Royal Freeman

Born in Wisconsin and raised in the oil fields of Oklahoma and Kansas, Royal had a keen interest in journalism and art. He graduated from Great Bend Kansas High School and then went on to Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible, along with a Teaching Certificate.

While in college, Royal met and married Ruby Stauffacher from Tacoma, who was an artist in the Gospel Publishing House. After graduation and spending some time working in the oil fields, Royal and Ruby pastored several years in Eastern Washington. They were then appointed as missionaries to Venezuela in South America.

During their time in Venezuela, Royal and Ruby work with the national church while laboring with the native indians on the frontier regions. The focal point of their efforts was educating, directing three Bible schools while translating and authoring courses which were used in the schools of a number of other Latin American countries.

Upon returning from the mission field, Royal was invited to become the first administrator of Life Manor, the high-rise retirement facility sponsored on Life Center's campus. Construction was still taking place after being hired, so the work literally began on the ground floor.

After working 15 years with Life Manor, the Freemans received a call from Crista Ministries to become the administrator of their Cristwood Retirement Community. While working with Crista Ministries, a non-denominational Christian organization based out of Seattle, Royal and Ruby were involved in many of the various ministries taking place on the 52 acre campus. Royal tried his hand at radio and became acquainted with World Concern while serving as campus chaplain.

Royal has served on Life Center's board of Directors and was recently asked to return as the Pastor of Seniors Ministries. Life seems to have gone full circle as he settles into his office at Life Manor. He and Ruby are excited to be back, and his sense of humor is already become quite renowned around the campus.