Get to Know Us
A Team Working Together to Serve a Unified Purpose
At ANM, we seek to be Christ-centered, relational, people of integrity, and good stewards. And we love connecting with you!
Please get in touch if we can answer any questions for you.
About Our President
Oliver Asher
President
Oliver and his lovely wife Andrea graduated from the University of Virginia, married, and moved to the Dominican Republic to be missionaries — all in the space of three months in 1988! Their life together with Jesus and the five children they have been blessed with has continued to be an adventure. In 1995, Oliver completed his master’s in civil engineering at UVA. In 1996 the Lord called Oliver to ANM after he had worked for five years as an environmental engineer. As our President, Oliver has a passion to build teams, encourage, and love our staff members as we equip, encourage, and advocate for native missionaries to reach the remaining unreached people groups of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.
Oliver is the author of Invincible Joy: Chasing God’s Dreams for Your Life. Learn more about his book and the companion video course at oliverasher.com.
Explore the Book & Course
Meet the ANM Team
Executive Team
Oliver Asher
President
Oliver Asher
President
Oliver and his lovely wife, Andrea, graduated from the University of Virginia in 1988. A young man who lived in a cabin in the woods, raised in the hollers of the Appalachian Mountains, received a football scholarship to UVa, and a girl raised in NYC who never attended a sporting event at her math and science HS were brought together by God's providence and married. They moved to the Dominican Republic as missionaries the summer after they graduated and married. After one year, they returned to Charlottesville and were blessed with five children over a span of eleven years: Alex, Emily, Ana, Christian, and Michael. These children, now adults, have served alongside their parents by praying, giving, and going because of their love for God and the privilege of sharing in their dad's work at ANM. In 1995, Oliver completed his master's degree in civil engineering at UVa while working in this field for five years. Andrea received two degrees in Biology and Nursing and became a Labor and Delivery nurse, where she has worked for twenty-five years supporting their family. In 1996, God answered their prayer to serve as missionaries and called Oliver to ANM through the invitation of Bo and Marlou Barredo, founders of ANM. In 2018, after many years of travel and serving missionaries worldwide together, Bo, whom Oliver considers both a father figure and mentor, appointed Oliver as President of ANM. As the President of ANM, Oliver is driven by a passion to fulfill the Great Commission, believing that it will hasten the return of Jesus. He translates this passion into action by inspiring his staff and strategic patrons with big dreams and advocating for faithful and fruitful native missionaries. His ultimate goal is for ANM missionaries to engage the remaining unreached people groups of the world with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, a mission he pursues with unwavering dedication. Soli Deo Gloria. Oliver is the author of Invincible Joy: Chasing God’s Dreams for Your Life. Learn more about his book and the companion video course at oliverasher.com. Contact Oliver here.Krista Darcus
Vice President of International Operations
Krista Darcus
Vice President of International Operations
Krista was a member of one of the local congregations that helped pray ANM into existence. She joined the staff about 20 years later. Having hosted missionaries from different parts of the world in her home, worked in various capacities since joining the ANM team, and having taken several mission trips, Krista now oversees the international team as Vice President of International Operations. She feels that her primary role is to take care of her team so that they can take care of the missionary partners. A Vol-Hoo, Krista enjoys watching both teams compete in multiple sports (the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia) -- but not against each other. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.P.R. Misra
Executive Vice President of Development & Strategic Partnerships
P.R. Misra
Executive Vice President of Development & Strategic Partnerships
P. R. came to the US in 1987 and, through circumstances, realized the best way to fulfill the Great Commission was through Native Missions, each country evangelizing its own people. He joined ANM in 1994 and has been serving there since then. At present, he is serving as the Executive Vice President for Advancement and Strategic Partnership, which allows him to interact with ANM's stakeholders on a regular basis and organize vision trips with ANM’s donors to various countries. Being involved with native missionaries for 37 years in various parts of the world, missions have become a 'lifestyle' for him to be available any time of the day or night. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Victor Morris
Chaplain
Victor Morris
Chaplain
Much of Victor's ministry has been pastoral in nature. This ministry now carries over into his role as Chaplain of ANM. Victor became interested in world missions through his involvement in his local church. He has served at ANM twice, for two years in the mid-90's and currently since 2006. Victor passionately loves music (all types), C. S. Lewis, science fiction, mystery novels, and books (lots of them). Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Amber Parker
Vice President of Staff Development
Amber Parker
Vice President of Staff Development
On a high school mission trip to Trinidad, God began expanding Amber’s vision and giving her a heart for the world. Even though she contemplated moving overseas, Amber’s career path took her in a different direction. Amber developed organizational, training, and team-building skills through her work at a Christian university and later at her local church. Through her church’s partnership with ANM, Amber had many opportunities to travel and witness how God is working among the nations. On a trip to the Philippines, it was clear that God was stirring something new in her heart. Then in 2018, Amber joined the ANM executive team, combining her passion for missions with her love for leading and developing others. In addition to serving at ANM, Amber enjoys speaking and writing. Her book Finding Simplicity walks through the book of James, exploring how we can choose simplicity over complexity, exercise God’s wisdom, and discover the joy in every day. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Lynn Parker
Vice President of Relationship Development & Director of Receipting
Lynn Parker
Vice President of Relationship Development & Director of Receipting
Lynn and her husband were called by the Lord to ANM in 2005 to the former warehouse ministry, where they sent trailer loads of supplies to equip our native missionaries. Since then, Lynn has worked in events and the finance department. All these roles prepared her to serve as Vice President of Relationship Development, where she pursues her calling to build continuing relationships with the donors of ANM. Knowing that our donors are well taken care of and valued is so important to her. She wants them to know the vital part they play in the Lord’s work worldwide. Missions is her first love, but a close second is serving alongside her husband, who pastors a church right in their community. She loves meeting folks right where they are and seeing their lives change when they come to know Jesus and find His purpose and plan for their life. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Board of Directors
Susan Brandt
Board Chair
Susan Brandt
Board Chair
John F. Elder IV
Board Member
John F. Elder IV
Board Member
Ruth B. Graham
Board Member
Ruth B. Graham
Board Member
W. Wesley Howard
Board Member
W. Wesley Howard
Board Member
Jesse Martin
Board Member
Jesse Martin
Board Member
Herbert W. Richardson
Board Member
Herbert W. Richardson
Board Member
Graham P. Stewart
Board Member
Graham P. Stewart
Board Member
Jason Strampe
Board Member
Jason Strampe
Board Member
International
Krista Darcus
Vice President of International Operations
Krista Darcus
Vice President of International Operations
Krista was a member of one of the local congregations that helped pray ANM into existence. She joined the staff about 20 years later. Having hosted missionaries from different parts of the world in her home, worked in various capacities since joining the ANM team, and having taken several mission trips, Krista now oversees the international team as Vice President of International Operations. She feels that her primary role is to take care of her team so that they can take care of the missionary partners. A Vol-Hoo, Krista enjoys watching both teams compete in multiple sports (the University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia) -- but not against each other. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Arman Arenbayev
Regional Director, Central Asia
Arman Arenbayev
Regional Director, Central Asia
Lidice Alanis
International Administrative Assistant
Lidice Alanis
International Administrative Assistant
Lidice has been working at ANM since June 2019. She had desired to work in missions all of her life. God pruned her and her family from Mexico and planted them in the USA to continue serving Him. Lidice is the Administrative Assistant for Latin America, South Asia, and Europe and loves to hear testimonies from the missionaries about what God is doing through donations from the US. It is a blessing to be in touch with the ANM missionaries, hearing their needs, helping them, and developing friendships with them. When not working at ANM, Lidice serves at church in kids ministry and other activities, as well as visiting friends to pray for them and talk about what God is doing in their lives. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Aziza DeCook
Assistant Regional Director, Europe
Aziza DeCook
Assistant Regional Director, Europe
Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Jaap DeCook
Regional Director, Europe
Jaap DeCook
Regional Director, Europe
Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Jerry Harding
Director of Operation Barnabas International
Jerry Harding
Director of Operation Barnabas International
In the fall of 2000, an ANM team came to our church and spoke to the congregation about “indigenous missionaries.” I had never heard of such a thing; I only knew of Western missionaries. In the fall of 2001, I went to India for 28 days to see for myself and returned home with a broken heart. Today, I direct the ministry of Operation Barnabas International (OBI) to encourage indigenous pastors around the world. Working together with other pastors and teachers, OBI has conducted over 200 conferences for thousands of pastors/shepherds in many countries.Thomas John
Regional Director, South Asia
Thomas John
Regional Director, South Asia
Thomas John joined ANM in 2022 after two decades as a missionary, a family tradition as his parents were missionaries, and a seminary teacher in North India. The best part of Thomas’ workday is interacting with partners and missionaries, discussing ministry needs, administrative matters, plans, and prayer, collaborating with the ANM administrative team to release the funds, and with the marketing team to send reports and address the queries of donors. He enjoys motivating and encouraging partners, the ANM team, and donors to meet their vision to fulfill the great commission. When not at work, Thomas can be found reading and writing about socio-political and theological issues and spends little time taking care of kitchen gardening. He loves to be with his wife and Snowy (dog). Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Dennis Layman
Regional Director, East Asia
Dennis Layman
Regional Director, East Asia
Dennis joined ANM in 2017 after serving as a missionary for most of his adult life. He currently serves as an administrative assistant for several regions of the world and as the Regional Director for East Asia, which includes China, North Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, and, most recently, our new ministry partner in Japan. When not at ANM, Dennis serves as a Chaplain for a retirement community. He and his wife, Violet, have been married for almost 40 years and have four adult children. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Renee Lilly
Regional Director, Latin America
Renee Lilly
Regional Director, Latin America
Renee Lilly has been passionate about missions since she received a call to ministry on a missions trip to the Philippines in 1987. Her role as Regional Director for Latin America gives her the opportunity to serve the modern-day “heroes of the faith,” as she calls them. She takes seriously the privilege of encouraging, equipping, and advocating for the many missionaries in her region who call her part of the family. When not at work, Renee loves ministering with her husband to the community, having family time with her two boys, daughter-in-law, and grandson, and cooking for everyone! Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Anju Misra
Regional Director, Southeast Asia
Anju Misra
Regional Director, Southeast Asia
Anju believes that mission work is more efficient with native missionaries, and ANN's aim and objective is to strengthen native missionaries around the world. Before working at ANM, Anju, and PR served in a similar mission organization for six years. Since 1994, she has been involved in various capacities with ANM as a volunteer, then joined as staff in 2017. In 2022, she became a Regional Director for a few Southeast Asian countries. She loves to talk to the missionaries by phone or email to get information about what is happening in their part of the world. She visits her ministry partners on the field to encourage them, get stories and reports, and evaluate them. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Monoj Mohanty
Regional Director, South Asia
Monoj Mohanty
Regional Director, South Asia
Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Elham Saleh
Director of Arabic Women's Ministry
Elham Saleh
Director of Arabic Women's Ministry
Elham was born and raised as a Muslim in Egypt until the age of 19 when Jesus called her to follow Him. After her family locked her in a room for three years, Elham traveled with her husband and son to America in 2012 to save their son from severe persecution. While in America, they were told that to return to Egypt would mean certain death, so they sought U.S. asylum and stayed. In 2013, Elham began volunteering at ANM. Now, as director of Arabic Women's Ministry, Elham holds conferences for Americans to understand Islam and the mentality of Muslim women, and she meets weekly online with women who live under oppression, training them how to live in their communities and share Jesus with Muslim women, and teaching them the theology of pain and persecution. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Karim Saleh
Director of Arabic Ministries
Karim Saleh
Director of Arabic Ministries
Karim was born and raised as a Muslim in Egypt until the age of 17 when Jesus called him to follow Him. After being tortured, imprisoned, and disowned by his family for his faith, Karim and with his wife, Elham, traveled to America in 2012 to save their son from severe persecution. While in America, they were told that to return to Egypt would mean certain death, so they sought U.S. asylum and stayed. In 2013, Karim began working as the Assistant Middle East Director for Advancing Native Missions. In 2017, he founded Act for the Persecuted and became ANM’s Regional Director for the Middle East. Now, as Director of Arabic Ministries, Karim continues to hold conferences for Americans to understand Islam, the Muslim mentality, how to share Jesus with Muslims, spiritual maturity, and the theology of pain and persecution. At the same time, he is still teaching internationally through Skype and Zoom once a week to equip believers in the Middle East and North Africa. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Joann Wolfe
International Administrative Assistant
Joann Wolfe
International Administrative Assistant
Joann joined ANM in 2019 after working with local indigenous ministries and supporting international missionaries through Anchor Bay Evangelist Organization for over 20 years. Joann was hooked on missions from the first time she met an underground missionary from China and heard her testimony. The best part of Joann’s workday is praying and building relationships with ANM’s donors, missionaries, and staff. Numbers have always made sense to Joann, so facilitating the donations to the ministry partners is a true blessing, and the testimonies that connect others worldwide are beyond measure. Joann enjoys praying, serving others, and testifying to the goodness of our Lord and Savior. When not at work, Joann can be found enjoying the blessing of her 7 grandchildren. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Meseret Workelul
Regional Director, Africa
Meseret Workelul
Regional Director, Africa
Meseret accepted Jesus when she was 15 and suffered persecution. She and her husband came to the US after being refugees in Kenya. She joined AMN as a volunteer to share the joy she received from knowing God. Missions work was in her heart, and she said, “Nothing is better than being used by God.” Later, she became the assistant to the Regional Director for Africa, and after that, she became the Regional Director for Africa. She believes “reaching the nations by the natives” is the perfect approach to evangelism. When Meseret is not at ANM, she is with her family, cooking great Ethiopian food and singing with her girls. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Relationship Development
Lynn Parker
Vice President of Relationship Development & Director of Receipting
Lynn Parker
Vice President of Relationship Development & Director of Receipting
Lynn and her husband were called by the Lord to ANM in 2005 to the former warehouse ministry, where they sent trailer loads of supplies to equip our native missionaries. Since then, Lynn has worked in events and the finance department. All these roles prepared her to serve as Vice President of Relationship Development, where she pursues her calling to build continuing relationships with the donors of ANM. Knowing that our donors are well taken care of and valued is so important to her. She wants them to know the vital part they play in the Lord’s work worldwide. Missions is her first love, but a close second is serving alongside her husband, who pastors a church right in their community. She loves meeting folks right where they are and seeing their lives change when they come to know Jesus and find His purpose and plan for their life. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.George Ainsworth
Relationship Development Officer
George Ainsworth
Relationship Development Officer
George Ainsworth was the first Chairman of ANM, serving 16 years, then joined the staff in 2009 after serving as a local church pastor and a missionary in Croatia. He was the longtime Regional Director for Europe and Russia. His love for reading and studying history helped give him the knowledge to relate sympathetically with the Lord's servants in Europe. Now he serves a Relationship Development Officer. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Linda Armentrout
Executive Assistant to the President
Linda Armentrout
Executive Assistant to the President
Linda began working at ANM in 2021 after 40+ years of executive administration, with the previous 13 years spent supporting development and advancement executives. Linda learned about ANM and indigenous missions through friends at a local church. The best part of Linda’s role is working in an organization with brothers and sisters in Christ while applying her experience and skill sets to further the advancement and relationship development efforts. When not at the office, you can find Linda with her husband, Frank, at their home in Afton, VA, in beautiful Nelson County, where she enjoys quilting, gardening, and reading. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Katie Gentry
Donor Communications Coordinator
Katie Gentry
Donor Communications Coordinator
Katie joined the ANM staff in 2008, though she and her family had been involved at the mission from the time she was four years old. The best part of Katie's workday is reading and hearing impactful stories about missionaries and orphans overseas. When not working, Katie enjoys time with her husband, homeschooling their children, and baking. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Joel Maas
Production Coordinator & AV Director
Joel Maas
Production Coordinator & AV Director
Joel joined ANM in 2005. He has previously worked as a teacher, outdoor ministry leader, construction worker, portrait photographer, and FedEx courier. He enjoys his hands-on role in the Production Room, as well as capturing video, audio, and photos of our overseas partners and how God is expanding His kingdom through them. When not at work, Joel loves to explore the woods and rock outcroppings along the Blue Ridge Parkway and spend time with his family. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Danny McAllister
Director of Donor Relations
Danny McAllister
Director of Donor Relations
Danny joined ANM in 1994 after experiencing missions first-hand through several trips taken to Honduras with his church. Interacting with donors is the most exciting part of Danny's work day, particularly when they express their heart for missions. When Danny is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as being the pastor at a local church. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Sue Morris
Writer & Communications Assistant
Sue Morris
Writer & Communications Assistant
Sue Morris joined ANM as a paid staff member in 2014 after having volunteered many times there since its founding in 1992. Sue has been interested in missionaries and their stories since childhood, so joining ANM after retiring as a schoolteacher was an excellent fit for her. Sue finds joy in being part of the Communications team under Relationship Development, helping to write and publish stories about missionaries connected to ANM. When not working at ANM, Sue enjoys assisting her husband, Victor, with ministry in their local church. Finding time to read a variety of fiction is one of her pleasures in life. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Brian Mullins
Director of Church Relations
Brian Mullins
Director of Church Relations
After 20 years of running his own construction company, Brian went on a mission trip that changed the direction of his life, leading him to join ANM in 2014. Brian feels he has the best seat in the house at ANM as he engages churches in missions and leads church teams to serve alongside ANM’s native missionary partners. When not at work, Brian can be found working on building projects for his family, serving at his local church, and enjoying his family. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Mindy Mullins
Assistant Director of Church Relations
Mindy Mullins
Assistant Director of Church Relations
Mindy Mullins joined ANM in 2006 after teaching music in public schools and directing music for an International Children's Choir for six years. At an early age, God put a calling on her heart for the American Church; therefore, she loves working on the Church Relations team because she gets to share with churches here in America all that God is doing worldwide and offer the churches opportunities to join Him. When not at work, Mindy can be found being a wife to her best gift, being a mommy to her coolest gift, serving with her family at their local church, doing projects with her family around their house and simply enjoying the family God has given her. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Rebecca Olsen
Content Manager
Rebecca Olsen
Content Manager
Rebecca joined ANM in 2024 after earning a degree in English and Religious Studies and working as an SEO content writer. While in college and working for secular marketing agencies, she maintained a personal passion for international missions that she can now fully realize in her role as ANM's content manager. Content management allows her to continue writing creatively while expanding her communication and marketing skills. When not at work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, including her dog Peanut, reading, and traveling. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Warren Stewart
Relationship Development Officer
Warren Stewart
Relationship Development Officer
Warren Stewart joined ANM in 2019 to work in the Central Asia Region. He’s been engaged in ministry both locally and globally since 1988. He is working to connect his friends in Central Asia to ANM and wants to connect ANM to his Central Asian friends. Warren can be found fishing on the James River when not at work. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Eric Vess
Volunteer Writer and Editor
Eric Vess
Volunteer Writer and Editor
As a child, Eric was intrigued by a movie about a missionary to China. Trips to Brazil later confirmed his call to missions. Eric joined ANM in 2011, following his work at two mission organizations and as the founder of his own media ministry. Looking back, he is amazed to see how all he experienced with media, teaching, and international travel in over forty countries came together for him to be a writer on the ANM communications team. Eric enjoys ANM's relational and collaborative atmosphere and frequent opportunities to teach and encourage native missionary partners in the nations. When not in the office, Eric enjoys reading e-books and watching British detective mysteries. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Dan Widmer
Donor Relations Assistant
Dan Widmer
Donor Relations Assistant
Dan loves Jesus and met ANM when he was given an ANM quarterly magazine. He was so impressed with the model of locals ministering to their own people globally that he came to the headquarters, met everyone, fell in love, and started volunteering that day in July 2018. Dan serves mainly in the Donor Relations department and is also an ANM handyman, following 50 years in construction. He has made three mission trips to India and supports his “favorite” missionary in many ways. Dan also enjoys hosting visiting missionaries. His one big regret is Friday afternoon, knowing he has to wait two whole days until he can come back to work. Shalom. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Melody Wong
Relationship Development Officer
Melody Wong
Relationship Development Officer
My husband and I joined ANM in January 2013. It was God who orchestrated that move because He wanted us to return to global missions. Before Pete was called to pastor churches here in the US, we did mission work in Thailand for ten years, reaching the Buddhists for Christ. I love my job here at ANM, helping nurture relationships with donors and taking advocacy trips with my husband, Pete, to churches to advocate on behalf of our native missionaries. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Pete Wong
Relationship Development Officer
Pete Wong
Relationship Development Officer
Peter Galvez Wong, a dedicated missionary, was formally ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1986 after completing his Theology degree. That same year, he and his wife, Melody, were sent as missionaries to Thailand. Over the next decade, they worked tirelessly among the predominantly Buddhist population, establishing an indigenous church, training local workers, and pursuing graduate studies in Missiology. Pete served as a pastor in the US until he and Melody joined Advancing Native Missions (ANM) in January 2013. He has since been passionately advocating for native missions, speaking at churches, and embarking on overseas trips while also helping nurture relationships with over 3,000 individuals, couples, families, churches, organizations, and other Christian groups on behalf of ANM and their missionary partners. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Finance and Operations
L.B. Tygert
Controller
L.B. Tygert
Controller
Laurie Beth has had a heart to support and be involved with native missions since reading Revolution in World Missions in high school. She worked as an administrative assistant for her church, where she developed experience in accounting. God opened the door for her to work in the accounting department at ANM in 2016. As Controller, L. B. enjoys sending the funds that come in to the various ministries overseas. When not at work, L. B. enjoys hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Chris Bortz
Director of Information Management and Solutions
Chris Bortz
Director of Information Management and Solutions
Chris joined ANM after spending 40 years in academic, government, and corporate environments that often had a global reach. He always enjoyed immersing himself in other cultures, especially when worshipping with Christians in those cultures. Supporting Christians native to their cultures always made sense both financially and as the most efficient way to share the Gospel with those around them. He still loves to meet with native missionaries and hear what God is doing in the world. When not managing the systems required to securely communicate with supporters and partners, Chris loves to read theology, teach and preach at his church, and watch the heavens under a dark, clear sky. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Rives Gentry
Director of Operations
Rives Gentry
Director of Operations
In June 2018, Rives Gentry joined ANM with a simple conviction: Jesus saves. As Director of Operations, Rives meets the operational needs of the ANM staff so that they can meet the needs of our missionaries and donors. Rives loves theology, playing his guitars, and leading the faithful in worship. But most of all, he loves his wife, Katie, and their three sons, and he is thankful to God for each one of them. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.Ron Miller
Receipting Manager
Ron Miller
Receipting Manager
Ron joined ANM in 2002. After retiring and moving to the Charlottesville area, he was pleased to find a position serving the Lord through missions. He works on the Donor Support Team and enjoys seeing the provisions for our missionaries as they come in each day. When Ron is not at work, he enjoys playing the piano and worshipping the Lord through music. Want to get in touch? Contact me here.