In 2024, our staff prays daily at 1:09 p.m. from Joshua 1:9.  "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Don Morris  National Director

Prior to taking on the role of USMB’s national director in August 2016, Don served as director of Mission USA for 12 years and as interim executive director for two years. Whether facilitating networking, resourcing local congregations or leading church planting initiatives, Don’s passion is for bringing people to Christ. “My heart will always be about reaching the lost,” he says. He and his wife, Janna, attend Cross Timbers Church, Edmond, Okla. When he’s not interacting with people from across our national church family—which he thoroughly enjoys, by the way—Don might be found rooting for his favorite college football team, Kansas State. You can reach don at don@usmb.org.

J.L. Martin – Bookkeeper / Event Planner /
Social Media Coordinator

J.L. serves as bookkeeper and event planner which he started in September 2023 in addition to his role as social media coordinator. Previously, he served in churches for 23 years and most recently at Hesston MB Church for 15 years. J.L. is very familiar with our Mennonite Brethren family and loves connecting through social media.  He enjoys coffee, reading, Spartan races and working out. He and his wife, Bethany, have four children and live in Hesston, Kansas. You can reach J.L. at jl@usmb.org.

Connie Faber  Editor, Christian Leader

It is obvious to all who meet Connie that her commitment to the church—both her home congregation and the larger Mennonite Brethren family—runs deep. Connie has served with the denominational magazine since 1994 and as editor since 2004. In her role with the magazine, Connie's contact with many congregations and people has given her an appreciation for the diversity of the USMB family. “Each church is different, with a unique role to fill in their home community,” she says. “Each church has a story to share and special people that call that church home.” She and her husband, David, have three adult children and two grandchildren. They attend Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, KS. You can reach Connie at editor@usmb.org.

Janae (Rempel) Shafer Administrative Assistant, USMB;
Associate Editor, Christian Leader

Janae joined the USMB staff as Christian Leader assistant editor in September 2017 and transitioned to associate editor in January 2020. She added USMB administrative assistant duties in July 2020. A story-teller at heart, Janae is an award-winning journalist with experience in newspaper writing and photography. Janae graduated from Tabor College in 2010. She and her husband, Austin, live in Wichita, Kansas, and attend Ridgepoint Church. Janae enjoys sports, photography and a good cup of coffee. She is on a mission to attend a game in every MLB ballpark. For all things CL, reach Janae at: newseditor@usmb.org. For USMB, reach her at admin@usmb.org.

Donna Sullivan – Administrative Secretary / Bookkeeper

Donna has been managing a myriad of behind-the-scenes details for the USMB, including administration, bookkeeping and event planning, for 32 years. She and her husband, Tim, are members of Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kan. They also enjoy serving and connecting with the Southern District MB churches. Her favorite pastimes are traveling, reading and spending time with her three married children and eight grandchildren. You can reach Donna at offices@usmb.org

Lori Taylor – Webmaster

Lori joined the USMB staff in 2008 as the Administrative Assistant. In August 2020, she semi-retired yet chose to remain on staff as the webmaster. “I love my USMB family and couldn't imagine not staying connected and contributing to God’s work in our USMB family.” She and her husband, Geoff, have four married children and four granddaughters and live half the year in Bakersfield, Calif., and the other half in Fort Collins, Colo. Lori enjoys visiting their children spread across three different states and connecting with and encouraging other women, especially young moms. You can reach Lori at usmbweb@gmail.com.

Scott Thomas – Interim Church Planting Mobilizer

Scott joins the USMB staff to serve as the interim church planting mobilizer. As church planting mobilizer, Scott will provide regular one-on-one coaching for all USMB church planters, cast vision and provide training for regional church networks and encourage "organic" church planting development. Founder and Lead Servant of Church Planting Partners, a non-profit committed to nurturing pastors into healthier shepherds, Scott will continue in that role in addition to his part-time role with USMB. Previously, Thomas served as president of Acts 29 for many years, has started three churches and was a lead pastor for 17 years, including lead pastor and founder of USMB’s City Church in Pueblo, Colo. His pastoral ministry spans 42 years. Scott's life verse is Acts 20:28: “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.” He and his wife, Jeannie, have two adult sons and four grandchildren. They live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tenn.
You can reach Scott at scott@churchplantingpartners.com.

Henri Ngolo – Integrated Immigrant Coordinator

Henri serves the USMB staff as the part-time Integrated Immigrant Coordinator. In this role, Henri will connect with U.S. Mennonite Brethren Congolese pastors and leaders and those interested in pursuing USMB affiliation and collaborate with district ministers for integration opportunities. Henri and his wife, Bienvenue, have three children and attend Christian Center Hand of God in Hamilton, Ohio. You can reach Henri at henri@usmb.org.

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