When he was 9 years old, Jordan Kaufmann heard a missionary share at church, and he went home and told his mother he was going to be a missionary someday. That desire – and a particular sense of being drawn to Africa – stuck with him. So, when Associate Africa Area Director Glenn Lorenz came to McPherson, Kansas, in 2023 and asked to have coffee with Jordan and Audrey, Jordan knew what was coming, and the answer was – Yes! “We couldn’t not do this,” he says. Now, the question is when and how they will transition to life in Togo.

The Smidderks’ story is one of prayer and submission to the Lord’s leading. Hendrik “Hink” Smidderks grew up having missionary parents and has served as a pastor in the U.S. for many years. In 2022 “Hink” and Kaylene began having conversations with Area Director Mike Reynen and his wife, Vickie, about joining the team in Africa. They began to pray and seek the Lord’s leading, but nothing was certain. There was no specific plan about where or what they might do. Then, in February 2023, they attended the West Africa Area Fellowship in Togo, and a conversation with Glenn Lorenz confirmed the place and the purpose – leadership development in West Africa.

Jordan Kaufmann’s call to missions led him to serve short-term in Mexico, Haiti and Mozambique where he is a board member for Hope and Healing Africa, a foundation that partners and provides support for the Nhaloi Hospital. In West Africa, he will take on the role of VISA team coordinator and assist in facilitating healthy partnerships between U.S. churches and African leaders. Audrey’s experience as administrative assistant for the Central Region Conference has equipped her to serve as the team coordinator for FMWM-Africa, assisting with scheduling, finances and communication.

“Hink” will work with leaders in 12 African countries, 10 in West Africa plus Kenya and Malawi. He is passionate about equipping the next generation of African Christian leaders to change the world! Kaylene will serve as director of communications for FMWM-Africa. She sees her mission as sharing the good news of God’s work in Africa.

Both couples are going from Kansas to Togo. Praise the Lord for His call and their obedience! Please pray for God’s provision as they continue to build partnerships through prayer and financial support.