Tim grew up in Scotts, Michigan, wandering off to Virginia as a 17-year-old to study and run. He met his wife, Leslie, after a stint in Law School and eventually settled in Blacksburg, Virginia as an entrepreneur, part-time track coach, and Church youth leader while Leslie practiced veterinary medicine. In 2003 they moved to Cape Town, South Africa with two young boys that began an adventure that continues to this day.

Tim earned an MA and Ph.D. from the University of Pretoria and serves as General Director of Scripture Union South Africa along with serving on an eldership team at Commonground Church. Leslie volunteers at a local township school teaching Maths and running afterschool Bible clubs amongst a million other things. Their two sons grew up in South Africa: James, married Mackenzie and lives in Virginia, and William lives in Cape Town.