Roderick Davis: T.E.A.R.S. Executive Director
Since the ministry began, 19 years ago, my leadership has included numerous projects including, but not limited to, a government-accredited school of over 400 children, Haitian children school with 100 students, involvement in 18 church plants, T.E.A.R.S. Pastor fellowship with 37 pastors, several community development outreaches such as a water purification center, clothing and housing for the needy, a missionary intern program, Agricultural project, hosting numerous short-term mission teams from the US and Canada, and the purchase of 5.5 acres and the building project that provides short-term teams dorms that sleep 30, leadership training center and future vocational training school. I am blessed to have Twila Davis as a partner of 28 years, a 24 year old daughter Shekinah, and a 21 year old son, Isaac. Each of the Davis family members have played a significant role in the success of the ministry.
Carl Hargrove: T.E.A.R.S. Secretary of Administration
Pastor Hargrove is a graduate of The University of Cincinnati (B.A. in Economics ’86) and The Master’s Seminary “TMS” (M.Div. ’93, Th.M. ’06) where he is an Adjunct Professor in the Pastoral Ministries Department.
While attending the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship, the Lord revealed the true meaning of Christianity to Carl through the ministry of Athletes in Action.
He has a passion for foreign missions (board member for T.E.A.R.S. Ministries – Dominican Republic and Haiti) and acts as coordinator for the Los Angeles Mens’ Bible Conference, which attracts hundreds of men each year and challenges them to grow deeper in their faith. He is also the founder of Higher View Ministries, which seeks to bring a higher view of God to the urban community through joint efforts in ministry for men, foreign missions, and developing biblical resources.
Steve Pietila: T.E.A.R.S. Treasurer
My son went on a short-term missions trip with our church youth group. At the urging of my wife Julie we decided to “skip” Christmas one year and took all of the money we would have spent on gifts and did a family missions trip. We found kindred spirits and my church sent me to help support some of the administrative systems in the DR. Many trips have solidified the relationship and we continue to assist in the administrative area.
Brian Kite: Brian Kite T.E.A.R.S. Board Chairman
It started several years ago when I met Rod at the De-siring God pastor’s conference. I fell in love with my brother and the work he was doing in the DR. Since that time I have led 2 short term mission trips to the DR to work with T.E.A.R.S. . I have tried to support T.E.A.R.S. personally, as well as, encourage our church to support the ministry. God continues to work on my heart about the global pursuit of HIS glory. My family and I are trying to pray more globally and think more glob-ally and give more globally. I love what T.E.A.R.S. is doing in the DR!