There is great reward when we embrace others in need and equip them with skills (not handouts) so that dignity and sustainability can be passed on to others!
USA BOARD
Don is the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of ELI, which began in Kenya and has now expanded to Tanzania, DR Congo and South Sudan. A short-term trip to Tanzania in 1989 was the first of many that eventually led Don to establish ELI in 1994. The work was pioneered by developing relationships with key national leaders to establish Skills for Life Training Centers, Christian schools, and children’s homes. Don serves with his family, both in East Africa and the United States, dividing time according to the needs of the ministry.
When Kenya is the “home base,” Don travels to Tanzania, DR Congo and South Sudan as needed, providing input/guidance to the overall ministry and integrating new appropriate technologies and business ideas. Don and his wife Amy invest strategic blocks of time in the U.S., sharing the vision of ELI with individuals and groups in order to Ignite World Changers and connect with supporting partners. The Rogers also work alongside the ELI-USA staff and help equip short-term teams traveling to Africa. Don graduated from Azusa Pacific University and received his M.A. from Asbury Theological Seminary with a focus in Cross-Cultural Missions. Prior to ELI, Don served with Youth For Christ in Southern California, as well as the church as youth and senior pastor. He is an ordained minister with the Free Methodist Church. Don and Amy have two boys, Joshua, and Nathaniel.
Marijo Bos is a facilitator of board strategy and growth programs for executives across industries. The virtual and in-person programs are customized to current business opportunities and challenges her clients are facing. With 20+ years in talent management and development, she also supports executives embarking on transitions. Marijo is dedicated to supporting NGOs and inspiring positivity through purpose for individuals and teams. Bos Advisors programs have been recognized in a variety of academic settings from Duke CE, ESEC in France to executive programs at IE Business School in Spain and Cotrugli in the Balkans. Her corporate client roster includes Disney, Pfizer, Amazon-AWS, Norton Lilly International , NTT, MAFT Dubai and Expedia Group among others.
Marijo became involved in ELI through Orphan’s Hope, one of ELI’s financial supporters. She and her husband traveled to Kenya as a STT to provide leadership training for ELI and were amazed at the impact and reach of the organization, compelling them to get more involved.
Marijo and her husband Juan Carlos currently live in Madrid, Spain.
Liz’s strengths include her collaborative team approach, empowering and developing people to perform to their full potential and satisfaction. She is an enthusiastic, hands-on leader in the community and in non-profit organizations in the greater Sacramento area.
In retirement, Liz is active in several non-profit volunteer projects: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and coach/mentor for job seekers with Job1. Liz was first introduced to ELI when Jim Caya, current CEO, shared his passion for creating opportunities for East African families to come out of poverty and into the arms of God. After an impactful trip to see ELI in Kenya, she became even more passionate about having deeper involvement in the ministry.
Mike is the Network Lead and Superintendent of the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference of the Free Methodist Church. He coaches and facilitates a growing network of churches in the U.S., East Africa, the Philippines and abroad. Mike also serves as the senior developer for Praxis Center for Church Development and is the President and Dean of the School of Church and Ministry for The Trivium Institute of Leader Development. He has recently written Radically Living. Quietly Dying: Breaking the Cycle of Shame Suicidal No More. He has also co-authored five books with Dr. Tom Johnston entitled, The Organic Reformation: A New Hope for the Church in the West, In Between: Living in the Tension Between Promise and Fulfillment, A New Testament Trilogy: Our God, Ourselves, and Our Community, The Kingdom Quest: Preparing to Church Plant in the Post-Christian West & The C.O.D.E. : Affirmations for Walking in the Jesus Way as well as co-authoring many new ministry resources including the resource, Beyond Church Planting with Bob Logan, Neil Cole, and Tom Johnston. Mike has mentored and coached hundreds of leaders to help them discover their identity as a son or daughter, increase their heart capacity and understand how to steward the life and ministry that God has so graciously given them. On top of this, Mike speaks at many conferences, churches and teaches at various colleges & schools of ministry. Not only has Mike facilitated the planting and revitalization of thousands of churches, he has also helped start numerous training institutes throughout the western United States and works with The Praxis Center to develop and disciple denominational leaders and pastors throughout the world. Mike is at the forefront of spiritual formation, developing discipleship pathways, and leadership training and development in the greater body of Christ. Mike holds an MA from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mike & his wife, Teresa, have been married since 1983 and have two beautiful daughters.
Cameron Demetre is an experienced public policy professional who works at a leading government affairs Firm in California. He has extensive knowledge of the technology startup ecosystem, ranging from venture capital and early-stage startups to Fortune 100 companies. Cameron became involved in ELI in 2010 when he first visited Ilula, Kenya, and later in 2012 when he returned to volunteer at ELI's Tanzania office. He was forever changed by the people of East Africa and blown away at ELI's profound impact in transforming lives from the inside out. Cameron received his bachelor's degree from Azusa Pacific University and his master's from the London School of Economics. Cameron lives in Sacramento with his wife, Emma.
Christy served as Product Manager at the global consulting firm GP Strategies, Director of Product Development, and senior consultant with the Tom Peters Company. Christy has extensive global experience and enjoyed a half-year world service adventure with her family with extended stays in India, Africa (with Empowering Lives International), and Latin America. Christy is energized by helping leaders combine character strengths, competence, and personal connection for a more significant impact. She is also the host of Leaders Get Real, a Podcast featuring best-selling authors & authentic leaders who are using their influence for good (www.LeadersGetReal.com). Christy lives in Santa Cruz with her husband and has two grown, world-changing children.
