Shawn was born in India but moved the United States with his family when he was two. His family has been part of Life Church since he was seven. He went to Portland State University where he received his Bachelors Degree in Finance and has worked since 1998 in the insurance industry. He has a passion for youth and has been a youth volunteer at Life Church since 1998. In 2008, he completed his Masters in Business Administration at George Fox University.  

April was born in Oregon, but grew up as a missionary's kid in Africa for about 18 years.  After high school she went to Master's Commission in Rockford, IL for two years. She then graduated from Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX. Afterwards, she felt the Lord leading her to return to the mission field. It was during this time in Swaziland, that God brought Shawn on a short missions trip with Empower Africa. Within a year, God had led her back to Oregon where April and Shawn were married. They have two boys, Joel (2005) and Josiah (2009).  

Since April 2009, together they pastor The Awakening youth ministry. Their desire is to disciple and raise up young people who will love God with all of their heart and will be passionate in seeking Him and making Him known. They believe that God is doing a new and fresh thing in our time, and honored to be a part of what He is doing in this generation!