Uk immigrated from South Korea as a young boy with his family and grew up in Maine. He attended South Portland High School and graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then served 20 years in the Air Force at many locations.  Manuela grew up in northern Germany and received training as a child development specialist. She used her skills in the workplace and in ministry. They have two children and serve in Chiang Mai, Thailand.