Our Team
WENDY TATRO
International Director
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 Board of Directors and serves in various administrative roles. Her passions are serving missionaries and reaching the last reached.
JEAN-CLAUDE NOAH
Coordinator of Field Operations
Advisory Board
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.
JONATHAN DEL TURCO
Board of Directors
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
Board of Directors
Location: Rochester, New York
Serving in Ministry Since: 1993
Bio: A business owner and former pastor, Tim’s anointing is both priest and king. Tim brings to the Board of Directors a keen business sense, along with sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and wisdom beyond his years.
GARY COOPER
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Serving in Ministry Since: 1984
Bio: A missionary veteran, Gary served 36 years in field ministry in multiple locations. 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.
OLIVER FRISCHKNECHT
Location: Thalwil, Switzerland
Serving in Ministry Since: 1999
Bio: Having formerly served in India, Oliver now pastors a growing multi-generational church near Zurich, Switzerland, Christliches Zentrum Thalwil (Christian Center of Thalwil). A bit of an adventurer and a talented photographer, Oliver has a wonderful way of seeing life. He brings a strong faith in God and practical wisdom to our team. Oliver is usually the one to ask a question no one else is asking.
VERNA DEL TURCO
Advisory Board
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
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.
SUNDIE NOAH
Admin Support
Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts
Serving in Missions Since: 1996
Bio: Sundie was the youngest candidate to attend LWM’s Missionary Training School in the late 90s. She served in multiple nations, most notably among a Pygmy tribe in Cameroon. Now, wife to Jean-Claude and homeschool mom to Zoe, Hannah, and Kohen, Sundie serves LWM with administrative functions. She is passionate about serving missionaries having walked in their shoes.
ELISABETH TATRO
Media Manager
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.