Andy was born and raised in Merton, Wisconsin. He attended Cedarville College earning a B.A. in Political Science in 1978. He met and married Deanna in 1979 and subsequently attended and graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law with a J.D. in 1984.

Andy joined the Minnesota Bar Association in 1984 and practiced law in Southwest Minnesota for 10 years. During that time, Andy and Deanna believed the Lord was leading them into missions. In preparation for the mission field, Andy attended and graduated from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary with an M.Div.

After 12 years serving with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) in Southeast Asia, Andy and Deanna returned to the U.S. Andy now serves as Executive Administrator at Hillside Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Andy and Deanna have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and one adorable grandson, Benaiah.