Gene grew up outside of Faribault on Cannon Lake.  Gene was exposed to the gospel through his childhood and as a young teen he made his “best decision ever” when he asked Jesus Christ to become his Rescuer from rebellion and sin.   During his youth he was profoundly impacted through his parents’ choice to do foster care in Rice County.  Gene shares that one of the early life lessons he learned was the disastrous effect the choices of a man can have upon his family.  Gene’s passion is to see gospel seeds sown in the life of another, and then germinate and grow into a transformed life that is surrendered, controlled, and made brand new by Jesus.  Gene desires to make his life ALL ABOUT JESUS.

He earned a Masters of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary.  Gene credits his passion for making disciples of Jesus to a couple of Marine Corp guys who served with the Navigators.  He loves to teach the Bible, discuss theology and challenge others to take that next step for Jesus.  He also enjoys cooking on his Green Egg, boating and snowmobiling with family and friends.

Gene married the love of his life Cheryl in 1988.  They have four daughters, two son-in-laws, three of the cutest granddaughters and one handsome little grandson.  Gene & Cheryl have enjoyed serving the faith family of First Baptist since becoming pastor in 1988.  The Witte family mission is To treasure God above all else daily and invite others to do the same.

Chad Entinger and his wife, Glory, are blessed with six children - Shekynah, Corban (married to Emma), Davan (married to Lydia), Jadon, Lujan and Selah - and one grandson - Henry.  

A graduate of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. with Bachelor and Masters Degrees, Chad served with Deaf Missions, an international Christian mission organization, for 25 years, including the last 18 as the Chief Executive.  Deaf Missions has reached Deaf people and their families and friends in more than 100 countries through pioneering, innovative work.  This work included translation of the the first-ever complete Bible in a sign language and the release of a “For Deaf By Deaf” feature film, Jesus: a Deaf Missions film, in 325+ major theaters across the United States, as well as showings in more than 50 countries around the world.  

Currently Chad is the CEO of the Deaf2Deaf Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors of Deaf Kids Connect, Hope Signs and First Baptist Church of Waterville (Minnesota), as well as on the Board of Advisors for Deaf Child Hope.