Calvin and Barbara were 9 the first time they saw each other and Calvin said to himself “that’s the girl I’m going to marry”. They were best friends through their teen years. At 16 Calvin began asking Barbara to marry him. She had always wanted to marry a preacher. Which he was not. At 18 he convinced her to marry him. Both families were excited about the engagement, even considering their young age. Everyone seemed to know they were right for each other. They bought a house before the wedding. Papa Mason (Barbara’s dad) was working on the new house when Papa Ed (Calvin’s dad) went to see him. Papa Ed asked if Calvin had asked for permission to marry Barbara yet. Papa Mason said “no, wouldn’t it be funny if I said no after they already bought this house and planned the wedding.” Well, Calvin asked, and Papa Mason said yes.
Calvin and Barbara have been in part or full time ministry off and on since their children were babies. And in full time ministry since1987.