Dr. Wendell was born on Oct. 1, 1940 in Ronco, Pa., he is one of 14 siblings.  His proud parents were the late Mr. Jerry Bernard and Mrs.  Pauline Burden.

 

Some of his college degrees are: Associate Degree in Management from University of MD & Hartford Community College; Engineering Degree from York College; Bachelor of Ministry in Counseling from International College of the Bible; Master of Biblical Studies (Emphasis in Christian Counseling & Teaching) from Midwest Seminary of the Bible; Honorary Doctorate of Divinity & a Earned Doctorate of Christian Counseling both from Midwest Seminary of the Bible. Dr. Wendell believes that you should take every advantage and opportunity afforded to you, Knowledge is Key.

 

Dr. Wendell has worked in various occupations. He is a Retired Quality Engineer & Retired Soldier of the United States Army; Teacher of a Trade School; Auto Mechanic; Electrician and Pastor.   While serving his country, he worked hard and his gifts and talents did not go unnoticed.  Dr. Wendell was a Sargeant Major in the US Army. Dr. Wendell is a proud son, husband and father.  He is currently the Senior Pastor, Counselor, President/Founder of Family Life Ministries International located at 617 West Market St, York, Pa. 17401.   

 

Dr. Juanita was born on Sept. 12, 1942 in West Newton, Pa., she is one of 3 siblings.   Her proud parents are Mrs. Willa Mae Nichols and the late Rev. Clarence Nichols.

 

Dr. Juanita continued education includes: Secretarial Science Degree from Robert Morris in Pittsburgh, Pa; Dental Assistant in Kassel Germany; Counseling Degree from Penn State (Uniontown Campus); Bachelor of Ministry (Emphasis in Christian Counseling & Teaching) from International College of the Bible; Master of Biblical Studies (Emphasis in Christian Counseling & Teaching) from Midwest Seminary of the Bible; Honorary Doctorate of Divinity & a Earned Doctorate of Christian Counseling both from Midwest Seminary of the Bible.  

 

Dr. Juanita is a dedicated daughter wife and mother.  She is currently the Associate Pastor, a Counselor, and Vice President/Founder of Family Life Ministries International in York, Pa.

 

They were married on August 25, 1962 in a small town in Western Pennsylvania known as Ronco, Pa.

 

They have one son, Terence, who is the apple of their eye and he is a graduate of Messiah College with a degree in Bio-Chemistry.

 

Dr. Wendell was a career soldier, and a Viet Nam Veteran, they spent 18 years of their married life traveling in the United States and Europe. It was during this time that they started to minister to families, especially during their last tour in Fulda, Germany. The Lord had been impressing upon them for some time that they needed to take another step in the ministry He had called them to, and become licensed and ordained as Ministers of the Gospel. They were licensed and ordained on April 10, 1998 in their childhood home church, First Baptist in Ronco, Pennsylvania.

 

They served with the team of Marriage Ministries International (MMI) from 1991 -1998 as Group Leaders and conducting Leadership Training Weekends. Their main position as Field Directors of the United States involved traveling extensively, introducing and implementing the Biblical Principles of MMI. During this time they also served on the Board of Directors for MMI.

In 1998 they spent 36 days on a missionary trip to Sapele, Nigeria and established the Biblical Principles of Marriage for MMI.

 

They are Certified Counselors with the American Association of Christian Counselors as well as trained Critical Incident Stress Counselors.

They have also conducted numerous seminars, workshops, and retreats.

 

In their loving church, (First Assembly of God), where they have served extensively.  Their pastor allowed them to present their vision, on January 10, 1999, of the new ministry that God called them to establish. So in January 1999 they became the founders of Family Life Ministries, International (FLMI) a Family Counseling Center.

 

In May 2004 the Family Life Ministries Church was established as well as a Computer School.

 

In September 2006 the Family Life Ministries Academy was established. This is a Non-Profit Christian School to teach young people not only education but there identity in life and in Christ.

 

God has truly been faithful to the call. They have been in ministry for 31 years; out of those 31 years they have been in their current position for 7years.

 

"Except the Lord build the house they that labor build it in vain.”

 

Dr. Wendell B. Burden, Dr. Juanita L. Burden and FLMI know that God has called them for such a time as this to minister to His creation, the family. The shepherds as well as the flock have seen God take marriages that seem impossible to mend and situations that seemed impossible to handle, sit back watched God, do exactly that, and use them for His glory.

 

In their spare time, Dr, Wendell enjoys playing Racquet Ball and Golf; Dr. Juanita takes pleasure in reading.

 

When asked if they could be anyone in the world, dead or alive who would it be, and what has been your greatest achievement so far in life?  Dr. Wendell chose is father, Mr. Jerry Burden; he was a man of great wisdom. Dr. Wendell achievement is being a father and husband and living what he teaches on marriage, it shows, they have been married 48 years.  Dr. Juanita wouldn’t want to be anyone but her. Her achievement is being the wife of Wendell Burden and mother of Terence and being obedient to hearing God call me by name to work in His Kingdom.  

 

Dr. Wendell’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 4: 5-6

 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thy own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path.

 

Dr. Juanita favorite scripture is Jeremiah 33:3

 Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.  

 

“A MIGHTY MAN AND WOMAN OF GOD”