Ministry Focus
Both Jeff and Teresa were involved in Campus Ambassadors ministry as students at Oregon State University in Corvallis. Both graduated in 1980, and that same year Jeff was appointed a Campus Ambassadors Intern at OSU. "More than ever we feel that the secular college campus is a great field for ministry," says Jeff. "People from around the world are coming to our doorstep, speaking our language, and seeking to understand our culture as they get an education here. "Young people, many away from home for the first extended time, are making decisions that will affect and help shape the rest of their lives. Christian students who desire to grow and serve Christ have great opportunity to reach their peers in ways that they will never have again. "Other Christian students need encouragement as they face opposition to their faith in the forms of atheistic teaching in the classroom and permissive living in the dorm. Many students with no religious background or exposure to Christianity are seeking something real in life. "What a ripe field! (John 4:35) We are excited to be on the campus with the opportunity to be ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
Faith Story
Jeff accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior around the age of 10 through the teaching at church and various summer camps.
Education
M.A. in Campus Ministry
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Jeff and Teresa by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
In colorful communities and along scenic highways, diverse people and landscapes span coast to coast
Iconic American traditions include Thanksgiving dinner, jazz music and the Super Bowl. They meld with eclectic examples of multicultural heritage: numerous local Chinatowns, family-owned taquerias and even cowboy boots, which originated among the nomadic Huns of eastern Europe.
The nation's landscape shows just as many contrasts — sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, open plains and vast deserts, rugged mountains and winding canyons, and abundant rivers and lakes.
The ideals of life and liberty that founded the United States have made the country one of the world's most prosperous, though not without dark chapters and present troubles. Crime, discrimination and ethics violations make regular headlines, and many people live below the national poverty level.
Families view education as essential to the pursuit of happiness, if not also a path to wealth and power for the most ambitious. Yet Americans also demonstrate a charitable spirit of generosity toward neighbors and nations in need.
Freedom of religion grants opportunity for all faiths, but Christianity holds particular influence in country's history and daily life.
Your participation with Missions Door supports ministry in the United States among college students, including many international students, in collaboration local churches. It also enables social outreach, church planting and leadership development in a wide variety of communities — among Native Americans and other cultural groups, and in urban and suburban settings where growing and changing demographics create new opportunities for the Gospel.
Cultural Snapshot
Aside from the Native American, Native Hawaiian and Native Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans and their ancestors immigrated to the United States.
Faith Fact
In a 2013 survey, 56% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives” — a larger number than any other wealthy nation.
Country Profile
Population: 320 million
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% unaffiliated, 21% Catholic, 6% other
Languages: 82% English, 11% Spanish, various others
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 16%
Ministry service area:
Campus Ambassadors
Ministry location:
Oregon, United States