Manthei, Ben: - Ben Manthei was born in 1955 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Spring Arbor University in 1977. Ben is the founder of Redi-Rock International, a retaining-wall licensing company with manufacturers across the world. His involvement in overseas missions has included leading two evangelistic basketball teams to El Salvador. In addition, Ben has served on several international ministry boards, including the Military Ministry Executive Committee of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Manthei Wilkey, Ruth: - Ruth Manthei Wilkey grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and learned life skills working as a secretary in family businesses. After completing her Associate degree at Bethany Lutheran College, Ruth worked for a year in Peru teaching and writing for a mission organization. Her sense of adventure led her work with Cru, a global outreach. She traveled extensively through Europe and studied in Israel before completing her Bachelor of Arts in Literature from Concordia, Irvine. Ruth taught English, Spanish, Music and Drama at Harbor Light Christian School before embarking on her 30-year career of teaching piano in her Creative Cottage home studio. Her students added A Touch of Class to many weddings and Christmas events. In her retirement, Ruth nurtures the souls of children by writing stories.