MINISTRY FOCUS

In 2000, Char established the first PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) ministry on a Marine Corps base, planting a community of spiritual growth, biblical teaching, and Christ-centered connection where none existed. She continues to lead that ministry today, now known as Evangelical Women of the Chapel (EWOC). Each year, she recruits and trains a new leadership team, equipping women with practical tools and modeling the biblical principles of servant leadership. Under her guidance, EWOC remains a vibrant, Scripture-anchored community. Weekly Bible studies provide solid biblical teaching, followed by small group discussion that encourages honesty, accountability, and spiritual growth. Through this ministry, women are strengthened in their faith, supported in their daily lives, and empowered to lead with grace and confidence.

FAITH

Char and her husband, Ray, grew up in the same church and “noticed each other” at the age of fourteen. What began as two teenagers hoping to see each other twice a week at church soon became something far deeper. As they continued attending services, God convicted them both that they were sinners in need of His love and salvation. On the night before Ray left for Navy boot camp, they each accepted Christ as their Savior at age 19.

During Ray’s years in the Navy, God used faithful chaplains and Cadence Directors to lay the foundation of his Christian life. Ray, in turn, discipled Char, and together they grew in their walks with the Lord. Their time at BIOLA University, along with various seminars and conferences, further strengthened their gifts and deepened their commitment to ministry.

Some of their greatest lessons in faith came through unexpected and painful seasons: losing three children, surviving and rebuilding after two house fires in Japan, navigating challenging relationships, and, most recently, for Char, walking through Ray’s suffering and death in 2014. Through every trial, God’s presence has been very near, and His faithfulness has proven deeper than their grief, stronger than their circumstances, and sufficient for every step of the journey.

FAMILY

Ray and Char have one son, Michael. He was only fourteen months old when the family moved to Misawa, Japan, where he spent his formative years growing up in a hospitality house ministry. After graduating from high school, Michael attended and graduated from BIOLA University. He is now married to Kristina, and together they are raising four wonderful boys. Michael is a social worker in California, and their sons are now beginning their own careers. Char treasures every moment she spends with them.

In this season of life, Char is also surrounded by the steady support of her remaining sister, who still lives in California. With Char’s mother passing three months before Ray, Ray’s mother passing one month before him, and her baby sister passing in 2020, her remaining sister has become an especially meaningful source of strength, companionship, and joy.