Our Background

Jeff and Joanna both grew up in Christian homes and were saved as children. Joanna grew up in a pastor’s home in Terre Haute, Indiana. She attended Tennessee Temple University and received her degree in Education. Jeff was born in Greenville, South Carolina. When he was six years old, his family moved to Seneca, South Carolina. He was saved after hearing a message by Evangelist J. Harold Smith, his grandfather’s first cousin. Shortly after his salvation, Jeff’s family helped establish University Baptist Church in Clemson, SC. Upon graduation from Seneca High School, Jeff attended Bob Jones University where he received B.A. and M.A Degrees in Pastoral Theology. Jeff and Joanna met at the Wilds Christian Camp where they served together for several summers. They were married in August of 1989.

Jeff has experience as a church planter having started the Harvest Baptist Church of Rock Hill, SC. He also served as the senior pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Wilson, NC, and Oakwood Baptist Church of Anderson, SC, ministries with large Christian Schools. Each of his churches has been known for its strong missionary programs. Jeff has had the privilege of traveling to several foreign mission fields. In 2015, after serving in the pastorate for twenty-five years, the Lord began to work in Jeff’s heart in the area of missions as the next step in his ministerial journey. Through much prayer and godly counsel, God led Jeff to join the ministry of EMU International where he serves as director.

Jeff and Joanna have four children. Caleb, Bethany, and Abby, and Hannah who are all married. Visit our family page.

In addition to traveling and visiting the EMU International missionaries on their various fields of service, Jeff has had the privilege of preaching in Christian School chapels, at Christian Camps, Missions Conferences, Revival Meetings, and Family Conferences. He is also available for meetings to promote the work of EMU International. For more information see Jeff’s schedule page.