Dear Friends and Supporters of Samaritan’s Purse,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director for Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Australia and New Zealand.
As I take on this new role, I want to extend my gratitude to David Ingram for his committed service over the past four years and wish him all the best as he takes on new responsibilities with Samaritan’s Purse in Canada.
I spent my childhood years in Sydney and attended Sydney University before working for Arnott’s Biscuits. I met my wife Annette and together we felt called to serve with a mission sending organisation, CMS (Church Mission Society). Annette and I served in Egypt (working with refugees from South Sudan) and then Ethiopia (working with Dr Catherine Hamlin at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital) over a period of almost 18 years. We then returned to Australia as our two older children had finished their high school education and were starting university and our two younger boys were able finish their schooling in Australia.
When our children had finished high school, my wife and I felt the desire to serve overseas once again. I came across an opportunity to serve with Samaritan’s Purse as the Country Director in South Sudan. This seemed like just the opportunity that Annette and I were looking for. I commenced this role in June 2017 and Annette served as the lead for our medical programs. Now, I am excited to return to Australia to serve with Samaritan’s Purse and work with our team here.
Thank you for the partnership you have with us in Ministry in Australia and internationally as we seek to “Help in Jesus’ Name”. We are part of an incredible international ministry that is reaching out across the world. Our team members and volunteers touch the lives of people in crisis and share with them the name of Jesus, who longs to welcome us into His Kingdom through the rescue that He has won for us.
I look forward to leading the team in Australia and New Zealand and to partner with you through the many opportunities that we have to serve in Jesus’ Name.
Your brother in ministry,
Mark Bennett – Executive Director
