Tim was born and raised in northwestern Ohio. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1980 and was subsequently stationed in South Korea. It is there that he met his wife of 27 years, Mina. While in the service he attended college receiving his degree in psychology and becoming a commissioned officer. In 1988, he resigned his commission to begin a ministry in Killeen, Texas.

Tim later attended the Sunset International Bible Institute while, at the same time, preaching for the church in Maple, Texas. He then returned to work with the church in Killeen.

Following an eight year ministry in Killeen and teaching trips to Barnaul, Russia and Donetsk, Ukraine, the Burow family made the decision to move to Mariupol, Ukraine. There, Tim engaged in strengthening a new church as well as planting others. He also served as a regular part of the teaching cadre at the Ukrainian Bible Institute in Donetsk.

During the last couple of years, the Burow family has made Arlington, Texas their home and the focus of their ministry. During this period, Tim has continued to work with the churches in Ukraine, teach at U.B.I. and mentor church planters in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Between trips, while in the States, he would focus his attention on local outreach.

Tim and Mina have two children. Their daughter, Elizabeth, is serving as an AIMer in Guadalajara, Mexico. Their son, Alan, is a student at LCU.