Rich comes to Vancouver after 12 years of pastoring in Minneapolis, MN with City Hill Fellowship, a congregation of approximately 650 people. He was Sr. Pastor the last 7 of those 12 years. Besides leading this church, Rich served on City Hill's church planting team which gave oversight to 20 some sister churches. Additionally, Rich is deeply involved in missions, particularly in China. He has ministered in many places in the US and abroad, and exhibits a prophetic gracing as well as a call to church planting.
Personal
- Born in Brookings, South Dakota, USA, July 5, 1961.
- Parents: Dr. Charles & Anne Kao.
- Younger sister: Joanne.
- Grew up in River Falls, Wisconsin.
- Became Christian at 17.
- Married wife Memie in 1990.
- Four great kids: Kimmie (16), Heidi (14), Holly (12), Matthew (9).
Education
- Carleton College , Northfield, MN - Biology, BA, 1983.
- Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN - Immunology, MS 1985.
Research Career
- Diagnostic / Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Beckman Coulter & 3M Co. 1985-1991.
Entreprenurial / Business
- Managing Director, Measurement Technology Laboratories - 1997 to present.
Ministry
- Pastor, City Hill Fellowship - 1991 to 2003.
- President, SCI, (leadership org to China) - 1997 to present.
- President, Catalysts, Inc (humanitarian org to China) - 2006 to present.
- Vancouver church plant, 5 Stones Church - Nov. 2003 - present.
Notables
- Favorite drink: Diet Coke / Pepsi - caffiene free.
- Favorite candy bar: Snickers.
- Favorite sport (to watch): Golf (Tiger Woods) (I need to get the Golf Channel!)
- Favorite downtime activity when I'm spent: Watch a movie by myself in a big dark theater!
- Favorite computer: Mac (is there anything else?)
What I'm Thanksful For:
- Salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
- A terrific wife and four beautiful kids.
- A job I love.