

On August 5, 2020 after a tragic accident the Lord called Parker home to Heaven. The worst day of our lives was Parker's best day because he saw Jesus face to face. 

Parker was not a perfect guy. He had struggles like most of us. He wrestled with the pull of the world, trying to fit in and find solid friendships. Parker struggled after the world "shut down" due to Covid. Like many college students, he was not able to return to Moody after Spring Break in 2020. He was isolated and lonely. He was making some poor choices. But God! Three weeks before the Lord called him home, Parker was broken and fully surrendered to Christ. The peace in him was so evident. He reminds us of King David. He reminds us of us....wrestling with sin and the world, but seeking to be fully obedient and surrendered to Christ.

Parker carried his orange backpack to Thailand in 2019 and afterwards was rarely seen without his fully stocked "adventure" bag. We took his backpack to Thailand again in 2023. It is pictured with our family as a representation of what God has done, and is doing, through Parker's life and legacy. 
​The dino on our logo carries the orange backpack in honor of Parker and his adventurous spirit.​

Don, Susan, Nick (28), Parker (in Heaven), Sammi (22) & Isaac (21) as well as Susan's mom, Sandy who lives with us full time.