Phil & Joy Budensiek

Phil and Joy Budensiek are no strangers to Hobe Sound. Their story together begins when they met at Hobe Sound in the early 1980s. They both graduated in 1984 and were married two weeks later.

Joy was born in Covington, Georgia, and most of her life has lived there. Her father’s job transferred the family twice for half years—once to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and once to Nashville, Tennessee—but they always ended up back home in Covington.

Phil was born in Salem, Ohio. When he was a little over one year old, his parents moved to Eritrea, East Africia, as missionaries serving from 1960 – 1971. Due to war, they had to return to the United States. In 1976, his family went to Taiwan as missionaries. Phil spent most of his teenage years there. He came to Hobe Sound Bible College from Taiwan.

Joy graduated with a degree in Secondary Education – Commercial Arts (a degree that offered courses in accounting, typing, shorthand, office procedures, etc.). Phil graduated with a Mission’s degree.

Phil is founder and has served as pastor of Mt. Tabor Bible Church for thirty-eight years, working as a bi-vocational pastor. He carried the vision of his family to plant the church in Newton County. He continues serving on the leadership team through discipling and shepherding members. Joy has worked in ministry through music, church events, and as a Sunday School teacher. Together they have ministered to their community, Knowing Christ and making Him Known.

Phil has served on the HSBC board in the past and is currently serving as the Chief Operations Officer for the Rockdale County Public School system. Joy currently works with the Oxford College of Emory University. She serves as the Academic Department Administrator for the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics.

Joy’s memories of Hobe Sound started with the annual camp meetings. She would often see the college students during camp and felt it would be a “dream come true” to be one of them. When she finally was able to attend, she was active on campus as Assistant Dean in the girls’ dorm, as well as playing the saxophone in John Budensiek’s band. She sang in the choir and traveled with the ladies’ trio. Speaking of HSBC, she says, “The faculty from my days at HSBC are people I hold in highest regard. Their sacrificial, consistent living helped to shape my life into who I am today. I often tell college-bound students to enjoy these days! They are some of the very best days they will ever have. “

Thank you, Phil and Joy, for your faithful service in the kingdom!