Ministry Focus
In the summer of 1977 John and Sue were sent to the inner city of Providence, Rhode Island, to begin a church-planting ministry with Missions Door. A new mission field had emerged in core city neighborhoods as many churches followed urban and suburban growth movements. Those left behind had become trapped in chronic poverty, disenfranchised and unable to live under the demands of society. John and Sue remain committed to evangelizing, discipling and church planting among those living in chronic poverty. Their prayer remains that the church of Jesus Christ would not leave behind the weakest and most needy among us here in America.
Faith Story
John received Christ as his Savior through Sue's witness in 1965. John served four years in the United States Air Force. Coming home to Massachusetts following his discharge, discouraged and despairing, he met the Savior.
Christ revolutionized his life and gave him a great burden for the lost, particular those who were left behind. During his years at seminary a growing burden for church planting became his mission.
Sue became a Christian in early childhood and was raised in a Christian home. She worked as a legal secretary off and on for fifteen years, at which time she went back to school.
Besides tending to the family, Sue speaks to women at conferences and carries on a significant music ministry. She also maintains a vital ministry in the local church through leading an adult Sunday school class, playing keyboard at worship services and counseling people regularly.
Education
John: B.S. in Business Administration and M.Div.
Sue: B.A., M.A. Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study,
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
WAYS TO SUPPORT
John and Sue 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:
City
Ministry location:
Rhode Island, United States