Global Ambassadors

Steve and Jen B.

AFRICA

Steve and Jen learned about the unreached people in Africa and their hearts immediately broke. After Jen’s completion of IMPACT 195, she and Steve left for Africa to bring the gospel to the unreached of Africa. With the help of Story Runners, they are learning the language, translating Bible stories into that language, and recording stories so that future generations will have access to the Gospel. They came to a place in their lives where they left it all behind - security, career pursuits, a beautiful home, and a comfortable life- to pursue the calling that God had placed on their hearts. They note, however, that they "didn't get to that place by our own efforts. Through our pursuit of a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus, He transformed our desires and showed us the true purpose He had for our family. We are honored and blessed to be a part of what He is doing in Africa, by taking the Word of God to a people group who have never heard it before.” Their two sons, Trayce and Terrell, serve alongside them in Africa.

Steve and Jen learned about the unreached people in Africa and their hearts immediately broke. After Jen’s completion of IMPACT 195, she and Steve left for Africa to bring the gospel to the unreached of Africa. With the help of Story Runners, they are learning the language, translating Bible stories into that language, and recording stories so that future generations will have access to the Gospel. They came to a place in their lives where they left it all behind - security, career pursuits, a beautiful home, and a comfortable life- to pursue the calling that God had placed on their hearts. They note, however, that they "didn't get to that place by our own efforts. Through our pursuit of a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus, He transformed our desires and showed us the true purpose He had for our family. We are honored and blessed to be a part of what He is doing in Africa, by taking the Word of God to a people group who have never heard it before.” Their two sons, Trayce and Terrell, serve alongside them in Africa.

Nick Yates

HAITI

Nick Yates began serving the Lord 8 years ago in youth ministry at Mira Mesa High School. He served in Young Life and as a high school football coach. After briefly working as a youth pastor in San Diego, he enrolled in a discipleship program to become better equipped. When Nick completed the program he joined the IMPACT 195 team the Assistant Academic Coordinator of the day class. He is currently invested in the discipleship of young men in Haiti. He helps to provide life transforming experiences and Biblical teaching. He has also helped construct houses for families in need and visits the hospital daily to love on and pray for the sick. Nick is in the process of developing business plans with local believers on how to create a sustainable source of income for their families.

Nick Yates began serving the Lord 8 years ago in youth ministry at Mira Mesa High School. He served in Young Life and as a high school football coach. After briefly working as a youth pastor in San Diego, he enrolled in a discipleship program to become better equipped. When Nick completed the program he joined the IMPACT 195 team the Assistant Academic Coordinator of the day class. He is currently invested in the discipleship of young men in Haiti. He helps to provide life transforming experiences and Biblical teaching. He has also helped construct houses for families in need and visits the hospital daily to love on and pray for the sick. Nick is in the process of developing business plans with local believers on how to create a sustainable source of income for their families.

Krista Parada

HAITI

Krista Parada prayed for Haiti for 9 years before God sent her to minister in Jeremie, Haiti in late 2011. Her main focus is teaching children God's truth and the discipleship of local Haitians who have a similar passion. She also visits local hospitals; feeding the faith and stomachs of the sick and their families. Her mission is to raise up a generation of young Haitians who love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength and love their neighbors as themselves.

Krista Parada prayed for Haiti for 9 years before God sent her to minister in Jeremie, Haiti in late 2011. Her main focus is teaching children God's truth and the discipleship of local Haitians who have a similar passion. She also visits local hospitals; feeding the faith and stomachs of the sick and their families. Her mission is to raise up a generation of young Haitians who love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul and strength and love their neighbors as themselves.

Kendyll M.

AFRICA

Kendyll attended IMPACT 195 in 2010 and upon graduation, moved to Africa as a full time ambassador. She currently lives in a village sharing the Gospel to those who have never had access to it. While there, she is helping compile and translate an oral Bible that will explain God’s plan of salvation. Kendyll says, "The Lord wants to share the hope of Christ with people who otherwise may not get the chance to know Him. He wants them to love Him and in return, share His love with others.

Kendyll attended IMPACT 195 in 2010 and upon graduation, moved to Africa as a full time ambassador. She currently lives in a village sharing the Gospel to those who have never had access to it. While there, she is helping compile and translate an oral Bible that will explain God’s plan of salvation. Kendyll says, "The Lord wants to share the hope of Christ with people who otherwise may not get the chance to know Him. He wants them to love Him and in return, share His love with others.

Jennifer C.

AFRICA

Jenn attended a discipleship program in 2009 and, upon completion, helped launch IMPACT 195 in 2010. She served on the leadership team, as a mentor and in the Missions department. She is currently living in Africa, bringing the Good News to those who otherwise would not have access to it. In her own words, "Imagine those who have never heard the name of Jesus?! They are spiritually lost and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. I will be living in Africa compiling oral Bible stories that will explain God’s plan of salvation from creation to Christ’s return.

Jenn attended a discipleship program in 2009 and, upon completion, helped launch IMPACT 195 in 2010. She served on the leadership team, as a mentor and in the Missions department. She is currently living in Africa, bringing the Good News to those who otherwise would not have access to it. In her own words, "Imagine those who have never heard the name of Jesus?! They are spiritually lost and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. I will be living in Africa compiling oral Bible stories that will explain God’s plan of salvation from creation to Christ’s return.

Amanda Nygaard

HAITI

In 2007, Amanda moved to San Diego from Michigan to pursue a degree in sign language interpreting. God redirected her plans and she immediately started serving at the Rock Church in the Small Group and Young Adult ministry. A few years later she attended IMPACT 195, serving on short term trips to India and Haiti. Soon after graduation, God called her back to Haiti, long term. Amanda is currently serving in Jeremie, Haiti ministering to children. She also visits and feeds the sick at a local hospital, feeding and loving on patients. Amanda recently met a deaf girl and is blessed to be teaching her sign language.

In 2007, Amanda moved to San Diego from Michigan to pursue a degree in sign language interpreting. God redirected her plans and she immediately started serving at the Rock Church in the Small Group and Young Adult ministry. A few years later she attended IMPACT 195, serving on short term trips to India and Haiti. Soon after graduation, God called her back to Haiti, long term. Amanda is currently serving in Jeremie, Haiti ministering to children. She also visits and feeds the sick at a local hospital, feeding and loving on patients. Amanda recently met a deaf girl and is blessed to be teaching her sign language.

Gary George

HAITI

Gary served with the Rock Church for over 8 years in ministries such as Altar Call, Prayer, Children’s Ministry, Pastoral Support and Facilities. After attending two years of Bible College, he then enrolled in IMPAC T 195. Throughout the years of his time in ministry, God had been drawing him into His heart and he truly discovered the meaning of Romans 12:2 at IMPACT 195. God stirred Gary’s heart for the people of Haiti after the earthquake of January 2010. He was given the opportunity to serve on a short term mission trip to Jeremie, Haiti soon after where God showed him His heart for the orphans. He is now part of a twelve person team in Haiti, teaching English and Bible studies through God's Word to orphans and young men. He has discovered that life is about being a disciple of Jesus Christ and that the purpose of his life is to share the incomprehensible love of his God and Father. Some people seek to live a dream, but Gary found he never really had one, because God had one for him the whole time.

Gary served with the Rock Church for over 8 years in ministries such as Altar Call, Prayer, Children’s Ministry, Pastoral Support and Facilities. After attending two years of Bible College, he then enrolled in IMPAC T 195. Throughout the years of his time in ministry, God had been drawing him into His heart and he truly discovered the meaning of Romans 12:2 at IMPACT 195. God stirred Gary’s heart for the people of Haiti after the earthquake of January 2010. He was given the opportunity to serve on a short term mission trip to Jeremie, Haiti soon after where God showed him His heart for the orphans. He is now part of a twelve person team in Haiti, teaching English and Bible studies through God's Word to orphans and young men. He has discovered that life is about being a disciple of Jesus Christ and that the purpose of his life is to share the incomprehensible love of his God and Father. Some people seek to live a dream, but Gary found he never really had one, because God had one for him the whole time.

Richard A.

AFRICA

For four years God had been preparing Rich to share the Bible with the unengaged and unreached people of Africa. Currently living among villagers, He is helping to develop an oral Bible in the people’s native language. Rich says he is "extremely excited to be a part of history as we reach these nomads in their own backyard in hopes that one day these nomads will travel the Sahara with good news of Jesus Christ.

For four years God had been preparing Rich to share the Bible with the unengaged and unreached people of Africa. Currently living among villagers, He is helping to develop an oral Bible in the people’s native language. Rich says he is "extremely excited to be a part of history as we reach these nomads in their own backyard in hopes that one day these nomads will travel the Sahara with good news of Jesus Christ.

Dez Iddings

HAITI

Dez Iddings spent over 3 years serving in the Junior High Ministry where he met his now-fiancée. He attended IMPACT 195 and soon after left to serve in Haiti. He is currently serving in Jeremie, Haiti, Biblically equipping local men. Dez also helps in construction of homes for families, using that as a platform to preach the Gospel and share the love of Jesus.

Dez Iddings spent over 3 years serving in the Junior High Ministry where he met his now-fiancée. He attended IMPACT 195 and soon after left to serve in Haiti. He is currently serving in Jeremie, Haiti, Biblically equipping local men. Dez also helps in construction of homes for families, using that as a platform to preach the Gospel and share the love of Jesus.

Darah Wilson

HAITI

Darah Wilson has served in full-time ministry for the past 6 years. She worked at the Rock Church in the Human Resources department, resigning as the Hiring Manager. Darah has served in other volunteer capacities including Jr. High Ministry, Small Group Leadership, Tijuana House Building, 1825 Women’s Ministry, Pastoral Support Team, as well as establishing the Simply Worship ministry. In 2011, she graduated from IMPACT 195 and was equipped as a world changer. Darah’s heart for missions began at the age of 13 on her first short-term trip. Since then, she’s had opportunity to serve in many countries including Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Germany, India and China. She currently resides in Jeremie, Haiti serving primarily as an English teacher and Bible Study leader for women. Darah loves being a part of making a lasting impact on the lives of the people there by sharing the love of Christ and the Truth of God’s Word.

Darah Wilson has served in full-time ministry for the past 6 years. She worked at the Rock Church in the Human Resources department, resigning as the Hiring Manager. Darah has served in other volunteer capacities including Jr. High Ministry, Small Group Leadership, Tijuana House Building, 1825 Women’s Ministry, Pastoral Support Team, as well as establishing the Simply Worship ministry. In 2011, she graduated from IMPACT 195 and was equipped as a world changer. Darah’s heart for missions began at the age of 13 on her first short-term trip. Since then, she’s had opportunity to serve in many countries including Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Germany, India and China. She currently resides in Jeremie, Haiti serving primarily as an English teacher and Bible Study leader for women. Darah loves being a part of making a lasting impact on the lives of the people there by sharing the love of Christ and the Truth of God’s Word.

CJ & Amber C.

ASIA

CJ and Amber heart for the truth and Jesus' lost sheep have led them to Asia. In their current setting, they are focusing on building relationships and sharing the truth of God’s Word. They give away Bibles and lead Bible Studies in their home and places of work. They are aware that there is no such thing as a “coincidence” and believe that every person they come into contact with was made to be in a right relationship with God. CJ and Amber have been married for 7 years and lived in the US for 4 years. After getting equipped through IMPACT 195, they have committed themselves to the mission field and being used by God however he so desires. They are expecting their first baby in September.

CJ and Amber heart for the truth and Jesus' lost sheep have led them to Asia. In their current setting, they are focusing on building relationships and sharing the truth of God’s Word. They give away Bibles and lead Bible Studies in their home and places of work. They are aware that there is no such thing as a “coincidence” and believe that every person they come into contact with was made to be in a right relationship with God. CJ and Amber have been married for 7 years and lived in the US for 4 years. After getting equipped through IMPACT 195, they have committed themselves to the mission field and being used by God however he so desires. They are expecting their first baby in September.

Alex Oquendo

PHILIPPINES

Alex Oquendo’s heart was stirred for missions during a trip to El Salvador in 2008. After a short term trip to the Philippines during her studies at IMPACT 195, God called her back to serve full time in Pangasinan, Philippines. She currently ministers and disciples locals by being the hands and feet of Jesus. Alex and her husband have 5 blended children.

Alex Oquendo’s heart was stirred for missions during a trip to El Salvador in 2008. After a short term trip to the Philippines during her studies at IMPACT 195, God called her back to serve full time in Pangasinan, Philippines. She currently ministers and disciples locals by being the hands and feet of Jesus. Alex and her husband have 5 blended children.

Benjamin V.

AFRICA

After successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program, Ben transitioned into serving as an outreach and Bible study leader under the guidance and leadership of the pastor at his home church. In April 2010, he enrolled in IMPACT 195 and after graduating the following year, answered God’s call to serve long term in Africa. His focus is to share the Gospel with those who have never heard the name of Jesus. Ben, along with his team members, lives to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28, to “Go and make disciples of all nations”, counting the cost and devoting their lives as ambassadors of God's love for the lost.

After successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program, Ben transitioned into serving as an outreach and Bible study leader under the guidance and leadership of the pastor at his home church. In April 2010, he enrolled in IMPACT 195 and after graduating the following year, answered God’s call to serve long term in Africa. His focus is to share the Gospel with those who have never heard the name of Jesus. Ben, along with his team members, lives to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28, to “Go and make disciples of all nations”, counting the cost and devoting their lives as ambassadors of God's love for the lost.

Micah & Alycia Vandover

JAPAN

After getting married, establishing ourselves in Hawaii, and embarking on new business and ministry endeavors, God undeniably called us to take a fresh step of faith with Him onto the mission field. We wrestled for two months as we thought about what this life-changing decision would mean. The two months culminated in surrendering our wills, embracing God's great plans, and committing to be full-time missionaries. Five days later, we booked a ten day trip to Okinawa, Japan to scout out the island we felt God leading us to. This trip ended in our realization that Okinawa would be our new home after God performed miracles every day, connected us to a church to partner with, and took us deeper with Him. When we arrived back in Hawaii, we gave away our possessions, downsized to two suitcases, and moved out with joyful, eager hearts. We cannot think of anything that we would rather do now than be on the mission field. We are thrilled for the opportunity to live out what Jesus commanded when He said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). We are passionate about evangelism and serving the Lord in the Land of the Rising Sun. Thank you for your support in friendship, prayer, and financial teamwork. We appreciate you as we partner together to share the Good News globally!

After getting married, establishing ourselves in Hawaii, and embarking on new business and ministry endeavors, God undeniably called us to take a fresh step of faith with Him onto the mission field. We wrestled for two months as we thought about what this life-changing decision would mean. The two months culminated in surrendering our wills, embracing God's great plans, and committing to be full-time missionaries. Five days later, we booked a ten day trip to Okinawa, Japan to scout out the island we felt God leading us to. This trip ended in our realization that Okinawa would be our new home after God performed miracles every day, connected us to a church to partner with, and took us deeper with Him. When we arrived back in Hawaii, we gave away our possessions, downsized to two suitcases, and moved out with joyful, eager hearts. We cannot think of anything that we would rather do now than be on the mission field. We are thrilled for the opportunity to live out what Jesus commanded when He said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). We are passionate about evangelism and serving the Lord in the Land of the Rising Sun. Thank you for your support in friendship, prayer, and financial teamwork. We appreciate you as we partner together to share the Good News globally!

Melissa Homakie

HAITI

After college, Melissa Homakie spent several years living a carefree lifestyle, living and working in Australia and Europe, and eventually settling in San Diego. God got a hold of her life there by calling her to attend a discipleship program, dramatically changing her heart and life. She joined the ministry team shortly after and helped in launching IMPACT 195. During a short term trip to Jeremie, Haiti, God called her to spend six months living in an orphanage and ministering to locals. She began to lay the foundation for the current team serving in Jeremie. Melissa currently leads worship, teaches English, and is involved in children's ministry and community outreach all over Jeremie.

After college, Melissa Homakie spent several years living a carefree lifestyle, living and working in Australia and Europe, and eventually settling in San Diego. God got a hold of her life there by calling her to attend a discipleship program, dramatically changing her heart and life. She joined the ministry team shortly after and helped in launching IMPACT 195. During a short term trip to Jeremie, Haiti, God called her to spend six months living in an orphanage and ministering to locals. She began to lay the foundation for the current team serving in Jeremie. Melissa currently leads worship, teaches English, and is involved in children's ministry and community outreach all over Jeremie.

Mark White

HAITI

After being in bondage to various addictions for about four years, Mark was brought to a drug and alcohol program where he put his faith in Jesus Christ. God delivered him and dramatically changed the whole course of his life. Two years later, Mark completed IMPACT 195 ready and equipped to head out onto the mission field. He is currently serving as a missionary in Jeremie, Haiti where he is helping disciple young men through a weekly Bible study. He also involves them in the work of the ministry, preparing them to continue the ministry started by the current team.

After being in bondage to various addictions for about four years, Mark was brought to a drug and alcohol program where he put his faith in Jesus Christ. God delivered him and dramatically changed the whole course of his life. Two years later, Mark completed IMPACT 195 ready and equipped to head out onto the mission field. He is currently serving as a missionary in Jeremie, Haiti where he is helping disciple young men through a weekly Bible study. He also involves them in the work of the ministry, preparing them to continue the ministry started by the current team.

Ehren Tacdiran

PHILIPPINES

Dorothy Bump

PHILIPPINES

Josh Bascos

PHILIPPINES

Jane Brekenfeld

PHILIPPINES

Anissa Manfredi

HAITI

Chris Hartman

HAITI

Dan Hartman

HAITI

Claudia Rodriguez

PHILIPPINES

Malica Williams

PHILIPPINES

Jackie F.

MIDDLE EAST

Amanda S.

MIDDLE EAST