Duane

Duane was born and raised in Gary, IN, by his Assyrian (Christian) parents, where he remained at home until attending college in 1960. 

During those 18 years, his older sister became quadriplegic and required full-time care from their mother while their father worked double shifts in the steel mill to provide the extra income needed for her care. Understandably, Duane’s sister was the focus of his parent’s attention, affection, and consolation. Duane notes that his identity seemed diminished. 

He says, “My college experiences fed my depletion as I became an entertainer, receiving both applause and recognition which fueled a spirit of deceitful selfishness leading me away from the Christian environment of my childhood.”

But Duane’s need to receive approval from man started to diminish when, on Easter Sunday, 1072, he received Christ’s awesome gifts of grace, mercy, and unconditional forgiveness.  

As a successful business owner, Duane worked in the metal-finishing industry, creating special coatings on aluminum/steel to prevent rusting.

Duane and his wife Erika married on December 7, 1991, and led a pre-marital counseling ministry for two decades. In addition, they launched RV Churches USA, a ministry that exists to serve campground owners and RVers for Christ. 

In addition to serving on the Elder Board, Duane and Erika serve together on FVC’s FIT (First Impression Team) and, Lord willing, have a vision for starting a Marriage Ministry program to help pre-married and married couples discover how to do marriage, God’s way!

One fun fact about Duane is his love and passion for model trains! He says: “My interest began 32 years ago when a friend invited me to “play” (running engines) with his model railroad. I’ve been hooked ever since! My HO scale layout is 40ft X 40ft with more than 2,300 linear feet of track.”