Joshua and Elizabeth Opena serve the FMWM-Asia team as U.S.-based partners, providing ministry support for the Philippines under the leadership of Area Director Eric and FMC-Asia missionary Alan Bacus.
Heartbeat
The monthly newsletter of Free Methodist World Missions
Corey & Connie Persing
The Persings serve in Southeast Asia with a focus on the ministries of Thailand. Corey is the national coordinator of ICCM work in Thailand, serving seven project sites. He also serves on the Asia Leadership Team as a mentor/adviser for national leadership and ministry in Southeast Asia. Connie serves on the Thailand ICCM National Committee and provides hospitality, encouragement and a healthy perspective on their work.
Roger Stone
Roger Stone has been an affiliate missionary since 2008. He and his wife, Vangie, work in consulting with Ayta Mag-Indi and Ayta Mag-Antsi teams translating the Old Testament and the Ayta Ambala team translating the New Testament. They are also involved in promoting Scripture use.
Susan
Susan currently chairs a nonprofit organization that serves as a platform for churches, government and non-governmental organizations in Taiwan and Creative Access Asia – IA. This group actively shares love, hope and faith with migrant workers, international students and new immigrants. Previously, Susan served as an FMWM missionary to Taiwan for 20 years (1976-96) and as vice president of administration at Taiwan’s Holy Light Seminary from 2009 to 2015.
Seth & Hlawn Hlawn Van Tifflin
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 exists to care for babies, children, youth, widows and refugees at risk of exploitation, abuse or trafficking. Hlawn Hlawn serves as Global Care Support leader for In Better Hands.
Chris & Yuko Wilkins
Chris and Yuko engage in various ministries in Japan, including online Bible studies, young adult discipleship, street ministry, neighborhood outreach, English classes in various settings and the local Free Methodist Church. They have joined the Gethsemane Leadership Training (GLT) team, emphasizing pastoral training without requiring traditional seminary.
Guy & Betsy Crawford
Guy and Betsy Crawford provide pastoral care and support to FM missionaries in Latin America. Their role includes encouragement and spiritual nurture via emails, phone calls and field visits; special care in emergencies or times of crisis; and organization of prayer networks.
J.R. & Becky Crouse
Assigned to Quito, Ecuador, the Crouses assist the Free Methodist Church in Ecuador and Latin America through leadership development, education and holistic transformation. The Crouses previously served in Haiti and Peru.
Jose “Gaby” Estrella & Dalia Sanchez
local churches to strengthen leaders, disciple families and expand the gospel throughout Latin America. Gaby will serve as a digital storyteller and ministry communicator, using photography, video and writing to document God’s work and equip churches through media and training. Dalia will serve in children’s and family ministry, investing in the next generation and supporting local leaders through her background in education.
Esteban & Cris Flores
Esteban and Cris Flores, originally from Baja California, Mexico, are fruitful leaders in the Free Methodist Church. In the summer of 2025, Esteban and Cris transitioned to serve as full-time international missionaries in the Latin America Area. Alongside her leadership with JUMELI, Cris oversees the area’s membership team and manages the regional database. Esteban works with mentors throughout the area to develop and multiply young leaders.
