Board of Directors
Michael Smith
Chairman of the Board
Working toward the fulfillment of Jesus’ Great Commission is something that provides purpose, clarity, and significant meaning for Michael and he is thrilled to be part of what God is doing through New Covenant Missions in Africa! Professionally, Michael is a real estate broker and leads a team of Realtors with an intentional Christian approach in the Minnespolis & St Paul area of Minnesota.
ERIK LAURSEN
CEO & Board Member
In the spring of 2008, God stirred Erik’s heart to lay down “The American Dream” and pursue his dream of seeing true worship arise from every tribe in Africa. In 2011, Erik launched into ministry through a large organization in Colorado Springs where he worked directly with Christian leaders in 105+ different nations with a primary focus of overseeing offices in 37 African nations. In 2013, God led Erik to serve as President & CEO of New Covenant Missions. The experience Erik gained on the ground in so many different cultures created an ambition in his soul to mobilize the body of Christ to empower indigenous missionaries to preach the glorious news of Jesus in the darkest, most difficult and unreached areas of the world.
Jeff Davis
Treasurer
Jeff Davis currently serves as the Chief Dot Connector of J. Davis & Associates.
J. Davis & Associates was launched out of a desire to assist Christian enterprises to build strong leadership teams and effective operating processes to accomplish their God-given mission. Jeff Davis draws from 20 years of experience in his corporate career followed by 20 years in vocational ministry, with the expertise to enable Kingdom-minded organizations to mobilize best practices.
Diana Kimani
Secretary
Diana Kimani is thrilled to be a part of NCM. She sees a great convergence between her personal mission and vision and that of NCM. Before relocating to the US, she served in Mission Base Initiative, a missions agency for recruiting, training, sending, and supporting missionaries in Africa. She perceives her being part of NCM as a continuation of that mission.
Professionally, Diana is the Director of MA Development Studies Program at William Carey International University. Diana has 20 years of working experience with 15 years spent in teaching and research at different universities and colleges in Africa and the United States.
Pastor David Henderson
Board Member
“The unreached are unreached for a reason… it is hard, as all of the easy groups are already reached. My desire has been to focus the necessary attention to reach the unreached. I have seen first-hand the difference NCM makes in reaching an unreached people group that is very close to my heart and family. Being a part of furthering this mission in other countries and among different people groups is a high priority and privilege for me.”
David has been a pastor for 33 years in different roles and settings. He planted a church to reach the unreached in Charlotte, NC, in 2000 and still leads that church today.
Ben Thomas
Board Member
At eighteen, Ben joined the United States Air Force, serving for twenty years and retiring as a Master Sergeant. He met Ayaan in Virginia, where she was also serving in the Air Force, and they married in 2007. Together, they have two sons, Thomas and Adé. In 2013, Ben and Ayaan were introduced to New Covenant Missions and went on a vision trip with them to Ethiopia. A few years later, the family was excited to adopt Naomi from Ethiopia. Ben served in over twenty countries and fostered a strong relationship with Christ, relying on God through many moves, combat deployments, and natural disasters. He engaged in various church roles at each duty station, including leading small groups, assisting with men’s ministry events, and was part of the audio/video teams. He participated in missionary trips as well as humanitarian aid work in multiple countries. After retiring, he pursued locksmithing and aims to run his own small business. Currently, Ben is serving as a deacon and is the director of Audio, Video, and Lighting at CrossWinds Church in Spencer, IA.