Dear Mission Friend,

Central American Lutheran Mission Society (CALMS) since its inception has been an organization seeking to follow God’s direction to make and grow disciples of Jesus.  Attaining the vision of more committed  disciples of Jesus, thriving churches and healthy communities in Central America requires flexibility and a willingness to embrace changes that advance the Lord’s kingdom.

CALMS’ Board of Directors and staff are pleased to announce that led by the Holy Spirit, the Rev. Jacob S. Gillard has been named as the organization’s new Executive Director.  Pastor Jake will begin serving on July 1, 2107 as the Rev. Dr. Steve Hughey, who has led the organization since 2006, takes on a consulting role for CALMS.

In the words of Jeff Bibler, CALMS Board Chair:

“Almost eleven years ago, CALMS was blessed when Rev. B. Steve Hughey agreed to serve as its Executive Director.  Since then, Pastor Steve has guided the organization in identifying and training local leaders, growing healthy communities, and changing lives through demonstration and proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ.  Now that Steve has chosen to step down from the day-to-day leadership role, the Lord has again blessed CALMS and led us to a new full-time Executive Director, Rev. Jacob S. Gillard.  Pastor Jake was mentored by Steve early in his career, shares our mission philosophy and has a proven record in foreign missions both for LCMS and more recently World Mission Prayer League.  Thanks to Steve’s work, Pastor Jake will be joining a strong team focused on making more disciples and disciple-makers, and we are excited about the energy, experience and creativity he brings to the organization.”