Our Team
WENDY TATRO
International Director,
Executive Board President
Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts
Serving in Missions Since: 1985
Bio: Wendy is the co-founder of Living Word Missions, serving alongside her husband until his home going in 2006. She is responsible for day-to-day operations in the US Office. She leads the Executive Board and serves in various administrative roles. Her passions are serving missionaries and reaching the least reached.
JEAN-CLAUDE NOAH
Coordinator of Field Operations
Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts
Serving in Missions Since: 1997
Bio: A third-generation disciple of Living Word Missions, Jean-Claude is our Coordinator of Field Operations, serving our missionaries by coordinating resources, projects, training, communications, networking, and more. Jean-Claude is serious about building the Kingdom of God.
ELISABETH TATRO
Project Assistant
Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts
Serving in Missions Since: 1989
Bio: Elisabeth is primarily responsible for publications and media. Born on the mission field in West Africa, Elisabeth feels she has always been involved in missions and is passionate about children's and youth ministry.
JONATHAN DELTURCO
Executive Board, Vice President
Location: North Reading, Massachusetts
Serving in Ministry Since: 1976
Bio: A third-generation minister and missionary kid to Belgium and Italy, Jonathan is the senior pastor and founder of International Family Church. Jonathan's grace for developing people is most apparent when pastoring missionaries.
TIM SCHMIDT
Executive Board Member
Location: Rochester, New York
Serving in Ministry Since: 1993
Bio: As pastor of Journey Church and president of Health Systems Technology Tim’s anointing is both priest and king. Tim brings to the Executive Board a keen business sense, along with sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and wisdom beyond his years. He has a passion for souls in his city and beyond.
GARY COOPER
Bio: A missionary veteran, Gary served 36 years in Guatemala, Germany, the Middle East, Sarajevo, Colombia, and Switzerland. Gary retired from full-time field ministry in 2020. He brings vast experience to the team, having worked in virtually every aspect of missions: teaching, pastoring, administration, church planting, humanitarian aid, and Bible schools. Gary has a spirit of excellence and is a fine minister of God's Word.
VERNA DELTURCO
Advisory Board Member
Location: North Reading, Massachusetts
Serving in Ministry Since: 1976
Bio: The first lady of International Family Church, Verna is the ultimate pastor’s wife. Her generosity and hospitality are unparalleled. She brings smart insight to Living Word Missions, coupled with a mother’s heart.
BERT FARIAS
Advisory Board Member
Location: Windham, New Hampshire
Serving in Ministry Since: 1987
Bio: 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 and his drive to impart the spirit of prayer, revival, and evangelism is contagious to the rest of our team.