Tony was born in Traverse City, Michigan and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where he attended a Baptist church and Christian School. It was while in the 8th grade during a trip with his grandfather to Europe that God began to burden his heart for missions. Upon returning home, he dedicated his life to foreign missions. After graduation from Pensacola Christian College, he served as youth pastor in Midland, Texas for 3 years, then attended Heart of America Theological Seminary in Independence, MO. During seminary, he married Kristy Steele, whom he had known since age 5. Their daughter Eliana was born in September 2004. Tony gained valuable experience at Liberty Hills Baptist Church with Pastor David Strehlow, and became the first missionary couple sent out by Liberty Hills. God also opened the door for Tony and Kristy to take a 10-month trip to Uganda where they were burdened for the Ugandan people.
     The Applegates and their daughter Eliana arrived in Uganda in January 2005, where they are partnering with the Keith Stensaas family. A radio station started by Keith several years ago has allowed thousands to hear the gospel and many have been saved. God has since blessed the Applegates with three more precious children: Elijah, Elexis and Elysse. God's hand of protection and provision has been demonstrated mightily as He widens the horizon of vision for the Applegates.

The Applegates' Birthdays:
Tony - 6/22
Kristy - 9/25
Eliana - 9/3/04
Elijah - 6/20/06
Elexis - 8/18/07
Elysse -  4/24/09
Anniversary - 7/31/99