Darrell is a red dirt raised Okie that finally made his way to Colorado. Darrell is an avid outdoorsman, hunter, hiker, mountaineer, traveler, and fisherman, certified in Wilderness First Aid and on the river. He attended Harding University where he received his Bachelor in Ministry degree. He later received his Masters in Counseling Psychology degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Darrell grew up in a family that very much values hard work and faith in Jesus. He gave his life to Jesus in July 1993 and has been serving Him ever since. Darrell spent the last three years with a backpacking ministry based out of Twin Lakes, CO, but prior to that he served as a full-time student pastor for 20+ years at churches in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. In 2004, he began taking his youth groups to the mountains to encourage the amazing life change that only the wilderness provides.
Darrell met his wife, Michelle, who was a youth sponsor during his internship with a church in Mesquite, Texas. Michelle has been by his side in ministry since they were married in March 2001. Throughout their time in full-time ministry, missions and wilderness ministry have always been their top passions. This passion has taken them to the summit of many 14ers and to serve churches in Canada, Ukraine, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil. Michelle has been a successful real estate agent for many years and currently does medical billing for a physical therapy center.
Darrell and Michelle have two children: Phoenix and Anberlin. Before moving to Colorado in March 2025, their children were very involved in showing lambs, goats, heifers, and steers all throughout the state of Texas in FFA. Anberlin was also a 3 year member of the Bearcats Varsity Dance Team. Phoenix is currently guiding for Journey Quest and attending Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, CO, to pursue a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. Anberlin is finishing up her junior year at Cañon City High School.
The Lanfords began work with Journey Quest in the spring of 2025. They are so happy to finally call Colorado home while serving God and others.