J. Steve Ebsen was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was raised in a Lutheran family and attended Trinity Lutheran School for grades 1 through 6. After high school Steve received a BS degree from Iowa State University and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. He married his college sweetheart, Leanne, from West Des Moines, Iowa. They spent 3 years in active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps.
After discharge from the USMC, Steve and Leanne returned to Cedar Rapids and Steve began his career as a facility engineer and later a facilities manager. They have 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy.
Upon returning to Cedar Rapids, the young couple reestablished their membership in the Lutheran church and God’s Holy Spirit began to call them into a closer walk with Him. They spent hours studying and talking to other Christians. Eventually Steve became acquainted with a Christian who introduced him to the Sabbath truth and the joy of looking forward to Christ’s soon return. Leanne and Steve were baptized into the Seventh Day Adventist church.
In 2003 Steve’s employer moved him and Leanne to Camano Island, Washington. They brought their youngest daughter and their son with them. The other two daughters remain in Marion, Iowa with Steve and Leanne’s five grandchildren.
Steve’s spiritual journey has not been a smooth one, but God has remained faithful in continuing to calm the storm in him. One of the disciplines that God has used to do this is to give Steve a strong desire to study the bible where He reveals His love and gives understanding of His plan for us.
Steve has taught adult Sabbath School for many years, been a Deacon and most recently is a Church Elder. He thanks God for His patience and the love of those who are close to him.