DON AND AMY ROGERS
Founders/Don-Chief Visionary Officer

Don and Amy's love for God and His people has helped fuel the life-changing work across East Africa for almost thirty years by igniting world changers through creative vision, strategic insight, and authentic partnership with African comrades. Serving with their two boys (Joshua and Nathaniel), they divide time between the USA and Africa according to the ministry's needs. Don provides input and guidance to the overall ministry and Amy's passion to, "Stir others to yearn for more of Jesus" provides vital nurturing to ELI staff and ministry directives for the overall work. As ministry founders, they connect regularly with supporting partners, churches, upcoming short-term teams, and the staff team in Africa.

JIM CAYA
Chief Executive Officer

As CEO, Jim brings exceptional organizational skills and strategic vision to our mission. His ability to see the big picture and drive forward our work in Africa ensures impactful progress. Jim’s leadership keeps everyone in the loop and on task, fostering a cohesive and efficient team dedicated to making a difference.

CHRISTINA ANDRIESE
Director of Spiritual Formation and Growth

Christina leads ELI’s global spiritual initiatives with vision and oversight. She coordinates developmental programs, ensuring they align with our mission and culture. She supports department leaders in implementing growth strategies, oversees discipleship efforts, and is available as a resource to our community.

SHELBY LOSTER
Director of Operations

Shelby leads and supervises ELI-USA’s operational and staffing agendas. She ensures key departmental work and organizational priorities are captured in a master calendar, overseeing its implementation. Shelby also manages relationship building, communications, sponsorship efforts, and compliance, while leading the USA Core Team and coordinating with other key leaders on fundraising efforts.

LAURIE SVALSTAD
International Coordinator of Orphan Empowerment

Laurie combines her heart for God’s children with exceptional organizational skills. She leads child sponsorship initiatives, collaborates with staff in Africa on various task forces, and ensures sponsors stay informed about their sponsored children. Laurie’s remarkable ability to juggle multiple projects ensures efficient and impactful support for the children at our two children’s homes in Kenya.

APRIL FEARON
Relationship Builder Team Lead

April is dedicated to ensuring our partners feel loved and supported. She manages communications through calls and emails, keeping partners informed and engaged with their contributions. A strong leader and passionate prayer warrior, April’s love for Jesus and commitment to nurturing these vital relationships drives her impactful work.

SHAWNA CRAWFORD
Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Shawna creatively manages all aspects of our communications, including emails, print pieces, our website, and stories. She collaborates closely with the Africa communications teams to ensure partners receive accurate and real-time updates. Her love for Jesus and passion for creativity shine through in every project she undertakes.

KIM BOUDREAUX
Child Correspondence Coordinator

Kim is a cornerstone of our team, driven by her deep love for Jesus and dedication as a prayer warrior. She plays a vital role in facilitating communication between children and their sponsors. Kim manages the exchange of letters, writes sponsor updates, and prepares welcome packets for new sponsors. She is often the initial point of contact for new sponsors and works as a relationship builder, nurturing connections with warmth and dedication.

EMMA SVALSTAD
Child Sponsorship and Communications Assistant

Emma’s creativity shines through all she does, whether facilitating communication between sponsors and their sponsored children or assisting with ELI’s communication efforts. Her innovative approach to running our social media, writing stories, and creating engaging content is invaluable, making her contributions essential across both sponsorship and communications.

ELIZABETH EGAN
Accounting Assistant

Elizabeth joyfully assists ELI’s financial operations, including donation processing and HR tasks. Her dedication to detail, willingness to help others, and abiding love for Jesus make her a vital team member dedicated to supporting the organization’s success.

ELISA VAZQUEZ
Operations Associate

Elisa plays a vital role in assisting and supporting the successful USA operations of ELI. She ensures that ELI stays up to date with non-profit best practices for finance, compliance, and HR. Elisa is driven by her desire to be a light and vessel for the Holy Spirit, which aligns with ELI's mission to Ignite World Changers.