Joseph Hawkins grew up in a broken home in the state of Ohio. Though church attendance was rare, his father started taking him to church around twelve years of age. Even though he attended church for many years, he still didn't have the assurance of salvation though his heart longed for it. During a week of Revival Meetings, Joseph was convicted through the preaching and started to become more aware of eternity without Christ. On April 22, 2007, Joseph received Christ as his personal Savior. He was baptized that night and gave his life to Christ.

After salvation, Joseph realized that God had a special plan for his life and prepared himself for the gospel ministry longing to be a pastor.

Esther Michael grew up in a pastors home in Medford, Massachusetts and was taught from a very young age the importance of receiving Christ as her personal Savior. At seven years of age, after hearing many messages in Sunday school and at church about the love of Jesus Christ and the eternal life that is found in Him, she came to her mother inquiring about salvation. Her mother was able to gloriously lead her to Christ. After graduating High School, Esther attended Fairhaven Baptist College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. She joined the staff at Fairhaven and served there for many years.

In June of 2011, Joe and Esther were married and served together in Ohio for several years at his home church.

In 2016, God burdened Joe about helping his father-in-law's church in Medford, MA. After much prayer, the family set off toward the Boston area. In the spring of 2018, New England Baptist Church called Joseph to be the next pastor and are currently serving today. The Hawkins family have been blessed with five wonderful children.