The Grand Valley, four hours west of Denver and southeast of Salt Lake City, is a region known for agriculture, Palisade peaches, vineyards, mountain biking, and even its quirky claim to fame—“Mike the Headless Chicken.” Mesa County is surrounded by stunning landmarks: the Colorado National Monument (a smaller version of the Grand Canyon), the 200-mile Book Cliffs, and the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world and home of Camp Hope. Two rivers, the Colorado and the Gunnison, wind through the valley. The community is a mix of long-time residents, migrant workers, and students from Colorado Mesa University.
Despite its beauty, the valley carries deep challenges. The school district is one of the lowest-paid in the state, leaving many children with little support at home. Some are born into addiction or poverty; others lack stability, mentorship, or basic care. Drugs, broken families, and cycles of hopelessness weigh heavily. Although there are many churches, few are Bible-believing, truth-preaching bodies of Christ. The region also carries strong influences of LDS teaching, New Age practices, and spiritualism. Poverty is widespread, with the average per-capita income around $30,000.
Brandie sees a community in desperate need of Jesus. Hospitals and counseling services are overwhelmed, and even the churched often remain in bondage to false beliefs and addictions. She is passionate about reaching the next generation, equipping teachers and church leaders, and pointing people to the healing, life-changing power of Christ.
Brandie became a missionary candidate with InFaith in 2025. She was saved in 1989 and has been faithfully serving the Lord ever since. Married since 1987, she and her husband have raised a large, joy-filled family. Over the years, Brandie has served on a women’s ministry board at Maranatha Chapel in San Diego, co-taught parenting classes, taught children’s ministry, supported VBS, and used her creative gifts to serve in church events.
Family is one of Brandie’s greatest blessings. Their oldest daughter is an interior designer in Salt Lake City, Utah, and their oldest son, an Army veteran, serves as a pastor in Fayetteville, North Carolina, alongside his wife, a schoolteacher. Their middle son, an engineer, and his wife also live in Salt Lake City, where they minister to their young daughter. Their next son, a local law enforcement officer, and his wife, a banker, both serve the community and volunteer at Camp Hope as their schedules allow. Their youngest daughter lives nearby and works with middle and high school students. They also have a daughter in heaven and a spiritual daughter in Texas raising two boys of her own.
On Sundays, Brandie and her husband can be found at the Fruita Community Center, where he pastors a small flock at CCFruita. She warmly invites you to stop by and say hello!