PROJECT KENYA INTERNATIONAL

Teri Crane-Hudson: Executive Director

Teri a California native, moving to Tennessee in 1996. Her early years included being the middle of three children, raised in a Christian home. She is especially thankful for a strong Christian father whom she feels taught her about Jesus, and served as a mentor for her strong Christian values she holds today. After the death of her husband in 1990, she took medical courses at Crafton Hills College.  At the young age of 33, becoming a single mother, she entered the workforce as a medical receptionist. Teri possesses a strong work ethic and integrity in all areas of  her profession, contributing to her quick advancement to an administrative role. She was introduced to the mission field through a short-term mission team which changed her career to full time mission work. In 2001 she began traveling to Kenya, with various groups providing much needed medical and spiritual care. She continued to work, and lead short-term teams to Kenya for five years.  God guided her to enter full-time ministry in 2005, resulting in hundreds of children receiving an education, and a great future. Her administrative skills have helped the ministry, expand new programs, and develop creative ways of presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. She feels her greatest achievement is raising two children, who serve Jesus. Her son is married to Karen. They have blessed Teri with 5 grandchildren. Don and Karen minister in Pennsylvania. Her daughter Melinda is married to Mike. They have blessed Teri with 3 grandsons. They are active in their church in Tennessee. The legacy of a strong work ethic and family values continue through her work in Kenya, and in her children and grandchildren.  God brought Teri a helpmate in 2012, Timothy.  He served for many years with the Christian Motorcycle Association, has incredible carpentry skills, and a heart for the lost. They were married in 2013 and serve God together in Kenya.

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Nancy Meredith: Chairman  

Nancy Meredith, born and raised in northern Indiana, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Cardiopulmonary Sciences from the University of Central Florida in 1991, and has been a Registered Respiratory Therapist ever since, working in hospitals in Florida and Tennessee, serving in both staff and supervisory positions, devoted to helping people get well. She has been married to her husband Joey since 2008 and together they serve the church doing Young Adult Ministry and Discovery Bible Study. Nancy also leads the Mission Team and loves to worship God. Nancy is a CHE trainer and has traveled on many different teams serving in Kenya. She has served on the Project Kenya Board in different capacities since it’s beginning. She is passionate about helping people of all ages learn about and grow in Jesus Christ.

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Donald Crane: Vice Chairman 

Donald "Don" Crane is a native of California and grew up in church. His education comes from Hope International University and Johnson University. This past Spring Don received a Master's Degree in New Testament with an emphasis in Spiritual Formation. He was ordained in 1994 and has over twenty years of leadership and experience in churches in CA, TN, VA, IN, and currently as the Senior Minister at Howard Christian Church. Don has served the church as Senior Minister, Worship Minister and served the executive board for the National Church Music Conference. He has a great deal of experience in the music world outside the church, making musical guest appearance on the sitcom, "Full House" and the drama, "Picket Fences." He also has directed major musicals such as "Fiddler of the Roof" and "Hello, Dolly!" in local community theaters. He and his wife, Karen, have been married for 18 years. They have five children. Four boys and one girl. Each of the boys have down syndrome. Their third child is a treasure waiting in heaven and passed into the arms of Jesus at two months old. Don's greatest passion is living for Jesus and looks forward to serving your congregation as we seek the Master together.

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Beverly Stott: Secretary

Beverly Stott, originally from Florida, lives in Tennessee with her husband Bruce. They have been married for 33 years and have two adult children, a son-in-law, and a precious grandson. Beverly graduated with a BS degree in Mathematics/Computer Science from the University of TN at Martin. She taught/tutored at a local Christian School for 5 years and has been an Office Manager at veterinary clinic for 23 years. She is the Treasurer for the church they attend and also serves on the Missions Committee. Beverly has worked in several areas of Children and Youth Ministry in the churches she has attended over the years. She has been on several ministry trips, both in the U.S. and in Kenya. She especially enjoys the blessing of working with the Sponsor Children in Kenya. Beverly is a charter member of the Project Kenya Board, serving in the position of Secretary.

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Diane Ware

Diane Tyler Ware lives near Richmond Virginia with her husband, a retired preacher. She has been involved in Christian education, church music and church work her entire life. She worked for more than 40 years as a Christian education and sales speaker for Standard Publishing. “I love people. Teaching is my passion and I have been blessed to use it in women’s retreats, workshops, VBS, and classes for all ages.” Being retired has given her the opportunity to be involved in new challenges and travels. “There’s always something to do; as long as we are breathing we can work for the Lord! I love that Project Kenya works with children who might otherwise have a limited future and no hope - both without our Lord. We give them education, acceptance and tell them of God’s love. Only with our Lord and His people can their futures be so changed!”

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Vicki Smith

Vicki lives in Greenfield, Indiana with her husband Joe.  They have been members of Park Chapel Christian Church since 1994.  Vicki retired from Eli Lilly and Company after 28 years of service.  After retiring she became involved in Life Choices, the local pregnancy care center, and serves on its board.  Since 2000 she has co-led a women’s bible study at her church and more recently started attending Bible Study Fellowship International.

A mission trip to Kenya in 2011 to visit a school started by missionaries and supported by Park Chapel sparked her interest in helping the Kenyan children get sponsors.  Since then she has become involved with Project Kenya and acts as a liaison between Project Kenya and Park Chapel, and in 2017 she became a Project Kenya board member.

Vicki and Joe have three grown children and seven grandchildren.  They love spending time with their family, volunteering in the community, helping their church, traveling, and camping.

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Bill Backus

Dr. William Backus is retired from the University of Tennessee after serving on the staff of the College of Agriculture-Department of Animal Science for over 33 years. He has been married to the love of his life, Jo Ellen, for 63 years. They have five children, twelve grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. He is a charter member of his church, serving as an Elder since it was started. Bill has been a Project Kenya Board member since it’s inception and has made three mission trips to Kenya as well as two mission trips to Romania on teams with Mission Connect. "Project Kenya is making a big difference in many lives in Kenya. The impact of the child sponsorship program, for example, is changing the lives of many young Kenyans and is giving hope to their lives, where formally there was none. Being a part of this program and seeing these young people grow up to be productive members of Christ’s Church and of society is exciting as well as rewarding.

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