In the past year, Rosedale International (RI) has undergone several staff transitions. Through these changes, God has shown his faithfulness and led us to the right individuals to fill two vital roles—Mike, Director of Partner Development, and Phil and Lexi, Short-Term Program Facilitators.
Phil and Lexi hail from Sugarcreek, Ohio. Both come to the position of Program Facilitators equipped with missional and mentoring experience. As the son of missionaries, Phil grew up on the mission field, involved in outreach trips and the day-to-day of mission work. Lexi served on yearly mission trips with her high school youth group—and in 2014, joined a REACH team in Thunder Bay, Ontario. For the past two years, the couple has served as worship leaders and youth pastors at Light in the Valley Chapel.
As they follow God’s leading into this next chapter as Program Facilitators, Phil and Lexi will dedicate their time to mentoring the young adults who come through the Rosedale International Center (RIC). “We’re privileged to do life with the interns, REACH students, and youth groups who come and go [through City Challenge]. We’re there to initiate discipleship, encourage personal growth, and model servant leadership.”
As they anticipate this coming season of their lives, the couple is excited to foster young adults’ passion for Jesus. “We’re excited to work with young adults who are serious about their decision to serve in missions…. We look forward to living in a community of believers who share different opinions, but together focus on growing closer to Jesus and sharing his love with others. We also expect to learn just as much from those we mentor as we hope to pour into their lives!”
Mike, along with his wife Karen and their five children, will join RI in September. As Director of Partner Development, Mike will focus on connecting with CMC churches and individuals who hope to partner with RI in our work for the Kingdom—whether financially, through prayer, or through missions. His experience in various areas of ministry has uniquely equipped him for this role.
In 2008, Mike began serving as youth pastor for Community Mennonite Fellowship in Milton, Pennsylvania. Five years later, he and his family answered God’s call to West Africa. After three years on the mission field, the family returned to the States in 2016, where Mike took the position of senior pastor at Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church in Missouri. During this time, he also served as Eastern Mennonite Missions’ Regional Representative for West Africa—a position that connected him with RI and ultimately led him to take the position of Director of Partner Development.
When asked what he most looks forward to in his position, Mike responded with excitement about the connections he will facilitate between CMC members and Rosedale International. “The most energizing aspect will be going to different churches and sharing vision and excitement. I’m excited to connect potential workers to Calibrate, help young adults get involved in the REACH program, or stir up passion in someone who has never considered missions before.”
Rosedale International is grateful for the leading of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Mike, Phil, and Lexi, and is thrilled to welcome them to our staff. We feel confident that their skills, vision, and love for Jesus will benefit our work for the Kingdom and bring glory to his name.
Please lift up Mike, Phil, and Lexi as they transition to their new roles. Pray that God would bless them as they put their gifts and passion for the Kingdom to work with Rosedale International. Above all, pray that through them God would be glorified.
