MY JOURNEY

Most people are surprised to learn that I was born in Egypt because I don’t look Middle
Eastern. Actually I’m an Australian/Greek who is comfortable in many cultural settings.
Growing up in an international community, with its many cultures and languages, prepared
me for my life’s work.

My career began as an official in trade relations with the Australian Embassy in Athens,
Greece. During that time I traveled throughout the Middle East and witnessed first-hand
the spiritual hunger and physical needs among many living in those nations. My love and
compassion for these people led me to a life of service in international mission.

In the meantime, my own hunger to know God more deeply began to grow. While attending a summer
camp in Greece I made the decision to make Jesus Christ the Lord of my life and to follow Him wherever He led me. Little did I know that this decision would introduce my life to an incredible adventure that continues to this day! In 1972 Vanguard University in California offered me a scholarship and I resigned my diplomatic position to pursue master’s studies in the United States. Two years later the Billy Graham Organization recruited me to serve as an interpreter at the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (LCWE) in Switzerland. Since then I’ve served as program director at four world congresses each giving me opportunity to work and build relationships with hundreds of dynamic leaders from every continent. In addition, I’ve served in leadership with World Vision International, Issachar, and Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. Today, I serve as Director of Middle East Partners a role that allows me to converge a lifetime of leadership experience and passion to mobilize partners and train future leaders to be a force for good in their community. When I look back I marvel at the creative way God weaves every detail in the tapestry of our lives to fulfill His purposes. What an honor it is to serve Him. My husband Steve and I live in Seattle and are members at University Presbyterian Church. Although we have no children of our own, we enjoy encouraging and mentoring a growing family of younger leaders helping them discover and develop their God-given gifts and calling.