After serving eight years as Bishop of the Philippines, in January 2023, Alan and Ammabellee Bacus joined the FMWM-Asia missionary team as international missionaries. They will assist the Asia team in prayerfully exploring opportunities to launch house churches in targeted gateway cities across Asia while also working toward expanding campus outreach to young adults, a successful strategy launched during Alan’s term as bishop of the Philippines. FMWM-Asia anticipates Alan and Ammabellee’s spiritual influence will enhance the area-wide vision of influencing one million Asians toward Jesus.

After working on university campuses in Creative Access-CA for a decade, Bryan and Tammy now serve with the Asia area leadership development team. They work with the Gethsemane Leadership Training pathway to equip and encourage pastors and church planters in Asia, serving those receiving training for ordination. Bryan and Tammy also serve as missionaries in residence for the East Michigan Conference, connecting with refugees in their city and investing in leadership development.

Thom and Sherry serve across the Asia region, focusing on leadership development. Thom’s roles involve Gethsemane Leadership Training (GLT), strategic planning, discipleship, mentoring and coaching, teaching GLT modules, and additional supportive roles to the team. Sherry serves as coordinator of Leadership Lift, GLT teacher and video scriptwriter, video editing as needed, and administrative support to the Asia Area Director. The Cahills have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Darin and Jill have ministered in Asia since 2009. Darin serves as Asia Area associate director, and Jill fulfills various mentoring and administrative roles. Their ministry focus is training and credentialing Free Methodist leaders across Asia through the Gethsemane Leadership Training (GLT) strategy. Darin also works closely with Asia Area Director Eric to develop and implement a mission strategy for the work in Asia.

Richard and Sheila have served the FM Church in various capacities: pastoring, church planting, and serving as missionaries. Their ministry experience spans six states and three continents. Sheila will train children’s ministry leaders. Richard will train Free Methodist pastors across Asia in Inductive Bible Study Methodology through the Gethsemane Leadership Training (GLT) strategy. They will also raise financial support for church plants and motorcycles for Asian leaders.

As Asia Area director, Eric has three strategic priorities. He oversees the FMWM missionary team in Asia. He partners with national leaders to build support strategies that will help expand the church. And finally, he works to purposefully connect FMC-Asia with FMC-USA, building mutually beneficial partnerships and relationships. Pastor Eric and his wife, Virginia, have served the Free Methodist Church since 1990.

Jason and Wendi have been serving with FMWM in Asia since 2011. In June 2022, they will join the SE Asia leadership team to assist in the region’s overall needs. Jason will come alongside others in training and equipping future FMC-Asia leadership by developing English training modules. These modules will be taught on location throughout the SE Asia region and remotely via the internet. In addition to learning the local language, Wendi will seek to make strong connections within the local community while striving to provide a supportive and positive home for their family.

Mark and Judi Morrison were married in 1980; they have four children and 11 grandchildren. Mark has served in full-time pastoral ministry since 1977. Today he and Judi lead Shepherd Ministries, which is reaching out to university students, ministering to those who have left the local church and encouraging pastors. As VISA missionaries, Mark and Judi provide pastoral care and support to Free Methodist missionaries in Asia. Their role includes encouragement and spiritual nurturing via Zoom calls, email and field visits.

Joshua and Elizabeth responded to God’s call by joining the FMWM-Asian team as U.S.-based partners, supporting the student ministry and church planting initiatives of international missionaries Alan and Ammabellee Bacus in the Philippines and other Asian countries. Additionally, Joshua participates in the Gethsemane Leadership Training (GLT) teaching team by providing continuing education courses for pastors in Asian host countries.

The Persings serve full-time in Southeast Asia with a focus on the ministries of Thailand. Corey serves as the national coordinator of ICCM work in Thailand, including the Lahu children’s hostel and other projects across Thailand. He also serves on the Asia Area Leadership Team as a mentor/adviser for national leadership and ministry in Southeast Asia. His role includes working as a “regional reporting and tech coach,” developing an area-wide reporting system to provide financial accountability, integrity and up-to-date information. Connie serves on the Thailand ICCM National Committee and provides hospitality, encouragement and a healthy perspective on their work.

Seth and Hlawn Van Tifflin and their three children reside in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Seth serves as the events and new connection coordinator for FMWM-Asia and the executive director of In Better Hands (an affiliate ministry partner of the FMC-USA). In Better Hands was established to care for children at risk of being trafficked and give assistance to widows (inbetterhands.org). Hlawn serves as the liaison for In Better Hands in Creative Access Country-MR. Seth and Hlawn continue to study the Thai language and culture.

Creative Access workers are involved in education, leadership development, discipleship and micro-enterprise.