Celebrating 50 Years of Love and Service

What a joy it was to celebrate Pastor Mike and Elaine Hanson’s 50th wedding anniversary! Married in 1975 after meeting on a musical mission trip to East Africa, their life together has been a testament to faithful service, love, and adventure.

From their time as missionaries among the Gbaya people in Cameroon—where Pastor Mike directed a Bible school and Elaine ministered alongside women’s groups in Garoua-Boulai—to raising three children, the Hansons have shared a journey rich in faith and family.

Since returning to the U.S. in 1993, they have served with dedication through seminary, ministry across Minnesota, and eventually at Elim Lutheran in Port Orchard starting in 2017. Their life together beautifully merges ministry and creativity: Pastor Mike is known for his passion for archery (he’s a Level 4 certified USA Archery coach), guitar, fused glass art, photography, woodworking, and more—while Elaine has spread her love for music both here and through her teaching at Blakely Elementary on Bainbridge Island (where their grandsons were among her students!).

Though they have both entered retirement, they remain deeply engaged—Elaine continues to sub teach, and together they enjoy exploring the Northwest, spending time with their grandchildren, and sharing the goodness of God wherever they go.

May these photos reflect the love, dedication, and spirit that have defined fifty wonderful years together. Here’s to celebrating the past, honoring the present, and looking forward to all the blessings yet to come.