Get to Know Us
Our Vision and Mission
For so many people the pursuit of wholeness, health, and vitality feels excruciatingly futile. Organizations worldwide are working to alleviate spiritual, physical, or economic troubles. And still, needs persist, and many areas of the world remain devoid of adequate help.
But there is hope!
God calls his people to go to those who are suffering and longing for new life, and to give out of our abundance to those who are in need!
When God’s people answer that call and share resources—whether spiritual, physical, or economic—it sparks something new and sustainable. It sparks a movement of wholeness, health, and vitality! It sparks fullness of life. Fullness of life in Jesus Christ is transformative! As a result, transformed individuals, families, and communities can continue the work of expanding God’s kingdom. This is the VISION of SPARK International Missions!
To this end, it is our MISSION to empower individuals, families, and communities by nurturing spiritual, physical, and economic health through Jesus Christ!
Ministry Partners
Missionary in Ecuador - Dr. Manuel
Global Communities Women Empowered Micro-savings Coordinator and Trainer - Jonathan
Evangelical Lutheran Church-Zambia Pastor Doreen
Dr. Manuel has lived a life of mission among the Andes Mountain Quichua people for nearly 40 years. His life's goal is to bring God's Word to those who don't know Him! He is an amazing teacher, preacher, and doctor who devotes much time to the poorest in need of health and surgical care.
Evangelical Lutheran Church-Zambia Pastor Doreen
Global Communities Women Empowered Micro-savings Coordinator and Trainer - Jonathan
Evangelical Lutheran Church-Zambia Pastor Doreen
Pastor Doreen serves as the Field Coordinator for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia's Women Empowered Micro-savings programming in Zambia.
Global Communities Women Empowered Micro-savings Coordinator and Trainer - Jonathan
Global Communities Women Empowered Micro-savings Coordinator and Trainer - Jonathan
Global Communities Women Empowered Micro-savings Coordinator and Trainer - Jonathan
Jonathan has a passion for including women and children in micro savings initiatives. He is motivated by the financial stability and independence that can be achieved through careful training in the Women Empowered methodology. Jonathan holds a bachelor of Social Work, a Certificate in Project Management, and has more than 10 years’ exper
Jonathan has a passion for including women and children in micro savings initiatives. He is motivated by the financial stability and independence that can be achieved through careful training in the Women Empowered methodology. Jonathan holds a bachelor of Social Work, a Certificate in Project Management, and has more than 10 years’ experience as a development practitioner. He is elated when a family’s nutrition improves, access to health care is secured, and children can go to school.
United States Leadership
President - Bob
Vice President - Deanne
Vice President - Deanne
In 2006, when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Bob joined a team that traveled to St. Bernard’s Parish and cleaned out affected houses. He saw God’s hand at work in so many places and it changed his life! Bob joined the Ecuador Mission team in 2008 and has been serving in Ecuador ever since. He serves in many areas - Medical, Vision, M
In 2006, when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Bob joined a team that traveled to St. Bernard’s Parish and cleaned out affected houses. He saw God’s hand at work in so many places and it changed his life! Bob joined the Ecuador Mission team in 2008 and has been serving in Ecuador ever since. He serves in many areas - Medical, Vision, Men’s Bible Study, Children’s Bible Study and continues to create disciples to share God’s word throughout the world.
Vice President - Deanne
Vice President - Deanne
Vice President - Deanne
For over 10 years, Deanne served in various roles on the global missions team at St. John’s in Bloomington, IL. Since her first mission to Ecuador in 2007, Deanne has been blessed to go 9 more times and has experienced firsthand the impact that building relationships while sharing the gospel has on people in these small villages. She now resides with her husband in Mesa, Arizona.
Treasurer - Dan
Vice President - Deanne
Secretary - Greg
Since first participating in mission work several years ago, Dan's passion for mission has grown. He has served on three missions to Ecuador working in church construction, Medical, and Men's Bible study ministries. Dan is in awe of how the power of the Holy Spirit changes lives! Dan serves as Treasurer for SPARK and is amazed how our L
Since first participating in mission work several years ago, Dan's passion for mission has grown. He has served on three missions to Ecuador working in church construction, Medical, and Men's Bible study ministries. Dan is in awe of how the power of the Holy Spirit changes lives! Dan serves as Treasurer for SPARK and is amazed how our Lord blesses SPARK with the financial and human resources to do His work in the world.
Secretary - Greg
Vice President - Deanne
Secretary - Greg
Greg began his international mission work in response to prodding from his then 14 year old son. After spending a week in Ecuador building a church, he realized God was calling him to build Christian relationships and His kingdom on earth. Greg has returned to Ecuador several times and also serves as Director of Missions at Faith Lutheran Church of McLean County.
Director - Denise
Director - Denise
Director - Denise
Denise grew up in Ecuador and in Central Illinois area, but has recently returned to Illinois after living overseas for over 24 years with her husband Chee. Together they are striving to daily grow in their relationship with Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to empower and lead them to share the "Good News" with all those in their midst.
Director - Jan
Director - Denise
Director - Denise
It has been Jan's privilege to serve in international non-profit and Christian mission work for some 40 years. Her work includes 16 short-term missions in 5 countries. The opportunity to help bring about life-changing Spiritual and physical impact to those in need is one of our Lord's greatest gifts and brings Jan much joy.
Director - Julie
Director - Denise
Director - Rachel
Julie has been on mission to Ecuador 3 times and has felt the Holy Spirit at work and the absolute love for all of God's people stronger on these missions than any other time. While serving in Ecuador, Julie has been involved with Bible School, Women's Bible Study, and providing eyeglasses.
Director - Rachel
Director - Denise
Director - Rachel
Rachel counts it a blessing to serve in children’s ministry. What began in 1994 as calling to be a Vacation Bible School leader at a local church, grew into providing Vacation Bible School experiences to children in Ecuador. With a heart fueled by faith and a passion to share the message of God’s love with children everywhere, Rachel bec
Rachel counts it a blessing to serve in children’s ministry. What began in 1994 as calling to be a Vacation Bible School leader at a local church, grew into providing Vacation Bible School experiences to children in Ecuador. With a heart fueled by faith and a passion to share the message of God’s love with children everywhere, Rachel became a part of the 2011 Ecuador mission team. Since then, she has been a part of every mission to Ecuador. She finds joy in witnessing firsthand the remarkable impact of faith-driven service, where lives are touched, communities are uplifted, relationships are made and God’s Kingdom continues to expand.
Director - Sarah
Director - Sarah
Director - Sarah
Sarah is a full-time school psychologist who works with students with high-needs emotional disabilities. She loves to learn, travel, and serve along the way. Her husband, Jay, is a worship pastor in the Peoria area. Together they are passionate about serving Christ and worshipping intentionally. Sarah is passionate about tending to th
Sarah is a full-time school psychologist who works with students with high-needs emotional disabilities. She loves to learn, travel, and serve along the way. Her husband, Jay, is a worship pastor in the Peoria area. Together they are passionate about serving Christ and worshipping intentionally. Sarah is passionate about tending to the needs of new and young-adult Christ followers. She enjoys walking through the transition of separation from Christ to vigor and joy in following Him with persistence and eagerness.
The SPARK Story
Serving People And the Risen King
SPARK - Serving People And the Risen King!
Our Story is one of hope, fullness of life, and joy.
In the meantime, please know that you can be a part of our story!
