Pastor Gary was raised on a dairy farm in a small town in Central Wisconsin. He sensed as a young boy a call toward ministry but didn't do much to pursue it.

After graduating from high school, Gary spent one semester in college and then joined the Air Force. Four months later he married the love of his life, Vicky, and they have been happily married for over 26 years. This union has produced a daughter, Maleaha, who is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, TX and a son, Noah who is attending North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

While in the service, Gary once again sensed a call toward ministry, but life circumstances prevented him from pursuing it.

After two years in the Air Force, Gary and Vicky moved back to Wisconsin to work the family farm. During the five years on the farm, once again God tugged at Gary's heart for ministry, so after five years, they packed all they owned (including one year old Maleaha) and headed to California for the purpose of pursuing schooling to prepare for ministry.

Through a series of events and circumstances that were orchestrated by God, Gary ended up attending Bethany Bible College of the Assemblies of God. In the midst of that process, Gary received what he felt was a vision from God. In that he felt that God was leading him to pastor in Kentucky. Through another series of events and circumstances, Gary, Vicky, 9 year-old Maleaha and 5 year-old Noah ended up at Living Word Assembly of God in Burkesville, KY in 1994.

In the years since, God has blessed the work in Burkesville and it has enjoyed growth at all levels. Ask Gary about Burkesville and he's been heard to say, "Many who live in Burkesville are here by birth. We are here by choice and it is the greatest place on earth.

Heyward and Connie Adams, Ministry Leaders, lead a support group on Tuesdays designed for those affected by addiction.