Hendrik, son of retired missionaries Dean and Faith Smidderks, spent his childhood in Southern Africa. Kaylene was raised in Peoria, Illinois. Hendrik and Kaylene met while students at Greenville College. They served pastorates in Illinois and Kansas for 31 years. After leaving the pastorate, Hendrik worked as a corporate accounting manager. Kaylene has work experience as an administrative assistant, bookkeeper, small business owner, retail manager and general office manager. They have one adult daughter who is a nurse.
Hendrik and Kaylene have traveled and served extensively in Africa. They helped found and lead a foundation supporting the Nhaloi Hospital (a Free Methodist hospital) in Mozambique.
As FMWM missionaries, Hendrik will lead a team supporting church leaders and mission districts in West Africa and assisting in pastoral training and formation. Kaylene will serve the work of the international missionary team to West Africa, focusing on financial administration and communication.
Pray For
- their transition from jobs and life in the USA to a mobile ministry in Africa
- wisdom and a clear grasp of new tasks and responsibilities
- partnership building to create a solid base of prayer and financial support
- effective communication skills as they begin working with national leaders
Recent Newsletters
- 12.12.2023
- 09.27.2023
The Logical Choice
Kalson was a member of Full Gospel Mission back home in the north. But when he came to Douala (Cameroon), he occasionally fellowshipped with the Free Methodists. “Occasionally” is an honest and generous adverb. Kalson is a teacher of philosophy and logic. About two...
Thriving from East to West…Africa
Thrive Kenya leaders Yvonne Mtafuta and Lillian Kanji were excited, eager and a bit nervous in the weeks leading up to their first international mission trip. They had the opportunity to travel to West Africa where they would share about Thrive with the FMC in Lomé,...
Two-Thirds Through
The year has been wonderful! Driven by faith, the Wesley Missionary Institute opened in January 2021 with the first class of 11 students. Most teachers have been Togolese this first term, but they have also welcomed teachers from the U.S. and Nigeria. To remind you,...
Nafissa’s Story
From fear to confidence, this is Nafissa’s story. Nafissa is from Mali. She lost her husband, and she has been supporting herself and her two daughters through her service in the military. Not long ago, she started having health problems. At first, Nafissa attempted...