Our Staff

Here's a little bit of background info about our team: 

Note:  
Smyrna works with and visits pastors and Christian leaders in countries where being a witnessing Christian is a crime punishable by death. It is to protect these courageous men and women - and keep our lines of communication with them open -
that we do not share our names or pictures on the Internet._ 
 

 Executive Director:

Our Executive Director served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years before coming to Smyrna to handle operations and logistics as Associate Director. After five years in that position, he was asked by the Founder and unanimously chosen by the Board to serve as Executive Director.  His days as the commanding officer of a naval aviation squadron well-equipped him for the thousand problems and surprises inherent in ministry work. His abiding love of the Word and his heart for servant leadership are invaluable to Smyrna’s daily operation. Believing that God supplies strength and vision equal to any challenge, he has journeyed to such places as India, Bangladesh, Ghana, Syria, and Jordan and seen first-hand the faithful believers awaiting the return of Christ, as well as the fields white for harvest. His wife consistently volunteers at Smyrna, and together they pray for God to break out on behalf of the oppressed and suffering around the world.

Read his blog here.

 

Founder and Executive Director Emeritus:

In 1991, God burdened a pastor’s heart for Christians facing persecution in the Islamic world. As he prayed for the suffering body of Christ, it kindled his passion, and he and his wife founded what is now Smyrna Ministries International.

The ministry began supporting Christian leaders in Egypt, Turkey, India, and various other predominately Muslim countries. Reports of unrelenting persecution and hostility flooded into the make-shift office, and the staff of the emerging ministry fell to their knees in prayer. Yet, even from the darkest corners of the globe, there were also testimonies of the power of God's Word and the efficacy of prayer - Smyrna's staff rejoiced! Over and over, Smyrna saw God redeem impossible situations - petitions mingled with praises, and the ministry grew.

Today, our Founder and his wife still gather every morning with other believers to pray for the Persecuted Church.

In the intervening years they have traveled to Egypt and met with Christians in hiding; they have walked the streets of cities, village paths, and jungle trails; they have visited Ghana, Pakistan, Syria, and Lebanon and shared fellowship with Christians living in physical poverty and spiritual wealth; in Muslim neighborhoods, they have seen the shells of burned-out churches, and they have spoken with men who have since been martyred for their faith. Almost daily, they hear stories of brutal murders, child-brides, honor killings, disappearances, ostracism, and torture; they weep for Christ's precious Bride, and they war in prayer on her behalf.

Hebrews 13:3 is written in their hearts, and they urge us to join them on their knees in worship and supplication to the God who hears and acts!

Read the Founder's blog here.

 

Executive Assistant:

Our executive assistant not only handles administrative tasks, she is also instrumental in website design, development, and maintenance. She is constantly amazed by the courage of ordinary Christians in countries where persecution is prominent. Read her blog here.

 

Senior Research Editor:

Our senior research editor is intrigued by history and is eager to learn more about the realities facing Christians in the Muslim world.  Read her blog here.

 

Volunteers:

Smyrna has also been blessed with many part-time volunteers whose efforts are vital to making the ministry function. If you want to come onboard with the team at Smyrna, as a prayer warrior or volunteer, please contact us at smyrna@smyrnaministries.org. God is at work!