James Wanje
James Wanje is the Director of Grace Around the World, a ministry committed to transforming Kenyan communities through the local church. Raised in a legacy of faith rooted in the Southern Baptist missions in Kenya—where his father was among the first converts in the late 1950s—James came to Christ at the age of 12. In his early thirties, he responded to God’s call to full-time vocational ministry.
He holds a B.A. in Christian Education from Texas Baptist College and an M.A. in Leadership from Pan-Africa Christian University. His greatest passion is equipping local pastors for Kingdom impact and sending them to equip others. With a deep conviction for discipleship, James is committed to making disciples who make disciples.
James is married to Chao, and together they are blessed with two sons.
Jesse Joyner
Dr. Jesse Joyner is a professional entertainer who uses comedy, juggling, audience participation, unicycling, and balancing to provide clean fun for audiences of all ages. He performs nationwide at theaters, festivals, schools, libraries, camps, and other various community events. Jesse earned his PhD in Educational Studies from Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL) and uses what he learns to produce shows that are both fun and educational at the same time. He also teaches college classes at Ascent College. He lives in Richmond, VA with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.
Tucker Edwards
Tucker Edwards is a pastor, entrepreneur, educator, and community leader in Marble Falls, Texas. He currently serves as Family Discipleship Pastor at First Baptist Church, where he leads discipleship and creative initiatives like Night Church. A lifelong Texan, Tucker has deep roots in the Highland Lakes area in business, teaching, coaching and vocational ministry. With a background that spans entrepreneurship, education, athletics, and pastoral ministry, Tucker Edwards brings a wealth of real-world experience to his calling as a pastor and leader. His career reflects a consistent commitment to helping people grow whether in the classroom, on the field, in business, or in the church.
Tucker holds a degree in Organizational Management in Christian Leadership and will graduate in May with a Master’s degree in Theology from George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Jenn, have 4 children and are committed to building communities where faith, family, and formation thrive.
Elijah Wanje
Elijah Wanje is the co-founder and pastor of Ridgeways Baptist Church in Kenya, a vibrant congregation of more than 2,000 members with 24 church plants. He comes from a rich heritage of Southern Baptist mission work in Kenya, where his father was among the first converts in the late 1950s.
Elijah became a follower of Christ at the age of 12 and, at 22, surrendered his life to full-time vocational ministry. He holds a B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University and an M.A. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Over the years, he has served as Principal of Kenya Baptist Theological College, twice as President of the Baptist Convention of Kenya, and as Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance.
He is an international speaker and preacher, with ministry engagements in the USA, Europe, and several African countries. Passionate about giving people the hope found in Jesus and leading them to the revealed truth of Christ, Elijah is also the author of The DNA of a God-Honoring Church.
He is married to Joy, and together they are blessed with two sons and one daughter.
Jenn Edwards M.A., LPC, NBCC
Way Springs Counseling LLC.
Jenn received her B.A. in communications from University of Colorado at Boulder. Jenn has felt an overwhelming call to counseling for many years and began her pursuit to fulfill that role at Regent University where she obtained her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health.
Jenn enjoys utilizing Play Therapy and trauma-informed care to provide therapy to children and adolescents ages 2-18. She has also worked with families and parents to equip them with tools to improve their relationships with one another and to create a more cohesive and stable home environment. Jenn is trained and educated in group therapy, couples therapy, individual therapy, assessments and various behavioral and emotional issues such as anxiety, depression and complex grief. Her approach and chosen theoretical orientation vary based on the needs and goals of each client. Her advanced biblical training through the InChrist program has also equipped her with the knowledge to serve clients from a faith-based approach if an individual so desires. Jenn also specializes in EMDR therapy which enables people to heal from symptoms associated with trauma.
During her free time, she enjoys running, reading and spending quality time with her family.
Overcoming Obstacles Ministry
Overcoming Obstacles believes that challenges aren’t roadblocks but powerful opportunities for transformation. Through high-energy, interactive obstacle courses and dynamic events, Overcoming Obstacles engages people of all ages in experiences that mirror life’s struggles—and point them toward a greater victory in Christ. Born from the vision of four-time American Ninja Warrior competitor Jared Greer, their ministry seeks to fuse athletic creativity with the life-changing hope of the Gospel. Since officially becoming a 501(c)(3) in 2018, they have traveled across schools, churches, and communities to inspire, encourage, and equip others to rise above adversity, lean into faith, and walk in the freedom and purpose God has for them.