Our Team

Life Connection Ministries is a Christ-centered organization. All of our Board Members have a Christian worldview. They each have the responsibility to assist us with accomplishing the Great Commission in the regions we serve. They also provide leadership support to the CEO’s by assisting us with stewarding what God has given us and supporting the mission of the ministry.

Founders

Willie Russell, Jr.

Florine Russell

United States

Richard Brookfield

Since 2002, Dick has been involved in Life Connection Ministries and in missions all around the world. Dick has worked closely with missionary teams in Honduras helping to show the practical love of Jesus. In 2016, Dick began an initiative for South African youth called 12 x 12. The program focuses on young people in the United States writing study guides for books of the Bible, then working with South African youth to grow and study the Word of God. This program has exploded and is helping to develop youth leaders not only in South Africa but also in the USA.

Gerald Shaw

With over a 50 year friendship Gerald continues to be a valuable resource of support and dedication to the ministry in South Africa and its founders. Gerald received a BS degree in chemical engineering his first opportunity for work right out of college was with Exxon Chemical Company in New Jersey. He worked with excellence for 17 years in various management positions and was recruited by Chevon in Texas. This promotion to a senior manager position entailed a family relocation where he has flourished both in his career and his service to God as a significant leader at his local church. Recently retired in 2019, after working 21 years for Chevron. Gerald married his high school sweetheart and has raised three incredible children.

Alvin Kates

Al retired as a construction professional for over 50 years. Since his retirement Al has focused his energy on supporting Disaster Recovery Efforts across the south east. Al has led hundreds of teams into areas that have been devastated by natural disaster and provide leadership for the rebuild of homes and communities. Al leads our construction efforts in South Africa working closely with the local labor force and material suppliers.

Mark Hanson

As a successful businessman and entrepreneur Mark has developed workforce strategies that he is implementing in many nations of the world through his Kingdom Career Builders Ministry. Mark’s heart is to establish sustainable businesses in rural areas with micro banking and economic principles.

Andrew LeFauve

As a police officer and public servant in Missouri. Andrew is well aware of the challenges and the joy of serving people in a community. To safe guard lives and property, and to protect the innocent against deception. You have to be called to do this everyday and still see the good in the world. As a young man he has travelled to South Africa many times doing short term mission work with LCM encouraging both young and old and telling them about Jesus and how he has made a difference in his life.