About Gary and Barb

Gary Losey was born to Christian parents in Amboy, Illinois. He spent his childhood years growing up on a farm. Attending and being involved in the church was always an integral part of his family’s life. His dad was a factory worker, but did farming on the side. His mom was a devoted homemaker raising two sons and two daughters. Then later, his parents adopted two more boys.

Gary came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of eight while attending summer Bible camp. Later he committed his life to the Lord to serve Him in full time ministry at the age of seventeen while serving at summer Bible camp. Gary’s lifetime objective has been to serve the Lord and others through his primary spiritual gift of administration.

During his high school years, Gary was very involved in leading youth group and serving in Awana Clubs and various other ministries of the church. He attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, earning his diploma in 1972, having majored in Pastoral Studies with a minor in Christian Education. Gary furthered his education with training in accounting and courses in professional development from Illinois Central College in 1991. Over the years, he has attended numerous seminars and workshops conducted by the Christian Stewardship Association and Christian Management Association.

Gary has received the following awards during his Christian service career: Key to the City of Peoria from the mayor and community leader in 1986; Christian Service Award from the Central IL Sunday School Convention 1990; and The Distinguished Service Award from the Peoria Rescue Ministries in 1991.

Gary helped establish a Moody Evening School Extension in Peoria during 1985, which initially was the largest extension school in the nation outside the Chicago campus. He co-hosted a 15-minute weekly radio program entitled Adventures in Christian Education from 1983 to1990. While serving as chairman of two Family Life Conferences in Peoria with Family Ministry of Campus Crusade, the first conference was the largest first year conference and the largest fall conference in the history of Family Ministry nationally.

Gary has traveled extensively internationally to twenty-six countries including: Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, United Kingdom, South America, Vietnam, India, Virgin Islands and Canada.

Gary met his lifetime companion, Barb, while serving on staff at Watertown Baptist Church in East Moline, Illinois. God blessed them with their daughter, Janelle, while serving at this church. Then after moving to Burlington, Iowa, God gave them a son, Tim. Today they are the proud grandparents of three grandsons and one granddaughter.

Since 1971, Gary has served faithfully as a member and on staff of the following churches: Wildwood Baptist Church, East Moline, Illinois (formerly Watertown Baptist Church); West Avenue Baptist Church, Burlington, Iowa; and Bethany Baptist Church, Peoria, Illinois. His service at all three churches included Director of Christian Education/Youth/Music.

He and his wife, Barb, are currently members of Living Hope Community Church, Bartonville, Illinois.