About

> We first met while students at OSU , though neither us were impressed with the other. Over time, through our involvement as college students serving in Campus Crusade for Christ ; we developed a friendship, which later deepened while serving as campus missionaries at OSU with Real Life and Calvary Chapel of Corvallis full-time (2001-04). Side-by-side, we endeavored to impart a love of Jesus Christ to the college students there at OSU. We also taught at Cornerstone School of Ministry there in Corvallis. (Jeff visits each year as a guest lecturer.) Those foundational years set the firm foundation among the saints to continue in this life of faith, following Jesus.

In December 2002 God succinctly showed us His future plans for us as one , as husband and wife. After I sought the approval of Kari’s father we entered into courtship, then engagement, and on the 28th of June 2003 we gave our vows and entered a marriage covenant for life. Every day has been better than the previous, and this adventure of union with one another and with Christ has proved to be the most fulfilling days of our lives.

We now enjoy two kids, a son (Dutch) and daughter (Heidi), who make this journey so adventureful.

Other various Jeff facts:

• I’m graying faster than my age (both won’t lose this head of hair!)
• Native Oregonian
• Father of two, husband of one
• Pastor, blogger (not really an author), always a thinker
• Theologically oriented > Pragmatically driven
• Learner
• My wife is my wisest counselor and bestest friend
• B.S., Civil Engineering at Oregon State University
• Working on Masters at Multnomah Biblical Seminary
• Tea > coffee
• Not a picky eater at all
• Weak spot for corn dogs (but they are really bad for you!)
• Avid recycler
• Ran over my foot with a Jeep Wrangler (long story)
• Have a broken vertebrae in my back
• Generally reading 5+ books in a given season
• Competitive in sports (at least in attitude, if not in skill)
• Traveled to Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Israel
• My most significant theological influences have been Damian Kyle, Tim Keller, Charles Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, & John Piper
• No pets

We currently live in West Linn, Oregon, with Kari serving in our home raising our son Dutch and daughter Heidi. Jeff is Associate Pastor at Willamette Christian Church in West Linn, a Gospel-centered missional community. (At least, that’s the goal.) We both are truly blessed to be able to attend Multnomah Biblical Seminary. (Kari graduated May ‘09; Jeff’s a perpetual student.)

We find our identity and worth in Christ, and work from significance in Him, and not for it – as the Gospel would have it.

In Summer ‘07 karipatterson.com was launched to host some of Kari’s writing projects. Venture over and read her latest, or view a list of some of her fiction and non-fiction projects.

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