Lee Long, Director
I trusted in Christ as my savior and redeemer at five years old, when I told my parents I thought I was supposed to work for God. When they asked what I thought I was to do, I earnestly replied, “Maybe I should write another book of the bible.” Their response was swift and concise, a quote from Revelations, “You are not to add to or take away from this book.” I knew I was being called to His work, but I was not sure what it would be. After I made it through the adolescent years of avoiding God and pursuing the world, I realized His call to walk with people through their struggles and became a counselor. I attended Dallas Theological Seminary and have been practicing counseling for almost two decades. My wife, Charlotte, and I have three children and live in Fort Worth, TX.
Jerry Tharp, Secretary
I came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as a young man in 1980. I had received a gospel booklet from a coworker and while reading was easily convinced and convicted of my sinful state before a holy God. Looking back, April 8, 1980 was the beginning of a spiritual journey that has been one of life’s toughest, enjoyable, challenging and rewarding pursuits of my life. God continues to pour out His grace upon me, working in me and conforming me to the image of Christ, for which I am grateful. The Lord has given me a strong commitment to His church and has privileged me to serve His body in various ways, including as a church-planting missionary in northeastern Brazil, and most recently as the Senior Pastor of a church outside of Kansas City, Missouri. My wife, Kathy, and I have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.
Brandon Blanchard, Treasurer
Brandon brings 18 years of experience in finance, strategy, and risk management through a variety of roles at Commerce Bank in Kansas City. He has also been active in volunteer leadership, including international service trips, music ministry, and ongoing involvement at Christ Community Church in Leawood, KS. Brandon and his wife have two children and are passionate about supporting organizations that invest in long-term transformation and care.