Dave and Pat Lower have been on staff together for 25 years. Dave began with AIA on its basketball team, first as a player (2 years), then a coach (15 years) and most recently serves in the Ministry Advancement (Events) department. Pat, who is from Canada and initially came on staff with the Agape Movement (no longer exists within Campus Crusade), has been on staff for 30 years. She met Dave at Canadian headquarters when one of the USA AIA teams was stationed in Canada . They married four years later when Pat transitioned to AIA staff. She now works within the Women's Ministry, facilitating conferences for AIA. The Lowers have three daughters, (Dawn, 22, and twins Danielle and Leeann, 20). Continue reading for more fun facts about the Lowers.

Describe your experience at the recent, inaugural AIA Legends of Pro Rodeo Breakfast in Las Vegas.

Pat: My favorite exposure to the rodeo industry was the behind-the-scenes tour at the rodeo area when we had the opportunity to meet five young men who were the "world class champions" in their specific event. Each one of them came up to me, tipped his hat, shook my hand, and said, "It's very nice to meet you ma'am." They made me feel like the honor was theirs in meeting me, instead of the other way around. These young men were such gentleman and top notch all the way.

Dave: Rodeo and cowboy culture is very different than the football and basketball culture in that theirs is one of humility, traditional values and respect. There is a sense of respect for God even if they are Christians or not and they're very physically and mentally tough. The standard apparel worn by the cowboys (i.e. pressed wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, hats, shirt or sport coats, no ties) truly surprised us.

What did God teach you through the AIA Legends of Pro Rodeo Breakfast?

Pat: We have seen how God is faithful in all ways and is not limited to short time spans. He provided an abundance of sponsors. He filled the room and provided every key person needed for the program. The weekend was the most fun event I had worked. The reason we love Him is because He loved us first. He is a very gracious God.

Dave: I was reminded what I already know in that, in terms of our faith, not knowing what lies ahead, circumstances, etc. that we continually need to trust God and believe that He's in control. The entire weekend was in God's hands and He, as always, was faithful.

Name one thing either about yourself or your spouse that would catch people by surprise and why.

Pat: Even though I get along well with people I tend to be fairly anti-social. I would choose spending time with machines over people. This New Year's Eve I was dying to learn a new computer program I was about to use so spent the evening emailing back and forth with the programmer working out the bugs in it so he could create a patch to make it more efficient. I had the best time!

Dave: Pat was quite an athlete in her day. Most people just see her around the office and haven't seen her in an athletic setting.

What is one thing you've each unexpectedly enjoyed about your jobs at AIA?

Pat: Working with Natalie. At first she seemed a little scary but now I really think she is a hoot!

Dave: The crossover from basketball to other sports, and the unique opportunities that have come my way over the years.

If the Lower family was "snowed in" for a day at home (with all 3 daughters), how would the day be spent?

Pat: First of all, most of the day would be gone before they even got up (3pm was fairly standard over Christmas break). We would all have dinner together and probably watch a football game if one was on, just hang out time. Nothing special, we just enjoy time together.

Dave: Several thoughts cross my mind: sleeping in, snowball fight, sledding and videos.

What is the most rewarding thing about your current role with AIA?

Pat: After 20 years of raising children and serving AIA more from a sidelines position, I felt very much like on outsider. Now I feel integrated, a part of the whole, and am much happier reconnecting with the AIA family even though most of my work is still done from home.

Dave: The fact that what we do has an impact on eternity and how sweet it is to run into someone that was affected by our ministry from years ago. It is also very enjoyable working with our AIA family, good people.