Our Team

We are teammates living on opposite sides of the world and co-laborers in the gospel.

AFRICA

Nicholas Ayiga

Deputy Principal, NEATS
SOUTH SUDAN

Banja Benjamin

Flagship Church Leader, Yei
UNITED STATES

Lori Christensen

US Women’s Outreach Leader
UNITED STATES

Mike Congrove

Executive Director - USA & Co-Founder
AFRICA

Edward Dima

Principal Coach, NEATS
AFRICA

Dominic Eruaga

Academic Dean, NEATS
UGANDA

Peace Gorundu

Asst Project Mgr
D.R. CONGO

Francis Jariekonga

Flagship Church Admin
UNITED STATES

Matt Jones

Director of Biblical Education & Care
AFRICA

David Kaya

Africa Director & Co-Founder
AFRICA

Christine Keji

Project Manager
AFRICA

Patricia Asiki Kotichi

Head of Women's Ministry
UGANDA

Mawa John Liki

NEATS Principal
SOUTH SUDAN

Emmanuel Lomo

Missionary Assistant, Juba
SOUTH SUDAN

Abiggo Manson Lubang

Operations Director
UNITED STATES

Caroline McDowell

Operations Coordinator
UGANDA

Favour Mogga

HR/Finance Manager, Africa
SOUTH SUDAN

John Monychol

Flagship Church Leader, Upper Nile
UGANDA

Clement Nyumbo

Assistant Mission Coordinator
UNITED STATES

Kelly Pearson

HR / Operations Director
AFRICA

Annet Poni

Administrator/Trip Coordinator
UNITED STATES

Zach Potts

South Sudan Liaison
AFRICA

Sam Ochan

Wellfare, NEATS
D.R. CONGO

Jakisa Ufoyorwoth

Flagship Church Assistant, Congo
SOUTH SUDAN

Richard Yanga

Missionary Leader, Juba
D.R. CONGO

William Udar

Flagship Church Leader, Congo
UNITED STATES

Chad Vandiver

Director of Empower One Network
10/40 WINDOW

Timothy

Deputy Regional Leader
10/40 WINDOW

Silas

Regional Leader
10/40 WINDOW

Paul

Regional Leader

Board of Directors

Jodi Ashcraft

Board Member

Ray Clark

Board Chairman

Ray Clark serves as Vice President of Send Relief. Prior to his role at Send Relief, Ray held an executive finance position at the North America Mission Board (NAMB). Before joining NAMB, Ray also held an executive role in investment banking. After graduating from the University of Texas, Ray briefly played professional baseball in the New York Yankees organization.

Mike Congrove

Board Member

Mike Congrove, the Executive Director at Empower One, brings his expertise to contribute to the growth of Seed Effect. Previously, he held key positions at e3 Partners Ministry as the Sudan Strategy Coordinator and Africa Continent Director for six years. During his tenure, Mike led the expansion of the e3 Sudan division, establishing a team of 52 staff members and raising $1.5 million in gross donations. Under his leadership, churches, schools, and a farm were established in South Sudan, alongside the training of numerous Sudanese leaders. Before entering the ministry, Mike accumulated nine years of professional experience at Accenture Consulting and AT&T. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master of Arts in Technical Writing from the University of North Texas. Mike is happily married to Ali and is the proud parent of three children.

Richard Sheetz

Board Member/Prayer Leader

Richard was born into a missionary family that served in several Latin American countries, primarily in Argentina. Growing up in Argentina, he attended local public schools and university, studying in the Spanish language. As an adult, Richard returned to the US in 1976 with his Argentine wife, Maria. He pursued an MS in Agronomy, specializing in Plant Breeding and Genetics, at UGA before relocating to the Texas Panhandle area near Lubbock in 1979 to work in cotton genetic Research and Development. In 1984, he completed his PhD in Agronomy, focusing on Plant Breeding and Genetics, at Texas Tech University. Richard dedicated his career to various crop seed companies, specializing in cotton variety development until his retirement in 2016 when he moved to the Dallas, TX area. He has been happily married for 48 years and has two adult children residing in the Dallas area, along with three grandchildren. Richard has been a member of Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church in Allen, TX, for five years.

Doug Sullivan

Board Treasurer

Doug Sullivan, JD, led real estate acquisitions for the rapid expansion of Michael's retail stores. Now retired, Doug serves faithfully in a variety of roles at Northwest Bible Church Dallas. Married to Rebecca, they thoroughly enjoy spoiling their wonderful grandchildren.

David Williams

Board Secretary

David Williams is the President at Williams Financial Group, a Dallas-based financial services firm. He has been with the firm since 2000. David earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University. David and his wife, Missy, serve as Co-Founders for Seed Effect, a nonprofit organization that provides economic empowerment, education, and spiritual discipleship in marginalized communities around the world.

Carol Zeigler

Board Member

Carol Ziegler, a High Tech Industry Director with over 25 years of international experience, currently serves as the Director of Customer Success at NETSCOUT. Having lived in England, China, Canada, and the US, she brings a wealth of global insight to her work. Carol's business expertise and customer-focused approach enable her to develop and execute innovative solutions for both regional and global clients. In addition to her professional pursuits, Carol is deeply passionate about empowering others and reaching unreached people groups. She actively participates in mission trips to countries such as South Sudan, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Since 2006, Carol has been a member of Fellowship Bible Church Dallas, where she is involved in Pastoral Care ministries and global missions. She has been a long-time supporter of Empower One and finds great encouragement in witnessing the ministry's efforts to train church planters and reach the South Sudanese and surrounding communities with the gospel.