When Pekka Daniel and Marjut Rimpeläinen traveled from their home in Finland to Canada in 2004 for a pastors’ conference, they weren’t expecting to be introduced to Fatherheart Ministries. But James Jordan was among the speakers, and as he spoke, Pekka Daniel says, “Father’s love changed our lives.”

Now he and Marjut (MAR-yoot) lead Fatherheart Finland, propelled by their desire, he says, “that in this nation more and more people would come to know God as the loving Father he really is.”

Both Pekka Daniel and Marjut were born in central Finland. Currently they live in the southern portion of the country, in Lahti, about 100 kilometres northeast of the capital and port city of Helsinki.

Both have business management training. Pekka Daniel has worked in marketing and management, and Marjut as an accounting assistant.

In 1990, Pekka Daniel began serving full time in ministry. He has pastored several churches. After being introduced to Fatherheart Ministries at the pastors’ conference, held at what was then Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, he and Marjut began attending Fatherheart Ministries schools in Finland. They have also attended Fatherheart Ministries events in New Zealand. They began leading Fatherheart Finland in 2009, teaching at schools and conferences.

The couple have two married daughters, Tanja and Katja, and three grandchildren.

Pekka Daniel enjoys cross country skiing, badminton, running and woodworking. Marjut plays piano and also enjoys interior design projects, baking and making jewellery. In the summer they head to western Finland in their caravan.