George and Elsie Preston first met on a school bus, though their love story didn’t begin until after graduation. Their bond grew stronger while George served in the U.S. Army, and just three days after his discharge, they became husband and wife.
The couple saved some money and purchased a 40-acre farm to start their lives together. During the day, George began his civilian career in the new computer department at Marathon Oil Company, and in the evenings, he and Elsie worked the land.
Within five years, the Prestons began raising three children who went on to follow meaningful callings of their own. Their oldest daughter and her husband founded a global online Christian school that reached over 6,500 students. Their son served as a firefighter and assistant fire chief in Indianapolis. Their youngest daughter now serves in ministry alongside her husband, a Baptist pastor.
In the 1960s, George’s passion for computers grew, and with both a college degree and professional training, he used his skills to serve a higher calling. Leaving Marathon Oil Company, the couple answered a new mission: to bring technology into global Christian missions. They trained staff in Indiana and across multiple countries, modernizing ministry operations and expanding the reach of the Gospel.
Their journey took them far beyond the farm. Notably, Elsie has traveled to Russia three times, Mongolia three times, China twice (including walking the Great Wall) and South Korea once!
After their time in missions, the Prestons settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. Elsie worked for the University of Cincinnati for 17 years before retiring, while George continued to lead in healthcare technology, managing the processing of Medicare claims for Ohio, Tennessee and North Dakota, totaling over 30 million claims annually.
Through thick and thin, Proverbs 3:5-6 is a life verse the couple lives by. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”