 Wendy Tatro - International Director
Location: Methuen, MA
Serving in Missions since: 1985
Fact: Wendy has moved over 22 times.
Soundbite: "Who is an advocate for the missionary?" Missionaries are like the policemen and fire fighters of Christianity...risking far more than most in their job assignments and receiving less recognition and compensation."
Wendy has the privilege of seeing the big picture of LWM! Her role includes Holy Spirit inspired design, development, and implementation of strategy for the overall vision of the ministry. Procurement is her biggest assignment and area of gracing. She is also responsible for day-to-day operations and management of staff and volunteers. We call her cap'n in the office.
 Becky Ruland - Project Coordinator
Location: Amarillo, TX
Serving in Missions since: 1996
Fact: Becky broke her back in Belarus and was sent back to the US strapped to a homemade stretcher.
Soundbite: "Let me give you my business card."
Becky, a Christ For The Nations graduate with a degree in Practical Theology and 13 years of missionary experience in Belarus and Ukraine, coordinates projects for LWM. She is a networker and gifted administrator. Her current projects include overseeing translations and printing of materials for Bible training centers around the world, researching locations and technology for water wells and building construction to assist LWM affiliates fulfill their mandates from the Lord. It's a big job, but somebody's gotta do it and Becky's the girl for the job!
 Rebekah Tatro - Creative Director
Location: Methuen, MA
Serving in Missions since: 1986 (her entire existence)
Fact: Rebekah's memory is super sonic. She recalls exact color shades from 1988. It comes in handy as Creative Director...and when shopping for drapes.
Soundbite: "Isn't this lime green fabulous??"
Rebekah is a Gordon College graduate with a Fine Arts degree in Theatre and Communications. She oversees donor communications, newsletters, this website (!), promotional materials and events, basically all things "creative." Seriously, she could redecorate your bathroom! Born on the mission field, raised in a missionary home and privileged to travel to many of the LWM outreaches, she has a unique perspective on supporting missionaries and missions work in general.
Gary Cooper - Advisory Board Member
Location: Middle East
Serving in Missions since: 1984
Fact: Gary learned Spanish then German for his previous missions placements, now he's adding Arabic.
Soundbite: We cannot afford to ease up or slow down in accomplishing the Great Commission. We are on a mission. No holding back, no retreat, no regrets.
A missionary veteran, Gary has served in Guatemala, Germany, and now the Middle East. He has worked in virtually ever aspect of missions: teaching, pastoring, administration, church planting, humanitaritan aid, and Bible schools. From his years of saturated missions experience, Gary brings the missionary perspective to the board.
 Jonathan Del Turco - Vice President Executive Board/ Advisory Board Member
Location: North Reading, MA
In Ministry Since: 1976
Fact: Jonathan was our founder's best friend and once judo rolled Russ in self defense.
Soundbite: "I pray every day to be the best pastor you've ever had."
Jonathan started off as a missionary kid to Belgium and Italy and grew up to be a "pastor to pastors." He is the senior pastor of International Family Church, founded in 1981. His grace for developing people is most apparent when he's pastoring missionaries.
Verna Del Turco - Advisory Board Member
Location: North Reading, MA
In Ministry Since: 1976
Fact: Verna makes the best meatballs in New England and her manicotti is the stuff of legends.
Soundbite: "Who you are at home is who you really are."
The first lady of International Family Church, Verna is the ultimate pastor's wife. Her generosity and hospitality are unparalleled. She brings smart insight coupled with a mother's heart.
 Bert Farias - Advisory Board Member
Location: Windham, NH
Serving in Missions since: 1987
Fact: Bert was renamed the "fire man" by his Bible school students during his first year on the field...the rest is history.
Soundbite: "The only thing I know how to do is live a life of consecration."
Bert has been a partner of LWM since day one, as the first missionary to join Russ and Wendy in Liberia. Bert is the founder of Holy Fire Ministries. Bert's drive to impart the spirit of prayer, revival, and evangelism is contagious to the rest of our team.
 Tim Schmidt - Advisory Board Member
Location: Rochester, NY
In Ministry Since: 1993
Fact: The Lord supernaturally taught Tim how to write medical software.
Soundbite: "When's the last time you heard from the Lord? I've come to understand a simple fact: the Father wants to speak to you everyday and You and I need to hear from Him everyday."
Don't let Tim's laid back demeanor fool you. There's a lot going on behind his winsome smile. Part pastor (of Jubilee Family Church) and part businessman (President of Health Systems Technology), Tim's anointing is both priest and king. His sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, keen listening skill, and wisdom beyond his years bring balance to the board.
 Gary Shotton - Advisory Board Member
Location: Tulsa, OK
In Business Since: 1974
Fact: Gary has warehoused, packed and shipped more missionary containers than he cares to remember.
Soundbite: Gary has two: "You're a blessing," and "What's the bottom line?"
Gary is a "whatever it takes" kind of guy. He has a mining engineering degree, has owned two thriving businesses, and has travelled the world hosting business seminars in developing nations. Gary is a giver and a practical example of Christian service. He has turned his business ability into a tool for the local church and international missions. Gary wants to see LWM guided by sound business principles and brings this perspective to the board.
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