World Missions
First Covenant Church
We strongly believe in fulfilling the Great Commission Jesus gave his disciples, “Go into all the world and make disciples…” (Matt. 28:19).
For more information about how you can support our World Missions, please contact office@firstcovrockford.org.
Jeff Siemers - Alaska
Link to ACC: https://alaskacc.edu
Jeff Siemers and his wife Cheryl have two girls, Ella and Charlotte. Jeff grew up in Rockford and attended First Covenant Church as a child through his college-age years. In 1999, he moved to Hooper Bay, Alaska (an Alaska Native village on the Bering Sea) and worked as a youth worker in the Covenant Church. In 2001, he was part of the team that planted Alaska Christian College (ACC) in Soldotna, Alaska. Currently, Jeff is the Executive Vice President at ACC that serves Alaska Native students and offers four associate degrees: Christian Ministry, Behavioral Health, Paraprofessional Education, and General Studies.
Ken & Adrienne Satterberg – France
Eugenio & Pia Restrepo - Latin America
Igor & Alla Zadorozhnaya - Ukraine
Barbara & Steven Swanson - Sweden
Link to blog: http://swedishmosaics.blogspot.com/
Barbara and Steven Swanson have faithfully served as Evangelical Covenant missionaries in Europe and First Evangelical Covenant has partnered with them for many of those years. The Swansons share the Good News of Jesus Christ in ministries of evangelism, Christian Formation and discipleship. Steve has pastored a church in Europe and Barb has developed uncounted personal relationships with her circles of influence everywhere they have lived. Currently serving in Malmo, Sweden, Barb and Steve are sharing the story of Jesus among the people (immigrants and refugees) who are looking for a new home in a new country.
Steve & Ellen - Southeast Asia
Link to: https://pioneers.org
Steve grew up at First Covenant, and along with his wife Ellen, served as missionaries in the Southeast Asia area for many years. After years of experience, they transitioned to their current role of providing guidance and support for missionary teams working in the same areas where they served. They have an important ministry of leadership, guidance and encouragement to those serving directly in the field. This coordination and support is crucial to the wellbeing of many teams serving in several countries.
Peter & Ruth Dutton - Thailand
Link to blog: http://mekongvalleyproject.blogspot.com
Peter and Ruth Dutton have served as missionaries in Laos and Thailand since 1988. They currently live in Thailand. They have shown the love of Jesus through many activities over the years. One of their roles is providing leadership and support in their local church. Being able to speak English is advantageous in Thailand, so they teach English as a Second Language (ESL) classes locally. A few years ago Peter and Ruth became involved in managing and expanding a growing camp ministry center.
Carl & Karen Groot – Thailand
Link to blog: http://blogs.covchurch.org/groot
Or link to: https://www.alcthailand.com
Carl and Karen Groot have served as missionaries in Thailand since 1988. They founded and run the Abundant Life Center. The ALC focuses on helping migrants from other areas of Thailand. At the ALC, women learn how to sew and create beautiful, functional, sturdy bags and purses. The bags are then sold, often in the United States. This gives the women a consistent, reliable way to financially support themselves and their families. The ALC also provides a safe, stable environment where they learn the love of Jesus.
Jeff Siemers - Alaska
Link to ACC: https://alaskacc.edu
Click here to read the Winter 2021 issue of The Northern Light!
Jeff Siemers and his wife Cheryl have two girls, Ella and Charlotte. Jeff grew up in Rockford and attended First Covenant Church as a child through his college-age years. In 1999, he moved to Hooper Bay, Alaska (an Alaska Native village on the Bering Sea) and worked as a youth worker in the Covenant Church. In 2001, he was part of the team that planted Alaska Christian College (ACC) in Soldotna, Alaska. Currently, Jeff is the Executive Vice President at ACC that serves Alaska Native students and offers four associate degrees: Christian Ministry, Behavioral Health, Paraprofessional Education, and General Studies.
Ken & Adrienne Satterberg – France
Eugenio & Pia Restrepo - Latin America
Igor & Alla Zadorozhnaya - Ukraine
Barbara & Steven Swanson - Sweden
Link to blog: http://swedishmosaics.blogspot.com/
Barbara and Steven Swanson have faithfully served as Evangelical Covenant missionaries in Europe and First Evangelical Covenant has partnered with them for many of those years. The Swansons share the Good News of Jesus Christ in ministries of evangelism, Christian Formation and discipleship. Steve has pastored a church in Europe and Barb has developed uncounted personal relationships with her circles of influence everywhere they have lived. Currently serving in Malmo, Sweden, Barb and Steve are sharing the story of Jesus among the people (immigrants and refugees) who are looking for a new home in a new country.
Steve & Ellen - Southeast Asia
Link to: https://pioneers.org
Steve grew up at First Covenant, and along with his wife Ellen, served as missionaries in the Southeast Asia area for many years. After years of experience, they transitioned to their current role of providing guidance and support for missionary teams working in the same areas where they served. They have an important ministry of leadership, guidance and encouragement to those serving directly in the field. This coordination and support is crucial to the wellbeing of many teams serving in several countries.
Peter & Ruth Dutton - Thailand
Link to blog: http://mekongvalleyproject.blogspot.com
Peter and Ruth Dutton have served as missionaries in Laos and Thailand since 1988. They currently live in Thailand. They have shown the love of Jesus through many activities over the years. One of their roles is providing leadership and support in their local church. Being able to speak English is advantageous in Thailand, so they teach English as a Second Language (ESL) classes locally. A few years ago Peter and Ruth became involved in managing and expanding a growing camp ministry center.
Carl & Karen Groot – Thailand
Link to blog: http://blogs.covchurch.org/groot
Or link to: https://www.alcthailand.com
Click here to read Carl and Karen’s recent update!
Carl and Karen Groot have served as missionaries in Thailand since 1988. They founded and run the Abundant Life Center. The ALC focuses on helping migrants from other areas of Thailand. At the ALC, women learn how to sew and create beautiful, functional, sturdy bags and purses. The bags are then sold, often in the United States. This gives the women a consistent, reliable way to financially support themselves and their families. The ALC also provides a safe, stable environment where they learn the love of Jesus.
