A few years ago, I began considering how to find someone to travel to Southeast Asia in my place and continue the partnerships I’ve had with ministries for almost 20 years. As Reach A Village has grown, so have my responsibilities as president. Additionally, I will turn 67 in March, and some health issues prompted me to get more intentional about the search.
 
It wouldn't be easy to find the right person. The individual would have to live in North America, yet be passionate about reaching the lost in Asia, be able to work across cultures with international pastors, teachers and church leaders, and travel tirelessly to areas where the Gospel has not spread. Some formal ministry training would be required.
 
Yet, God was already preparing someone. Ellis was a missionary kid in Thailand and the Philippines. His studies included Bible and community development. He spent 10 years working with a non-profit helping adults with disabilities. Ellis felt God calling him to a ministry spreading the Gospel and focusing on discipleship. He left his job to attend Moody Theological Seminary. After graduating in 2018, he joined Reach A Village and is now International Ministry Director for Southeast Asia.
 
During the past year, Ellis and I traveled to ministry sites together. As I watched him interact with our ministry partners, it was obvious that his studies in sociology, community development and ministry leadership, along with his work in management, staff development, and training, prepared him well for this new role. Please join me in welcoming, Ellis Craft, my son and new co-worker, to Reach A Village. Pray that God will bless him and his family as he serves in this unique ministry.
 
Serving Christ Together,
Robert Craft