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Vernon and Ruth Ann Dean Vernon grew up in a Christian home in Baltimore, Maryland. He received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. While at the academy, Vernon received a call of God for ministry. After graduating, he attended and completed the 3 year diploma program at Zion Bible institute. Vernon then became an assistant pastor in Norwalk, CT. In 1977, he was invited to travel on a six week mission's trip to Africa and South America. It was in Africa, while on this trip, that Vernon met Ruth Ann. Three weeks later they became engaged in Brazil. Ruth Ann (Heidt) was also raised in a Christian home in Ontario, Canada. She attended Zion Bible Institute and earned a degree in Christian Education at Central Bible College. Vernon and Ruth Ann were married in London, Ontario in December, 1977 and began traveling together in full time ministry in a motor home. After several years of ministry on the road, they pastored in Fairfield, Connecticut, Boston, Massachusetts and Exeter, Ontario. During the 80's, Vernon pursued and received a Masters degree from Fairfield University. In July of 2005, Vernon and Ruth Ann accepted the call to pastor Christian Assembly. They continue to be excited about what God is doing at Christian Assembly. Vernon enjoys tennis, downhill skiing, scuba diving and computers. He has given up sky diving. Ruth Ann has a creative flair for arts and crafts. She is a certified Bob Ross Floral and Landscape painting instructor and is a certified clown and uses every opportunity to befriend many people in her life. The Deans have two children, Joshua and Stephanie. Joshua is studying for his master's degree in education. Stephanie works with her husband as Youth and Children's Church pastors. Starbuck's favorite is grande decaf sugar free vanilla skim latte. Favorite scripture is all of Psalms 1. His car license plate in Canada was "Psalms 1."
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