Todd Childers is a passionate minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Todd started visiting Uganda in 2012, and the Lord ignited a fire within that would keep him returning each year thereafter. After pastoring in Virginia for over 17 years, along with 10 years of mission experience, it became apparent the Lord was working out His plan for Todd to have a more active role in mission work in Africa. Todd became our CEO at the beginning of 2023 and seeks to live a Galatians 2:20 life. As a decorated War Veteran, Todd has a heart for all who willingly sacrifice to serve others. Todd’s time in the U.S. Navy has taken him all over the world.

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When not leading short-term mission trips in East Africa, Todd is available for revivals and speaking engagements highlighting how missions fulfill the church’s requirement in obeying the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

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Todd has been married to Dana Childers, his best friend and top supporter, since 1998, and they reside in Bedford, Virginia. They have two sons who are born-again followers of Jesus and two precious grandchildren.

In 1996, Rick experienced Africa for the first time. In 1998, Mission Link International (MLI) was officially established as a non-profit [501(c)(3)] ministry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. MLI's focus on encouraging, training, and supporting nationals to reach their country for Christ has remained constant. National pastors and church leaders are trained in the Bible using trained Ugandan teachers. MLI also assists many African widows, has built and supports a school for deaf students, and helps many street kids. MLI also has medical missions, church planting initiatives, constructing churches and houses, children's ministry, and a host of other ministries and projects.

 

Future: Rick plans on developing a pastor training manual for the purpose of teaching foundational principles of the Christian life and church to village pastors. Though MLI is not the church, it has been created to come alongside the church to encourage and empower national pastors and church leaders.

 

All glory goes to the Lord for bringing many gifted people alongside Rick to assist with the numerous kingdom-building ministries carried out during the last 25 years in East Africa. May the Lord continue to bless Rick for his love and compassion shown towards all while he has led this organization in fulfilling the Great Commission.

A Great Board of Directors is Key to a Healthy Robust Ministry

Board of Directors:

Rev. Jackie Carver, Dana Childers, Todd Childers, Wendell Drumheller, Jeff Dalton (CPA), Dr. Jim Masloff (MD), Garry Rund, Glassell Williamson, and Jack Sadler