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- Currently serving:
- Pennsylvania
- Sending congregation:
- Canoe Creek
- Serving since:
- 2025
- Married:
- 1977
Curt and Evelyn met in high school math class in Williamsburg, Pa. After high school, Curt took a slower path, earning bachelor’s degrees in agriculture business and mechanization over the course of 13 years. Meanwhile, Evelyn took a more traditional route, graduating with a BS in Art Ed and teaching art in public school. After dating off and on for eight years, they were married in 1977. Together they own and operate JB Tree Farm.
Curt and Evelyn were both raised as active church members and served as youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, mission coordinators, and prayer leaders. Jesus’ command to make disciples was always a priority. Trips to Mexico and Costa Rica were life changing, and they both began exploring cross-cultural service opportunities. They began learning some Spanish, assuming future international service would be in a Spanish-speaking environment.
As part of their exploration, Curt and Evelyn were challenged to take “Perspectives on the Worldwide Christian Movement” – a course that would change their lives. They each felt a call to minister to the international community they already had frequent interactions with on their farm: Chinese students and visitors from Penn State.
Curt and Evelyn began to volunteer as often as possible with the China Outreach Ministry at Penn State, a ministry that extends God’s love and truth to visiting students and scholars at American universities by building relationships through hospitality, practical service, friendship, and witness.
The Bookhammers help with meals and Bible studies, and their farm continues to be a natural point of connection. It has been their pleasure and honor to host fellowship dinners at their house, go for hikes with visitors on their farm, host visitors for learning activities, and invite them to experience the fall fellowship activities at the farm. Additionally, several students have lived with the Bookhammers.
Evelyn has also assisted with ESL classes in Altoona, and together, they serve in a local BIC Hispanic church plant, Rios de Agua Viva, in Martinsburg, Pa.