About Live For Him Ministries
Live For Him Ministries is growing disciples of Jesus Christ in Africa
What started out as a monthly Zoom meeting with a few pastors in Uganda, has grown in just a few short months to include pastors from Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi as well. The vast majority of these pastors have had no formal training, and in fact, some don't even have a Bible of their own. With the help of an interpreter, Rev. John Battern leads Bible studies and teaches basic pastoral skills.
While Zoom meeting are very helpful, nothing replaces face to face instruction. With that in mind, John and Julie Battern will be traveling to Africa in October 2023 to meet with pastors and teachers in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Your help is needed to make this trip a success. First of all, would you join with us in praying for revival to sweep across these countries as pastors and teacher learn how to more effectively communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. Secondly, if you are able, please consider giving a financial gift to help support this ministry. You can easily give on-line by clicking here.
Meet Our Board Members
Rev. John Battern
Rev. John Battern
Rev. John Battern
John is one of the co-founders of Live For Him Ministries. He is a retired Global Methodist Church pastor will 30+ years of pastoral experience. Besides being the president of Live For Him, he also is on the board of directors for Safe Water International Ministries.
Julie B. Battern
Rev. John Battern
Rev. John Battern
Julie, the other co-founder, is a retired Special Education teacher with more than 35 years of experience working with every grade level from K-12. She has had a lifelong desire to be in missions, having first thought about traveling to Africa as a teenager. Julie quickly makes a connection with kids wherever she is.
Barb Grabill
Rev. John Battern
Bill Ebersole
Barb brings a creative spirit to the board, having been a professional photographer for many years. She left that career in order to follow God's calling. She served as a pastor in a local church, then moved on to be a hospital chaplain, before retiring and starting her own business.
Bill Ebersole
Bill Ebersole
Bill Ebersole
Bill brings a deep passion for missions to the board. He serves as the Missions Team Leader for Good News Community Church in Okoboji, Iowa where there has been a new emphasis on missions under his leadership. He recently retired after a long career with the Mars Company.
Eric Thompson
Bill Ebersole
Eric Thompson
Eric is a middle school counselor who has a passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the next generation. He was very involved with mission projects as a young adult and is excited to be a part of the Live For Him Ministries team.
Erika Battern
Bill Ebersole
Eric Thompson
Erika is the daughter-in-law of John and Julie Battern. She brings the gift of planning and organization to the ministry.