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Global Ministries Staff

One of the joys of working at FBCA is being surrounded by such an amazing staff. It truly does feel like a close family. It’s a group of people that are passionate about their faith and down to earth. It truly is an environment where we are constantly sharpened and mutually encouraged each and every day.

Jerimiah SmithLinda Templin

Jerimiah Smith – Director of Global Ministries

background

Born and raised in Abilene, TX. I was a whopping 12.1 lbs. when I arrived on the scene. That’s right. I was a big boy. There’s not much to do in Abilene but it was a great place to grow up. I have loving parents and an awesome sister that helped make my childhood pretty special. Around the age of 16 I found Jesus as my Lord at a local Disciple Now and was forever changed. In the months that followed I felt an undeniable call to missions, Somehow I knew my surrender to Jesus Christ would take me beyond the U.S. and into places all around the world. I began to set my eyes on missions.

I graduated and attended the wonderful University of Oklahoma. My freshmen year we won the national championship in football (Boomer!!!). So, clearly, I’m an avid sports fan. But the most meaningful aspect of my collegiate career came my sophomore year when I met my wife to be, Jennifer. We fell in love and married right after we graduated. We eventually ended up spending three years in southern California so I could attend Fuller Theological Seminary. By the summer of 2008 I had earned a master of divinity with an emphasis in cross-culture studies. In January of 2009 I accepted the position of Director of Global Ministries here at FBCA … and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. I’m blessed to have this dream job. But to date, the biggest joy of my life was when Jennifer and I welcomed our first child into the world. The summer of 2010 brought us James and he continues to brighten every day. And the exciting news is that he gets to be a big brother later this summer. We have no idea if it will be a brother or sister but we are excited to say the least.

random facts

1. If you could have dinner with three people in the world, who would they be and why?

Bob Stoops – So I could talk about football
Chris Martin – So I could talk about music
My Grandfather – So I could talk about everything

2. Would you rather fly or be invisible?

Fly, no doubt. Not so much because being invisible is borderline creepy and potentially dishonest but because flying would just be so stinkin cool.

3. What’s your favorite T.V. show?

Seinfeld. I was a huge fan of several others like LOST, Friends, the Office, Modern Family, Survivor and Amazing Race but if I only had one to get me through for the rest of my life it would easily be Seinfeld. I mean, how could you not enjoy watching a show about nothing?

4. What’s your favorite food?

Chicken Fajitas. Hands down. No discussion necessary.

5. Why do you love your job?

As I mentioned above, I’ve felt drawn towards missions since I was sixteen years old. So traveling and investing in other cultures is something I’ve always dreamed of doing. Something about seeking the unreached peoples of the world tugs at my heart more than anything else so I’m thankful for a church that gives me that opportunity. Moreover, FBCA is a pioneering church. The complexity of all we do from sending to short-term to investing locally is constantly challenging and exciting. It truly is my dream job.